This is by far Lew Welch's most intelligently written book and it was done as a graduation thesis for Reed College in 1950, when he was stil in his early 20's. This was an important time for Welch. He was still attempting to find his voice and was just then making his first contacts with William Carlos Williams. Later, when Welch became part of the Beat scene, he would look back at his own innocent days at Reed and try to recapture the excitement and importance of his explorations of Stein in his failed novel, I Leo. But this is not the voice of the hard-drinking, semi-messianic Lew that we find crowding out his talent in his later works; this is the voice of a subtle thinker saying (without the smoke and whistles of today's English departments) some important things about Stein. Considering the date, this is an amazing thesis. William Carlos Williams admitted that he had learned some important things from Lew's thesis, and it continues (now in book form competently edited by Eric Paul Shaffer--but please don't hand this perfomance to Shaffer--Lew Welch is clearly the star in this show) to remain of value for students of Stein's work. We only wish he could have continued to have written so lucidly and to have lived on to help us through some of the stranger developments of American criticism and poetry that now appear--unfortunately--to have become the norm.

Shaffer's stunner of an introduction, as well as the insight and organization of this book, made me see poetry in an entirely new light, as well as the brilliance of Lew Welch. Shaffer's work is extraordinary. I can't wait for the upcoming release of Shaffer's own work, PORTABLE PLANET. He is a very real talent!

Any one interested in the deeper mechanics of how our language makes meaning out of sound, and how sound itself is interesting into and unto itself should add this book to their collection. I have profitably reread Eric Paul Shaffer's introduction several times for his analysis of Welch's and Stein's interplay as artists and poets.

I use this text as a warm-up to communication theory, and most students enjoy it thoroughly. Watzlawick cleverly intertwines interesting anecdotes with basic tenets of human communication in such a way that the reader can't put the book down. When he or she is finished, the reader walks away with a better sense of how people perceive "reality" and thus explains the basics of how communication works between individuals. I re-read the book at least once a year and always find something novel to take with me, as well. I highly recommend it to anyone, but especially those interested in pursuing a career where communication is involved--and these days that means just about every career you can imagine.

Confusions are a must in our society today, such as he said that she thinks that I think etc, etc, but only the gifted and the well read human beings are allowed to toy with ideas in terms of manipulation and power. This is a must read book for anyone who thinks they have all the answers. QUESTION EVERYTHING!

this is a great book for a novice or anyone who wants to better understand the world around them. it is funny,entertaining,educational,and easy to understand! i thoughly enjoyed it and ordered several other books by the same author!

ILLUMINATIONS is 96 pages of inspired, joyous, loving insights. Each page contains a postage stamp sized abstract illustration accompanying a poetic affirmation which is only one or two sentences in length. This may not seem like much, but I just adore this book for its simple directness! I keep this book near where I work, and give myself a treat by simply opening it to some random page -- it's better than getting a fortune from a fortune cookie! As I do that right now, I read, "It's easier to pretend that you don't know what to do than to do what you need to do. You know what to do."

This little book is chock-full of spiritual reminders and thoughts for meaningful meditations. It is geared toward working on self acceptance in a busy, demanding world. The artwork in it inspires the eye, while the words inspire the soul.

I think I have given away a couple dozen copies of this book to people I care about. On the surface, that may sound a bit obsessive, but with it's simple subtle phrases, it changed my life. It walks you through remembering all the things that most of us desire and wish to have in our lives. The emphasis is on love, kindness, joy, and treating everyone with respect and compassion, most especially ourselves.

Note: This review refers to an additional book, "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made" by the same author that I consider a "companion" to this one.

In both these books the authors take us into the world of medicine as seen through spiritual eyes. The parallels between our own bodies and the Body of Christ are fascinating to say the least. Read, for example, how when one area of our physical body is injured an urgent call goes out and hundreds of thousands of cells respond by plugging the holes in the walls, protecting the weak, cleansing the area and rebuilding itself. Read also how the body responds when there is rebellion loose within it. The list includes the workings of: (Fearfully and Wonderfully Made) cells, bones, skin, motion, (In His Image) image, blood, head, spirit and pain.

The reading style is very relaxed and everything is explained simply so that you don't need a degree in chemistry to understand what's going on. A special bonus is Dr. Brand's focus on his life's work with lepers which is interwoven throughout both books. If you've got an interest in how the physical body works and how it relates to biblical concepts, get these books - you won't be disappointed. -- Moza

Paul Brand succeeds in getting the reader to more clearly understand the spiritual metaphor of the Body of Christ--the church. His illumination of the design and function of our body's organs, features, and specialized intricacies both inspire awe in the body as the work of a masterful Creator and bring new meaning to Biblical concepts, such as blood, breath, head, and suffering.

I have enjoyed reading and re-reading this book over the last decade. As a surgeon, I can appreciate Dr. Brand's sense of wonder for the human body, and as a Christian, I appreciate the parallels Brand and Yancey have drawn between the human body and the body of Christ. I enthusiastically recommend this book (and its companion volume FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE).

When I saw Paul Maier interviewed in a documentary on the life of Jesus, I searched for titles by this author, and when this book was listed, I immediately ordered it. I wasn't dissappointed.

Maier is a professor of ancient history at Western Michigan, and brings credibility and scholarship to a subject that is frequently approached with bias, often from polar perspectives. Professor Maier is one of the leading scholars on the writings of first century Jewish historian Josephus, and this book includes appropriate and informative references to this ancient source. As a student of history and an attorney, I found the book stimulating and thought provoking. However, the book most certainly does not read like a history text, and is interesting to both the historian and the person simply looking for some information on the historical context of the birth of Christ, his crucification and the biblical account of his resurrection. The book also examines the early church and the spread of Christianity. Anyone with an interest in these topics should read this work.

I very much recommend this book, and look forward to reading other works by Paul Maier.

This is a tremendous book which provides insightful analysis based upon hard facts. If nothing else, this book will get you thinking about the practical reality of the foundations of the Biblical message. The book provides a means of evaluating various Biblical stories from a unique perspective. While true belief does not require a foundation of historical fact ( from this world, anyways ! ), I found it comforting that many of the people, places, and events described in the Bible certainly could have existed as told. One of the more interesting themes is why God chose that particular time and place of human history to bring about the completion of the Old Testament Scriptures !

Maier is one of the significant historians of Christ and the apostles. He demonstrates his intense research into the topics by the simplicity with which he writes about them. He makes them so interesting. As an example to whet your appetite, I was astounded that there is actual historical evidence of "arrest notices" (what might in our time be "Post Office Wanted Posters) for Jesus' arrest.

What was initially three=volumes has now been published in this one, making for great reading and giving. You'll be amazed at the historicity of these events as Maier documents them for us in thorough classical research with footnotes and bibliography provided.

I love it. You can never stop reading this I have own this book since the mid 80's and I still find it interseting.

I received this book when it was just published, it was a gift. And this is the one book I treasure, second to the Family Bible. It is even fun to show the kids my name and all their family members in it. I think it is the best for anyone who is an Isham. Must have!

I purchased this book directly from the author after searching for many, many years. He is a truly lovely man who took over the research from the original Isham geneaologist Brainnard. Mr. Edward Isham has provided so much information in a clear logical manner, that it is quite easy to trace your roots back five generations in just a few minutes. I highly urge anyone who is an Isham by birth or marriage to buy this book as an heirloom.

It makes a wonderful wedding gift welcoming a new Isham into the fold, or a gift for a newborn Isham.

Beautifully written original profound philosophy woven into a delightful tale that creates modern day mythology.This is a must-read for anyone searching the maze of life.Filled with meaning and new thoughts on society,sex,religion,and slipstream love,Indian Summer could be the greatest book since The Lord of the Rings!Cornel again proves himself to be one of the greatest writers and thikers of our time.

Trish Stevens,writing for the "Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance" calls INDIAN SUMMER,The Return of the Myth of the Running Man,"...a page turner".She goes on to say "...you are barely aware of it until you are swept away and wonder how it happened.Cornell has conjured up a sci-fi thriller with a new sense of discovery through psychological and sensual explorations."..."The subject is multi-layered which establishes the story as science fiction,but like all good sci-fi's,it all seems real and very possible"...develops a theme that suggests a world like Shakespeare's Arden...and, as in '"As You Like It', the presence of gods and goddesses begins to be felt."..." Cornell weaves a tale that wraps around on itself,leaving the reader to wonder how it all began."Indian Summer" is definetely a pagan experiance which merges cultures into a new modern folklore."

The reader is transported through time,space and the astral plane on an adventure that explores pagan logic and the cosmic power of love.So-called sci-fi merges with historical facts about the history of religion and Shakespeare.The quality of Cornel's writing is so superb that the reader feels as though he or she soars into a sensual dream world.All this pleasure and entertainment combines with a deep philosophy of Nature and Mythology.It is a book of great value and meaning. Highly recommended!

Almost 5 stars!

This atlas gives exactly what it promises: The history of the lands between the German and Italian-speaking peoples in the West and the boundaries of the former Soviet Union in the East - in short: "East Central Europe". Not to be mistaken with "Eastern Europe", which can exactly be defined by the European area of the former Soviet Union, or Russia, Belorussia and Ukraine of today.
Beside East Central Europe, the atlas also covers the Balkans.

This is the best English-language atlas of it's kind at the moment.
Balanced history telling, which tries to present both sides of disputed topics, illustrated by beautiful - although sometimes rough - maps.
This work presents the finest of Anglo-Saxon mapmaking.
To be used together with the series "A History of East Central Europe", and to be compared with the "The Times Atlas of European History".

Review based on first paperback edition, 1995

From the Baltic to the Balkans and from 400 A.D. to 1992 A.D., this atlas colorfully covers the territory in the best possible way.

Researchers with Slavic, Germanic, Jewish, Greek or other ancestry from east central Europe will find this historical atlas invaluable.

It contains 89 wonderful maps which show useful details such as the Catholic diocese and archdiocese as they appeared in 1900, the tremendous populations movements from 1944 to 1948, Jewish settlement, and of course the ethnic composition of the region at various periods. Each map comes one or more pages of explanatory text as well.

I find this atlas to be a constant help in my struggle to understand the changing borders of the region throughout history. You can't understand family history if you don't have an understanding of the history of the family's place of origins. This atlas is an ideal way to better understand the history of east central Europe.

Excellent reference for genealogical research. A very broad collection of maps makes it useful for a wide rage of topics (religion, ethnic population distribution, politcal boundary shifts in a place where someone's always fighting over boundaries and control). A timeless reference....

The campus novel, written both by British and American writers, became a recognized subgenre in the last 50 years. Most of these books, produced by writers with academic appointments, are not very interesting. This book, however, is a real exception. This is simply the best campus novel and a devastating sendup of academic pretense and radical chic. In many ways, this book is also the best novel of the 60s as well. A key feature of this book is that Bradbury's characters are not caricatures; he is very careful to mix real elements of sympathy with his satire.

Hilarious book, with many shades of humor, from outright farce to gentle satire. Some home truths about academic life and radical chic mixed in. Wonderful characters and situations, but never wordy. Worth reading for the absurd staff meeting alone. I laughed out loud as I was reminded of similar afternoons in the company of not-so-learned colleagues and feckless students.

What a marvellous satire

This entertaining and informative book touches on the history of cats and shows young people the various ways cats communicate with their human companions. Readers discover that cats can have as many as 19 different ways to say "meow" and that their tails, ears, and whiskers play an important role in their communication with people and other cats. While much of the material is a wonderful introduction on cat behavior, the author talks about cats going outside freely at night (most humane groups advocate cats remain indoors for safety) and notes that those cats will eventually get into fights. She also mentions their eventual return home with bloodied wounds, but fails to advise the reader (supposedly young children) to get the feline proper veterinary attention. This was my only disappointment with the book, however, and it should not be dismissed on this one account, as there is good information in here for little learners.

Let's start simply and honestly, the same way these tomes approach their subject matter, and say these are the cat's meow! Jean Craighead George has penned two ultra-thin volumes on communicating with our best friends and felines, and each is a howling success. The Newberry Medal-winning author does what someone like Elizabeth Masrshall Thomas has tried to do in books tens of thousands words and pages longer and could not. Jean, by George, had found the winning ways to teach pet lovers how to chat with their four-footed pals. Her writing is sparse: "A lick is not a kiss. It is a statement that says you're a wonderful leader." Her advice is refreshing: "Growling is aggressive talk. Don't growl back. Dogs don't like that." As special as her words is the whimiscal use of arkwork: actual color photos of the animated author interacting with illustrations (by Sue Truesdell) of equally animated cartoon cats and dogs. (We just love the one of George on all fours, rubbing heads with a cat!) Four paws up!

I happen to own an earlier version of this book -- a paperback book with only black and white drawings. This book with charming and goofy watercolor cats contains all the useful and entertaining information as the first one but will be so much more accesible to children. It has helped us understand our inscrutable pets and to better meet their needs which is why we are here in the first place. A MUST for the cat lovers library.