This is a fascinating, accessible book about Jungian dream work. I particularly appreciated the author's application of the theory to women's issues. Part One explains the basics of Jungian dream analysis and includes valuable suggestions about how to understand more about your dreams. Part Two is a collection of the author's own dreams and her interpretations of them. Often in this second part I was at a loss to see how she arrived at certain interpretations--but Raffa certainly deserves credit for taking the risk of sharing them with us!

I had been going through a critical life transition, was having some rich dreams, and was hoping to find a few books that might help me gain a bit of a better understanding of them. I got several notable, highly respected books on dreams, this being just one among many. Yet, not only was it the most helpful to me as an especially rich and grounding, illustrative account of working with dreams, but it also beautifully discussed and worked with several key aspects of Jungian psychology (key aspects of the individuation process in particular) and all of this in relation to a woman's developmental process. It was strikingly resonant for me in all three of these extremely rich areas, which speaks to the hard-won depth/authenticity/clarity through which Jean Raffa wrote this piece. It very naturally inspired, mobilized, great hope for healing and rewarding growth in me (something I was frighteningly losing sense of and knew certainly wouldn't emerge through easy or quick solutions), the best kind of hope: no simple, rose-colored glasses here. What a great surprise! A terrific and very surprisingly in-depth, especially resonant and humane resource for all three of these areas and so much that stems from, and gives rise to, them (for it's only 201 pp.!--often shorter pieces are the most difficult to write; quite an accomplishment; thank you, Ms Raffa...).

Dr. Gill has truly broken new ground with this startling theory on the demise of the Mayan Empire. Why no-one heretofore considered drought as the primary cause of the Mayan disappearance now seems remarkable. His premise debunks the previous and long-held concepts on the mysterious demise of these ancient people and literally re-writes a major chapter in the history of Mexico. Thank you, Dr. Gill for finally shedding light on this dark topic and providing a conclusive answer to what has long been a nebulous and even divisive black hole in the anthropologic annals of North America.

This book's central thesis is that Classical Maya civilization collapsed as a result of a drought in Mesoamerica extending throughout the 9th century AD. This particular drought was the local manifestation of Northern Hemisphere weather patterns that the author asserts have been repeated frequently over shorter time periods for thousands of years, even into this century, and which nearly always produce drought in Mesoamerica.

Once you accept the author's evidence for Mesoamerican droughts and their regularity, that evidence provides a parsimonious explanation for the end of Classical Maya civilization. After reading this book, I think many people will accept the evidence and the explanation.

More complex hypotheses, including overpopulation, warfare between Mayan city-states, external invasion, disease, over centralization, exhaustion of a stable environment, and peasant revolt are not needed to explain the collapse. This does not mean that such factors, if they existed, did not influence the course of the collapse, just that the collapse would have happened because of the drought whether or not other factors existed.

To support his thesis, which is clearly stated clearly at the beginning of the book, Dr. Gill takes the reader on a tour of a multitude of scientific disciplines. Each discipline studied adds information about the importance, frequency, possible causes and consequences of drought in Mesoamerican and on civilization and population trends throughout the world. Any one of these tours alone is worth the price of the book, since they are extremely well written and provide the foundation for further study on each topic covered.

In a chapter titled "Geology, Hydrology, and Water," the author describes the geology and hydrology of the Yucatan and the Maya highlands and the major drainage basins, and provides an extensive discussion of the water supply problem and how it was managed in the pre-Columbian period. The basic geology is the standard stuff: seasonal rainfall, permeable limestone, karstic drainage, deep underground fresh water usually inaccessible, except in the north through cenotes and along the east cost from freshwater lakes or lagoons. But, this chapter also explained how the Maya adapted to this environment. For example, the author describes natural surface depressions used as water reservoirs and known as aquadas. The Maya paved many of these small depressions and some were provided with chultunes, bell shaped chambers excavated below the aquada bottom to capture additional water when the aquada was filled. (A single chultun could hold 30,000 liters of water, enough to comfortably supply drinking and cooking water for twenty-five people for one year).

In fact, Mayan city-states and even smaller settlements were designed with water management a primary consideration, with central reservoirs, residential reservoirs, canals, and the terrain and pavement of the city itself all engineered to facilitate the collection and storage of water during the wet season. This was important, because, as explained in a chapter on "Paleoclimatology," small-scale (relative to the great final calamity) droughts were endemic to the Maya area as shown both by Maya water management strategies and more recent evidence from sediment recovered from the bottom of lakes. Records during the Spanish colonial period point to further famines on a regular basis after the conquest. In fact, during the colonial period, population looses from drought in the Yucatan ranged up to 30 or 40%.

In another chapter titled "Volcanoes and Weather" Dr. Gill argues that there is a strong correlation between the eruptions of large volcanoes around the world, and the worldwide weather patterns that lead to drought in Mesoamerica. This particular chapter not only provided evidence to support this correlation, but evidence that the volcanoes may have been a forcing mechanism for those weather patterns. Volcanoes and weather are a topic of some interest to me, and until I read this book, I had trouble finding a good introduction to the study of volcanoes, and to the relationship between volcanoes and weather. Now I have.

To save space and my own energy, I am not going to discuss the chapter on "Thermohaline Circulation." Except, I will say that that I learned enough in that one chapter on North Atlantic deep water formation and three dimensional ocean circulation models for all of the world's oceans to help me understand an article on the subject recently published in the journal Nature. I will also skip lightly over the early chapter titled "Self-Organization" which discusses, among other things, the overall flow of energy in a civilization, and the important roll of exporting entropy to the environment by a civilization to reduce the potentially disruptive entropy in the civilization. I will also skip lightly over the chapter titled "Famine and the Individual" which describes how famine can rapidly lead to the complete collapse of social norms and the massive disruption of "normal" energy flows in any civilization.

Probably the most important or challenging single assertion Dr. Gill makes is changing the timing of the collapse of Chichen Itza. Traditionally dated around 1150 AD, and cited as an example of the ability of some Maya cities to survive the Classical collapse, the author re-dates this event to the 9th century based partly on re-interpretation of inscribed calendar dates attributed to the period after the collapse. This particular assertion is probably one of the most controversial in the book and is critical to the author's basic thesis. I suspect that it will be the focus of considerable argument. In support of this claim, the author provides a new interpretation of the relationship between Chichen Itza and the Toltecs, which itself is probably worth a fair amount of discussion.

I strongly recommend this book to just about anyone with an analytical mind. If you are interested in the general flow of Maya civilization this book has a lot to offer. If you are generally interested in the interplay between climate and civilization, this book also has a lot to offer. If you are just somewhat interested in topics such as global meteorology, volcanoes, tree-ring records in Europe and America, or the debate between uniformitariansm and neocatastrophism in the early study of geology, you will still find useful information that is readily accessible.

In recent years a spate of popular books about monasticism has appeared, some tending to trivialize this relatively rare vocation, others subtly romanticizing it. In contrast, A Guide to Living in the Truth is one of the more realistic books in the genre.

Monk and scholar Michael Casey focuses on the foundational virtue of humility, the subject of the seventh chapter of St. Benedict's Rule. After briefly considering what humility is not (passivity, self-hatred, or mere resignation), Casey provides a meditative, line-by-line commentary, drawing from sources as diverse as St. Bernard of Clairvaux and Albert Camus to clarify the sixth-century text.

The reader may feel some resistance to the message of this book. St. Benedict's view of human nature is unflinching, and his emphasis on the effort required to purge our selfishness is not for the faint-hearted. But Casey does an admirable job of framing Benedictine spirituality in the contexts of common sense, psychological insight, and the mercy of God.

Rather humbly, Casey largely leaves the reader to apply this ancient wisdom to less cloistered lifestyles. But be advised. You may find that this thoughtful introduction to the heart of the Church's original twelve-step program changes your spiritual life more than you expected.

Michael Casey (Trappist monk of Tarrawarra Abbey in Australia) turns a seemingly specialized topic into a readable and helpful book suitable for anyone seriously involved in the spiritual life. HUMILITY is not a popular term, often confused with humiliation. Drawing on the word's connection to its root (meaning "earth"), Casey treats humility as the result of deep self-knowledge: who you are, who you are not, and who you are in relationship to God. Drawing on insights from modern psychology, he considers the 12 steps in St. Benedict's ladder of humility as 12 ways of moving towards integration and transformation. Readers who are familiar with Benedictine spirituality will gain the most from this book, but it has much to offer the general reader.

Professor Les Benedict lays out the case for President Johnson's impeachment in this 1972 monograph. The narrative is highly sympathetic to the radical-Republican impeachers, and unsympathetic to Johnson: Les Benedict embraces an emerging theme among historians who "now speak in terms of well-meaning efforts of conscientious Republicans to establish national security on the basis of equality before the law" in the highly volatile post-Civil War era, and he complains that "[o]nly one event has resisted this historical reversal--the impeachment and trial of President Andrew Johnson." The book paints the congressional Republicans as conscientious and rational politicians interested in restoring the Southern economic base (and securing their own political ascendancy) after the War, and Johnson as a power-hungry executive who thwarts the congressional policy using his military authority and other constitutional powers--all to the point where the restrained and long-suffering congressional majority is left with no choice but impeachment (the chapter leading up to the impeachment is titled "Johnson Forces the Issue"). The book paints the politics with a very broad brush, and unfortunately gives short shrift to Johnson's motives, even though Johnson himself is portrayed as a capable and determined politician and not as the out-of-touch bumbler that some histories have made him out to be. But the book tells an engaging story from the congressional viewpoint, and offers a detailed and balanced view of the legal issues on which the trial ultimately hinged.

Now Andrew Johnson may not have been hiding with an intern in the oval office, but this book has a lot more to offer. Drama in the House, drama in the Senate, verbal fights, threats, it sure beats the heck out of blue dresses and cigars. I don't think people have any idea how close Johnson was to being kicked out of office, let alone for what reason. Benedict does a remarkable job chronicling the times surrounding the day. Going in I found the battle to purely partisan, but after reading I agree with Benedict, the impeachment was justified.

With the field of Kerouac studies widening in the last ten years, an often overlooked aspect of his contribution is the spiritual nature of his art. Not to say that Kerouac hasn't before been regarded as a "religious" writer, but there has not yet been a thorough critical study of how spirituality and religion influenced Kerouac's fiction and poetry. Ben Giamo has broken a significant barrier with Kerouac, the Word and the Way. He uses The Dulouz Legend to explain Kerouac's spiritual progression, and the result is a strikingly unique study of Kerouac's fiction. By focusing primarily on the text, rather than on Kerouac myth, he shows us how spirituality manifested itself in Kerouac's novels, while linking the work itself to the inner struggles of a writer in search of meaning.

My only criticisms of this book are minor. First, Giamo doesn't give a strong enough definition of "Spirtuality." Any Kerouac reader would assume this term is a label for Kerouac's Catholicism/Buddhism, when in fact Giamo intends for it to be understood in broader terms: Not simply a search for salvation or enlightenment, but ultimately the search for understanding of self--the search for IT. Stating this more strongly would have provided a better context for the book.

Second, Giamo certainly digs deep into Kerouac's Buddhist studies and how they influenced his writing, but this same attention is not paid to his lifelong adherence to Catholicism. As he immersed himself in Eastern thought, seeking a path of enlightenment--even isolating himself from the world in this pursuit--Kerouac still acknowledged the importance of Christianity in his life. This is evidenced by the seeming dualism apparent in his "middle" novels. Giamo addresses the "split-self" of Kerouac, especially referring to Desolation Angels and Big Sur, but he manages to separate Kerouac's Christian and Buddhist beliefs, as though Kerouac went from one to the other with no blurring of the two in between. Really, The Dharma Bums is Kerouac's only novel that relies soley on Buddhist teachings. Nearly all of the others--excepting the early novels--portray a man attempting to blend the beliefs of East and West to create a unique sense of self.

Even so, this is an extremely important book. Giamo has opened the door to an area of Kerouac studies that has only been given passing reference. Kerouac, The Word and the Way, firmly establishes Kerouac as a Spiritual Artist--rather than an existential wanderer--and takes a major step in clarifying Kerouac's place as one of America's most important writers.

Giamo's study is the best critical book on Kerouac I've read to date -- and I've read them all! Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in Jack Kerouac and the Beat Generation.

For each generation of chefs there is one who has profound influence the culinary world. For the new millenium it is Chef Ducasse.

L'Aterlier of Alain Ducasse is less of a book on Ducasse himself and more of a tribute from Chefs who have worked and learned under his exacting standards.

Ducasse presents recipes on specific ingredients which are then followed by recipes from Chefs who have worked under him and gone onto greatness of their own.

Jean-Louis Nomicos, Sylvain Portay, Franck Cerutti Jean-Francois Piege and Alessandro Stratta all show how their style of cooking has been influenced by time working for Alain Ducasse.

Ducasse presents us with ingredients and takes us on a their journey to the table. Every ingredient has a point at which it is at it's height of flavor and quality. Ducasse shows us how to prepare them to reach that point so their indentity is distinct and uncomplicated by other flavors.

L'Aterlier of Alain Ducasse is a must have for all professionals and "foodies. This book will provide great inspiration and hours of entertainment for anyone serious about food and cooking.

Alain Ducasse is nothing less than a "master" in the kitchen, when he brings dining to a whole new level. Anyone who liked his past book "Flavors of France," will surely like this book just as much.

As a mother, I was intrigued by the title of this book, and now wish that I had read it long ago, when my children were younger. The advice is age-old and not just for fathers, rather, it is inspiring for all adults, but especially parents trying to keep a family together in these chaotic days.

As any who have read an ancient work in translation will tell you, any commentary that is included can be a blinding distraction, or the most illuminating aspect of the literature. In this case, Longenecker's accompanying prose is surely the latter. Benedict's Rule is related to the work of a father with practiced ease and grace. The work is profoundly instructive.
In fact, my only gripe is with the slightly unwieldy, slightly overlong introduction. Though it should by no means be skipped, I remember feeling a little anxious to get on to St. Benedict. Very high marks though, I thoroughly recommend this book to any father, or mother for that matter.

_Mapping the Nation_ provides a collection of essays reflecting several schools of thought about the complex phenomenon of nationalism. It poses the questions: what is nationalism? how have scholarly perceptions of this phenomenon changed over time? what will it look like in the years to come?

This book provides no easy answers, opting instead for a thought-provoking variety of views; should be read by anyone interested in how national identities are constructed and shaped.

Very good omnibus book for overviewing the historical and new question on "Nation." Through well-choosen texts from Lord Acton, Bauer to Gellner, Habermas, we can rightly step into the deep forest of the "Nation" and "Nationality" problem, which, we may say, effects even our everyday life. (But there is a regretful thing in this book---Otto Bauer's "Nation" is not a complete translation from the first chapter of his "Die Nationalitaetenfrage u. die Sozialdemokratie," 1924.)

I am an NP student and I find this handy pocket guide a very helpful reference for your complete physical exam. Wonderful photos and normal and abnormal findings. If you have any space left in your pocket or book bag, add this one.

This is THE definitive guide for patient history and physical exam; frequently referenced in medical school lectures.

If you're a second or third year student and you want to have a strong foundation in physical examination, be sure to buy this book for your library (or at least read it in your medical school library). If you read the book cover-to-cover, your H&P skills will be way ahead of your colleagues'!

Benedict is hit-or-miss in this, his second collection of short stories...if a rule could be ascribed to the collection, he generally has more succeess with the commonplace than with the absurd. Thus, gems like the funny, pathetic "Horton's Ape" and the vivid, moving "Odom" appear right alongside curious little failures like "Washman" and "The Electric Girl". He is also more at home with the self-pitying losers of "Getting Over Arnette" than the Americans abroad in "At the Alhambra". Occasionally, as well, his metaphors are made to bear more descriptive weight than they can really handle. But all in all, a recommended read, and an author to watch.

Thanks to my creative writing professor, who loaned me this book (signed by Benedict), I now know one of the best short fiction writers living today. These stories are such a welcome depature from the abstract sentimentality that so many young writers are putting out these days. Benedict avoids all abstractions, keeping his fiction rooted in cold, hard, wonderful reality. The unsettling (and believable) weirdness of Benedict's rural environment comes through fantastically in stories like "Bounty" and "Odom", and then there's "Washman", which is so surreal that it's almost beyond description. The opening story, "Getting Over Arnette", is especially funny (if you like dark comedy).

Any serious reader of short fiction ought to read Pinckney Benedict.

Benedict shares some dark, chilling, and exciting tales with us. He is extremely talented, and the reader is able to feel the fear, anxiety, and sweat that cover the characters. Particularly compelling stories are Washman and Odom.