This wonderful short work by prominent Czech author Ivan Klima could do much to provide insights and understanding into the heart of Prague: the Czech people-- their history, what they've seen and who they've become. If you haven't read any Klima, this collection of essays is a fine place to start.

Essay, A Rather Unconventional Childhood: "...I remember every detail of the day when I stood by the razed prison fence, which I had once understood I would never be allowed to cross, and watched as endless columns of Red Army soldiers, tired horses, exhausted people, dirty tanks, cars and cannon, all filed by, and for the first time I saw a portrait of Marshal Stalin, a man whose face I long afterwards associated with that moment, and I sobbed uncontrollably at the knowledge that I was free. As I watched, a German civilian was beaten to death, and a tank ran over a prisoner who too greedily flung himself on a pack of cigarettes someone had tossed on the ground, but none of this could spoil my mood..."

Essay, The Powerful and the Powerless: "The strength of the powerful never (or almost never) derives from some higher mandate, or from spiritual values, or because they had a corner on truth or wisdom, though the powerful may have tried to claim this. It comes only from a preponderance of strength. The strength is then generally based on the number of souls dominated, on the power of their weapons and on their ability to organize...

The author explores literature, journalism and trends among other things. But it is not a textbook. It is pure art.

This has been a great source of wisdom and inspiration for me and my family. We only wish that a new edition could be printed with actual stones. Even using common coins, the act of holding a question in mind and coins in hand, is very centering. Having thus cast the tokens it is easy, using this text as a guide, to interpret the Ling Qi Jing's answers to one's own questions. Each trigram reading contains a four-line verse and as many as four different commentaries (from three ancient sages and the author). Sometimes the poem is enough, and perfectly seems to address the question posed. But often the commentaries shed light on the poem's deeper meanings, and further clarify the "fortune" sought.

When I was introduced to this great book, I had only read Turgenev's "Fathers and Sons." I checked out a copy from the California State University, Long Beach library and began reading it immediately. I was enthralled throughout my reading by Turgenev's powerful descriptions of not only the serfs and their masters but also the nature surrounding them. It is an excellent book, and I always think of the places depicted in the book and the people.

I was one of the several record producers to be blessed with an opportunity to work with certain members of the Stoneman family and fortunate to have written and produced what is currently being hailed as possibly their finest album ever recorded. Originally recorded in 1978, I have just now released it for commercial sales to the public. It is titled: The Stonemans-Country Hospitality, and is currently enjoying good sales over Amazon.com's music site. It is a rare recording from an exceptional and legendary musical family. When I first received this book of their life story I sat down and read it without stopping. I discovered at once how little I knew of this family I had worked so closely with. It is a gripping story of the struggles they endured and obstacles they overcame in order to pursue their love for music and survive as a family in the process. Dr. Ivan Tribe has done an outstanding job chronicling their life history and has performed a service for us lovers of bluegrass and traditional mountain music which will place us forever in his debt. I am proud to have my album listed in the discography of this wonderful book.

mi tva e klasika,kakto i da gledame na neshtata vaziv si e vazov i e sramota ako nekoi koito e bg ne go e 4el,makar 4e to v teq vremena....be xora daite da si davame suport na rodnoto...

I luckily stumbled over Klima's books while living in Berlin, from where I made frequent trips to Prague. If you have ever visited Eastern Europe you will find some special enjoyment in reading this powerful novel.

Everything about this book compells you to read it until your head hurts. Then read it again, lend it to your friends and then demand it back to read again. The dialogue is obessive, compulsive and passionate and throws you into the worlds off the two main characters. You will swirl when they swirl and dive when they dive. This is one book I have re-read just to try and understand "how does the author manage that"! Brilliant, buy it.

A beautifully illustrated book. The story of Tahirih is told in simple terms and the powerful message of the equality of men and women. Her life was the point of light that cleaved the dark sky of the oppression of women throughout the world.

Tales of Ivan Belkin is the breaking point in Pushkin's creative work. It's the border between Sentimentalist literature and Realistic one. The characters are much deeper than they could be looked for the first time! Tales of Ivan Belkin are something about a JOKE OF GENIUS, don't you see that? They all are about things that were important for the author in this horrible autumn, 1830, when they were written. These things are family, friendship, and love. Each tale is full of love, don't you think so?

"Your book is certainly more helpful in terms of long-term practical information than most of today's introductory or finance principles texts." Professor Peter H. Huang,Ph.D., Professor of Economics, Stanford University "Admirers of The Tao of Love will surely be curious to see how Hoffman goes about transforming a common equation:that of monetary concerns and fear-based actions." Booklist

I want to know where in his writings does he treat fairly extensively the "acquiring of a second skin" as a result of being absorbed into the Gulag? I have found a very brief reference in the glossary of my old paperback translation from the early eighties. I know in years past that I read a more extensive treatment of this topic, but scanning of all his major works except August 1914 (which I have not read) and Cancer Ward (which I have read, but the local library does not have a copy) has not turned up this reference. Please someone help in this matter!