Theology and the Arts: Encountering God Through Music, Art, and Rhetoric

Book Description

Richard Viladesau's book takes a look at an inviting topic that has come into increasing prominence in a number of fields lately--including theology. Theology and the Arts explores, in a timely and engaging manner, several aspects of the relations between theology and aesthetics, in both the pastoral and academic realms. The underlying motif of this work is that beauty is a means of divine revelation, and that art is the human mediation that both enables and limits its revelatory power.

Using examples from music, pictorial art and rhetoric, the five chapters explore different aspects of the ways that art enters into theology and theology into art, both in pastoral practice, e.g., liturgical music, sacred art and preaching, and in the area of systematic reflection, where, Viladesau contends, art must be recognized as a genuine theological text.

A reader-friendly feature of this work is the addition, after the central chapters, of a discography of illustrative musical works and lists of internet sights of sacred art and art history resources-a virtual museum-- that will complement the text. These enhance the value of this well-written, provocative text. Although aimed at undergraduate theology students, it will certainly capture the interest of art students, pastoral ministers and anyone who appreciates the arts.

Amazon.com

Though the text is minimal and the illustrations are black and white, Vintage Clothing is packed with ideas for costume designers, clothing collectors and restorers, and even experienced home sewers who'd like to incorporate some historic flair into their designs. Using a combination of period fashion illustrations, old photographs, contemporary photos of period clothes, and detailed captions, the volume traces the evolution of a century of clothing styles. Although not as nicely produced as many other costume/fashion history books, the sheer variety and number of details on every page make it a worthwhile reference. Also included are estimates of the outfits' worth in today's market.

Customer Reviews:

Vintage Clothing: Worthy of having in your fashion library.......2004-05-18

This book deserves better reviews than it has received here. First of all, it was one of the very first "guides" written for vintage clothing collectors, and I still appreciate and value the nearly 300 pages of fashion images both illustrative and photographic.

As for the "value" guide; we know, or should know, that prices of vintage clothing can vary wildly depending on where you live, what is hot and what is not, if the seller wants to sell low and if the buyer wants to buy high. I think the prices indicated in this guide, though nearly ten years old, are still fairly accurate, adding 30 to 40 percent to the higher-end, rarer pieces and giving or taking 10 to 20 percent on the low end.

I believe Maryanne Dolan knows vintage clothing, and knows the field well. Her historical research is good, and her appreciation and passion for costume is inspiring. Her overviews of the periods at the beginning of each chapter are well-written, clear and easy to read.

It is true, however, that the book needs an index, some copy editing and perhaps a more sophisticated design layout for today's collectors. All seriously considered books need an index; just a fact of life in a costume or fashion researcher's world. Perhaps in a next edition?

It is wise to note that one isn't going to get rich buying and selling vintage clothing today -- a nice living perhaps, if you have a decent collection already established -- but a fantastic hobby is always a possibility.

An update is in order, but all in all, this is a good book worth having in your fashion history, vintage clothing or collecting library. Besides, when you can get 300 pages of pretty decent material for less than $10, how can you go wrong?

beware!!.......2003-02-03

I have a number of vintage clothing books in my library and have been collecting vintage clothing and accessories for almost 20 years. This book is the only one I have regretted buying. Many of the "illustrations" are black and white drawings that explain color and cut. The descriptions are not adequate-there are few if any makers names listed and there's no index to help in the process of looking up an item. Many of the models that are used do not carry the clothing well and since the photographs are in black and white you cannot see the pieces properly. The one thing that I can say that's positive is that she does list the time periods for the items she shows, and she does pack many plates into her book.

Not for all of us -.......2001-04-01

If you are looking for information on clothing between 1880 and about 1919, by all means, this is the book for you. But, if you're like me and you are looking for a book on clothing from 1930 on, pass this one up. More than 3/4 of this book is dedicated to victorian clothing. You can also tell which decades this author favors. While pictures of models (if you can really call these women models) in victorian clothing are carefully posed and accessorized, the more current clothing is slapped on just about anyone who would stand still long enough to have their picture taken. Example - the 60+ year old woman in the WEDDING DRESS. There are really no clothing from the 70s or 80s in this book and the 50s and 60s are very sparse. The prices are also unreasonably high for the average collector. I was EXTREMELY disappointed with this book. But I do have to admit I did get a couple of giggles from some of the pitiful pictures.

Overall, a bit disappointing.......1998-11-03

I have just started studying and researching vintage clothing. I did not find this book to be all that helpful. The value guide seems to be very high. Some of the pictures are interesting and the summaries at the beginning of the chapters are somewhat helpful, however, I feel there are better books available for research.

Not great, but good; fun to look at, high prices........1998-08-24

Dolan's Guide is good, but not great- it is in need of some extra editing, and a wider variety of fashions. But, it is a -vast- improvenment over the first edition. Her price estimates, while they may seem high, are actually accurate reflections of the prices paid in large cities. Here in the Midwest, we cut her prices by 2/3 in order to get fair, practical prices and values. Also, the book is targeted not toward the fashion lover, or vintage clothing store owner, but to the -collector- of vintage fashion; this is why the prices are high: it's not a guide to the vintage fashion industry, but a price guide (of course, as its title suggests) for antique dealer and collector. (Personally, I find this a little unrealistic, as I've never met anyone who actually -collects- vintage fashions, but maybe I'm just mixing with the wrong crowd.) It is also a -fun- read; I own few other books I can always enjoy this much, for as little as five minutes to as long as two hours. Also, be sure to read the long introductions at the beginning of each chapter; they are as much fun as the illustrations, and provide an excellent overview of each period. Her guide to rhinestone jewelery is also good, better even than this.

Amazon.com

Swap houses and see the world! Want to stay in an English country cottage, a fashionable Paris flat, a Colorado ski cabin, or a beach house in the South Pacific? In this book you'll discover how home exchange vacationing works, how to make arrangements, what pitfalls to avoid, and how to deal with unexpected problems. Home exchanging offers the opportunity for experiences unlike anything you'll have in a hotel!

Book Description

If a ski trip to Aspen, Colorado, a getaway in Australia, or an exotic trip to the Orient all seem out of reach, perhaps you should consider exchanging homes. With Home Exchange: Your Guide to Free Accommodations you will have all the latest information you need to successfully trade homes. "More than 200,000 families and individuals from around the world are estimated to have enjoyed home exchanging last year," according to the Christian Science Monitor. This book gives you all the instructions and details you need to arrange for your home exchange, including:
-How to find other home exchangers
-The best way to make initial contact
-Handling home exchange details: pet care, house quirks, phone use
-Information on liability and medical insurance
-Successful living in someone else's house (and vice versa)
-Exchanging automobiles and much more Home Exchange also includes helpful information in the shared experiences of past home exchangers. There are many funny stories that include tips on what not to do and advice on what to do to make the exchange as smooth as possible. "It gives one hope to read" about all of the trusting people, says the BookPage. Staying in other people's homes not only gives you the chance to be submersed in the culture by meeting , and perhaps befriending, the neighbors, grocery shopping, and living like the native citizens, but also saves you money. The authors, Bill and Mary Barbour, have traveled to Europe, Africa, South America, the Near East , the Far East , as well as most of the United States and "reckon that home swapping has saved them a grand total of consider staying at home away from home.

Customer Reviews:

Not a good guide but rather a company promotion.......2003-10-05

I read this book some time ago (I don't even know if it's still available but presume so if still on your lists) and I have to agree with the other reviewers that it is not all that useful, particularly now when most people must be using the internet to arrange exchanges, the information (such as it is) will be very out of date.

What no one else has mentioned that really astounded me was why the publisher wouldn't have questionned the research methods used by the authors. They blatantly promote one home exchange agency which, although around for a long time, I wouldn't think is the best for everyone, certainly not now when there are so many alternatives (most much cheaper) on the internet.

I hope that other writers with a knowledge of the subject will take on the challenge to write a good book on home exchange as I'm sure there is the interest and this one is not worth buying.

Stating the Obvious.......2001-09-04

I excitedly ordered this book in anticipation of a home exchange vacation. I was disappointed to find that it contained only what I perceived to be obvious, self-explanatory information.

I rarely consider a book purchase a waste of money, although I definitely did so in this case.

This book was a disappointment -- not enough useful info........1999-01-01

While home exchange sounds like a great idea, this book gives very little practical information on how to arrange it. If the information is buried within the numerous, rambling accounts by previous home exchangers, I missed it - probably because I was too bored and irritated to read every word of their very personal and detailed accounts of their vacations. Good grief, I just wanted to know the legal protections, if any, tips on finding suitable matches, etc.

I believe this author has enough expertise to craft a quality book on the subject of home exchange.

Very general overview. Lots of anecdotes, little info........1998-10-08

I got the book before my 1st home exchange (which was GREAT!). I found it to be very shallow. Lots of little stories, but little useful info. Sorry, but not recommended.

An in-depth look at home exchanging for vacations........1998-01-22

Answers all of those concerns and questions about having strangers in your own home. This is a wonderful way to travel that is still mostly undiscovered by many Americans. I highly recommend the book and the idea of home exchanging.

Average customer rating:

The Guide to Real Estate Exchanging
Jack Cummings
Manufacturer: John Wiley & Sons Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Average customer rating:

New Directions in Indian Dance
Sunil Kothari
Manufacturer: Marg Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 8185026629

Book Description

Indian classical dance forms have become popular throughout the world and are seen at various international dance festivals. In New Direction in Indian Dance, dancers, choreographers, and critics document the new directions Indian dance is taking in finding contemporary expression. The accompanying images reveal the

Book Description

Here is an invaluable ready reference to the world of early music. No other single book currently available gives the reader the essential facts about the composers, their music, and the bewildering variety of instruments for which is was written.
There are entries for some 700 composers from the troubadours to Monteverdi, featuring especially those composers whose music is available in modern editions and on recordings. Every medieval or Renaissance instrument likely to be heard in modern performance is described, often with the help of
line drawings. The dictionary also provides a succinct and lucid guide to technical terms, musical forms, manuscript and printed sources, Renaissance music publishers, and the more important contemporary theorists. A Dictionary of Early Music has been compiled for everyone who goes to concerts and
buys recordings of early music. Students, performers, and listeners alike will find it indispensable.

Customer Reviews:

A great overview of early music!.......2002-11-20

This is a great book for anyone interested in early music. The beginner will find handy, concise definitions of most of the common terms, styles, instruments, and forms, as well as biographies of major composers. The more advanced early music enthusiast will find it an invaluable source for program notes and ideas, and teachers and ensemble directors will make much use of it as well.
As an aside, it's GREAT to see that this book's definition of the period known as "Early Music" ends with the time of Monteverdi.

Dictionary of Early Music: From the Troubadours to Monteverdi,A

Average customer rating:

Dictionary of Early Music: From the Troubadours to Monteverdi,A
Jerome Roche
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OKNITQ

Book Description

The 50 Sunday-size puzzles in Volume 3 of this series are:

·Specially-commissioned and edited to have a unique business-and-finance flavor
·Created by today’s top puzzle authors
·Lively and contemporary, with plenty of wordplay

Average customer rating:

Perfect for Beginnners

Very comprehensive

I'd give six stars if I could!

Deserves "Analyst Pick" Status

Good book, but I would recommend another.

Morningstar Guide to Mutual Funds: Five-Star Strategies for Success (Morningstar Guide to Mutual Funds)
Christine Benz
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Find the Right Mutual Fund: Morningstar Mutual Fund Investing Workbook, Level 1

Morningstar Funds 500: 2007 (Morningstar Funds 500)

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ASIN: 0471718327

Book Description

GUIDE TO MUTUAL FUNDS

SECOND EDITION

"Picking actively managed mutual funds is no mean challenge. And as the recent era underscores, past performance is of little help. The Morningstar Guide to Mutual Funds helps cut through the fog with a solid volume of constructive information. The central message—'truly diversify, keep it simple, focus on costs, and stick with it'—is not only timeless, it is priceless."
—John C. Bogle, founder and former CEO, The Vanguard Group

"Successful investors know they must do their own due diligence. Morningstar has done much of that homework in this guide. Leave it to Morningstar to get it right, offering smart ways to pick, build and monitor a portfolio. It's a commonsense guide that should grace every investor's shelf."
—Ted David, CNBC Anchor

"There's nothing Morningstar doesn't know about mutual funds. And at last, for ready reference, there's a book. You'll find everything here you need to know about managing fund investments, inside or outside a 401(k)."
—Jane Bryant Quinn, Newsweek columnist and author of Making the Most of Your Money

Download Description

Quality mutual fund guidance from a leader in the field Since the publication of the original Morningstar Guide to Mutual Funds, a national bestseller, the world of investing has become more complicated and investors have become more sophisticated. With so many changes in this arena, people are now looking for much more than a simple introduction to mutual funds. Morningstar Guide to Mutual Funds, Second Edition has been completely revised and updated to meet the needs of today's demanding investor. Filled with introductory material as well as more advanced topics, this book outlines the latest tools and techniques needed to analyze and select mutual funds. It also allows readers to take an objective and informed look at their investments and learn what mutual funds are, when and how they should be used, and what the advantages and disadvantages are of investing in them. Through lively anecdotes and a clear presentation of select financial information, Morningstar Guide to Mutual Funds, Second Edition will help readers build and maintain a profitable mutual fund portfolio. Topics discussed throughout this book will show readers how to: find the right fund to meet their investment needs; navigate through the fund-purchase process; conduct quarterly reviews of a fund and fund company; invest in a tax efficient manner, and much more Christine Benz (Chicago, IL) is Editor of Morningstar Mutual Funds, the firm's flagship print publication as well as Morningstar Funds 500, an annual publication covering 500 top mutual funds. She has worked as a Morningstar analyst and editor since 1993, focusing on growth oriented funds. Benz is widely quoted in the media, and appears regularly on CNBC.

Customer Reviews:

Perfect for Beginnners.......2007-08-26

I am new to stocks and mutual funds. I just read some basic online tutorials. I have no problems in understanding the concepts in the book. Very well Written. I should have bought this book years back.

Very comprehensive.......2007-01-10

The book reads somewhere between a text book and a general description of mutual funds and bonds. I found it to be very informative, well organized and believe I have a much better understanding of how mutual funds work. Also, Crhistine is pretty cute.

I'd give six stars if I could!.......2006-06-26

This book is clear, concise, and effective. I've read the first four chapters so far, and it has explained everything I've wanted to know about choosing mutual funds. I was absolutely ecstatic when I saw that the chapter on mutual fund management has an overview of the pros and cons of a number of the well-known fund companies.

One of the reviewers was complaining that this book relies too heavily on Morningstar research. Well, first of all, Morningstar is one of the premier analysis firms in the industry, and as such they have a wealth of great information. Secondly, I have yet to see a place in the book where they ask you to pay for anything. A good portion of the Morningstar website is free, and the book mentions a Morningstar mutual fund book you can get from public libraries. The reviewer also complains about the Morningstar 5-star rating system. The book explains that the star ratings can be used as a screening tool, and stresses the many other factors that should be considered when evaluating a fund. When used in conjunction with other objective criteria, the star rating is a powerful tool to evaluate past returns and volatility.

With all of this in mind, if you are absolutely new to investing, you should become familiar with certain basic investing terms and concepts before reading this book. I highly recommend either The Wall Street Journal's Complete Guide to Personal Finance or The WSJ's Complete Money and Investing Guidebook. For most people, I would say the Guide to Personal Finance would be a good primer.

Deserves "Analyst Pick" Status.......2006-03-01

Excellent book for learning all about mutual fund investing from the very best in the analysis business. It is a well written and organized guide that is easy to read and understand. All major aspects of investing in mutual funds are covered, including how to "buy low and sell high".

Good book, but I would recommend another........2006-02-12

This book provided a good broad-based overview of mutual funds and endorses modern portfolio theory. The idea being that a properly allocated portfolio of mutual funds with a focus towards long-term investing will work the best for most investors building their retirement savings. Properly balanced over the years, this style will work better than that of active investors trying to chase hot funds and time the market since very few active managers succeed over the long haul.

If you were to look at a "Top 10" performing mutual fund from 10 or 5 years ago, chances are it isn't a Top 10 fund anymore so you shouldn't buy into the hype of today's current "hot fund". If it were such a solid fund, shouldn't it be a solid fund 10 years later? But this book and similar ones feel that while an active investor and a hot fund may have one good year, they probably have bad years as well, and they probably can't keep up their above-average performance over 30 years.

I read this book along with "All About Asset Allocation" by Richard Ferri and "The Only Guide to a Winning Investment Strategy You'll Ever Need: The Way Smart Money Invests Today" by Larry Swedroe all of which cover similar ground (an overview of mutual funds, an overview of modern portfolio theory). My favorite is the Swedroe book because of it's straightforward reading style, and it goes a little more in-depth than the Morningstar book.

The Morningstar book only gets 3 stars because unfortunately Morningstar has a product to sell: namely, Morningstar itself. Morningstar makes money buy getting you to use their services (such as their web site) and rely on their ranking system and advice all of which comes through in this book. Morningstar's 5-Star ranking system can create some of the problems Hot Top 10 Funds lists create: they tempt everyone into thinking if it's a 5-star fund it HAS to be good so why not buy the hot 5-star fund that posted a 30% return last year? Why would anyone buy a 5-star fund with a 12% return? But not all of Morningstar's 5-star funds stay 5-star funds so you have to look past the hype when deciding for yourself if a fund is good for you for the next 5, 10, 20 years. The book was okay but be mindful of the Morningstar product placement. The Swedroe book gets my recommendation.

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