The Book of Songs (Shi Jing) is one of the seminal works of Chinese Civilization, along with the Book of Changes (Yi Jing), the Book of History (Shu Jing) and the Book of Rites (Li Chi). All four of these books were already old when Confucius flourished, and tradition states that they were edited by him into their present form.

Old indeed they are, and virtually inaccessible even to those fairly proficient in Chinese. A mere knowledge of the Classical idiom is no guarantee of understanding them; The Yi Jing in its original Chinese is little more than a skein of characters strung together, each one of them generally to be understood on its own rather than as part of a sentence. The Shi Jing is a book of poetry, but it is poetry from a remote antiquity; it contains many words that occur nowhere else in Chinese literature, the poems usually don't rhyme any more (yes, Chinese poetry rhymes!) and no doubt some of the poems date back to an extremely remote shamanistic past in Chinese history. They are venerated for the moral message contained in them, and also for the spontaneity to life that they express - a quality that is prized so highly in East Asian culture. It is a taproot of East Asian thought, just as the psalms and Homer are for the West.

Which makes Waley's translation all the more amazing, in that he could actually produce a work that is so absorbing and edifying. Waley was something of a genius of translation; he never visited the Far East - he claimed it would ruin his impression of it - but he translated so much of the best of Chinese and Japanese literature, and he did it so well. Some of the items he translated have never been attempted by anybody else, and while there are other translations of the Shi Jing his is far and away the best one to read.

Those who are familiar with Waley's other works may find the book a disappointment, which is unfortunate. This is an extremely difficult work to translate, much harder than the Analects, to say nothing of the popular Chinese novels that Waley also did into English. The problem is bringing the material to life, and I feel that Waley did as much as could be done with it.

This book was, I believe, out of print for quite a few years. I'm glad to see it's back.

Axson does a fine job communicating why he cared for and respected Woodrow Wilson. His opinion of the President is favorable, but he also mentions the areas where Wilson stumbled. Most touching in the narrative is the section on the death of Wilson's first wife. Axson tells of Wilson's long hours by her side and quiet despair at her passing as only a first hand source could relate. I recommend this book, not only to the scholar, but to all interested in this fascinating, and influential President.

Waite attempts to trace the history of the Rosicrucians from before the publication of the Fama to his contemporaries. His style is very difficult to read, and the book reads like a doctoral thesis written in lavish 19th century prose (which is almost exactly what this book is). Almost every page contains footnoted references, which was the style of the times, and they are almost all in Latin and German. If you know German you will do OK, but a cursory knowledge of Latin is recommended if you want to understand any of the references -- translations are not provided by the author. Besides presenting his own theories, Waite examines efforts put forth by other authors. Typical of Waite, he all but calls them blundering idiots. To his credit, he is ruthless in presenting textual evidence and references for all his claims. This is a very dry and scholarly work, and unless you are truly interested in the subject matter, you should pass this one over. However, if you would like a good start to research the Rosicrucians complete with references to base documents, this is definitely the book to get.

A good and concise details of Buddhism

My husband and I are amazed how much this book has captured the attention of our 2 year old triplets, especially the "youngest" boy. In three weeks, he has memorized the first half of the book including the multi-syllable names of machines and such. Not only has this book heightened his fascination for these road building machines, but also he has learned the names and the meaning of what these machines actually do. This is great and I strongly recommend it for a fun and educational read!

This book relates the history of the Panama Canal. It describes how it was planned and built. It includes a political and economical background. Also it explores the health aspects of the project and its impact on humans and animals.

This books includes many photographs from this era. Some are clear, but many are not. It also includes an index. Although this book will be useful for children that are researching the topic, it will not be easy for them to use due to the vocabulary and low interest level. Buy if you need information on this subject.

Part of the Cultural and Geographical Exploration series by National Geographic.

Whether you believe that women should or should not be ministers and pastors, you should read this book, it may open your eyes, stimulate your mind and inspire your spirit. "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches." How will the Southern Baptist Convention and other Christian organizations that are opposed to women in the pulpit view this book? Will they have the nerve to read it? Dr. Griffin slays one of the sacred cows in Christendoom by attacking the arguments against women ministers. Just as Christians have used Scripture to support their denial of the pulpit to women, Dr. Griffin uses Scripture to support his argument that God calls women as well as men ministers and pastors. The book is brief and reads easily. It is redundant in its use of Scripture, however, Griffin does a good job of making his point. It is MUST reading for all women who have ever felt a Divine call and for all who question whether the call can be authentic or from God. Griffin says, "If, having considered Joel 2:28-29 and Acts 2:15-18, anyone still holding to the traditions of men that deny the gift of prophecy to women, let it be clearly understood that they themselves are the 'problem' for they have closed their minds to the truth of God's direct word, and it is a very tragic thing to have a closed mind!" Does Christendom have the ears to hear the truth or is she so mired in Chauvinism and tradition as to refuse to hear. None is so blind as he who will not see, nor so deaf as he who will not hear!

Reading this book about Calder's work makes me want to bend a wire clothes hangar into nifty loops and spirals ... just for the fun of it.

Calder's art is BIG TIME fun, on every scale from immense graceful outdoor sculptures to strikingly elegant necklaces and pins. The book shows the variety of his creations...tapestry motifs, silver and brass cutlery, campaign posters. Check out his clever pull toy for a toddler.

Mobiles is probably Calder's most familiar category of work, but his playful menagerie, including a kangaroo, an elephant, a giraffe, a big bird and a flock of origami-size birds is his most endearing.

Photos and narrative, together, convey the wit and warmth of the sculptor. They offer opportunity to meet Calder, his wife, and their circle of friends.

Calder, by fine example, inspires one to lighten up and love it. This book is written permission to do exactly that, be it, high brow, low brow or no-brow.

I had an excellent time studying Luke using the International Inductive Study method. This is a great source for making you study for yourself and not rely on what others have said about the Bible.

I enjoyed this book as it was used with my small group Bible Study. We read a chapter a week and then got together to discuss it. The book has very practical chapters for questions that all of us ask and then wonderful tips on how to explore further the chapter or grow from the principles.