Among the myriad books examining the Battle of Gettysburg (July 1–3; 1863); Summer Thunder is one of a kind. A terrific resource for is visitors to the national military park; it explores the clashing armies’ deployment of artillery throughout the battle—from one position to another; from one day to the next. Matt Spruill; a retired U.S. Army colonel and former licensed Gettysburg guide; carefully takes readers to every point on the battlefield where artillery was used; and combining his own commentary with excerpts from the Official Records and other primary sources; he reveals the tactical thinking of both Union and Confederate commanders.Spruill uses a sequential series of thirty-five “stops;†complete with driving instructions and recent photographs; to guide readers around the park and orient them about where the opposing units were placed and what happened there. Detailed maps depict the battlefield as it was in 1863 and are marked with artillery positions; including the number of guns in action with each battery. Meanwhile; the passages from primary sources allow the reader to see key events as the actual participants saw them. The book also brims with information about the various artillery pieces used by both sides; from howitzers to Parrott rifles and Napoleon field guns; and the critical role they played over the course of the battle; right up its outcome.Summer Thunder devotes a chapter to each of the three days of the historic devotes a chapter to each of the three days of the historic Summer Thunder engagement between the Army of the Potomac and the Army of Northern Virginia. One can follow the battle chronologically in its entirety from Stop 1 to Stop 35; or concentrate on a specific day or a specific area. In fact; the maps and orientation information are of such detail that the book can be used even without being on the battlefield; making it an invaluable reference work for expert and novice alike.
#451595 in Books Orbis Books 2008-06-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.21 x .56 x 6.12l; 1.04 #File Name: 1570757585218 pages
Review
31 of 31 people found the following review helpful. One of God's names is beautyBy Kerry WaltersI read Jim Forest's _Praying with Icons_ a few years ago when it first appeared. I just finished re-reading it; and am even more impressed this time around. Anyone familiar with Forest's other books knows how comfortably fluid his style is; and how insightful his ideas are. Both of these qualities make this the single best introduction to icons I know.To my mind; there are three different but interrelated aspects of this book that are especially worth noting.The first is Forest's argument that "beauty bears witness to God;" and that in depicting holy things beautifully; icons enhance our relationship with the Divine. This is a point well worth considering. Too often; I fear; beauty in the context of worship is either dismissed as irrelevant (all that matters is the word); venerated for its own sake (high church preciousness); or overdone and distractingly gaudy. But Forest reminds us that the beauty of icons is intended to aid in the transfiguration of those who pray before them. Icons are images of the wholeness of God; and they convey and impart some of that wholeness to us through their beauty. It takes a great deal of artistry to manifest that kind of beauty.The second point worth noting is Forest's observation that the writing/painting of an icon is in itself an act of worship and service; entered into reverently and prayerfully. There are traditions that dictate how the wood is prepared; how the colors are selected; what they represent; and so on. The care and love with which icons are made is a good reminder that all work with God's creation is; or ought to be; mindful and reverential. The fruits of all our mental and physical labor are; in one manner of speaking; iconic.The third especially noteworthy aspect of Forest's treatment is his tie-in of prayer with icons. It might seem that the connection between the two is obvious; but I'm not sure this is the cas; at least not in the contemporary U.S.. I've been in many homes where icons are displayed as curiosities; by totally secular hosts; on the walls right next to African masks and Peruvian weavings. Forest's reflections on prayer--that it involves the whole person; not just the intellect; that it requires the cultivation of stillness and silence; that a good prayer life is one that requires a great deal of deliberate discipline; and that the goal of our prayer life is theosis--are wonderful.In addition; as earlier reviewers have pointed out; the last 150 pages of the book discuss specific icons--Christ; Mary; the saints; the Transfiguration; etc--pointing out their language; their significance; and their histories. Readers of Forest's book will be well prepared to begin praying with icons; and to move on to other reflections on icons such as John of Damascus' _On the Divine Images_ or Leonid Ouspensky Vladimir Lossky's _The Meaning of Icons_.Finally; the illustrations; in color as well as black-and-white; are fabulous. A book to read and re-read.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Beautifully written book that is both easy to read and ...By Patrick AllenBeautifully written book that is both easy to read and profoundly aware of the theology and mystery behind icons within the Orthodox liturgical and theological traditions. No detail in an icon goes unnoticed in this book; and I originally purchased it as part of an inquiry class. I would absolutely recommend this book to any inquirer into Eastern Orthodoxy or Eastern Catholicism; or any Orthodox/Byzantine Catholic looking to learn more about their own traditions.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Praying with ArtBy CustomerI had always looked at Icons and labeled them 'primitive christian art'. But after reading Jim Forest's book 'Praying with Icons'; I have fallen in love with iconography. The Icon artist does not paint without intention; each item in an icon has theological significance.For me; reading this book; has been a journey; an opportunity to reflect and deepen my faith. The excerpts from the Orthodox writings and liturgy are profoundly moving. It also is a lesson to view ALL religious art in a deeper way. What was the artist trying to communicate? How did he feel about his subject matter? Why did he choose the colors; are they significant to his vision? What compositional elements did the artist use to communicate his message? These are some of the questions one can ask when they view ANY religious art.Lastly; an icon or a painting; can bring one to prayer; where one can clear away the clutter of modern life to reach that inner place within where one encounters truth; and communicates with the God who loves us.
