THIS IS AN EXCELLENT BOOK, IT UNFOLDS THE TRUE HISTORY OF AFRICAN PEOPLE. IT DEALS WITH THE MULTITUDE OF DISTORTION AND HOW AFRICAN PEOPLE HAVE BEEN WRITTEN OUT OF HISTORY. CAUSE OF SLAVERY, RACISM AND WHITE SUPREMIST PROPAGANDA. HE DEALS WITH ETHIOPIA AND THE ORIGIN OF CIVILIZATION, SHOWING HOW THE FIRST HUMAN BEING ERECTED FROM AFRICA. SO IF AFRICA GAVE BIRTH TO MANKIND THEN IT IS LOGICAL TO ACCEPT THE FACT THAT AFRICA GAVE BIRTH TO CIVILIZATION. HE TALKS ABOUT ETHIOPIA, ANCIENT EGYPT, AND NUBIA, GHANA, MALI, SONGHAY, MONOMOTOPA, AND ECT. HE SYSTEMATICAL SHOWS HOW AFRICANS EVEN ENGAGED IN SEA VOYAGES WITH AMPLE PROOF AND EVIDENCE. THIS IS AN EXCELLENT, OBJECTIVE AND WELL ROUNDED BOOK.

This is the most excellent and comprehensive book dealing with African Civilizations as a whole to date. He spans the entire continent, using a time frame that spans to the beginning of civilization, and completely disembowels the Eurocentric view of the black culture.

A textbook-style study which challenges European historians. Details ancient Ethiopia, Egypt, the Moors, West, Central, and Southern Africa. An occasionally difficult, but excellent and comprehensive study. I consider this the foremost work in African history - it is for the serious student. For somewhat less comprehensive, but easier reads, look for J.A. Rogers, Chancellor Williams, Ivan Van Sertima, all whom have produced excellent works.

I don't know why or how but when I read out loud any 5-10 names of God, I feel God's presence. May be it was just me I thought. So I let my friend borrow it and told him to read it out loud during his devotion and he felt the presence of God as well.

It is a simple book, on one page it has a name of God such as "I am the friend of sinners" and one bible quote to back up the name, yet so powerful. I must be invoking something spiritual when I verbalize the names of God. I don't get it, but who cares, I simply delight in the presence of God.

I was in Chicago last year, when I first heard John Paul Jackson read the names of God. The Presence of God pervaded the atmosphere. Hundreds of people were deeply moved by the Presence of the Holy Spirit. I could do nothing other than fall to my knees and weep. I will never forget it.

When I learned that the book was available, I could hardly wait to read it. I regularly walk through my home, reading the names of God. As I do, I am aware that He comes to fill the spaces of my daily life as personally and powerfully as He did that Saturday night in Chicago.

I love to meditate on the names of God, because I am aware that as I do so, He is smiling and keeping a record of it. It is such a simple way to bring joy to the heart of my Heavenly Father. For me, it brings an immense awareness of His love, strength to my spirit, focus for my mind, and an increase of faith.

The author has identified 365 names of God and suggests that the reader meditate on a different one each day. When I pick up the book and begin to read, I cannot stop with just one. I usually do not put the book down, until I have read them all.

Five stars seem too few to rate how highly I esteem this author and I AM.

The content of this book brings to life the very nature of who God is. It is as simple as a few words a day and yet it is as deep & insightful as you allow it to be in your life. The choice is yours. God always meets you where you are. This book visually reflects the excellency of who God is, making it a joy to pick this book up daily.

(My only complete reading of Dubliners was from this version.)

1. What makes Dubliners so amenable to an annotated edition is that it is essentially an immediately accessible work of fiction - Joyce's only one, (the Portrait's a little trickier).

The multiple place and character references make up a significant portion of the narratives - lose these settings, and you're not left with the virtuoso, stand-alone subtle psychological complexities of either the Portrait or Ulysses to gnaw on.

2. Is it "Margaret Mary Allicott"? I forget the spelling. Apologies. A reference is made to her in Dubliners... Buck Mulligan refers to her in Ulysses as "Margaret Mary ANYcock".

Without annotations, what can you make of that? Who was she?

The annotated Dubliners points out that MMA was a figure of considerable religious veneration in Dublin at the time. Icons of her were to be found in many homes. She would drink only dirty washwater, and ate only the pus from her numerous sores:

Neglecting the body = Sanctity = turn of the century Dublin morality [! ]

The annotations permit you to enjoy not only the bizarre character of the Zeitgeist, but also appreciate the Buck's nasty pun.

3. My point here is that you can only appreciate these sorts of references WITH annotations. And you can easily imagine that the instances are numerous.

The pictures & annotations are not "a key"; rather they breathe life into a good collection of early Joycean tales.

4. A fun copy. And remember, these stories were originally read by people who DID understand the references and allusions.

The only readable version of Dubliners and heartily commended to all wishing to enjoy and appreciate these heartwarming yarns of a city's moral and psychological twilight: paralysis, disillusionment, and collapse.

Survey sez: "Marvellous".

The voluminous notes gave me a richer understanding of this work. The book is beautfully laid out and much easier to read than other "annotated" books. I wish the author's would tackle ULYSSES next.

I found several copies of the book, new and unused, for sale at Heffers bookstore in Cambridge, UK.

The drawings, photographs, and newspaper clippings provide a first hand sense of what Joyce's Dublin was like then. Like a mail order fountain pen, whose newspaper advertisement from Christmas 1903 is reproduced in the book. Maybe Gabriel Conroy bought one. I've never used a fountain pen - to me the advertisement is a subtle reminder of how distant Joyce's Dublin is from us now.

Warning - It's tempting to spend more time reading the notes and annotations than reading Joyce himself.

Frankly, it just got a little long for me. Steinbeck was---and probably still is---my favorite American writer. This book reminded me why: Not only for the beauty of his prose and amazing powers of description, but for his uncompromising integrity, loyalty and devotion to his craft. I learned a lot about this man, but also about the book publishing business and the literary world.

One has to tip his hat to the author for the level of detail and the research performed, especially his good fortune in being able to interview all three of his wives. Reading this after reading most of Steinbeck's major works, gave insight into what drove JS to write each one of his works and helped dispel any misconceptions about his political tendencies and whether he was trying to write "political message" books or not.

Most appalling was to find out how little regarded Steinbeck was among the literary critics in the last 25-30 years of his life, to the point that they questioned the Nobel Prize Committee's decision-making process once JS was honored with the award.

There is a lot to learn in this book. I wouldn't have minded reading a little less detail on some of the progress (or lack of) on some of his lesser works and some of his travels. But for the Steinbeck fan, this is a must-read.

For my doctoral research, which involves the history of coastal California, I wanted one big, clearly written book that was solidly put together but not clogged with footnotes. I found it here. Fifteen years of research, some of it with friends and relatives of Steinbeck's, went into this biography, which reads like a straight-up narrative of the writer's adventurous life. Though long, it reads quickly, devoid of academic jargon. Highly recommended.

I just finished this one this morning, sticking around in bed for an extra twenty minutes to polish off to last chapter or so. What a surprise it is to find you're at page 1,038 and never even tired of the length along the way. It's a tale of an engaging life told in engaging language that grabs your attention and keeps you thoroughly engaged to the end. What a life John Steinbeck had, and what a way to tell it by Jackson J. Benson.

Benson must have started with near a mountain of research to draw together such a complete picture of Steinbeck's life. It's a task that could have caught lesser writer's struggling much like Steinbeck did with the translation of Morte D' Arthur in an unfinishable Pandora's Box of a book. But Benson sees it through with apparent love for the writer and care for the detail. In such a private life of a fiercely guarded private man, it's amazing that Benson adds such a degree of minute detail along the way. You realize some of the details have to be largely anecdotal and especially anecdotes loyally told carry a good degree of fiction with them. That's just what makes this book so magical and passionate...a life well told and lived carries a large freedom of fiction along with it. I think that John Steinbeck would have had it no other way. Actually, he probably would have hidden away from anybody trying to capture his life in words. It would have been a horror for him, but thank God we have this book from Jackson and are left with Steinbeck's writing.

I made the Haj to Salinas on Steinbeck's 100th Birthday and heard John Jr. speak about his Father and had a little birthday cake to boot. I played a game with the neighbor's kid as he held Benson's paperweight of a book and ran from me as I chased him down. I responded with horror as he launched it flying over the fence landing splayed on the ground. The adult in me told him, we don't throw rocks and we especially don't throw books. But as I wiped the dirt and dust off of the book and later finished the last fifty pages with grass stains burned into the leaves of pages...I was glad. A little California earth to go with Steinbeck. A book well worn is so more sacred than one pristine. I should have thanked the neighbor's son for the unintended connection. Rocks against the earth will never grow, but books picked up from the ground...now that's a different thing. For all those Steinbeck-philes don't miss this book. For those who have hardly heard of Steinbeck, there's a good deal of life in this book. I urge you not to miss out on that life.

Now I'm off to chase my neighbor's son around the back yard as he carries "The Grapes of Wrath" to the end zone...spike and score.

Originally published serially in "The Saturday Evening Post," Fitzgerald's "The Basil and Josephine Stories" was probably underappreciated in its time--the late 1920s. Fitzgerald's mastery of prose and storytelling shine, however, in this collection of short stories. The book is divided into two halves, the first dealing with Basil (a fictionalized version of Fitzgerald as a young man) and the second with Josephine (a fictional young woman in America in the early part of the 20th century). We follow Basil through the adventures and misadventures of his early life as he searches for acceptance and meaning. Josephine searches for love and friendship, among other things. Both meet with success that can only be described as questionable. Beautifully written and suprisingly deep, this collection offers profound insight into the psyche of the Lost Generation. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in modern American literature.

this charming collection of stories written by f. scott fitzgerald follows the physical, emotional, and social growth of two characters at the turn of the century. Basil, the typical rebellious child, struggles to find some understanding of life, school, friendship, and, most importantly, women. fitzgerald details a number of episodes in basil's life starting with his childhood and following him through his entrance into school. i don't know if basil ever entirely grew up or learned as much as he desired, but he came as close as any man can. the josephine stories follow roughly the same time span, but tend to focus more on her relationships and her place in society as a young woman at the turn of the century. all of the stories are masterfully told and it is obvious why fitzgerald became such a well known and respected writer. his storytelling is unparalleled and his descriptive language and imagery transports the reader to a different place and time. i highly recommend this book to any fitzgerald fan, whether an experienced one or a not-so-experienced one. i think it a shame that this book does not get more recognition than it does, recognition that it most definitely deserves.

I really liked this book. And this isn't coming from some super-articulate adult. This is coming from a 14-year-old High School Freshman. It really shows you what life was like back then in the early 1910's, and how teens back then deal with the same stuff as we do, such as popularity, dating, cars, etc.

....especially during the first part of this book, and there seemed to be one misadventure after another, especially with his interviews, and I got tired of those too....and then it dawned on me (and I'm not at all certain the author would agree) that he was not only researching Steinbeck's life, but stumbling into parts of it.

Take his interview with Gwyn, Steinbeck's second wife. For me, what clearly emerged during the author's confrontation with her storytelling ability, her extraverted extravagance, and her occasional bullying, was that Benson was being made to feel exactly how Steinbeck would have felt, especially toward the end of the marriage. And the same with getting lost at times in New York, and feeling "out of touch" here and there, and worrying about bad reviews: I think the biographer actually became the subject of his biography a little, sharing from his own rather humble and introverted point of view what Steinbeck couldn't or wouldn't bring himself to write publicly about regarding his own private struggles, doubts, confusions. What a gift, all the way around.

This is a wonderful book--a real page-turner filled with delicious bits of information and satisfying insights into John Steinbeck's remarkable life and work. Benson disarms the reader with his self-effacing manner and unassuming style, but as he proceeds with the almost heroic story of how, over a period of some fourteen years, he researched, planned, wrote, and finally saw to publication his thousand-page biography of Steinbeck, it becomes clear that his virtues are not limited to modesty. They also include toughness, resourcefulness, and determination. It is a great story, and Benson has told it very well.

For any reader remotely interested in the trials and tribulations so frequently associated with writing a book, in this case a biography, this book is a must.
Jackson Benson spent fifteen years writing the definitive biography of John Steinbeck that originally began as a scholarly critique of his works. He was a young professor of American literature at a provincial university in 1970 and felt it part of his job to write about American authors: "I had no idea of writing a biography or of spending a major portion of my life doing so. No one in his right mind sets out to spend fifteen years researching and writing a book-it just sneaks up on you." With this confession the reader is drawn into a wonderful account of his efforts to "save" Steinbeck from what he saw as unjust criticism and general academic denigration.
The book is unusual for a variety of reasons. First, it is highly readable which is rare given the authors scholarly and academic credentials. Benson has a marvelous sense of humor and doesn't hesitate to spell out his own shortcomings and lapses that many times resulted in dire consequences of his own making. His original naivete and ill defined writing plan led to a variety of incidents that are described in a humorous and candid manner.
Second, the author doesn't hesitate to candidly reveal the myriad fears, frustrations, doubts and ever-present economic problems that dogged him throughout the writing process. In reading of his countless setbacks I am amazed he completed the book. His dedication, perseverance, resourcefulness and integrity are both amazing and heartening.
Third, this is a rare instance in which a biographer writes about himself. It is actually an autobiography of the biographer and is done with such grace and candor and style that it is as artful as the biography. This book stands alone as a masteful literary accomplishment notwithstanding its sister biography.

The book is a must have for writers, wannabe writers, researchers, or readers interested in biography, authbiography or the art and craft of writing. It is a unique insight into the writing of the definitive biography of a world literary figure whose centennial birthday is being celebrated throughout this year. The Joads would have been proud.

Teaching from this book is pure pleasure. It is well organized, up-to-date,and has excellent examples.

An excellent basic management book. Total coverage of the field. Great examples of managers from all walks of life and all colors.

the best management textbook on the market

Seldom has a book about spiritual warfare been as timely and relevant as this one.

I have read many excellent books on the subject, but this really is an absolute must read!

Spiritual warfare is an aspect that cannot be avoided by Christians, and wisdom in such matters is absolutely paramount to prevent us from unwittingly falling into Satan's snares and to protect us from Satan's onslaughts.

John Paul Jackson examines the parameters of our spiriutal authority in facing Satan and his demonic realm, together with the practical guidelines that need to be followed to proceed in such matters on a Biblical basis.

A number of real-life stories are referred to in what is a highly recommended read. All Christians need to access the information provided in this book. Kindest regards.

This book will redefine spiritual warfare for you.
You will find the material within is well written and easy to understand with timely prophetic words for the body of Christ in this season.

John Paul is a transparent servant of Christ, often highlighting his own mistakes, in order to teach us the right path to walk.

There is good fruit from this tree.

John Paul Jackson's teachings have changed my life! This book made me aware of foolish ways I had engaged in spiritual warfare. I changed them immediately! There is so much conflicting information about spiritual warfare today, especially about binding, loosing, and commanding the powers of the enemy. I had never felt completely comfortable with some of the ways I'd been taught to excercise my authority as a believer. After reading Needless Casualties of War, I went to the scriptures and asked Holy Spirit to confirm this to me. He did. Then I went to my knees in repentance. I was horrified at how some of my methods of prayer had actually empowered Satan to operate, by attributing more power to him than he has.

Now my prayers are not only more effective, but my relationship with the Father is more intimate. As I focus on staying under God's cover and listening for His instructions, He can send me on "strategic" intercessory assignments of His planning and not my presumption.

This book has actually saved many ministries and lives, who, like myself, had unknowingly thrown themselves directly in the sights of the enemy's artillery. I have given this book to many ministers and intercessors. They have thanked me for it.

Thank you, John Paul. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

If you want to explore the present state of knowledge about tigers in the wild and their real prospects for survival, this is the best publication available. It's attractively illustrated with photos of wild tigers, current range maps, and useful treatments of their history, habitat, populations, prey relations, conflicts with people, and conservation status in various parts of their range. The book's chapters are well organized and written by well informed scientists.

I couldn't put the book down and have only been surprised that it has received so little publicity beyond the professional ranks of conservation biologists. It's useful also for those considering a visit to areas where tigers still occur.

An excellent and thorough composition of research of the tiger and its conservation. A must have for ecologists or wildlife biologists interested in studying or working with the big cats. Very informative, written with a lot of data, statistics, maps and references - most informative for those with a scientific mind. Highly recommended.

Riding the Tiger is a fine conservation book. It gets into the technical part of conservation which few see. If you are interested in becoming a zoologist this book is a must.

I had read Stephen Hawking's Universe years ago, but when it was brought to my attention again recently I decided to reread it, something I rarely do. I have to admit, it fares well despite the passing of time ( it was written in the mid-80s). This is in part because it is one of the better and simpler introductions to cosmology and the history of the Big Bang Theory. It is also due to the charming personal details woven through the book by its author and relating to Stephen Hawking the man.

As most of those who follow cosmology probably already know, Stephen Hawking is afflicted with a serious neuromuscular disease. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease (after the baseball player who died of the disorder) had confined Hawking to a wheelchair by the writing of the book and has since put him on a portable ventilator. Having worked with people suffering with this disorder earlier in my career, I can attest both to the seriousness of the malady and to my surprise that the gentleman has survived as long as he has. Both facts make his intellectual achievements, the dedication of his caretakers, and his own personal tenacity for life very real to me and very impressive.

John Boslough, the author, is a scientific journalist. He appears to understand physics at least well enough to describe it for the layperson, and does so in a readable style. He also creates a biography that is flattering to the subject without diminishing the contributions of others to the field. The book is, however, extremely simple, more of a history of the development of the theory of the big bang and black holes than a thorough explanation of them, and the interested reader would do well to look at Hawking's own popular writings on the subject for a more thorough and professional point of view. My only complaint about the book would be that it does not contain any form of bibliography, a resource I always consider one of a book's most valuable assets. It helps the reader to find material for further study, and it also provides a measure of the preparedness of the author on his topic!

I'd recommend the book to any beginner who is curious about the Big Bang Theory, about black holes, the Theory of Relativity, the Theory of Quantum Mechanics, or about Stephen Hawking. I would also say that any person from junior high level or above would be able to understand the material.

This small book, originally written in 1984, was and is still revealing.
Firstly, on a personal level, Hawking admitted already at that time that "As far as theoretical physics are concerned, I'm already ... quite far over the hill'.
Secondly, it gives an excellent explanation of Hawking's contribution to theoretical physics (black holes and their similarities to the beginning of time).
Thirdly, Hawking has outspoken opinions about the anthropic principle (against), the universe of Eastern mysticism (an illusion), the many universes theory (not meaningful) or determinism ('Even if we do achieve a complete unified theory, we shall not be able to make detailed predictions in any but the simplest situations').

This booklet offers also excellent examples for the theories of relativity and quantum mechanics and contains Hawking's Inaugural Lecture 'Is the End in Sight for Theoretical Physics?'

Although this book is, from a theoretical point of view, out of date (no superstrings), it should not be missed.

As a non-science-type-person I read this book with the sense of shame and guilt that was customarily heaped upon purchasers of "Cliff Notes" by our school English teachers. This is a layman's guide to Hawking for people who are too intimidated to read Hawking, but as such it is a very good piece of work, and the discussion of the Big Bang, black holes, pulsars and quasars are well interspersed with aphoristic comments by Hawking himself.