The Neoplatonist Sallust more than likely wrote this work, "On the Nature of the Gods and the Universe," during the reign of the emperor Julian (361-63 AD). It may have been written in reaction to the rising tide of Christianity, in order to promote the pagan reforms of Julian. Nevertheless, the reader will find here a compendium of the Platonic philosophy, as Sallust comprehended it through the works of his predecessor, Iamblichus. The student of Plato will find several ideas to play with in this treatise; and the assiduous collector of Greeco-Roman literature could hardly go without this on the shelf. Although Platonism during this time was becoming an esoteric sect full of commentators bent on orthodoxy rather than free thought, Sallust's work is still unique if taken into context. "On the Nature of the Gods and the Universe," is interesting as a piece of religious propaganda and enlightening as a brief compilation of Platonic thought. Also included here in Thomas Taylor's volume are the wise sayings of Pythagoras as recorded by Demophilus, several hymns by the great Proclus, and five hymns by the scholar Thomas Taylor himself. This is a definite piece of Hellenism for the philosophical and literary enthusiast, and it is thoroughly recommended.

Written during the reign of Julian the Apostate, in the fourth century AD, when Hellenism made its last attempt to survive the religious forces which would soon end the ancient tradition of philosophical thought, Sallustius' brilliantly concise work attempts to argue in defense of the Hellenic religious beliefs without attacking the Christian source of the tradition's inevitable demise. Such questions as why the myths should be considered holy, even if at first glance they seem immoral, are explained in relation to their significance in the yearly cycle of life and death, as was still represented in the festivals' dates and rituals in Sallustius' own time (III)--perhaps here, one would gain from a further study of such festivals, though it's certainly not necessary. The no less important question of "in what sense, though the Gods never change and are as such constant in temperament, they are said to be made angry and appeased" is given such answers as "if by prayers and sacrifices we find forgiveness of sins, we do not appease or change the Gods, but by what we do and by our turning toward the divine we heal our own badness and so enjoy again the goodness of the Gods. To say that god turns away from the evil is like saying that the sun hides himself from the blind." (XIV). Also dealt with is the possibility of the transmigration of souls, which in keeping with what I believe to be the work's main theme, Sallustius addresses by analogy with all types of universal energy, which while being constantly redirected, are neither created nor destroyed (XX). Finally, worth pointing out are Sallustius' answers to why Hellenes considered sacrifice important (XVI) and why the virtuous are happy, both living and dead (XXI), both of which points I leave the reader to explore and enjoy.

Sam and His Cart w/audio cassette was a project collaborated by Arthur Honeyman and Sam Gholson. Aurthur wrote the story about his experiences of growing up with Cerebal Palsey. And Sam Gholson, a close friend of Mr. Honeyman, produced, narrated and composed the music for the audio cassette.

The story is about a young child named Sam who has cerebal palsey. Who goes through life dealing with his questions, why is he different from other children as well as being afraid of those of who don't know how to deal with him and the questions of other children who are naturally curious about Sam. Part of the soundtrack includes the voices of children asking Sam questions. Which I think adds a nice touch to the story. If you are interested in getting this book - get the book with the audio cassette. It breaths life into the story. A great story for children...

I am a bais relative of Arthur, he is my Mothers brother. I first read Sam and his cart over 20 years ago, and have read most of his other publications since. My first reading of "Sam" was rather unsettling, how could my Grandfather let my Mothers brother sell lightbulbs door to door in that condition? Why did he let him do that, and expose him to such possible humilation, and rejection?

My Uncle Arthur is a man that I do not know enough about or get to see enough, however 50 years after this story transpired, he still writes novels, lives by himself, takes care of himself even though physically confined, and is a true inspiration to the rest of his Honeyman Troups!

This book should be read by all children, it provides an excellent insight to the differences of humans and their condition's. Not everyone is the same, but we all feel the same things.

Hello Uncle Arthur, I hope all is well at the PPM in Or. Love William

In the future, China detains the leadership of the world; so they continue trying to discover the secrets hidden in the alien message that americans and japanese decided not to continue to investigate because of the great danger it presents.

This continuation of the book answered to me some questions I've made to myself about the story after finishing the 1st part.

Arthur continues developing some subjects that are still considered science fiction for no too much time; they are going to become real science.

It began at 2400 hours on January 1, 2000. Yung Ming and Tsu Lee, thanks to a single minute error due to a Y2K glitch, were able to penetrate the last barrier to SAMURAI, the Japanese government system in Hokkaido. Once in, Yung placed a "back door" for a man known only as SNEAKER before the cops got him.

In the year 2047 Dr. Susan Horowitz (from the first book) is now in her sixties. Continental China was now the world superpower. They had a lunar base on the dark side of the moon where they continued experiments from an alien message that Susan and all the governments had "agreed to forget". Everyone thought all traces of the message had been destroyed long ago. Using a computer called OCTOP, Yung Ming was experimenting (with his government's permission) with the message. OCTOP was now trying to MAKE an entity! It finally succeeded!

*** A terrific sequel to the first book. The ending was a huge climax! Then came a final surprise that made me smile with joy on the outside and fill with anger on the inside! In my opinion, the last two pages of the book are pure genius on the author's part. I can only hope there will be a Book III someday or some sort of take off. One word of warning to Readers, you will not totally understand what is happening unless you read the first book (the review and link is further down this page). For full affect, purchase and read Book One before this one. ***

Arthur Schwarts makes my moth water each time I read his supper ideas in "Soup Suppers...". However, making his recipes calls for more committment.

This isn't a book of elaborate recipies, just a book thats not for working couples who come home exhausted at the end of the day. That said, each recipe I have made from this book has turned out fantastic, a dish I would be proud to serve for company along with the many accompanyments he suggests.

If you have the time to make a nicer meal and the time to shop for good ingredients, or if you just want a book with fantastic meal ideas for when you are going to have company, this book is for you. If you are looking for a day-to-day cookbook and are too busy to make elaborate meals, then I would recommend Schwartz's earlier book, "What to Cook When You Think There's Nothing in the House to Eat" instead.

Soup is food for the soul, and this book proves it. The recipes are easy to follow, and produce the most wonderful experiences with soup you will ever have. I have had this book for two years, and it is the only cook book that I have used weekly, especially during winter. I highly suggest adding this book to your library, and I promise your family will thank you time and time again.

This is a must have for any serious dive

Diver panic and diver stress and two very important considerations in scuba diving and scuba instruction. If affects most divers to some degree, and this book teaches how to both evaluate and treat divers. This book has been an invaluable tool and it has helped me in my classes.

This book fulfills two roles: it provides a very good history of the Naqshbandi Sufi Order in general and it also looks in detail at the life of one of the greatest Sufi saints of the 19th/20th century Sayyedina Ameer al Millat Grandshaykh Pir Sayyid Jama'at Ali Shah Naqshbandi (may Allah be pleased with him) of Alipur Sharif, Pakistan, as a case study. It is a welcome first look at this great saint and also it gives detailed information on Naqshbandi Sufi practices and beliefs. It should appeal to all those interested in tassawuf and also of religion in the Subcontinent as well as to the millions of admirers and disciples of Grandshaykh, Hazrat Amir al Millat who was the Ghawth [spiritual helper] of his age. I gave it only 4 stars just because in style it is very academic and meant for the specialist student of Sufism and not for the lay-person; yet with a bit of application all can benefir from this book and discover real Islam from a Master.

This book contains a lot of subjects. But, its most important chapters are on Naqshbandi sufi practises, in my opinion. It gave detailed information about dhikr, lataif and muraqabat which formulated in the Mujaddidi phase. I cogratulates the author.

Arthur Dorros has created a book based on learning the numbers and at the same time some dance steps. Emily Arnold McCully has shared a very vibrant form of art that gives a true picture of the story. This book would be an inviting way for a child to learn how to count and learn about the art of dance in a humorous manner. It apprears that the activities in the book could be immitated in a classroom. The class could make character masks and role play as the book was read. One, Two, Three, read away.

"Here's the band-- they play and play. 1 osprey dances ballet... 2 toucans can two-step. 1 step, 2 steps." What a wonderful and clever counting book! Illustrated with lots of white space left to surround groups of bright watercolored dancing birds. All this with a double fold-out at the end, "The floor is shaking-- Keep it down! We can't stop. Let's dance some more! 1 and 2 and 3 and 4!". The rhythm and beat will surely make this book a favorite for any music loving toddler. You won't tire of reading this one over and over either. My 8 month-old and I thoroughly enjoy this book.

Three Ways of Thought in Ancient China is a book that opens the door to Chinese philosophy. Some of the writing may be familiar, such as Confucius while other lagalist writing sounds more Machiavellian. A good book for an introduction to Chinese philosophy, much of it reads like poetry.

This work is one of the very few great English language classics in the exposition of traditional Chinese thought. It is delightful reading. Its author, Arthur Waley, remains long after his death the premier translator of traditional Chinese and Japanese literature. The pleasure of reading this book for the first time, years ago, influenced me in great measure to complete a doctorate in Far Eastern Languages and Civilizations. Today, it is the first book I recommend that my students read as an introduction to traditional Chinese thought; the book gives a clear glimpse of the value systems of people in China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Singapore right down to today. Three Ways of Thought in Ancient China, by Arthur Waley, is a book not to be missed by any educated person. Enjoy!

A well researched mid 19th century histrory of two Ghanian Princes who are sent to be educated in Holland only to encounter the depths of prejudice, a prejudice which is unspoken but a governing fact. Truly accepted by a few, a novelty for many, with no one willing to acknowledge the truth. It is a miracle that today Kwashi Boachi has decendants who can know the story of their forebearer and be proud of him as a caring, sensive human being. While the early part of the book was a bit slow, I found myself wanting to learn the story of the cousins lives and the truths these lives speak to us.

Mr. Japin has succeeded on all fronts with a thorough and powerful chronicle as he assumes the voice of Kwasi Boachi, an Ashanti prince who embodies mockery for the sake and hope of belonging.

The world of Kwasi Boachi, though set in an era apart, stays true to the current reality of Black existence worldwide. You may be a Black prince. You may be a Black slave. At either extreme, you, especially as a Black man, remain far below the worthiness of simple human consideration, and as such can without conflict be at once Prince Nobody and Slave Nobody. Of course, this worldview of Blacks, while tightly upholstered, does not represent an uninterrupted fabric. No man-made construction could be so perfect neither in its evil nor in its goodness. There are right-thinking men and women of all colors who do not subscribe to lies and low thoughts on this matter.

Nevertheless, in the Black case, the fabric retains an amazing consistency under its disguise as an end unto itself. However, the real game is and has always been power and money, not color. Race, however, is probably the most convenient distraction used to establish a hierarchy complete with the areas of high and low pressure necessary for fierce winds to blow. How powerful and perceptive the author's summary in opening the book: Color is not something one has, color is bestowed on one by others.

Kwasi Boachi and his friend Kwame were, in different ways, blind to this fact. Kwasi makes the fatal mistake of attempting to prove his humanity to people who are impervious to believing or acknowledging it. His lifelong friend, Kwame, makes the fatal mistake of fully trusting a romantic notion of culture, not realizing that his notion was incomplete, consisting of only those cultural elements that did not threaten a broader power structure. Gestalt is ugly.

Look at how this tragedy played itself out in the book and think of today's dramas in parallel. Kwasi and Kwame discover that being Black means being treated extraordinarily - extraordinarily badly or extraordinarily well, but never simply as another human being of equal standing. Worse, while the bad treatment has its obvious ill effect, the evil of good treatment manifests itself so subtly as an undertone to a warm embrace.

What is the evil present in good treatment? Well, if a Black man is held up as a marvel, it is because of the shocking truth that a monkey can read, write, and perform human tricks. If he is congratulated, it is patronage that at its height of sincerity merely approaches the professional protocol that demands recognition of obviously uncommon deeds. At its depth see Tiger Woods and Fuzzy Zoeller for a prime example:

"That little boy is driving well and he's putting well," Zoeller said. "He's doing everything it takes to win. So, you know what you guys do when he gets in here? You pat him on the back and say congratulations and enjoy it and tell him not to serve fried chicken next year. Got it?" Then, as he was walking away, Zoeller snapped his fingers and added, "Or collard greens or whatever the hell they serve."

This is the sentiment that says, "Wow, the monkey plays golf like a champion!" and gives new meaning to "greens fees". Racial prejudice is a distraction, an effective tool for stifling productive exchange and maintaining artificial but profitable differences between people. The masses of white people who maintain this system unwittingly are not compensated to the degree of their cooperation. Their pay has traditionally been "Thank God you are better than the Negro". Hardly negotiable but yet strangely satisfying. And, by definition, Blacks aren't compensated for submission - these days taking the form of inferiority complexes and sham rebellions. Now, while we both argue, someone is smiling on our trivia and counting white, black, brown, and Green money in neat, non-discriminatory stacks.

Racism alone cannot defeat a people - not by far. But, we would be silly not to recognize it for what it is and for what it does. The Two Hearts of Kwasi Boachi is a telling microcosm, and, in that, is much larger than black and white. However, given the role of race in public discourse, I thought it worth taking time with the racial surface of this book.

This book has good examples to work off of for algebra.

Very good serves and fast to. Book looks like new!!