Nonfiction Book Reviews
Page Three of FourThe Message of St. Francis
Penguin Studio, March 1999.Paperback, 57 pages.
ISBN: 0670883646.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
The Message of St. Francis is a book for those
who love holding a fine book in their hands and turning
its pages. Printed in Italy on heavy paper with
a flat surface, the very texture of the pages gives the
reader the sensation of standing in front of the
frescoes as they exist today in the basilica in Assisi.
Sometimes superimposed on top of the printing of the
frescoes and at other times opposite, the effect of
the words of St. Francis is powerful. Unlike many art books
which are clearly good only for reference or to be displayed
on the coffee table, this book is thin, and can accompany
one anywhere.
Most of us know that St. Francis taught us about the significance of the Christmas scene by putting together the first creche, and we also know that his statue is often placed in the garden because he preached to the birds. However, St. Francis also believed strongly that there were angels among us who should be given recognition. For those who have climbed the spiritual as well as the physical heights of Assisi The Message of St. Francis will bring back vivid memories of that steep journey. Clearly a spiritual place, Assisi looks down upon the plains of Umbria and never ceases to evoke strong feelings.
This little book would make a cherished gift for an art lover, a bibliophile or a person with a deep spiritual life. It is a book to be enjoyed on many levels.
Most of us have at some time come across the famous prayer of St. Francis. This book will more thoroughly acquaint the reader with St. Francis' thoughts on other matters.
--Sarah Reaves White
The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding by Arnold Schwarzenegger
Simon & Schuster, December 1998.Hardcover, 800 pages.
ISBN: 0684843749.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
Seven-time Mr. Olympia and celebrity
Arnold Schwarzenegger provides a weighty tome
of valuable information in this superb bodybuilding
reference. The reference provides information
on bodybuilding nutrition, health and exercises
including example workouts, charts and
photographs illustrating proper technique.
The book also provides a history of bodybuilding,
information on posing and insights of other
well-known bodybuilders. Topics covered in
the book include: evolution and history,
the basics, the gym, basic training principles,
body types, training programs, mind over
matter, exercises for different parts of the body,
posing, competition strategy, nutrition, diet
weight control, dieting for contests and
injuries.
Especially valuable is the 300 page body parts
exercise section which provides information
and illustrations for numerous
exercises that concentrate on developing
specific muscles.
The New Encyclopedia of Modern
Bodybuilding is a must-own reference for
professional
bodybuilders, and for weekend warriors who use the gym
just to stay in shape.
Nonfiction Reviews
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Return to the April 1999 issue of The IWJ.
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