Presenting both the histories and the prevalent worldviews of the major world religions; Matthews's WORLD RELIGIONS; Sixth Edition; methodically introduces the richness and diversity of these traditions. The "Worldview" sections in particular make this book helpful for comparative analyses of the religions. These sections show how the different religions approach a common set of ten themes that are fundamental to all traditions; including the nature of the Absolute; the place of humans in the world; rituals and symbols; and the prospects for life after death. Furthermore; this text combines insightful; engaging prose with maps; photographs; timelines; excerpts from sacred texts; and other helpful pedagogical aids that provide a comprehensive yet accessible survey of world religions.
#139581 in Books 2006-02-10 2006-02-10Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .24 x 5.44l; .25 #File Name: 048644900980 pages
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Excellent refelection of Louisa May Alcott beyond Little WomenBy Jane GreensmithAs part of my Civil War reading; I am trying to mix it up between fiction (contemporary and historical); non-fiction; memoir; war and social issues. For my last book of 2012; I read Louisa May Alcott's collection of newspapers articles she wrote about her time as a Civil War nurse in Washington; D.C. in December 1862 and January 1863.LMA only served as a nurse for three weeks; but this brief service changed her life profoundly. Of this time; she said that she was rarely ill before it and never truly well afterwards. She had contracted typhus at the hospital and was treated with a compound containing mercury; which wreaked havoc on her body and most probably shortened her life. On the other hand; her time as a nurse on her own in a city far from her Concord home during the war broadened her vision and deepened her perspective.In typical Victorian lady fashion; LMA assumes the guise of Tribulation Periwinkle who then provides a first-person account of LMA's own experiences--deciding to join the nursing core; traveling alone by train to Washington; living in a boarding house; working in a hospital (she tended the wounded from the battle of Fredericksburg; Dec. 11-15; 1862). The latter encompasses so much--the men themselves; some old but most heart-breakingly young--she held their hands as they died; read them letters from home; and wrote their final goodbyes; comforted their loved ones--she dressed wounds; assisted surgeons; fed and cleaned and comforted; and then finally fell ill herself.At first the persona of Trib grated a bit--basically Jo March on steroids. Too boisterous; too flip; too hale and hearty; but as LMA went deeper into hospital life; the voice matured and by the end of this short book; only 73 pages; I had come to admire LMA's warm and elegant expressions that transcended pathos.As a primary source for Civil War nursing; it is exceptional in its realistic but respectful look at the price of war. As a look at the young woman who "became" Louisa May Alcott; beloved American author; it is priceless--it provides a concentrated view of LMA; reflecting her values (home; hearth; family; compassion; racial equality; gender equality; and duty).I liked Little Women just fine; but I must say that I loved this collection of sketches.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. It is a detailed presentation of what life was like in the Civil War periodBy petal bikerI can see why this was so successful when it was first published. It is a detailed presentation of what life was like in the Civil War period. The minute step be step journey from the author's home into the hospital in Washington DC; by boat; by train; by carriage was marvelous. The hospital work as a nurse to reach out to the many returning from the battle of Fredericksburg; was priceless. The gifted wording of events from a talented writer; before "Little Women"; describing the events of this time with such skill and precision was a valuable document for my library. Perhaps it is the best thing that I have out of all the memoirs and letters that I carry. The biggest weakness in the presentation; in this very small volume; is the difficulty in translating the language and idioms of the day; but this also created its valuable authenticity. Great book.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Little Women's author as a Civil War nurse!By Emily DickensonCharming account of Alcott's work as a Civil War nurse in an Alexandria; Va. hospital for Union soldiers. There were also a few confederate soldiers as well; which led to some challenging interactions with other staff and patients. A quick read; but a very enjoyable look into Civil War nursing.
