Book Description
The Brethren is the first detailed behind-the-scenes account of the Supreme Court in action. Bob Woodward and Scott Armstrong have pierced its secrecy to give us an unprecedented view of the Chief and Associate Justices -- maneuvering, arguing, politicking, compromising and making decisions that affect every major area of American life.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (38)

Justices and Journalists
When this book first appeared I found it quite readable and interesting but hardly a great work. I recently encountered Renata Adler's take in the New York Times Book Review (reprinted in her collection `Canaries in the Mineshaft'). This review considers the shortcoming of journalists writing about judicial matters and is definitely worth looking up by anyone interested in this book.

The Story Behind Roe v. Wade (and much more)
In the Brethren, Woodward uses his insider credentials, and incredible set of sources to break the wall of silence that generally surrounds the inner working of the Supreme Court. Woodward can get just about anyone to talk to him, and that is never more clear than in this book. He's got direct quotes from meetings where there were only five people in attendance. It's amazing.

This book is focused on the Burger court, when a Nixon appointed judge was tried to stem the type of progressive judicial activism the Warren court was known for. This book is fascinating for any one interested in what was happening inside the court during those important years. This book is worth reading for the fascinating back story of how Roe v. Wade got decided, but on top of that it provides gives us fascinating portrayals of some of modern histories most important justices, including William Brennan, Thurgood Marshall, Harry Blackmun, and William Rhenquist.

This is a must read for anyone interested in the inner workings of the Supreme Court, or the controversies surrounding the death penalty and Roe v. Wade.

Great Read!!
This book absolutely flew past. It could easily have been fiction. I read it during the summer before I started law school, and I find myself thinking of it with some regularity two years later. It includes small details of the workings of the court that are absolutely fascinating, and the historical time period is more relevant today than ever.

Insightful
Here we have an unflattering, behind-the-scenes look at the U.S. Supreme Court. Discloses the intrigues, jealousies, ill humor, and combat between justices and describes the debates and tactics that produced many of the Court's major rulings between 1969 and 1976. I found the book easy to read and illuminating. Just goes to remind you that no matter what position you obtain, people cannot escape their own bias.

Highly Recommended for Forensic Psychiatric Fellows
As a fellow in forensic psychiatry at the New York University School of Medicine, this book gave me a better outlook into the machineries of the court, as well as into the personalities of the individual Justices. Being aware of the maneuvers between the Justices that eventually led to their decisions was very intriguing. The engrossing way by which Woodward and Armstrong chronicled the recruitment of the Justices to their opinions led to my 15 year old son devouring the book in one week! Prior to this, his interest have been in the Harry Potter series.

As for me, a fellow in forensic psychiatry, the knowledge I gained from the book elevated my contributions in our Landmark Cases class. For example, there is an assumption that based on their similar judicial philosophy, [whatever Brennan does, Marshall follows]. However, in a landmark case Powell v Texas, which centered on the issue ofintoxication in a public place and whether alcoholism is a disease, Justice Marshall wrote the opinion for the majority who ruled in favor of Texas. Justice Brennan was in the minority. I pointed out to the class that had Marshall `followed Brennan', as was frequent in The Brethren, the opinion would have tilted in favor of Powell.I believe that this book should be recommended for attendings and fellows in forensic psychiatry, as it will further improve their understandings of the reasoning behind the landmark cases that forms one of the essential pillars of the forensic psychiatry profession. ... Read more

Amazon.com
John Grisham's novels have all been so systematically successful that it is easy to forget he is just one man toiling away silently with a pen, experimenting and improving with each book. While not as gifted a prose stylist as Scott Turow, Grisham is among the best plotters in the thriller business, and he infuses his books with a moral valence and creative vision that set them apart from their peers.

The Brethren is in many respects his most daring book yet. The novel grows from two separate subplots. In the first, three imprisoned ex-judges (the "brethren" in the title), frustrated by their loss of power and influence, concoct an elaborate blackmail scheme that preys on wealthy, closeted gay men. The second story traces the rise of presidential candidate Aaron Lake, a puppet essentially created by CIA director Teddy Maynard to fulfill Maynard's plans for restoring the power of his beleaguered agency.

Grisham's tight control of the two meandering threads leaves the reader guessing through most of the opening chapters how and when these two worlds will collide. Also impressive is Grisham's careful portraiture. Justice Hatlee Beech in particular is a fascinating, tragic anti-hero: a millionaire judge with an appointment for life who was rendered divorced, bankrupt, and friendless after his conviction for a drunk-driving homicide.

The book's cynical view of presidential politics and criminal justice casts a somewhat gloomy shadow over the tale. CIA director Teddy Maynard is an all-powerful demon with absolute knowledge and control of the public will and public funds. Even his candidate, Congressman Lake, is a pawn in Maynard's egomaniacal game of ad campaigns, illicit contributions, and international intrigue. In the end, The Brethren marks a transition in Grisham's career toward a more thoughtful narrative style with less interest in the big-payoff blockbuster ending. But that's not to say that the last 50 pages won't keep your reading light turned on late. --Patrick O'KelleyBook Description
They call themselves the Brethren: three disgraced former judges doing time in a Florida federal prison.

One was sent up for tax evasion. Another, for skimming bingo profits. And the third, for a career-ending drunken joyride.

Meeting daily in the prison law library, taking exercise walks in their boxer shorts, these judges-turned-felons can reminisce about old court cases, dispense a little jailhouse justice, and contemplate where their lives went wrong.

Or they can use their time in prison to get very rich -- very fast. And so they sit, sprawled in the prison library, furiously writing letters, fine-tuning a wickedly brilliant extortion scam ... while events outside their prison walls begin to erupt.

A bizarre presidential election is holding the nation in its grips -- and a powerful government figure is pulling some very hidden strings. For the Brethren, the timing couldn't be better. Because they've just found the perfect victim...


From the Paperback edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1025)

Great Premise, Bad Ending
I liked a lot of this book but was disappointed in the ending.It had a unique plot that was really interesting and fun that held my interest throughout, but it left a really bad taste in my mouth at the end.

Karen Arlettaz Zemek, Author of "My Funny Dad, Harry"

mind-numbingly dull
i was highly dissapointed by this book. All of the characters are paper-thin stereotpyes and none of them are likeable. The plot goes way beyond far-fetched. The biggest flaw is that the story just keeps making one unnecessary concession after another to the three ex-judges, for no credible reason whatsoever, except maybe to satisfy the readers' inclination to back the underdogs.

Hysterical
This book is absolutely marvelous.Very very funny, very very entertaining.As is usual for a Grisham book, no one is exactly the "good guy" in The Brethren, everyone is kind of their own bad guy, and you feel like cheering for all of them.I loved this- it's probably my favorite, right next to The Runaway Jury and The Painted House.

Another enjoyable story by Mr. Grisham
I have read just about all of John Grisham's novels and again he has not disappointed me with this story. In the Brethren Mr. Grisham took me on a journey into a political campaign, and how the government can control an election. The characters of the three judges' and their activities were believable. What I appreciated about John Grisham is that each new book that he releases takes me into a new world and I always learn something from his stories. The Brethren is a super story. Enjoy it, it's a wonderful book.

Great, Just Great.
This one seemed so real.I could just picture 3 old, washed up Judges plotting, and holding mock courts.I enjoyed this JG.He did a great job of making the characters come to life. ... Read more

Book Description
Buccaneer adventure/romance.The first of three volumes chronicling the relationship between an emotionally wounded and disenchanted English lord and an insane and lonely French exile, set among the buccaneers of Port Royal, Jamaica, in 1667. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

Judge Not By The Cover!
For the sake of honesty, I must say that this is not a book I would have ever picked up for myself. I'm not into pirates, or even that much into historical settings. A friend, however, gifted me this book and impressed on me the need to read it. I'm extremely happy I did. This book, which might not have gotten the love and attention it deserves from a larger House, exemplifies the art that can come from small, independent publishing Houses.

Ms. Hoffman has not created characters for us to enjoy, no... she has created people, humans complete as we ride around in the main character's head and experience the rich vividness of his life. These people are complete, with honesty and viciousness, simple kindnesses and foibles. The relationships are honest, well thought out and true... this isn't a story book romance. It's far more gritty, and the road blocks more complex than any thorn hedge or magic spell. Ms. Hoffman also manages, with exquisite skill, to relate the issues with which these men dealt with the issues we are still dealing with today.

For any to whom historical accurateness is important, fear not. Not that I am an expert, mind, but the book has a bibliography and is obviously well researched. Well researched to the point of my being astounded that this culture existed as such and it is not common knowledge.

From whatever point of view you approach this book, buy it. Want romance? It's there. Some of the most tender scenes I have ever read are contained in this book. Want the buccaneer feel and the fighting? It's here too... tight action that puts you at the edge of your seat. More to the point, this book is a life contained between two covers, a vivid and visceral telling of one man's journey that should not be missed. I'd give it 10 stars more if it were possible.

Surprisingly good read
When I first saw this book, I said to myself, "Seriously, a gay pirate story?"However, the reviews were overwhelmingly positive, so I decided to give it a shot. I'm elated that I did.I couldn't put the book down, and finished the whole thing in just a couple of days.

Loved it!
It's been a long time since I've found a book so good I couldn't put it down. I was so eager to find out what would happen to the characters and the relationship between the main two characters that, in a mere 3 days, I had plowed through this 544-page volume. I was quite skeptical because of the length, but I found the information pertinent and wouldn't want any less. The author has a very tight writing style and avoids the florid styles so many other authors seem to prefer. In a way, this particular style complements Will's personality and makes him such a credible narrator.

This was a well-researched book, clear down to the finer details of period language, which made this all the more believable and intriguing. Moral dilemmas and familial obligations both plague and shape the personalities of the characters and how they interact with one another. Much of the humor in the book stems from these interactions. I found myself wanting to read more about secondary characters such as Striker and Pete just as much as Will and Gaston.

My only minor qualm about this book is how badly edited it is in some places--particularly later on. Regardless, this is not something that detracts from the overall enjoyment of this book.

Even if trilogies aren't your thing, don't be afraid to give this book a try--it stands very well on it's own. As for me, I'm looking forward to the other 3 books.

You won't be disappointed
One great thing about the internet is the ability to see consumer reviews on products before purchasing them.The same goes for literary material and they certainly make an impact on me as to whether or not I buy a book.Instead of repeating the glowing reviews for this novel, I will just say that they were right. Of the many novels I have read these characters were as well fleshed out as any I can recall.I swear I read quickly through action sequences and plot development just to get to another moving conversation between the principals.If you are considering this book, you won't be disappointed...you'll even learn a few things too.

A Rich, Complex, Beautiful Love Story
"Bethren: Raised By Wolves" by W.A. Hoffman is a wonderful, rich, complex emotional love story, that tells the tale of Will and Gaston, two very different men who come together during the 1600s in Jamaica. As a reader, I am not normally a fan of historical fiction, but I was so engrossed in the way the author told this tale that in the period of 4 days, I reread the title 3 times, and quickly ordered the sequel "Matelots: Raised by Wolves."With both of these tiles, W.A. Hoffmanhas created an amazing cast of characters in a world that is descriptive, lush and fascinating. I have fallen madly in love with many of them, most especially Will and Gaston.

I am an avid bibliophile, easily going through three to four books a week, and a huge fan of stories that explore the relationships, both sexual and emotional, between men. Both Bethren and Matelots are two of the BEST books I have ever had the privilege of reading, no matter what genre. As a reader, I am thankful to W.A. Hoffman for making such extraordinary tales available to dedicated readers like myself. In her writing, she does what so many other authors are unable to; balance interesting historical details with a compelling story that did not overwhelm the reader with minutiae, but draws them seamlessly into the world she was describing. She approaches serious issues and makes them emotional, believable and fascinating, without ever talking down to her readers.

For anyone looking for a wonderful story of adventure, struggle, love and all that it can conquer, with an amazing cast of characters and a perfectly balanced writing style, I HIGHLY recommend both "Bethren" and "Matelots." You will not find more enjoyable or better written books.
... Read more

Book Description
Annie Zook, the Amish preacher's daughter, is caught between two worlds. Living with shunned friend Esther, Annie longs to return to her forbidden art and the idyllic days spent with Englisher Ben Martin, before her father ordered her never to see him again. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (29)

Read it because there was nothing else to do
If you're an adoptive parent, or an adopted child, there's a good chance this book will really insult you. There are several mentions of Ben's endeavor to find his "real family," i.e., the Amish people he was taken from. The overall portrayal of his search is like a return to his purer self, his true self. What the bleep? So adoptive families are not true families? Adoptive parents are just secondary mother and fathers, not nearly as good as the biological ones?

I found that part of the plot very narrowminded and ignorant. I suppose it served as a device by which Ben and Annie could finally be together, without her leaving her People altogether. But this really bothered--no, DISTURBED--me.

I bought this book in a grocery store in an isolated mountain community, because my husband and I were staying in a cabin in the middle of nowhere with not much to do. There wasn't much selection, so I picked it up. I am not Christian, but I am openminded to it and didn't mind all the heavy religious overtones and messages. The book had me wanting to find out what would happen, and keep turning the page. But the part about Ben being reunited with the people whom he truly belongs with--what malarkey. It completely ruined it for me.

There are too many kids in need of good homes, and too many people aching for children but unable to conceive so wanting to adopt; we don't need this BS mindset being spread that blood is thicker than water. Anyone is lucky to be raised in a good home with a loving family--no matter what DNA is in common.

The Brethren ~ Reviewed


In The Brethren, the third and final book in the Annie's People series, Beverly Lewis continues to give her readers what they have found irresistible in her previous best-selling books. Set amongst the Amish in Paradise, Pennsylvania , the book opens with main character Annie Zook at odds with her strict father, preacher Jesse Zook, and living away from home. The fact that she has chosen to stay with her banned friend Essie (Esther Hochstetler) to help look after Essie and Zeke's four children while Zeke is being held in jail after confessing to a murder makes the rift all the more galling to the elder Zook.

As is typical in Lewis's books, more than one serpent has found its way into the Amish paradise. Under the settlement's idyllic surface are misunderstandings, grudges, and secrets that even strict rules and authoritarian leaders can't keep hidden forever. The result is a twisty plot that raises questions like did Zeke actually commit that murder, who is Ben Martin really, and will Annie make peace with her father and remain a plain woman or follow her heart to pursue her beloved art and become the fancy wife of her English beau?

Characters play an important part in this story. (As someone who hasn't read the first two books in the series, I must admit the large cast of them, many of whom were introduced in earlier volumes, had me a little confused, though with close attention I got them all straight.) Main character Annie is a vital young woman who doesn't always understand herself, is impulsive and strong willed yet hard-working, thoughtful, and kind. Zeke, in his mentally disturbed state is an interesting study. Preacher Jesse Zook seems the most complex character. While unyielding in his rigid stance toward Annie, he is demonstrably tender with his wife and shows a largeness of character at the end of the book that took me by surprise. Off-site characters Lou and Ben provide an interesting non-Amish viewpoint of Paradise.

The setting is also integral to these books about the Amish. Lewis, obviously familiar with their home and farm routines, describes these in satisfying detail, giving readers a sense of living in this picturesque and simple place. Yet even here progress is making inroads - though the juxtaposition of cell phones and automobiles with Amish life did feel a little bizarre. Lewis introduces just enough Amish-isms into the conversation of her Paradise characters ("Wonderful gut," "purty," "Ain't so" etc) to keep them feeling authentic throughout.

Romance is woven through this book, as is the exploration of other relationships - parent-child and husband-wife. The ability and willingness of the Amish to forgive is a theme that plays a big part in the resolution of several of the story's threads. As is typical in Lewis's books, the Christian faith and its outworking is also a theme that remains front and center. In The Brethren there is a clash of the Amish belief system versus beliefs more in sync with a personal and literal interpretation of the Bible. Various characters risk being misunderstood and even banned by turning to evangelical ways. In the end, Lewis seems to come down on the side of having both - the outward simple lifestyle plus a personal though secret faith, as expressed by Annie and her beau: "They'd made a secret pact, vowing to live out their days with their eyes fixed on the Lord Jesus."

If you've read the other two book in this series, The Preacher's Daughter and The Englisher, you'll not want to miss this conclusion to the story. If you haven't read any Beverly Lewis before, this book is certainly representative of her popular storytelling style - a style that has seen previous books in this series, and this one, achieve a place on such prestigious bestseller lists as The New York Times and USA Today.

Violet Nesdoly
http://vnesdoly.blogspot.com/

A very good read
I love all of Beverly Lewis' books, and this is no exception.This is the third book in her latest series.I never thought I'd enjoy reading fiction about Amish people.I like to read fast-paced, exciting stories, and these books don't exactly fall into that category.Until I got used to her style of writing, it was a little slow-going.After a while I found myself becoming so involved in the story developing that I couldn't put the books down.I always look forward to the next new one.I'm hooked!

A Wonderful Sequel-Amish and Modern Alike. A++ !
In this third book of the series, Annie Zook is now living with Esther who is banned for taking the Lord Jesus as her personal savior and friend. After Preacher Zook found Annie in the front seat with her boyfriend Ben's car, it was too unbearable living at home. Moving in with Esther was a good choice, and besides Annie was there to help with the children.

Ben Martin after having left in the last book back to Kentucky, discovers a horrible secret that he is adopted and his parents never told him. He discovers he was kidnapped at age 4, and left unattended until someone found him alone. This is devastating to Ben, and he wants to know the whole story of what really happened. So he travels back to Annie and Pennsylvania, trying to find his memories from way back then.

Zeke, Esther's husband, is very unwell mentally. He has a breakdown over his brother Isaac of whom he never did know what happened 16 years ago. Zeke is convinced that he himself killed him. So he calls the police to turn himself in when they come to arrest him. That is only until they find out the real story here. Surprisingly, the body of the person that was dug up from the last book was not Isaac's but those of a little girl. After a lot of searching, it looks as though Isaac is not dead, but very much alive someplace. And when this story line draws to a climax, it is a REAL shocker.

Louisa went back to modern life in Colorado, but she still misses the Amish terribly and being with Annie-and Sam her newfound love there. While going back to her art students is nice at home, she still dreams of Sam. Michael, her rich former fiance wants to start over again, and is just begging Louisa to come back into his life. But Louisa can't quite do that-and knows in her heart she doesn't want Michael and longs for Sam.

When Ben tries to get Annie to commit to their relationship in the book, Annie longs to do that. But the problem there is that Annie against her father's wishes again, wants to turn modern, and Ben wants to turn plain. Not only that, but Annie longs to return to her art, and she won't be able to do that living Amish, and if she marries Ben who wants to turn plain and join her father's church.

Annie and her father have a real time. Preacher Zook actually seems like he hates his daughter and won't hear of anything she has to say. Not only that, but Rev. Jeese seems to favor his sons so much more.

The whole story is the best one yet and all life issues within this community of Amish and Modern alike resolve in one way or another.

Too Much information in one book!
I listend to the other 2 books on CD, which I checked out from the library.My Library did not have the last book so I just had to buy it and find out what happened to Annie, Louisa, and Esther.This book what not as good at the other two.The conclusion to this series went way too fast.I would like to have seen the charaters developed a little more, explaining their feelings and creating a little bit more suspense.I needed to find out what happened to the characters because I was hook by the first two books.If this would have been my first Beverly Lewis book it would have been my last. ... Read more

Book Description
It is our belief that the Lord Jesus wants to see the demonic influence of the accuser of the brethren obliterated from the thought process of the church. the Father's House shall be called a House of Prayer, not faultfinding. This study will help you to expose and cast down the accusing spirit. You will also learn how to protect yourself from this faultfinding spirit and how to have the victory. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Excellent
Seriously, oh yeap every saint should read this book. Francis Frangipane is an awesome man of God and I can say that because of the insight he gives to the Word of God.It was a blessing reading this book and one can start and finish reading this book before lunch is over and still learn a lot.His writing are very simple and easy to understand, praise the Lord.

Wide Open!!!
An excellent resource to strengthen the Body of Christ and identify potential pitfalls.It is short, quick, easy....right to the point.A definite referral!!!!

A key dysfunction in the Body of Christ
I am of the opinion that every person who calls themselves a Christian, would do well to read and practice what they find in this little book. It is my belief that the points and issues covered here are at the heart of a huge portion of dysfunction in the Body of Christ and in relationships in general... a spirit of judgment and unforgiveness that is destroying the witness of Who Jesus REALLY Is by those who name His Name and are identified as His followers.

If you are looking for information about the "jezebel spirit," read this book too! I believe this subject is one reason the "jezebel spirit" is running amok all-but-unchallenged today, and that the practice of the principals taught here would go a long way to disempowering that... all by itself.

This is powerful teaching that I believe will be become more and more critical as the End Days draw closer and closer... lots of meat in a very small book... worth more than ten times its cost!

Exposing the Accuser of the Brethren book
This book should be required reading for every person who sits in a church congregation. It has an inspiring and impacting message for believers. I believe this book was written under the annointing of the Holy Spirit and the message is so timely.

Gut level encounter with yourself.
This is an excellent summary, 50 some pages, exposing the behaviors we blindly accept in ourselves and others.It allows you to stop and see what you're doing and allowing others to do.It exposes the wickedness of our "normal" behavior that the enemy has seduced us into accepting.If you're willing to see yourself and want to be more Christ-like get this and read it.If you want to just smile and sleep through the spiritual battle then you won't want this, it will awaken you.Christianity in work boots. Let's get to work dying to self and letting Christ live in us and through us.
God Bless You,
Rick ... Read more

Book Description
An international bestseller certain to appeal to fans of The Last Templar—the thrilling first book in a sweeping medieval trilogy

On the eve of the last Crusade, two men’s destinies will come together as two great civilizations go to war. Amidst conspiracy and intrigue in Europe, Will Campbell, a young knight, risks his life to recover the stolen Book of the Grail. Hidden within its pages are the heretical plans of a secret society within the Knights Templar. Meanwhile, the former slave Baybars Bundukdari and his army have taken over Egypt and Syria, and are planning a new Holy War to bring the Crusaders to their knees.

With breathtaking battle scenes, memorable characters, and a riveting mystery at its center, Brethren (being published simultaneously with book two, Crusade, in hardcover) is a heart-stopping historical drama that brings the Middle Ages vividly to life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

Brethren
A very good plot premise that fails utterly in the execution.To put it mildly the main character is weak and overly emotional. This would be forgivable if the action was able to excite, but except for a few flashes of brilliance it is a complete waste of time.

A Knight to Remember.
Robyn Young's debut novel, Brethren, was a book that caught my eye after finishing a present-day setting thriller which attempted to uncover secrets of the Knights Templar. To further investigate their crusades, motivations, and mysteries interested me enough to pick up 'Brethren'.

Spanning a twelve-year period, the novel traces the formative training and education of Will Campbell in his journey to become a Templar Knight, and thereby follow in the footsteps of his father. James Campbell has left Will in the care and protection of the Knights in order to fight Baybars Bundukdari, a warrior with designs on the Sultan's throne, and a desire to rid his land of the 'Western Influence' brought about with years of raids and conquering of cities.

Also propelling the story is the theft and search for the 'Book of the Grail', a secret Templar text detailing heretical plots and secret initiations into a fictional 'inner circle' of the Order, the 'Anima Templi', which promptly disappeared after being stolen from the Templar vaults when the young clerk spiriting away the book is caught in his flight.

The author admits to 'bending' certain historical facts to fit her story, along with researching hundreds of books about the time period, and the final result makes for a page-turning delight of a novel.Seamlessly shifting narratives from Will's training, to Baybar's slaughters, to the tracking of the Book of the Grail as it changes hands numerous times; readers know that all the interwoven story threads are destined to collide eventually, and the payoff is well worth the anticipation.

The first part of a planned trilogy, the second volume having been released already, this novel drips with foreshadowing, thrilling battle scenes, betrayals, romance, and danger...and leaves you wanting more, as any well-written initial volume of a series should.Robyn Young has crafted an entertaining debut, illuminating the life of the Knights Templar, and tempting readers of this volume to journey on in one Knight's quest to save his faith, his land, his countrymen, and himself.

Romance novel riddled with false history
I had to leave this book after only reading two-thirds of it.It started out slow and the pace never quickened.There were parts that were pretty riveting such as the Templars fighting and dying in the Holy Land.But the speculations about love interests, and abandoned families where the head of the household joins the Templars and sends his daughters to a convent were too contrived.Recent research from the Vatican archives has revealed thatthe charges against the Templars were false.As a matter of fact they were heroes of our civilization and only the evilness and avarice of the French king was responsible for their fall.One question has entered my mind:If these men were heretics, why would they die rather than deny Christ when they surrendered a citadel? This book is flat wrong in many areas.I would not recommend it to other readers and I do not look forward to the series envisioned by the author.

Mildly entertaining
Fans of historical fiction (especially ones interested in the middle ages and the crusades) will find this book to be mildly entertaining.Readers who do not share a love of the subject matter will find the book to be a disappointment.

This book is well paced, and the descriptions of the environment the characters are in are vivid.However, Baybars (the Muslim leader and chief villain) is two dimensional.The authors' use of foreshadowing is about a blunt as a 20 pound sledgehammer.The action sequences are short and do not convey a sense of warfare.Whole sieges are handled in a few pages.Lastly, the offhand attempt to provide a homosexual motivation for a minor character nearly 4/5 of the way through the book felt as though the author needed to come up with some reason for the minor character's actions but could not think of one.

Borrow this one from the library.

A great read
If you like historical fiction this one is a great read.It is not lit book, but a book for summer reading. The author knows her stuff and it is quite detailed. As for some of negative reviews, I find them all to be dead wrong, if you dont like this book I think you should change genre. ... Read more

Book Description

In the first book ever written on the subject, Carl Bowman examines how and why members of the Church of the Brethren--historically known as "Dunkers" after their method of baptism--were assimilated faster and earlier than their Amish, Mennonite, or even Hutterite cousins.

"Brethren Society is unique, creative, and well written. There are virtually no other books to compare with it."--Donald B. Kraybill, author of The Riddle of Amish Culture

"Thoroughly and richly researched, clearly organized and cogently written. Bowman's account will be the standard reference on the subject for years to come."--James Davison Hunter, University of Virginia

"This brilliant analysis will shape the interpretation of Brethren history for many decades."--Donald F. Durnbaugh, Elizabethtown College

Customer Reviews (3)

Heart-breaking!
Carl Desportes Bowman tells it like it was in his account of the decline and acculturation of the Church of the Brethren, the formerly conservative wing of the Brethren Movement.

It's readable, enjoyable, but on the whole a very sad story.

A comprehensive work
As it becomes more and more difficult to provide information to those who desire it in regards to brethren history, Bowman has done a service to the Brethren movement. That he does not champion it but rather observes it is of great service. As one who traces my religious heritage through this body, i am grateful to Bowmam for the scholarly work which also manages to be an easy read. This book is for anyone with a great desire to understand the Brethren movement, it's roots, and its divisions.

Provides and in depth interpretive history of the Dunkards.
Bowman presents good information which is not easily found in the Brethren History Books.However, when charting the demise of the Brethren Movement, he identifies the loss of peculiarness as the reason the group lost its influence.While he documents the increase of bureaucratic baggage to the denomination and the abandonment of the original simplicity of the group, he does not see this as causal in the group loosing its original impact.He does not hedge or create heros as other Brethren history works tend to do, which is a definite value to this work. ... Read more

Amazon.com
Doctor and author Daniel Baxter tells the true story of working in the 17-bed unit at the Spellman Center for HIV Related Diseases at New York City's St. Clare Hospital. More than just telling his own story though, Baxter introduces us to the untouchables--the AIDS victims of the late 20th century. We meet transvestite prostitutes, teenage crack addicts and penniless ex-prisoners: the invisible members of society who die in the roach-infested wards of an inner city hospital. This could be a morose, grim tale of human despair, but Baxter refuses to allow his ward or his book to succumb to such a sad fate. Instead, this story becomes a phoenix of spiritual hope and human compassion, which eloquently rises from the ashes of AIDS in the 1990s. --Gail HudsonBook Description

Customer Reviews (6)

A wonderful, insightful book from a wonderful, insightful man!
I had the wonderful pleasure to meet Dr. Baxter at a book party thrown by a mutual friend in New York. I had already read his fascinating book (through the recommendation of our shared friend) and was delighted to have the chance to meet such a selfless, caring man!

I learned that Dr. Baxter is currently living in Botswana, Africa teaching healthcare workers there how to treat HIV and AIDS patients (Botswana has the second highest rate of HIV infection in the world). The fact that he completely uprooted his life in the States to help others thousands of miles away is further testament to his compassionate spirit and good heart. I can only hope he writes another book detailing his experiences across the Atlantic. If it's anything like "The Least of These My Brethren," it should be a great, great read!



**As a side note, Dr. Baxter is indeed as verbose in person as his writing suggests, though his extensive vocabulary is anything but pretentious! His vast intellect and humble character were a delightful paradox!

Wonderful stories, wonderful doctor.
Yes, the doctor does write rather 'high-falutin'. I haven't met the guy, but if he is like many other of the doctors I met in med school...some of them come by their language honestly. Maybe he was raised in a home where language was spoken that pretentiously. If so, then there is more to admire about him. Doctors do not have to choose to work with members of society who are less fortunate. Especially one of Baxter's caliber. That he did raises him in my esteem, and impresses me all the more. He writes with compassion and with a sense of humor, which is necessary to deal with such a hard field. AIDS does not suffer fools lightly, and Baxter is no fool in spite of his language. He does an excellent job of making others aware of the real life of most with HIV. Very few are actually lucky enough to have insurance which will pay for the pharmaceutical "cocktail" which is necessary to maintain life, and even some who do have access...their bodies reject the drugs and they become worse. TheAIDS crisis is far from over. We Americans have merely closed our eyes to that fact. Baxter tries to alert us to the needs of those who are dealing with day-to-day tragedies. This is a wonderful book, and a great addition to my shelves. Karen Sadler, Science Education, University of Pittsburgh

A Privilege to Read
This book touched me deeper than anything else I've read in a very long time. It was a privilege to have a glimpse into the lives of Dr. Baxter's AIDS patients, to both laugh and cry, to both shake your head and marvel at humanity. I honestly felt for these characters and the author presents themwith a grim reality that spares no detail. From this novel I have a muchbetter understanding of what an AIDS patient must face on emotional,spiritual and physical levels.

The only drawback is the doc's narrationstyle. His personality is strong and the doctor's point of view makes itthat more interesting. But his writing style is painful to read at times.His writing is extremely superflous, with a lot of 50 cent words. Manytimes he reminded me of TV psych, Frazier Crane, his vocabulary is thatpretentious.

If you look past the author's agonizing writing style -there is no limit to the feelings this book can evoke on human suffering,the human will and spirit and fears of our own mortality.

Grace In Unexpected Places!
Dr. Daniel Baxter's chronicle of his daily routine as a physician in an AIDS ward at Saint Clare's Hospital in New York City, one of the poorest broken down and inadequate facilities truly serving the "dregs ofhumanity" is one of the richest, most spiritual and compelling books Ihave read in recent years. I finished this book and have kept it in my mindin many weeks going over the truly profound truths and challenges Baxterpresents in his own story. The Least of My Brethren is a multifaceted,complex chronicle that teaches far more than the most readers expect asthey begin any new non-fiction book. I was captivated by The Least of MyBrethren from the very start; awed by Baxter's ability to present an entirerange of issues, at times separately and yet, all at once in otherinstances -- from the seemingly simple and unimportantissue of how to geta room cleaned up or a light bulb changed in a hospital with only theleanest of support services, and in the next breath, to be speaking quitearticulately on issues such as AIDS, poverty, the tragedy and loneliness ofhuman beings who have no one left in life who have not abandoned them, tothe entire spectrum of human sexuality, to questions of philosophy of lifeand the meaning of death and back again to the more mundane insignificanceof individuals, almost all terminally ill, breaking rules on smoking inhospitals and in public places. Baxter presents a story that is as muchphilosophy as it is medical science; as much sociology as it is genderstudies, as much psychology as it is political science. As one individualreader, above everything else, Daniel Baxter's story was a moving, yet attimes, an inadvertently hysterically funny portrait of how little thelatest buildings and equipment really mean to medicine in comparison to theneed for a much rarer and seemingly more easily attainable achievement, theenlistment of truly caring human beings. When Baxter speaks of caringpeople, he is not referring to those who show their care by donations tocharity or participation in clothing drives for the poor -- but "downand dirty" caring in the midst of stink, the odor of death and thescarcity of hope! This, one can conclude in reading Baxter's chronicle, isa truly rare and precious giver of life -- not easily found. In some ways Iwas shocked that truly caring human beingsare a preciously rarecommodity, yet the more I thought about the issue, I was able toacknowledge how few people there are who are willing to transcendthemselves and give to others unconditionally -- while at the same timehaving the courage to face the demon of hopeless straight in the eye andprevail with hope. What Baxter brought squarely home to me were manypersonal questions and issues I have need to address in my own life.Whether it was Baxter indirectly asking me how much I appreciate the life Ihave, for whatever time it is given to me, to his ability to bring me tothe realization that I have only marginally and clinically considered myown mortality. Baxter keeps going with questions and challenges on theimportance of doing meaningful work in our lives to challenging me toexamine my own willingness to place myself in the midst of dirt and filthand to be unaffected by it because the other person, far more needy than I,needs my help in the midst of that personally discomforting squalor.Finally, Daniel Baxter offers -- not by preaching -- but by his ownpersonal example, the very real and comprehensible answer as to why ourhuman behavior is so often paradoxical: that in order to conquer our fear,in order to gain anything worthwhile, in order to truly transcend ourselvesfor the good of others, we must become fearless, courageous, spirit-filledand hopeful persons ourselves. And, how do we get to such a place? Theanswer so obvious that we all actually know it, kept very close to ourhuman consciousness, but often within far enough a safety zone that we donot have to necessarily respond: that is, in order to become stronger andbetter persons, we must face down, touch and truly look, often for the veryfirst time, at what we find ourselves most afraid. In so doing, we becomestronger, more courageous and grace-filled persons. Indeed there seems tobe truth to the adage that ³what doesn't kill us, makes us stronger;² forit is proven out in the daily lives of many committed persons like DanielBaxter, Sister Pascal or the drag queens in ...Brethren, who come tominister their sick friend up by decorating his room and applying hismake-up and dressing him in all his finery, in order to help him feel morehopeful and comfortable. I finished Baxter¹s book more fully understandingmyself,myown strengths, fears and weaknesses and biases. In addition, Icame away with new role models to help me to at least try to make somechanges for myself and to better understand the meaning of truly caring forall with whom my path crosses in the course of this mysterious journey wecall life.A singular and outstanding read which should deserves muchattention!

The Gospel of AIDS
For anyone who has struggled to understand the Beatitudes, this booksprovides a wonderful incarnation.The pages are filled with real people:smelly, surly, struggling and sensational. Don't miss the chance to livethis experience as you turn each page.It's life-changing! ... Read more

Book Description
The biography of a remarkable man driven by a simple mission—to help those in need, wherever they are found—and the story of an organization, which has, since 1914, sponsored rescue, relief and reconstruction programs throughout the world. Founded over 85 years ago as a response to the plight of Palestinian Jews caught up in the agony of World War I, the American Joint Distribution Committee (alternately known as the "JDC" or "The Joint") is a nonsectarian, nonpartisan, apolitical, humanitarian relief agency whose work is deliberately low-profile because so much of it depends on secret negotiations with foreign governments. Its mission has taken its representatives to Western Europe after World War II ("the Jewish Marshall Plan"), to the establishment of the state of Israel, to the former Soviet Union, and to Africa and India. As an activist and leader in the organization since the 1960s, Ralph Goldman is the heart and soul of the JDC. He played a key role in Israel's formative years, and has been on the front lines of the JDC's humanitarian efforts worldwide. Currently the Honorary Executive Vice President of the JDC, Goldman still plays an active role in the organization today. Following Goldman's career, we get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the post-WWII political and social landscape, and a picture of how one man's compassion can profoundly affect the lives of many. 30 b/w photos. ... Read more

Book Description
This examination of the declining membership of the Plymouth Brethren Church by prominent Plymouth Brethren leader Nate Smith gives concrete suggestions on how this once-dynamic dissenting denomination might recpature its historical vibrancy. It has been repeatedly recommended by church leaders as a wonderful resource filled with cogent recommendations for all those involved in churches who struggle to maintain traditional forms of worship in a society undergoing huge changes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

a must read
A must read for any one of Christian Brethren background who seeks to bring about spiritual renewal and growth in churches of this background.A book with a balanced perspective that would appeal to the progressive thinkers as well as those with a more conservative bent. ... Read more

Book Description
The Summons
Once Judge Atlee was a powerful figure in Clanton, Mississippi–a pillar of the community who towered over local law and politics for forty years. Now the judge is a shadow of his former self, a sick, lonely old man who has withdrawn to his sprawling ancestral home. Knowing the end is near, Judge Atlee has issued a summons for his two sons to return to Clanton to discuss his estate.
The summons is typed by the judge himself, on his handsome old stationery, and gives the date and time for his sons Ray and Forrest to appear in his study. But the judge dies too soon, and in doing so leaves behind a shocking secret.

The Brethren
They call themselves the Brethren: three disgraced former judges doing time in a Florida federal prison.
Meeting daily in the prison law library, taking exercise walks in their boxer shorts, these judges-turned-felons can reminisce about old court cases, dispense a little jailhouse justice, and contemplate where their lives went wrong.
Or they can use their time in prison to get very rich -- very fast. And so they sit, sprawled in the prison library, furiously writing letters, fine-tuning a wickedly brilliant extortion scam ... while events outside their prison walls begin to erupt. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Road Trip Companion
I havent had a chance to hear The Summons yet, but The Brethren was a very nice listen. It is so much nicer to have a book-on-cd to listen to during a long trip than just normal music. Music gets old, a good grisham novel pulls you in. If you have a shorter trip (or if you arentvery patient) you might want to check out abbridged versions of his books. ... Read more

Book Description

Shortly after Thomas Marlowe's arrival in Williamsburg, Virginia, all in that newfound capital city are speaking his name. With the bounty from his years as a pirate--a life he intends to renounce and keep forever secret--he purchases a fine plantation from a striking young widow, and soon after kills the favorite son of one of Virginia's most powerful clans while defending her honor. But it is a daring feat of remarkable cunning that truly sets local tongues wagging: a stunning move that wins Marlowe command of Plymouth Prize, the colony's decrepit guardship.

But even as the enigmatic Marlowe bravely leads the King's sailors in bloody pitched battle against the cutthroats who infest the waters off Virginia's shores, a threat from his illicit past looms on the horizon that could doom Marlowe and his plans. Jean-Pierre LeRois, captain of the Vengeance--a brigand notorious even among other brigands for his violence and debauchery--plots to seize the colony's wealth, forcing Marlowe to choose between losing all or facing the one man he fears. Only an explosive confrontation on the open sea can determine whether the Chesapeake will be ruled by the crown or the Brethren of the Coast.

But even as the enigmatic Marlowe bravely leads the King's sailors in bloody pitched battle against the cutthroats who infest the waters off Virginia's shores, a threat from his illicit past looms on the horizon that could doom Marlowe and his plans. Jean-Pierre LeRois, captain of the Vengeance--a brigand notorious even among other brigands for his violence and debauchery--plots to seize the colony's wealth, forcing Marlowe to choose between losing all or facing the one man he fears. Only an explosive confrontation on the open sea can determine whether the Chesapeake will be ruled by the crown or the Brethren of the Coast. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

James Nelson has a tough act to follow
The single quote on the cover is encouraging: "A master of both his period and the English language" - Patrick O'Brian.

Poor Patrick O'Brian must have been under some pretty heavy pressure from his publisher (Harper Collins, who also publishes this book) to say something nice. However, if you read the full quote, rather than the above fragment, you'll see that is not at all what O'Brian was saying. To paraphrase, he said that such books are a pleasure to read *when* the writer is "a master of both his period and the English language". If you take up this book hoping for the same authenticity and beautiful writing that O'Brian gave us, I'm sorry to say you're going to be disappointed.

The plot is fairly interesting: an wealthy ex-pirate changes his identity and insinuates himself into Virginia society of the early 18th. century. He is assigned to captain the guardship which protects Virginia's maritime commerce from privateers. He falls foul of a powerful merchant-family following a duel he fights over a lady and he must go out and destroy his nemesis - pirate captain Jean-Pierre LeRois, the only man that he fears.

Very little time is spent in drawing out the characters - who remain deeply phlegmatic and uninteresting to the end. You can never really care what happens the hero, Thomas Marlow, or to his love, Elizabeth Tinling, or for that matter to the learned Francis Bickerstaff, Marlow's 'tutor'; who evokes a feeble comparison to O'Brian's Stephen Maturin. The English of the narration is full of modernisms that jar upon one, and the dialogue, too, simply lacks the authenticity you can accept with total belief from the O'Brian characters. In fact it's unfair to try to compare, because the two styles cater to a completely different readership.

By the numbers pirate tale.
This book is ok if you simply must have a high-seas adventure tale, but you could also do much better.It's not that the Guardship is really a bad novel, it's just that it fails to shine in any particular arena and simply settles for mediocrity and banality.In short it is overly technical, somewhat lacking in originality, and ladened with at times hilarious anachronisms such as "move your dumb arse" and "cut through the red tape."While the author certainly has a strong command of nautical jargon and seems to know what he's talking about (I'm a complete land lubber myself so I can't comment on its accuracy) and is capable of constructing a competent tale, the book simply lacks enough of a soul to power it to the end.Subplots are picked up and suddenly dropped without warning, characters fade in and out of the story at an unsatisfactory pace, the ship crews are essentially faceless, featureless masses of men, and the love affair between the main character and the leading lady is predictable and overly contrived.

This is not to say that the Guardship is a terrible novel, for it can be at times quite entertaining.There is plenty of gore, violence, swashbuckling, and high seas mayhem to go round.Certain scenes such as the final confrontation between Marlowe and his arch nemesis are well done, as are some of the descriptions of life in tidewater, Virginia (I attend the College of William and Mary myself, so I can relate).However, the inability of the characters to carry the plot or stimulate much sympathy or interest result in a one-dimensional and flaccid due tale which, while entertaining, is slow-moving and unoriginal.

The Bretheren of the Coast is Off to a Rousing Start!!
The time is 1701. The place is Williamsburg, Virginia Colony. The month is April. Thomas Marlowe, recently arrived from England and the purchaser of the estate property of the late Joeseph Tinling, is attending a dance, all of which seems harmless enough, but events that transpire that night will set him on a path that will affect the lives of the community and the fortunes of many. Elizabeth Tinling, 23 and already two years a widow is in attendance at the dance and is being roughly pursued by Matthew Wilkenson, the younger of two brothers of one of the most powerful families in Viginia. In attempting to remove her from the unwanted advances of Wilkenson, an insult is hurled at Marlowe, the type of which in those days required "satisfaction." A duel is arranged. Wilkenson is shot dead and Marlowe's "respectable life" is turned upside down. Prior to the matter with Wilkenson and Elizabeth, the Governor has urged Marlowe to accept the captaincy of The Guardship, a decrepit English Man of War that is intended to guard colnial shipping from the pirates that prey along the coast. Her captain is a scoundrel who is loathe to put his men to action and who also has his hand in the cookie jar of the coastal trade. Marlowe assumes command by force and wonders if the prize is worth the keeping once he sees the condition of H.M.S. Plymouth Prize and the state of her crew. After repairs and drills, he manages to wage a suprize attack on a pirate stronghold which earns him great favor back home, except from the Wilkenson clan, who are bent on using their power and prestige to ruin Marlowe as well as Elizabeth. There are numerous memorable characters who populate this first book of a trilogy. Jean-Pierre LeRois is certainly high on the list. A quite mad pirate captain, he has decided to stake out the Chesapeake Bay area as his hunting ground which of necessity draws him into conflict with Marlowe and as that occurs, we learn that they know each other from another place in time. King James, an African slave was the property of James Tinling. When Marlowe acquired the Tinling property he freed the slaves and put them to work on the tobacco crop. King James was brought into the house to run it and was also given command of The Northumberland, Marlowe's private sloop. Throughout the remainder of the book, Marlowe has to deal with the plots of the Wilkenson's and the raiding of the pirate, Le Rois. In so doing he is tested as never before in his life and is also forced to confront who he was and who he has become. This is a powerful adventure story which will keep you turning pages, enjoying the tale and looking forward to the next installment.

A great read of realistic pirates and the coast.
This is one of those books that you find yourself reading so quickly that you wonder where the time went.There is enough true terminology to keep the tale realistic, but not so much as to need a dictionary by your side.

What really makes me recommend this book is the realistic depiction of pirates and the coast of the Carolinas - which happens to be where I make my home. You could almost smell the salt water and pluff mud through the descriptions.And your get real nasty, dirty, vulgar, non-romanticized pirates. These are the pirates that you fear instead of dreaming to joining.

If pirates and/or nautical adventure are your thing, I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

Brilliant
From reading other reviews it seems like you either love or hate this book - I'm in the former category.
A superb, flowing, writing style; subtle undercurrents flowing throughout the story; philosophical and moral stances; thrilling action sequences, worthy of O'Brien - but above all it shows Marlow to be human.
He is not your typical upright do-gooder - he has a murky past and a depatable present, but he has many redeeming features which encourage the reader to root for him in the challenges he encounters.

His lady-love is not what she seems either, and there is a stunning volte-face in the climax of the book, which just begs you to buy the next volume - I did, as well as the other series...

The story is well-researched, based on historical fact, but the main forte of the book is its believability - one can imagine the erstwhile pirate wanting to discard his past life and be assimilated into genteel society, but his past insists on haunting him - is this real-life drama, or what?

I read it far too quickly - gets my ***** ... Read more

Book Description
Coad's work traces the history of the Brethren Movement, which began more than 170 years ago and has since spread throughout the world. The author considers some of the outstanding characters produced by the movement, as well as its signficance in relation to the whole Christian church. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Comprehensive and informative, but perhaps reaching TOO far?
In this book Mr.Whalen attempted to give a detailed overview of the various protestant churches and other religious movements in the US. It was originally written in 1958 and updated in 1978 and again in 2002. Overall I think it serves it's purpose, It gives a detailed view of churches such as the Anglican and Lutheran, as well as many of the newer movements such as the pentecostal churches. It also details cultish movements such as the Jehovah's Witnesses and the Mormons. The point where I think the book fails is that the author then goes on to discuss the Orthodox Churches, which are generally in line with Rome, and not too far from the fold. So the Chapter was short and didn't do these Churches justice. He also discusses Judaism and Islam, as well as Buddhism. Those three chapters really seemed like a rushed hack job, and seemed thoroughly out of place with the rest of the book. Yes, they are religious groups in the US, but I think the Author would have done better to stick to those groups that have strayed directly from the Catholic fold rather than just willy nilly covering everyone. The Chapters on Judaism and Islam did not do either religion any justice, and the chapter on Judaism smacked of anti-semitism. Maybe I'm being too sensitive? I don't know.By now with the developments of Episcopalians appointing a gay bishop and suck the book is a little out of date in its optimism of reconciliation, but overall it was a great, comprehensive and quick read for those looking to learn more about protestant movements in the US. Because of the chapters on Judaism and Islam being unnecessary and somewhat offensive I will have to dock the rating and so I shall give this book 3.5/5 points.

Concise, informative, and tries hard to be fair
Separated Brethren is a nice compendium of information on the wide range of Faiths outside of the Roman Catholic Church.William Whalen is to be commended on his efforts to be matter-of-fact, and in most cases, succeeds at tempering bias.The book is an engaging read, full of information, well balanced, and broad in scope.

There are a few instances where the text contains implied judgement.Particular scorn is reserved for the Mormans (as would, of course, be fitting for such a religion that has the gall to call itself Christian).Whalen cannot resist the occasional contrast against Roman Catholicism, and I got the impression that apologists for the various Faiths described would not have focussed quite so much on certain aspects.

Nevertheless, it must be recognized that this is a book written to assist Catholics in ecumenical and interfaith understanding, rather than a purportedly unbiased review of religions.As such, it is perfectly acceptable to feel the loss of critical aspects of the Catholic Faith within those religions that derive from the Mother Church.

As a side note, since some Baptists claim their church "pre-dates Christ," I suspect they would be quite offended by their place on the "Christian Family Tree" in Whalen's book.I also suspect that when even the Pope recognizes Eastern Orthodoxy as "the second lung" of The Church, the placement of the Eastern Orthodox church on a branch would cause significant resentment.

Finally, most notably lacking in the book was treatment of the Traditionalist Catholics.Their claim is that the second largest denomination in America is "Catholics who left after Vatican II."While SSPX might be relatively small in America, I would consider their presence at least as worthy of note as "The Old Catholics."

Essential reading for any Christian
Of all the books on my shelf, Wm. Joseph Whalen's Separated Brethren is among the most instructive and the least dispensable. This is the first book I bought after converting to Catholicism, but that is not why I treasure it. Its pages are now yellowed and its cover worn, but I treasure it because it has everything I want in a book. It is concise, easy to read, gripping and addresses an issue that anyone who seeks truth should examine if he is truly sincere in his search. Which Church is the true one? Whalen answers this clearly by presenting the facts of history.

Whalen's Separated Brethren is not apologetic in style, but it is apologetic in effect as it enumerates with certainty the post-apostolic origins of non-Catholic, Christian religions. Like Foxe's Book of Martyrs? Read this. You will be blown away when you see the other side of the coin. Are you a Christian who would like to see the early Church restored? Read this and find that She never died. She is, perhaps, unrecognizable, but only because She has grown more wise and beautiful.

Whalen also brings together in one volume the teachings of all the mainline Protestant traditions, as well as some cults and some non-Christian traditions. I would like this book to be in the hands of every Catholic who thinks that it doesn't matter which church you go to. They are NOT all the same.

A quote from "Critic" on the back cover calls this book "a masterpiece of synthesis." Well said.

"I have other sheep...."
"Separated Brethren" was first published 40 years ago and hasbeen revised and updated twice since then.That this book is still aroundis proof of its being an excellent one-volume reference guide on religiousdenominations in the United States; I myself found this title veryinstructive and well-written.The book mostly concerns Christiandenominations not in union with the Roman Catholic Church, yet authorWilliam J. Whalen includes non-Christian religions as well, such asJudaism, Islam, Buddhism, the Baha'i faith, and the better-known cults. Given the fact that Mr. Whalen is Catholic and Our Sunday Visitor is awell-known Catholic publishing house, the book compares the beliefs of the"separated brethren" to Catholic teaching, yet it is remarkablyobjective at the same time.Mr. Whalen does not fall into a condescendingor critical mode; he simply discusses the origins of the different churchesand describes their beliefs.He will at times provide slightly drollcommentary on teachings that appear odd to mainstream Christians,especially teachings from denominations that claim to be Christian such asthe Mormons and the Jehovah's Witnesses.A lot, though, has happened inthe non-Catholic religious world since this third edition of"Separated Brethren" came out in 1979; take, for example, themerger of two major Lutheran churches in the United States; theestablishment of ultra-traditionalist Catholic groups which have separatedfrom Rome; the rise of Messianic Judaism; renewed debates in the largerProtestant denominations on matters of morality; increased defections ofconservative Anglicans/Episcopalians into the Catholic Church; and the roleof the Orthodox churches in a post-Communist Russia and Eastern Europe. All these events, plus the hopelessly outdated church figures some 20-plusyears old, make it necessary for the book to be revised as soon aspossible.

Table of Contents
preface 7
I. America's religious panorama 9
II. basic differences between Catholicism and Protestantism 18
III. the Lutherans 25
IV. the Presbyterians 39
V. the Espiscopalians 49
VI. the Methodists 60
VII. the Baptists 72
VIII. the Disciples of Christ and the Churches of Christ 81
IX. the United Churchmen 89
X. the Quakers 96
XI. the Perfectionists 104
XII. the Pentacostals 108
XIII. the Seventh-Day Adventists 117
XIV. other Protestants 125
the Moravians 125
the Mennonites 127
the Reformed 130
the Christian Reformed 131
the Brethren 131
the Salvationists 134
the Convenanters 136
XV. the Unitarian Universalists 138
XVI. the Eastern Orthodox 145
XVII. the Old Catholics 152
XVIII. the Cultists 167
the Swedenborgians 168
the Spiritualists 169
the Unity School of Christianity 171
the New Thoughters 173
the Worldwide Church of God 175
the Hare Krishnas 177
the Scientologists 178
the Moonies 179
XIX. the Mormons 184
XX. the Jehovah's Witnesses 198
XXI. the Christian Scientists 207
XXII. the Jews 218
XXIII. the Muslims 226
XXIV. the Baha'is 230
XXV. the Buddists 238
church