The Red Dancer: The Life and Times of Mata Hari

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A woman victim of weak personalities....

such promise but lacked purpose

not a waste of time

entertaining read, good historical novel

History in narrartive

The Red Dancer: The Life and Times of Mata Hari
Richard Skinner
Manufacturer: Ecco
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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

The Diary of Mata Hari

The True Life Fiction of Mata Hari

Mata Hari: The True Story

ASIN: 0060937793
Release Date: 2003-03-18

Book Description

In 1895, Margaretha Zelle -- a beautiful young woman from The Hague -- answers a personal ad placed by a Dutch army captain twice her age seeking a wife. After a speedy wedding, they depart for Indonesia, where their marriage collapses amid infidelity, violence, and their son's disturbing death. Margaretha returns to Europe, traveling to Paris, where she reinvents herself as the erotic dancer Mata Hari ("Eye of the Dawn"), the likes of which no one has ever seen. As Europe lurches toward explosive conflict, her reputation as a dancer and courtesan attracts the attention of powerful admirers from Madrid to St. Petersburg. In time she finds herself caught in a military intrigue that would affect the course of World War I.

Narrated by historical figures whose lives intersected with Mata Hari's, The Red Dancer explores the mystery and downfall of a woman who has fascinated historians and inspired artists for nearly a century. From the lush hills of Indonesia to the dance halls of Paris, it brilliantly re-creates the sensual decadence of fin de siècle Europe and the global conflict that ended an era and nearly destroyed a generation.

Customer Reviews:

A woman victim of weak personalities...........2006-10-25

Strange how Paris was associated with such type of exotic oriental style dancers who, by the end of the day, became involved in espionage activities.
This brunette mundane woman was alleged to have had experience shared by high-ranking military officers of Russian, German, and French nationalities.
In WWI the Netherlands remained neutral and as a Dutch citizen Mata Hari was able to cross borders freely, unnecessarily taking a longer routes by travelling via Spain and England, that her twisted itineraries attracted suspicions she could have been a double agent.
On record tracking, the British discovered that her lovers always ended relationships, prematurely, with silly disputes.
The British in particular interrogated Hari and reported she had said she had been working for the French military intelligence, but the French never confirmed her allegations.
The German Military attaché in Madrid cabled Berlin describing the assistance they were getting from `a German Spy'- code-named H-21. (`H' is probably Hari), French intelligence intercepted the message and was able to relate H-21 to Hari.
Hari was not beautiful as to produce a `killing' association with her lovers like that of `Delilah' on `Samson' for instance. Hari was an elegant woman who wore her dark smooth hair brushed upwards in the style of the day. She was always fashionably and expensively dressed.
When she was incarcerated, her features and eyelids bore traces of the fatigues of eventful evenings.
But whose fault was it that such a weak woman of 41 was, allegedly, able to exercise a malign influence on the destinies of Germany, France and England.
What was the mettle of the ineffectual officers on whose sides there was Hari on one hand and the destinies of their countries on the other.
Hari was executed by firing squad at WWI when France was at the lowest point in the war with Germany.
The French vented their anger on Mata Hari
A woman victim of weak characters of the men in charge of the destinies of Europe ...........

such promise but lacked purpose.......2005-05-12

This book was very exciting at first, as Skinner chose to reveal the character and life of Mata Hari through the eyes of others in her life, each chapter from the account of a different person... however he lost track from that orginal idea and once I finished the book- I didn't feel like I had learned anything about who Mata Hari was. It nearly had nothing at all to do with her. It contains some lovely character sketches but there is no story. And he gives Mata Hari absolutely no personality, even in the chapters from her own point of view. There are some interesting histories thrown in on Picasso, absinthe, and other era points of interests but they are so out-of-the-blue... I felt like at the end all this random information would somehow tie together but it never did. I wish he had had an editor who pushed him a little harder because he is a talented writer and the concept had so much potential.

not a waste of time.......2004-02-10

The story is a fictionalized account of the life of Mata Hari, a renowned dancer, spy, and courtesan. Appropriately in this novel, every significant moment in Mata Hari's life is told through the eyes of men who wandered into her sphere. Because of the POV remove, the resonance is a little diluted, but so is -- thank god -- the angst. Told from her point of view, this story would have been a bawler from beginning to end. Even the good stuff that happened to her wasn't really that good, apparently. However, the several scenes that are set in her point of view are fairly clinical: she places her belongings on a bedside table, adjusts her costume, has dinner, etc. Nothing really of note, but those scenes, I think, are the best ones, because in them we see the truest glimpse of the woman: matter-of-fact, persistent, and a little insecure.

The main thing to keep in mind about this book is that it's an art piece: it never pretends to be chronoligical, consistently fictional, or consistently historical. It's all over the map; sometimes the narrative story is interrupted for long stretches with essays about such things as absinthe and cubism. I think in some spots the writer was reaching too far to make an obscure point, but some of those digressions were really worth it and helped build the ultimate atmosphere of confusion and irreality.

In general, this book was not a waste of my time. I enjoyed it and even managed to learn a little more about turn-of-the-century stuff. And that firing squad scene at the end will stick with me for a little while, I think.

entertaining read, good historical novel.......2003-12-12

so maybe this book is a little postmodern--hence the other reviewers irritation at its fragmentation. however, i really appreciated the multiplicity of points of view in the novel--skinner allows you to reach your own interpretation about mata hari rather than spoonfeeding you his own conclusion about her. the writing is pretty good, but not outstanding, but the book is very effective in it's evocation of orientalism and of an era.

History in narrartive.......2003-12-02

I have been aware of the name mata hari for many years. However, I suddenlt became fascinated with this extraordinary woman's life story when it was dramatised on radio 4 in the autmn of 2003. Red Dancer, follows in that vein. Rather than an hostorical biography in the traditonal sense, the author presents a series of what are effectively vignettes whereby different characters in the story tell their own tale of this ambitious, talented, notorious but ultimately tragic woman. I found it very absorbing particularly as there is a clever balance of imagined accounts of her life as told by others and historical and media information (press cuttings etc) from the time. Well worth a read

Red Dancer: The Life & Times Of Mata Hari

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Red Dancer: The Life & Times Of Mata Hari
Richard Skinner
Manufacturer: Ecco
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OF51VE

The Red Dancer: The Life and Times of Mata Hari

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The Red Dancer: The Life and Times of Mata Hari

Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000I40C1A

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Superlative

best of the lot

Not the Real Conan, but B for effort

Check this one out...

A Good Adventure.
Conan: Road of Kings (Conan)
Karl Edward Wagner
Manufacturer: Tor Fantasy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Epic | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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Conan: Sword of Skelos (Conan)

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ASIN: 0765340208

Book Description

Facing the gallows for defending his honor-by killing the captain of the guard-the mighty Conan jumps feet first into a rescue attempt of one of his fellow prisoners. When Conan learns his rescuers are the daring Rebels of the White Rose, he joins their blood-soaked insurrection.But Conan's struggles are only beginning, for the road to the throne is defended by the Final Guard--indestructible warriors made of stone. Conan must draw steel against these indomitable foes and pray that Krom will guide his blade both strong and true.

Customer Reviews:

Superlative.......2007-05-27

Things are happening in The Road of Kings that no other Conan spinoff has yet to achieve. Among them are political intrigues that other writers have yet to capture so deftly in a Conan saga. The Road of Kings is marked by strong character development, a riveting plot with unexpected twists and turns, and vivid sorcery. Wagner's writing style is more literary than the other spinoff authors, so The Road of Kings doesn't come off as so much of an adventure tale for the pulp market. Maybe that's why some reviewers call it "not a real Conan" story. But good writing is always worth reading, so I would definitely recommend this book. Enjoy!

best of the lot.......2003-04-10

a good book, the greatest by howard's "successors". great opening. good battle descriptions. but there were also moments where nothimg much happened, and some things didn't feel so natural. but a good book, mind you.

Not the Real Conan, but B for effort.......2002-03-24

The late and lamented Karl Edward Wagner, who wrote this pastiche, was the first to say that nobody could write like Robert E Howard but Howard Himself. Paradoxically enough, this came from the man who was best qualified to imitate the first and Greatest master of Sword and Sorcery.

This homage has some very good points, the compact, efficient prose with the right word where it is needed, and the often grim atmosphere, the violent and graphic action, natural and not so natural horrors and monsters, horror from indescribable gulf of space and antiquity... these are all elements found in the original stories, and very well rendered by Wagner.

However, Wagner, perhaps trying to outdo the Master, has committed a series of bad mistakes that detract from the book's value as a Conan yarn : First, and to my point of view worst, is getting Conan to a very high post and so close to getting a throne : if such an episode were to be added to his biography, then some of the stories set by Howard after he seizes the throne of Aquilonia would have turned differently, because he would have known of the price of power. Then, there is a problem with atmosphere: Howard's tales are characterized as very grim, this one has far too much humor, even verging on the comic... last, but not least is the fact that in this book, women are treated in a way that could never have happened in a Howard yarn: yes, he was a male chauvinist, (though beware such of his characters as Valeria, Bêlit or Red Sonya), yes his tales are written by the conventions of his times, which no longer apply, still I believe that pastiches should respect some of the original's specifications...

All being said, No, this is not quite the equal of the dark page turners Howard extracted from his tormented mind, but Yes Wagner has still produced a decent story that will please fans of the genre (or of the character) more than the general public, but for those who like a solid adventure yarn, this is your stuff, get it while you can.

Check this one out..........2001-10-24

Karl Edward Wagner has done a masterful job at creating another fantastic adventure for Conan and the reader. He is a welcome addition to the ranks of Conan authors. There is no shortage of action and intrigue in this Conan novel. For any Conan fan this one is a must and for any who have never read a Conan novel this is a good one to start with. I look forward to more from Wagner...

A Good Adventure........2000-01-14

Necromancers and barbarians don't mix. That's what I have figured out in Karl Edward Wagner's Conan - The Road Of Kings.

This novel was a nice light read. I have only read a couple of Conan novels not by Robert E. Howard, and so far this one has been one of the best.

Conan is about to get executed at the beginning of the story where he is rescued by a band of rogues. The rogues turn out to be a secret rebellion against the kingdom they are in. Conan gets caught up in all the battles and politics. There is no lacking in action in this novel.

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Back Cover of Book
Conan The Road Of Kings

Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0553120263

Customer Reviews:

Back Cover of Book.......2005-04-06

Plucked from the gallows by the daring rebels of the White Rose, the mighty Conan joins his rescuers in their blood-soaked struggle to rid Zingara of its hated despot. Soon Conan himself will draw steel against a new, still crueler tyrant and his terrifying Final Guard - the indestructible warriors of stone from the age of legends.

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Conan The Road Of Kings

Manufacturer: Bantam Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: 0553143212

The Road of Kings: The Gazeteer of Conans World

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An indespensible resource

The Road of Kings: The Gazeteer of Conans World
Vincent Darlage
Manufacturer: Mongoose Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1904854028

Book Description

The Hyborian Gazeteer is the third book in the eagerly anticipated Conan roleplaying series, and brings together all of the information ever written on this ancient world. Combining previous works from R. E. Howard, this gazeteer is also packed full of new and exciting information which will allow Games Masters to have at their fingertips all the information they will need to fully detail any adventure in the world of Conan.

Customer Reviews:

An indespensible resource.......2007-01-05

Any fan of the original Conan novels will want this book. It has maps and drawings of the races and good explinations for the Conan series. I am glad to have added this to my library along side my Conan novels.

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Conan: The Road of Kings
Karl Edward Wagner
Manufacturer: Bantam Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000KP8DCC

Road of Kings (Conan the Barbarian Ser., No. 16)

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Road of Kings (Conan the Barbarian Ser., No. 16)
Karl E. Wagner
Manufacturer: Ace
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000LOMK5I

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Doctor Who: The War Machines

Manufacturer: Target
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Doctor Who | Media | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000I55YS0

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Doctor Who prevents the threat of the evil Internet

The first Doctor's Adventures

Doctor Who: The War Machines (Dr. Who Library, No. 136)
Ian Stuart Black
Manufacturer: Carol Publishing Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Doctor Who | Media | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0426203321

Customer Reviews:

Doctor Who prevents the threat of the evil Internet.......2000-10-18

'The War Machines' is a story that, when broadcast, signalled a change in direction for Doctor Who. It is adapted here by its original author, Ian Stuart Black.

The Doctor and Dodo arrive in London, where the Doctor senses evil in the Post Office Tower. Trading on the name of former companion (and now computer expert) Ian Chesterton to gain access to gain access to what turns out to be the base for the super computer, WOTAN. It is intended to link all computers in the world are linked via WOTAN (which means the Internet would have been invented in 1966!). However, it turns out that WOTAN has plans of its own...

The first televised Doctor Who story to be set in its entirety on contemporary Earth, the story is essentially the template for many future stories - particularly the beginning of the Third (Jon Pertwee) Doctor's era.

It also sees substantial changes to the TARDIS crew. Dodo is back on Earth in her own time, and is obliged to leave during the course of the story. More importantly, new companions Ben and Polly are introduced. They don't follow the templates set by original companions Ian and Susan, and represent a new kind of companion who would be generally replicated over the next five years.

Those are the good points. The story itself is not very original, and the adaptation is quite straightforward. Worth a read (or a watch, the video is available) for Doctor Who fans, but probably enjoyable to more casual readers as well.

The first Doctor's Adventures.......1998-04-19

The War Machines
A newly developed computer called Wotan hypnotises a number of people and starts building an army of machines with which to take over the world. The Doctor tries to alert the authorities to the dander but the message falls on deaf ears.

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Doctor Who: The War Machines

Manufacturer: audible.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Download

Doctor Who | Media | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000UW50US

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The New Sotheby's Wine Encyclopedia

BEST WINE BOOK EVER

A Good Book But...

Fantastic Reference

In-depth details about every wine-growing region from traditional to new - including those of emerging areas

The New Sotheby's Wine Encyclopedia, Fourth Edition
Tom Stevenson
Manufacturer: DK ADULT
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Spirits | Drinks & Beverages | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Buying Guides | Wine | Drinks & Beverages | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0756613248

Book Description

Perfect for novices, wine enthusiasts, or experts, this book's easy-to-use style and practical advice make it an unrivaled visual reference. Updated and expanded with the latest information on all the wine-producing areas of the world.

Amazon.com

If you want to learn about wines of the world and advance your comprehension of wine production, grape varieties, appellations, and individual wineries, understand the factors (such as location, soil, climate, and methods of viticulture) that affect the taste and nose, and visit your wine shop with a list of quality wines to explore, Tom Stevenson is the man to read. Author of 12 books (including Champagne and The Millennium Champagne & Sparkling Wine Guide), three-time winner of the Wine Writer of the Year award, and columnist for Wine magazine, Stevenson has the gift of taking vast quantities of knowledge and experience and translating them into lucid, sparkling prose, easily graspable by the novice, yet still interesting and instructive to the connoisseur.

Arranged geographically, with nearly 100 maps, profiles on top producers, and valuable Author's Choice charts for each region, the Wine Encyclopedia covers the wines of Europe (from Great Britain and Switzerland to Southeast Europe, Greece, and the Levant), as well as wines from North and South Africa, North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. In addition, there's a guide to wine and food (pairing fois gras with a Champagne or Sauterne, for example, and claret or Cabernet Sauvignon with beef), a guide to wine flavors (making sense of descriptors such as fig, gooseberry, violet, and hay), a list of good vintages, and a glossary of tasting and technical terms, distinguishing "cheesy" and "chewy" from "creamy" and "corked." Enhanced by beautiful pictures of vineyards, wine labels, and Stevenson himself demonstrating the art of wine tasting, from examining and nosing the wine to spitting it out, this a visually beautiful as well as an informative volume. As sumptuous as an elegant Tuscan Barolo, as rewarding as a Sarget de Gruaud-Larose from Bordeaux, as pleasing as a Ferreira port, the Sotheby Wine Encyclopedia is a remarkable tome of oenological erudition. --Stephanie Gold

Customer Reviews:

The New Sotheby's Wine Encyclopedia.......2007-05-25

I purchased this book for my son-in-law's birthday gift. He says he REALLY likes this reference. He says this reference pulls together much of what he had in many other books on his shelves, plus much more!

BEST WINE BOOK EVER.......2007-02-13

this encyclopedia was great all around, but its best feature is regarding the each of the wine regions. great knowledge for each of the regions

A Good Book But..........2006-12-29

I purchased this book for my son, who is in the restaurant business and wants to become very knowledgable of wine. I'm sure this book would do the trick. It's a Dorling Kindersley book and so is beautifully presented, and is an impressive tome (it's big). However both the original copy that I ordered, and the replacement copy, were defective in the same way. In the original copy the back cover was separated from the text, and in the replacement copy both covers were separated. The Amazon rep said she would alert Amazon to the possibility that the whole "batch" may be damaged. The fifth star is missing because of the defect in the binding.

Fantastic Reference .......2006-08-20

This bood gave detailed notes about many of the wineries I was looking for an objective rating/score by an independent source.

I read it for hours and constantly refer back to it.

Great buy!

In-depth details about every wine-growing region from traditional to new - including those of emerging areas.......2005-11-06

If only one wine reference encyclopedia is to be purchased, The Southeby's Wine Encyclopedia: The Classic Reference To The Wines Of The World should surely be a strong contender: it's now in its 4th edition, has been fully updated, and is the only single volume that maps and provides in-depth details about every wine-growing region from traditional to new - including those of emerging areas. Each region receives an analysis of appellations, taste and quality, winning producers, and offerings. Add rating systems, small color photos of labels and vineyard descriptions and you have a real winner.

Book Description

Herb lovers can create herbal body cream, herb-printed notecards, herbal vinegar, an herb drying rack, and much more.

Customer Reviews:

Great for you or others.......2000-10-26

This book is great for herb gardeners. It gives great ideas on what to make with some of those herbs that you thought was just pretty. Now it has uses. Some are great to keep for yourself and some are great to give as a gifts. The book would make a great gift too.

If you like herbs you'll love this book!.......2000-04-21

This book shows you step by step how to make great gifts using herbs, essential oils, etc. I especially liked learning how to make my own bath salts & making my own tea bags using an herbal blend of tea that I can make myself. Anyone would enjoy receiving the gifts learned from this book. In fact, I love to keep them for myself!

Book Description

Twenty (20) plus years of R. John Wright characters and their variations will come to life in vivid color photographs complete with important identification information. The book features the latest collector's secondary market price range for each discontinued character, and romances the characters created by the legendary R. John Wright. Where to find, buy and sell these dolls, storage tips and other useful information for the collector will be detailed in the book.

Book Description

ASM Handbook, Vol. 06: Welding, Brazing and Soldering

Volume 6 is the most comprehensive reference book ever produced on the major joining technologies and their applications to engineered materials--90% of its contents are totally new to the ASM Handbook Series. With over 500 illustrations and 400 tables, this book includes practical advice on consumable selection and procedure development, as well as joining fundamentals.

Customer Reviews:

Asm Handbook : Welding, Brazing, and Soldering.......2001-03-06

A real reference - contains valuable info and it is a must have on any metallurgist's shelf.

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Brazing manual
American Welding Society
Manufacturer: American Welding Society
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

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Soldering Manual
American Welding Society. Committee on Brazing and Soldering
Manufacturer: Amer Welding Society
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

The amateur mechanics workshop: A treatise containing plain and concise directions for the manipulation of wood and metals, including casting, forging, brazing, soldering and carpentry

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The amateur mechanics workshop: A treatise containing plain and concise directions for the manipulation of wood and metals, including casting, forging, brazing, soldering and carpentry
James Lukin
Manufacturer: Trübner & Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B00089LT3A

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Brazing Manual
Inc. American Welding Society
Manufacturer: American Welding Society, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000W8Y81M

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Brazing Manual
American Welding Society
Manufacturer: American Welding Society
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000P0KFKA

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Brazing Manual Third Edition
A W S Committee On Brazing And Soldering
Manufacturer: American Welding Society
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000RC4BT2

Manual on Joining Processes by Welding, Brazing and Souldering

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Manual on Joining Processes by Welding, Brazing and Souldering
G.L. Tiku
Manufacturer: Minerva Press (PVT) Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Welding | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 8176621943

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Metals Joining Manual
Mel M. Schwartz
Manufacturer: Mcgraw-Hill (Tx)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0070557209

Soldering, Brazing & Welding: A Manual of Techniques

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Soldering, Brazing & Welding: A Manual of Techniques
Derek Pritchard
Manufacturer: Trafalgar Square Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Metal Work | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Welding | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

General & Reference | Technology | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1852239913

Book Description

The transformation of Islamic architecture and ornament during the eleventh and twelfth centuries signaled profound cultural changes in the Islamic world. Yasser Tabbaa explores with exemplary lucidity the geometric techniques that facilitated this transformation, and investigates the cultural processes by which meaning was produced within the new forms. Iran, Iraq, and Syria saw the development of proportional calligraphy, vegetal and geometric arabesque, muqarnas (stalactite) vaulting, and other devices that became defining features of medieval Islamic architecture. Ultimately, the forms and themes described in this book shaped the development of Mamluk architecture in Egypt and Syria, and by extension, the entire course of North African and Andalusian architecture as well.

These innovations developed and were disseminated in a highly charged atmosphere of confrontation between the Seljuk and post-Seljuk proponents of the traditionalist Sunni revival and their main opponents in Fatimid Egypt. These forms stood as visual signs of allegiance to the orthodox Abbasid caliphate and of difference from the heterodox Fatimids. Tabbaa proposes that their rapid spread throughout the Islamic world operated within a system of reciprocating, ceremonial gestures, which conveyed a new and formal language that helped negotiate the gap between the myth of a unified Sunni Islam and its actual political fragmentation.

In subject matter and approach, The Transformation of Islamic Art during the Sunni Revival makes original contributions to the study of art, revealing that this relatively neglected sector of medieval art and architecture is of critical importance for reevaluating the entire field of Islamic studies. It challenges the essentialist and positivist approaches that still permeate the study of Islamic art, and offers a historical and semiotic alternative for exploring meaning within ruptures of change.

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The Transformation of Islamic Art During the Sunni Revival.
YASSER: TABBAA
Manufacturer: Univeristy of Washington Pre
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000UCX7LM

Amazon.com

As in his earlier work, Serious Pleasures: The Life of Stephen Tennant and Noel Coward: A Biography, Hoare proves himself to be an incisive social critic and a vigorous historian who illuminates the paradoxes of the recent past with insight and passion. But the real power of Oscar Wilde's Last Stand (that Hoare makes clear again and again) is its understanding that Wilde--social rebel and martyr to artistic and sexual freedom--remains, in so many ways, under attack by conservative social forces even today. --Michael Bronski END

Book Description

Even though Oscar Wilde--playwright, wit, critic, and convicted sodomite--died exiled and disgraced in 1900, his memory and influence remain central to British culture. In 1918 the specter of Wilde manifested itself in what social historian Philip Hoare calls "the trial of the century." This shocking libel case was brought by American actress Maud Allan, who had just appeared in a production of Wilde's Salome, against Noel Pemberton Billing, an arch-conservative M.P., who accused her of being a member of "the cult of the clitoris": his catch phase for a sexual and social degeneracy that he saw as destroying England. Billing also claimed that the German government (with whom, you will recall, England was at war) had "a black book" containing the names of 47,000 prominent members of the British society who were "in the cult of Wilde"--a euphemism for quot;degenerate" homosexuals--and who were potential blackmailees, subversives, and traitors. As in the Wilde trials 23 years earlier, the real issue here was an attack by conservatives and moralists against social and sexual freedom. As in his earlier work, Serious Pleasures: The Life of Stephen Tennant and Noel Coward: A Biography, Hoare proves himself to be an incisive social critic and a vigorous historian who illuminates the paradoxes of the recent past with insight and passion. But the real power of Oscar Wilde's Last Stand (that Hoare makes clear again and again) is its understanding that Wilde--social rebel and martyr to artistic and sexual freedom--remains, in so many ways, under attack by conservative social forces even today. --Michael Bronski END

Customer Reviews:

The "Fourth" Oscar Wilde Trial........1999-08-20

There are a number of ways to count the trials of Oscar Wilde, but what's becoming widely known as the "fourth" Oscar Wilde trial is a fascinating incident which occurred after his death. It is certainly must reading for anyone wanting to be acquainted with the Wilde story; especially if you're American. Maud Allen, the Canadian-American who brought about the libel action which initiated the trial, is familar to Canadians and some Americans since Felix Cherniavsky's 1991 book "The Salome Dancer" was published and mentioned this incident. And now Philip Hoare, a Briton, provides us with a fuller treatment of the trial's flow. Hoare's book is nicely written and has some stunning photographs of Maud Allan performing on stage. My only criticism is that Mr. Hoare says Ms. Allan's opponent, Noel Pemberton Billing, was "Mosley Before His Time." He refers to Sir Oswald Mosley, a later leader of the British fascists. If Mr. Hoare really knew his fascists, rather than his sterotypes, he would know that Mosley affiliated with the left wing tradition as a moderate member of parliment. Mosley continued to advocate those economic remedies as a fascist, continued his interest and associations with Britains's cultural vanguard, and was remarkably tolerant about homosexuals. In fact, it's no secret that Mosley's son by a first marriage, Nicolas, was homosexual, and to that son Mosley left the papers detailing his long, extraordinary, and tragic career. Today Nickolas is a prominent and respected liberal novelist, and his books about his father, Rules of the Game and Beyond the Pale, indicate that respect was mutual.

Rule, Britannia.......1998-08-31

This is how history should be written: exhaustively researched, well organized, good command of the language. This book goes way beyond what the title promises, giving us an encompassing social history of the "upper classes" of Britain from 1900 to 1918. Many surprises here, all of them believable. The only request: to give us, in an appendix, a more thorough vitae of the players.

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Oscar Wilde's Last Stand
Philip Hoare
Manufacturer: Arcadia House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NPRO06

OSCAR WILDE'S LAST STAND: DECADENCE, CONSPIRACY, AND THE MOST OUTRAGEOUS TRIAL OF THE CENTURY

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OSCAR WILDE'S LAST STAND: DECADENCE, CONSPIRACY, AND THE MOST OUTRAGEOUS TRIAL OF THE CENTURY
Philip Hoare
Manufacturer: Arcade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Conspiracy Theories | Current Events | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000J3X0BE

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Oscar Wilde's Last Stand

Manufacturer: Arcade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GT9JFW

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Oscar Wildes Last Stand
Philip Hoare
Manufacturer: UNSPECIFIED VENDOR
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000UCOOKK

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