“Evokes the sights and sounds of the ancient world with daring and imagination… An intellectual tour-de-force that challenges us to see the history of Christianity through the eyes of those who actually lived it.â€â€”Los Angeles TimesIn this provocative; irresistibly entertaining book; Keith Hopkins takes readers back in time to explore the roots of Christianity in ancient Rome. Combining exacting scholarship with dazzling invention; Hopkins challenges our perceptions about religion; the historical Jesus; and the way history is written. He puts us in touch with what he calls "empathetic wonder"—imagining what Romans; pagans; Jews; and Christians thought; felt; experienced; and believed-by employing a series of engaging literary devices. These include a TV drama about the Dead Sea Scrolls; the first-person testimony of a pair of time-travelers to Pompeii; a meditation on Jesus' apocryphal twin brother; and an unusual letter on God; demons; and angels.
#202566 in Books Michael J Durant 2008-01-02 2008-01-02Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.97 x .77 x 6.00l; .88 #File Name: 0451222911352 pagesThe Night Stalkers Top Secret Missions of the U S Army s Special Operations Aviation Regiment
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. An overview of the development of Special Ops Aviation in the US ArmyBy Flying PhotographerThe authors are presenting a brief and bit shallow overview of the history of the US Army's Special Operations Aviation Regiment; from it's first missions after Vietnam to Afghanistan; through short chapters; each one dealing with one particular mission and with extensive narrative from the participants.As a former member of this regiment; Mr. Durant is evidently well prepared to tell the stories "from within". Unfortunately; as with so many books dealing with the rather secretive Special Forces; the need to keep (still widely used) tactics and procedures secret means that sometimes many interesting facets of the operations are kept untold. At least I found myself (too) many times asking "why" and "how"; without finding any answers in the book.Nevertheless; the brief glimpse that the reader is allowed into this secretive world reveals a long succession of very professional men (and women) with a strong dedication to their job and a deep sense of duty and honor. The overall reading experience is positive and interesting; it's just that many times you wish the authors would be allowed to tell us more of the full story behind the few facts uncovered. In case you wonder; only the truly gripping description of the (failed) mission in Afghanistan is well worth the price of the book!Overall; the authors provide us with a unique insight into an area of the US military forces that is usually invisible for us "mortals"; and does so in an interesting and engaging way - recommended.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A tremendous read that shines a small light on best pilots in the world These brave soldiers are too ...By lrockA tremendous read that shines a small light on best pilots in the world These brave soldiers are too proud and humble to expose much of what they have done in service of our country. This gives a glimpse into their lives and service. A excellent book that is a must read. Thank you for your service. These truly are the best pilots in the world; yet you will never know it if you talk to a 160th pilot. Humble and quiet; true professions who serve us all without fanfare.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Interesting readBy charles macdonaldInteresting read. Got a sense for the aviation SpecOps unit history told through missions executed by Chief Durant. Highly recommend this book if you are interested in Spec Ops unit history relayed through real life experiences.
