The telepaths were a danger and a threat - to a world grown monstrous. But the human mind can unlock a multitude of doors.

The Forerunners by Romain Rolland: A profound and introspective essay by Romain Rolland, exploring the concept of "forerunners" in the realm of art and human progress. Rolland examines the lives and works of individuals who pave the way for revolutionary ideas and cultural movements. The essay reflects on the impact of these visionary individuals and their role in shaping the course of history and human development. Key Aspects of the Book "The Forerunners": Cultural Influence: Rolland's essay delves into the influence of artistic and intellectual pioneers on the evolution of culture and society. Historical Perspective: The work places the concept of "forerunners" within the broader context of historical developments and the progress of human civilization. Recognition of Visionaries: "The Forerunners" celebrates the contributions of visionary individuals and their impact on the trajectory of art and human thought. Romain Rolland was a French writer, essayist, and Nobel laureate born in 1866. Known for his philosophical and historical writings, Rolland's works often centered on themes of culture, humanism, and the role of artists in society. The Forerunners exemplifies his contemplative approach to understanding the interconnectedness of human achievements and the legacy of visionary individuals in shaping the course of human history.

He details the contributions and the leadership provided by the Dutch Jews and relates how they lost their "Dutchnessand their Orthodoxy within several generations of their arrival here and were absorbed into broader American Judaism.

An in-depth look at the origin and evolutionary radiation of the synapsids. About 320 million years ago a group of reptiles known as the synapsids emerged and forever changed Earth’s ecological landscapes. This book discusses the origin and radiation of the synapsids from their sail-backed pelycosaur ancestor to their diverse descendants, the therapsids or mammal-like reptiles, that eventually gave rise to mammals. It further showcases the remarkable evolutionary history of the synapsids in the Karoo Basin of South Africa and the environments that existed at the time. By highlighting studies of synapsid bone microstructure, it offers a unique perspective of how such studies are utilized to reconstruct various aspects of biology, such as growth dynamics, biomechanical function, and the attainment of sexual and skeletal maturity. A series of chapters outline the radiation and phylogenetic relationships of major synapsid lineages and provide direct insight into how bone histological analyses have led to an appreciation of these enigmatic animals as once-living creatures. The penultimate chapter examines the early radiation of mammals from their nonmammalian cynodont ancestors, and the book concludes by engaging the intriguing question of when and where endothermy evolved among the therapsids. “Ever since Nick Hotton’s book from the 1980s we have needed an update on the biology of therapsids, and it has been Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan and her students and associates who through their bone histological work have made the greatest progress in this field.” —Martin Sander, Steinmann Institute, University of Bonn “Forerunners of Mammals is full of meticulous detail . . . [I]t also contains a number of excellently rendered illustrations of some of the animals covered in the book, and the final chapter is a discussion of the evolution of endothermy that anyone with a background in biology might find of interest. . . . Recommended.” —Choice “Forerunners of Mammals will take interested readers beyond the classic jaw-to-ear appreciation of therapsids, towards a deeper appreciation of the ancestry of mammals.” —Journal of Mammalian Evolution “This volume represents a state-of-the-art contribution to our understanding of the paleobiology of how mammals arose, and what factors contributed to their evolutionary radiation and eventual success. It is highly recommended for anyone interested in these topics, and will be accessible to readers with minimal background in bone histology and synapsid paleontology.” —Quarterly Review of Biology

The second novel of the Forerunner Saga trilogy by science fiction legend Greg Bear—set in the Halo universe and based on the New York Times bestselling video game series! One hundred thousand years ago. In the wake of the apparent self-destruction of the alien Forerunner empire, two humans—Chakas and Riser—are like flotsam washed up on very strange shores indeed. Captured by the Forerunner known as the Master Builder and then misplaced during a furious battle in space, Chakas and Riser now find themselves on an inverted world, where horizons rise into the sky and humans of all kinds are trapped in a perilous cycle of horror and neglect. They have become both research animals and strategic pawns in a cosmic game whose madness knows no end—a game of ancient vengeance between the powers who seeded the galaxy with life, and the Forerunners who expect to inherit their sacred Mantle of Responsibility to all living things. In the company of a young girl and an old man, Chakas begins an epic journey across a lost and damaged Halo ringworld in search of a way home, an explanation for the warrior spirits rising up within, and the reason for the Forerunner Librarian’s tampering with human destiny. Their travels will take them into the domain of a powerful and monstrous intelligence—known as “the Captive” by Forerunners, and “the Primordial” by ancient human warriors, this being may not only control the fate of Chakas, Riser, and the rest of humanity, but of all sentient life across the galaxy…

Enter God’s Story of Faithfulness to His People The Christian faith extends beyond our personal experiences, our individual churches, and far beyond our present age. This, for the Christian, is great news. When we become acquainted with the legacy of our Christian heritage, we connect our stories to those of the faithful believers who have come before us. This connection is precisely what Nathan Busenitz, Dean of Faculty and professor of church history at The Master's Seminary, seeks to provide. Based on the bestselling Fundamentals of the Faith, Forerunners of the Faith outlines the biblical orthodoxy that characterizes the true church. Busenitz succinctly identifies thirteen key lessons that capture the trials and triumphs of the historical Church, providing insights for how the ancient Christians responded to the problems of their day to become the pillars of faith we now consider them to be. Learn how your faith stands on the shoulders of giants like Athanasius, Augustine, and Wycliffe. As more than a didactic resource, Forerunners of the Faith serves as spiritual encouragement as we remember the legacy of God’s faithfulness to his people.

Little is known of the life and work of this enlightened Chinese sage. In this wonderful biography, the personality of this leader and the events of his life are simply and clearly portrayed. Lao-Tse describes how he came to the recognition of his own destiny, and how he then set about to fulfill his mission. The first in a series, this work was transcribed from the direct experience of living pictures taken from the Book of Life by one gifted to do so.