Sixteenth-century Reformation Europe was a tumultuous time during which many defining ideas of the modern era were formulated. The technological advancement augured by the Gutenberg press allowed the unprecedented circulation of ideas among a growing legion of literate Europeans. The writings of radical reformer Martin Luther were perhaps most influential of all. His opposition to the universal Roman Catholic Church fundamentally challenged the elites and their institutions. Along the way, Luther was opposed by the Church, the political powers of the day, and competing religious ideologies. Ink Against the Devil distills the major impulses from these debates that continue to resonate to this day. This book will appeal to both lay and professional scholars of the Reformation and its major players with prose that is accessible and free of jargon. Loewen directly addresses the debates between Luther and his many foes, including Humanists like Erasmus and the sectarian opponents found among contemporary Jews, Muslims, and Christians. Of particular interest will be a focus on anti-semitism throughout Luther’s published writings and sermons. There may be no other examples of this book’s scope in such a natural, narrative presentation.

Watch Jeffrey Pugh discuss his new book, Devil's Ink **Our sincere apologies. The web address listed on the back cover flap for following the devil online is incorrect. The web address is devilsinkblog.com, not devilsink.com. Future copies of the book will sport this correction. "What if Satan kept a blog? Blogging is a new form of communication, after all, and evil has always been keen on using new means of propaganda to accomplish its purposes. "Of course, evil is elusive—difficult to discern and more difficult to define. Still, since ancient writers first put the Satan figure into the story of Job, or the serpent into the story of creation, evil has been the subject of much of our greatest literature, from fiction to philosophy. This vast output is testimony to the fact that the mystery of evil perplexes and puzzles us, creates daily struggles for us, and continually scars our existence. If we can imagine intentionality behind all the evil in the world—not hard to do—then the image of Satan blogging to his minions and to all interested parties about the contemporary ways and means of evil is not much of a stretch at all." —From the Preface Jeffrey Pugh writes not about our personal relationship with sin but about the forces and ideas to which humans give their lives, with great material effect on the world. He explores how evil embeds itself structurally in human life and how that can bring us misery and frustration. But he writes in a playful way that makes such reflections accessible to a broad spectrum of readers. Check out the Devil's blog! devilsinkblog.com

Nothing beats a natural swimming hole for cooling off on a scorching summer day in Texas. Cold, clear spring water, big old shade trees, and a quiet stretch of beach or lawn offer the perfect excuse to pack a cooler and head out with family and friends to the nearest natural oasis. Whether you're looking for a quick getaway or an unforgettable summer vacation, let The Swimming Holes of Texas be your guide. Julie Wernersbach and Carolyn Tracy highlight one hundred natural swimming spots across the entire state. The book is organized by geographic regions, so you can quickly find local places to swim--or plan a trip to a more distant spot you'd like to explore. Each swimming hole is illustrated with an inviting color photo and a description of what it's like to swim there, as well as the site's history, ecology, and conservation. The authors include all the pertinent info about admission fees and hours, parking, and on-site amenities such as showers and restrooms. They also offer tips for planning your trips and lists of the swimming holes that are most welcoming to families and pets. So when the temperature tops 100 and there's nothing but traffic in sight, take a detour down the backroads and swim, sunbathe, revel, and relax in the swimming holes of Texas.

The most comprehensive, map-packed guide available for Texas walkers, hikers, and backpackers.