I picked up this book for two reasons: (1) I'd recently seen the Matachines performed, first by a Hispanic troupe from El Rancho, NM, and then at Jemez Pueblo, which presents both Spanish and Indian versions; (2) my Ph.D. dissertation was on medieval drama and the relationship between its themes and major societal concerns. This study answered many questions I had about the origins and history of the dance; in addition, her exposition of the meanings it has to the different groups who perform it was well-researched and fascinating. Starting with the same basic material, and incorporating many of the same elements (costumes, dance steps, tunes, etc.), Hispanic and Native American people living within a few miles of each other have used the dance to express very different concerns: pride in the Spanish conquest on the one hand, and ambivalence about it on the other. Rodriguez is evenhanded and objective, and presents the various dancers' points of view without gratuitious comment; her descriptions of the styles of different performing groups are vivid and clear. This is a thoroughly scholarly book, but readable too, and the photographs are well chosen.

Rodriguez looks at the Matachines dance as it is performed in two areas along the U.S./Mexico border. She discusses at great length the different structures, presentations, and meanings of this ritual procession dance to the people of these two areas, as well as examinig the Matachines' cultural background. Other books on Matachines contain similar information, but most stop short of the depth and precision of Rodriguez's work. Matachines is an old and extremely complex art form, and Rodriquez successfully tackles the task of discussing days' worth of variations in costume, execution, characterization, and finally the attitudes and beliefs of individuals in both communities towards their cultural dance. The many photographs work well to demonstrate and enhance Rodriguez's findings.

If you love Chinese cooking, this sequel book delivers. As in the first book by Madame Wong, the instructions, ingredients and culture of Chinese cooking is so simplified that even my children have no trouble cooking it. We think the recipes in this book are better than many Chinese restaurants and so easy to prepare. I truly have never found another Chinese cookbook that can rival the Madame Wong books. It is definitely worth the search to secure a copy for yourself.

As an American, it is difficult to find good Chinese food in resturants or books that can teach you how to make quality food at home. This book is no less than the Bible of Chinese cooking. I first came across this book at my friends house. He was given it as a gift years ago. He said it was found in an out of print store and he hasn't seen it anywhere since. Hopefully it will come back into print. Hopefully this review will help. If there is enough customers out there demanding it, surely they will bring it back for another run. If you are looking for a book to teach or help enhance your wok experience, this is the key tool you will need.

That is right, I almost read all of sylvia brownes books. I think she has wisdom and comfort about the other side.I strongly agree that we do go "home", when we determine when our time here is up. I first started reading her books after my grandmother died in sept 19,99. I needed comfort and I found it. I would recommened these books to anyone who lost their loved ones. That is my opinion anyway.

I actually purchased this book at an evening with Sylvia Browne event and had it autographed! This book is a wonderful introduction to who, what and why Sylvia Browne is! Many passages from Sylvia's spirit guide, Francine, are included and have been a source of comfort for someone like myself that wasn't sure what to think about that "heaven and hell" stuff I kept hearing about growing up in a Lutheran household. After reading this book, I felt I actually "knew" Sylvia. The book strongly points out that being psychic isn't all glamour and personal appearances and TV shows. I personally know a few psychics that feel Sylvia has gone too commercial. This book goes into detail how Sylvia has become so popular world wide and that it's a good thing to share what Francine is trying to share with all of us from the other side.

I highly recommend this book for anyone wishing to explore the world of psychics and for anyone wanting information about the other side. It's a feel good book.

Australian Aboriginal art is gaining international recognition, and rightly so. It is an art form driven by the culture of the artsists, and this book covers the traditional works of desert Australia, and also touches on more the more contemporary works of urban dwellers. These works are vibrant and alive, and the illustrations do justice to the richness of the work. The accompanying text is detailed and authoritative.

If you are interested in the art works of other cultures, or even art in its broadest sense, you will find many of the works presented in this volume to be quite different, even provocative. Others are as spectacular as any landscape known to the Western world.

This is an excellent introduction to a complex topic, and a worthy addition to any library.

This book was recently reviewed on the Sunday Arts program on ABC television in Australia. The book presents an authoratitive overview of the origins and development of Aboriginal Art and Culture in Australia.

It presents information in an easy to read format with enough detail to satisify most readers. It even includes sections on contemporary Aboriginal artists including Lin Onus. There are many colour illustrations of artwork to illustrate the narrative text.

A must have book for those interested in the history and contemporary state of Aboriginal Art and Culture in Australia.

Plastic Surgeon by novelist Sylvia Snyder is a compelling science fiction thriller about a mentally unbalanced plastic surgeon, obsessed with "perfection," who is caught up in an incredible escapade that teaches him more about the value of uniqueness and imperfection. A captivating, fantastic read recommended to SciFi buffs, Plastic Surgeon is a truly memorable "what if" style adventure story that could easily become a technologically feasible, medical science based, social issue of the 21st century.

I'm deep into this book and I had to tear myself away just long enough to recommend it to others. Ms. Snyder is one of the most original writers I have ever seen! Imagine pairing two doctors in marriage - one a plastic surgeon with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and his wife, a Psychiatrist. They have a deal not to work on each other. This story is hilarious, yet...thought provoking, and exciting. The doctors have been swept into a twisting plot, filled with such incredibly inventive Science Fiction devices that you know this book will soon be awarded a Nebula -- I want to be an avian! Congratulations, Ms. Snyder, on your creative talent. To everyone else, READ THIS BOOK!

Have this book handy for the day you come home if not sooner. It is the best book I have read on this under-recognized subject--physical and emotional effects, breastfeeding, effects on the couple. Sylvia Brown understands this subject inside and out and writes about each one thoroughly in a sympathetic and authoritative style. My favorite section was on the emotional aspects, including post-natal depression, the various types, the causes and what to do. A very complete book that I am very fortunate to have found in time. It was a real consolation during my recuperation even though it was my second pregnancy.

This book is an excellent resource for FIRST TIME mothers! I am giving it as a shower gift to my expectant cousin. It is especially helpful if you don't have any close friends or relatives who have had a baby that can tell you first hand what happens to your body, emotions, relationship with spouse and friends after the baby. There is an important chapter that explains what emotions the father goes through and why he isn't always as helpful as you would expect. Buy this book if you are a first time mom or know someone who is expecting.

As usual, Sylvia Browne's work was helpful to me. Sylvia's "Prayers" is an excellent prayer guide and reference. It contains useful every prayers, such for the morning and the evening.

i recieved this book a few days ago and i couldnt be happier. it includes 60 different prayers for all occations. and if you're someone who would like to celebrate the special days in Novis Spiritus but aren't sure when they are, there's a list of them in the back.
im on the other side of the US from Novis Spiritus which makes it impossible to take part in their services. this book gives me actual prayers that are conducted and a schedule of holidays so i dont feel so out of the loop. im connected, just as i always was, but now i truly feel a part of something special.

This book is first and foremost a book of prayer and reflection, and an excellent one at that. But it also presents an intriguing glimpse into the historic development of spirituality among the Celtic peoples. Most of the saints depicted in the book were from Ireland or Wales, places whose history is famous not for conqueror generals or warrior kings, but for scholars and poets and saints. Here they are, with their spirituality rooted in time and place. Such context I think is important, for the essence of spirituality is a relationship between the mortal and the Divine. While offering a superb compilation of prayer and meditation, the authors also do a grand job of portraying that relationship within the Celtic culture.

Praying with the Celtic Saints is a wonderful introduction to Celtic Spirituality. It is an outstanding book for both those who desire to learn about Celtic Spirituality and for seekers who wish to have some lively companions on the journey. The Celtic Christian heritage is so rich and vibrant and has much to offer modern day travelers on the Journey.

We all need guides in the faith, those who have gone before us and can help us learn how to live with authenticity and true devotion. The Celtic saints come to life in this book and teach us what it means to be a Christian. This translates into witnessing a lived faith from not only the past, but one that can provide hope, joy, and inpiration for us today. These saints become dear friends and teachers in the pages of this book.

I am grateful for having come to know these men and women through this book - they make a difference in my life as a fellow pilgrim!

This is the book all of us in the quilt and/or craft business have been waiting for! Sylvia Landman has interviewed 100 craftspersons in various different crafts and has published their pricing schedules. Quilters and crafters so often just give away their work by underpricing their items. This book will help all of us who are having trouble setting a reasonable price on our work. I have no financial affiliation, but I consider myself one of the fortunate ones who are in this book.

This book is chocked full of information not only from the author but from others in the craft industry. It's filled with practical advice on a variety of craft genres directly from artisans who work in those fields. From in depth interviews to valuable tricks and tidbits, this is a must have resource for anyone who is serious about their craft.

Sylvia Loch does an excellent job of telling the story of the Iberian Horse (what we know as the Andalusian and Lusitano). It is well-written and has beautiful illustrations. One of the things I like the most about this book is that it is well-referenced. You can find out where Ms. Loch found her information on a subject in most instances, and this is a point where most horse books fail miserably. Anyone interested in Andalusians, Lusitanos, or their offshoots (Mustangs, Criollos, Paso Finos, Peruvian Pasos, Lippizaners, etc) will enjoy this book and want a copy for their libraries.

The Royal Horse of Europe is a stunning book dealing with the horse breeds derived from the Iberian Peninsula (i.e. Spain & Portugal). It covers the history of these breeds, including their connection to the Great Warhorse of the Medieval Period. In addition, it presents information on Iberian horse sports, such as the corrida (the mounted bullfight) and the Iberian Schools of Classical Horsemanship. The writing style is accessible, yet does not sacrifice sound scholarship. 50 color photos and 75 black & whites illustrate the text. Note: This excellent book is extremely biased toward Iberian horse breeds. Eulogies are occasionally inserted where I would have preferred logical arguments. This is a minor gripe, however, for a book of such excellent quality. It is worth many rereads