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My own experience in using the book with intermediate students in school ( AP Vergil ) would suggest that there is some resistance to moving from beginners' texts, which are self-contained, to the use of a reference grammar because of the time needed to locate items in indices or tables of contents. Bennett's New Latin Grammar meets this problem of the time-pressed learner by its concision, only 250 pages of text, with a good general index to topics. Concision with accuracy is the key strength of this grammar, as Bennett himself stated in the Preface to First Edition: "The object of this book is to present the essential facts of Latin grammar in a direct and simple manner, and within the smallest compass consistent with scholarly standards." This goal has been met and should be helpful in developing the habit of reference grammar use among students who have completed formal grammar lessons but who, on their own, still need to dig out unusual forms or to address less common syntactical structures. Bennett's Grammar will help less experienced Latin students climb the ladder to becoming their own best teachers in matters of syntax.
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"Our biggest challenge today is to discover and explore deep-down satisfaction. We must be properly grounded," the author says. We must learn to share; not be so self-centered Words on paper can start an idea but "it will always be the group meeting face-to-face that gets things done."
The idea, prevalent today in our materialistic society, is that if one donates money that is all that's necessary; that it solves problems. The solution to problems is the same as it's always been, this book says - people helping other people. You cannot become successful without sharing with others.
This is a most interesting book to read. First, it talks about "you." And everyone loves to hear about himself. But it also stresses "you" in conjunction with others. That is what makes the difference, Bennett says, in one's being happy and successful and satisfied..
Everyone who cares about this country should read this book and think on the propositions it sets forth. In the very beginning of the book, Robert W. Miller, President of the Freedoms Foundation, is quoted. He says, "America was built into the greatest country the world has ever known, not through government control, regulation and handouts, bot rather through individual imagination and initiative. It has been the individual and not government that built this nation, and it will be the individual that will save it for future generations."
"Virginia's Bookshelf" by Virginia Sink
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Prior to the holidays, I received a great gift, a copy of the beautifully produced three-volume study A Land So Remote, authored by Larry Frank and Skip Miller, and published by Marianne and Michael O'Shaughnessy of Red Crane Books, Publishers, Santa Fe.
Creation of a successful publication of this magnitude can only be accomplished by many who work in concert, in this case scholar, editor, publisher and, of course, those who are willing to share their treasures with anyone wishing to turn the pages in this landmark study. Frank and Miller have devoted a large percentage of their lives carefully studying and painstakingly handling objects-some of religious importance, powerful images that were the subject of daily devotion, while other objects that served a useful function in the lives of hundreds of thousands attempting to make their lives easier. To the Hispanic, Native American, and the Anglo, these objects were an integral part of daily life-whether as an expression of their spirituality, their intense religious devotion-- or to enable them to perform certain physical tasks-- cutting wood or baking bread.
The authors, in concert with photographer Michael O'Shaughnessy, have treated each object sympathetically, whether it be a santo or bulto, or packsaddle or carreta wheels, with the same level of care, even reverence. The real joy is in seeing so many diverse objects fashioned out of wood and other materials in significant numbers. How often have we had the opportunity of examining page after page of images beautifully organized and described. The authors, of course, treat us to a display of work by lesser known santeros, as well as the most celebrated, notably José Rafael Aragon. Volume two devotes pages 288 to 377 to some of the most powerful religious images by Aragon and his followers that the reader will ever experience.
Since 1974, I have been a frequent visitor to New Mexico and have written a few books on the Anglo painters. After reading Miller's and Frank's essays, I said to myself, "I wish I had written these words. Both scholars write with conviction and authority. They also write in a style I have labeled "an easy read." They have organized their material so that it makes sense. You understand why the objects were created, who created them and importantly, how they were created. Happily, these objects, some still in the churches in Ranchos de Taos, Chimayo, Taos, and chapels throughout the Southwest, others in museums and private collections, have been "gathered" and presented to the reader and viewer in a beautiful and effective manner (I was tempted to use the phrase elegant but refrained).
All reviews of the publication praise A Land So Remote for its visual appeal, handsome photographs," fascinating account of the history and culture of Hispanic New Mexico," scholarship, a major contribution to Hispanic studies. One critic even suggested that, before being placed in a glass case [with other rare books], it might serve as a coffee table book. Never! If anything, it will be a banquet table book, and will be the scene of great feasts-visual and literary. But their words, like mine, fail to express the impact this handsome three-volume study will have on you-the participant. This study will, like the objects that it treats, transcends time. Secure your copy. I can assure you that it will never gather dust (although it will go out-of-print).
Dean A. Porter, Ph. D.
Director Emeritus, The Snite Museum of Art
Professor of Art History
University of Notre Dame
Larry Frank is remembered for "The New Kingdom of the Saints" (1997), while Skip Miller is curator and director, Taos Historic Museums.
With 842 stunning color photographs and 848 pages A Land so Remote surely holds the most comprehensive and accessible information on this subject. Many of the photos included are of rare objects gleaned from nine museums and a number of private collections. Carefully selected for the part each plays in this artistic corpus, photos are accompanied by concise essays that enhance knowledge while still piquing an interest to know more.
Volumes I and II beautifully present the growth of religious art during a period of over 125 years. It was a time when in order to undergird their faith Spanish settlers turned to santos, visual representations of saints. Thus was born an art form unique to America which once was of great import in churches, communities and homes.. Santos were, if you will, incarnations of the hopes and dreams of these immigrants.
"Rightly understood," author Frank remarks, "santos are a kind of 'liberation theology' written in the language of wood, plaster, and paint, an understanding of Christianity that empowers the poor to free themselves from unjust socioeconomic and cultural structures in the larger world and within themselves.
Volume III centers on wooden objects, such as tools, furniture, toys, and domestic utensils. These objects testify to the influence of the Spanish on the traditions of the indigenous inhabitants of this region.
Photographer Michael O'Shaughnessy described his task as a "...wonderful, often awesome, experience of having such close contact with material that radiates the love and importance that their makers brought to their creation."
Such is the case with readers as they leaf through the pages of these landmark volumes.
- Gail Cooke
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The main thing I got out of this book was improving the mechanics of my turns, plus the inspiration to work on my ollies and 360's.
I do wish I had gotten my hands on this book earlier in my snowboarding career. Might have saved me from a few faceplants.