Book Description
Vinas Solamnus.
Soldier, Nobleman, Priest.
Vinas Solamnus.
Rebel, Commander, Conqueror.
Vinas Solamnus.
Author of The Oath and the Measure and founder of the Solamnic Knights.
No knight was ever nobler, more spiritual, more idealistic than Vinas Solamnus . . . but he wasn't always that way. The story of his early years, his education, and his crucible is truly one of the most famous . . .
Lost Legends of Krynn
Customer Reviews:
It could be better.......2006-06-18
One great flaw of this book: haste.
It seems that the auctor had some deadline issue or delivery date, because at the half of the book to the end there is a "rush" feeling. Many events could have been better explored, and the timeline could have advanced to the moment Vinas wrote the oath and measure.
Beside this great little flaw the book is entertaining, but don't expect much of it. Read and put it on the bookshelves.
founding of a knighthood-and a great story.......2005-09-14
i've always been interested in the Solamnic Knights, ever since i was first introduced to Sturm Brightblade in Chronicles. When i found out that there was actually a book written on the founder of the knights, i was so excited, and i decided that i had to read it.
Although it didn't focus on actually creating the knights, as i thought it would, it was still an excellent story. I love how Vinas Solamnus was portrayed as not always being the "model-knight", but that he was also seduced by evil. It makes him seem more like a real person, and like like a character out of a child's fariytale.
Awesome.......2005-02-04
I really loved this book. For most of the story Vinas is rather evil, and then he changes. It was cool to know that even the legendary founder of the Solamnic Knoghts wasn't a perfect person. I did think it should have included more about the forming of the Knighthood, though. It would have been better longer.
Avoid this like the plague.......2004-10-25
This is the worst book of Dragonlance I have read, if this is the story of the founder of the Solamnic Knghthood then is a kender tale, Vinas is described as cruel man for 3/4 of the book then suddenly decides to fight for the poor, it lacks consistency in story of te novel and story of the world.
I dont belive other people is giving this book 5 or 4 stars it simply sucks, I gave it 1 because I cant give it 0.
I will never buy another book from this author in my life, period.
Worst Dragonlance book I have read yet!.......2002-09-17
... Regarding this atrocity, avoid this! The story starts out good, for like ten pages! ... Vinas is worthless in this book. He slaughters innocents and I am supposed to like the leader of the knighthood? Also, some characters are introduced and have some big scenes, but are never talked about again. This is by far the worst book I have read yet of dragonlance. The legend of Huma wasn't this bad!
Product Description
Volume 1 is the story of Vinas Solamnus' early years, his education, and his crucible....Volume 2 follows Emilo Haversack as he is joined by a young kendermaid, a human lad, and a devout, if somewhat naive priest. "...as the conclusion of their adventure approaches, the companions learn that their purpose is one one that could catapult them from Krynn - and forever change the destiny of the world they leave behind."
Average customer rating:
- Couldn't put it down!
- Amusing romp.
- Alice and wonderland meets the match maker . . .
- A continuing tale of the Black Elf Naitachal
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Fortress of Frost and Fire (The Bard's Tale, Book 2)
Manufacturer: Baen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
 Elmore, Larry | ( E ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Emerson, Ru | ( E ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0671721623 |
Customer Reviews:
Couldn't put it down! .......2006-08-23
After reading and enjoying Castle of Deception I was pleasantly suprised to find out the second book in the series is about my favorite character Naitachal who gains more bonus points for being way beyond cool in this sequel. This is my favorite book in the series. It is written well, characters are unique and rememberable. The relationship between Gawaine and Naitachal is my favorite part about the book; I love the vunerability of the young bardling and the unbelievable humor of his Master. Let's not forget the unforgetable journey to "onion village" LOL being one of the best parts of the book and the most humorous! Near the middle of the story it starts to take off more, the scenes with the camp during the journey are some of the best, touching scenes I could see clearly in my mind while reading the story--won't say much so not to spoil anyone--and I was hooked from that moment on. Second half has some of the best parts of the story, felt like I was really there experiencing the adventure. Ending was great, filling, and humorous.
Amusing romp........2006-01-27
My mom recently bought a lot of books from a library sale/fund-raising project. Remembering that I liked Lackey, she picked this up for me. I set it aside, assuming I wouldn't like it. Last night, however, I needed a book I could take to the bathtub with me (I never take new books to the bath, but a used book I hadn't read yet? Sure.) I was surprised how much I did enjoy the book.
I wasn't really sure what 'universe' this took place in. I assumed "A lot like D&D, but not D&D" and I guess I was correct considering how the different elves and dragon types were introduced.
The story setting seems uneven. The first half or more of the book reads like a slightly funnier, 'safer' version of the Dungeons & Dragons universe (with fewer races). The last part of the book read like a fairy tale. I enjoy both types of settings, but it seemed rather uneven that the more fairy-tale feeling of the end of the book appeared nowhere in the first part of the book. I agree with one of the other reviewers that it was a bit ... abrupt... how they dealt with the party member they lost. (And, for the record, disregard the female character and the building on the front cover. I kept wondering where this chick came into the story, leading me to suspect one of the male characters in the book was a female in disguise.)
For all my chatter so far, you may be wondering why I rated the story a 4 out of 5. Well, despite it feeling very obvious which parts were written by which author, and thus it not feeling like a hybrid of their styles, but closer to one of them misunderstanding how the "universe" this story is in worked (IS it more like a fairy tale? Or was it supposed to be a more serious fantasy?) ---- despite that, I enjoyed it.
The characters were engaging (perhaps some of them too engaging), the elements of the story very visual, and the ending of the story (other than their handling of the lost member of the party) satisfying.
Buy it used and I doubt you'll regret spending the money.
Alice and wonderland meets the match maker . . ........2004-10-01
It started off decent enough, but within a few chapters already things were out of place on Naitachal, like a beard for example (uh NO!). The ways new characters were introduced wasn't so bad and some characters were hilarious, but as the book wore on it became evident that they were just throwing in ideas from other stories, like rumpilstiltskin (the gold seperating task), alice and wonder land(the hedge maze and talking beasts), and cinderella (the mice from the disney movie). Kill off a character, with no closure (for lack of a better word) and then every one prances off happily with a dear friend as a corpse (what they left him laying there?). The end with the villagers and who is taking messages where gets a bit confusing and I had to reread it and still felt lost. if not for the hilarious part with the little village with the onions and cousins I would have rated it as a 1 (since the rating doesnt go into the negatives.) A book to read only if THAT bored.
A continuing tale of the Black Elf Naitachal.......1998-08-28
An interesting tale of the black elf Naitachal, who is now a free bard, and an apprentice bardling, Gawaine, he acquired sometime before the story begins. They go off on a quest to find a valley of ice that Naitachal has heard an account of, and pick up an odd assortment of traveling companians along the way. The tale involves overcoming a dragon to win their way to freedom. Overall, a fair story to read.
Customer Reviews:
Much better than the prior Black Thorns novel, but..........2004-12-03
hardly what I would consider a great read. While the author's plotting and characterization have vastly improved, and the hither and thither storyline is reduced essentially to a single story arc, the actual events in the story are extremely atypical per what one would expect in the Battletech universe.
The Black Thorns, having won their battle with Clan defenders in Main Event, are contracted by the Draconis Combine to fight more Clan warriors. This time they are to be sent behind Clan lines on a raid against a soon-to-be-completed factory.
There is an overriding storyline with the protagonist and his relationship to the DropShip captain. However, this is presented mostly as a back-of-the-mind concern, having little effect on the character himself. Rather than being changed by the circumstances, he pretty much proceeds as usual, showing him to be a flat character in my opinion.
The battle follows pretty standard lines, with the Black Thorns being outnumbered and outclassed, but faring well due to their training and the relatively low caliber of their opposition. The climactic battle in the story is pretty anticlimactic in its resolution. I was disappointed in it, as it hinged more upon trickery than skill.
Overall, an OK book, not the worst in the BT series, but far from the best. It was an improvement over Main Event, but the lack of a third novel leaves us all hanging as to the fate of the unit.
d.r.t. reading the book.......2001-06-22
this book is just so bad... only a few other BattleTech books can be worse. the nova cats in the story seem more like nova rats than anything else. it gives such a bad impression of the nova cats if not the clans as a whole. and a mere company sized mercenaries actually owning 4 omnimechs? totally unbelivable. it make you think that omnimechs are bought over ebay or the nearest kmart.
seriously, if 'mechs, let alone omnimechs, are so easily salvagable, every unit in the inner sphere would be fielding omnis 'salvaged' from the clans. and they by the way have salvaged more omnimechs then they have salvaged their equipment. how belivable is that? it should be the other way round instead as in the case of the avanti's angels. but i guess the writer just like the idea...
black thorns are like avanti's angles wannabes. and that circle of equals is so sickeningly dishonorable, speaks so much about the black thorns. the characters are also so flat that seriously makes you wonder who they are after you put down the book.
and just one slight point, refering to jeremiah rose in the book as just rose seriously give me a problem of wondering if rose is actually a female. well, it does not matter since the characters are so flat anyway.
Poor Continuity.......2000-10-23
For those of you who read and are familiar with the Battletech Universe may want to think twice before getting this one. The plot is decent, but suffers from a lack of connection. It has little relevance to the overall Battletech picture. Characters are not well developed; and there is a type of "sing-song" quality to the pregression. It's predigested candy for a true Battletech reader.
Great Book........2000-03-10
This is the third book that I own.Rose reminded me of a long lost friend.[she not him]This book is a great book, but not what I call a must read.If you are into the RPG side of battletech then I would say that this a must read.A great storyline to follow.
great.......2000-01-23
this has got to be the one of the best battletech novels I've ever read. Alot of battles but not too many. Hats off to the author
Book Description
This is the ultimate celebration of the authentic Indian curry, encompassing both the classic and the unusual dishes from across India. With insightful information on spices, herbs, and chilies, and what exactly a curry is, as well as 100 mouth-watering recipes, Camellia shares the secrets she has learnt from curry lovers and cooks-from top chefs to housewives-to inspire and excite your tastebuds.
Customer Reviews:
Great book for beginners.......2007-09-25
My boyfriend and I are serious cooks but have never attempted much Indian. We found this book browsing in a small local book store and it's such a great find. First attempts at cooking last night resulted in some great dishes. Of course, we added a little more tumeric here and there, more pepper, and more garam masala, but it was a great place to start and has veggie dishes we like too. A great buy for the beginner!
Absolutely Fabulous!.......2007-07-09
If you love Indian food, you'll love this book. Fifty curries doesn't sound like very many for curry offcianados but this book is a great tour of what the Indian subcontinent has to offer. From regions all over India, each mouthwatering recipe is accompanied by full coloured pictures. Definitely a must buy to add to your curry collection.
Outstanding Cookbook.......2007-01-10
This is a wonderful cookbook. In addition to the detailed, but not overly complicated recipes, it has a good amount of basic information about ingredients. This is important, because many of the ingredients are new to non-Indian cooks.
I've been very happy with the recipes. Good photos of each dish, and a nice write up on each recipe, explaining the region where the it came from, and the cook or restaurant that created that it.
A wonderful range of curry recipes presented by an expert.......2007-01-05
This book not only provides some wonderful curry recipes from different parts of India but also helps clear a lot of misconceptions about curry and what it actually is!! A must have.
Camellia Panjabi knows her stuff.......2006-07-07
This is an exceptional authentic Indian cookbook for those who are willing to invest the time for the proper outcome and want to expand their repertoire. In addition to the recipes, Camellia Panjabi has done an excellent job explaining the reasons for what and how the ingredients interact and enhance the collage of flavours in the dishes. The illustrations are first-rate. This book is not for those who want to quickly throw something together.
Customer Reviews:
Terrific Book.......2007-08-17
This is really one of the best books out there for dealing with agression. It really clears up what it is all about and what to do about it in very practical terms. It helped me see what the real issues where and gave me a number of suggestions for training against the agression. Very practical where others are not. She doesn't waste time with too much philosphy but gets straight to the issues and the training. But the true measure is in the results and I am very happy about that. We had one very confused 6 yr old boy and he's coming along terrifically--I was really worried that he would spend his days angry, confused and mean. It's a turn around--so yes, things can be done to work with aggression. Thanks Brenda Aloff.
Superb!.......2006-04-23
The book is well-organized and well-written. I was successful using some of the protocols described in the book to modify dog aggression. This is one of the best books out there on aggression.
Four Stars for now, with the potential for Five Stars!.......2006-03-15
This book actually has a lot of very good, practical, and very helpful information for the dog owner who wants to prevent (as I do) or treat agression problems, especially in agression-prone breeds like spaniels and some of the guarding breeds. I debated whether or not to give this book a five star rating. I settled on four stars for now because of my one "complaint" against the book -- it is a very, very COMPLICATED book to read and utilize. The author, apparently through many years of working with problem dogs, has developed a number of complex systems for treating and preventing agression problems which, while I'm sure will be useful and should work well, and just very complicated for the amateur to use. This is definitely NOT the kind of book one can read in bed when tired. It reminds me of some of my college texts -- a challenging and complicated read, and perhaps a bit on the dry side. I know that when I tried to read it recently, my mind often wandered.
To sum it up, I would recommend the purchase of this book for the interested reader, just be prepared to sit down and devote quality time to reading the book and learning the system of training the author has put forth. Unfortunately, my life right now is just too complicated to really give this book the time it deserves. I hope in the near future to have a little more free time to carefully read the book, absorb the information, and begin to implement it with my own dog.
Very helpful exercises.......2006-01-07
This book is terrific for owners of any dog. We actually rescued an dog-aggressive dog and actually went to Brenda Aloff for a few sessions. Her advice and exercises helped turn a stressed out little monster into my little princess. My dog isn't magically cured, but by using this book, we've taught her to look to her humans for guidance in stressful situations, instead of just attacking as she would in the past. She knows the rules and was taught them in a completely positive reinforcement manner. I highly recommend this book.
Book Description
The Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Colonial Tokens, fifth edition, is now available. Now with a spiral binding the Colonial Tokens guide is "user friendly" and easy to work with, making it a must have for the token enthusiast.
New interest is moving into the colonial token field, with dealer and collector demand falling on shrinking inventories. This is not a new situation for high grade tokens, but it certainly is for the middle range, which is now experiencing the pressure. Even the low grades are being sought after to fill the needs of telemarketers. Canadian Colonial Tokens have not enjoyed so much popularity in over a hundred years.
A shortage of circulating legal tender in Canada from 1800 to 1860 forced local governments and merchants to devise their own coinage for commerce. Tokens used in Newfoundland, Nove Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Upper (East) and Lower (West) Canada are described in detail, including composition, weight, diametre, die axis, edge, and date of issue. All tokens are cross-referenced with other established numbering systems such as Breton, Courteau, Lees, Wood and Willey. A legend index allows collectors to easily identify even the most obscure token.
All prices have been reviewed and updated allowing readers to accurately value their collections. With over two hundred pages filled with information and illustrations of this unique Canadian collectable, The Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Colonial Tokens is a publication no numismatic enthusiast should be without.
Customer Reviews:
Essential Reference Book.......2007-09-11
This is THE standard reference work for Canadian token collectors.
It is profusely illustrated with B&W photos of all major token types.
It is laid out by province and it's fairly simple to find your way through the book to the token in question.
All-in-all, a "must have" for anyone interested in collecting Canadian tokens.
Average customer rating:
- This is an invaluable overview of Canadian colonial tokens.
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Canadian Colonial Tokens (3rd Edition) - The Charlton Standard Catalogue
Manufacturer: Charlton Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0889680949 |
Customer Reviews:
This is an invaluable overview of Canadian colonial tokens........1999-03-14
The third edition of The Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Colonial Tokens provides an invaluable overview of Canadian colonial tokens from 1794-1867. The photographs and detailed descriptions of major token types are helpful for beginning collectors and experienced collectors alike. The bibliography and cross references are great resources for collectors who want more detailed information on specific topics within the Canadian colonial token series. The legend index is helpful for quickly identifying tokens and finding their full descriptions in the catalogue.
This third edition corrects some errors from the second edition and simplifies the numbering of the ships colonies and commerce tokens of Prince Edward Island. The catalogue now includes prices realized at auction for selected rare tokens.
Average customer rating:
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Canadian Colonial Tokens (4th Edition) - The Charlton Standard Catalogue
W. K. Cross
Manufacturer: Charlton Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Coins & Medals
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ASIN: 0889682348 |
Book Description
A complete guide to the tokens used in Canada between 1794 and 1867. The tokens of Upper and Lower Canada, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland are all listed and illustrated, including Canadian blacksmith tokens. Each token is priced and described, including its composition, measurements, date and reference numbers.
Average customer rating:
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Exploring Canadian Colonial Tokens
E. B. Banning
Manufacturer: Charlton Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Coins & Medals
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ASIN: 0889680744 |
Average customer rating:
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Canadian Colonial Tokens (2nd Edition) - The Charlton Standard Catalogue
Manufacturer: Charlton Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0889680736 |
Book Description
Crafters will be delighted when they discover author and national sewing authority, Nancy Zieman, is sharing her love of sewing once again. Quilt, sew, and embroider enchanting home decor and personal accessory items with this new project guide.
Readers learn to incorporate heart, snowflake, pineapple, floral, and moonlight designs into everyday patterns. The results are gorgeous--evening bags, picture frames, fleece throws, bathroom towels, jewelry baskets, and more. Sewers, quilters, and crafters will be successful every time they complete a project with patterns, step-by-step instructions, illustrations, and detailed photos. Create keepsakes that will be treasured for years to come.
* Complete projects successfully with several pages of patterns * Evening bags, picture frames, throws, towels, quilts, and more * Unique designs will be treasured for years to come
Book Description
This beautiful style guide brings you into the homes of forty celebrities to reveal how each one worked with designers to transform a bedroom into a highly personalized sanctuary. The styles are as varied and unique as the starts themselves?from model Tyra Banks? colorful fabric-filled Moroccan chamber to singer Paula Abdul?s soothing candlelit hideaway and onto Cher?s medieval-gone-contemporary haven.
Now in paperback, Celebrity Bedroom Retreats showcases a variety of bedroom stylesfrom simple, meditative Zen spaces to garden-inspired chinoiserie styles. Author Joanna Lee Doster helps readers re-create the essentials in each featured style with plenty of design tips, sources, and commentary from both stars and their designers.
Customer Reviews:
Finally, a decorating book that does reveal.......2004-12-10
the kind of things designers never tell you. This is more than just a beautiful book showing beautiful bedrooms that belong to the beautiful people, it really does show all the little tricks that make the rooms click. The best parts are the "make the look" boxes and the fact that every significant item in the rooms is identified by either the maker or the seller, which is referenced in a section in the back. The fun parts are the celebrities - maybe it's not surprise that Wesley Snipes has giant-sized mirrors all over his bedroom, but who would think that Joan Rivers would have such elegant taste? For the record I liked her bedroom suite the best. Now those freestanding fireplaces they have at Home Depot are calling my name.
Ugh! What taste? Where is it? .......2004-11-22
Don't expect to get anything useful out of this book other than a good chuckle at all money and no taste. Unbelievably poor.
Not only that but all the stars are two bit or less celebrities.
The rooms are dated and in hideous taste, the stars are obscure, the design details are revolting and these are 40 rooms I would never want to live in.
Admittedly some are less repulsive than others but on the whole, don't spend the money.
Not a great deal of bio on the celebs, this book is useful as a curiosity only.
Kotori 2004
The benefit depends on your purpose for reading it.......2002-12-17
This book is best as a novelty item, rather than an informative interior design book. You might find inspiration from this book, but not many helpful tips.
Pluses:
All the rooms are opulent, but the book shows many different styles. If you like the stars in the book, it will probably interesting to see how their personalities are tanslated into their design style.
Minuses:
If you want to copy a star's style, it might be difficult to translate the ideas from an unlimited budget to one that is more realistic for the average person. There is no substantive information about the stars themselves in addition to information from their designers about the rooms.
Recommendation:
If you want to see how the other half live, then this book is for you. It also would be a fun gift. Those on a limited budget can probably find more useful books on interior decoration.
Bedroom lovers delight.......2002-11-27
If you love bedrooms, you'll love this book which gives you a glimpse into the sanctuaries of 40 celebrities. Each profile is an average 3 page spread which shows one photo with a brief introduction and then has a page on the "design details" (palette, bed and bedding and furnishings) and a concluding page on "What Makes The Look". The author seems to have chosen her subjects carefully, as a wide array of styles are represented here - from the opulent, Renaissance inspired rooms of the Versaces to the cold, spare, ultra modern rooms of Derrick Colman and Marshall Coburn. Other styles include the Southwestern motif (Stanley Weston), Moroccan (Tyra Banks), and Oriental (Mary Tyler Moore). Some rooms show how carefully selected colors can evoke a calming mood (like in Deborah Norville, Joan Rivers and Paula Abdul's bedrooms). And some may just make you want to go "UGH" (sorry Mary Higgins Clark and Blaine Trump). Other celebrities included are Cher, Princess Diana, Patti Labelle, Ali MacGraw, Natalie Cole, Angel Sanchez, Lillian Vernon, Junior Johnson, Wesley Snipes, Mickey Rourke, Renzo Rosso, Peter Vitale, Charles Shaunghnessy and more.
Book Description
Why, beginning in the late 1960s, did expressive objects made by poor people come to be regarded as "twentieth-century folk art," increasingly sought after by the middle class and the wealthy? Julia Ardery explores that question through the life story of Kentucky woodcarver Edgar Tolson (1904-1984) and the evolving public reception of his poplar "dolls."
The Temptation presents a vivid chronicle of folk art's ascendancy in the late twentieth century, enlivened by the voices and opinions of diverse participants in the folk art scene. Drawing on in-depth interviews with collectors and dealers, museum and auction house officials, and Tolson's own family members and friends, the book traces a twenty-year tug-of-war over the definition, sale, and interpretation of folk art. Unlike earlier studies, Ardery's work also links the popularity of folk art to larger historical forces: the civil rights movement and the War on Poverty in Appalachia, government and corporate arts sponsorship, developments in arts education, and an expanded art market.
Well illustrated and impeccably documented, The Temptation offers an engaging account of how a generation both reflected and reinforced its ideals through its fascination with crayon drawings, quilts, and wooden dolls.
Customer Reviews:
Essential Book for the Folk Art Library.......2002-05-28
Whether you are a fan of Edgar Tolson's work or of woodcarving in general, this is an essential book to have if you are interested in folk art of the 20th century. The thorough research done on Edgar Tolson is fascinating and through his art and career the world of 20th century folk art is examined. From key folk art collectors to various museums and institutions, the 20th century folk art movement was created and sold to the buying public. By the time the "important" artists were established all of the "important" early work was already in the hands of a few collectors and the museums. It's no accident that Tolson's work ended up in a prestigious Whitney Biennial and his artwork sky-rocketed in price. The same with Howard Finster. By the time his work was presented as being important to the general public, a narrow group of collectors and critics had already hoarded the first few thousand of his numbered pieces which the critics then deemed as the most important of his career. And the story continues to this day with collectors / critics buying early key works, then recommending them to the general folk art buyers. This book is perhaps the best analysis of why and how a folk artist becomes "important" in the 20th century. It may or may not sour your view on 20th century folk art but is a great read either way. As with all art or decorative objects, if you just buy what you like and ignore the critics, you'll be happy. Who's to say 10, 20 or 50 years from now if anyone will even care about "20th century folk art."
A granddaugther from Guam who loved Edgar Tolson & the book........1998-05-08
Ms. Julia S. Ardey has put together an extraordinary work -- filled with stories and pictures of a poor Kentucky man who whittled stuff to which other folks took a liking. My grandfather Edgar Tolson will always remain an elusive character both in life and in death hard to explain and to understand. As all great artists he was not one dimensional. Ms. Ardey did a fine job of grasping enough bits and pieces of his life, through the eyes and hearts of those who knew him, to give a reasonable representation of who Edgar Tolson was and why he whittled. Ms. Ardey interviewed scores of people and personalities who all have their own opinion of Edgar Tolson the Man and Edgar Tolson the Woodcarver and the times in which he lived. Ms. Ardey managed a remarkable feat in compling those interviews into an a very good work. She included many pictures that give insight into an artisan and his art. Many pictures capture Edgar's soul in his eyes -- others show a family life of just real folks who just have a Daddy that whittles in the living room and lets the shavings fall to floor. As a granddaugther of Edgar Tolson, beloved Kentucky woodcarver, I am very pleased with the work Julia S. Ardery managed to put together on his life and extraordinary talent. With a family as large as he had I am sure that this book will be debated into generations, however, it is a real good starting point at which to kick off the debate of fact or fiction. The papaw I knew was a wonderful minister; he loved his God, knew his bible and had a passion for sharing the Biblical Truths of his God with others through his work. He managed to reach the very far corners of the earth with his renditions of Adam & Eve in Garden of Eden, Their Fall, and Noah's Ark among a few--how many ministers can stake that claim. He carved what was upon his heart to carve. He was discovered by others who marketed it to a world who craved his carvings and what they represented to them. I am so pleased that Ms. Ardery managed to compile so much ! of his life and work into this book. It makes for really good reading and gives the reader the opportunity to linger with story and photo's of Edgar Tolson and his artwork long enough to gain an understanding of why so many are so drawn to it, him and living upon this earth. Thank you Ms. Ardery for a job well done.
Book Description
Mark Mathabane first came to prominence with the publication of Kaffir Boy, which became a New York Times bestseller. His story of growing up in South Africa was one of the most riveting accounts of life under apartheid. Mathabane's newest book, Miriam's Song, is the story of Mark's sister, who was left behind in South Africa. It is the gripping tale of a woman -- representative of an entire generation -- who came of age amid the violence and rebellion of the 1980s and finally saw the destruction of apartheid and the birth of a new, democratic South Africa.
Mathabane writes in Miriam's voice based on stories she told him, but he has re-created her unforgettable experience as only someone who also lived through it could. The immediacy of the hardships that brother and sister endured -- from daily school beatings to overwhelming poverty -- is balanced by the beauty of their childhood observations and the true affection that they have for each other.
Customer Reviews:
Miriams Song: A Memoir.......2007-04-05
This book was really good and an eyeopener in many ways. Sometimes it is hard to believe the bad things that really go on in the world.
A New Tune Laura H .......2006-12-13
The book Miriam's Song, by Mark Mathabane, opened my eyes to the hardships and terrifying stories of Alexandria's slums and poverty. Told through the eyes of Miriam Mathabane, a poor black girl in Alexandria, South Africa, the story is inspirational and heart braking at the same time. From the beginning of the book, I was enthralled by the vivid details of Miriam's Bantu Education and poor living conditions. By the end of the book I felt as if I was inside Miriam's head, dealing with her emotions as if they were mine and following her story with a devout interest. This is the story of her struggle to overcome the difficulties of living in South Africa during the apartheid to achieve the power women and blacks were starved of.
Miriam lived in a dysfunctional family consisting of an abusive father, smart but illiterate mother, and enough brothers and sisters to lose track of. The family lived in a shack they called a house, in an over crowded slum full of disease and mal-hygiene. On top of all of her hardships at home, Miriam had to deal with the Bantu (black) Educational system, which was staffed by cruel teachers and based on tough discipline. The teachers were more interested in clean hands and fingernails than the quality of education in the over crowded classes. In the book Miriam describes one experience with the strange education system saying, "Mama forgot to borrow a fingernail clipper... to trim my long and dirty finger nails... the mistress finally class my name... I gingerly step forward. I never take my eyes off the thick ruler in the mistress's right hand... `They are long and dirty'... the mistress slowly raises the thick ruler... high up in the air and prepares to rap my fingers." (24). It is clear that the mistress, or teacher, is worrying more than she should be on how long each students nails are and is disciplining in a harsh way. The only encouraging force keeping Miriam in the awful school was her brave mother who was continually encouraging.
This book taught me more about how women are treated in superiorly in other places of the world and how differently I live from many other people. It was clear through out the story that physical and sexual abuse was accepted in the ghetto of Alexandria and was quite common. The discrimination of blacks was also very surprising. Even when the vast majority of the population was black, they were still treated like animals, and squeezed into small towns around the country. It was inspiring to read about the struggles for equality and the great measures many people went through to overcome the all-white government.
After reading Miriam's Song I have gained a new respect for black women all over the world. The story showed me a new side of inequality not just judged by the color of skin but by gender. Miriam taught me to stand up for what I believe in and "fight the system." This is a great book for girls throughout the country to read because it is encouraging and a great read.
Amazing book, incredible read!.......2006-03-16
This book is a very intriguing, insightful look into life in the slums of Alexandria. Miriam is such a captivating figure, strong in her faith, in God and striving for something better in life. You will NOT want to put this book down! It flows nicely, while being educational at the same time. This is the first Mark Mathabane book I have read (and it wont be the last). I would love to read a novel concerning an update on Miriam's life, she is such a sweet young woman. Overall: GREAT book, amazing!
A book of hope.......2001-11-21
I strongly encourage everyone to buy and read this book. This book tells the story of what it is like to be female in apartheid South Africa. Do not pass up this opportunity to learn more about the legendary Mathabane family!
No more complaining..........2001-08-23
...about my life, my educational opportunities, my social status. Miriam's Song should be required reading for all spoiled brats who think their lives are difficult. Shame on me for ever taking education for granted! Shame on me for ever complaining that my opportunities in the US are limited because of my gender! This book left an indelible mark on my social consciousness. Not just a touching and eye-opening memoir, but also a story of fierce determination and strength, Miriam's Song ranks among my must-reads. Her story is inspiring and her candid writing makes the reader feel as if she is sitting right there in the room, like an new friend telling you about her life. The text does not attempt to justify or rationalize or otherwise explain the social structure, and is remarkably pure in its telling of Miriam's story. Because this book is free from philisophy and pontification about wrong and right, fair and unfair, here-and-there comparisons, the reader is left to come to these realizations on his/her own and thus the story becomes most poignant. I find myself wondering how Miriam is doing now, and would welcome another book including the rest of her story and her observations of the US. Whole-heartedly recommended. Finished it yesterday and loaned it to a friend today.
Product Description
This spiritual memoir of a remarkable woman- musician, author, missionary - will inspire not only those who know her work but anyone interested in living a life of love and service.
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