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Book reviews for "Allen,_James" sorted by average review score:

As You Think
Published in Paperback by New World Library (September, 1987)
Authors: James Allen, Mark Allen, and Marc Allen
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Want to change your world??? Change your thoughts...
This is the most awesome cassette. I had read the book. But this audio cassette is wonderful to listen to in the car during your commute, or in the house while cleaning etc. I listened to it every day for over a month and my life was transformed. I continue to listen to it from time time to keep me on the right track. Mr Allens voice is also soothing and powerful. The writing is poignant and beautiful. Enjoy. Your life can only get better and better.

"Mind over Muscle, Mind over Matter, Mind over Everything"
That quote is from Denis Waitley's "The New Dynamics of Winning" but it well captures the theme of this book. This book is about the power of one's own thoughts, the thoughts that we truly hold about what is possible, who we are, at the deepest level of our beings, to make themselves come true.
The book is divided into seven chapters, "Thought and Character", "The Effect of Thought on Circumstances", "The Effect of Thought on Healthy and the Body", "Thought and Purpose", "Thought as a Factor in Achievement", "Visions and Ideals" and "Serenity". In chapter 1, Allen writes, "(you) contain within yourself that transforming and regenerative agency by which you may make yourself what you will" (pg 25). One shapes one's own character by the controlled application of thought, will and action. In chapter 2, "...the outer conditions of your life will always be found to be harmoniously related to your inner state" (pg 32). People who love themselves, attract love from others; people who believe they can be sucessful end up causing their belief to come true and being sucessful. Skipping ahead to chapter 7, he writes that serenity is the effect of "see(ing) more and more clearly the internal relations of things by the action of cause and effect, we cease to fuss and fume and worry and grieve, and remain poised, steadfast, serene" (pg 85). When we come to realize that everything we want or fear has certain causes and that to a great extent we have control over those causes, we ceased to be frazzled by external circumstances because we sense a tremendous locus of power within our ownselves to shape our lives, to be the cause of those effects we desire and to stop being the cause of those effects that cause us suffering.
A great book that probably requires some unpacking by the reader given that it is so concise. Highly recommended.

Hits the nail on the head of the cosmos!
This tiny, surprisingly easy-to-read book by James Allen sets you on the edge of your state of being as if by surprise! Stirring, spirit to spirit talk that leaves your life story flashing before your eyes for your re-examination as you ponder its profound basic truths. Upon completing its reading, it left me speechless and in a state of awe (especially due to the fact it was written almost a hundred years ago) that it touched me very deeply at the fiber of my being.


As a Man Thinketh
Published in Paperback by DeVorss & Company (October, 1983)
Author: James Allen
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Inspiring and life-changing
I ran into this little book in a bargain bin. And what a bargain it was! It clearly shows how the workings of your mind have a direct effect on your life. Like the old computer adage, "Garbage in, garbage out", it shows how we sabotage ourselves with our own thoughts and further reduce our energy to deal with whatever comes our way. It also made me think of the people I have known who have inspired me or brought me down, what kind of person they were, and how they thought about life. Negatives will get you nowhere! Although I'm in my 60's now, I wish I had read this book as a teenager. The precepts in this book can only help you to be more fulfilled, successful, giving, centered, wise, and happy to be you! Buy this book, or even more to give away, because you won't want to let yours go. I just keep going back to mine. After reading this little gem, I got the book called "The Wisdom of James Allen, which contains 5 of his inspiring essays, including this one. We should share the word about this amazing and under-appreciated writer to those around us.

My Favorite All-Time Book, A Great Masterpiece
It is a joy to see there are others that found this book to be a Masterpiece. I found it right after I finished high school and have read it no less than 100 times. It is like an old friend who reminds me that my life is what I make it, without exception. It helped me learn that I could not blame anyone else for the condition of my life, I was sololy responsible and therefore only I could change it. I finished high school in 1984 with a C average (I thought I was quite stupid) and in 1997 I finished my Ph. D. in Computer Science with an A average. I believe the ideas that James Allen wrote in this short Masterpiece with all heart and these ideas helped me change my life, drasticly. James Allen was a very wise man, anyone could learn something from him! I will close with some of my favorite quotes from this Masterpiece, "You can not travel within and stand still without.", "There is effort and there are results, chance is not.", "Dreams are the seedlings of reality.", and "You will receive exactly what you earn, no more, no less."

An Amazing Book
This is one of the most wonderful books ever written. James Allen explains in his "easy to read" way, how we are the ones responsible for the present state of our own lives (not someone else or some circumstance in our life). As he says, "Circumstance does not make the man; it reveals him to himself". That's why two different people can see the same event and view it in a totally different way. He also stresses that fighting the outer circumstance or "effect", will not help, since the real "cause" is in our hearts. He makes it very clear that if we wish to change the world, we will have to start with ourselves. And a big part of the work, will be to realize that we aren't usually even aware of our thoughts (which means we don't know what we're asking for). If you truly want to change your life, for the better - this book is a good place to start. James Allen wrote several other books, that are sometimes difficult to find, but well worth looking for. "Out From the Heart" is one of my favorites, as it gives "more basic" instuctions for those of us who have a lot to learn about ourselves. If you like James Allen's books you may also like books written by Vernon Howard, Guy Finley, Maurice Nicoll (who studied with P.D. Ouspensky and G.I. Gurdjieff), and J. Krishnamurti.


The Wisdom of James Allen : Including As a Man Thinketh, The Path to Prosperity, The Mastery of Destiny, The Way of Peace, and Entering the Kingdom
Published in Paperback by Radiant Summit (08 September, 2000)
Authors: James Allen and Andy Zubko
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A great collection of inspirational reading
Although I was familiar with As A Man Thinketh, I had not read other works by James Allen. This book has five of James Allen's works that all provide insight into living life as a positive, productive person.

A Book to Hold On To
This particular anthology of the very best writings of James Allen is a testament to the truth of that cliché; "Good things come in small packages." The collection of five classic works by the contemplative Englishman, being only about 5 x 4 inches, is the ideal size for stuffing Christmas stockings, though it is entirely more substantial that the throwaway knickknacks and edibles that are usually found therein. It also rides unobtrusively in backpacks, briefcases and handbags, and will be equally inspiring and motivating to the carriers of all of the above. This is a book that cries out to be toted around; open it up to any page and you will unfailingly be greeted by a gem--in the form of Allen's digestible, clean, concise prose. It is no exaggeration to say that James Allen's was one of the great minds (and souls) of the nineteenth century. Opting not to utilize the convoluted and alienating language of some other great thinkers and philosophers, Allen-an exceedingly humble man who advocated simplicity in life-meant for his deeply valuable ruminations to be shared with everyone, no matter what age, sex or background. And it is true that his writings-on such themes as character, destiny, true wealth, spiritual development, the secret of happiness, serenity, suffering and the universal law of love-are as appropriate for the high-schooler as for the retiree, the ambitious business person or the thoughtful homebody. As well as one of simplicity, Allen believed in a life of self-discipline, self-examination, and a constant striving for personal betterment and harmony both within and among individuals. This involves, in largely simplified terms, refusing to judge ones fellows while at the same time reaching to better one's self-through the renunciation of personal, inharmonious will for surrender to the unfailingly loving and ever-present guidance of a higher power (or self). Lovers of the great author Leo Tolstoy's synthesis of the earthly and prosaic with the mystical and spiritual will appreciate a similar quality in Allen, who was an admirer of the former. Allen, perhaps even better than Tolstoy, demonstrates that there is no better place or time to become more spiritually beautiful, prosperous, loving, harmonious and happy than here on this earth and in this life. Peace, truth, prosperity, joy, wisdom and that vague, cloud-enshrouded 'Kingdom of Heaven' we have all heard of are not, Allen emphasizes in these works, conditions which await us after the completion of this strife-ridden earthly existence; on the contrary, they are qualities already present in abundance, here and now, not just around us but in us, waiting to be realized. We all need to be reminded now and then of the responsibility we have for our own happiness and destiny. James Allen-in this appropriately small, simple-looking yet densely rich book-illustrates how to effectively exercise this responsibility for the most fruitful results and rewards, both tangible and intangible.

Blessed is he who can control his thoughts...
We are all searching for answers on how to lead a fulfilled life. The answers are within all of us, but often we look elsewhere to try and find the answers through comparison and material possessions. I have by no means mastered the lessons taught by James Allen, but can see that with time, patience, and persistance I can be at peace with myself. This work is greatly enhanced with a goal setting plan. The combination allows us to create a plan and a framework to live by. The result is the ability to ultimately construct the fulfilled life we are all searching. This is not a read and put away book. One really has to think about the messages conveyed.


Eight American Poets: An Anthology
Published in Paperback by Vintage Books (March, 1997)
Authors: Joel Conarroe, Theodore Roethke, Elizabeth Bishop, Robert Lowell, John Berryman, Anne Sexton, Sylvia Plath, Allen Ginsberg, and James Merrill
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From "Six" to "Eight"
"Eight American Poets," edited by Joel Conarroe, is a fine anthology. The introduction notes that this book was "designed as a companion volume to 'Six American Poets,'" also edited by Conarroe. "Eight" follows the same plan as "Six": rather than anthologize a huge company of poets who are represented by only a few pieces each, each of Conarroe's books focuses on a relatively small group of poets, each of whom is represented by a substantial selection. Conarroe's approach allows the reader to get a fuller feel of each poet in the anthology format.

The poets of "Eight" are Theodore Roethke, Elizabeth Bishop, Robert Lowell, John Berryman, Anne Sexton, Sylvia Plath, Allen Ginsburg, and James Merrill. Each poet's work is prefaced by a substantial individual introduction.

There are many masterpieces in this book. Curiously, I found the most compelling poems to be those that focus on nature: Roethke's "The Meadow Mouse," Bishop's "The Fish," Plath's "Mushrooms," and Merrill's "The Octopus." Poems like these combine skillfully used language with keen insight, and reveal these poets to be true heirs of Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson (two of the featured artists in "Six American Poets").

Overall, I felt that "Eight" was not as strong as its sister volume, "Six." Although there are many poetic masterpieces in "Eight," there is also much material which, in my opinion, hasn't aged well. The so-called "confessional poetry" of some of these writers strikes me as overwrought. Some of the longer poems failed to resonate with me. I was particularly disappointed by Berryman's "Homage to Mistress Bradstreet," especially since I am an admirer of Anne Bradtreet's own work. Admittedly, this criticism may merely reflect my own personal tastes, but I submit it for the reader's consideration.

The fact that so many of these poets either wrote about each other, or pop up in the editor's introductions to each others' work, sometimes gives the book as a whole a creepy, incestuous feel. And the fact that so many of these poets committed suicide, had long-term mental health problems, and/or suffered from addictions further gives the book as a whole a rather morbid feel. On second thought, maybe this group of eight is a bit problematic!

Still, editor Conarroe has assembled an impressive anthology that I would recommend for students and teachers, as well as to a general readership. Although a mixed bag, "Eight American Poets" contains some truly enduring work by an octet whose legacy is secure.

Great anthology introducing readers to.........
.........the best known and loved poetry of eight well-known twentieth century American poets. Includes well known poems such as Bishop's "The Fish", Roethke's "My Papa's Waltz", Berryman's "Dream Songs", Merrill's "Lost in Translation", Sexton's "Ringing the Bells", and many others.

Like Conarroe's "Six American Poets", the anthology introduces us to each poet with a short biography that is presented before the poet's work. We learn about their lives and come to understand some of the primary forces that have shaped their poetry. I have found that this greatly enriches the experience of reading poetry because I better see the struggles that lead to each individual creation. After each collection, Conarroe offers a list of books and anthologies where each poet has been published so that we, should we wish, can come to know the work of a given poet much better.

This anthology is a wonderful starting place for someone who, like me, desires an introduction to some of the greatest American poetry ever produced. Personally, I feel, after reading this anthology that I have come to truly appreciate the work of Elizabeth Bishop and Theodore Roethke, in particular. I had never known their work well, but suddenly each jumped off the page at me, Bishop for her wonderfully vivid descriptions and Roethke for his intensely moving subjects. Plath and Sexton also really spoke to me, their work so reflecting their lives. Overall, this anthology is superbly worthwhile reading!

An arguably crazy and wonderful flock of poets
Ah, a fine comparison and contrast in studies on the eight best American confessional poets ever. Kudos to the editor on a fine choice of poems, and candid biographies on each poet. Sylvia Plath, Anne Sexton, Allen Ginsberg, John Berryman, Theodore Roethke, Elizabeth Bishop and the other guy, here's to you.


Pellucidar (Bison Frontiers of Imagination)
Published in Paperback by Bison Bks Corp (November, 2002)
Authors: Edgar Rice Burroughs, J. Allen St. John, Jack McDevitt, and James Allen St John
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David Innes returns to Pellucidar for Dian the Beautiful
"Pellucidar" is the second volume in the Pellucidar series by Edgar Rice Burroughs, and find our hero David Innes and his scientist friend Abner Perry returning to the inner world. At the end of "At the Earth's Core" the duo had returned to the surface only to discover that Hooja the Sly One has substituted a Mahar, one of the rhamphorhynchus-like sentient reptiles that tyrannized Pellucidar, for Dian the Beautiful, the woman Innes loves. So the plan is to get back down there, rescue Dian, and if time allows end the exploitation of the primitive humans by the evil Mahars. The good news is that Innes returns to the inner world, but the bad news is that he ends up in a different part of Pellucidar where he has no friends and new enemies. This 1923 novel is stanrd ERB adventure, where the hero is separated by circumstances and bad guys from the woman he lives (in fact, it is very reminiscent of "The Gods of Mars," the second John Carter novel). But this is still before ERB was in his potboiler stage where the main game was turning out as many Tarzan novels as possible. What makes Pellucidar a bit different from the rest of the Burroughs fantasy adventures is the unique geography of the inner world and the prominence of smart guy scientist Abner as a supporting character (i.e., the brains of the outfit). If at all possible you want to pick up a copy of "Pellucidar" that has the original illustrations by Illustrated by J. Allen St. John, who remains by favorite ERB artist. The Pellucidar series consists of six stories, including a Tarzan crossover, and continues in "Tanar of Pellucidar," but these first two novels stand alone as

LlamaScout Like Book
Pellucidar continues the tale of David, the lovable protagonist from At The Earth's Core. It tells the story of his return trip to the fabled subterrainian stone-age land known as Pellucidar. Here he must locate old friends, reunite with his lost loved one, and face his all-but-forgotton foes.

Burroughs' writing is simply fabulous, and even makes the characters seem all the more realistic, though many of them are not even human, but sentient creatures who can exist only in the minds of great writers like Burroughs, and in the land known as Pellucidar.

Thrilling Adventures Inside The Hollow Earth
In the incredible world inside the Earth David Innes discovers a new frontier for Mankind. He strove to carve a civilization out of its Stone Age perils. But the kidnapping of the beautiful cave-woman-empress, Dian, made him drop his fight for advancement and enter into a still greater battle against all the primitive monsters of Pellucidar!

1st rate book!


The Ra Material: An Ancient Astronaut Speaks (The Law of One , No 1)
Published in Paperback by Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. (June, 1984)
Authors: Elkins McCarty, Don Elkins, James Allen McCarty, and Carla Rueckert
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THE TRUTH OUT THERE BEFORE IT BECAME HIP
The history of psychic channelling and channelled material has a long and checkered past. In the last century, at least in the West, the seriousness and quality of such work has been generally dismissed as something between a quaint parlor trick and delusional doomsday prophesying. In a broader historical context, however, channeling has been accepted for 1000's of years as a genuine means of acquiring valid and useful information. Consider that much of the Bible, as the divinely inspired Word of God, easily qualifies as channelled material. It is from this latter context that I view the RA Material. From an intuitive standpoint the information contained within this first book, as well as, the remaining four other books rings true. The channelled entity RA claims to be a higher dimensional being of collective intelligence with karmic connections to Earth and it's ensouled inhabitants. Essentially, the message is as follows: Long ago, Earth was selected by benevolent higher dimensional beings as a planet for the seeding of Life in all its myriad forms including humankind. These beings are members of an "intergalactic federation" of sorts comprised of various advanced intelligences with representatives from assorted civilizations throughout the universe. There "mission" is to oversee and nurture the development and evolution of other less advanced civilizations while not interfering with planetary affairs or indvidual lives to the point of violating Free Will. One realizes that at some point, the distictions between angels and highly developed extra-dimensional alien beings who watch over us with concern and care are rougly one and the same. Throughout history, they have periodically attempted to gently steer us away from the darkness of possible destruction and towards the light of soul development or evolution by offering wisdom and understanding through various means ranging from inspiration in dreams to direct physical contact. Their message is The Law Of One which states that the Creator is real, that the universe and everything in it is His creation, and that Love is not only also real but a powerful energetic force of Creation. We are all souls having a "human experience" over many physical incarnations for the purpose of learning truths which will allow us to move on to the next level of development in an endless jouney to become one with the Creator again. This is but a brief synopsis and doesn't do justice to the remarkable amount of information and specific detail contained in the five books. The books were written in the early 1980's, and the fact that a great many of RA's statements have come to pass in the last twenty years lends credence to the overall quality of the work and channelling in general. In my experience, this material is the best of it's kind, easily ranking with the Jane Roberts' Seth books. Read the RA Material and enjoy the feeling of wonder again and again.

Profound
The Ra material is the transcription of the taped communications between researcher Don and the entity RA, a being that is talking through Carla, often referred to as the "instrument" throughout the book (s), in a state of deep trance. The transcriptions are carried out by Jim and the three are always present during all sessions, creating a triangulation of light that allows for RA, a sixth dimensional being, that calles itself a "socialmemory complex", to come through and speak.

RA has choosen this group because of the purity of their intent and makes himself available to them for questions about the Universe, the Creator, the dimensions, Karma, the law of One and any other material that might aid people in understanding universal truths that might be helpful for mankinds evolution.

The materail is very esoteric and requires some concentration. However, it is well worth the effort, as it is enlightening, very precise, accurate and informative. The explanations around the shift in dimensions we are about to undergo on the planet, that Ra defines as the harvest, are devoid of hype and sensation. Harvest is a process that all beings and planetary bodies eventually encur, following physical/spiritual law just as eclipses do or the seasons.The science of the harvest ( ascension) is explained in depth here as is the chakra system and it's role in Soul evolution.

Also extremely interesting the explanation of the polarization of entities into Service to Self orintated entities and Service to Others orientated entities and the implications these have in the ascension process and the roles they play within the bigger picture.

A really deep read and well worth the effort. I have read all four volumes and I am about to tackle vol 5. I thoroughly recommend it.

The Ra Material & Law of One books
This "contact" is the only example of so-called channeled material to which I would give an unqualified endorsement -- if by "channeled" one refers to communication with another entity, not one's own subconscious or superconscious, nor "angelic" or hierarchical sources, while in trance.

Guaranteed to interest students of forteana, metaphysics, and matters of the spirit... But, to those of you on the straight and narrow spiritual path, a cautionary note is advised whenever the possibility arises of engaging in "spiritual gossip" that may accompany the "true teachings". And said Goethe: "Thought widens, but paralyzes; whereas action enlivens, but narrows."

Hope I haven't confused you too much with this electronic "contact". Happy distorting.


Standing in the Shadows of Motown: The Life and Music of Legendary Bassist James Jamerson
Published in Paperback by Hal Leonard (January, 1991)
Authors: Licks, Allen Slutsky, James Jamerson, Motown Record Corporation, and Dr Licks
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Inside the mind of a genius
While at one time he was simply known as "The Motown Bassist" to thousands of aspiring bass players around the world, including more famous and world class bass players than you can imagine, James Jamerson is now a legend of immense proportions. If you don't know who Jamerson is by now then you simply must get this book.

If you do know who James Jamerson is, then this book is a no brainer. Quite possibly the most influential musician of the past 50 years. If it weren't for him, the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and countless of others in the rock and r&b genres wouldn't sound the way they do.

The biography is compelling and I read it straight through over a several hour period when I first received this book. The lessons are difficult, and definately not for the beginner.

For a beginner who wants to learn classic R&B style bass playing I'd reccomend the Duck Dunn book (What Duck Done) followed by the James Brown book (Funkmasters). Donald "Duck" Dunn was the house player at Stax and has also played on countless classics from Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding and many other Memphis Soul artists. More recently he's played with The Blues Brothers and even Neil Young. His lines are much more straightfoward than Jamersons and are easier to learn. When you get through that book you can go on to Funkmasters and learn some classic James Brown grooves.

Finally, when you've graduated from those books you can take a crack at the Jamerson book, though I think it should be on your shelf from day 1 to give you inspiration, and so you can listen to the tracks with the bass prominently mixed. Just to get it into your ears, so to speak. You might also hear a Motown tune you think you can pick up and will want to reference this book.

James Jamerson, legend, towering genius of Bass, has challenged countless bass players exposed to his playing. This book will challenge you, it will push you, and it will humble you. Be sure to look for the movie and CD's by the same name in the fall of 2002.

A good book about a great bassist
This book and CD combination examines the music of James Jamerson, the studio bassist on most of the early Motown hits. Until rather recently, Jamerson was unknown to the general public and not widely known to musicians. Nonetheless, his playing was very influential and many bassists today consider his playing the gold standard of bass guitar in popular music.

This book is valuable as a reference for the history of Motown, but it is primarily a teaching tool. It is organized into three parts. The first 78 pages give a biography of Jamerson and put his work into historical context. Part two (17 pages) is a compilation of data: descriptions of bass equipment, recording facilities, accompanists, and discography. Also included in this section is a four page "Appreciation of Style" by Anthony Jackson that attempts to analyze the musical elements that made Jamerson unique. Part three contains 90 pages of transcriptions of Jamerson bass lines and accompanying text. The transcriptions go with the CDs described below.

The CDs and transcriptions are the heart of the set. The CDs feature Motown tunes with the bass lines played by over two dozen "all-star" bassists (e.g Marcus Miller, Jack Bruce, John Entwistle). Bass is on the left channel with instrumental accompaniment on the right. The bass lines are transcribed by the author and the transcriptions are accompanied by short bios of the artists who play the lines. The tracks on the CDs are interspersed with short interviews of people who knew Jamerson. The artists reportedly donated their services as a tribute to Jamerson and the bass lines and accompaniment were recorded in a variety of circumstances. Many tracks are recorded in home studios. The quality varies, but all tracks are well played and all are useful teaching tools. I thought the variation of sounds would be a drawback, but it is a very interesting part of the project. The best Precision Bass tones are not necessarily from the artists you would expect. (Not everyone tries to duplicate Jamerson's tone. Geddy Lee was approached backstage at a concert and contributed "Get Ready" on either a Steinberger or a Rickenbacker. Lots of fun.)

The level of the transcriptions is somewhat advanced. Transcriptions are given in traditional bass staff (no tab) and the rhythms will give your reading skills a workout. There are very few specific comments about fingering, right-hand technique, or damping. Yet the range of difficulty is from dead simple (beautifully rendered) line to lines that will challenge the most advanced player. (The challenge is rhythm and feel not lots of note or big stretches.) Beginning to intermediate players can use this book, but will benefit greatly by using it with the help of a good teacher.

One can quibble with the historical overview. It is quite readable, but doesn't dig deeply into any of the tough issues it raises (e.g. Jamerson's drinking and emotional stability, Berry Gordy's business practices). Since the focus is on the music, some of this reticence is laudable. However, one important musical controversy that the author fails to pursue is the question of the true credit for recorded bass lines in the era when Motown was moving from Detroit to LA. (Many tracks were demoed by LA studio bassists and then cut by Jamerson as well. There is still debate as to which track made it to the final recording. The question is acknowledged, but no new information is brought forth.) Another musical deficit is that there is very little about the interplay between Jamerson and other members of the rhythm section. (This is in contrast to the author's better-written (if slightly less important) book on the James Brown rhythm sections.)

Even with those minor issues considers, this is an extremely valuable book. It is clearly a labor of love and will be an extremely valuable learning tool for any bassist with the fundamental skills (or support) necessary to ap

An absoute must!
I owned this book once before some years ago, and, unfortunately, after my fellow bassist got "hip" to it being on my shelf, it disappeared. While I was happy to pass on the knowledge of James Jamerson's work to others, several days ago, I realized this is a "must have" for anyone serious about learning the art of developing fluid, yet inventive and distinctive bass lines. Hence, I have purchased another copy. Even a cursory analysis of the material presented in this book reveals that Jamerson was a master of the unexpected and the beautiful with regard to not only rhythm, but also harmony (check out his use of "passing" tones!). It also was enlightening to learn the depth of his musical background, including his work on the double bass - some of which occurs on his Motown work. Although my own tastes tend to lean toward "free jazz," James Jamerson's work, as presnted here, reminded me that the music - no matter what genre - always must be infused with the pulse of life to truly move people and transform the world.


Peter Pan (Great Illustrated Classics)
Published in School & Library Binding by Abdo & Daughters (January, 2002)
Authors: Marian Leighton, Allen Davis, and James Matthew Barrie
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I fell in love with Peter!
"Peter pan" is one of the best book I love. As like Wendy, when I was a child I loved Peter from my heart. He is a real child, never never grow up and know dirty or gain unnecessary wisdom.. I seriously wanted to fly away to the Neverland. I think it is very difficult to become an adult with innocence. The child grow up to forget how to fly and don't believe fairly or romantic things. So I hope I would be a child forever. I don't want to be an adult. I think this book is not only adventure, but also sad love story about Peter and Wendy. Wendy fell in love with Peter but he hoped her to be a mother. I wanted them to become happy. Child wants love but when he gets it, he is no longer a child. It is heartless contradiction. The last part of this story is very sad, I think.

Bittersweet
The book 'Peter Pan' by J. M. Barrie is a truly beautiful work. It is never too cloyingly sweet or too harsh, and the child's perspective of the world is beautifully crafted. It does, however, bring you along on a journey to the Neverlands, and perhaps for a little while we can be reunited with our dreams.

Although Wendy seems a little prim, she is sweet and motherly. John was offhand and brave, Michael was tiny and believing. My favourite character was, however, Peter. The author really outdid himself on this one. Peter's innocent cockiness and love for dangerous adventures endeared him to me at once. He still has all his first teeth, and his first laugh - what more could we ask of him? His frightful happiness in danger reminds me of my seven-year-old self.

The book retains a magical quality right up to the last page. The midnight scene where Peter coaxes them out of the window has always stood out in my mind; there is a kind of magic in an ever-young boy, small and innocently cocky and always up to some mischief. The ending of the book is very sad, for only those who are gay and young and light-hearted can fly.

Definitely a book worth reading. Adults, trust me on this one: you might think you're too old to read this book, but once you do you'll find that a piece of Neverland still resides in your heart.

Best Audio Book in my ten year search
Driving with young children in the car quickly convinced me that it was unsafe to not give them something to listen to. After ten years I have collected a large (30+) bag of books-on-tape. I have also loaned them to others and asked for opinions. Peter Pan (read by Wendy Craig) is not only my favorite, but also the favorite of my wife and most of my friends. It is excellent for all ages (4 to 80) and even most hardened teenagers. Humour, presentation, ... a prefect 10.


As a Woman Thinketh
Published in Paperback by DeVorss & Company (July, 1982)
Authors: Dorothy J. Hulst and James Allen
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Food for thought
The original of this piece "As A Man Thinketh" is a profound piece, but distinctly marred from a female point of view by the inextricably male casting of the reader. This book is a much easier to take read for me and I think for most women (though it would be as irritating for most men as the original was for most women). It is somewhat more subtly marred by the occassional misuse of a gender term - I.e. "womanly" does not substitute straight for "manly" in most usage without making the resultant sentence rather odd.

Other than this quibble, it is an excellent book and one I would recommend to anyone as nourishing food to feed your mental life.

Portable Pearls of Wisdom
This book goes with me nearly everywhere. I'd read it several years ago and it was helpful in getting me to get outside myself, and change my attitude a bit (oh, what a helpless victim of circumstance and other people's actions I'd been!)

Later, I ordered up several copies to hand out. When I was an executive, other women would sometimes come to me with complaints about who did this to them, and why they were helpless to change. Everything I suggested had a 'Yeah, but...' attached to it. Before I hit my mid-40's, I was caught in the drama, feeling responsible and depressed by their circumstnaces.

Then I started handing out copies of the book. I'm sure many thought I was nuts, but a couple have actually gotten the message.

I'm not a tough-minded broad, but a bleeding heart liberal who finally realized you can help a fellow working-woman to grow not by solving her problems, but by supporting her as she learns she can do it herself.

The language in the book (really a booklet) is based on "As A Man Thinketh", but altered just slightly for women. It is invigorating to realize that what is true for the gander is true for the goose.

Don't be put off by the style - "Woman is buffetted by circumstances so long as she believes herself to be the creature of outside conditions, but when she realizes that she is a creative power, and that she may command the hidden soil and sees of her being out of which circumstances grow, she then becomes the rightful master of herself."

Oh yes! So, here's the message - what you think and do greatly affects what happens to you. You aren't the victim you think you are, so move on!

"As A Man Thinketh" and "As I Think" are also available.

I recommend this book to every person out there.
This book has added a lot of richness and inspiration to my relationship with God. It is true that if one thinks negatively all the time nothing good will come out of his/her but if one thinks positively everything he/she does will yeild good results: this book makes it perferct and simple to grasp the concept. I will recommend "As a man thinketh" to everyone who is willing to improve upon their thinking process. I also believe that we are what we think. You will not regret spending money on it. I bought one for my husband and I keep mine in my purse for easy access and reference. God bless you.


Egyptian Art in the Age of the Pyramids
Published in Hardcover by Yale Univ Pr (September, 1999)
Authors: Dorothea Arnold, Christiane Ziegler, and James P. Allen
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Long Overdue
It seems that the Old Kingdom and it's works of art are many times overshadowed by later periods in Egyptian history. This book will go a long way in changing that. This book is beautifully illustrated and very well written. There are a multitude of sections going into many aspects of Egypt at this point in time. I would highly recommend this to anyone who wants to get a good overview of the Old Kingdom and it's treasures. It will be money well spent.

Wonderful Pictures
The aim of the book is to capture the many artifacts of the old kingdom. in this regard, its aim is not to be informative by being detailed on the old kingdom history - there are many books which attempt to do this.

having stated the aim of the book, i should judge it on the quality of the pictures: they are superb!! one of the best pictures i have seen, especially considering that they are indoor pictures! the grain is non-visible, this makes a difference for such a relatively pricy book.

Many of the pictures fill the whole page and this creates a striking image! It is a great buy if you want to collect good pictures on egypt!

One minor disappointment is that they omitted some of the most interesting pictures or artifacts of the old kingdom, which you find in other books. For example and most importantly the bas relief of king djoser at the ny metropolitan museum. yet, i probably know why..

Nothing lasts, but if it did, it would be Egyptian
This book is oversized, thick (560 pp), densely illustrated, and has a scholarly text that is fascinating and detailed. It contains photos of plenty of ancient art, mostly sculpture, and the large part of it will never again be available for viewing beyond the walls of the museums which have collected it. I recommend it for reading, from the library if you don't feel the need to purchase it. I also recommend it for purchase, because it is quite up to date from the standpoint of conventional Egyptology. Another great book for the coffeetable. Turn off Total Request Live and just read this.


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