Book Description

A luminous fish appears in an impoverished village like a sign from God and proceeds to perform questionable miracles on its foolish, desperate citizens. A guitar-strumming rhymester triumphs over her male opponents in the competitive folk art of the repente only to find herself ensnared in a romantic trap of her own making. A handsome, sexually conflicted priest must confront the uneasy space between spiritual rapture and the greed of man.

Welcome to the rich, textured world of northern Brazil, teeming with scheming families, conniving politicians, magical creatures, loyal and disloyal friends. Little Star of Bela Lua announces the debut of a whimsical yet wise writer.

Customer Reviews:

Que Linda!.......2005-08-30

This book is very beautiful! What a talented writer! The characters are fascinating--full of imperfections and a lot of soul. I love the way that the writer effortlessly weaves Portugues into the English as though she was born fluent in both languages. I wondered if the book was written first in Portugues and then translated but I think it was not. The seamless stories will touch your spirit and make you feel as though you can walk in the shoes of these characters who live so far away from modern civilization, and you will be amazed at how well you can relate to these precious characters who live geographically at the end of the world. I loved the modern aspects mixed with the supernatural and the delicate way Monteiro can write a tragic episode. Her fiction is her own, totally unique, but you can compare her to Garcia Marquez, Singer, and American short story writers (Raymond Carver, Cheever). If you want to read a work of true heartfelt and well-crafted literature, read Monteiro's book. These stories are engraved in my mind--how marvelous!

Little Star of Bela Lua: Stories from Brazil (P.S.)

Average customer rating:

Little Star of Bela Lua: Stories from Brazil (P.S.)
Luana Monteiro
Manufacturer: Harper Perennial
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Literary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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Suite Francaise

ASIN: 0060899530
Release Date: 2006-07-03

Book Description

A miraculous fish appears to an old woman in a small town in Northeast Brazil -- and so begins a series of comical, poignant, beautiful, and bizarre tales imagined by a remarkable storyteller whose singular voice resonates with lyrical grace.

Featuring an unforgettable cast of players such as a penitent priest who falls in love with a river spirit, an alcoholic alchemist plumbing the depths of his arcane knowledge for the mysteries of death and immortality, and a young beauty torn between Jesus and the lustful earth goddess who has possessed her since childhood, Little Star of Bela Lua is a rich and luminous collection of wonders that marks the arrival of a talented new voice in American fiction.

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GREAT - SWEET ROMANCE - SPERM BANK STYLE

summer reading
Daddy in Waiting (Silhouette Romance)
Karen Potter
Manufacturer: Silhouette
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books
Silhouette Romance | Series | Romance | Subjects | Books
General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
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Their Pregnancy Bombshell (Harlequin Romance)

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The Boss's Special Delivery (Silhouette Romance)

ASIN: 037319773X

Customer Reviews:

GREAT - SWEET ROMANCE - SPERM BANK STYLE.......2005-07-07

The inevitable happens - sperm bank mix-up!
Matt Hanson is going to become a father - not that he wanted to.
Matt was saved from permenant damage after banking his sperm when he found out Krystal McDonnough's plans for him. Or lack thereof.

Jenny Ames was planning to form her own family with her daughter until Matt showed up. Matt was not going to surrender his rights to his child.

Learn the secrets of their childhood that formed their ideas of each other. Matt could well afford to take care of Jenny, but she did not want any interferance from Matt.

Their attraction for each other seemed to keep building until confusion reigned but such a wonderful romance developed and left you rooting for them and their baby, Lexie.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - a delightful read - excellent friends and characters.

summer reading.......2005-06-21

If you like sweet littel romances you will love this book. Jenny makes the decision to have a baby on her own; Matt, the unsuspecting dad, has to convince Jenny that her heart is safe with him. A fun. light read for the pool, the beach, or just because.

Average customer rating:

Daddy's Waiting On You...
Rickey E. Macklin
Manufacturer: AuthorHouse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1418421073

Book Description

Out of the authors very own experience, came this book. If you've never understood the relationship between mankind and The Creator, then this book is a must for your spiritual enrichment. The author in detail carries you from one level of relationship to the next.finally reaching your pinnacle in the arms of God Himself (Daddy). Explained is the parallel of your relationship with The Tabernacle of Moses, and the Voyage of Israel from Egypt to The Promise Land. If you have a thirst and hunger which no created thing can satisfy, then there is a place next to Daddy with answers to all of your questions. At the conclusion of this book, you will have reached the ultimate destination, an intimate relationship Beyond the Veil.

Average customer rating:

Waiting for Daddy: 1943-1945
Marjorie Foster Bowers
Manufacturer: M.F. Bowers]
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Customer Reviews:

Ghost Rider, 90's style.......2005-03-03

Any longtime comic fan knows that Johnny Blaze will forever be the original, and best, Ghost Rider. In the early 90's, Marvel sought to re-work the character, with writer Howard Mackie (Spectacular Spider-Man, Blaze) at the helm as he introduces us to Danny Ketch; a young man who stumbles upon a motorcycle which helps him turn into a new Ghost Rider. He tangles with some lower tier villains such as Deathwatch, Blackout, and the Scarecrow, with a cameo from the Kingpin, and the first (of many) team up's with the Punisher. Sporting some just plain awesome art, a new look, and a surprising amount of violent content, this Ghost Rider re-launch was a hit for Marvel, even as it petered out and became increasingly convoluted over the next few years before it's cancellation in th mid-late 90's. To me, Danny Ketch is the Ghost Rider I usually think of, mostly because I grew up reading these issues as they came out, not knowing anything about Johnny Blaze until later on. Javier Saltares provides the pencils for the first six issues collected in this seven issue TPB, with then inker Mark Texeira taking over complete art duties with issue seven which would help him become a breakout star in the comic business. The art is amazing for it's time, with Ghost Rider looking just so jaw droppingly cool, even if Mackie's script is a little cliche raddled. All in all, if you can find this TPB, it's a deal for the price, and is worth picking up to help satisfy the Spirt of Vengeance in you.

This Ghost Rider rocks!.......2003-10-07

This is the second (and in my opinion the best)incarnation of Ghost Rider. This version is a bad-a$$ that doesn't take anything from anyone. This is a refreshing read for the comic fan that likes good blood and violence in his book. This came out at a time where Marvel was really trying to tone down violence so this was a very refreshing find at the time. It's a shame that Marvel took this particular Ghost Rider too far with cross-overs and other titles. I would like to see more of the Danny Ketch Ghost Rider but I know that will never happen.

Classic Rendition.......2001-08-05

The Ghost Rider was a character that appeared in 70s comics, in which a man, Johnny Blaze, sells his soul to the devil in order to save the love of his life only to find that he has been manipulated all along. That in itself, causes him to renege against his makers and seek vengeance for what they have done. The series was colorful, albeit gloomy. The Ghost Rider himself was not a mysterious figure as it was first intended, but more of a circus show act.

Jump to the 90s. With the old Ghost Rider retired as Blaze has successfully gitten rid of the curse of the devil, a new skull figure similar in looks to his predecessor, but completely enshrouded in mystery. Writer Howard Mackie set to make comic book history with his rendition of the classic character and what a rendition it is. This new Rider, shares only the skull of the old one. Everything else about him is just not yet clear. Leather jacket, command controlled chain, and a bike from hell that anyone out there just dreams of owning one day, this character meant business and he meant it. This Rider was born from innocent murder in Cypress Hill cemetery. No more Johnny Blaze. Dan Ketch was the person in control, or was he?

This TPB collects the first 7 issues of the classic tale of tragedy and triumph, of winning through losing. Mackie helped mkae this new version of the classic character very dark, gritty and completely enshrouded in mystery, which is very unlike the flamboyant earlier character. Artists Javeir Saltares and Mark Texeira bring out an astounding work in making this concept work. It is not crisp as the comics popular at the tim, but very shady with a higher concentration in a general haze rather than fine lines. The coloring is mostly dark matching the art, with the only thing ablazing is the fiery skull of the Rider himself. The setting of the action is mostly at night and occurring in the darkest borough of the darkest city in the world, Brooklyn, NY. These 7 issues bring out the concept of the new Ghost Rider, and does not delve much into his origin. Not only are the readers at a loss, but also the character himself. In just that short time, Mackie helps create a formidable rogues gallery for the Rider.

During that period, Marvel was really into creating horror based comics that first started with Ghost Rider and continued on with other revamped characters old and new. This line grew too big for its own good as complex stories started taking over, the original Ghost Rider tagging along and an origin tale that was just too much to handle for the readers. The presence of the old Ghost Rider was not looked upon favorably by the new readers. The older readers of the original series began comparing the characters and lost interest in the new one. The fresh feel of the book lost to all that was happening at the time. The horror line waned and ironically completely disappeared when the Blade, a supporting character for the Rider, movie came out.

A movie starring Nicolas Cage as the original Ghost Rider is being planned and a new miniseries have just come out with the return of the original character, Johnny Blaze. Though the series is promising, to me the real Rider, the one I grew up with, has always been Dan Ketch and these first 7 issues presented in the TPB defined him as one of the most fascinating out takes on one of Marvel's most mysterious characters to date.

Customer Reviews:

WHy do Christians keep spewing such hatred?.......2006-05-29

W. Peters "B&W Rules" has very little compassion, and has evidently from their review not read the book. Their review is a searing attack on people who have the courage to think about issues, rather than blindly condemn them.

This book is an attempt to sympathetically review the evidence in the Bible for mentions and portrayals of homosexuality - whether you agree or disagree, you cannot deny that the author has tried to really think about the topic, rather than just twist teh facts to fit their own bigoted views.

I would suggest that, if you take an interest in studying the Bible and sexuality, you buy this book. If you choose to take a line and stick to it and rebuff all rational discussion with "Jesus loves you", as does W. Peters "B&W Rules" (who has done the same in all their previous reviews, by the way), don't read it. Go picket the Da Vinci Code, but don't bother people who can learn nothing from you.

a well done scholarly approach.......2001-12-28

this is a good survey of the history of the biblical interpretations of homosexuality in the bible. horner does a fine job of laying out the historical background which formed certain prejudices, and explains them without being strident in his clearly pro-gay stance. the book is well-written (if abit dry) and i wish he had gone a bit deeper into tle literary aspects of the bible tales, but all in all, this is a worthy and totally non-lurid take. well worth the attention of any who are open to a differing viewpoint.

Very Enlightening.......2001-10-18

Over the number of years I have been involved in Homosexuality and the Bible workshops and/or classes, Horner brings forth some very enlightening and eye opening facts. Such as, Pauls writings, that some can and cannot be attributed to him and how he uses the list of vices called "game counters" and homosexuality is NOT on this list. Although Ruth and Naomi's relationship was not a physical one, however, it is truly a lesson in UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, which many of us as HUMANS are still learning. We still make the statement "I love you but..." As for those of us who are in clery and server the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexaul and Transgendered community, we should encourage them to read and study this book and continue to discover where we as LGBT people are in the bible.

very recommendable book.......2001-07-18

Although it was a very interesting book in 1978 c.e. when the first edition of it was published, now for us Japanese citizens the religious documents so called "The Bible" or "The Scriptures" are nothing but a superstitional data of exclusive monotheism = Judaeo-Christianity. And ,I think some chapters of the book are not suitable for the name of "Homosexuality", e.g. Ruth and Naomi --- because their mutual affections are or were very common relationships in Japanese women , and nothing special ones. Et aussi , the love between David and Jonathan is an elemental feeling which every humankind has , not only between the same-sex members but also between the different-sex ones , like Achilleus and Patroclos, Theseus and Peirithous, Alexander Magnus and Hephaistion, and Jesus of Nazareth and Johannes etc.

But I recommend the book for anybody who wants to know about the " same-sex eroticismus " in the Biblical times.

Average customer rating:
Jonathan Loved David Homosexuality in Biblical Times
Thomas Marland Horner
Manufacturer: NY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N7G5SG

Average customer rating:

Cookie monsters beware!

Excellent reasource for cookie recipes

Betty Crocker's Cookie Book

Betty Crocker's Cookie Book

great book

Betty Crocker's Cookie Book: More Than 250 of America's Best-Loved Cookies (Betty Crocker)
Betty Crocker , and Betty Betty Crocker's Ultimate Cookie Book Crocker
Manufacturer: Betty Crocker
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Cookies | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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Big, Soft, Chewy Cookies

Betty Crocker's Cookie Book

Biggest Book of Cookies: 475 All-Time Favorites (Better Homes & Gardens)

Big Fat Cookies

Betty Crocker's Cooky Book

ASIN: 0028626036

Amazon.com

Betty Crocker provides more than 250 scrumptious recipe ideas for filling up your cookie jar with chewy cookies, crunchy shortbreads, chocolate brownies--and just about any sweet little number you can sink your teeth into. In true Crocker style, this sugary gem is laid out simply, with basic cooking instructions, giving plenty of tips and hints for creating that perfect recipe. Mouthwatering photographs of Luscious Lemon-Raspberry Bars, Almond Bonbons, Butterscotch Shortbreads, and many more make you want to get that rolling pin out now!

For quick reference, recipes are divided into eight chapters--there are cookies for kids, brownie and bar recipes, hand-shaped and -pressed cookies, rolled cookies, drop cookies, and cookies for special occasions. Happily for cooks in a real hurry, a whole chapter is devoted solely to store-bought mix recipes (Betty Crocker brand, of course). In a few simple steps, ready-made cake mixes can be adapted into delicious cookies. A carrot-cake mix transforms itself into Carrot-Molasses Cookies by simply adding margarine, light molasses, eggs, and nuts, if desired, which is then chilled and baked for eight minutes. Here are fabulous Caramel Fudge Bars, astounding Almond Bars, and perky Peanut Butter-Brickle Chip Bars, all brought to you via the wonder of mix!

Crocker and Co. doesn't forget special diets, either. There is a wonderful selection of wheat-free and egg-free cookies that still manage to taste fabulous. Particularly handsome are the Frosted Banana Bars--containing less fat and cholesterol than regular cookies.

Whatever your forte, Betty Crocker's Cookie Book has a sweet treat in store for you. --Naomi Gesinger

Book Description

Everyone loves cookies, and with Betty Crocker, everyone can bake them! From novice to pro, these cookies will fill the bill, whether for holiday treats, bake sales, or every-day energizers, these are the cookies you want, with more than 240 to choose from. Every chapter has a most requested cookie, hot from Betty Crocker's kitchens -- these are the cookies America's been asking for. There is also an entire chapter for kids, as well as tons of super-easy bar cookies -- just pour, bake and enjoy!

And with the "Doughs and Doughnt's" chapter to guide you through the basics, there is no part of cookie baking that will cause you concern. About the only problem you'll have is deciding which cookie to make first Deluxe Chocolate Chip Cookies, No-Roll Sugar Cookies, Mousse Bars, Rocky Road Bars, Walnut Biscotti -- whatever you choose, you'll be a winner.

Customer Reviews:

Cookie monsters beware!.......2001-06-13

This book has more cookie choices than you'll know what to do with. Lots of old favorites and some new recipes that are sure to become favorites. A must have in every kitchen and a wonderful gift for a newlywed or someone living on their own for the first time. Buy this book and get baking!

Excellent reasource for cookie recipes.......2001-03-28

I really enjoyed this book. The book is filled with pictures of the cookies, and the recipes turn out well. The book contains a variety of recipes both in types, and some regional favorites. The book is well organized, and is a pleasure to read. If you are looking for a book that is full of good cookie recipes, this is the book for you.

Betty Crocker's Cookie Book.......2000-01-22

I'm a great fan of baking cookies and I love the variety, the hints, and the recipes in this book. A must for pros and beginners alike. If you like cookies...

Betty Crocker's Cookie Book.......2000-01-06

Betty Crocker's Cookie Boo

great book.......1999-04-10

love them al

Average customer rating:

Very nice guide book.

A Collector's Jewel

The cream of the crop for black doll collectors

The first of its kind on this subject, quite informative!

Black Dolls 1820-1991: An Identification and Value Guide
Myla Perkins
Manufacturer: Collector Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Dolls | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Definitive Guide to Collecting Black Dolls

ASIN: 0891455159

Customer Reviews:

Very nice guide book........2005-02-19

Good details about the dolls (markings, tags etc.) Useful for helping to identify "mystery dolls". I like the arrangement of the photos as well. Nice book all around.

A Collector's Jewel.......2001-12-28

This book is a must have for anyone who collects black dolls.It is the reference book that gives insight into your personal treasures. In it I found dolls in my collection I have a greater appreciation for, seeing them listed as well as finding their monetary value.

The cream of the crop for black doll collectors.......2001-11-03

Once I decided to expand my doll collection I needed reference material for identifying my "babies". I've combed the book stores, internet and so far Ms. Perkins two books are the best source of reference in black doll collecting available. There are other books out there but not as comprehensive. What is still surprising I have a number of dolls that were not included. That means Mrs. Perkins must be planning Vol. III. I hope so!! And thank you!

The first of its kind on this subject, quite informative!.......1997-12-20

Black Dolls, an Identification and Value Guide by Myla Perkins will open up the world of black doll collecting to its readers -- particularly if the readers did not own black dolls as children. Those who possess an interest in black dolls and thirst for more knowledge thereof, are certain to perceive Black Dolls as a satiable quencher of this thirst. Even those who have possessed little to no interest whatsoever in black dolls will develop a peaked interest in them after reading this informative book.

Black Dolls informs readers of the multitude of beautiful black dolls that were actually in existence during and predating their childhoods. It further informs readers of the types of black dolls available at the time of its publication in 1992. This book may, in fact, prompt readers to undertake an avid search for black dolls of varied mediums from varied periods of manufacture.

This well-written, extremely informative book that contains hundreds of pictures to help readers identify black dolls, as well as accurate pricing information, bears the responsibility for this reviewer becoming the proud owner of many of the dolls it identifies, describes, and values.

Not only does Black Dolls provide identification and value information for black dolls, it also gives reverence to them. Black dolls and black playthings play an extremely important role in a black child's development of positive self-esteem; this first-of-its-kind book proclaims this importance.

Reviewer's Final Comment: After reading Black Dolls, an Identification and Value Guide, the reader will also want to purchase Black Dolls, an Identification and Value Guide, Book II, which further identifies, values, and incites one's interest in black dolls.

Average customer rating:
Black Dolls 1820-1991: An Identification and Value Guide
Myla Perkins
Manufacturer: Collector Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000J4XDQ0

Book Description

Contains crafts for every major Jewish Holiday as well as holidays associated with Holocaust Remembrance Day and Israel Independence Day. Includes full color pictures of each craft and step-by-step photographs showing how to make each craft. Pages of Jewish Symbol Patterns are included in the back of the book

Customer Reviews:

Best Childrens Jewish Crafts Book Out There!.......2001-01-16

Tracey Agranoff has written a wonderful, creative Jewish crafts book for children of all ages. Her imaginative craft ideas really bring the Holidays to life. The easy to follow Step by Step instruction guarentee success every time. The book has a great lay flat binding that makes it the easiest book to use I've ever seen. The book is fun,with bright color pictures and so easy to use I have reccomended it to all my friends for their classroom use or at home with their own families.

Book Description

Henry Darger: In the Realms of the Unreal is a generously illustrated book that represents the culmination of more than a decade of research into the enigmatic artist's life and work by world renowned outsider art expert John MacGregor. The long awaited monograph is MacGregor's first English-language publication on Henry Darger and the most comprehensive critical investigation of Darger's writings and illustrations available in any language.

Henry Darger was born in Chicago in 1892. Shortly before his death in 1973, his landlord, Chicago artist Nathan Lerner, made a startling discovery in his tenant's room: the history of another world in fifteen volumes, In the Realms of the Unreal—at 15,145 type-written pages, possibly the longest work of fiction ever written. In startlingly vivid detail, Darger's Realms recounted the role of seven sisters, known as the Vivian Girls, in a violent conflict over child enslavement on an unnamed planet. Amidst the refuse, Lerner also found three huge bound volumes of brightly colored illustrations for the work, many painted on both sides and some over twelve feet in length. In the decades since his death, Darger's alternate universe has attracted the intense interest of collectors, critics, and scholars around the world. His illustrations and writings have been the subject of major museum exhibitions in Europe and North America.

Customer Reviews:

Of art and other demons........2006-12-20

Henry Darger was a lonely old man who lived by himself in a small room in Chicago. He worked as a janitor all his life and went to church several times every day, but he never talked to anyone, so no one even knew how to pronounce his last name. When he died, his landlord went to clean out his room. There he discovered Darger's secret life work - around 300 paintings, and 30,000 pages of writing, including a 15,000-page long novel called "In The Realms Of The Unreal."

It takes a brave man to spend ten years to research such an obscure figure. Apparently John MacGregor was the only man up to the task. This book is the only comprehensive analysis of Darger's life and art in existence.

There's a lot to analyze. Darger's novel describes a horrifically violent world war, fought in an unreal world by the virtuous Catholic nation of Angelinia and the evil atheist nation of Glandelinia. Darger's real life was monotonous and isolated, but his inner life was a war, described every night for sixty-odd years with fanatical devotion. Most of his art depicts destruction. And his main symbol of Christian virtue is seven angelic little girls, whom he loves with suspicious passion. It is unnerving, to say the least.

MacGregor attempts to simultaneously describe Darger's life, critically appraise his art, understand his theology, and explore his psychology, while presenting numerous samples of Darger's work. This is the only such attempt ever made, so this book gets a good review almost by default. But I want to point out a few things about Darger's art and MacGregor's treatment of it.

MacGregor uses many superlatives to describe Darger, like "amazing," "astonishing," "brilliant," and "genius." But when he attempts to discuss Darger's writing in detail, the resulting impression is exactly the opposite. He calls Darger's writing "autistic," states (accurately, judging from the samples) that Darger was incapable of creating convincing dialogue and characters, and points out the incoherence of Darger's invented geography. Then sometimes he calls it "brilliant" in the same breath, and argues that Darger's novel is still very readable and interesting.

If it is, MacGregor's chosen samples don't do a lot to show it. Sometimes Darger could describe a sharp image, or affect the tone of an epic poet or a Bible prophet. But it's impossible to know if this is really a sign of creativity, or just a random aberration. In 15,000 pages, one can find evidence to support any interpretation.

Even when Darger writes something relatively good, one never knows if he really wrote it, or if he copied it from somewhere. MacGregor shows that Darger frequently borrowed whole passages from other works, like Bunyan's "The Pilgrim's Progress." To MacGregor, this is a sign of brilliance. Maybe it is brilliant, for an autistic outsider. But I don't want to patronize Darger in that way, I want to try to approach his art as art first. Unfortunately, such an approach does invite the conclusion that the Realms are basically unreadable.

Maybe this is MacGregor's fault. He states, for example, that Darger could occasionally depict more complicated characters, like the honourable enemy general Izner Myletze. If this is true, it speaks in favour of Darger's writing, and is worth discussing. Unfortunately, MacGregor cites only one excerpt from the novel to prove it, and never returns to this issue again.

MacGregor suggests that one day, the novel might be published in abridged form, and appreciated by the general public. This seems impossible. There's no way to know what to abridge. The Realms have a dramatic situation, but no plot development. MacGregor himself says that the war remains unresolved until the last page of the novel.

The paintings stand up much better. Darger wasn't good at free-hand drawing, so he invented a kind of collage technique, carefully explained by MacGregor, in which he would trace stock human figures from books and magazines, and insert them onto his landscapes as he saw fit. He then coloured them in accordance with his setting, adding military uniforms and weapons. The landscapes themselves were of his own creation.

This technique is more impressive than it sounds. As in the novel, nature plays an active role in the paintings. The human figures are often caught under wild, threatening skies. The clouds come in all kinds of shapes, always gigantic, overwhelming the people. Darger's sense of scale makes nature into a colossal force.

Even the human figures, plundered from disposable popular sources, are turned entirely to Darger's purpose. Sometimes he can use them to create a feeling of motion, like in the one scene where the Vivian girls are running down a railroad track, pursued by enemy forces. And sometimes he comes up with a striking visual image, like the one on the cover of this book, or the one of the heart of Christ in heaven.

Then, of course, there are the violent paintings. There are only about ten of these, but the violence is completely unhinged. The most frightening painting of this sort depicts a massacre in a snowfield, where nature is deathly silent. This is the most distasteful aspect of Darger's art. Though maybe we shouldn't be too quick to call him crazy - isn't Mel Gibson making millions out of basically the same thing?

MacGregor argues that Darger was a great artist in his own right, but after reading this book, one feels that Darger can never be recognized. And this is depressing. It makes one think that art is useless. Darger's life-long commitment to his art basically destroyed his life, even as it motivated it. He was a very unhappy man. And although this book makes a powerful impression, when it's over, one is somewhat glad to get outside into the sunshine.

The Creation of An Alternate World.......2006-03-10

As fans of The Simpsons should know, "Outsider Art" is art that is made by a hillbilly, a mental patient, or a chimpanzee. Anyone who is interested in art like this should know about the great Henry Darger. His story is fascinating, heartbreaking, and deeply deeply disturbing, on all levels. The image on the cover of this book is one of the best examples of what Henry Darger is all about. Huge disembodied flame-colored hands hover menacingly over a group of little yellow-haired girls cowering in their beds. One is running away screaming. Another peers up in cool curiousity... Darger's cult of fame is based on the mega-voluminous epic he wrote throughout his solitary life, based on the often incredibly violent adventures of his imaginary "heart's darlings", The Vivian Girls. Choking and disemboweling were particular obsessions with Darger, and the "battle scenes" can be very hard to look at. Really, keep this book AWAY FROM KIDS, or they might be scarred for life. I admit I found myself seriously creeped out whilst reading this book alone late one night. But that's Darger! And you'll find just as many images of fanciful , wild, and utter beauty. His use of color is truly skillful, for someone so -- "unskilled." Unable to draw, he used a variety of creative techniques to achieve the results he wanted, such as collage, tracing, and color washes. The story of Darger is amazing, and this book gives him the detailed and in-depth treatment he deserves.

Joseoh C. Tedeschi.......2003-01-14

For anyone looking to enter the unreal realms of Henry Darger, his writings and his artwork, MacGregor's book is essential. He has both exhaustively researched and reconstructed Darger's life as an isolated, perhaps mentally disturbed individual working as a dishwasher and janitor in Chicago and delved deeply into the often gruesome content of Darger's fantasy realm. The book itself is a wonder - it is like a great independent film, unflinching, provocative, well-constructed.

Henry Darger, In the Realms of the Unreal.......2002-12-31

As an art therapist, I read Dr.John M.MacGregor's book, 'Henry
Darger,In the Realms of the Unreal'and marvelled at the potency of art as a therapeutic agent.

Henry Darger initiated his own therapy. He painted a torrent of images representing his rage. Without his art and his writing, I wonder who would have been the target of this volcanic fury.

John MacGregor's book is a must for all art therapy faculties and departments.

Beth Robinson

Darger: Brilliant, scary enigma.......2002-05-04

Darger's voluminous work, of which the drawings are only the tip of the iceberg, are inaccessable, literally, except for fragments published in a previous collection. Even if the full opus was available it would still be a alien monument due to it's sheer size, attracting only the peculiarly curious and those who have aquired the taste for Darger's vision. This said, MacGregor's work is a valuable description by a voyager to a dark continent who is capable of expressing the awe, fear and wonder that he experienced when immersed in this strange land. The book is lush, in design and writing, and each chapter tackles a different aspect of the Darger mystery. I imagine attempting to read all of Darger would cause the odd combination of shock and boredom that de Sade's work elicits, trangressive scenes compulsively written ad nausiam. MacGregor distills the major themes of Henry's work, avoids the mind-numbing repetition, yet preserves the vertigo of scale that Darger achieved, intentionally or otherwise. An odd masterpeice written about an even odder masterpeice.

Customer Reviews:

Tells the True Story.......2000-03-30

I think that this book was a great example of a true biography of a person. Ricky Martin is a great preformer who has only been on this earth for such a short time and has already achived so much sucess with much more to come. This book portrays his life in a great light and allows the reader to feel as if they know Ricky after reading this book. It is not a teen bopper book about Ricky but rather a window into his exciting and sometimes heart breaking life's story.

It's great,.......2000-02-01

but people writing reviews should learn to spel

my favorite boyfriend is Ricky Martin.......1999-10-09

I like Ricky Martin he is the best man in the whole wide world and I am going to go out with him one day

my favorite boyfriend is Ricky Martin.......1999-10-09

I like Ricky Martin he is the best man in the whole wide world and I am going to go out with him one day

INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......1999-07-29

This book is great(of course not as much as Ricky!). It told me all I wanted to know about him. I know is great, but by reading this book made him my favorite celebrety ever!!!!!!!!!! It's all about his life and youth in different careers. I only gave three stars because there weren't many pictures. They were all black and white. And there was mostly long hair, but if I needed to I'd buy this book again!!!!!!!!!!

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