Reading these poems will make you understand why Mandelstam is so highly regarded. All 50 are well-translated works of genius. It has the best version of his (suicidal) lampoon of Stalin that I have read in translation. Reading these will make you hungry for more of his work.

It should be said right at the beginning: Mandelstam is perhaps the best 20th century poet. Joseph Brodsky maybe share his place, but Brodsky is also co-author of this book - he wrote great preface for it. This anthology of Mandelstam's poems is not perfect only because it is not a collection of his complete works. However, this is a book which contains some of his best poems. Both Mandelstam and Brodsky are great examples of how true are the verses by Marina Tzvetvaeva: "In this most Christian of all worlds/ All poets are Jews." The perfection of this poetry is an evidence of the fact how great poetry once was - not a long time ago. Unfortunately, today the world have very little poets even close to Mandelstam.

As a devotee of Oshun..I just could not put this book down. I have re-read several articles within the book. Some accounts will bring you to tears,while others will guide you straight to the river banks of Our mothers home in praise of her love for us. It is a must in your library Omo Osun! Ore Yeye O!

This work, a compilation of various pieces by a diverse group of authors, is easily the best single book on the Orisa Osun that has been presented in English. Not only are many different traditions (Ifa, Lukumi, Candomble, etc.) represented, but Osun's multifaceted presence is expressed through a variety of eyes - all sharing small pieces of a much larger whole. I was particularly impressed with the pieces by Abiodun and Abimbola and found the ideas presented to be fascinating. The book has several wonderful pictures, a great number of chants and Odu verses and a wealth of information. I waited for quite some time for this book to be released and it was well worth the wait!! I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about the wonderful Orisa Osun!!

This is the story of Hugh Koehler, scion of the St. Louis brewing family, and reputed illegitimate son of the crown prince of Austria. (Remember Mayerling.)
He grew up in society, attended Harvard, and then the US Naval Academy. Upon graduation he served in China, then in the Great War commanded a subchaser group based in Ireland.
He became noted for his incisive reporting and after the war, visited Germany, sat in on the peace conference, and then went via the Black Sea to Russia where he observed the fighting in South Russia during the Russian Civil War.
This period was the highlight of his life. He died at a comparatively young age in his fifties as did his father and grandfather before him.
Many of his reports on the situation in the Balkans read as if they were written ten years ago, not eighty, especially the conflict between Greeks and Turks.
Well written and well worth the reading. Belongs on the same shelf as the books by the British agents who operated in Central Asia during the same period.

This book follows an American Naval Officer on his assignment to observe the White Russian forces on the Crimean penninsula. Hugo Koehler arrives when Baron Vrangel is in charge and the war is winding down, but is not yet concluded. Interesting insight and observations are made; this book is a must for those with an interest in this part of Russian history.

I bought this book several years ago when the Kids were famous and popular. This is above all, the best book. The Kids wrote it themselves, and have loads of childhood pics of each other. It also talked about what it was like growing up, and how they got together. I've read the whole book several times, and I never tire of it. New Kids have always been #1 in my heart, and they always will be.

In most of thees New Kids books, the facts are not always accurate, but in this one they are dead on. This book was written by the kids, and tell each side of the story (from their point of view) It has some seldomly published pictues of the Kids and their famillies. Well worth the investment.

Well-researched and impressively compiled. For those interested in World War II history, this resource is definantly something not to be overlooked!

Out Of The Inferno charts the efforts that went into the rescue of Rabbi Yosef Schneersohn, during which six months of lobbying with countless political figures led to the eventual rescue of the Rebe from World War II Europe. Here are letters, memoranda, and documents detailing the efforts to rescue a revered man - and his trial, which continued even after his journey away from Europe.

This is a tour de force book on an extremely complex topic. Dr. Masci has managed to include something for everyone here. The new practitioner can use it for a guideline of good practice while the experienced practitioner can relate to the author's extensive experience and research. In addition to core medical data, Masci has included information on assisting patients to live healthy lives. This book crosses disciplinary boundaries, making it useful for all healthcare practitioners who care for HIV/AIDS patients. Bravo, Dr. Masci!

This manual is packed full of useful information for primary care doctors, nurses, social workers and others who care for people with HIV but aren't specialists themselves. The case studies (it includes a whole section of them) are a particularly vivid way of conveying not just facts about an illness but an approach toward dealing with the people who have it. Only one caveat: Like most books on HIV/AIDS, it needs to be updated with the latest on protease inhibitors. But it still contains a wealth of useful information, from epidemiology to psychological support.

This book presents a distinctively different approach for prevention and correction of all unhealthy behavior. At any level or age, unhealthy behavior is primarily motivated by "pain in the gut." Such behavior is not only a sign that pain is present but it is also an attempt to get relief from it. A change in behavior, evidenced by renewal and recovery, will come only after the pain ceases to dictate behavior. Unhealthy pain in the gut can be corrected and prevented only by receiving and giving "appropriate love", which always initially comes to us from another person. Therefore, offering appropriate love defines and declares the purpose of every person, family, true friend, counselor, religious group and all renewal or recovery programs. This staightforward and simple approach was developed and successfully practiced by the author during his more than 40 years as a therapist, counselor, chaplain and pastor.

Addiction destroys lives. Kicking the addiction can help repair the destruction and give new hope for the future. Sadly, too many people fail in their bid to find that new life. However, those programs that have God and faith at their center succeed where so many others do not. Joseph C. Way's book, A Pain in the Gut, shows how to put God and faith at the center of a recovery program to kick the habit and kick it for good. If you or someone you love needs to find that new path, give A Pain in the Gut a try. It may be the key to open that new door.

I've read much of what has been written about Mayan ceramics and can say with confidence that this is the best book on the subject ever written. The essays in it, by top professionals, discuss the forms and functions of the ceramics, the meaning of their calligraphy, their basic themes and the places particular styles of ceramics come from. Indeed, if you read it carefully and more than once, you too will be able to decipher the principal inscriptions even on pots that are not in the book. There are hundreds of full-color photographs of Mayan ceramic vases and plates in this book. These vases are decorated with pictures of formed the greatest Pre-Columbian civilization. These ceramics depict Mayan textile design, Mayan hair-dressing, Mayan head-dresses, Mayan ceramics (within the ceramic paintings), Mayan concepts of design and of the other worlds below this one. From them we learn of Mayan myth,Mayan ritual, Mayan daily life, and Mayan art. Leaving aside the great monumental art of sculpture and stucco that adorned major structures, leaving aside the structures themselves, and giving credit for a host of varieties of artistic representations ranging from the Tsimshian to the Moche... I think it is an absolute fact that the art that appears on Mayan ceramics is the best that America ever created prior to Columbus and arguably the best... period. This book discusses, describes, depicts and defends that incredible artistic legacy better than any other ever did.

This handsome book covers a wide range of Maya ceramic imagery, and is filled with stunning photographs. The imagery is also broken down by catagory, and is supplimented with explations of glyphs. The accessible text that explores the mythology, culture, iconography, and hieroglyphics on and related to the ceramics. The information is thorough without being overly specialized.

This book is probably the definitive study on pallidal surgery for PD and other movement disorders - coedited by two of the giants in the field. Although a pretty advanced read for the resident level (for cover to cover reading), it is great for reference and for a review of the history of pallidal surgery. This book is directed at practicing neurosurgeons and a specialists in movement disorders.

Comprehensive discussion of physiology and clinical manifestations of PD as well as different approaches to pallidotomy (target selection), microelectrode recording, DBS. Well written and reasonably priced

The is a wonderful book for intermediate to advanced pen and ink artists looking for a thorough explanation of materials and a great discussion of the methodology of creating fantastic pen and ink artwork. It is packed with a wide variety of examples that are sure to inspire you.

The book starts out with a large (almost 50 pages) and excellent overview of materials and tools. I love it that the author takes the time to discuss numerous brands of pens, inks and papers instead of just generalizing them.

The following section focuses on ink drawing techniques. There is a good discussion of gray tones, parallel lines, value changes, hatching, cross-hatching and patterns. Then there are a few demonstrations of brush techniques such as laying a wash and using white on toned paper. Mixed media demos mixing wax crayons and acrylic with ink are also here as well as scratchboard and practice exercises.

The basic elements of drawing follow, including things like texture, shape, volume, color, rhythm and scale. Next, drawing strategies are covered. There are no projects or any step-by-step techniques per se. Rather, the author shows you examples of his artwork with advice on his approach, concepts and techniques. I recommend this book for those with some pen & ink drawing experience seeking ideas, tips and inspiration. There is a good list of suppliers in the back.

Smith's surreal images and mastery of a variety of styles make this a book to enjoy for the artwork it contains as well as the instruction it provides.

Most art technique books are either entirely for the sunday painter or they are so elitist, you need to be a phd to understand them. This book works on different levels so everyone can enjoy it. The sections cover materials and drawing techniques. My one qualm is some rather lame examples of art. A little too conzervative for my tastes. This is ART, not woolworths!