Product Description
Ésta es la historia de una amistad, una amistad que empieza en 1987 cuando el narrador, un joven aspirante a novelista, viaja a una universidad del Medio Oeste estadounidense y conoce a Rodney Falk, su compañero de despacho, un ex combatiente de Vietnam huraño e inabordable, ferozmente lúcido y corroído en secreto por su pasado. Pero ésta es también la historia de una experiencia radical en el abismo indescifrable del mal y la culpa, que el propio narrador sólo logrará entender y asumir años más tarde, como en una fulguración, cuando conozca el éxito y lo que éste tiene de corrupción insidiosa.
After the traditional bestseller Soldiers of Salamis, Cercas returns with a fascinating novel about the force of evil and the corruption of success.
Customer Reviews:
No me interesaba hasta el final..........2007-08-03
Primero, perdoname si mi espanol no es perfecto; no soy hablante nativo, pero he estudiado el idioma por nueve anos.
Yo habia leido Soldados de Salamina en uno de mis cursos de espanol, y me gustaba ese libro mucho. Asi que, cuando me entere de que Cercas habia escrito una novela nueva, lo compre lo mas pronto posible. Como estudiante de espanol, este libro fue muy denso para leer. Yo podia comprender los sucesos del trama, pero creo que perdi muchos de los detalles. Ademas, me sentia bastante aburrida durante las tres primeras partes del libro. Casi era un trabajo para leerlo. Pero empezo a interesarme durante la cuarta (y ultima) parte. Entonces yo no podia dejar de leerlo. Sin embargo, la ultima pagina de la novela me dejo con el sentimiento de que Cercas no habia encontrado una manera de terminar el libro y entonces simplemente dejo de escribirlo.
En sumo, no es un libro malo, pero yo recomendaria Soldados de Salamina en vez de este.
Cercas's Model.......2007-05-15
This novel can be better understood if we also read Sol de medianoche (Midnight sun) by the Puerto Rican writer Edgardo Rodríguez Juliá. The plots are very similar and Cercas had reviewed Rodríguez Juliá's novel ten years before La velocidad de la luz (The Speed of Light) came to light.
price of war and life.......2006-02-15
This novel contains apparently some of autobiography and so, mentions sometimes his previous work, "Soldados de Salamina".
Because the protagonist is, more or less, a copy of the author, at first, a young aspirant to writer. At the beginning he works and survives poorly in Barcelona. A teacher and scholar from these university recommends him for a vacancy as Spanish language and literature teacher in a village of the USA near Chicago.
There, his economical situation is better, and he knows the American country and another people, but the most important, which becomes a friend, is Rodney Falk. Rodney, 41 years old, more ten years older than the young Spanish, is an ex - combatant of Vietnam War and prey of terrible sense of guilt owing his war past. He had a brother killed in that war before he decided to change his destination in Vietnam from a business desk to a special hard fighting group. Rodney's father, a widow physician, is a right man, but he doesn't understand fully the troubles of his son, because himself was a soldier during World War II and he thinks Vietnam was a similar war. Perhaps owing to loneliness, Rodney and the author trust one in another. Rodney marries and gets some jobs, but his remorse and feeling of guilt make sterile his efforts. He drinks and has several psychiatric crisis.
Two years later, the author returns to Spain, works hard, writes "Soldados de Salamina", a novel that deals with an episode of Spanish Civil War that becomes a success at the level of Spain. The novel is translated and known also in USA and in the literary world, and after a sort of period of big economical and social recognizing, including some conjugal infidelities, one night after a hard discussion the wife and little child of the author results killed in a car accident, so, he falls in a deep depression and lives isolated for a time, but then, Rodney reappears in travelling to Spain, so the two old friends have an brief encounter in Madrid when finally Rodney tells him his full story and returns to the USA. The end is tragic and the Spanish author returns to the USA when he has a meeting with Rodney's wife and with his old American friends: some have succeeded in life, some not.
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Siempre!, published by Edicional Siempre on March 11, 1999. The length of the article is 758 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Cambio de velocidad.(velocidad de la luz; investigaciones científicas)(TT: Velocity change.)(TA: speed of light; scientific investigations)
Author: José Gordon
Publication:
Siempre! (Refereed)
Date: March 11, 1999
Publisher: Edicional Siempre
Volume: 45
Issue: 2386
Page: 73
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Average customer rating:
- Decent
- Only the best
- An alternate Byzantine world
- I loved it!
- An Excellent Read
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Krispos Rising
Harry Turtledove
Manufacturer: Del Rey
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Krispos of Videssos (Tale of Krispos, No 2)
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Swords of the Legion (Videssos Cycle)
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Krispos the Emperor (The Tale of Krispos, Book 3)
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Legion of Videssos (Videssos Cycle, Book 3)
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An Emperor for the Legion (Videssos Cycle)
ASIN: 0345361180
Release Date: 1991-01-14 |
Book Description
Videssos was beset by enemies abroad and had fallen into decadence at home. But on his first night in the imperial capital, The Empires health mattered less to Krispos than finding a dry place to sleep.
Driven by crushing taxes from the farm where his family had lived -- and died -- Krispos had come to the. city seeking what fortune a good mind and a strong back could earn. He had a single goldpiece to his name -- the gift, years past, of a nomad chieftain to a ragged peasant boy. Now, though the night was raw and the inn was warm, he was loath to spend that coin, for the barbarian had claimed it carried magic.
Keep his lucky goldpiece or trade it for a warm, dry bed? Krispos tucked the coin away and stepped back into the wet streets -- all unaware that so simple a choice would lead to a world of peril and possibility...
Customer Reviews:
Decent.......2006-09-09
I do commend the author on lending a lot of realism to his novel. Obviously an expert on Byzantine culture, all of the customs,concerns, and situations of the people and nations are very much believable and more fleshed out than most pure fiction. On the other hand, however, as far as fantasy fiction goes, where is the fantasy? The scenes are so grounded that you hardly get the feeling that Videssos is any more exciting a world than the one you currently inhabit. Sure, there is "magic", but it is presented in a very dry way, and there is more to creating a magical world than that. But I guess that is the author's preference.
Much of the novel is about the intrigues and politics of the Videssian Empire, and though I enjoyed that, it came off a bit dumbed down most of the time. All the supposed cleverness and power plays seemed to me to be ordinary common sense, yet Turtledove makes it sound you would have to be a master tactician to survive in this arena. Like when Krispos' life is in danger from Patronas, he seeks help from Gnatios (who is Patronas cousin and close ally, as had been noted MANY times already). I was dumbfounded- "what is he, high?" Only half way through the conversation did he finally realize his error. Who on earth, when his life is in mortal peril, makes the mindnumbing mistake of asking guidance from your opponent's friend and relative? It doesn't speak of intrigue, it speaks of Krispos not being very bright. Or when Anthimos shows the "maturity" to suggest that Patronas be guarded on the way to the temple, lest he try to escape after Anthimos had JUST THEN disposed of him... well, of course he needs to be guarded. A simpleton could figure out that one.
Even so, the care the author has taken to create a very realistic, balanced, Byzantine-like world makes it enough for you to be quite interested about how everything will play out, even if you feel like giving some advice to the characters in the book every now and then.
Only the best.......2003-11-28
This is the series that got me into reading fantasy novels. The characters are dimensional and believable and the story flows beautifully. Don't buy this unless you have the other two to complete the set or you'll be beating yourself over the head while you wait to read those. If you've read the Videssos Cycle this takes place a couple hundred years before. All the places and the races are described beautifully and comprehensivly. After all the years since i first read this, this is still my favorite book.
An alternate Byzantine world.......2002-05-07
To quote W.E.H. Lecky (History of European Morals, 1869) in regard to the Byzantine Empire - "The history of the empire is a monotonous story of the intrigues of priests, eunuchs and women, of poisonings, of conspiracies, of uniform ingratitude, of perpetual fratricides." The present novel creates an alternate world empire, with the story based on an altered version of the rise of Basil I (in this story Krispos) and the Byzantine Emperor Michael III (in this story Anthimos), with some amount of magic added in.
The novel gives a fairly accurate depiction of a Byzantine type empire where various people scheme to obtain power, barbarians raid the borders, and nobels live high on the hog while peasants often starve. The novel follows Krispos' rise to power from his early beginnings as a peasant child carried into captivity by barbarian raiders. Along the way he must survive crippling taxation, epidemics, barbarian raids, homosexual overtures, and attempted assassinations.
The novel has significant sexual content (including orgy style banquets), homosexual relationships, and some violence. Based on content, I would give it a PG-13 rating.
I loved it!.......2001-08-24
The Tale of Krispos, based on the real life adventures of Basil the Macedonian, Eastern Roman Emperor(867-886 AD) is truly excellent and well written fantasy. The author keeps us gripping the book and you will have to buy the sequel to this when you read it! Good character development. Excellent plot.
An Excellent Read.......2001-06-11
This book is, in my opinion, one of Turtledove's best. One of his problems is that many of the characters in his varied series are essentially the same; this does not happen here. The story too is relatively fresh. While it is a basic rags-to-riches plot, the execution is relatively flawless and the details are wonderful. The plot itself is loosely modeled on the rise of Byzantine Emperor Basil I (book two is largely based on Basil II) but the interaction of magic and other various details makes this book unique. It's a well written and exciting read. Moreover, minor details tie it in to the other two Videssos located series, the "Videssos Cycle" and the "Time of Troubles" cycle. Well worth reading, I give it full marks.
Customer Reviews:
Entertaining Read.......2005-02-28
First thing to take into consideration is that I am a sci-fi and fantasy reader. The reason I picked up this book was it being based in Detroit (where I grew up). But I was pleasantly surprised by the story that unfolded in front of me. It was a good story, and seeing that mysteries are new to me, it enlighted me to the genre.
What I liked most was the character of Amos Walker. I have always gotten the impression that most "P.I." novels done in first person would portray someone that thinks they know it all, a real womanizer, and are God's gift to humanity. But what I got was a down to earth character that gave a sense of being realistic, and had a good sense of humor.
Figuring out who was the culprit was a bit beyond me. I wasn't sure where I should have picked up as clues. But that might be attributed to me being new to the genre. Overall though, it was an entertaining and fast read.
Just to clear up a fact though presented in one of the other reviews. The term "downriver" is not used by Michiganders to describe any area other then Detroit. Downriver is actually the nickname of Detroit's southern suburbs. That is the area of metro Detroit where the car plant is located in the story.
Sturdy traditional private eye yarn.......2003-04-28
This is case number 8 for Detroit private eye Amos Walker and by now Mr Estleman was well into his stride with the series and he produced a solid and thoroughly professional outing for his sleuth.
Walker meets his client ,De Vries ,on the day de Vries is released from prison having served twenty years for arson ,the police having maintained it was a crime designed to act as a diversion for a major robbery in 1967 ,against the backdrop of the riots sweeping Detroit .De Vries is adamant he was set up by a white liberal associate of his at the time of the act and wants ,not revenge ,but his share of the money from the robbery.
The solution sees Walker enmeshed in the world of high finance in the automotive industry and before the case is closed murder and violence rear their ugly heads.Walker'sinvestigations also take him to a world where peolpe still mourn for the loved ones they lost in the violence and disorder of the late 60's and the compassion for the victims of those times is neatly and tellingly done.
I liked the way Estleman in the depiction of many key figures has avoided stereotyping and neatly undercuts expectations -de Vries is a humourous man who wants ,not blood but financial recompense;an old style cop,instrumental in de Vries' arrest is not the racist we may well have expected but afamily man with scruples who is not above going out on a limb to right old wrongs.
The major caricature ,oddly enough is the main character, Walker himself and he is the traditional gumshoe to a Tee-white,middle aged .an ex-cop with a working if scarecely warm relationship with the police.
Milieu as ever with the series is good and Detroit comes alive as a character in its own right-gritty ,decaying and in thtrall to the culture of the gun
Enjoyable.
Amos going up the "River".......2001-05-25
"Downriver" is the 8th novel is the excellent Amos Walker P.I. fiction series. As such, it is about average for the series, which is to say better than average for the genre. In this outing, Walker goes "Downriver," which is a Detroiter's term for any part of Michigan that does not include the city. Actually, he goes to the Upper Peninsula to give a released con a ride back to Detroit. When he and the con get run off the road and the con hires him to help find $200,000 from a heist for which he was convicted but which he did not commit, Walker has his hands full. The novel contains the usual social commentary and Walker is as much a loner as ever. Regular characters like Detectives John Alderdyce and Mary Ann Thaler get only cameo appearances this time out.
Bottom line is that while this edition does not rank with "The Glass Highway" or "Sugartown," among the best Walker novels, it is still well worthwhile in its own right.
Book Description
This uniquely accessible collection draws together the best vegetarian recipes of Italy-350 in all. 'Pasta and pizza may be Italy's most eye-catching exports, but it is the country's varied and sensible use of vegetables that provides the best inspiration for American cooks,' writes Jack Bishop. 'Asparagus spears coated with a little olive oil and roasted to intensify their flavor; thick slices of country bread grilled over an open fire and topped with diced tomatoes and shredded basil from the garden; or a fragrant stew with fennel and peas-Italians enjoy these dishes because of what they do contain, not what they don't.' Many of the recipes were gathered by Bishop during extensive travels throughout Italy. Some are family favorites, adapted from those of his Italian grandmother. All deliver perfect results with a minimum of effort. Serving suggestions for each recipe make planning vegetarian meals easy.
Customer Reviews:
A nice simple cook book.......2007-08-23
I've cooked five or six recipes out of the book and found them to be as advertised, simple but with delicious results.
Best cookbook!.......2007-03-08
I recently moved to Italy and decided to get this book to bring with me so as not to get stuck in a vegetarian food rut and also to be able to eat good Italian food without always having to go out to a restaurant. I have made something different almost everynight for a month so far. Not one recipe has disappointed me. They are all very easy to follow and super tasty. My boyfriend is loveing my new found love of cooking, and especially la cucina italiana! I'd also like to add that I used to be vegan so I always look at recipes from an "Is it possible to make this vegan?" standpoint. MANY MANY of these are already vegan on their own and even more of them are if you have the right soy products and a little imagination so I reccomend this book to vegans as well.
family cook.......2007-02-09
We have used many recipes out of this book and have not found a bad one. Very very tasty. My eldest daughter also bought one after trying some of the recipes while visiting us over the holidays.I recommend it to every one.
Yummy for Vegetarians!.......2007-01-10
Love this book! Recipes are simple and delicious. I gave this to my daughter for Christmas, and she is loving it! I would love a photo on every recipe for the next book to entice us to try it!
Wonderful!.......2006-07-05
The recipes in this cookbook are easy, delicious and wonderful! I use this cookbook more than I use any other book and this is the only one that stays on my counter year round. Try it and you will just love it!
Product Description
Written by an expert on marine biology, this title is must reading for the marine aquarium hobbyist. Keeping ocean-dwelling fish and other marine life forms thriving in the synthetic environment of an aquarium requires special knowledge and care, especially in regard to water quality. The author discusses the properties of natural seawater, then gives details on how to create and maintain high-quality synthetic seawater. He describes biochemical cycles and fluctuating conditions that are normal in a flourishing marine aquarium, instructs on adding needed chemical components, and advises on water analysis test kits, instrumentation, and record keeping. Includes illustrations plus informative tables and charts. Paperback / 96 Pages / 6 1/2 x 7 7/8 / 2002
Customer Reviews:
Simple book for beginners.......2007-08-25
Good book for beginners maybe. Generally covers all important topics but on very entry level. I didn't find here anything what couldn't be found in public resources on the web.
Just right.......2007-05-12
A small book cramed with info. Tells the beginner everything they need to know.
Too much for nothing.......2007-05-07
book was very much into the chemistry...it did not help with the regular issues we have with water in marine aquariums....no mentioning of issues related to presence of chemicals in water....may be people with knowledge in chemistry can try....
Good info, concise, a must-read for saltwater newbies and experts.......2006-07-10
This book goes through everything step by step, without getting getting too technical about the chemistry. Do you ever wonder why your shrimp needs iodine added? Do you know what the dentrification cycle is and why its important? Now you can learn it all. This book really DOES cover everything you need to know about water and what you need to do to keep it healthy for your fish and your inverts. Its under 100 pages, so you can read through it in a day or two, no problem. Really explains everything you need to know.
Even for experts, this book is REALLY helpful because it's written so plainly and covers so much. You'll be amazed at what you've forgotten when you read through this.
great book for learing about water chemisty.......2005-08-22
iv eleaned lots from this book and recommed it to anyone starting up with a saltwater aquarium. there is so much more to just adding salt water and fishies.
Book Description
The single most important contributor to success with a marine aquarium is maintaining appropriate water chemistry parameters. However, many hobbyists find the concept of water chemistry to be very daunting. This book starts by addressing basic topics like the definition of "good" water quality and why water quality is so important. It then moves on to more complex subjects, such as how exactly to obtain and maintain good water quality, what fourteen water tests can be performed by the hobbyist, and how to troubleshoot particular water chemistry problems. All of these topics are addressed in great detail, with an emphasis on making the information both clear and comprehensive.
Discover the key to aquarium success by reading Marine Chemistry and following its complete and comprehensible advice.
Customer Reviews:
An invaluable guide for marine aquarium hobbyists.......2007-08-18
As my specialty is in psychology and human behavior (I am an avid hobbyist in my spare time), I tend to be suspicious of the motives of individuals who write reviews that blindly spit angry and critical remarks, but fail to substantiate their comments with any real reasons. Doubting the validity of the negative review, I bought the book anyway. I have to say that my suspicions were confirmed and I have been nothing but impressed with this useful, explanatory, and in-depth discussion of marine aquarium chemistry.
Marine Chemistry is a book that can better equip the novice and even the most advanced hobbyist in making the best possible choices about how to maintain water chemistry. It helps take the guesswork out of deciding which water care products promote a healthy environment and conversely, which ones could be detrimental. (The index even includes sample calculations on determining how much of specific additives are required to maintain water parameters; this is not something that I have seen included in other books, nor is it usually on manufacturers' websites/labels. There are several "before" and "after" photographs of aquarium specimens showing the impact that elements can have on their care). Further, the book discusses basic principles of maintaining important aspects of water quality, such as calcium, for instance, and why certain methods are advantageous to others in various situations (e.g., kalkwasser vs. calcium chloride). These and others are issues that most, if not all, marine aquarium hobbyists have dealt with, or will deal with, at times during the course of their participation in the hobby; this alone makes the book very valuable. I have found that an initial read-through has been excellent review of basic concepts (e.g., explanation of alkalinity and pH) and has exposed me to newer, unfamiliar ideas (e.g., supporting arguments for strontium and iodine use based on marine biology and chemistry). I keep this book accessible and refer to it often. I feel confident that as I continue to become increasingly competent in this hobby, I will continue to be able to reference information in this book, progressively deepening my proficiency in the hobby.
As a last comment, in my opinion, the information in this book is as up-to-date as any marine aquarium hobbyist of any skill level needs it to be. Further, it explains concepts in a comprehensive, yet easy to understand, manner, whereas articles written in Reef Central magazine tend to be verbose and seem to reflect an effort of the author to talk over the head of their readers.
Don't buy this book.......2007-08-06
This is a pathetic rushed effort. If you are looking for up to date
information about the chemistry of modern reef keeping it is not in this
book. Go read 'Reef Central' magazine for free.
Average customer rating:
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Swords And Sword Makers Of The War Of 1812
Richard H. Bezdek
Manufacturer: Paladin Press
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The American Sword 1775-1945
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ASIN: 0873649273 |
Book Description
Swords of the War of 1812 era are highly collectable and extremely valuable today. This fascinating book is filled with little-known historical data about the men, companies and government arsenals that made, sold, stockpiled and issued swords during this often overlooked period in American armaments production.
Book Description
Two left feet? No problem with this smooth technique. Partner up odd-shaped pieces to create a rhythm all your own. The combination of two simple geometric shapes produces 'dancer' segments, which align beautifully into lively quilt designs. Fabric contrast, placement of the piece on the background, tilt, and placement of the segment in the quilt provide endless variations on more than 10 projects. Several projects contain additional photographs to illustrate these variations. Get carried away with Debbie's spirited approach to quiltmaking in projects such as Sash Dance, Rock Roll, and Electric Slide. Creating the segments in dancing quilts is fun, inventive, and unpredictable, making each quilt uniquely yours. Decorative stitches and threads can be used to energize the small pieces in the quilts. The nature of the technique allows you to work on small segments at one time rather than the whole quilt, giving you more freedom to experiment with these stitches. Detailed instructions and illustrations give you the confidence to step out on your own and create an original movement in fabric. AUTHORBIO: Debbie Bowles came to quiltmaking via a lifetime of garment and craft sewing. As an elementary school teacher, Cub Scout den mom, and church volunteer with junior high students, Debbie approaches design, quiltmaking, and teaching as a means of having fun while creating something pleasing to the maker. Through her pattern company, Maple Island Quilts, she brings delightful designs made with achievable techniques to quilters of many skill levels. REVIEW: The idea is to have a quilt that looks free and easy. The truth is that you repeat the same steps over and over, just as in a traditional quilt. The result is an assortment of tilted designs with unidentifiable shapes. In some cases, the odd shapes have been forced into traditional settings. The result is neither free nor controlled, but rather a confused hybrid......Quilt University
Customer Reviews:
Great bridge from traditional to contemporary.......2005-02-25
If you are seeking ways to develop your own creativity, while still accessing the support of a few "rules", this book is one you may want to explore. You'll be able to use the techniques in the book to start a whole new quilting experience. As a some-time printmaker, I am fascniated with the possibilities of printing my own squares, then using them to assemble Dancing Quilts. I really like the book, and only stumbled a little on a couple of the diagrams. Careful re-reading got me right back on track.
Average customer rating:
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Make Your Own Curtains & Blinds
Lani Van Reenen
Manufacturer: Storey Publishing, LLC
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Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 088266865X |
Book Description
Techniques to transform any dormer, bay, arch, or French window from boring to beautiful.
Average customer rating:
- An Insightful Look at the Improvisational Process
- On the road again, just can't wait to get on the road again
- Absolutely Fantastic Work!
- Marsalis' words are profound and poetic
|
Jazz in the Bittersweet Blues of Life
Wynton Marsalis , and
Carl Vigeland
Manufacturer: Da Capo Press
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Binding: Hardcover
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Sweet Swing Blues on the Road
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ASIN: 0306810336
Release Date: 2001-06-05 |
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.
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