Ploughshares Spring 1994: Tribes

Book Description

Stories and Poems. Contributors to this issue include: Sherman Alexie, S. Ben-Tov, Dana Boussard, Kevin Bowen, Rafael Campo, Richard Chess, Sharon Cumberland, Gina Dorcely, Joseph Duemer, Debra Earling, Anita Endrezze, Ted Genoways, Diane Glancy, Patricia Goedicke, Jeffrey Greene, Ann Harleman, Margaret Kaufman, Marshall N. Klimasewiski, Mark Levine, Peter Marcus, Ted McNulty, Scott Momaday, Lee Ann Mortensen, Thylias Moss, Ophelia Navarro, Simon Ortiz, Eileen Pollack, Alberto Alvaro Ríos, Natasha Saje, Ripley Schemm, Bruce Smith, Charles Harper Webb, S. L. Wisenberg, Elizabeth Woody, Judith Yamamoto

Customer Reviews:

War ravages Sarpadia while men and dwarves find love.........2007-02-28

All of Sarpadia has entered a time of war and chaos, where nothing but distrust exists between the races and suffering abounds throughout the lands. Amidst all of this, Reod Dai the "mud wizard" and Tamun the dwarf fall in love. And Peace Shall Sleep is a simple story focusing in on this unusual relationship and the adventures the lovers undergo traveling and deal-making between the lands of mountain dwarves, elves, humans, goblins, and orcs. The storyline starts out with a lot of potential, with complex characters having extremely rich histories, but it seems the author may have been a bit overly optimistic about how much she could accomplish with this single novel. The book ends up jumping around a lot and introducing side stories that never get a chance to get wound up.

This novel is centered around the time of the Fallen Empires expansion set, and a lot of effort was made to include creatures from the set. Thrulls and thallids, as well as dragons make strong appearances that flesh out the story and bring more diversity to the MTG landscape.

The writing style is really good, especially this being Sonia Orin Lyris' first novel, but the suspense is for the most part lacking any depth and the story takes on a very predictable (close to boring) feel. Basically, you'll probably like this one if you enjoyed the previous MTG books, but don't be fooled by all the 5-star reviews, its not the best of the series.

Great book, but could be improved.......2003-08-06

I have a sentimental view of Fallen Empires (FE), as it was my first Magic expansion. This book is set in the storyline of FE, with a few changes. An interesting story with an intriguing plot, it still lacks a certain intangible that would have pushed it over the top. But, if you can get a hold of a copy of the book, you will enjoy it.

And peace shall sleep.......2003-04-30

If you are a player of M:TG, then this will fill in some flavor holes. If not you may feel a little lost, but it will still grab you. Very good book, wish the newer ones were as solid as the old ones. Buy and enjoy

A good book........2000-12-08

I have everyone Book of the Magic series to date (most recent is Shattered Alliance), and this is certainly one of the best ones. I mean, I love all of them, but this one rocks.

WOW! This Book was AMAZING!.......2000-10-06

I just finished reading this book and I could not put it down! If your are a fan of fantasy books you have to read this book! This book is the best book I have ever read! READ IT!!!!!!!

5 Titles in Magic the Gathering Series - The Cursed Land - Ashes of the Sun - Song of Time - And Peace Shall Sleep - Dark Legacy

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5 Titles in Magic the Gathering Series - The Cursed Land - Ashes of the Sun - Song of Time - And Peace Shall Sleep - Dark Legacy
multiple authors
Manufacturer: various
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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

Magic & Wizards | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000PC5BOI

Product Description

5 massmarket paperback Titles in Magic the Gathering Series - The Cursed Land - Ashes of the Sun - Song of Time - And Peace Shall Sleep - Dark Legacy

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And Peace Shall Sleep
Sonia Orin Lyris
Manufacturer: Eos
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OEX112

Book Description

From the multiple award-winning, best-selling author of The Song of Ice and Fire series: Haviland Tuf is an honest space-trader who likes cats. So how is it that, in competition with the worst villains the universe has to offer, he's become the proud owner of the last seedship of Earth's legendary Ecological Engineering Corps? Never mind, just be thankful that the most powerful weapon in human space is in good hands-hands which now control cellular material for thousands of outlandish creatures. With his unique equipment, Tuf is set to tackle the problems human settlers have created in colonizing far-flung worlds: hosts of hostile monsters, a population hooked on procreation, a dictator who unleashes plagues to get his own way... and in every case the only thing that stands between the colonists and disaster is Tuf's ingenuity-and his reputation as an honest dealer in a universe of rogues... Tuf Voyaging interior illustrations by Janet Aulisio. Included will be her original eight illustrations, along with 28 newly commissioned ones.

Customer Reviews:

Martin at his most Meh........2007-09-28

Most people reading this book will do so already having experienced Martin's genius from his other works. Unfortunately, the strength of his vaunted "Ice and Fire" series, namely the characters, is where this story is at its weakest.

The plot, setting and details in this book are quite engaging. The idea of one man floating around space doing good deeds with his massively powerful ancient weapon system is classic and making that weapon a cloning ship is a nice spin on the idea.

The downfall of Tuf Voyaging is Tuf himself, and the various people who's acquaintance he makes. Tuf is painfully lacking in any appealing qualities beyond his supposed morality. There is no depth to his character apart from his love for cats which is explained most telling by the author's shared affection.

All the various stories seem to revolve around Tuf's infallibility in the face of massive global ecological puzzles despite his humble trader background. Towards the end of the novel I found myself hoping he would be proved wrong or defeated in some way as his self-perceived perfection was becoming tiresome and repetitive. In the last pages of the book a glimmer of hope shows through when we almost see a spark of emotion from the character. The undertones of the ethical implications of the godlike powers of this weapon corrupting a once good-natured man and turning him into a monster ultimately end in disappointment and we close the story with the same character we started.

As if to accentuate this character's aura of intellectual and moral superiority, the surrounding characters seemed to have been dumbed down. Everyone in the future is completely lacking in subtly, guile and intuition and completely inept in the face of the main character's awesome prowess.

In summary, though the idea is excellent, the forced and shallow storyline fail to make this novel worthy of recommendation.

Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03

Another short story collection by Martin. Tuf, the central characater is quite strange. He is cold, and dispassionate. He is also a man living basically alone with cats. Not that normal, there.

His really big ship has some impressive capabilities, and he uses them to try and solve what he sees as environmental problems, among other things.

This brings him into conflict with many other people. He is not your likable hero kind of guy, more cold and pragmatic.

Tuf Voyaging : The Plague Star - George R. R. Martin
Tuf Voyaging : Loaves and Fishes - George R. R. Martin
Tuf Voyaging : Guardians - George R. R. Martin
Tuf Voyaging : Second Helpings - George R. R. Martin
Tuf Voyaging : A Beast for Norn - George R. R. Martin
Tuf Voyaging : Call Him Moses - George R. R. Martin
Tuf Voyaging : Manna from Heaven - George R. R. Martin

If you want to acquire an AI ship and shaft the people you hire to do it for you, make sure it likes you.

Also, if someone says there is Tyrannosaur behind you, believe them.

If the Tyrannosaur is hungry, ensure preplanning acquisition of serious artillery.

4 out of 5

If someone is in charge of a giant AI planet engineering ship, don't nick their cat.

3.5 out of 5

Namor, Prince of the Deep is a kitten.

3.5 out of 5

A return to S'uthlam, and his dramatisation is way more popular than Tuf or his cats.

3.5 out of 5

A spot of supply problems for an animal combat arena.

3 out of 5

Biological plague dealing.

3 out of 5

Drastic solutions for ridiculous population problems.

4 out of 5

Ice and Fire fans, this one is worth your time and money.......2007-07-20

If you are a fan of 'A Song of Ice and Fire' read this book. If you are a fan of science-fiction read this book. If you are a fan of reading read this book. I, probably like most of the other reviewers, started reading George R.R. Martin's 'Ice and Fire' series years ago. But only recently, while rereading 'Ice and Fire', did I decide to get hold of some of Martin's other work. About a month ago I started with Fevre Dream and I am pleased to report that it was a terrific read and a fine example of horror/adventure literature. But sadly, it just didn't compare with Ice and Fire. A week later I stumbled across a reprint of 'Dying of the Light' in a bookstore and I was all too happy to give another of George's works a go. I was pleasantly rewarded again. After starting a bit slow 'Dying' turned into another great read in the sci-fi/suspense category. However, it didn't really come close to comparing with 'Ice and Fire' either.

Enter 'Tuf Voyaging'. I ordered this paperback edition off of amazon several days ago. When it arrived I took some time before starting it but I finally cracked it open last night at around 1 am. I finished it at about 5 am. It was that good. No, it was better than good, it's the most satisfying and awesome sci-fi collection or novel I have ever read.

The books follows the story of titular character Haviland Tuf. Tuf is an honest cat-loving space trader who has fallen on hard times because of his quirky tastes in trade-goods (he is likely the only interstellar merchant who has a cargo-hold full of alien orgy masks). But Tuf is also singularly brilliant and possessed of a deeply compassionate nature (though at times he admittedly seems more caustic than compassionate). So when Tuf finds himself trapped aboard an unimaginably powerful ancient starship (that holds the ecological secrets of virtually every planet in the galaxy) with a variety of cutthroat mercenaries and heartless scientists he is forced to take action to prevent the ship from falling into deadly hands. This begins the most wildly entertaining space saga you're likely to ever read.

As readers of 'Ice and Fire' likely know, George R.R. Martin is a fantastic storyteller and perhaps the greatest voice in the history of fantasy. Sure, if you're a traditionalist and want absolutely comprehensive storytelling read Tolkien, but if you want truly compelling prose then read Martin. He can build astonishingly beautiful worlds full of characters who are far more than the usual two-dimensional 'villains and heroes' fare seemingly inherent to mainstream sci-fi/fantasy.

And if you are somehow afraid of sci-fi (and are pondering whether a few dollars spent in the sci-fi games will be worth it) think no more. The endless creativity and the incredible character-building featured in 'Tuf' is proof positive that George R.R. Martin is one of the greatest writers not only in sci-fi/fantasy, but in contemporary literature. If you haven't started reading him yet you're way behind. And there's no better way to start than with 'Tuf Voyaging'.

If you've already read 'Ice and Fire' then I can virtually guarantee you that you'll love to voyage with Haviland Tuf. So far it's the only work of Martin's I've read that compares with 'Ice and Fire' in any meaningful way, and I'm shocked to tell you that it might be just as good (though most of you might doubt me on that). But one thing is for sure, if you buy this book prepare for a literary feast providied by one of your favorite authors. You won't regret it.

Collection of Inter-related Short Stories with little emotion.......2007-06-16

My copy of this novel is from February 1986. The credits show each of the six shorties therein having appeared in the period 1976-1985 in various years inside Analogue and/or Andromeda magazines. While effort was made in getting the six short stories to mesh together, they didn't mesh well. The timeline is played fast and loose, and those cats of Tuff are ancient by the end of the novel. At one point they are referred to as 'kittens' when they are five years old.

This book was written decades ago, and the writing quality inside is nothing compared to what George R.R. Martin has achieved in his 'Song of Fire and Ice' series. Even though he wrote em, it was close to 30 years ago, so don't get your hopes up.

As for the stories themselves, I enjoyed the first one (for intrigue) and last (for what defines a god). The dueling plagues in the 'Moses' story I found pretty stupid, and the others didn't have strong themes or points. Note they were *stories*, not chapters in a novel.

Tuf as a character has no romantic interests at all, is unflappably robotic, and quirky about human contact. Cat loving with obstinate politeness and a desire to help people was my post-novel impression. Other characters in the stories are not really relevant, this is a Tuf-centric collection.

Should you get this? As a novel it didn't do much for me. It is an average AND dated sci-fi read. Martin keeps talking about planets running out of petroleum, and mentions punching numbers into a wrist computer. If you like vintage sci-fi short stories, go ahead and buy the softcover. If you really love cats, then you'll probably want to buy hardcover. It is my personal opinion that much better sci-fi books and George R.R. Martin novels are out there.

Tuf Voyaging, a great find.......2007-04-05

I was the cover illustrator for the hardcover and first edition paperback of Tuf Voyaging. It was my break-in assignment from Jim Baen at TOR. And, as an avid science fiction reader for years, I couldn't believe my luck when I read the book in manuscript form. To this day it is one of my favorites. Haviland Tuf is one of the most distinctive characters in science fiction. As I read the stories, I kept thinking this would make a great film. I still think so today.

I only wish they had let me do the cover design I wanted. It had dinosaurs. Read the book and you'll understand why. Instead, they wanted a more iconic design showing Haviland and the cats.

I hope they bring this title back into print, because it's a classic. Seems like a no-brainer, given Martin's popularity today.

Tuf Voyaging (First Edition/First Printing)

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Tuf Voyaging (First Edition/First Printing)
George R. R. Martin
Manufacturer: Baen Science Fiction Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MX36QA

Product Description

Introducing Haviland Tuf. He is the galaxy's only perfectly fair and honest businessman. Some would say that makes him the galaxy's greatest fool -- but of those who came thinking to take advantage of his probity, not one remains to tell of it. Somehow, it seems, the combination of fairness and honesty can make a clever trader very dangerous indeed. An honest man who raises cats -- dangerous? Then how is it that Haviland Tuf, in competition with the worst rogues, murderers, assassins, and thieves the galaxy has to offer has come into possession of a genuine Old Earth Ecological Corps seedship? Be thankful that the most powerful weapon in all of human space is in the hands of a perfectly honest man!

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Better books out there

I was blown away...

Baking at its best

The basics about baking.

Can't say enough wonderful things about this book!

Baking at Home with The Culinary Institute of America
The Culinary Institute of America
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Desserts | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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Cooking at Home with The Culinary Institute of America

Breakfasts & Brunches (Culinary Institute of America)

Baking and Pastry: Mastering the Art and Craft

Grilling: Exciting International Flavors from the World's Premier Culinary College

One Dish Meals

ASIN: 0471450952

Book Description

A complete, illustrated volume of lessons and recipes for the home baker.

The Culinary Institute of America is the place where many of today's leading chefs and pastry chefs have learned the fundamental skills that launched their careers. Now, in this companion to Cooking at Home with The Culinary Institute of America, the CIA draws on its extensive expertise and experience to give home bakers an outstanding course in the essentials of baking, along with a wealth of irresistible recipes. It outlines all the basic information on equipment, ingredients, and methods necessary to create top-quality cakes, pastries, breads, frozen desserts, and more. Readers learn the techniques step by step, with detailed instructions and photographs that clearly explain what to do and how to do it.

Ideal for developing skills and building a repertoire, the book's 200 recipes - all specially created by the CIA - are delicious, attractive, and easy to make, from Cream Scones and Streusel-Topped Blueberry Muffins to Flourless Chocolate Souffle Cake and Warm Lemon Pudding Cakes.

Complete with 250 beautiful full-color photographs of procedures and finished dishes, Baking at Home with The Culinary Institute of America is a comprehensive resource that will enable home cooks to master the art of baking in their own kitchens.

Customer Reviews:

Better books out there.......2007-04-06

My main qualm with this book is the same as another reviewer's. I find it unacceptable that there are only volume measurements in this text. These days digital kitchen scales are very easy to come by. Weighing ingredients like flour instead of shoveling them into a measuring cup is yields far more consistent and reliable results. There is no reason why the home cook cannot at least be given the option of measuring the ingredients by weight instead of volume.

This book is fine as a collection of recipes (although a few could have benefited from further testing), but if you are interested in really learning baking techniques, there are better books out there (Jeffrey Hammelman's new book on bread, Pie and Pastry Bible....).

I was blown away..........2007-01-20

...by this book. I have borrowed it from my local library several times and now I've finally bought it for myself. I love the pictures and the detailed instructions. I've tried a few of the recipes and they have all worked out very well. You simply can't go wrong with this book!

Baking at its best.......2007-01-04

THis big beautiful book is perfect for the beginning or intermediate baker. The recipes are easy to follow, use everyday ingredients and page after page of complete very helpful directions.
A must for those who love to bake!

The basics about baking........2006-11-04

This is a great book for anyone who is just beginning to learn about baking. It covers the fundamentals for one to understand about cakes, cookies, pastries, chocolates, frostings, pies, breads, etc. It will give anyone a good baking foundation to begin with, so that as one progresses in their culinary adventures they will have the confidence to explore more advanced baking books.

Can't say enough wonderful things about this book!.......2006-08-20

My dream is to one day own a small bakery in my community. I have read several books on the business, and on baking itself.
Every recipe in this book is enough to start you off on the types of products a good bakery should have. I have made about 6 of the recipes and they turned out very well. As intimidating as they might look I encourage anyone who reads this book to try them; just take your time and use the correct measurements. If you're interested in seriuos baking let this be the first book you buy. Great photos and each step is explained in very easy to understand terms. Truely on of the best books on the art of baking.

Baking At Home with The Culinary Institue Of America

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Baking At Home with The Culinary Institue Of America
Culinary Institute Of America
Manufacturer: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MX6I38

Amazon.com

According to the late Barbara Woodhouse, there are no difficult dogs, only inexperienced owners. In No Bad Dogs she propounds her outspoken beliefs about dog behavior; having trained more than 17,000 dogs and their owners, Woodhouse knows of which she speaks. She isn't shy about condemning bad owners, firmly believing that dogs reflect their masters, habits and all. But this highly regarded book doesn't dwell on the negative; it suggests positive and simple training techniques for any owner and offers hope for all types of dogs, ranging from the chronically phobic to the severely jealous. No Bad Dogs is illustrated throughout with case studies of cured canines.

Book Description

Barbara Woodhouse, "the lady with the dogs," is already familiar to millions of Americans through the publication of her best-selling book, No Bad Dogs, her frequent appearances on such national television shows as "60 Minutes," "The Tonight Show," "Donahue," "Merv Griffin," "Good Morning America," and the syndication of her enormously popular television series, "Training Dogs the Woodhouse Way."

There are no bad dogs, Barbara Woodhouse believes -- only inexperienced owners. She ought to know: in thirty years she has personally trained 17,000 dogs and their owners in her weekend courses, teaching perfect obedience to basic commands in only six and a half hours.

In this irresistible book, Barbara Woodhouse passes on to the reader the simple, effective techniques as well as the infectious, positive attitude that have enabled her to make the most unruly or nervous dog happily obedient -- sometimes within a few minutes, as astonished television audiences can attest.

No Bad Dogs will leave every dog owner with both the skills and the indispensable attitude of love, firmness, and enthusiasm that gets results -- The Woodhouse Way.

Customer Reviews:

awful!.......2005-06-22

this book is awful and does not go into detail on how to train your dog. she says you should have your dog killed for way to many reasons.she uses choke chains and never speaks of praising.

Not really a dog training manual..........2005-02-23

but in general it has good information. It's more like a dog troubleshooting guide with each chapter explaining a separate problem or just something the author felt like ranting about. Techniques recommended in this book work well for most dogs, but probably not the more problematic ones. One problem in particular is that she recommends euthanasia for too many situations. For the most dangerous problems I recommend William Koehler's method, but take everything he says with a grain of salt. Koehler is brutal (i.e. beatings, drownings, and hangings). Even if your dog doesn't have any major problems, Woodhouse still has some valuable advice. Her writing is simple and easy to read, and would probably take you a day to read. Sadly, her suggestions rarely have an explanation. Poor for most cases, this is a book to check out of the library, not buy. It's too short for anything more.

Good basic dog training book........2003-08-18

If you've never trained a dog, start here. Barabara's philosphy is that most dog problems are "owner" problems. That dogs key into what their owners are thinking. That said, Barbara uses corrective training techniques with a choke chain. The current thinking is that you need to also use "reward" based training.

Some trainers use only one of the other. I claim you need to tailor it to the particular dog. Some dogs couldn't care less how much you yank them around by the neck, others will quit behaving after they've had enough treats. Anyway reward based training requires lots of variations in the reward, sometimes its a game of frisbee.

With corrective training you need to assert yourself as the head of the pack. Seems to work well with some dogs, especially those more alpha pack dogs. But all dogs require lots of rewards to be well adjusted. And as you can see from the cover photo Barbara does reward her dogs.

Excellent resource for training PUPPIES.......2002-11-30

We have a problem dog, and had heard that this book was excellent for learning how to train dogs. However, we found it's an excellent resource for training PUPPIES. This book assumes you'e starting out with a puppy, and does not address how to deal with problems already ingrained in an adult dog.

Great book for the new dog owner.......2002-01-29

A timeless dog training classic. Great theory.

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No Bad Dogs - The Woodhouse Way
Barbara Woodhouse
Manufacturer: Fireside / Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000IWVSGA

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No Bad Dogs - The Woodhouse Way
Barbara Woodhouse -
Manufacturer: Summit Publishing -
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000QS66U4

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No Bad Dogs : The Woodhouse Way

Manufacturer: Summit Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000HMMG7Q

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NO BAD DOGS THE WOODHOUSE WAY
Barbara Woodhouse
Manufacturer: Summit Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GR71QI

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No Bad Dogs, The Woodhouse Way
Barbara Woodhouse
Manufacturer: New York: Summit Books, 1982
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NV9UU2

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No Bad Dogs. The Woodhouse Way.

Manufacturer: Summit Books. Simon and Schuster Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GYGAHC

No Bad Dogs: Training Dogs the Woodhouse Way

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No Bad Dogs: Training Dogs the Woodhouse Way

Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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No Bad Dogs: Training Dogs the Woodhouse Way

Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster Trade Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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1995 Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue Complete Set U.S. + World Stamps 5 volumes (Scott 1995 Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, Volumes 1 through 5)

Manufacturer: Scott Publshing Co.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000JQKC58

Product Description

Includes topical sections on mushrooms and space.

Scott 1995 Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue Vol 1 Us and Countries a-B)

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Scott 1995 Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue Vol 1 Us and Countries a-B)
Scott
Manufacturer: Scott Pub Inc Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Stamps | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0894872001

Scott 1995 Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue: European Countries and Colonies, Independent Nations of Africa, Asia, Latin America

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Scott 1995 Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue: European Countries and Colonies, Independent Nations of Africa, Asia, Latin America
Scott
Manufacturer: Scott Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Stamps | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0894872036

Scott 1995 Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue: European Countries and Colonies, Independent Nations of Africa, Asia, Latin America (D-I)

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Scott 1995 Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue: European Countries and Colonies, Independent Nations of Africa, Asia, Latin America (D-I)

Manufacturer: Scott Pub Inc Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Stamps | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0894872028

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Woman's Day Prizewinning Granny Squares
Theresa Capuana
Manufacturer: Sedgewood Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Quilts & Quilting | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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Afghan splendor

ASIN: 0696023431

Book Description

This volume provides a new approach to Galen's theory of respiration and to his physiological thinking. The method involves reconstructing Galen's theoretical and experimental research in the structure and context of his reasoning. The book deals with the problem of muscular respiratory movement, the structure and function of organs such as the heart, lungs and pulmonary vessels, and the purpose of breathing. Other topics include bodily respiration (diapnoe), the explanation of asphyxia, miasmas and other pathological processes. The book ends with a study of breathing and vocal exercises in the Greco-Roman world. This is an important reassessment of several questions that are fundamental to the history of medicine; it provides a truer understanding of one of the most impressive contributions to western medical thought.

Book Description

Animation art has become one of the most popular fields of collectibles, embracing both vintage and contemporary images. The appeal of animation art is universal, as it captures scenes and characters from popular cartoons as well as animated feature films. With the success of such recent films as Disney's The Lion King, interest in animation art has grown exponentially. These enduring images of popular culture offer the collector the rare opportunity to participate in a collecting field still in its infancy.

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I usually never take the time to review a book

Beautifully & movingly written blend of memoir. journalism, history

Compelling, but....

Gripping introduction to Sierra Leoneýs convoluted politics

Making sense of the senseless

The Devil That Danced on the Water: A Daughter's Quest
Aminatta Forna
Manufacturer: Grove Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

African-American & Black | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
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Political | Leaders & Notable People | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
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A Dirty War in West Africa: The RUF And the Destruction of Sierra Leone

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How de Body? One Man's Terrifying Journey Through an African War

Under the Frangipani

ASIN: 0802140483

Book Description

As a child Aminatta Forna witnessed the upheavals of postcolonial Africa, danger, flight, the bitterness of exile in Britain, and the terrible consequences of her dissident father's stand against tyranny. Mohamed Forna was a man of unimpeachable integrity and enchanting charisma. As Sierra Leone faced its future as a fledgling democracy, he was a new star in the political firmament, a man who had been one of the first black students to come to Britain after the war. He stole the heart of Aminatta's mother and returned with her to Sierra Leone. But as Aminatta Forna shows with compelling clarity, the old Africa was torn apart by new ways of Western parliamentary democracy, which gave birth only to dictatorships and corruption of hitherto undreamed-of magnitude. It was not long before Mohamed languished in jail as a prisoner of conscience, and worse was to follow. Aminatta's search for the truth that shaped both her childhood and the nation's destiny began among the country's elite and took her into the heart of rebel territory. The Devil that Danced on the Water is a book of pain and anger and sorrow, written with tremendous dignity and beautiful precision.

Customer Reviews:

I usually never take the time to review a book.......2007-05-12

This book is fabulous. It is fabulous because it is accurate, interesting, and well-written. I am just a little older than the author and grew-up in Sierra Leone during much of the period described. I recall the Siaka Stevens years as a teen, I vaguely recall the execution of her father. Interestingly, I read another book about the first year that I was there and in that book, there was a reference to that hanging. I am a nonfiction junkie and read mostly books on mathematics--my field, but Aminatta has a keen way of describing Sierra Leone and the interactions of the politics. I read this book very quickly, in a few days during the work week. I have also read her other novel. I must say that this memoir is the best, in my opinion. Compared to the memoir A Long Way Gone about the Sierra Leonian boy soldier, this book by Aminatta is at a much higher level. It holds a longer period of time over which the plot is developed leading up to that war. It is her search to understand and in that respect the reader is searching right along with her. Read it!

Beautifully & movingly written blend of memoir. journalism, history.......2005-08-15

Finding/discovering a vanished father. Untangling a terrible and terrifying, deeply saddening history of a place, personal and poltical, on which colonialism, broken promises, fear, racism, and inter-tribal rivalries and conflicts have all trod. What happens when ideals, hope, and education run up against such a history. The close-up, precise remains of a child's memory, feelings, and confusions overlaid with an adult daughter's detailed investigative and journalistic skills. All of these are part of this compulsively readable book, which tells the story of a family, a country (Sierra Leone), and a world torn apart and painstakingly, to whatever extent possible, reconstructed --- at least in the author's own hard-won understanding. I am a white American who happened on this book by accident. I love and respect memoirs where the author is transparent of heart and mind, especially in the context of a larger societal, political, or situational challenge. This book met these criteria with stunning precision. I could not put Aminatta Forna's courageous book down, and have been recommending it to everyone I know.

Compelling, but...........2004-10-15

It is a difficult topic to write about, that relationship between father and daughter. In this case, the narrative is compelling and intensely personal, so much so that it is difficult to get a sense of who Mohammed Forna actually was. Sierra Leone, contrary to its image in the media, was a complex society, and the whole relationship of the Creoles and the 'upline' people is at the very centre of the post colonial struggle. Ms. Forna treats very very lightly with that.

On the whole, even though she documents her hurts and slights growing up as a child of colour in the United Kingdom, for me, a child of Ghana and to a lesser extent, Sierra Leone in the same time frame as Ms. Forna, there is a sense that she had little or no idea of what was going on, apart from the hero worship of her father, which is , of course , understandable.

Through her prose, though, I am able to relive those times in Sierra Leone - who can forget Mile 91, Kissy Road, Connaught Hospital, Lumley Beach! The diamond smuggling which is at the very heart of the tragedy. It is easy to forget that no one in Sierra Leone, especially not the rural poor, is capable of making a bullet, let alone a gun. So who profits? And for what? That is at the very centre of the tragedy. The Tiny Rolands, with their footprints all over Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone, Botswana - they are the ones who do.

Gripping introduction to Sierra Leoneýs convoluted politics.......2003-10-21

As a gripping introduction to Sierra Leone's convoluted post-Independence politics, this book is unmatched.

Through the story of her own life, as the daughter of an influential and key political figure in newly independent Sierra Leone, we are led through the details of how Sierra Leone made its gradual descent from one of the most promising countries in West Africa, the place that used to be called "the Athens of Africa", to what is today considered euphemistically a "collapsed state". While one has heard of Foday Sankoh and the RUF, and one has an idea that diamonds are involved, Aminatta Forna takes us back to the very beginning of the process of decay. From the imprisonment of the victors in the 1967 elections, to the eventual rise to power of the rightful victor of that election, Siaka Stephens, and his consolidation of Sierra Leone into a one-party state completely under his own control.

The book is divided into two parts. In part one, we read about Aminatta's first ten years, as she moved between Scotland, Sierra Leone and Nigeria, according to the political situation in Sierra Leone, and the state of her parents' marriage. Consumed by politics, and not fully accepted by Forna's very traditional Sierra Leonean family, Mohamed Forna and his Scottish wife Maureen quickly grew apart. By the time Aminatta was eight, she had lived in six different homes, in three different countries. Part one ends when Mohamed Forna is taken away by state security, imprisoned, and his children never see him again.

Part two begins some 25 years later, in the year 2000, when Aminatta has started to research the death of her father. As a child she was told he died of stomach ulcers, which she always knew was not the truth. She returns from England to war-torn Sierra Leone where she seeks out everyone involved in her father's arrest, trial, and execution. She interviews scores of people, reads the complete trial transcript, and uses her own memories of the day he was taken away to try to piece together what really happened. What she finds is a blatant perversion of justice. Bribed and tortured witnesses, manufactured evidence, a jury of government stooges, and a judge obviously in the pockets of the state, together find her father guilty of treason and condemn him to death.

The narrator, Aminatta Forna herself, who writes in the first person, is not completely trustworthy, however. Particularly in the beginning of the book, she makes so many polemical statements about the nature of states' corruption, in the midst of which she states as fact a contested interpretation of history-who really killed Patrice Lumumba-that one is thenceforth wary of her claims.

Coming to the book with very little knowledge of Sierra Leonean history, and again recognizing her bias towards her father's goodness, his achievements, after a while, become somewhat incredulous. We are repeatedly told how brilliant Mohamed Forna was. At medical school in Scotland he was top of his class. The clinic he opened in a rural Sierra Leonean town was the model of Sierra Leonean healthcare. He won his parliamentary seat by the largest margin ever, he had the most support of all the politicians, as finance minister his budget was the most sensible that Sierra Leone had ever seen, and Sierra Leone enjoyed a fiscal surplus for the first time while he was minister. Sometimes it seems a bit too good to be true. Then she lets us know that he does have a weakness. Mohamed Forna's only shortcoming, according to his daughter's account, was with women. He carried on an extra-marital affair openly in front of his children, as he betrayed their stepmother who had spent the previous four years of her own life looking after his own children in England, while he was in prison. Yet the incidental treatment that Aminatta Forna gives this aspect of her father's life leaves the reader not fully understanding why Forna has included this in her account, as she does not use it to help us to understand her father and his choices.

However, I must confess that I couldn't put the book down once I had started reading it. Even amongst my quibbles about style and some of the content, I was compelled to keep turning the pages until I had finished, in a virtual non-stop two day reading marathon. Indeed these drawbacks that I cite, by the end of the book, are either forgotten or forgiven, as the account is so detailed and well researched, and too, moving.

The point is that once democracy, and democratic institutions and processes get corrupted, it tends to be a slippery slope, with a very unpleasant end, that exacts its tolls not only on countries, but on the lives and relationships of individuals. Aminatta Forna's book is a pithy and personal account of exactly how this happens.

Making sense of the senseless.......2003-08-14

From a certain point of view Africa seems like such an enigma - the forgotten continent. Through an amazing memoir--detective story this book brings light and understanding to a so much of what is going on there - as well as being an exceptional read. The story of the author's father (a political dissident) and his fate at the hands of a corrupt regime is meticulously researched and compelling told. No stone is left unturned, no detail ommitted. For all people everywhere it is a fascinating study of corruption and what it does.

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