You'll Never Believe What They Told Me: Trusting God Through Cancer and other Serious Illness (Kids Helping Kids)

Book Description

Peter Dusting hates girls -- until he meets the demure Phoebe Drake. You'll never believe it, but he falls in love. He faces competition from a classmate ('Stupid' Gilbert Windsmith) who is -- you'll never believe it -- an ardent insect-collector.
Roger Thesarus, Dustin's worst best friend, has his own problems with girls, but the two have even worse problems when they discover that a murder has taken place and -- you'll never believe it -- the police are looking for them. How does Peter win the fair Phoebe? How do Roger and Peter escape
the clutches of the constables? And who committed the murder anyway? Well -- YOU'LL NEVER BELIEVE IT!

You'll Never Believe It: A Compendium of Curioddities from the Bizarre World of Ripley's "Believe It or Not" Archives

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You'll Never Believe It: A Compendium of Curioddities from the Bizarre World of Ripley's "Believe It or Not" Archives
Mark Sloan , Roger Manley , and Michelle Van Parys
Manufacturer: Virgin Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Collections, Catalogues & Exhibitions | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0863697968

Harvest time: a new culture of students armed with laptops is cropping up. But what makes this story different? You'll never believe who's involved.(Richard ... An article from: District Administration

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Harvest time: a new culture of students armed with laptops is cropping up. But what makes this story different? You'll never believe who's involved.(Richard ... An article from: District Administration
Charles J. Shields
Manufacturer: Professional Media Group LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from District Administration, published by Professional Media Group LLC on August 1, 2002. The length of the article is 1715 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Harvest time: a new culture of students armed with laptops is cropping up. But what makes this story different? You'll never believe who's involved.(Richard Trevino of Estrella)
Author: Charles J. Shields
Publication: District Administration (Magazine/Journal)
Date: August 1, 2002
Publisher: Professional Media Group LLC
Volume: 38 Issue: 8 Page: 28(3)

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You'll Never Believe What I Heard.(Brief Article): An article from: American Journalism Review

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You'll Never Believe What I Heard.(Brief Article): An article from: American Journalism Review
Kent German
Manufacturer: University of Maryland
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from American Journalism Review, published by University of Maryland on September 1, 2000. The length of the article is 2508 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: You'll Never Believe What I Heard.(Brief Article)
Author: Kent German
Publication: American Journalism Review (Refereed)
Date: September 1, 2000
Publisher: University of Maryland
Volume: 22 Issue: 7 Page: 11

Article Type: Brief Article

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Sentimental journey: Or you'll never believe what Thomas Jefferson and Elvis did to me

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Sentimental journey: Or you'll never believe what Thomas Jefferson and Elvis did to me
Dorothy Helm Welbourne
Manufacturer: s.n.]
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0006SAYNY

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True Stories You'll Never Believe
Tanya Perskaja
Manufacturer: Minerva Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Painting | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0754106926

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You'll Never Believe It
Max Dann
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OL9VKA

Book Description

A true story about our son born with cystic fibrosis, learning life, illness, his battle, his famlies, and the doctors and nurses. The love that kept us together with Gods help and our friends and his smile.

Book Description

Bryna Siegel gives parents of autistic children what they need most: hope. Her first book, The World of the Autistic Child, became an instant classic, illuminating the inaccessible minds of afflicted children. Now she offers an equally insightful, thoroughly practical guide to treating the learning disabilities associated with this heartbreaking disorder. The trouble with treating autism, Siegel writes, is that it is a spectrum disorder--a combination of a number of symptoms and causes. To one extent or another, it robs the child of social bonds, language, and intimacy--but the extent varies dramatically in each case. The key is to understand each case of autism as a discrete set of learning disabilities, each of which must be treated individually. Siegel explains how to take an inventory of a child's particular disabilities, breaks down the various kinds unique to autism, discusses our current knowledge about each, and reviews the existing strategies for treating them. There is no simple cure for this multifarious disorder, she writes; instead, an individual program, with a unique array of specific treatments, must be constructed for each child. She gives practical guidance for fashioning such a program, empowering parents to take the lead in their child's treatment. At the same time, she cautions against the proliferating, but questionable, treatments hawked to afflicted families. She knows the panic to do something, anything, to help an autistic child, and she offers parents reassurance and support as well as sensible advice, combining knowledge from experience, theory and research. For parents, autism in a child is heartbreaking. But it need not be overwhelming. Bryna Siegel offers a new understanding, and a practical, thoughtful approach, that will give parents new hope.

Customer Reviews:

May have good educational information but is medically very misleading........2007-06-10

I would NOT recommend this book...it is dangerously misleading in places.

Quote from this book: "Similarly, retrospective statistics for US sample have led
the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Institutes of
Health, the Institute of Medicine, and the World Health Organization
all to conclude that vaccines do not cause autism. The "probable
cause" finger was pointed at thimerisol [SIC! correct spelling is thimerasol], a mercury-
containing preservative in vaccines. However, the kind of mercury in
vaccines is different from the "bad" mercury in contaminated foods.
Mercury is a chemical element, like hydrogen or nitrogen--which might
be bad for you, too--and like them, it needs to be studied in the
form of the specific compound being indited."

I don't know whether she is disingenuous or just simply ignorant.
Comparing a toxic heavy metal to hydrogen or nitrogen?? "BAD
mercury"??? There is no GOOD mercury. Ethyl and methyl mercury are both dangerous neurotoxins. And I will not go into all the flaws in the epidemiological studies.

Here's another one:

"Be aware that some practitioners have offered the idea that a child
who eats a lot of one food is "craving" it for either some good or
some bad reason. There is no evidence to support theories of these
sorts. There is also no evidence to support the idea that children
with autism have more food allergies or are more likely to react to
foods with gluten (like wheat products) or casein(like dairy
products). What "research" there is on these things is available
only on the Internet and in books by parents who feel it "cured"
their child or doctors who have "invented" a new diet. There are no
reports in peer-reviewed scientific journals."

Oh, yes, there are. There are peer-reviewed studies showing that there are many more autistic children with IgA deficiency than the general public, there are studies of opioid peptides from milk and wheat, and there is the newly recognized syndrome of gluten ataxia reported in the medical literature. Gluten ataxia results from antibodies that attack not only the gut but the Purkinje cells in the cerebellum, which affect balance and are also affected in autism. I'd skip this book, and certainly not recommend it to any parent of a newly diagnosed child. It may be useful for some educational considerations comparing ABA and TEACCH and various forms of inclusion, but with the misleading information on medical issues I think this book is dangerous.

My PhD is from Cornell, and I worked in the Department of Nutrition there as a Research Associate for 7 years. Of course, it is hard to find peer-reviewed articles on thimerasol if you cannot spell the word. If you do purchase this book, please ignore any statements regarding medical issues.

Yet another excellent book by Bryna Siegel!.......2006-02-19

I read, "the world of the Autistic Child" a few years ago and it was just the best book on Autism out there. So informative, and such an interesting read. So I was extremely excited when this book was released. I immediately purchased it. You will not be dissapointed!! If you read "the world..." and enjoyed it then you will definately appreciate this book as well. I did however find the previous book more interesting, maybe because I was still "new" to the Autism world. Now after years of reads, and research, well there just isnt much "new" info out there that I haven't already read. Having said that..I still very highly recommend this book to add to anyones collection of books on Autism.

Somethings to think about with a grain of salt.......2006-02-08

I have not finished reading this book; yet like other reviewers I have some reservations. Bryna Siegel does a fine job of explaining Autistic Spectrum Disorders, and how it affects the development of a child. However, I find some of her conclusions and statements to be potentially misleading, especially when since ASDs are still being researched, and not much is 100% definite. Interesting theories, but not necessarily facts. Having said that, use your judgement and don't miss out on the good information and experience that Bryna does offers.

A great resource.......2005-02-10

This is an exceptional resource for anyone who is interested in helping children with autism. There is a wealth of information in this 498 page book - based on research and professional experience.

Bryna Siegel begins with a discussion of the definition of autism and its impacts on children, including development and strengths and weaknesses. By understanding how autism works and effects children, their supporters can find ways to teach them that are effective. The second major section focuses on social and communication problems that face autistic children. It explains how and why it affects their learning and functioning in society. The last third of the book presents various treatment options - descriptions and strengths and weaknesses.

I highly recommend this book. It is a remarkable resource for anyone who really wants to delve into the world of autism.

Great Book from Byrna Siegel.......2004-10-13

This book packs quite a punch. Being the parent of a child with autism I've read many books on treatment approaches but this one was undoubtedly the best one I've seen to date. Byrna does a great job of informing parents without using intimidating verbage. I would recommend this book to any parent or professional working with a child who has autism.

Helping Children With Autism Learn: A Guide to Treatment Approaches for Parents and Professionals

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Helping Children With Autism Learn: A Guide to Treatment Approaches for Parents and Professionals
Bryna Siegel
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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If You Have Only One Book On Sauces ...

The Idiot's Guide to Blue Ribbon Sauces

Le Cordon Bleu Home Collection: Sauces (Le Cordon Bleu Home Collection , Vol 7)
Le Cordon Bleu Chefs
Manufacturer: Periplus Editions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Herbs, Spices & Condiments | Cooking by Ingredient | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Sauces, Salsa & Garnishes | Cooking by Ingredient | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Le Cordon Bleu Home Collection: Soups (Le Cordon Bleu Home Collection , Vol 1)

Finger Food (Le Cordon Bleu Home Collection, Vol 14)

Pasta (Le Cordon Bleu Home Collection, Vol 16)

Chocolate (Le Cordon Bleu Home Collection , Vol 8)

Seafood (Le Cordon Bleu Home Collection)

ASIN: 9625934308

Customer Reviews:

If You Have Only One Book On Sauces ..........2005-02-07

...make it this one. It has all the main sauces fron salad dressings to dessert toppings, and most everything in between. The recipes are simple, easy to follow and produce simply wonderful results.

A good sauce is what makes a meal go from very good to memorable, and there are many books with convoluted and time intensive approaches to sauce making. What I like about this book's approach is its simplicity of preparation and the excellence of the results. It is as nearly fool proof as one can imagine.

It's also a great value for the price.

The Idiot's Guide to Blue Ribbon Sauces.......2000-10-30

This short but excellent sauce cookbook is a "must" for anyone who delights in elegant French sauces and dressings, but is put off by recipes requiring exotic ingredients or 2 hours of prep time. The recipes in this book seldom have more than 4-5 readily available ingredients, take no more than 15-20 minutes of prep time, and best of all, they work! Everything from home-made mayonnaise to mango salsa, from hollandaise to buerre blanc. The explicit directions include "chef's tips" on how to serve the sauces, prevent separation, and so on. Truly first-rate!

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Sauces: Le Cordon Bleu Home Collection
Le Cordon Bleu
Manufacturer: Murdoch Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0864117418

Book Description

Filled with full-color photos and easy-to-follow advice and instructions, this book teaches inexperienced adults and older children to be responsible for their ownership and care of their Mouse.

Customer Reviews:

If You Want The Book With The Least Detail, This Is It........2005-07-29

This book is thin with lots of colorful pictures of mice, some of the things you need and can have when you own a mouse and a few pictures of the subject they're talking about at the time. Example: How to figure out what gender your mouse is.
It also includes a VERY nice couple of pages that show you a picture of a healthy mouse and has arrows pointing at the signs of a healthy mouse like clear eyes and shiny fur.
It's not a complete guide to owning a mouse, but it's short and to the point. It's a good guide to get for people that don't like to read more than 30 pages.

Doesn't tell you how to keep the stink down........2001-01-17

Very colorful and informative book with great photography. Manages to pack a good deal of information into such a small space. Needs some more practical advice. Instead of "wood shavings," for bedding, it'd be nice if the author pointed out that pine shavings help keep the odor down. Also, neglects systems of raising mice in large quantities. This would be good for reptile keepers who raise feeders.

All About Your Mouse (All About Your...Series)

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All About Your Mouse (All About Your...Series)
Bradley Vidner
Manufacturer: Ringpress Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Rabbits | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 186054066X

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All about Your Mouse

Manufacturer: Tandem Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: 1417655143

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The Complete Book of Dollmaking

cranky reader with attitude

Very Disappointed

quite the book, lets you know what you need to know

The Complete Book of Dollmaking: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide to More Than 50 Traditional and Contemporary Techniques (Watson-Guptill Crafts)
Pamela Peake , Sylvia Critcher , and Alicia Merrett
Manufacturer: Watson-Guptill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Decorative Arts | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Toymaking | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Designing the Doll: From Concept to Construction

Cloth Dolls

Anatomy of a Doll: The Fabric Sculptor's Handbook

Creative Cloth Doll Faces: Using Paints, Pastels, Fibers, Beading, Collage, and Sculpting Techniques

Creative Cloth Doll Making: New Approaches for Using Fibers, Beads, Dyes, and Other Exciting Techniques

ASIN: 0823007731

Amazon.com

This comprehensive volume packs an incredible array of dollmaking techniques into 144 pages, ranging from naive peg dolls and starter dolls to posable character dolls and elegant, sculpted figures in elaborate clothes. Following full coverage of the basics (equipment, fabrics, stuffings, patterns, wig-making, components, and accessories) is an excellent presentation of techniques, including determining proportion; producing articulation; creating all sorts of faces, hair, and clothing; and producing dolls that utilize armatures or molds. All the dolls shown are charming and beautifully made, and all use relatively inexpensive and readily obtainable materials. At the end of the book you'll find a helpful cutting guide and a number of scale patterns.

Customer Reviews:

The Complete Book of Dollmaking.......2006-02-26

a good sorce of information to get you started on makeing dolls
What I like is she has a few techniques to try. I think this book is very good for some one who knows nothing about makeing dolls whos interested in learning.

cranky reader with attitude.......2002-04-11

I was intensely irked by this book. The descriptions looked good on the page, but the actual directions were vague and lost me at several crucial junctures. Some of the dolls are nice to look at, but others are just coarse. It feels like someone wanted to cash in on some percieved dollmaking thing, and couldn't stop nattering. There are many books on separate topics from this book - cloth dolls are admirably covered by Eloise Piper and Susanna Oroyan, art dolls are all in Susanna Oroyan's several books, play dolls are in Miriam Gourley and Jodie Davis' various books.

Skip this one, and check out some other books that actually cover the topic better.

Very Disappointed.......2000-07-05

I bought this book with high expectations, but was very disappointed. The directions were vague and sometimes impossible to understand for the one doll I attempted. Although this admittedly covers many techniques, and the pictures of the dolls can be inspiring, the technical writing of directions leaves much to be desired. Check it out at the library if you want to look at the pictures. There are much better books out there.

quite the book, lets you know what you need to know.......1999-06-19

great step by step doll making. easy to follow. good for any one who wants to learn how to make dolls.

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8-Pak All My Edens Hc
Pat Welsh
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0811893960

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Garden Addict? Then This is For You!

Delightful read!

All My Edens
Pat Welsh
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0811809048

Customer Reviews:

Garden Addict? Then This is For You!.......2003-03-15

This book took me away to a wonderful place in my mind and gave me the wonderful feeling that you only get on a lovely spring day when spirits rise to greet the day. The books title says it all. If winter dull-drums are getting you down, then this is the book to read.

Delightful read!.......2002-10-27

Pat Welsh has skillfully blended memoir and gardening advice, making for extremely interesting and helpful reading. I read it first in 1996 (when it first hit the book stores) and am now enjoying it for the second time.

Book Description

In one of the most crucial areas of human life, raising children, parents face many problems of varying degrees and far too many failures. The parents themselves may be excellent persons with the best of intentions and love for their children but they may not necessarily be good parents. This may be because they do not understand children or how to motivate them to good behavior. When parents face these perplexing problems, many of them feel without adequate guidance.

The purpose of this book is to teach parents how to reach success with their children. It explains the kind of persons parents must be , the home life they must provide, the care and devotion required and the close friendship they must build to reach this success. It teaches clear-cut methods of training them to be obedient and responsible, of developing their character and intellect to its hightet potential and of building a feeling of self-worth.

In raising children what should our aspirations be? First, we have an important duty to help them find happiness. To help them find this happiness we must help them succeed in important areas of dailing living, such as in their studies, their work, their personal achievements and their relationships.

To succeed in all areas we must build the child. We must build his character so he is responsible and honorable with a code for moral living that is solid and unchanging. We must train him to be sensitive to the needs and feelings of others, refined, well-manered and self-controlled. We must develop his mind so he can reason soundly, concentrate intently, exercise good judgment and make wise decisions. We must inspire him with the confidence to do what he sets out to do and develop his self-reliance so that he can take care of his own needs and stand on his own feet. We should cultivate his creativity so he is capable of oringinal thought and original work and fire him with ambition to live a useful life.

What would reaching these objectives do for your children? First, it would insure their success and happiness. This does not mean they would have a life free of problems, but they would have the inner resources to deal with these problems effectively. Instead of becoming burdens to society, as so many are, they would be the lifters and the builders.

Parents would benefit equally. They would be spared the anxiety, worry and usual distress parents experience when children are problems. They would feel pride and satisfaction as they see their children mature inot honorable, happy adults. They would begin to enjoy the rewards of their many years of dedication and sacrifice. Their children's success would be their success. The father's kingdom would be his family; the mothers glory would be the happiness of her children.

A generation of excellent children would have a profound effect upon society. We would eliminate vice, corruption, violence and msot of our social problems. Instead, our youth would begin to build our country in a positive way. Our children would be out country's greatest wealth. To quote the late religious leader, David O. McKay:

"Our country's most precious possession is not our vast acres of rangeland supporting flocks and herds, not our productive farms; not our forest, not our mines and oil wells producing fabulous wealth. Our country's greatest resource is our children."

What are the possiblities of reaching success with our children? Can we reach any potential we desire for them? The following theory makes this seem possible:

Sculpture

I took a piece of plastic clay
And idly fashioned it one day
And as my fingers pressed it, still
It moved and yielded to my will.

I came again when days went past;
The bit of clay was hard at last.
The form I gave it still it bore,
But I could change it nevermore!

I took a piece of living clay,
And gently pressed it day by day,
And molded with may power and art
A young child's soft and yielding heart.

I came again when years were gone;
It was a man I looked upon.
He still that early impress bore,
And I could fashion him no more.

Anon

Our power to shape a child is profound. We can mold his character, instill a faith in God, build self-worth and almost insure his success and happiness. However, a child is not quite as pliable as a piece of clay. He is born with inherent traits. Our success depends on us recognizing the uniqueness of his personality and guiding him in that direction. Aside from this we have great power to reach high goals, to bring out the best, noblest elements within him.

Success with children should include each one of them, not just the more promising ones. It would be a serious mistake to pass over a particular child because he is a real challenge. Some parents console themselves because they have other children who meet their expecations. I raising children we should not be satisfied with percentages. We must bring all of our children "into the fold."

The role of parents requires diligence, sacrifice and wise priorities, but we can reach success without sacrificing our entire lives to them. It is not wise, in fact, to confine ourselves entirely to our family life. The doting parents who lives only for his children is not a good parent. He must have a well-rounded life, other interests and make contributions outside the home.

It is possible for parents to have such a life of their own, even in a large family. When children are well-trained they become easy to manage. As they become dependable and responsible they become an asset and actually free their parents to do other things. Parents can enjoy the passing years instead of looking to the day their children are raised. Methods of reaching success are outlined in the four parts of this book.

Customer Reviews:

Developing a Loving Mother's Heart.......2004-09-27

This book is superb! Some of the many wonderful things that this book has taught me are that:
*Children are not born knowing how to be excellent adults, but that they must be taught, while they are children, how to be excellent people. This can be accomplished by cherishing them and acknowledging them as the gifts from God that they truly are.
*Parents have a great deal of responsibility when it comes to parenting; much more than many of us realize today.
*Home is truly where the heart is, and that home should be a warm, loving, positive place where every not only feels, but KNOWS that they are valuable, cherished, needed, and deeply, deeply loved.
Mrs. Andelin writes of many things in this book that pertain to parenting, such as: the home, teaching children, wholesome nutrition, cures for common ailments, nurturing, the responsibilities of husbands, wives, fathers, and mothers,
etc.
This is an EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT book that is written from one devoted wife and mother's heart and can truly help any wife and mother who seeks to develop her heart!

Being Blessed by Having Blessed Children.......2001-04-27

Being a mother of a very strong willed three year old, I came to a cross roads. Which way do I turn ? Do I become unbearably strict ? Or do I relent and let my strong willed son have his way, and take my will with him ? Nothing was more frustrating to me than relentless cries, coupled with the unmistakable look of disheartenment on his face when I would say "No" to him, at least a hundred times a day. Helen Andelin's book at first glance made me stiffen, thinking that I was not the perfect mom -imagine that ! Then after reading on, I realized my son WAS NOT living up to his God given potential, and that I needed to relax, and let him be three. I was encouraged to find out who he really was, and to use the techniques provided in creating a balanced home. A home full of love, happiness, and lots of "yes mam's". I will be continually blessed, by having such a blessed child.

Average customer rating:

All About Raising Children

Manufacturer: Pacific Press Santa Barbara
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000H3O5O2

Book Description

Western Traditions is a new book on the art of the American West, an art that attracts not only great artists but passionate collectors, not only nostalgia buffs who revel in the history of the frontier but pragmatists who know that the life of the working cowboy is a solid reality in today's ranching industry. Featuring more than fifty celebrated painters and sculptors, Western Traditions paints a broad picture of this fine art category, showing where it has been, where it is now, and where it is going. Featuring such prominent artists as Glenna Goodacre, Gordon Snidow, Dave McGary, William Acheff, and Gary Niblett, this book belongs in every private and public art library, for it is an important reference as well as a rip-roaring good read.

More than fifty painters and sculptors are represented in this beautiful collection of the art of the American West.

Customer Reviews:

A welcome addition to my library.......2006-03-30

Besides being informative, this book provides a rich history on the transition of Western artists. You read interesting facts regarding the various artists, giving insight into their artwork and their styles and motivation. And the pictures are beautiful and inspirational too!

Western Traditions: Contemporary Artists of the American West

Average customer rating:

Western Traditions: Contemporary Artists of the American West
Michael Duty
Manufacturer: NY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N6733I

Book Description

Rooted in myth, occult mysteries, and belief in magic, these stories are populated by a lively cast of sorcerers, fairies, ghosts, and nature spirits. The great Irish poet heard these enchanting, mystical tales from Irish peasants, and the stories' anthropologic significance is matched by their timeless entertainment value.

Customer Reviews:

Faerie Folklore of a Shadowy Ireland of Celtic Mysteries !.......2005-05-03

In Celtic Twilight, originally published in 1902, Yeats recites several accounts of encounters with the faerie folk and with the people of Ireland of the time which gives us insight into Irish folklore, myth and legend.

Yeats associates poetry with religious ideas and sentiment. And, I believe that he saw himself as writing for Ireland, but a shadowy Ireland of Celtic mysteries and legends, not the Ireland of the modern day. By modern day, of course, I relate this to the modern day of Yeats in the late 1890s and early 1900s.

In the introduction to Celtic Twilight Yeats states; "I have therefore written down accurately and candidly much that I have heard and seen, and, except by way of commentary, nothing that I have merely imagined. I have, however, been at no pains to separate my own beliefs from those of the peasantry, but have rather let my men and women, dhouls and faeries, go their way unoffended or defended by any argument of mine."

I got the strong impression from reading Celtic Twilight that Yeats actually believed in the existence of the faeries. Not just as some myth or legend, but as actual beings that exist in this world, though perhaps unseen by the common man. He wrote each story as if it was something that actually happened, having been related to him by the storyteller, or perhaps that which he had seen for himself in some past time, now recalled as he set pen to paper.

There is a depth to Yeats' writing that lies just below the surface, something that's perceived more than seen. The idea that perhaps magic and the faerie folk are alive in the world of today, but unseen, or perhaps only seen from time to time as a fleeting shadow until one knows just where to look.

It is interesting to note that Yeats was heavily involved in occult studies and practices as part of the Madame Helene Blavatsky's,Theosophical Society and later, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, and finally in 1912 the Ordo Templi Orientis.

This would have certainly influenced his outlook on life and his belief in, and dare we say ability to see the unseen things of this world.

I too ask myself from time to time; just what unseen things exist in this world. Perhaps Yeats has seen that which other men can only hope for, or that which they turn away from in dread given the course of their spirits.

Yeats also makes a profound observation: "The things a man has heard and seen are threads of life, and if he pull them carefully from the confused distaff of memory, any who will can weave them into whatever garments of belief please them best."

I found Yeats' observation of particular interest, especially when it comes to theological or philosophical thought. If it is those things that we hear and see in life that forms the fabric of our beliefs, then surely we must take care that that which we see and hear forms strong enough threads so that the fabric we weave is not shoddy.

Yeats' works help us build those strong threads in our lives. For, he certainly influenced the world at large with his writings. In 1923 Yeats was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature, and in 1934 he shared the Gothenburg Prize for Poetry with Rudyard Kipling.

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