Preston Falls: A Novel

Average customer rating:

horrible, I want my day back....

In a bubble?

Seemed Pointless

a unique voice, and a compelling story

Glad My Kids Are Grown?

Preston Falls: A Novel
David Gates
Manufacturer: Vintage
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Literary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0679756434
Release Date: 1999-04-06

Book Description

"Beautifully written.... Gates [has a] pitch-perfect ear for contemporary speech...and...[a] keen, journalistic eye."--Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times

In this comic, fiercely compassionate novel, David Gates, whose first novel Jernigan was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, sends his protagonist on a visceral journey to the dark side of suburban masculinity, explores the claims youth makes on middle age, and the tenacious --at times perverse--power of love to assert itself.

When Doug Willis has a mid-life crisis, he doesn't join a gym or have an affair. Instead he gets himself arrested while camping with his wife and kids, takes a two month leave of absence from his PR job, and retreats to his farmhouse in rural Preston Falls--where he plugs in his guitar and tries to shut out his life.

While his wife, Jean, struggles to pay the bills and raise their sullen, skeptical kids, Willis's plans for hiatus crumble into Dewars-and-cocaine fueled disarray. A shattered window, an unguarded gun, and a shady small town attorney force a crisis--and Willis can't go home again. With its biting humor and harsh realism, Preston Falls confirms David Gates as a talent in the tradition of Russell Banks and Richard Ford: a master of dark truths and private longings.

Customer Reviews:

horrible, I want my day back...........2005-11-06

What a terrible book! I almost wrote to the author to get a day of my life refunded. The main character was too crude and ridiculous to believe. Maybe I hang with a cultivated set, but I found the dialog in this book to be contrived and forced, really forced. The plot resolved in a manner that was not authentic. The author was just too obvious and obviously full of himself.

I like to buy the books I read because I like to keep them, re-read them, draw on them, loan them. But this book I actually threw in the trash when I was done with it.

In a bubble?.......2005-10-01

Perhaps I'm living in a bubble, but I absolutely don't know anybody who shows such consisitently bad judgment and selfishness, and imposes misery upon himself and others, as Willis in this book. Is this supposed to be a "realistic" account of a disintegrating marriage? Indeed, what a dreary existence where every single thought out of this man's head is a profanity. I refuse to believe that people like this really exist.

Seemed Pointless.......2004-06-08

I must have missed something, because I thought this book was incredibly boring and completely pointless. I kept hoping that something would happen to these unhappy characters, but it never does. By the end, I wanted the author would kill Willis off to guarantee there wouldn't be sequel.

a unique voice, and a compelling story.......2002-08-16

Another reviewer here mentioned similarities with Updike and Russo, two authors I have read recently. I concur with that; the male character in this novel is in the throes of confusion, as is Rabbit, and confronts his real self, a bit like the main character in Empire Falls.

But this book stands out for its excellent depiction of the breakdown of both a person and a relationship. Gates is very perceptive in presenting the tiny details that herald this breakdown - the subtle dialogue, the intimate feelings, and the situations that are too complicated for normal people.

This is an emotional story, about love and loss, about trying to cope and giving in to primal desires. Unforgettable, but I can't give it 5 stars, which I reserve for Updike and Russo.

Glad My Kids Are Grown?.......2002-04-12

I loved this book. Not so much that I loved the characters, but that I was fascinated with them. It reminded me of the outrageousness of John Updike's character in the Rabbit series, and of Richard Russo's characters...2 authors I adore. There was a distinct familiarity with many of the pathetic no-win conversations Jean had with the kids..I had to grin and feel grateful I made it past that with my kids. I found nary a dull momement in this story, unlike some of the reviewers...I could hardly wait to find time to get back to it. I'm off to find more by David Gates

Book Description

The Halfling's Gem

Assassin Artemis Entreri whisks his kidnapped victim, Regis the halfling, south to Calimport and into Pasha Pook's vengeful hands. If Pook can control the magical panther Guenhwyvar, Regis will die in a real game of cat and mouse.

Using an enchanted mask, dark elf Drizzt Do'Urden hides his heritage and races with the barbarian Wulfgar to save their light-fingered friend. An unexpected ally arrives just as Entreri springs a trap. But can Regis survive unscathed?

The companions from Icewind Dale battle pirates on the famed Sword Coast, brave the deserts of Calimshan, and fight monsters from other planes to resuce their friend . . . and themselves.

The Halfling's Gem is R.A. Salvatore's exciting conclusion to the Icewind Dale Trilogy, set in the Forgotten Realms fantasy world.

Customer Reviews:

Great Book and Great Trilogy.......2007-07-04

Having thoroughly enjoyed the first two books of The Icewind Dale trilogy, I was eager to find out how this particular Drizzt Do'Urden story ends in the The Halfling's Gem.

Again, I was not disappointed. The book has a very straight forward plot and very good subplots to draw the reader in. The development of the main characters falls into place very well. From reading later novels in the series and knowing how things eventually turn out, I still find myself concerned for the characters in each of the harrowing situations they face and curious as to how they get out of each of the jams they are in.

Many of the non-Drizzt Forgotten Realms novels I have read contain too many subplots for my own liking. I like to have a few going on at the same time, but too many get me too confused, and I find myself resigned to just trying to keep up with the main storyline. I believe that is the one thing I have enjoyed most about each of R.A. Salvatore novels. I know I am going to get mystery, intrigue, action, and adventure, but not so much so that the main story gets lost. This is important to me for any fiction novel I read, but especially for the Forgotten Realms titles. The driving story behind each Drizzt novel is his relationship with his friends and enemies. His goal in life to conquer the prejudices and stereotypes against his race. His story is one of finding peace within himself and with the world around him.

An Exciting Conclusion to the Trilogy........2007-01-01

The third book in the Icewind Dale Trilogy is a great conclusion. Our favorite little Halfling Regis develops from a shallow somewhat one-sided character into a deep and seven fingered (read the book to get the refrence) person. But of course this book has all the great fights and adventure that has become the staple of the series. We are introduced to several new and important chracters and get to see Drizzt fight some pirates!

Excellent.......2006-03-24

Read this years ago and recently revisited this series. One of my first from Salvatore and still a favorite. great characters and writing, and exciting action.

If you like books like this one, might I suggest another I've recently come across. The Unsuspecting Mage by Brian S. Pratt. It's another fantasy adventure sure to please. I highly recommend it.

AWESOME.......2006-02-17

R.A. Salvatore is my present favorite Author. I don't think many would agree with me but at least for me, as a personal opinion, he's at Tolkien's level. This as all his other books are a must read for fantasy, D&D or LOTR lovers.

Very Gripping Conclusion.......2005-12-13

This one took me 3 days to get through, its that good. Whenever i would leave to hang out with friends or something, i would tell myself i should be at home reading!

This one delivers everywhere you could expect! Really, if you have read The Crystal Shard & Streams of Silver, dont abuse yourself by not reading this! This is Vintage material.

Showdowns between Drizz't and Entreri are very heart pounding from the get-go. Since you're looking forward to it the whole time, its just that great when you finally get to it!

Pick it up, read it, dig it. It's very good.

The Halfling's Gem: The Legend of Drizzt, Book VI (Forgotten Realms)

Average customer rating:

The Halfling's Gem: The Legend of Drizzt, Book VI (Forgotten Realms)
R.A. Salvatore
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Epic | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books

Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0786942894
Release Date: 2007-08-07

Book Description

Join Drizzt Do'Urden, the world's most famous drow elf, on his adventures in the Forgotten Realms!

Regis has fallen into the hands of the assassin Artmis Entreri, who is taking him to Calimport to deliver him into the clutches of the vile Pasha Pook. But Drizzt and Wulfgar are close on their heels, determined to save Regis from his own folly as much as from his powerful enemies.

Forgotten Realms Volume 6: The Halfling's Gem (Forgotten Realms Volume 6)

Average customer rating:

Forgotten Realms Volume 6: The Halfling's Gem (Forgotten Realms Volume 6)
R. A. Salvatore , Andrew Dabb , and Tim Seeley
Manufacturer: Devil's Due Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1934692034

Book Description

Adapting R.A. Salvatore's acclaimed novel! The feared assassin Artemis Entreri has kidnapped Regis! But the Halfling has some very formidable allies - Drizzt Do'urden and Wulfgar! The companions from Icewind Dale will find themselves battling pirates on the famed Sword Coast, braving the deserts of Calimshan, and fighting otherworldly creatures - all in the name of friendship!

Icewind Dale Trilogy : Book One The Crystal Shard, Book Two Streams of Silver, Book Three Halfling's Gem (Forgotten Realms)

Average customer rating:

Back to the beginning in a wonderful collector set!

Icewind Dale Trilogy : Book One The Crystal Shard, Book Two Streams of Silver, Book Three Halfling's Gem (Forgotten Realms)

Manufacturer: TSR
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000FEG03W

Customer Reviews:

Back to the beginning in a wonderful collector set!.......2006-05-01

Fans of Drizzt Do'Urden will love this set, especially those of us who followed the series from the start and had to wait that agonizing year between releases. Relive the first meeting with Our Heroes in Icewind Dale and the battle of Cryshal-Tirith, the hunt for Mithrall, and the race to Calimport for Regis.

I have only one complaint with the series: Enough already, Bob! We KNOW the dwarves have an accent. Writing it out phonetically like that gets a bit annoying to read after awhile. Still...one grand ride, so don't miss this reprint.

La Gema del Halfling / The Halfling's Gem (Reinos Olvidados: El Valle del Viento Helado)

Average customer rating:

La Gema del Halfling / The Halfling's Gem (Reinos Olvidados: El Valle del Viento Helado)
R. A. Salvatore
Manufacturer: Timun Mas
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Spanish | Foreign Language Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

THE ICEWIND DALE TRILOGY - Book (1) One: The Crystal Shard; Book (2) Two: Streams of Silver; Book (3) Three: The Halfling's Gem (Forgotten Realms)

Average customer rating:

THE ICEWIND DALE TRILOGY - Book (1) One: The Crystal Shard; Book (2) Two: Streams of Silver; Book (3) Three: The Halfling's Gem (Forgotten Realms)
R. A. Salvatore
Manufacturer: TSR Forgotten Realms
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NRRVLQ

STREAMS OF SILVER AND THE HALFLING'S GEM

Average customer rating:

STREAMS OF SILVER AND THE HALFLING'S GEM
R. A. Salvatore
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000RIX4XU

Book Description

Communications specialist Ravyn Verdier is on a mission to test the habitability of Jarved Nine when her team is mysteriously killed. Sent to rescue her, commander Damon Brody becomes stranded on the planet with her. Trapped on a world harboring an unimaginable evil, Ravyn and Damon must depend on one another--and they discover love is the only force strong enough to battle their unseen enemy.

Customer Reviews:

highly recommend space adventure.......2007-10-03

Wow! This book really blew me away. It's a space epic, and a brilliant debut book. The pace is relentless as the heroine and hero race across a planet where there is a killer who cannot be seen and is intent of making them his next victim. I am not much on space romance, but I could soon be after reading this powerful novel.

Debut novel takes Futuristic Romance to new levels.......2007-09-20

Ravyn Verdier, a telecommunications expert, is part of the Colonization Assessment Team assigned to determine the habitability of Jarved Nine, a planet far from her native Earth. Ravyn is no stranger to death. Her parents had been on the front line of the latest wars to rock their world. Her father had died when she was just a child. Her stepfather Gil had been a Spec Ops Officer, and her mother had been a frontline nurse. She and her stepbrother, now a Spec Ops Colonel, had lost them to an unexpected civilian disaster, but nothing compared to the horror she had just witnessed. She had emerged into the common room with a birthday gift for a member of the team, to find all nineteen brutally slain, soundlessly, and with no sign of a struggle.

Damon Brody, commander of a Spec Ops team on a routine training mission on the far side of the planet, responds immediately when an emergency distress signal is received from the CAT headquarters. What the team finds is shockingly grim. Damon goes alone in search for the twentieth victim, and finds Ravyn alive, cowering in shock behind her door.

Damon has a terrible premonition when Ravyn declares she'd not been the one activate the distress beacon. His worst fears are realized when he finds the rest of his squad mutilated in the same manner as the CAT team. He now knew that whatever had killed here had tremendous power and strength. Like the CAT victims, his highly trained combat unit had died without a fight. It is only then that Damon realizes that the victims had been laid out in a specific pattern. They were dealing with a fanatic, a ritual killer.

Knowing that they are not safe here, the two decide to take sanctuary in the abandoned Old City. It is a long and arduous journey, during which the pair quickly learns to respect each other's abilities. Ravyn is surprisingly strong, skilled, determined. Her endurance goes beyond his expectations. So why, when he senses evil stalking them at every turn, does a highly trained warrior like Damon find himself being distracted by her? Well okay, he knows the answer to that question. He's in love, and it appears Rayvn's shares his feelings, but are they real or the result of their situation? Can he afford to give into his desires when he knows that his choices could mean the difference between life and death? What were they facing? Would they find the answers in the Old City? What had become of the people who'd lived there? Could they hold out until help arrived?

Amazing! Lots of risks were taken in the telling of this tale, which I believe ultimately will give it broad appeal. This remarkable debut by Ms. O'Shea takes the genre to new levels. It is labeled futuristic, no doubt due to the romance content, which was engrossing in itself, but personally I would categorize it as romantic science fiction, and recommend it without hesitation to lovers of the SF genre. RAVYN'S FLIGHT should also appeal to readers of military, and romantic suspense. I think the plot would even hold the attention of hard-core horror lovers, but is well balanced enough to keep more squeamish readers (like myself) firmly in its thrall. The protagonists, both main and secondary, were strong, believable role models. The conclusion was well drawn and extremely satisfying Bravo!

Reviewed by Leslie Tramposch for PNR Reviews

A Paranormal Treat.......2007-09-15

I first read Patti O'Shea when I picked up "Eternal Nights" at a mom and pop grocery store on my way camping. Her writing was stunning. I had to buy the book that started the Jarved 9 adventure, "Ravyn's Flight".
As usual, O'Shea gave me all I ask for in a paranormal--an otherworldly mood with some evocative love scenes. Her secondary characters have just as much depth as her hero and heroine which gives the whole story a bigger feel.
I love this series and I'm looking forward to the next Jarved 9 book.

Not worth the paper it's printed on.......2007-04-17

While O'Shea has some interesting ideas that could have been fleshed out, most of the story is made up of "oh, isn't that convenient?" and schmaltzy plot elements, i.e. "We're running for our lives through the jungle, but let's stop to mud westle and make a baby"..... Not recommended.

Ravyn's Flight.......2007-01-10

I loved this book. I enjoyed all of this author's books and look forward to more.

Customer Reviews:

A good collection ..........2005-05-12

Very possibly the only book (or one of few books) of its kind out there, which benefits its value; however, the idential sayings from the cannonical gospels and the gospel of Thomas are all considered individually, so it gets somewhat repetitive. A decent source, though.

A complete and exhaustive collection of sayings by Jesus.......2005-03-09

A lifelong student of the history of religion, Ricky Alan Mayhotte has produced what can only be called a seminal, breakthrough work that should be read by every member of the clergy and ever member of the Christian congregations they serve regardless of denominational affiliation. The Complete Jesus is nothing short of a complete and exhaustive collection of sayings by Jesus as recording in 23 documents surviving from antiquity. In addition to the four biblical gospels and "Book of Revelations", this ancient sources include Christian Gnostic writings and New Testament Apocrypha ranging from "The Book of Thomas", to "The Gospel of Mary", to "The Apocryphon of James", to "The Sophia of Jesus Christ", to "The Acts of John", to the "Epistle of Titus", to "The Apocalypse of Peter". The sayings of Jesus are impressively organized into nine chapters: Commandments, Parables, Jesus Speaking About Himself, Warnings And Admonitions, Teachings And Proverbs, Hymns And Prayers, Jesus Laughing, Diverse Doctrine, Apocalyptic And Revelation. Enhanced with appendices that provide the reader with the descriptions of the New Testament books, the Gnostic documents, and the Apocrypha writings which served as the sources for the diverse quotations from Jesus. "Jesus said, Who ever finds the world and becomes rich, let him renounce the world."

Wonderful book!.......1998-02-07

I thoroughly enjoyed this delivery from Ricky Mayotte. With this and the incredible "The Autobiography of Jesus of Nazareth and the Missing Years" by Richard G. Patton my spirit has taken wings.

Book Description

Take advantage of the growing interest in herbal cooking with this book from a beautifully presented unique series.

Average customer rating:
Herbal Harvest- The Lammas Festival, the Bread Festival

Manufacturer: Clinton Press of Tolland
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound
ASIN: B000H94GSG

Product Description

Size 9 x 6 inches, plastic comb binding

Herbal Soups, Salads, Breads And Sweets: A Fresh from the Garden Cookbook

Average customer rating:

Herbal Soups, Salads, Breads And Sweets: A Fresh from the Garden Cookbook
Ruth Bass
Manufacturer: Diane Pub Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Herbs, Spices & Condiments | Cooking by Ingredient | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0756790735

Product Description

Here is a deliciously imaginative exploration of the potential of garden-fresh & dried herbs. Learn to use common herbs, such as parsley, sage, rosemary, & thyme, in new ways. You'll also experiment with out-of-the-ordinary herbs such as lemon verbena, geranium leaves, & chervil. In this elegant cookbook for gourmet & novice cooks alike, Bass assembles a captivating array of ideas & enticing recipes for using herbs in all types of dishes, in all seasons, & in appealing, succulent, & unusual ways. Set your senses reeling with succulent dishes such as: chili pepper soup; shrimp dill salad; fruited chicken salad; thyme & cheese biscuits; sweet potato muffins; peppermint angel food cake; & many more! Illustrations.

Herbal Soups,Salads,Breads & Sweets: A Fresh From The Garden Cookbook

Average customer rating:

Herbal Soups,Salads,Breads & Sweets: A Fresh From The Garden Cookbook
Ruth/Rich,Mary Bass
Manufacturer: Storey Communication
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 158017289X

Average customer rating:

The herbal breads cookbook
Donna Frawley
Manufacturer: Frawley's Fine Herbary
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0006PGMTC

Book Description

Authentic American Indian-made clothing, containers, weapons, horse gear, musical instruments, basketry, pottery, textiles, and jewelry is presented visually through 892 color photographs and in a detailed text which identifies the origins, materials, uses, and value on today's market. In addition to the description of all items depicted, a separate bead glossary provides information on beadwork styles, bead colors, and bead sizes. This is a most valuable reference to a complex and popular field of international collecting importance.

Book Description

Novice crafters will find a treasure trove of creative ideas in a wonderfully simple question-and-answer format. Work with beads or polymer clay, make candles or soaps, or accent everything with rubber stamps. Every crafter needs this book.

Customer Reviews:

Various aspects of Qur'an: Serious, Responsible, yet Innovative, & Accessible.......2006-10-30

"The need for a large-scale reference text that covers the various aspects of their scripture in a serious and responsible yet innovative and broadly accessible way is an obvious one, and is superbly well served by this fine encyclopaedia." Lawrence Conrad.

"The Qur'an is a text, a literary text, and the only way to understand, explain, and analyze it is through a literary approach. This is an essential theological issue." Nasr H. Abu Zayd

The Holy Qur'an:
The Qur'an, also spelled Koran is the "holy book of Islam, regarded by believers as the true word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. In its written form it is accepted as the earthly reproduction of an uncreated and eternal heavenly original, according to the general view referred to in the Qur'an itself as 'the well-preserved tablet' (al-lawh al-mahfuz*; Sura 85:22)." Encyclopædia Britannica
The Qur'an (literally, 'Recitation') is believed to be the word, or speech, of God delivered to Muhammad by the angel Gabriel. The Qur'anic text revealed to Muhammad is considered to be an earthly manifestation of the eternal and uncreated original in heaven, a parallel to the Ten Commandments of Judaism. Divided into 114 chapters (surahs) of diverse subjects and varying length, is the fundamental source of Islamic teaching. The early Meccan surahs, are concerned mostly with moral, and spiritual teachings and warnings about the last Day (of Judgment.) The later surahs revealed at Medina are concerned mainly with social legislation and the politico-moral principles for constituting and ordering the community.

A Qur'an For Muslims:
Today, Muslims constitute about a sixth of the world's population, only second to Christians, numbering about one billion inhabitant. The great majority of Muslims do neither read nor understand Arabic, the language of the Qur'an, depriving them of a first hand evaluation of the source of their own faith. Encyclopaedia of the Holy Qur'an stresses that "Reading, reciting and learning of the Qur'ân by heart are not the ways of real approach to it. By approach we mean that we should understand what the Qur'ân says to us, what message it conveys to us, and what demand it makes from us."

Islamic Thought:
Islamic teachings, law, and thinking in general are based upon four sources, or fundamental principles : a. the Qur'an, b. the Prophet's Islamic and social traditions (sunnah), c. Islamic consensus (ijma' ), and d. individual scholarship (ijtihad). For Muslims, the Qur'an is the uncreated word of God, that contains the ultimate truth, and whatever is revealed in it has been the object of meditation and explanation through the centuries. Thus, since the nineth century, commentators on the Qur'an have been by far the most important witnesses for Islamic 'mythology.' They relied heavily on Jewish tradition, and wove into their explanations various strands of ancient oriental lore and Persian fables. Jewish converts, brought much of their Jewish literature (Isra'iliyat) into Islamic tradition. Later on, the mystics' commentaries expressed some Apophatic (Mystic), dualistic Gnostic views, and Hellenistic concepts (idea of the Perfect Man, personified in Muhammad) was to gain greatest prominence. Commentaries written in the border areas of Islamic countries now and then accepted a few popular traditions from their respective areas; however, the formative period was finished quite early.

Modern Islamic Scholarship:
The plight of Nasr Abu Zayd, an unassuming Egyptian professor of Arabic who sits on the encyclopedia's advisory board, illustrates the difficulties facing Muslim scholars trying to reinterpret their tradition. For more than a century there have been public figures in the Islamic world who have attempted the revisionist study of the Qur'an and Islamic history, the recently exiled Egyptian professor Nasr Abu Zayd is not unique. Perhaps Abu Zayd's most famous predecessor was the prominent Egyptian government minister, university professor, and writer Taha Hussein. A determined modernist, Hussein in the early 1920's devoted himself to the study of pre-Islamic Arabian poetry and ended up concluding that much of that body of work had been fabricated well after the establishment of Islam in order to lend outside support to Qur'anic mythology. A more recent example is the Iranian journalist and diplomat Ali Dashti, who in his Twenty-Three Years: A Study of the Prophetic Career of Mohammed, 1985, repeatedly took his fellow Muslims to task for not questioning the traditional accounts of Muhammad's life, much of which he called "myth-making and miracle-mongering."

Encyclopedia of the Qur'an:
Brill's Encyclopaedia of the Qur'an is the first comprehensive reference work on the Qur'an to appear in any Western language. It assembles an encyclopaedic dictionary of Qur'anic terms, concepts, personalities, place names, cultural history and exegesis with essays on the most important themes and subjects within Qur'anic studies, integrating alphabetically-arranged entries of articles about the contents of the Qur'an. With some thousand entries in five volumes. This Encyclopedia is a genuine collaborative enterprise, carried out by Muslims and non-Muslims alike; its articles present multiple approaches to the interpretation of the Qu'ran, some of which are likely to challenge traditional Islamic views. The time may be less ripe for a revisionist study of the Qur'an, but decidedly necessary in clearing moderate Islamic Fiqhe from allusion of violence. The articles, that widely range in length, discuss the themes found in the Qur'an. Both Muslim and non-Muslim approaches to the holy text are featured, and extensive reference is made to the classical, and contemporary Islamic exegetical tradition. The choice of English text, helps to make the Encyclopaedia accessible to non Arabic-reading specialists.

Contributing Writers:
Edited by Jane McAuliffe, of Georgetown University, the Encyclopaedia relies mostly on U.S. authors, together with other Westerners and Middle Eastern contributors. Over 200 scholars from around the world have contributed the approximately 1,000 articles in these five volumes. Their willingness to contribute their range of expertise has made the work both a summative enterprise and one which highlights potential future directions of Qur'anic studies. The contributing writers, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, including the progressive Egyptian Scholar Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd. Professor Abu Zayd studies modern Islamic thought by critically analyzing classical and contemporary Islamic discourse in the field of theology, philosophy, law, politics and humanism. The aim of his research is to suggest a theory of hermeneutics that might enable Muslims to build a bridge between their tradition and the modern world.

General Editor:
Georgetown University professor Jane McAuliffe, recently published the fifth, concluding volume of the Encyclopaedia of the Qur'an (Brill, 2001-2006). McAuliffe served as the general editor of the collection, multi-volume reference work on the Muslim scripture to appear in a Western language. The editor takes up a methodology of what she calls "two parallel conversations" about the Qur'an, between Muslim and non-Muslim scholarship on the holy book, which existed in separate sources, one pious, the other inquisitive; she also acknowledges that some authors found her concept of the project tainted and chose to stay away from it. Muslim critic S. Parvez Manzoor, in a cautionary preview, stated, that "The Orientalist enterprise of Qur'anic studies, whatever its other merits and services, was a project born of spite, bred in frustration and nourished by vengeance: ... the vengeance of the 'orthodox' against the 'nonconformist.' "

An Excellent Collection of Current Scholarship in Islamics.......2001-11-15

The Encyclopaedia of the Qur'an represents the most current knowledge available regarding Islam and Qur'anic Studies. Jane Dammen Mcauliffe has done an excellent job compiling contributions from an impressive list of scholars. Andrew Rippin, G.R. Hawting, Patricia Crone, Herbert Berg, Bowering, Beatrice Greundler, and a host of others all weigh in on issues ranging from the Chronology of the Qur'an to its Compilation; and from Exegetical issues to the controversial questions of the Origins of the Qur'an. Excellent Scholarship marks the first volume's entries on the topics of Arabic Scripts, Language, and Paleography. It draws on recent research and scholarship, including the "paper grave" of manuscripts discovered in Sana'a Yemen which are currently being analyzed by German Professor Gerhard Puin. This first available volume covers topics from "A" through "D", and makes many references to future entries in the volumes which are to follow. While the entries are based on thorough research and academic study, several of the conclusions and observations will be quite controversial in the Muslim community, particularly those which call into question the reliability of Muslim Literary Traditions, and those which are damaging to the traditional understandings of the nature of the Qur'an as a monolithic, unevolved (or even uncreated) source of Divine Revelation. This volume, and those which follow, are certain to establish themselves as instant classics in the libraries of scholars and academic students of Islam around the world.

Book Description

Travel into the creative heart of the world's most famous jazz musician.

Experience the inspiration and joy of creation and performance in Jazz in the Bittersweet Blues of Life, an intimate portrait of a unique artist and his audience. Set in the studio, on the stage, and in great cities and small towns across the country, this book captures life on the road for Marsalis and his musicians, evoking its ritual and renewal, energy and spirituality. Describing the art of improvisation, the book's two voices mirror the interplay at the heart of jazz-both among the musicians, and between them and the people they meet in their travels. "On the road and on the bandstand," Wynton writes, "something great may happen at any moment, something that might even change your life." Alternately luminous and boisterous, often poignant, and always passionate, Marsalis and Vigeland's extraordinary dialogue is a must for fans, musicians, and anyone curious about America's only indigenous art form.

Customer Reviews:

An Insightful Look at the Improvisational Process.......2004-01-02

Jazz, America's music, is an improvisational art. In Bittersweet Blues Marsalis and Vigeland do a lot do educate the reader just how this works. Not just on the bandstand but also on the road and in the life of jazz' leading spokesman. The book helps you see how musicians must comminucate, must hold each other with respect, must listen with an ear for creativity and must withhold judgement.

The book alternates between Vigeland's discussion of the events in life of Marsalis' Septet and Wynton's discussions of what it means to be a jazz musician. This interplay is what gives the book it's beautiful tone and variety. In a sense, you see the two authors improvising around each other's styles. What amazed me the most was the pace of Marsalis' life and the breadth of his associations. I enjoyed learning more about the creative process behind some of my favorite music as well.

I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in road stories, jazz or how artists create the ir art.

On the road again, just can't wait to get on the road again.......2001-10-20

You can't just say those words without putting music to the most famous road anthem by Willie Nelson. That's what this book is about: life on the road with jazz musicians.

Co-author Carl Vigeland was invited to travel the country and Europe with jazz superstar Wynton Marsalis and his band.

This is about the music of jazz, the blues and the road. Vigeland and Marsalis make numerous references to the book's title "Jazz In The Bittersweet Blues of Life. Vigeland covers personal observations of life with its rigors of the road, the overwhelming passion to produce quality performances. You don't get too much of the personal life of Marsalis, he shares little about his two older boys living in New York.

Brother Branford splits for a rock band
We also get very little info on tenor saxophone Branford Marsalis along with member Kenny Kirkland who left the band in the early 80's to play with rock superstar Sting. Branford also did a short stint as band leader for Jay Leno's "Tonight Show." In the book, we DON'T' get a clear understanding about the departure of his brother Branford and member Kenny Kirkland. Little is known here about Branford's departure, only mentioned here is "that others have thought that it may have been hurtful to have your brother leave for a rock musician." This book doesn't discuss that a rift was occurring and the finality was the departure. But I believe now, all is well with the brothers.

Marsalis, on the other hand, shares keen insight into the world of jazz, his composition style, and rhythm including his relationship with the trumpet. About the trumpet, he says "you can never force the trumpet, you got to baby it, treat it gently, coax it. It's always there when you need a high note, or something very loud. If you don't handle up on it, it won't respect you"

He teaches us about playing the songs and how the members produce an evening's show. We learn about his amiable personality and he exudes the passion to please his audience.

Observations from the Jazz man
Just from this book alone, we get the impression that Wynton Marsalis is cool and collected, caring of young children, family man and friend. His insights into life are fascinating. Of people who hang out at bars, discos, etc., he says are the unhappiest and lonliest blankety blanks in the whole world. He says, "If you want to be happy, go inside. Inside yourself, inside the people you love, inside your art. Inside seems much lonlier than outside, don't be fooled, you go far enough, it's always warm and good."

But most of all, Wynton gives us an idea how he works, how he composes; it's incredible. It may be no surprise that he is also an accredited author with his books by "Marsalis on Music" and "Sweet Swing Blues on the Road." Wonderful read....MzRizz

Absolutely Fantastic Work!.......2001-06-28

Picked up Marsalis + Vigeland's work and just couldn't put it down! From descriptions of events, to understanding the personal struggles of band members, Jazz in the bittersweet blues of life fully expresses the goings on of the Wynton Marsalis Septet. Above all, I found Marsalis's commentaries on life, love, and music striking chords within my soul, and left me pleading for more.

Marsalis' words are profound and poetic.......2001-06-07

Jazz in the Bittersweet Blues of Life is a chronicle of one artist's ten year journey as he shares his gift and talent with the world. Marsalis' words, which appear in italics throughout the book are both profound and poetic. As you read, you can hear him speak, but most of all you feel the passion he has for his craft. He poses the question early in the book when explaining that everyone is an artist, "...how do you want to make me feel with your art, and what insights do you have that distinguish your ideas from someone else's?" A rhetorical question for every artist.

You get a sense of the daily experiences of Wynton and the other musicians in the Septet, from composing on the road, to the daily pick-up basketball games, to the lectures in schools across the country to the musicians ironing their clothing before each performance. It is a demanding, yet rewarding life. Throughout the book (and his travels) Marsalis not only meets and encourages young musicians, but he keeps in contact with them through periodic phone calls, updating himself on their growth as musicians. Some of the young musicians he met early in his career became members of the septet.

Jazz in the Bittersweet Blues of Life, has shaped me as both an artist and author. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Marsalis at Book Expo America. He is as personable, down-to-earth and charming as he appears in this book.

Average customer rating:
JAZZ IN THE BITTERSWEET BLUES OF LIFE
WYNTON MARSALIS CARL VIGELAND
Manufacturer: Da Capo Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OSO0C2

Average customer rating:
Jazz in the Bittersweet Blues of Life
Wynton Marsalis
Manufacturer: Da Capo
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OSRUEM

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books