ET Books

Charles Baudelaire is a one of the finest French poets. Critics refer to his works as "les poemes obscures. If you like Edgar Alan Poe's style, you'll love Baudelaire. I recommend reading 2 poems in particular " La Beaute", and "L'ennemi".

If you are a bilingual reader, I'd recommend buying "Contes Francais". This is, again, a dual-language book with chosen stories from Voltaire, Balzac, Gide, et Camus...

Les Fleurs du Mal is a bittersweet compilation of poems by Charles Baudelaire, the master of forlorn sentiments who lived in Paris around 1850. Unique to his style is a juxtaposition of the realm of nature with that of the modern city (Paris). Baudelaire, like Gaugin, was one of the few artists of his cohort who had traveled out of his usual frame of reference (from Paris to the islands of La Reunion and back to Paris again), instilling in his vision a lust for the exotic and for realms of simple enchantment. While many perceive his works as pessimistic, it seems to me that the elements of humour and sarcasm woven throughout his works reveal an underlying transcendence over any serious lugubrious entrapment. The French-English text here helps to expose what may have been lost or altered in the translation. Ultimately the poems and their English counterparts here maintain the glory of Baudelaire- dark and uncanny rhymes often intertwined with florid beauty and intimations of the untarnished. A timeless works, the Flowers of Evil is sublimely written.

Very interesting item! The best works by Charles Baudelaire in French original and in English translation. Except the great qualities of Baudelaire's poetry the value of this book is also in the possibility to compare original with translation. There are many academic disputes about translating of poetry. This book is a fine example of an effort to offer every reader a chance to judge for himself about quality of each and every translation. "Flowers of evil" are enough for five stars themselves. What to say then about this book which offers double-language edition of the forst modern collection of poetry and also some additional texts?

I purchased this book, misled (or perhaps just too hopeful) by its title and description, expecting that it would contain facing English translations of *all* the poems in Les Fleurs Du Mal. Imagine my surprise when I opened it up and found only 50 of the 160 or so poems! I hope this brief notice prevents other readers from making a similar error. If you want all the poems, or better still, the complete works, in translation, then you will have to look elsewhere (I don't have a current recommendation, but will post one when I do).

That said, Wallace Fowlie's translations of the 50 selected poems are very accurate, and worth having for that reason alone. These are literal translations (what we used to call "ponies," although I am not sure why, in school.) He renders every line, pretty much word-for-word, into good understandable English, making no attempt to create a "literary" or "poetic" version. I would use these translations simply to check my understanding of the original French, and can recommend them very highly to students for that purpose.

"All the bourgeois fools who incessantly utter the words immoral, immorality, morality in art, and other silly things remind me of Louise Villedieu, a five franc whore who, when accompanying me one day to the Louvre - where she had never been - started blushing and covering her face; and pulling all the time at my sleeve, she asked, before the immortal statues and paintings, how people could put such obscenities on public display" ~ Mon Coeur mis a nu (My heart laid bare)

The ministry of interior declared in 1857 that "Les Fleurs du Mal" constituted "an act of defiance in contempt of the laws which safeguard religion and morality" and both Baudelaire, the publisher and the printer was convicted on grounds of immorality, and all available copies of "Les Fleurs du Mal" was confiscated.

The courts verdict stated that whatever mitigating comments "Les Fleurs du Mal" might contain, nothing could dissipate the harmful effects of the images Mr. Baudelaire presents to the reader, and which, in the incriminated poems, inevitably lead to the arousal of the senses by crude and indecent realism.

"You know that I have only considered literature and the arts as pursuing a goal unrelated to morality, and that the beauty of conception and style alone are enough for me." ~ Baudelaire

The ban on the censored poems was not lifted until May 31, 1949!!

With "Les Fleurs du Mal" Baudelaire came to spearhead the Symbolist movement as a reaction against the prevailing naturalism in literature at the time. Baudelaire sublimated debauchery, spleen and hideousness to an art of studied elegance, but people often forget the wicked sense of cynical, black humour permeating many of his poems:

"I've just seen an adorable woman. She has the most beautiful eyes in the world - which she draws with a matchstick - the most provocative eyes - the brilliance of which is the clue solely to the khol on her eyelid - a voluptuous mouth - drawn with cochineal - and, on top of that, not a hair of her own - in short 'A GREAT ARTIST !` "

In Baudelaire's own words "A translation of poetry... may be an enticing dream, but can only ever be a dream" and therefore this dual-language book of "The Flowers of Evil/Les Fleurs du Mal" definetly is the one to get...

It is book from ISKCON. First chapter point out the dangers to health from meat eating. Second chapter deals with the economics and ecological implications of meat eating. Third chapter approaches this question from spiritual point of view. Fourth chapter discusses law of karma and points out that meat eating as leading sinful reactions. Fifth chapter introduces the concept of love of God and how it is practically expressed by cooking for Krishna, offering it to Krishna and eating only food offered to Krishna. Seventh chapter provides a collection of observations by Prabupada in this context. The rest of book gives recipes for various regions (Indian, Italian, Chinese, Mexican, French, Middle East). Appendix introduces to Hare Krsna Food for life program, list of ISCKON restaurants in Australasia and ISKCON Centers around the world. Narada got Krsna mercy by eating Krsna Prasad. That should explain the importance of the theme of book.

I am not a fan of recipe books and I am even LESS of a fan of celebrity cook books and I will only buy that that I think are worthy of purchasing and this is one of those books.

I will also add I am not a member of the Hare Krishna sect though I have great deal of respect for them, so this review is done based SOLELY on the content of the book itself.

I really like the arguments that are put forward in the beginning of the books as to WHY we should not eat meat, I still eat meat but I am going to try and cut down on it and then cut it out completely, not easy for someone who has "Carnivore" stamped on her butt. The book also points out that there are famous vegetarians such as Leonado de Vinci and Benjamin Franklin to name but two and that by going vegetarian doesn't mean you give up your lifestyle, you just improve on it, health wise and finance wise!

The recipes are great and really simple,it tells you how to make Ghee, and curd, something I wouldn't have dreamed of doing until I got this book and then it gives some very tasty and filling recipes such as green beans and tomato (yum!)Bengali Kheer (rice pud...Hmmmmmm!) mixed vegetable curry, (I'm dribbling here!) and many, many more recipes that will keep you busy and well filled for the whole year through.

This is very much an under rated book, people probably shy away from it because it is linked to the Hare Krishna religion, well all I can say to that is, you are missing out on a good thing, and I have no qualms about buying it for all my friends who come from all faiths, creeds and religious backgrounds.

After reading Bhaktivedanta's comprehensive teachings, I truly realized as to how beneficial both spiritually and physically a vegetarian lifestyle really is. I became a vegetarian after finishing the book which was in 1988! G.Lemmey

This is one of the best books I've read so far on this topic. It is short but very insightful, profound and informative. It provides not only the how, but also the why of vegetarianism, including several tasty recipes as an introduction to delicious Indian cuisine. Your life should be changed for the better after reading this book -- and implementing the recommended changes in your diet and lifestyle.

Everyone should read this book and learn why a sincere spiritual seeker has to become vegetarian no matter which paths he/she belongs to.

A gift from my wife, but I wasn't sure...
It certainely got my attention soon into the reading. Couln't put it down, but I had to take time out to eat and sleep...darn it! Managed to read it in less then 3 days
I am a 79 years old fashion guy, and I recommand this book to anyone who enjoys good suspense & appreciate excellency in writing techniques. A read again novel.

Linda Lane's debut novel, "Katherine's Song," is the perfect example of what her publishing house, Edit Et Cetera, promotes, family friendly fiction. This endearing story takes place in Colorado Springs, Colorado and centers around the journey of Katherine Kohler, who has just lost her beloved husband of many years.

After Edmund's death, Katherine is thrust into a role she never wanted-CEO of Kohler Long Printers. Adding to her burdens is a daughter's animosity and the unexpected appearance of Edmund's long-lost and decidedly nasty brother. Oren Kohler is hiding something, perhaps many things, but barely conceals his intense dislike for his sister-in-law. Katherine discovers Oren has a wife and child, whom he has "thrown away," and takes them into her house for safekeeping. When Oren discovers this, Katherine finds out just how bad her brother-in-law really is, and how strong she can be when needed. As Katherine works through the grieving process, she learns the business of printing, deals with the face of evil, and reacquaints herself with her family. She also discovers there is room in her heart to love again.

"Katherine's Song" has a few surprises, which the reader will find satisfying. The well-written text, at times eloquent, at times sweetly simple, will hold the reader until the end.

I could sit down to tea with Katherine Kohler; that's how well I felt I knew her by the end of the book. Oren Kohler, too, is a very real character-frighteningly too real.
This story moves at a good pace as Linda Lane escorts her reader on a steady incline, gently setting the plot. Before fully realizing it, I was caught up in suspicion and accusation and, at times even wonder over Oren, Katherine's devious, back-stabbing brother-in-law. Was he as dangerous as I had previously thought or was he being set up? Was the true antagonist actually one of Katherine's allies?
Katherine's Song is the story of a family faced with the sorrow and divisive strain of losing its patriarch; the strength of the human spirit that drives us onward; the inclination and desire to trust and hope; and the determination not only to face the truth, but the decisive action that must be exercised in preserving it.
The climax was both surprising and rewarding, and I was left with a sense of satisfaction at the unfolding of this near-to-life drama.
Katherine's Song gives new meaning to the term `family business.'

Katherine's Song is a story about families. There's a saying that we can't choose our relatives, meaning, although, we usually love those who share our blood, personality conflicts often put us at odds with each other. Katherine Kohler, the protagonist in the novel, is thrown into a midlife crisis by the death of her husband, Edmund, and a career change necessitated by a promise made to him-one she thought she'd never have to keep. On top of having to learn the ins and outs of running a printing business, there are other problems she must deal with. Her older daughter, Anne, is in danger of miscarrying her twins, and her younger daughter, Markie, is openly hostile to her, blaming Katherine for her father's death.

These trials might be tolerable if it weren't for Edmund's ne'er-do-well younger brother, Oren, the antagonist in this well-written plot. Without Oren, this would still be a good story. But with him forever wrecking havoc in the life of his brother's widow and children Katherine's Song becomes one of those novels a reader has trouble putting down. As the story progresses it becomes apparent Oren has few redeeming qualities. .

But if Oren's behavior tests Edmund's widow and children, he is also the conduit that draws them together. Katherine's Song ultimately ends on a happy note.

This is author, Linda Lane's, first novel. The book is well written with an interesting plot, and shows Lane's talent for story telling. This reader would love to see a sequel in the near future.

Katherine's Song is one of the best books I've ever read. It was full of real-life situations that drew me into the characters and the story. It touched my heart with its sadness of loss, its humor, its mystery, its romance and its ultimate happiness. This book, although fiction, shows how even though we all go through some terrible things in our lives, there are also joys. There is loss and there is gain. There is hatred and there is love. There are battles and there is peace. This book has it all. I loved being able to read a story that was not full of violence, filthy language and graphic sexual situations. I strongly recommend that anyone who loves a GOOD book read "Katherine's Song."

"An alternative universe that ... could easily be heaven ... absurdly elegant ... A beautiful catalogue ... Their creations bristle with audacity, kitschy deadpanning, boldly playful sexiness, and ... a tinge of mystery ... Exquisite."

This book is an excellent presentation of Pierre et Gilles work, esp as a first purchase of their masterworks. It has a great introduction that explains their collaboration which will be of much interest, exp to modern graphic artists who want to do similr work. The prints are gorgeous, and there is a nice variety of work, without including their more "hardcore" pieces to scare off people from appreciatin their work.

Pierre et Gilles are exquisite interpreters of campy glamour.Their sexy saints,their innocently looking yet sizzyingly sexy boys and girls, are like a sumptous glittering candy. I've savoured their work.

This beautiful produced book , accompanying a major exhibition at the new Museum of Contemporary Art, in New York, is a wonderful introduction for anyone to Pierre & Gilles beautiful & unique combination of photography and painting. I have been a fan of Pierre & Gilles for many years, and have enjoyed all of the wonderful collection of books published about them over the years, but this book was indeed welcomed because it has a lot of their new unpublished photographic paintings. Art critic & curator, Dan Cameron, gives a great overview & history of Pierre & Gille's photographic paintings as well as a complete explanation of all of the images presented in this book. It's very insightful and I learned a lot more than I knew before.

So if you are a true fan of Pierre & Gilles work you definitely should have this beautiful book in your collection, or if their work is new to you this is one of the best introductions to their talented and very unique photography.

These two artist are some of the most avantgard and ambicouis photographers of our time. With their representations of saints and their homoerotic pieces they have something for jsut about anybody. I recommmend this book to anyone who is looking to add a very different type of art to their home library!

The best arrangements Ive ever had the pleasure to read, enjoy and play to an appreciative audience! keep them coming Mr. Waldron "The Maestro"

I've played guitar by ear for many years, mostly hard rock. I wanted to expand my repetoire and improve my sight reading. This book helps, there's no tablature so you can't cheat. I've only started the book but there are many continued hours of enjoyment to be had here.

I learnt to play the classical guitar from books. After learning the basics, the thirst for playing more classical music intensified. Then I came across Mr. Waldron's books. His transcriptions and CDs were just the right combination for me.

The CDs are not just a reference source but also a pleasurable listening experience. All the pieces included are some of the best music I have heard. Obviously Mr. Waldron's expertise shines throughout the CDs.

I would give it 2 more stars for the sheer simplicity of arrangement.

Buy them. It would be the beginning of a lifelong romance with this versatile instrument, the Classical Guitar.

I own all 6 of the Progressive Classics Series by Mr Waldron for almost a year now. Throughout this time I have learned a deep appreciation for the guitar, and the marvelous melodies this magnificent (but portable) instrument could evoke. Book 2 is my favorite, mainly because it includes such powerful, meticulously arranged, but moderately easy-to-play songs like Bach's 'Air' and Pachelbel's 'Canon in D'. Practice and play these pieces well, and even the most doubtful critic of the classical guitar (like in my case, some buddies who are heavy into electric guitars) will melt and wished they could pluck those nylon strings, too. The other exceptional book in this series is #6, which have good songs but the notes go to the 15th fret so beware if you or your guitar cannot handle it. Oh, and the CD rocks, too.

The Progressive Popular Classics series have come to us from Australia and turn out to be some of the best of the genre. Each book is accompanied by a CD of the author playing every piece in the book. The CD alone is worth the price, as it is a compilation of justifiably popular classics written for or transcribed for the guitar and beautifully performed. The tyro should get Mr. Waldron's Classical Guitar Method, Book 1, but will enjoy this series of texts as something both as listening pleasure and as inspiration to practice and improve.

This book is wonderfully illustrated. Lynne Cherry's style is to put a large picture on
each page surrounded by smaller pictures all relating to the subject. In this book the
subject is the course of a river over time and the effects of humanity on its health.
The side pictures relate to the people and their lifestyle at the time. The text gives
relatively simple explanations of what is occurring on the page.

Ages 10+
Follows the life of a river from Native American time through present and details the story of human destruction of a river and the human renewal of the resource. Definitely a read for grades 5+ due to the "urgency" of environmental destruction*we don't want to scare the kids to help them appreciate the resource*

This book was given to me at age 12. I am now 17 and it is still my favorite. I will never outgrow the beautiful pictures, or the very important lesson it teaches. Every page is expertly laid out, with exquisite paintings depicting the river and the era being discussed. The message of environmental conservation and protection is inspiring. Lynne Cherry makes this vital part of our existence understandable to young children, and even adults, often the harder group to reach. I highly reccommend this book for anyone who wants their children to appreciate the world around them and learn that they can, and should, do their best to save it.

This is a beautiful book! The illustrations are breathtaking and it follows an almost "illuminated" type of text structure, similar to that found in "The Mitten" by Jan Brett. Each page is bordered by illustrations of items pertaining to the period in history that the page is depicting - the implements used by Native peoples, animals that live by the river, inventions of the Industrial Revolution, etc. There is much more to talk about on each page than just the environmental theme of the book. This book would fit well in units about Native people, progress/inventions, ecology, water habitats, etc. A must-have for classrooms, homes, and teachers

I used this book with my third grade class when they were studying the effects of water pollution on a large body of water. They had already studied Native Americans in second grade and this book just blended the two subjects together. The step by step portrayal of man's harm to the Nashua River helped my children learn about how they were harming the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. Lynne Cherry is a fantastic author and presents two great subjects that are highly interesting to children. Any teacher that teaches either Native Americans or water pollution should include this book in their lessons!

This is the 2nd copy of this book I've bought. The first was for myself and has been a great help with my rheumatoid arthritis over the years. Now that my daughter has been diagnosed with the same disease, I wanted her to have a copy for her own, not just my borrowed copy. Besides, I needed mine back!

The idea that we can take charge of our disease and make informed decisions, and especially, improve our condition through strength training is an empowering concept. The book discusses everything from diet to drugs to alternative treatments, with detailed instructions and diagrams on stretching and strength exercises that can be done at home and really make a difference.

I showed this book to my rheumatologist, and he was quite impressed. I'd recommend it for anyone with arthritis.

This is an excellent work on the alternative medicinal and
conventional medicine protocols for arthritis. Dr. Nelson
mentions various Vit C dietary combinations utilizing
orange juice, strawberries or grapefruit to provide Vit. C.
Next, the authors cite important anti-inflammatory combos;
such as, Omega 3 fish oil and flaxseed oil. Sunflower oil
has the requisite Omega 6 ingredients. Sulfasalazine and
methotrexate are important protocols for treating seronegative
spondylarthropathies. In addition, the lungs, heart and eyes
may be impacted by ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases.
For instance, Iritis may impact the eyes. Calcification of
the heart valves and electronic problems with the heart have
been noted. Decreased lung capacity is another important
resultant of ankylosing spondylitis.

The authors point out that Chronic Juvenile Arthritis stunts
growth. In addition, the SED RATE (sedimentation rate) and
rhematoid factor are the gold standard for blood tests to
detect arthritis. In my own experience, the MOST- micro-oxidative
stress test may be helpful in articulating the yeast component
as an aggravating factor in arthritic conditions.

The authors provide an important series of exercises which
may be helpful for arthritic patients. The physical therapy
training consists of moderate squatting, toe stand
(standing erect on your toes), moderate push-ups by pressing
the wall, back extensions by facing the floor and raising the
head, modified sit-ups, knee extension flexing, full range
motion employing light weights in torque motion, face flat on
the floor raising the back legs, the lunge stretch,
cross-over hips, placing one knee on the chair and standing
upright or erect, shoulder stretches and a host of others.
Dr. Nelson indicates that excess joint fluid is a sign of
inflammation. In addition, surgical intervention can be
helpful. For instance, an artificial joint may last 15-20 years.
Acupuncture helps to stimulate endomorphins and change blood
flow patterns. There is evidence that acupuncture relieves
arthritis, although there is less evidence for Chiropractic.
This book is worth the price. It provides important alternative
medicinal protocols for arthritis as well as classic physical
therapy exercises aimed at preserving joint mobility and
elasticity. I would supplement the exercises with Alpha
Lipoic Acid to enhance bodily elasticity. In my own experience,
Northern Polar magnets may be helpful if strategically placed.

I am the kind of person that is not going to buy or "buy into" a book unless it is supported by some reasonable evidence. If you're like me, then you'll love this book. It is based on a study recently conducted at the Tufts University. In short, the study used a program of exercise and nutrition to combat arthritis. The results? Pain was reduced by a whopping 43%!

Key to their program was strengthening exercises which have been shown in other studies as well as being extremely beneficial for arthritis patients. I am very pleased with books like these that offer sound treatments based on research. If you like these kind of books too and also suffer from back pain, I can recommend "The Multifidus Back Pain Solution" (available here at amazon.ca too) that is based on randomized controlled trials and involves only one exercise you do at home that strengthens your multifidus muscles found to be abnormal in many people with back pain. So start reading, start exercising, and start getting better!

I was recently diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, and I started following the nutritional suggestions in this book. I think it's already starting to help! Plus it tells you how to perform strengthening exercises for your aching joints. I am a big fan of Dr. Nelson's other works. I like how she explains the science and the applications. I plan to share this with my mom, who also has osteoarthritis.

...Extremely informative for all, regardless of your health. Miriam Nelson has done it again not only with her easy reading style, but with very educational and informative text. I'm going to send as a gift to a friend.

The Synopsis Quattuor Evangeliorum (Synopsis of the Four Gospels) (Greek Edition) is simply a must for Gospel studies - I suppose if one must they can get the Greek-English edition - but still you simply cannot see the differences and similarities between the various pericopes in the English - only the Greek will highlight the differences ranging from word forms, omissions, additions, tenses, etc. Every Bible teaching Pastor should have one of this on his or her desk!

As with all scholarly reference works, it is important to buy the latest edition. The 15th edition of Synopsis Quattuor Evangeliorum, published in 1996, not only contains an up-to-date edition of the Greek New Testament (based on the 26th ed. of Nestle-Aland) but includes as an appendix the complete text of the Gospel of Thomas (in Coptic, paralleled with English and German translations) as well as retroverted translations into Greek (supplemented with extant Greek fragments) supplied in the footnotes. As with earlier editions, the parallels are given according to the order in each of the four Gospels (resulting in some duplication), an apparatus supplies the important variants found among the Greek manuscripts, and references to relevant Biblical parallels are provided. Of course, if a Synopsis of the Gospels in English is needed, then the 2nd edition of Aland's Synopsis of the Four Gospels (with Greek and English on facing pages) is the best (but it also costs twice as much).

Prior to ordering this tittle (Synopsis Quattuor Evangeliorum, Kurt Aland)I would like to now: 1. It is written in greek? 2. Is this 13th edition the same than the 7th of Stuttgart? 3. Size of the page? 4. How many pages has this book? I will appreciate your prompt reply. Thanks.

This has all Gospels in parallel columns. Including John. It is the only Synopsis that includes John. And it's inclusion is extremely beneficial.

The wording in each column follows a pattern, where the words are orientated in the column to correspond to those same words used in the other Gospels (gaps are required in the text, for Gospel accounts with less text). This allows for one to easily see where the text is exactly the same in each Gospel. And where words, letters, or passages differ, or are entirely absent.

The Gospels stories are arranged, generally in order as in the Gospels, but organised into 367 separate pericopes. With some doubling of passages, due to the parallel text.

At the bottom of the page is the NA26's Apparatus Critcus.

Between the text and the aparatus, are quotes from all relavant Scripture. From Acts, Paul's Epistles, the Catholic Epistles, and Revelation. From Ralph's Septuaginta, the Apocrypha, all the Patristic writings, and non-canonical and Gnostic Gospels. Along with citations to "the 5th Gospel", that is, the Gospel of Thomas, which is included in this manual. Anything that correlates to the passage in question is listed. Not just the location, but the entire quote. You don't need to pick up anyother text to get the deepest understanding of the Synoptic Gospels and their textual origins. It is simply ALL included.

Idioms and figures of speech, or similar phrases from other locations are also cited and compared after the text to get the deepest understanding of the Biblical Greek language usage.

There are tons of appendices. One lists all the pericopes, in categories and page number. Another is an entire list of all the other Scripture cited in the manual, organized by text type, and where it is referenced.

Yet, another appendix includes all the Patristic writings relavant to the Gospals. Mostly in Greek. Some in Latin.

Still another appendix is the entire Gospel of Thomas, in the Coptic, German, a new English translation, and a Greek back translation. This Gospel is often refered to in the Synopsis for parallels with "the big 4", and can easily be referenced. The Greek back translation is quite helpful for one not entirely fluent in Coptic, and assists in comparison for the Coptic, to help one learn the language easier.

As with all books from the Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, It is of course of highest quality craftsmanship. Fine quality acid-free paper, stitched binding, and a cloth cover. A promise to be kind to the eyes, a work to appreciate, and sure to endure many years of use.

This is THE book for the deepest study of the Gospels, and of Jesus' life and teachings. The ultimate core of Christianity. It is easy reading, yet in minutes, one can learn a world of knowledge. It is truly amazing. This is by far the greatest book I own, or ever will.

Other versions are available. Greek-German, Greek-English, just English. However, other languages can be distracting, and are irrelavant to Textual Criticism. I recommend just Greek.

If you are somewhat familiar with Greek, then this tool will fascinate you. Sitting down and looking at the columns of Greek text for the four gospels side by side is a rare delight.

For textual criticism and comparative gospel studies in the synoptics or with John, this book is unlike anything else in my library. The binding and paper quality are superior as well and it's a great value in my opinion.

As a preaching pastor, I plan to use this extensively the next time I do a sermon series from the gospels. For scholars it is recommended by Gordon Fee in his New Testament Exegesis 3rd edition, which is why I bought it. Fee says you need this resource for gospel exegetical work. I can see why he says that after going through several portions of this great tool.

If you can-buy it!

My "aha!" moment in this short and not at all new book came when John Seed says that the refusal to change everything right now that we all have with the problems the planet faces is not from apathy but despair.

"Experience with group work has shown that this despair, greef and anger can be confronted, experienced and creatively channeled. Far from being crushed by it, new energy, creativity, and empowerment can be released."

"Thinking Like a Mountain" is an elegant tapestry of writings, poems, and observations which plumb the depths of Ecological Philosophy. This little book is a labor of love,crafted skillfully, with fascinating illustrations that convey the harmony, complexity, and uniqueness of the Natural World.

the Reoccurring Theme which is centeral to this book is that in order for Humans to be Balanced and Functional, it is necessary that they open themselves and learn to develop an increased sensitivity to the incredible diversity and richness of Nature. Within this context the Human Self, over time, becomes gradually transformed into the "Ecological Self" in an intricately and infinitely bonded universe within which the boundaries between Humans and their Ecological Selves become merged and indistinguishable from each other.

From the different, yet complementary perspectives of the three authors, the reader will come to realize that "whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons of Earth," and that Man himself does not "weave the Web of Life" but instead exists as a mere "strand" within this interactively intricate web.

This is a simplistic, yet profound, book of "Discovery," where we learn that Gaia is becoming increasingly aware of Herself, and the intricate cycles and interactions of her countless Life-Forms within the Global Biosphere. For anyone who loves Nature, and wishes to better comprehend the philosophical interactions between Humans and Natural World, this book will prove to be a rich resource for both Mind and Spirit. Elliott Maynard, Arcos Cielos Research Center.

Deep and thought provoking is how I found this book. Quotes and theories and musings upon how we are all connected and the impacts we have on one another on this green earth. Something in this book warmed my heart. Knowing there are others out there with incredible respect for even the most tiniest and seemingly insignificant creatures was very heartening. Other books that may compare are Machelle Wrights "Behaving as if the God in all life mattered" and any book concerning the spiritual community of Findhorn. I highly recommend this book to those of you who like a thoughtful read on Nature and spirit. Thanks Brenda Tataryn.

I read this book while sitting under a cottonwood tree at the bottom of the Grand Canyon (a "mountain lying down"). This collection of deep-ecology essays, teachings, meditations, and poems allowed me to experience my surroundings in a new way: "Every atom in this body existed before organic life emerged 4000 million years ago. Remember our childhood as minerals, as lava, as rocks? Rocks have the potentiality to weave themselves into such stuff as this. We are the rocks dancing" (p. 36).

This book's title is taken from the 1949 SAND COUNTY ALMANAC, in which Aldo Leopold warned us that unless we attempt to connect with our ecosystem by thinking like a mountain, disaster is inevitable. Stated differently by Thich Nhat Hanh, we must listen within ourselves to "the sounds of the earth crying" (p. 7). Contributors to this 122-page book include, among others, John Seed, Joanna Macy, Pat Fleming, Arne Naess, Gary Snyder, and Chief Seattle. John Seed recognizes that "nothing short of a total revolution in consciousness will be of lasting use in preserving the life-support systems of our planet" (p. 9). He reminds us that we are "part of the rainforest recently emerged into thinking" (p. 36). Joanna Macy observes that we touch the Earth by touching our face, by touching our brothers and sisters (pp. 60-61).

This thin book contains a mountain of deep thinking, including exercises designed to "help make us more conscious of our embeddedness in the web of life" (p. 80), and meditations to protect the Earth "from the blades of men unhinged by greed, prestige and authority" (p. 91): "Relax and breathe in, breathe in Mountain, I feel my rock-roots go deep deep down to where the Earth herself is very hot" (p. 80). Reading this book could change the way you think about your life. "When you think like a mountain, one also thinks like the black bear, so that honey dribbles down your fur as you catch the bus to work" (p. 39).

G. Merritt

The book is a collection of unique essays, essays with a single aim in mind - to spark a radical expansion of human consciousness. With a lofty goal as this, how does it fair? How deep is deep ecology? How vital is it, given the current massive environmental decline? Should we be concerned with the earth? These are some of the questions that will be tackled in this volume. To begin with, let us look into the text itself. Midway into the text, the reader is intentionally awed by an imposition of a radically different view of himself: "What are you? What am I? Intersecting cycles of water, earth, air and fire, that's what I am, that's what you are" (John Seed 1988, 41). The best way to characterize the text in a couple of words is - meditations on the earth. However, saying these words invariably undercuts the intricacy of exquisite poetic alliterations, metaphoric presence and a penetrating gaze, that the authors invoke on each page. Their work began in Australia, as a small grass-roots circle that held environmental rituals. They traveled, published, inspired, protested, performed, they traveled again. A journey of commitment to something beyond individual goals, their personal stories and essays seem more unified than a story of one man's life. The resulting book is filled with a sense of unceasing directed education, education that transcends classrooms and all conversation - powerful, meaningful words, cerebrally integral to the human being, penetrate the reader, and it is impossible to remain indifferent to the message.

I found this book to be an eye-opener to the battle of March 2, 1968. My husband was with B Company (Manchu). It hurts my heart to read of the wounded and dead. The Brotherhood of these brave men is beyond words as being a woman I don't think I could have gone through what these men did. The tragedy unfolds in this book very stirringly. The writer made me feel as if I was there. I would recommend it to everyone. In fact, I've already started recommending it to people I've talked to. I would like to thank L.D. James for writing this book and all the men who participated in their input because I know it wasn't easy to talk about since it brought back the bad feelings of the conflict.
RNTaylor50@yahoo.com.

for any one having an interest in the truth of THE Vietnam Experience for
the infantry soldier, this is the place to find it. I was moved to tears.

I read this book and enjoyed it. It shows the sacrifices that our soldiers made and still make even to this day. My uncle was one of these men and his account is a little different from James's and a bit more critical of a number of actions that occurred that day. His judgement and recollections of what happened is also more critical of the actions and comments that were made later by people involved in the days events. This book only scratches the surface of the events of this day. I thank Mr. James for writing this book and sharing with us the horrible events that accompanied these men and the unimaginable sacrifices they made.

James close up view of an "obscure" action in Vietnam is an engaging read. It benefits enormously from incorporating the information from the Viet Cong side. The brutal simplicity of the ambush and the fatally poor intel and security of the US troops is chilling. It serves as a microcosm of the war. It should also be read by those who claim the US never lost a battle.

Written with brutal honesty, but also with grace, sensitivity, and understanding, UNFORTUNATE SONS is a heart-breaking account of the ambush and destruction of Charlie Company, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment near Hoc Mon, Vietnam. Had James, a veteran-turned-journalist, not devoted himself to finding and interviewing survivors of the ambush, what happened that terrible day in March of '68 would have been forever lost to History. James has given the young grunts of Charlie Company the tribute they deserve, a book without hyperbole that tells who they were as people and what they endured as soldiers. Having located the former Viet Cong who planned and executed the ambush, James also affords the reader a rare glimpse into the enemy's side of the war, and he does so without rancor or recriminations. It is sad to learn that certain retired officers discouraged James from writing this book for the subject could not be more important and the author could not have been more fair. A great book from any perspective. Review by Keith Nolan, Washington County, Missouri, author of RIPCORD, SAPPERS IN THE WIRE, OPERATION BUFFALO, etc.