This is simply a beautiful book. Early this morning, I gave
it one star and was a bit mean. It didn't get through the submission process. I said words to the effect that the Dali Lama was dictatorial about religious freedom. And that he suppressed religious freedom in 1977 in regards to the Dorje Shugden controversy. I talked to a NKT Buddhist nun this afternoon. And she told me that if you are devoted to the Dali Lama as your teacher, then your practice is pure and you are practicing the dharma fully. This is such a wonderful book. With essays written by different authors. And the pictures are almost breath-taking. The layout of the pages is stunning.
And it just fabulous to read. I know that you will enjoy it. It
is a real gem. And perhaps we should leave politics behind.

A Simple Monk presents Robert Thurman's gathering of writings on the Dalai Lama, presenting such writings and reflections in a new visual biography which adds full-color images by photojournalist Alison Wright. The result is much more than your usual collection of quotes: a fine, rich gift edition.

The "a reader from Yellow River" inspired me to order this book and the corresponding video, as a message of compassion and peace, which is what we - and most of all me - needs in our world, at all times and right now.

It's a message that in particular, we as Amercians, after the "events of September 11" - now and in the present - need to hear, listen and LEARN. This review was so thoughtful, comprehensive and detailed that I can't wait to get the book and read it "through and through." The "reader from Yellow River" made the money sound more than worth it, and I'm sure it will be!

"What price peace?"

What price is peace worth? "It's worth it's weight in gold."

The question is, "how do we achieve this?"

I hope the answer (or part of "the answer") can be found in this book. Will let you know what I learn.

A well researched book on the history of apples in England. It also includes a very large apple directory which would be especially useful to anyone interested in English apple varieties.

Wow! I'm an apple industry executive, and this book just became one of my bibles. I believe it is THE single best reference available on apples today. It includes comprehensive information on the history of apple growing and the apple industry, from the ancient Greeks and Romans through renaissance Europe and to the "new country" (America). It is chock full of references to apples in history, mythology/lore and religion. All this, and the most comprehensive, up-to-date directory of apple varieties anywhere. Read this book and be amazed, even if you think you know apples! This is a great reference on the industry, and should appeal equally to history buffs.

Do you have an apple orchard? Do you love eating fresh apples or cooking with apples? Would you like to understand the place of apples in our culture/history? What's the origin of "as American as apple pie?" What is Wassail and what does it have to do with Christmas? What's the big deal with apples anyway? Did you know there are thousands of varieties? This book has an index of the thousands which are kept in an English aboretum. It also has some of the most beautiful color botanical plates I have ever seen. With the artwork, the history, the scientific tables, the recipies, ...The Book of Apples would be a bargain at twice the price.