A neglected classic by a writer who some consider equal to Ralph Ellison in importance. One fascinating aspect is its fictionalized treatment of some of the century's famous black literary figures. It's a portrait of the post-WWII-through-mid-sixties period as seen through the eyes of a black writer as he establishes a career as a novelist, journalist, and Presidential speechwriter in New York, Paris, Washington, D.C., and Lagos, Nigeria. The main character, Max Reddick, is shaped by anger, at the crux of which is indignation at the hypocrisy and hostility that black people and writers faced during this period. It's a historical novel which provides some insight into the social and political ferment of the sixties, and has an Afrocentric perspective that's somewhat reminiscent of Walter Mosley's work. It includes an intruiging fictionalized version of a mythic encounter between Richard Wright and James Baldwin ("Marion Dawes") in a Paris café, and according to James Sallis's biography of Chester Himes, it describes the essence of Wright's expatriate experience and his relationship with Himes. Ishmael Reed has said that the cartoonist Ollie Harrington is depicted, and although I didn't recognize him, Malcolm X is unmistakable and I suspect that "Time" Curry is modelled after jazz drummer Kenny Clarke, who was living in Paris at the time. According to the author's biography of Richard Pryor, Motown explored the possibility of buying the film rights to the novel as a vehicle for its star, Marvin Gaye, until the idea was abandoned in favor of Lady Sings the Blues.

The story begins near the end as Max, who's dying of cancer, sits at an outdoor café in Amsterdam where he's come to investigate the mystery of the death of his friend, Harry Ames, "the father of black writers," a few days earlier in Paris. What he eventually discovers is mind-blowing.

Throughout the novel, Max opines on a multitude of subjects like: Marxism, African independence and African attitudes towards Americans, sexuality and interracial relationships (he works past some of his homophobia too), the different styles of reporters from 5 major NYC newspapers, the theory of the rich president and other political theories, the "lie" of Christmas ("the rich man's chance to dissipate the image of Scrooge"), American cars (with their "long, buttock-smooth lines"), existentialism, and Alban Berg's atonal opera, "Wozzeck" (whose climax, a child's scream, punctuates Max's argument with his woman). Max interprets bebop's message as, "we can not be contained," and modern jazz becomes the avatar of his literary aesthetic: "He wanted to do with the novel what Charlie Parker was doing to music -- tearing it up and remaking it; basing it on nasty, nasty blues and overlaying it with the deep overriding tragedy not of Dostoevsky, but an American who knew of consequences to come: Herman Melville, a super Confidence Man, a Benito Cereno saddened beyond death."

and this is a great book...read this and you will see why the black man feels the way he does; why interracial relationships remain the enigma that no one wants to unravel and the the battles that black people fight in general...also read " one for new york," by williams

One of the greatest novels of its time or anytime. It brought me to tears, jeers, and fears.

This tragic biography traces the story of an educated man and his family in Phnom Penh. Subjected to the indescribable barbaric cruelty that the Khmer Rouge inflicted on its own countrymen, the writer provides the reader with their sense of hopelessness that gripped their nation less than 30 years ago. His hardship and ultimate triumph is the very definition of human survival and the will to survive. Anyone wanting to gain a better understanding of the plight of the Cambodian people under the Khmer Roughe MUST read this book. I can guarantee that when you finish reading this book you will undoubtedly take a moment to think about humanity itself.

this book should really help all of us appreciate our lives. It is amazing what he and his family went through! I could not put this book down! BY the way, does anyone have any recent info on the author? It would be interesting to see what he is up to now, and how his life is going, and if he ever contacted his son Naweth, or obtained any information.

I am rarely moved to tears when reading a book, yet Pin Kathy's recounting of his horrendous experiences and ultimate survival is an exception. The agony of his having to abandon his son and losing his wife in the forest while trying to escape from Cambodia are the worst of numerous agonizing events. The book is a very personal account of one man and the destruction of his family however, Pin Yathay's narration also achieves his primary goal of allowing the reader to understand what life or more often death was like for all under Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge rule. This reign of terror is an extreme example of what happens when a nation's political structure so weakens that unbridled ignorance destroys all enlightenment. It is also a warning that progress can never be taken for granted. Few who read this book will ever forget it.

The illusion of true knowledge, the illusion of true freedom, people not living in the only true reality: the present moment.

WOW! This book is packed with words that blow your mind and also ring true at the same time. I'm still trying to organize all the information in my head so I can start to apply everything practically.

I KNEW there was something wrong with the world. The Matrix has most people!

Do you want to Awaken? If you want to experience genuine reality, and not the dance of delusion that many mistake for 'reality', this book holds the key.

In plain language, and without the usual New Age claptrap, Mr. Baines outlines the matter and method of Hermetic awakening and becoming a Stellar Man. It is both simple and profound, and with depths of insight that many writers wish they had.

If you feel a restlessness and urge to become more than what common society wants you to be, you will find this book, and its introductory companion "The Secret Science", a very helpful guide.

This book discusses the laws of nature in ways we can apply them to our own lives. If you want to take control of your life and not be a victim of the society's collective, this book is for you!

So, you're thinking about purchasing this book? Well let me tell you that it is incredible. The 100-Gun-Ship Victory is the most comprehensive book I have ever seen when it comes to the ships construction. It has just enough historical info about the Victory's career to make you salivate and then you get to the drawings, WOW! It is chalked full of drawings after drawings about details that you wouldn't expect and the ones you would. Most of the drawings are in 1/192 scale some in 1/48 scale. If you get the revised edition it has a full Victory rigging drawing cleverly printed on the inside of the book jacket. The actual cover of the book depicts the true colors of the Victory. Lots of effort went into creating this masterpiece of information, if you are not sure about this purchase; relax, you will thoroughly enjoy it.
Michael

John McKay's book is well up to the very high standard set by the "Anatomy of the Ship" series and covers HMS Victory in fantastic detail. Anyone interested in the ship (or other sailing warships of the period, which would be similar in detail) and especially anyone interested in building a model of the Victory should add this book to their collection. My one disappointment with McKay is that he didn't include any drawings and only one illustration showing HMS Victory in her pre-1801 condition with her original elaborate figurehead and open stern galleries; the book entirely focuses on her appearance at Trafalgar - admittedly her most famous battle but she was also Sir John Jervis's flagship at the Battle of Cape St. Vincent and it would have been useful to have more data on her pre-reconstruction configuration. Another book well worth having on the Victory is C. Nepean Longridge's "The Anatomy of Nelson's Ships," which I also highly recommend.

Historically, this has been an extremely difficult book to purchace, as once you own it, you will not give it away. From the false keel to the top-gallant trucks, there is nothing as comprehensive as this book.

This 119 page manual covers the history and every aspect of the victory, including deck, rigging, belaying, framing, 3D perspectives and cross sections.

Every cannon and carriage, mast and yard, block and tackle is drawn for you, including all tables for the rigging.

Rare archived Black and White photos are included. Any model maker, or anyone interested in owning a piece of histroy, this facinating book is almost as good as building your own.

John Man's Atlas Of The Year 1000 provides a fine choice for the Year 2000 reader: a survey of the inventions which took place around the world at the turn of the last century. Chapters pair sidebars of information and color maps with illustrations and lively descriptions of explorations and events which affected and changed the world of the times.

This is a very enjoyable book - I bought it as background for a trip to Norway, and found the text and graphics fascinating and very well produced. I was, however, disappointed to find a missing sentence on the subject I was most interested in (the Vikings). When I spoke to the editorial department at Harvard University Press, they told me that if I wanted to find out how the section ended I would have to write to England, because they didn't know what was in the book they published! Fortunately, the customer service department rescued me from the trolls in "editorial," but I wasn't very impressed - what do they think they're selling - soap?

No book I've seen so perfectly portrays what a thousand years of human history means. It's an intriguing idea to scan, but then the sheer quality of the material John Man has found forces you to examine the work in detail after amazing detail---Chinese junks with 6 masts that could carry 500 people!

I have just finished reading "Aunt Killer" and I loved it! I am a survivor of encephalitis and I plan on giving a copy of this book to everyone I know. There is no way they won't begin to understand what I went through and continue to go through everyday of my life. Jeneva Johns and I did not have the same type of encephalitis but the end results are the same. I especially loved her telling about "forgetting the butter" but, I guess you'd have to be a survivor to understand that! Way to go, Jeneva!!!!

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As a survivor of encephalitis, I was delighted to sit down and read this book. I've never met another encephalitis survivor face to face... so, when reading Aunt Killer, I was fascinated to get to know Eva, the main character, who is struggling to comprehend what is happening to herself.
There were some places in the book.... some parts, which touched my heart, as I remembered having the exact same feelings about encephalitis. I felt myself nodding, and understanding, some of the feelings which the author expressed. Some moments, the main character was so 'normal.' And other moments, she just slipped away...
It's high time that someone included the topic of encephalitis within fiction. There are so many people in the world who think that they are alone. Who just curl up with sadness, and attempt to carry on as best they can. This book brings encephalitis out of the cupboard, dusts it off, and explores it in plain view.
Sincere thanks to the author of this book. She has taken a step which will lighten the load of many people, as she has magically woven the truth of encephalitis, around a fast paced story of suspense.

Aunt Killer uses vivid descriptions to enable the reader to visualize the characters and their emotional lives. Romance drifts through the book like a gentle breeze. Compassion and honest form a marriage that keeps the pages of the book turning. The chapters are short enough to be completed while waiting for an appointment. But,the anticipation and curiosity created in the story propelled me to read,"Just one More Chapter!" What would happen without short-term memory? That alone created suspense!

I didn't know what I was buying when I got this book, I just read the back and it caught my eyes. So I took it home and ended up finishing it in less than a week. I'd get tired of reading, then something would happen that made me keep it in my hands. Pick this one up for sure.

Jack Flippo has seen better days, but he seems on his way back up when former cop Eddie "Bent" Nickles sends him in search of a missing piece of film. A film shot November 22, 1963 in Dallas. Soon Flippo is bounced from his new job with a tony law firm, leaving behind its plush carpets and mahogany credenzas.

Sylvan Dufrain, the film's photographer was shot and then burned in his Cadillac a month after the Kennedy assassination...or was he? Dufrain's wife and brother are now operating a shop that specializes in whoopie cushions and fake vomit.

Lola (aka Jennifer), Jack Flippos "artistician" girlfriend is putting together a show using blowup dolls from the local porn shop. Her plans are deflated by bullets shot through the living room window of the home she shares with Flippo.

Weldon Chaney is a disabled hitman saddled with the sons-in-law from hell. His efforts to make competent criminals of them are doomed to failure.

Treena Watts is a bail agent with a heart of gold. She is searching for answers about the death of her brother Mineola. She is leery of Jack Flippo's help since it was Jack who sent Mineola to prison.

This loopy cast of characters collide in a wickedly funny morality tale. Swanson expertly juggles the subplots that come together to a satifying ending that leaves Jack back in his linoleum-floored office with its metal desk.

Watch out Kinky Friedman, Doug Swanson's breathing down your neck!

If you like like them funny with lots of action with a macho male hero and convoluted double-double cross plots this is for you. Elmore Leonard comes to mind - although the dialog is not quite up to his standards. Flippo is not quite as rounded a character as Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum, and the prose is not quite as good as Sue Grafton's but this is up there in that league. Kennedy assasination buffs might love it or hate it, but you don't have to be one to enjoy it. Dense Dallas atmosphere.

When I first saw this book offered in the Red Wheel/Weiser catalogue, I was so glad to see a book on the Green Man and I requested it for review immediately.  I didn't realize this was a gift set, and it came as a very delightful surprise.
The box contained a small photo book and a Green Man sculptured plaque.  The plaque was on top, a dark rich green, handsome face nestled in the sculpted leaves.  Very nicely produced, he would look great anywhere you happen to want to hang him up.  This is a very nice addition to this presentation.
But the book, which is small in appearance, is packed with Green Man trivia and photos of various depictions of the Green Man.   Mr. Matthews knows his stuff when it comes to the many myths and traditions associated with the Green Man.   I was impressed with the research done by Mr. Matthews in finding the many places where there are some impressive Green Man representations.  Pictures of carvings, building ornaments, paintings, even furniture featuring the image of the Green Man are included here.  There is also a meditation and suggestions for honoring the Green Man in various environments in your life.  The quality printing and gloss paper make this book a small treasure on its own.
For those of you who find the Green Man as special as I do, this book is a wonderful resource on the lore, history and mystery that the Green Man holds.  The plaque will also find a place in your home or garden or office, and will please you as much as the book will.  This would make a great gift for that special person who reveres the Green Man as much as you do. 

I own thousands of books and use lots of reference books in my writing, especially horror, folklore, and religion. This one holds a special place in my heart! The book has the most thorough survey of the green man that I have found. It covers the world and all ages. It is absolutely fascinating. The wall plaque is adorable. The book and plaque are boxed for gift giving. I highly recommend this set for any gardener, folklorist, or lover of the outdoors. The plaque has a standard picture frame hanger on the back, which makes it simple to mount on a post or wall. It holds securely in high winds and is ideal for gracing the entrance to a yard or garden.

John Matthews' Green Man: Spirit Of Nature is a difficult set to easily categorize: it's a gift book which blends a 64-page book with a crafted plaque depicting the Green Man figure - also known as Pan and Robin Hood. The book holds the history of the Green Man, myths and legends that surround the figure, and over twenty images of the Green Man taken across cultures over time.

Although this book deals mainly with the restoration of the HMS Victory it does delve into the history of the ship in the process. My resaons for purchasing the book relate to a modelling project that I'm doing and knowing what problems are associated with restoring the Victory help in my quest to build an accurate model. The book starts out with a brief history of the ship and then gets stuck into the restoration aspect which does get a bit tedious but I'm glad someone has made the effort to document this aspect of the Victory's career. It is important. The second half of the book is filled with outstanding drawings of every aspect of the ship you could ever ask for. John McKay has done an outstanding job with the drawings here and I'm of the opinion that this book combined with his other book "The 100 gun ship Victory" would enable the construction of thr Victory from the keel up. "The Anatomy of Nelson's Ships" is another must have and I have all three.

In all honesty and simplicity this book is great. It is a substantial sized book with excellent paper quality. The layout is professionally done which makes it very enjoyable to return to on a regular basis. The first half of this book contains very interesting info in the form of tables, charts and text on the Victory's history and career, pictures also help tell the story. The second half of the book is made up of drawings; John McKay once again has done a superb job at preserving the Victory's details. These drawings make a great accompaniment to the drawings in "The 100-Gun Ship Victory" by McKay. They are of a different style, if one could say that. More of an effort has been put towards conveying detail and workings rather than drawings suitable for reconstruction. In closing I will say that the title explains the contents accurately, and the reviews below are true and accurate. Enjoy.
Michael

Alan McGowan, Chairman of the Victory Advisory Technical Committee, and Canadian illustrator John McKay have produced a truly wonderful book about the greatest of sailing warships, HMS Victory, which serves not only as a tribute to the ship and the men who sailed her, but also to those who saved and restored her to her present grace. Unlike USS Constitution, which truly is a corpse of a once beautiful frigate, a ghost of her lovely War of 1812 self, Victory has been returned to her precise appearance at her moment of greatest fame, October 21, 1805, the Battle of Trafalgar.

The first half of the book goes into startling, fascinating detail about the condition of Victory and the many years since her permanent drydocking in 1922 spent repairing and restoring her. The battle against dry and wet rot, death watch beetle infestations, and the odd German bomb (a bomb fell into Victory's drydock in 1941 - by some miracle she didn't catch fire, which would have destroyed her utterly) has gone on more or less continuously, and it is interesting to read how the restorers have learned from earlier mistakes (new repair work has sometimes rotted within a few years) and adopted new techniques and materials. While she appears very authentic, there have had to be compromises, cleverly disguised, and these are described by McGowan - emergency escape doors carefully camouflaged in the hull, her rigging replaced with polypropylene rope, her heavy wooden spars replaced with steel, her wrought-iron lower masts (themselves borrowed from the armored frigate HMS Shah in the 1880s) fastened through her keel into the floor of the dock to relieve the pressure on her 240 year old hull.

In the second half of the book, artist John McKay contributes a series of magnificent drawings showing Victory in her Trafalgar configuration, with details of rigging, armament, interior layouts, etc. This portfolio of illustrations will provide almost all the reference needed for anyone interested in building a model of HMS Victory in her prime.

I cannot recommend this book more highly to anyone interested in sailing warships in general and HMS Victory in particular. I don't give many books five stars, but this one deserves every one.

Here it is Spidey fans, the best early matchups between the webslinger and my favorite villian, the Green Goblin. The comics reproduced here are Amazing Spider-man #s 17, 96-98, 121-122 and Spectacular Spider-man #200. Check out the appearance of the Human Torch in AS #17. Classic Spider-man that's not to be missed. If nothing else, it'll save you the trouble of pulling out your priceless copies of these masterpieces.

This tpb reprint all of issues in the Death of Gwen Stacy
storyline where the Green Goblin is kills Gwen, and where he dies, and you also get a few more issues with the Green Goblin. This book shows Harry Osborn as the Green Goblin too. If you like Spider-Man at all, you should get this book.

This is a great book. The Green Goblin is one of the greatest villains ever created, one of my personal favorites. It's a good compilation of Spidey's encounters with the Goblin, showing some major points in Green Goblin's attacks on Spidey. It's a nice compilation book to look at and hold in your hands. I recommend it highly.