Book Description
Edited by the critically acclaimed author Joyce Carol Oates, The Best American Mystery Stories 2005 brings together the genre's finest from the past year. With stories from mystery veterans and newly discovered talents, this thrilling collection is sure to appeal to crime fiction fans of all tastes. Contributors include Scott Turow, Dennis Lehane, Louise Erdrich, George V. Higgins, David Means, and others.
Customer Reviews:
Intricate mysteries.......2006-04-01
If you see the title of this book and think there are twenty "whodunit" mysteries and that's what you're looking for then keep on looking. If you enjoy the mysterious nature of life and how we deal with each other and make the decisions we do then by all means please try this deeply satisfying book.
Favorite stories of mine are When All This Was Bay Bridge by Tim McLoughlin, Delmonico by Daniel Handler and The Last Man I Killed by David Rachel. There are also wonderful stories by Dennis Lehane, Scott Turow, Pulitzer Prize winning author Edward P. Jones and writer/director John Sayles. While the book is not full of "mysteries" many stories do have plot twists and surprises that will keep you turning the pages. They all deal with crimes in different ways and how they can effect us. Some crimes happen to the narrator; in some the narrator commits the crime. Not all is what it seems in these stories.
Good collection of dark mysteries.......2006-02-07
This collection edited by Joyce Carol Oates is a very good collection of dark mysteries in the tradition of Dennis Lehane, George Pelecanos, Michael Connelly, and Elmore Leonard(more in line with 'Killshot' and his older works). If you are looking for more traditional mystery stories in the tradition of Agatha Christie then these stories may not be for you.
Where's the mystery?.......2006-01-01
I wouldn't use this collection as an intro to mystery fiction, since it barely touches on the traditional aspects of the genre. It is, however, an exercise in the dark and deeply disturbing, which is what I would expect from Joyce Carol Oates. I'm selling this year's collection to my local used bookseller, instead of passing it on to friends as a must read.
Great for lovers of dark literary fiction........2005-11-26
This book is not for sissies! It's a collection of fantastic, dark & edgy crime stories of fine quality for those who love this type of thing. Who better than Joyce Carol Oates and Otto Penzler to deliver the most unique and provocative yarns for your consumption. If you're a fan of real writing that pushes the edge, then you should read this book. Highly recommended.
Spectacular Collection.......2005-11-03
Joyce Carol Oates proves once again that not only is she one of our most talented writers but she is also a brilliant editor. This is one of the best anthologies of the year.
Customer Reviews:
A Riotous Commotion of Cheeky Hilarity.......2007-05-26
That Darn Squid God is a fun romp through Victorian England and less civilized parts of the space-time continuum, skewering adventuring sagas of all sorts with an avalanche of delightfully witty turns of phrases and a positively scary amount of detail about weaponry of all sorts. Easily as good as Pollota's Bureau 13 novels, That Darn Squid God manages to maintain a consistently humorous tone, a breath-taking pace of action, a good-naturedly satiric view of all things British, and a save-the-world plot. With lines so funny that you'll laugh out loud even on the commuter train, I can say without fear of contradiction that this is the funniest, most action-packed, and best written story about the return of a giant squid god that you will ever read. Highly recommended for gamers, science fiction fans, Victorian mystery fans, adventurers and adventure fans, non-worshippers of squid gods, and anyone with a sense of humor. Donald J. Bingle, Author of Forced Conversion.Forced Conversion
Jolly Good Show - Cheeky Fun.......2006-01-18
I've never read Pollotta before, but now I think I'll be seeking out his writing. This is all the old British derring do stories rolled into one, along with a healthy dose of Lovecraft. Exciting, adventurous and hilarious are only a few adjectives I could use for this book. Excellent work. A wonderful satire and a fantastically funny story.
A guilty pleasure?.......2005-07-12
That Darn Squid God by Nick Pollatta was quite funny (though a bit too over the top). Most of the reviewers liked it. The send-ups were funny as heck, but I found the story to get sillier with each passing page. Eventually the story (for my taste), felt too silly and unnecessary and I could not finish it. The rating should be 3 stars for those that enjoy a light, entertaining read. I'll try to finish it at a later time when I feel silly.
Hmm.......2005-07-10
After finding the truth concerning the mysteries of Noah's Ark proves to be more trouble than it was worth, Victorian scientists and adventurers Felix Einstein and Lord Carstairs move onto more serious matters. It would appear that the world could be ending based on the climatic chaos that has reached a global scale. When the two intrepid gents learn that a secret cult attempting to bring the squid god back into the world and that is why mute animals now can sing, dogs howl at the sun and the snow has turned blue, they know they must stop it. Leaving Einstein's valiant niece Mary and their cook, Katrina, in charge, the two friends take off on a globe trotting adventure that moves from the hidden broom closets of the Vatican to the Flying Dutchman to the Bermuda Triangle before coming to a violent, and hilarious climax in London.
If you enjoy Robert Asprin's Myth novels or Piers Anthony's Xanth ones, then give this a shot. The scene on the Dutchman alone makes it worth your time.
Pollotta does it again.......2005-03-01
Ok now I am now a totally devoted fanboy of Nick Pollotta. I totally enjoyed the Bureau 13 series and laughed out loud several times during his Illegal Aliens book. This book however takes the cake. I haven't enjoyed a read like this in a long while.
The premise is simple Cthullhu tried to destroy the literary verison of Victorian England. Man I had to laugh at all the obscure and not so obscure literary references. This is what The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen should have been like.
Now as to the review theat finds these reviews fishy. Let me say this. The book came out months before it was listed on Amazon direct from Wildside press. I got mine there. Plus, most readers of Nick's are very well read and enjoy his brand of Sci-Fantasy and humor.
Can't wait for further offerings from this very funny and gifted writer.
Customer Reviews:
Can't wait for the next one!.......2001-06-14
Satellites are being destroyed in their orbits, Huitzilopochtli worshippers in Barkley, CA. are trying to declare independence, Russian agents are working inside our borders. Do all these things tie together? Will Remo fine the common thread and stop it all before the world is destroyed? Sure he will, but it's still fun to find out how.
Great story that really sets up what should be an even better finish in the next book. All the thread that Mr. Mullaney is dangling out there are sure getting my interest peaked.
It just doesn't get any better than this.............2001-05-22
Disloyal opposition is a fast-paced,unbelievably funny addition to the destroyer series. The political humor is second to NONE,and presents a delightful alternative to the liberal, politically correct sarcasm found in most popular fiction. The introduction of a heir/assistant for "Emperor Smith" is a interesting development that should serve to enrich future tales by providing a secondary plot. The dialogue from both Remo & Chiun is just hilarious. I can't wait to get the next book in this mini-series! Run,do not walk to get this one!
Disloyal Opposition-Destroyer Series No. 123.......2001-04-30
For fans of the series, this seems to be a transitional book. By that I mean new ghost author Jim Mullaney is trying to advance the storyline by putting events into motion that will likely change the series. If you are not a fan of the series, go out and try it. The mixture of topical events and humor along with the action, has something for nearly everyone. Longtime fans will be somewhat surprised to see Remo's boss Smith begrudgingly accept an assistant. This is just one plotline that will change the series eventually.
The Positives: The author has either been a longtime fan himself,or has done his homework well. He brings up plot points that occurred many years,and many books ago. His attention to these details is very satisfying. The Negatives: just 2-The over-usage of pun-filled names runs thin. Remo seems to much more talkative than ever before,but the verbiage seems a bit contrived and over-used. Remo seemed to have far more dialogue than Chiun in this one.
Overall,though a must read for anyone with an interest in this series,both past and present.
He just keeps getting better and better.......2001-04-28
The latest author just keeps getting better and better.
I was waiting impatiently for this latest novel after the events of #122 and was not disappointed.
The return of old characters plus the introduction of new ones make this book a delight.
Especially good is the development of Remo's character at long last.
Enjoy 5******
The Destroyer Keeps On Going.......2001-04-16
Once again, The Destoyer series hits another home run!! After 123 books, you tend to think the series should be going down hill (like many other serialized books) but not The Destoyer. Remo and Chiun adventures keep me guessing and laughing. If you are a fan of the series, more specific, a fan of the Sapir/Murphy books, this one will not disappoint you. The action is exciting, the story keeps you engrossed and the wit in which the book is written, will put a smile on your face. Overall, this book was throughly enjoyable.
Book Description
Most recipes serve four to six people, leaving the solo cook in a predicament. Enter acclaimed cookbook author Joyce Goldstein and her stellar repertoire of meals that are fun for one. From hearty recipes like Spicy Tortilla and Lime Soup and Tuscan Style Rib-Eye Steak with Rosemary and Garlic, to dressed-up salads and seasonal fruit gratins, each dish is designed to serve one in style. Essential tips and techniques offer valuable advice on smart shopping for one and stocking the pantry. Numerous recipe variations take advantage of seasonal ingredients, while an array of sauces can turn that salmon fillet or lamb steak into a gourmet feast. When the good company is your own, Solo Suppers is the way to go.
Customer Reviews:
Cook book for those that LOVE to cook........2007-01-22
I bought this book hoping that it would broaden my meals when I come home from work. However I am not the intended reader. This is a book for lonely chefs, not lonely engineers. Most recipes are complicated and require stocking up on all kinds of ingredients that would rarely get used otherwise. You may want to make each meal 2 weeks in a row since you'll have plenty of ingredients left over. It was not the simple solution I was looking for.
Delicious, maybe; Simple, no........2005-08-03
This cookbook features elegant recipes with long lists of exotic ingredients. Everything looks delicious, but I've only made a couple of recipes because they are not practical for my busy life. To cook from this cookbook, you have to plan ahead, buy unusual ingredients that are sometimes hard to find and are unlikely to be called for in other recipes, and be prepared to put some real time in to prepare the meal. If you enjoy cooking this way as a hobby, you may well enjoy this cookbook. However, if when you cook for yourself, you want flavorful, healthy food without a lot of effort, this is not the cookbook for you. I like the book for browsing through, looking at the pretty pictures, and imagining the recipes all made up. I rarely cook from it.
Good for those with a whole lot of time.......2005-07-11
So... I don't pretend to be Julia Childs in the kitchen and yes, often I create items which include the suffix n'cheese. I bought this book, expecting to find recipes for those like myself who can't figure out how to reduce ingredients down to a "solo supper," really how do you reduce one egg? Anyhow, I found this book to be out of touch with those who would be most likely to use it. Yes I love a great meal as much as the next person but honestly I will not be cooking duck for myself anytime soon. If you are looking for a cookbook for everyday use for those of us who live alone, I don't recommend this book. If you are someone who likes a multi-course multi-hour preparation meal for you and your lonesome than buy this book immediately.
I like it, but it's NOT for everyone.......2004-12-25
I'm sort of baffled as to how to review this cookbook, because I think it's great for her intended audience, but the marketing is a bit misleading. Someone who is looking for truly SIMPLE meals to make for one person may be a bit dissappointed. So I'll just sum up my impressions of it so far.
First of all, it's a beautiful book. Nicely laid out, gorgeous photographs, personal antecdotes - it's just the sort of book I love browsing through when I'm feeling excited about cooking. I like the stylistic layout of the recipes, with the ingredients in a separate column on the side, and it's printed on thick, quality paper. It's a high quality paperback, perfect for laying flat on the counter.
Her attitude throughout is kind of gratingly pretentious at times. It's as if she expects the readers to look at her as some kind of culinary snob, so she deliberately makes comments to diffuse it, but the comments are sort of more pretentious than just snobbiness. For example, discussing eating polenta straight from the pot with a spoon: "... I make no apologies for my childish eating habits." Or, discussing microwave cooking - "... I will confess I have reheated coffee a few times. I am no longer a total culinary snob." Besides blatent examples like that, her tone and choice of words throughout are sort of exclusionary. I find it amusing and charming, but I'm sure other people will be put off by it.
In her introduction, she plainly says that this is not another book of quick meals for singles. Alot of the dishes in this book are rather lengthy and complicated. Her persian meatball soup, for example, requires mixing and rolling 30 tiny meatballs, soaking and precooking 2 different dried grains, and has 20 ingredients - all for 1-2 servings. On top of that, it's a yogurt based soup, which I found very difficult to not curdle and ruin. Is it good? I'm not sure, because I've tried it twice, investing hours each time, and haven't been successful. My mom saw the recipe and laughed - she's started calling this my "snooty single person cookbook."
Alot of the flavors she likes are strange. Lots of exotic herbs and ethnic spices, (cinnamon in the meatballs was a little strange). The recipes also seem pretty high in fat and cholesterol. Here's my favorite quote of the whole book (about spaghetti alla carbonara): "Yes, I realize that this is a high cholesterol special, but I don't care. I only eat this pasta twice a year. The rest of the time I am a model of Mediterranean dietary restraint." Haha. I guess she doesn't eat the other recipes in the book that call for several eggs, butter, cheese and heavy cream.
But if you can get past the pretentiousness, the apparent unhealthiness, and the complicated nature of some recipes, - most of them are REALLY good. The poached salmon is SO delicious that it's my new favorite way to eat salmon. All of the egg dishes are great, so are some of the soups.
I consider myself somewhat of an amatuer gourmet. I enjoy grocery shopping and reading cookbooks and trying new recipes, and most nights it is just me for dinner. I like this book because the food is good, and reading it makes me want to become a true gourmet. I think that I'm probably close to her target audience.
Fabulous Book.......2004-08-29
After reading some of the other customer reviews for this book, I had to step up to the plate and defend a really great cook book. This book is for the solo diner not the solo eater. If you don't enjoy cooking, if you don't enjoy using fresh and/or exotic ingredients, then this book is not for you.
I find the recipes adapt well if I want to increase the serving portion to share with someone else or if I just won't have time to cook for a few days. I love this book. Many of these recipes are quickly becoming part of my core favorites.
Customer Reviews:
Great Book on Guinea Pigs.......2007-08-03
I have read 3 books on guinea pigs and this is by far the best & most "down to earth". The author has & loves guinea pigs. I have found that none of the books are particularly helpful in assessing gender.
Color book.......2007-07-24
This is a colorful book with lots of pictures and content but I wish it were less like a story and more factual.
Inaccurate and Disorganized........2006-04-12
I bought this book when I decided to adopt two sows, based on the reviews this book got. Later after I got the pigs I did some more research and discovered the Cavy Cages website and the Guinea Lynx medical online resource for guinea pigs which included a highly moderated forum so one can read the most up to date information on cavy care.
I give Gurney credit because he touts the benefits of large cage size (he himself has a free-range situation with 37 pigs) and also because of the many high quality pictures of cavies. I have read around 20 books on guinea pig care, and his is by far the most accurate in terms of care, but sadly still lacking.
The organization of this book leaves much to be desired. Although the pictures are delightful, sometimes they are so big and numerous that the text is oddly spaced and hard to read through. Also, the chapter names are vague ("beautiful beasties, to have and to hold".) There are no specific sections on food or adoption, which I believe to be two of the more important aspects of cavy care. Hay, good quality pellets and fresh fruits and veggies need to be part of a cavy's diet. And pet stores often get their pigs from a backyard breeder and/or give inaccurate advice to consumers.
All in all, this is a mediocore book. I highly recommend that if you are looking into getting a guinea pig, do the online research first! Especially check out the two websites I mentioned. This book is nice to buy afterwards, but not for the information, just for the pictures.
Top Recommendation by TX Rustlers Guinea Pig Rescue.......2005-11-01
A must read for any current or potential guinea pig owner! We (the TX Rustlers Guinea Pig Rescue) recommend this book to all our new guinea pig adopters.
This book has many color photographs which helps in the depiction of ailments your piggies may suffer from, he also recommends treatments and advices on what products you can use to treat the more common / non life threatening conditions.
The best guinea pig book!.......2004-01-07
This is one of the best guinea pig books out there. There is a lot of information and many pictures to go with it. Being the owner of six guinea pigs, I do like to read a lot about them. I was trying to find a book that contained more than just words and cute pictures. (Although this book is packed with great pictures!) I had a skin condition on a newly acquired pig, and I really needed a picture or two to help me figure out what I was dealing with. This was the ONLY book out of the ten I own that showed pictures of two of the most common skin conditions - ringworm and mites. Although I do have a knowledgeable veterinarian, I do like to have something on hand that helps me to recognize common conditions so that I know when it's something I can treat or when it needs a trip to the vet. (This time it did - mites!) I wish I had bought this book early on in my guinea pig ownership. I recommend it to all guinea pig owners.
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful For Novice and Experienced Rat Fanciers!.......2001-04-15
I have read the book The Proper Care Of Fancy Rats (t.f.h.) - repeatedly - and have found the information to be invaluable. It covers basic care, illnesses, varieties and standards, breeding and some of the basics of rat genetics. It also includes a lot of beautiful full color photos. I've read a few other books on rodent care, none of which were as detailed as this (those books all ended up in a used book store). I would HIGHLY suggest that every rat owner purchase this book and keep it handy. Its easy to follow and covers all the bases!
The "Encyclopedia Rattica".......2000-10-19
More than just a guide to the proper care of rats, Nick Mays' excellent book is also a history of human-rat relations, an introduction to rat genetics, and a full color guide to many of the breeds of "fancy" rats. Well-written and logically organized, this is the best kind of reference book: both informative and fun to read. Although the book's historical survey of the "rat fancy" concentrates primarily on the United Kingdom, this fascinating story will surely be appreciated by rat lovers throughout the world.
Mays not only creates an accurate and affectionate portrait of the domesticated rat, but he also creates a comparable portrait of those rat fanciers who have for generations taken these intelligent and personable creatures into our homes and hearts. This book is a tribute to the strength of the bonds that can exist between members of different species.
The best rat book in the universe 8/8/99.......1999-08-09
I had at one time purchised This book, And i didn't have the money to keep it so I took it back. Days after, I yearned to have it back. So I went back to the store were I had bought it and they told me they Didn't have it anymore. I felt so sad, and up to this day I havn't been able to find it anywere.Now that I found it, I will be sure to buy it, and to keep it. I say it is the very most helpful, Wonderful book you could ever have on The Care and Keeping of Fancy rats. -Brie
Excellent book for fanciers!.......1999-05-25
The first time I read this book, I was astounded! Mr. Mays is a true expert, presenting the information in an easy to read, clear style. Where other authors have failed, Mr. Mays includes almost everything on breeding, illnesses, and showing. I highly recommend this book to a novice rat owner or shower. Good work, Mr. Mays!
A MUST HAVE FOR RAT OWNERS!.......1999-03-17
Nick has done it again! This outing proves to be his best, by far. Thoroughly readable and very enjoyable.
Average customer rating:
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The Proper Care of Rabbits
Darlene Campbell
Manufacturer: TFH Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 General
| Animal Care & Pets
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
Rabbits
| Animal Care & Pets
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
Mice, Hamsters & Guinea Pigs
| Animal Care & Pets
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
Mammals
| Animals
| Biological Sciences
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
Reference
| Outdoors & Nature
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0866221964 |
Customer Reviews:
The BEST rabbit book!.......2000-02-21
The Proper Care of Rabbits is the best book on rabbits that you can get that's not from the ARBA. It shows info on ALL the breeds, the rabbits history, and the BEST info on breeding! I think being a rabbit breeder myself that every breeder should have this book!
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The Proper Care of Gerbils
Anmarie Barrie
Manufacturer: TFH Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Animal Care & Pets
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
Rabbits
| Animal Care & Pets
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
Mice, Hamsters & Guinea Pigs
| Animal Care & Pets
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
Mammals
| Animals
| Biological Sciences
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
Animal Husbandry
| Agricultural Sciences
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Veterinary Medicine
| Medicine
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0866221875 |
Average customer rating:
- Fabulous Fifities.. for Women
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Fabulous Fifties: Designs for Modern Living
Sheila Steinberg , and
Kate E. Dooner
Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Instructional & How-To
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Commercial
| Graphic Design
| Design & Decorative Arts
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Design & Decorative Arts
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Interior Design
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
Professional Reference
| Interior Design
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
Style
| Interior Design
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0764309021 |
Book Description
Step back into the fabulous world of the 1950s! Popular culture was stimulated as products were mass produced and the middle class emerged. After World War II, America prospered and took the lead in popular culture as people rebuilt their lives by looking forward. Designs of whimsy and abstract patterns jump along the pages in bright and exhilarating colors. From furniture and textiles to Hawaiian shirts, poodle skirts, vinyl handbags, gabardine jackets, rayon dresses and more, nearly every aspect of modern living in the 1950s is shown in full color. Over 770 color photographs display this lively period in all its fantastic glory. Never before has such an expansive volume been published from the collector's point of view. Whether a dealer, collector, historian, or just someone interested in the 1950s, you will be delighted as these 224 pages unfold to tell the story of this popular and fun-filled decade.
Customer Reviews:
Fabulous Fifities.. for Women.......2001-11-17
First off, while this isn't a "bad" book, it is by no means worth the full price (...). I'm a 50s collector and have about all the 50s books out there, and this was somewhat disappointing (fortunately I bought a cheaper used version).
Here's what I don't like about this book: it's selfishly feminine. 2/3 of the book deals in textiles and women's clothing exclusively, with only a few token pages on men's gabardine jackets and shirts.
Only the first 1/3 of the book deals with collectible items from the 50s and they are put together haphazardly, as if the book was thrown together or not done in conjunction with a designer. Collage pages of living rooms come across as tacky.
The prices mentioned in this book are unrealestic. A quick look on Ebay will show nobody is paying $750.00 for gabardine jackets and nobody is paying $50 or more for an individual drinking glass with a cool design. They're so inflated that is just silly -- almost as if the author were trying to get people unrealistically excited about the value of the items.
If you're female and into textiles, clothing, and poodles you might love this book (nothing wrong with that!). But for males or other folks into more into collectible items, or people into the more stylistic side of mid-century design, you'll be somewhat disappointed.
Book Description
Subtle colors, elegant textures and patterns, and first-quality natural silks, cottons, linens, and wools are Sharon Alderman's hallmarks. Here she shares her design processes, tricks of the trade, and specific weaving instructions for more than 100 of these fabrics, all shown in stunning photographs.
Customer Reviews:
A constant source of inspiration.......2000-11-13
Many, many gorgeous fabrics -- the author presents handfuls of fabrics (real eye candy!). For each group, she explains how she decided what to make -- correct fiber, weight and drape for specific uses, coordinating patterns and colors for coordinating uses. She also tells how: what yarns and colors, what weave patterns, with notes on finishing etc. The best part for me is that she tells about the design process -- the thoughts and experimentation that resulted in each group. I turn to it again and again for inspiration.
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Recycled As Restaurants: Case Studies in Adaptive Reuse
Virginia Croft
Manufacturer: Watson-Guptill Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Architecture
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
Hotels, Restaurants, & Retail Spaces
| Building Types & Styles
| Architecture
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Building Types & Styles
| Architecture
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Interior Design
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0823045137 |
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Art in Narrow Streets (Provincetown Classics in History, Literature, & Art Series : No. 3)
Ross Moffett
Manufacturer: Cape Cod Pilgrim Memorial Assn
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Pop Culture
| Graphic Design
| Design & Decorative Arts
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Painting
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Massachusetts
| State & Local
| United States
| Americas
| History
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0945135025 |
Book Description
In May 1769, soon after our return from Turkey, our ship made a delightful voyage to Oporto in Portugal, where we arrived at the time of the carnival. On our arrival, there were sent on board to us thirty-six articles to observe, with very heavy penalties if we should break any of them; and none of us even dared to go on board any other vessel or on shore till the Inquisition had sent on board and searched for every thing illegal, especially bibles. Such as were produced, and certain other things, were sent on shore till the ships were going away; and any person in whose custody a bible was found concealed was to be imprisoned and flogged.
Product Description
An 18-century best-seller, it is a magnificent revolutionary abolitionist autobiography, a tale of spiritual quest and a treatise on religion, politics and economics written by a former native African slave.
Book Description
Edited and with Notes by Shelly Eversley
Introduction by Robert Reid-Pharr
In this truly astonishing eighteenth-century memoir, Olaudah Equiano recounts his remarkable life story, which begins when he is kidnapped in Africa as a boy and sold into slavery and culminates when he has achieved renown as a British antislavery advocate. The narrative “is a strikingly beautiful monument to the startling combination of skill, cunning, and plain good luck that allowed him to win his freedom, write his story, and gain international prominence,” writes Robert Reid-Pharr in his Introduction. “He alerts us to the very concerns that trouble modern intellectuals, black, white, and otherwise, on both sides of the Atlantic.”
The text of this Modern Library Paperback Classic is set from the definitive ninth edition of 1794, reflecting the author’s final changes to his masterwork.
Customer Reviews:
ok book.......2007-10-07
Not much to say. Sometimes fascinating, often times tedious and annoying... don't just read it for readings sake. Vassa... or is it Equiano will surprise you in the end.
And he might not even be the true author!
Beauty from Ashes.......2005-09-13
Of all the firsthand accounts known to us as "slave narratives," Vassa's description is unique in many ways. To begin with, he takes his readers all the way back to his African roots, shedding historically-confirmed light on almost lost ancient traditions. His discussion of the harrowing and epically sad capture and separation of he and his sister are among the most moving in this genre.
He then describes the despicable, inhumane conditions in the holds of the slave ships with a "you-are-there" writing style. Again, confirmed by other sources, these are some of the most often quoted accounts in historical texts. In this same chronological phase, Vassa also depicts the shared empathy among the enslave Africans, helping us to see how they collaborated to survive.
His ongoing narrative offers one of the more balanced looks at slavery. Vassa clearly tells the horrors of this evil system and the people responsible for it. At the same time, he often shares accounts of Europeans and White Americans who befriended him. In fact, his positive statements about non-Africans lend further credence to his critique of the many evils of slavery.
His narrative also contains unique elements in his descriptions of his path toward freedom and his life as a freeman. We learn that in his era, for a man of his race, it was barely more tolerable to be free, given the hatred that he still endured.
Though some reviewers tend to minimize or criticize it, his conversion narrative is classic. In fact, it may well have been the standard from which later testimonies were crafted about how "God struck me dead." Perhaps the evangelical nature of his conversion turns off some. However, if we are to engage Vassa in his other accounts, we must engage him here. Further, coming as it did later in his life, it is easy to see how his account of his entire life is entirely shaped by his conversion experience. Clearly, Vassa sees even the evils that he has suffered as part of a larger plan. In doing so he never suggests that God condones the evils of slavery. Rather, he indicates that God created beauty from ashes.
Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of "Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," and of "Soul Physicians" and "Spiritual Friends."
Product Description
An 18-century best-seller, it is a magnificent revolutionary abolitionist autobiography, a tale of spiritual quest and a treatise on religion, politics and economics written by a former native African slave.
Book Description
Olaudah EquianoÂ's capture by slave-traders at the age of ten took him from life in what is now Eastern Nigeria and thrust him on a fateful journey that would submerge him in an incomprehensible world. He emerged a gifted writer and has provided insights into centuries of slave trading and why the relationship between black and white seems always in favor of white. First published in 1789, EquianoÂ's engaging narrative, written in English, describes his life before and after his capture—looking forward to recognition as a descendant of a chief; working on slave ships; traveling to the southern states of America, the West Indies, Europe, and the Arctic; and fighting a war. He eventually grew to be an extremely confident man who, even in the worst slavery imaginable, never lost his sense of purpose or his humanity. After buying his freedom, he was an ardent supporter of abolishing slavery. Written with a sense of literary history, EquianoÂ's account corrects wrong impressions about Africa and explores what it is like for an African to find himself suddenly alien in a world that considers Africans as not quite human.
Customer Reviews:
History of the others.......2005-12-29
The African slave trade is one of the great stains of human history. Much has been written about it by European - white authors, though unfortunately, there are very few recollections of the slave trade by actual slaves. This book is one of those works. The author, Olaudah Equiano, was born in Nigeria and captured as a child and sold of to slavery in the New World. He eventually accummulated enough money to free and educate himself, and make his way thru the world as a free man. This book is his story, told by himself. He retells his kidnapping, his trip from Africa to N. America, his service to different masters, how he bought his own freedom, and then his life as a free man. He retells both the punishments he endured, the work he had to do, and the opportunities denied to him while he was a slave. Overall, a good book to read about the life of a slave.
Well written with attention toward the truth, not opinion........2001-03-06
I'm not sure if the person below read the book. Equiano was 11 when he was enslaved.
A must read for anyone interested in the horror of slavery.......1997-12-06
An amazing story of an amazing man. Olaudah Equiano tells the story of his life with such clarity and recollection it is hard to put this book down. A slave, who at the age of 7, was kidnapped from his village in Africa and subsequently enslaved for 11 years until which time he could buy his freedom. His life was filled with both horror and wonder. He witnessed great events and horrific injustices. He tells these tales with clarity and an unusual objectiveness. A boy, who at age 7, did not read or write or even know of the white man. Olaudah grew to learn and have great command of the language in which he would retell his tales. This is not only an impressive work, it is more so coming from a former slave. It is a must read for everyone interested in the struggle for life that these people endured for over two centuries.
Product Description
An 18-century best-seller, it is a magnificent revolutionary abolitionist autobiography, a tale of spiritual quest and a treatise on religion, politics and economics written by a former native African slave.
Product Description
An 18-century best-seller, it is a magnificent revolutionary abolitionist autobiography, a tale of spiritual quest and a treatise on religion, politics and economics written by a former native African slave.
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