As a Personal Development Consultant this book has been of special value. It explains attributes Humans are capable of and it includes real life examples. It is YOUR beliefs that will determine the real value of this book. If you believe we are capable of so much more, then this is the book to have. If we are only using 10% of our potential what would it be like to use more? The answers my friend can be found written in this treasure.

From GERRY MACKIE St John's College, University of Oxford review of the book:

Does leftist political thought have a future? That is the question addressed in this collection from the editors of the Thesis Eleven. I found the essays refreshing, for the most part, because the authors tend to be beyond the `ill-tempered and puritanical politics' (p. 26) of the actually existing left that I, for one, am tired of being lectured by. They propose to overcome the failings of American liberalism, European socialism, and cultural radicalism with a revived and revised civic republicanism appropriate to current conditions.

Crozier's and Murphy's introductory essay is more thoughtful than a mere summary of the essays to come; it is a politically committed but entertaining review of the present global political situation, and contains some piquant observations. Their unexpected emphasis on the cultural aspects of political theory is welcome... The volume is more unified in theme and tone than many collections. The writing is most lively when it deals with particular places, situations, and thinkers, as one might expect from a civic republican approach to political thought (and what one might recommend to competing approaches as well)...

From Australian Journal of Political Science, 03/01/1997

Mahatma Gandhi said that we must be the change we wish to see in the world. Through the Integral Transformative Practice (ITP) set forth in this 221-page handbook, George Leonard and Michael Murphy show us how to change the world by first changing our own hearts (p. 194). Leonard is a founder of the Human Potential Movement. Murphy is a founder of the Esalen Institute. Together they have created a lifelong program in THE LIFE WE ARE GIVEN leading to the transformation of body, mind, heart and spirit.

This is by no means a quick-fix, self-help book. Most of us realize only a small part of our human potential, and as a result we live only a fraction of the life we are given (p. 170). Not surprisingly, in our fast-paced culture, we turn to quick-fix programs, "crash" diets, weekend workshops, and audiotapes in our quest for self-knowledge and spiritual awakening (p. 27), rather than making a longterm commitment to strive for our highest potentials. Leonard and Murphy show that it is only through a lifelong practice of affirmations (pp. 53-72), Japanese "kata" (pp. 73-106), meditation (pp. 107-116), exercise (pp. 117-131), and nutrition (pp. 133-143) that we are able to realize our true potential for an extraordinary life. "How do you become more intellectually interested and focused? Practice. How do you become a more loving, caring, emotionally expressive person? Practice. How do you develop a sense of community and social service? Practice" (p. 45). The practices they offer here are also easy to integrate into the current American lifestyle ("the householder's path").

For anyone interested in stepping onto the path of self improvement, skip the multitude of self-help-quick-weight-loss books promising overnight results, and invest your time and money in this handbook instead, and then practice.

G. Merritt

Despite the cold war being over, the possibility of a school that trains spys is still real.
Highly recommend this book, one of DeMille's best.
This story is so plausible it will keep you awake at night.
Shiver.

As a student with two jobs I do not have much time for art. Recently I have taken an interest in the classics. I was at a bookstore one day and this book caught my eye:

The work of Michelangelo is wonderful. This book really brings to life this masters artwork in a way that is beautiful and breathtaking. The part I love most about this book is that before and after pictures are shown of Michelangelo's work (pre and post restoration). It really brings vibrant life and color to work that seems sometimes to be forgotten. Also lots of people think that Michelangelo was not very creative in his color usage, after seeing this book, you will truly see that he is a GENIUS. Even if you are not into art...this book will make you see art and especially Michelangelo in a different way. Get this book. You will not regret it.

This is a collection of the three books: Magician's Law, Demon's Law and Death's Law by Michael Scott.

Scott weaves a fluid story, introducing the character of Paedur the Bard. A man of learning, with a hook in the place of his left arm, he is chosen as the Champions of the Old Faith. Setting out to gain followers and stand against the rise of the New Religion and its gods, Paedur enlists the aid of an errant bandit with a claim to the thrown, a Weapon Master, a slave, a priestess, a long-dead warrior, and many others. He becomes embroiled in wars between the gods and man, making enemies among both the Pantheon of the Old Faith and the New Religion gods.

The mythology of Paedur's world is brought to life in the stories that he relates while on his mission... stories which then take on new meaning as the events they depict have fallout in the present day. The climax brings the story full circle, actually having caused me to flip back to the beginning of the first book to doublecheck something.

If there is one fault in Scott's writing, it is that the stories are woven so naturally into the tale that when the events come up again, I frequently found that I couldn't remember the details earlier presented. A timeline would have proven useful. But this is really a minor hindrance, and the series is overall extremely enjoyable.

This has to be one of the greatest collection of Fantasy volumes I have ever read. In truth this is a collection of three books that were published as far back as the early 1980's. Magician's Law, Demon's Law, & Death's Law make up the three original volumes, published in Paperback I only wish I could get them in Hard Back. The original Art Work fully complimented the volumes and the amazingly original fictional mythology contained within. Unfortunately they are very difficult to find, so what a treasure to find this collection. I have always wanted to share these volumes but had no wish to release the original books to others, they were so important to my collection.

Scott creates a world so real you can almost hear the voice of the Bard as he works his magic. Scott peoples his creation with creatures both original and incredible, a unique class of characters that have both depth and substance. He weaves a web of intrigue and action and populates it with creatures of nightmare and wonder. One of the most important characters is of course the Bard, a man or a monster. He is seen as a Demon, a DemiGod but never a mere man, except when Scott allows us to enter his mind.

Scott is a true Seanachie, and one of the best Authors I have ever had the pleasure to read. This is one investment you will never regret.

This is an outstanding series. Rich with colorful characters, both Gods and men. A rich archeological history unfolds as the Bard attempts to save all the planes of existance from the folly of man and deity. The characters are strong, with a great sense of growth. Kept me reading late into the night; I'm a bit tired this morning but feel oddly satisfied.

This is the first book to feature a brain being kept alive outside its body. Now, if you think about that, there have been several stories to use that idea. You can thank Curt Siodmak for that.

Donovan's Brain is a really good read, besides. I read it in two days, and that is pretty fast for me. Every free minute I had, I picked it up and continued the story. I think that says a lot.

Now, I'm not saying it's a great novel. It is not. But it has that one aspect that all good novels should have--grip. This story gripped me and I constantly wanted to know what would happen next.

This book was written in 1948 but it feels as if it were written today. If you are a fan of science-fiction (or of the Orson Welles radio play that was made from this, as I am), I think you would enjoy Donovan's Brain.

Some years ago, I saw a list of Stephen King's ten favorite fantasy-horror novels, and Donovan's Brain was on that list. Naturally, I added the book to my own collection. It really is a good old-fashioned mid-twentieth century horror story. The basis of the tale is rather standard fare: a young, obsessive doctor (Patrick Cory) insists on pushing the limits of human knowledge by attempting to keep a brain alive outside of a host body. A pretty, neglected wife watches and worries, and an older colleague consistently berates the young doctor for his all-consuming passion and preaches to him the dangers of playing God. After some limited success sustaining a monkey's brain, the doctor is presented with a golden opportunity to expand his work to the human brain itself. A plane crashes in the remote area of his private laboratory. He amputates the crushed legs of one survivor, but he knows the man will never live long enough to reach a hospital. Quickly, he seizes the opportunity so serendipitously handed to him by fate. In effect, he steals the brain of the man and coerces his reluctant colleague to help him cover up the act. It turns out that the victim is a man of great wealth and fame named Donovan.. The brain is placed in a vessel, its arteries supplied with blood by an artificial pump. Dr. Cory studies the brain, observes its cycles of sleep and wakefulness via electronic readings, and tries to communicate with it. In time, the brain not only communicates with Cory but comes to take control of his own body, seeing with his eyes, carrying out the dead man's former agenda. When the older doctor tries to destroy the brain, it compels Dr. Cory to attack him. The brain sends Cory to Los Angeles to carry out its orders, which includes freeing a murderer from prison, and Cory eventually becomes a prisoner in his own body, capable of watching the brain speak with his voice and move with his body. The physical brain grows larger and more powerful as Cory's reluctant colleague continues "feeding" it in the lab. Predictably, the book climaxes on a battle between the brain and Dr. Cory for permanent control of Cory's body.

It sounds like standard B-movie sci-fi fare, but Siodmak's writing never allows the story to become a stereotypical, Saturday matinee-type adventure. While I did not find this book particularly horrifying, I did find it compelling and completely engrossing. As an interesting aside, this book would seem to supply the source of a particular tongue-twister used by Stephen King in his novel It. All in all, this is classic sci-fi/horror at its best and stands shoulders above most of the similar works written in the golden age of science fiction.

This is an *extremely* scary book. It starts off as a sci-fi novel, in which a scientist experiments on keeping brains alive after death, but then it turns into a bit of a horror novel, much the way the first "Alien" movie did, starting with when he gets the brain of a millionaire who died in a plane crash nearby... Well, I don't want to ruin it for anyone, so I'll just end it there. It is VERY scary, and for two main reasons: one, the book is just plain scary, and two, because after reading the book, it really makes you think: what if...?

This book is NOT the textbook. It is simply the student solutions manual. The textbook is the hardcovered version. It does not come in paperback. This book you are viewing is the student solutions manual ONLY!!! Make sure it's what you want.

1)Michael Sullivan (Sr.) is one of the four or five best writers
of math textbooks on today's scene. If you can find a textbook written by him that fits whatever current math course you are in
buy the book sight unseen. You will be more than happy that you
did.
2)As far as this book is concerned, I used it from chapter 1 to the end (every section of every chapter) and did every problem in
the book. I did not have an instructor and I was not enrolled in a course. I used the book to brush up for calculus after being out of school for 20 years.
3)This book is great for a course in college algebra, trigonometry, or precalculus. It serves all three purposes. I know this because after I finished the text and began studying
calculus, on my own, I was really able to appreciate how well
Sullivan's book prepared me for calculus.
4)The explanations of each concept are clear, not more rigorous
than is appropriate for a student at the level of the textbook,
but certainly not dumbed down.
5)The problems and questions are well written, comprehensive, and
most importantly, instructive. I found that the best question I
could ask myself about every problem in the book was "now what is
Sullivan trying to get me to see by doing this problem or answering this question". I mention this because this is what Sullivan is really good at; he doesn't spoon feed you.
6)Look, we all want essentially the same things from a textbook.
We want clearly written, well illustrated worked out problems
that allow us to grasp the concept in question so that we can use
it to solve problems and answer conceptual questions. With Sullivan, you get this in great measure.
This is a wonderful textbook for both sudents and teachers. It is
a great book to learn from and a great book to learn to teach from.

One feature I really liked about this book was the "Now work on Problem #..." items, which give you a specific exercise to work on in that section to make sure you understand the concept just covered. Also, the author has highlighted certain exercise problems for a suggested practice test. These are great if you already know some of the material you can just breeze through these until you get stuck on something. The paperback solutions manual was also excellent, I used it a lot since I was teaching myself.

This is an ambitious book, and must have been a labor of love for Mr. Murphy. It is a thorough treatment of every conceivable mystical or healing arts practice, with plenty of anecdotal evidence, some of it well supported, some not. I say the book is not convincing because so much of this stuff is so bizarre that I need to "see it to believe it." For example, exhumed bodies of highly religious poeple, such as saints, that show no decomposition after years of being buried. How could that be possible? Without photographs you just have to take the witnesses' words as gospel...or not.

If you want a thorough survey of these themes, though, this is definitely your book.

Michael Murphy is the co-founder of Esalen Institute, a gorgeous little retreat in Northern California, part spa, part think tank, that was a key incubator of the "New Age" movement. He's also author of some compelling books including the amazing "Golf in the Kingdom." He has spent a great deal of time over the years studying the possibilities of human transformation - of our becoming more alive and conscious and happy and tuned in to the true vibes of universe. In this book he tells us pretty much everything he's learned. It turns out to be quite a lot.

It's a 785-page tome. The bibliography lists something like 2000 books and articles. He provides a rich and detailed history about human efforts toward transformation and transcendence over the centuries, and includes capsule summaries of many technologies used today in pursuit of that elusive goal, including bodywork (Alexander work, Feldenkrais, etc.) and new philosophical/psychological/spiritual approaches such as psychosynthesis. He examines spiritual healing. He delves into mesmerism, hypnosis, the martial arts and the contemplative practices of modern-day monks. He talks about erotic love, sports and stigmata. He's nothing if not wide-ranging. Murphy's basic belief is that we humans have vast "uncharted powers" in our bodies, psyches and spirits beyond what we think we have, and that these can be cultivated to our benefit. He is a true believer in the possibilies of the New Age; he thinks that we may be on the verge of a significant leap in evolution, and that if we diligently pursue some of the disciplines described here, we will hasten the process. He writes, "I remain convinced that as a species - and as individuals - we either grow or die. If we deny the actuality of these uncharted powers, they either stagnate within us or erupt painfully and perversely." The book is impressive and inspiring if you're into this sort of thing and may be an eye-opener for you if you're not. My only criticism is, the prose style is too often dry and pedestrian, so you actually may NEED to be into this sort of thing to wade through it all.

I gave this book 5 stars because it is very extensive in its scope - it is not, however, the final word on this topic, there is more - I guess there is always more and there are always even more amazing stories. The book explores different phenomena, some rather rare and unusual, as in the following excerpt:

"Thurston quoted a sister Margherita Cortonesi:

"On one occasion, among others, when [Sister Veronica] being in a trance state was reciting her Office alternately with some invisible being, she was observed gradually to stretch out until the length of her throat seemed to be out of all proportion in such a way that she was altogether much taller than usual. We, noticing this strange occurrence, looked to see if she was raised from the ground, but this, so far as our eyes could tell, was not the case. So, to make sure, we took a yard-measure and measured her height, and afterwards when she had come to herself we measured her again, and she was at least a span (ten inches or more) shorter. This we have seen with our own eyes, all of us nuns who were in the chapel."

In 1629, a Donna Hortenzia Ghini stated under oath that:

"Sister Lisabetta Pancrazi, formerly a nun in the same convent, told me that on one occasion, seeing that the said Sister Veronica when in ecstasy seemed taller than in her normal state, took a yard-measure and measured her height, and that after the said Sister Veronica came to herself she measured her again with the said yard-measure, and she found that she was half an arm's length shorter."

Among other religious who allegedly exhibited elongation, the Capuchiness Abbess Costante Maria Castreca was said to have grown a considerable height from the ground during a religious ecstasy; the Venerable Domenica dal Paradiso grew taller in trance, according to her spiritual director and confidants. Because such phenomena were not thought to be marks of holiness, they were noted simply because they were unusual.

I include such phenomena in this discussion because they indicate the body's responsiveness to altered states of mind. When consciousness is released from some of its ordinary constraints, whether in ecstasies or dissociated states, ligaments and muscles are sometimes liberated too.:

This version of the Canterbury Tales (Everyman) contains all of the tales (including the rather tedious prose tales), and is in the original language. As anyone planning to read the Tales will be aware, old English is not easy! This book takes a lot of time to read. Is it worth it?

Yes. But a qualified yes. As an insight into life during this time in history, and particularly as a demonstration of how little humans have changed over the centuries, this book is very useful. Many of the tales are quite amusing and interesting. On the other hand, many tales are filled with rather drawn out, tedious sections, and a couple are just plain boring.

For a person who wishes to read most of the major English classics, this book must be read, and I think the only way to really appreciate it is in its original form, not in modernised English. For this purpose, the Everyman version is excellent, as it features convenient gloss on each page, so looking up difficult words can be done at a glance, which disturbs the flow a lot less. I would highly recommend trying to read the book in as short a space of time as possible, though, because you do get used to the grammar and vocabulary, and while it is fresh in your mind, it allows you to read the rest of the book with a lot less glossing.

Be aware that I read this book for personal interest, not as part of any particular course, so I am reviewing from the point of view of a general reader, not a literary scholar.

In addition to its literary importance, Chaucer's Canterbury Tales are an enchanting reading experience. The Bantam Classic edition presents the tales in Modern English translation alongside the Middle English so that one can fully appreciate the tales as Chaucer composed them, or if you're just in the mood for a fun romp you can speedily read the translation. The tales themselves move at a quick pace, so beginners will probably enjoy the modern version much more.

The Canterbury Tales revolve around a group of 29 on a pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral to pay homage to the martyred St. Thomas a'Becket. The members of the pilgrimage come from all walks of life, including a Knight, Prioress, Merchant, Miller, the ever-entertaining Wife of Bath, and many others. The Canterbury Tales are the pilgrims' stories and each one reflects the individual character's personality beautifully. One can't help but feel a part of this lively group.

Whether you like a bawdy, raucous tale or a morally sound fable you will definitely find something entertaining in this book. I laughed out loud several times and found Chaucer's use of symbolism, wit, wisdom, and the glimpse into 14th Century life absolutely fascinating.

The biggest hurdle in reading Chaucer is the language. Trying to read his work in Middle English is impossible without really good footnotes, and some of the "translations" are even worse--they're written in a high-blown, pompous style that takes all the fun out of the stories.

All this being so, I was delighted to find the Puffin Classics version retold by Geraldine McCaughrean! The tales are told in an easy-to-read, flowing style that captures the bawdy humor of the originals, without being over-crass (this is a children's book, after all.) I found myself often laughing out loud, and wishing I'd found this version much sooner, because it makes Chaucer fun to read! I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to try Chaucer but feels intimidated by the scholarly-looking versions available in the "Literature and Classics" sections. You won't become expert in reading Middle English, but you WILL see why The Canterbury Tales has such a wonderful reputation!