4 stars (Microhistory of the masses) - Borne of the microhistory genre, "The Cheese and the Worms" provides a glimpse into the life of a miller in medieval Italy. No ordinary miller is 'Menocchio', however, as he is inquisitioned for his radical religious philosophies. In a time and place where Catholicism was undoubtedly the religion of Europe, Menocchio harbored unique ideas about religious doctrine, the teachings of the Catholic Church, and man's purpose. Although some of his many ideas contradict others that he had, he was well-read and surprisingly well-educated for a man of his station. As Ginzburg says, though, we must look to the Protestant Reformation and the invention of the printing press as being major catalysts for such learning and religious evolution. Within the microhistory genre, "The Cheese and the Worms" is most fascinating when we ask the question: Was this an isolated phenonmenon or was this a reflection of many people's views? The answer, I suppose, lies with Menocchio, but there is still much to be gleaned from this book. 5 stars (Well written, fascinating tale) - Description of a miller with an intresting ('modern') cosmological belief whose rebellion in thought is prosecuted by the Taliban of that time, the Roman Catholic Church. Forced to explain his nonAristotelian views (and, if Ginzburg is telling the truth, he responded extremely well to the inquisitors' questions!), the miller outwits his arrogant, narrow-minded judges and so wins the reward of torture and imprisonment, losing his wife, family, everything in the end. Galileo, who had a higher social position and powerful protectors, suffered no worse than house arrest, in comparison. 5 stars (Keep this book in mind) - Anytime you want to tell yourself that the Catholic Church isn't that bad, just keep this book in mind. It is just more proof that the church is the most corrupt institution in the history of time. . .with that in mind. The book is very interesting, it deals with th... The Johns Hopkins University Press :: History & Europe & General :: Reformation (1517-1648) :: Modern World History (Circa 1450 To Present) :: Medieval :: History- World :: History - General History :: The Cheese and the Worms - The Cosmos of a Sixteenth-Century Miller
4 stars (Insight in medieval history) - The New Concise History shows a good view on the Medieval 'madness' in which thoudands and thousands of people wandered through Europe, disorganised, plundering and pillaging, without the organisational powers of the former Roman armies driven by religious fanatism. It also gives insight into the current situation of the Middle East. Once the christian knights of Europe were not far from the Jihad warriors of today...Wruthless, without compassion, murdering anyone that had not the Christian faith. Especially the Jews of Germany had to endur in the start of the Crusads....In so far af very good and readable book. The author does not use any difficult language, myself being from Holland, and it gives a very good oversight and insight into Europe around the year 1000... 5 stars (GOOD WORK TO GET YOU STARTED ) - As other reviewers have pointed out, there are pros and cons to this particular work. I have some reservations myself, but overall, found the work good. This work does indeed give us a good, if somewhat brief, overview of the crusades. The author does present some ideas that are a bit different than than those that have been traditionally taught, and for the most part, unquestioned. This, in my opinion is a good thing as it makes us all think. On the other hand, I am not enough of an expert to be able to verify with any validity some of his statements. I do feel the author tried to be fare. On the other hand he tells us "research" is able to give us much more insight as to what was in the hearts and minds of men and women several centuries ago. I find this hard to beleave at times. I also felt the author sort of fluffed over and flitted through some pretty important aspects of the crusades. The act of completely obliterating city after city and the killing of hundreds of innocent people, really deserves more than one or two sentences. All in all, the work is a good survey and I feel it's greatest value is to spu... Rowman - Littlefield Publishers Inc :: World history- c 500 to C 1500 :: Islam :: History & General :: History & Europe & General :: Europe :: Christianity :: Military - General :: Medieval :: History- Wor :: The New Concise History of the Crusades- Revised Edition
5 stars (Amazing Collection of Photographs) - Ms. Blumenthal says she has done a world history, and a story beginning 30,000 (or so) years ago and going through 2004's best musical on Broadway, 'Avenue Q.' She covers virtually every culture in almost every time with an amazing selection of photographs. She combines this with interviews, stories and descriptions of puppeteers. She describes all of the wide variety of puppet shows brought about by the advent of television, some of which are still on the air. Part of her discussion is on the way that puppets can be used to show/discuss things that wouldn't be allowed in other ways. Politics, for instance is different when a puppet is making the remarks about your leader. And of course sex has long been a staple of puppet shows. She has a picture of the romantically challenged Miss Piggy delivering an illustrated lecture on ideal frog physique. If puppets are your thing, you'll find nothing better than this book. 5 stars (Excellent book on the history of puppets!) - This is one of those luscious, lavishly illustrated coffee-table books that doll and puppet aficionados will drool over before shelling out $65 to obtain a coveted copy. Within the 272 pages, artistic as well as historic photography of puppets dating from antiquity to modern times chronicle the history of this captivating art form. The accompanying text is scholarly, but approachable and easy to read. The history of this art form is fascinating, really. The author structures her massive effort into chapters detailing the history of puppets, types of puppets, and uses for puppets, including sex acts, illustrations for violent stories, and political commentary, as well as public service (Sesame Street), and ventures into the spirit world. I love her opening statement: "They can be gods, idiots, or worms. They are able to nurture children or terrify adults. They survive indefinitely without normal biological aging but also can die and come back to life agai... Harry N Abrams :: Performing Arts & Puppets & Puppetry :: World History :: World - General :: Theater - History & Criticism :: Puppets & Puppetry :: Puppetry And Marionettes :: Pup :: Puppetry - A World History
5 stars (Excellent) - As a long-time researcher and historical fencer, I can say that this is simply the best non-monographical book on the longsword out there. Guy Windsor is a first-rate teacher, and this comes across plainly in his writing and in the organization of this book. The book provides enough historical material to demonstrate where the original concepts and techniques can be found, then expands into clearly-defined lessons from a teacher with considerable experience. Many of the common mistakes are identified and advice is given on how to avoid them or correct them. Actions are explained in terms of martial soundness and correct body-mechanics. Illustrations are numerous, clear and relevant. Furthermore, Guy's writing style is dynamic and interesting, making the Companion a good read as well as a useful training tool. A high-quality, informative and well-written book that I heartily recommend to all serious students of the late-Medieval sword-arts. 5 stars (A great book for those who want to learn real swordsmanship) - I just got my copy of this book, and I am suitably impressed. This book is mainly based on the Italian masters, notably Fiore di Liberi's work. And as such, the terms given here for the guards and cuts are in italian. Initially described in english as well, but italian after that. Now, this may be confusing for those who are beginners or non-italian speakers. More on this in a minute. I like the fact that this book contains plenty of one and two person exercises to work through, illustrated with actual photos that are clear and easy to follow. This book also includes warm ups that should be done before practice begins, and some great exercises on body mechanics. You may wonder what being able to keep your balance on one foot has to do with swordsmanship, especially doing this with your eyes closed (Harder than it sounds!). Nothing, and yet, everything. Proper balance, footwork, and body mechanics are essential to good technique, a... Chivalry Bookshelf :: Sports & Recreation :: Sports :: Modern - General :: Medieval World History (Circa 450 - Circa 1450) :: Martial Arts & Self-Defense :: Martial Arts :: Guy Windsor :: The Swordman-s Companion- A Manual for Training With the Medieval Longsword
Barcode Software/ World History download free trial 
