The Crash of Ruin: American Combat Soldiers in Europe during World War II

Book Description

"This terrifying, remarkable work examines the attitudes, perceptions, and behavior of U.S. fighting men in the Pacific theater during World War II. Imaginatively drawing on letters, diaries, memoirs, military reports, and contemporary psychological assessments, Schrijvers reveals the social, historical, and emotional roots of the peculiarly frenzied and merciless war...this temperate study of murderous fury is among the most unsettling books I've read in years."
—The Atlantic Monthly

"One of the most remarkable books I have ever come across. A significant and fascinating contribution to the field. The Crash of Ruin should appeal to a large audience of readers interested in World War II history."
--Edward M. Coffman, Author of The War to End All Wars: The American Military Experience in World War I

"The Crash of Ruin offers the reader both intellectual and emotional rewards. . . . Its narrative power makes it a wonderful read."
--Susan M. Hartmann, The Ohio State University

"A brilliant contribution to intercultural studies. It imaginatively combines the `new' military history with an older American Studies research and writing technique. Not only will the book attract a wide range of readers, it should also stimulate scholars to adopt this approach to many other topics in cultural studies."
--William R. Childs, Author of Trucking and the Public Interest

In the ruined Europe of World War II, American soldiers on the front lines had no eye for breathtaking vistas or romantic settings. The brutality of battle profoundly darkened their perceptions of the Old World. As the only means of international travel for the masses, the military exposed millions of Americans to a Europe in swift, catastrophic decline.

Drawing on soldiers' diaries, letters, poems, and songs, Peter Schrijvers offers a compelling account of the experiences of U.S. combat ground forces: their struggles with the European terrain and seasons, their confrontations with soldiers, and their often startling encounters with civilians. Schrijvers relays how the GIs became so desensitized and dehumanized that the sight of dead animals often evoked more compassion than the sight of enemy dead.

The Crash of Ruin concludes with a dramatic and moving account of the final Allied offensive into German-held territory and the soldiers' bearing witness to the ultimate symbol of Europe's descent into ruin--the death camps of the Holocaust.

The harrowing experiences of the GIs convinced them that Europe's collapse was not only the result of the war, but also the Old World's deep-seated political cynicism, economic stagnation, and cultural decadence. The soldiers came to believe that the plague of war formed an inseparable part of the Old World's decline and fall.

Customer Reviews:

Not a "shoot 'em up"..........2007-09-25

...more of a sociology-type study. Provides very interesting insights into American GI experiences in WW2 Europe. Not always the conventional-wisdom approach, very nuanced and sometimes suprising in its treatment. Highly researched, has an academic feel to it, with many interesting "factoids" and statistics. Among many interesting analyses, one good example is the evolution of American attitudes about the German soldier and the German war machine in general from the North Africa phase to the Conquest phase of WW2. Solid book - not a page-turner in the usual battle sense, but interesting and highly informative.

A classic!.......2000-11-26

One of the most remarkable books on World War II I have ever come across. Belongs up there with Ambrose and Linderman. Up there even with Bell Irvin Wiley's classics on Johnny Reb and Billy Yank, America's Civil War soldiers.

A classic!.......2000-11-26

Europe seen by American Soldiers.......2000-09-30

Peter Schrijvers' book is a wonderful one when as a reader or a scholar you are interested in intercultural studies or more generally in perception that one has of the other(s). Using an extensive aray of primary sources (diaries, letters, poems, songs, jokes, cartoons and memoirs) Peter Schrijvers allows any readers to enter the G.I.'s state of mind. Either intellectually or emotionally one has the possibility to see how Europe (its nature, weather, landscape, cities, town) and Europeans (whether Allies or Foes) were perceived by the G.I.'s during this period. But this book also is about another actor of this dark period, namely: War. Peter Schrijvers' book is a reminder on how powerfully War can shape someone's perception and how it surprisingly can blur G.I.s' vision of their surroundings. It is striking to see that American soldiers weren't really able to distinguish between a normal and an exceptional period of time in European life. War years seemed to be the reflection of a normal image of Europe and by reading Peter Schrijvers' book one might understand why it was perceived so.

Average customer rating:

There is joy in juicing but not here!

Delicious recipes!

Here's To Your Health!

The Joy of Juicing: Creative Cooking With Your Juicer

Expected more from Gary Null

The Joy of Juicing: Creative Cooking With Your Juicer; Completely Revised and Updated
Ph.D., Gary Null , and Shelly Null
Manufacturer: Avery
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Special Appliances | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Healthy | Special Diet | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Juice | Drinks & Beverages | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Drinks & Beverages | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Gary Null's Ultimate Lifetime Diet: A Revolutionary All-Natural Program for Losing Weight and Building a Healthy Body

Kiss Your Fat Goodbye: The Ultimate Guide to Losing Weight and Building a Healthy Body for Life

The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing

Gary Null's Power Aging

Gary Null's Ultimate Anti-Aging Program

ASIN: 1583331026
Release Date: 2001-05-31

Book Description

A creative collection of juicing recipes from award-winning broadcast journalist and bestselling author Gary Null.

The Joy of Juicing is an all-new collection of fifty scrumptious and healthy recipes that utilize juicers for an imaginative array of dishes-from drinks, sauces, dips, and salads to soups, entrees, and desserts.

Juicers are now more popular and affordable than ever, and this new edition will help Null's millions of fans incorporate power foods into every meal. His versatile recipes frequently incorporate juice pulp (often discarded in recipes in other books), which is high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and can be used in many different types of recipes beyond drinks. This book is rounded out by Gary Null's Seven-Day Menu Plan for a healthier lifestyle, and by his Natural Living Weight Loss Program. Index.

Customer Reviews:

There is joy in juicing but not here!.......2005-12-29

Mr. Null is renowned for being an expert in his field. His expertise and insights are often invaluable. However, in his book, "The Joy of Juicing" his experience appears to be overshadowed by generalities and a lack of research. For example, in the opening sentences, Mr. Null recommends that readers purchase a centrifugal juicer despite the fact that there is plenty of research showing that centrifugal juicers are not the best choice when compared to single gear and twin gear juicers. In addition, there is scientific research showing that centrifugal juicers create static electricity during the juicing process that kills vital enzymes and nutrients. Centrifugal juicers are also not the best choice for many fibrous types of greens since overheating can easily occur.
The balance of the book is dedicated to recipes that are categorized by courses. While the recipes sound interesting, it would have been helpful for Mr. Null to explain why the recipes are beneficial for the prescribed ailment or purpose for which they were intended. Examples include juices with names such as "Beauty", "Fountain of Youth" and "Brain Juice." Also, in the section on "Soups" and "Main Dishes," Mr. Null juices certain vegetables prior to boiling them. Considering that there is much research showing that nutrients and enzymes are killed after heating above 118 degrees, it makes no sense to extract a juice and spend up to 15 minutes boiling it to death.

Delicious recipes!.......2004-05-31

I see that some of the other reviewers have completely missed the mark. Gary Null has dozens of other books teaching you step by step how to be healthy and tons of advice for specific illnesses, but that information is not available in this book. Why? There is a simple reason for that. This is a COOKBOOK!! It starts out with juice and shake recipes and then it continues with other recipes using your juicer. There is a section for breakfast foods, soups, salads, dressings, sauces, dips and spreads, main dishes and desserts. Most of the recipes I have tried so far have been incredibly delicious. I said most because I did not like the Carob Fruit Bars, they were too sweet for my taste and too moist, as for the Almond Butter Cookies, the batter was too dry and grainy and did not form into dough but the taste was good, it just needed more liquid. As for the great tasting recipes, let me start with my mom's favorite, the Fruit and Nut Cookies ... she can't believe they are made without sugar, dairy or eggs! The dates were difficult to use at first, but now I chop them in tiny little pieces and they're a lot easier to use. The Date Fudge Brownies taste great with the Cocoa Coconut Frosting and Heavenly Roasted Nuts and because I'm Vegan, I used maple syrup in the recipes instead of honey with excellent results. The Carrot Walnut Cake is out of this world. The Classic Vegetable Stock is the best I've ever made as well as the Spicy Texas Chilly and Lentil Burgers, and I could go on and on and on! Oh, did I mention the Creamsicle and Mango Fruit Pops? Yum!! As for my non-vegetarian friends and family, I have cooked the Salmon with Teriyaki Sauce and the Swordfish with Basil Oil and have been subject to rave reviews!! I have to admit that I've used this little recipe book more than any other recipe book in my collection. The ingredients can be easily found in any regular supermarket and for vegans, certain ingredients can be easily converted with wonderful results, except for the fish of course, but then again, most of us have to cook for other people in our lives who are not vegetarian so that works out perfectly.
There is one recipe in this book that has made me the most popular cook in my family and among my friends and coworkers, but that is going to be my little secret! Thank you Gary Null.
Enjoy this book, it's the best!

Here's To Your Health!.......2003-12-19

I've been a fan of Gary Null for a long time - from his PBS specials, radio shows, books, etc. -- I always find him to be the #1 source of cutting edge natural health information. Gary is big on juicing and with good reason as the health benefits are tremendous. I picked up this book because I needed something to push me to begin juicing and to have a bunch of recipes to keep it interesting. --- This book has more than helped in both areas, I keep it right next to my juicer in the kitchen and I never get bored with all the tasty juices I make!! There's also some other juice recipes for soups and other things that are great as well. An invaluable book!!!

The Joy of Juicing: Creative Cooking With Your Juicer.......2003-12-19

Did you know that there is a lasagna recipe in Gary's juice cookbook??!! Last Christmas I went home to be with my parents, and I was looking for recipes that we could all share as a family.

My folks knew that I had become a vegetarian, but they were careful about saving me the non-meat portions of their meals and preparing me lots of salads. This was very sweet, but I wanted to find some meals we could share together, (and evangelize them a little, too.) In the local health food store I found Gary's Joy of Juicing recipe book that he had done in collaboration with his daughter, who is a chef. The lasagne we had that afternoon was delicious, and even my dad, a real meat and potatoes kind of guy, really liked it.

In addition to the food recipes there are delicious fresh juice recipes. Sometimes I have a little trouble being creative with juicing, but I get a little tired of the standard carrot juice with parsley and lemon that I usually prepare. Gary's recipes are very varied, for those who like standard vegetables, and those who are a little braver, and wish to increase the antioxidant level in their diet. There are also recipes for 'regular' drinks, such as lemonade and iced tea, which are delicious and tasty.

Expected more from Gary Null.......2003-01-07

After seeing Gary Null on PBS and reading many of his books, I began juicing to improve my poor health. Rather than carry around his thick books, I was looking for a juicing companion which I can keep in the kitchen near the juicer which would tell me which produce would help which ailment and specifically all the helpful vitamins, minerals, etc, how and why it would help, as in his other books. This is just a recipe book like so many others on the market -- not at all what I wanted and expected from Gary Null. He needs to write a new book, "Juicing for Your Health," or "Juicing to Live Forever," something to that effect to address our specific ailments, and for the already healthy, how to live healthy forever by juicing, tell us how much and how often we should juice for what outcome, how long does it take to experience some results, how to add a 'boost' and where to purchase them, etc. Tell us in baby steps how often and what to juice to improve particular illnesses. Many of us have more than one malady and I think I could figure out on my own how to incorporate or combine specific juice recipes to help more than one condition, for example, fibromyalgia, insomnia, hair loss, and chronic sinus headaches. Juices to avoid colds and flu would be helpful as well, for instance, my child is chronically ill with ear, sinus infections and various mild allergies and I juice for her to boost her immune system and avoid missed school days but I was hoping you could be more specific in what I could juice to help her. I would be interested in what could boost her brain power with her learning disabilities. I also attempt to juice for my pets but I feel I'm juicing blind without a specific guide, all I know is that onions, grapes and grapeseed extract can be lethal to pets. I look forward to a BETTER juice book, one I know Gary Null has the knowledge to put together, this one was a waste of time and money and such a disappontment! I would purchase a juice book by Gary Null which told me what a recipe would do for my family's health, photos are always nice, too. Got it, Gary Null? This book definitely missed the mark! What we need is information on juicing from all your books combined into one, I'm not interested in recipes without knowing why it would help and how by listing nutrition facts for each produce and/or each juice drink. My dad juiced briefly and stopped because it caused diarrhea, this should be addressed with how to avoid it when it would go away, etc. Gary, we need more info. Even if a recipe tastes good I don't want to bother if I don't know why, how and what it would help. A whole section on weight loss? why not a whole juice book on improving health to prolong life and diminish illness? I look forward to a COMPLETE healthy juicing book from Gary Null, not yet another recipe book!

Average customer rating:

A very good and high standard cookbook

A very good and high standard cookbook

Highly Recommend!! --No Disappointments Here!!

Recipe Hall of Fame Dessert Cookbook : Winning Recipes from

A very odd cookbook

Recipe Hall of Fame Dessert Cookbook: Winning Recipes from Hometown America (Quail Ridge Press Cookbook Series.)

Manufacturer: Quail Ridge Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Desserts | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Recipe Hall of Fame Cookbook (Best of the Best)

The Recipe Hall of Fame Cookbook II: Best of the Best : Winning Recipes from Hometown America (Quail Ridge Press Cookbook Series.)

Recipe Hall of Fame Quick & Easy Cookbook: Winning Recipes from Hometown America (Quail Ridge Press Cookbook Series.)

Best of the Best from America: Preserving Our Food Heritage One State at a Time (Best of the Best Cookbook)

Best of the Best from Texas: Selected Recipes from Texas' Favorite Cookbooks

ASIN: 1893062198

Book Description

What's for dessert? A strawberry shortcake! A flaky apple pastry! A light soufflè! How about cheesecake? Or let's just have some cookies and ice cream! No matter what dessert you choose, you'll find the BEST recipe for it in this book.

From old standards like Red Velvet Cake and Old-Fashioned Lemon Meringue Pie, to quick and easy favorites like Apple Spoon-Ups and Lazy Betty, to new and exciting creations like Pastry Tulip Cups and Mocha Polka Walnut Torte, each of these incredibly delicious desserts will inspire a standing ovation.

Following the success of The Recipe Hall of Fame Cookbook, which sold over 200,000 copies in its first year, this newest book in the Recipe Hall of Fame Collection is sure to become a classic. Chosen from the more than 4,000 dessert recipes in our Best of the Best State Cookbook Series, each of which is already a chosen favorite from their state, these 318 recipes are the most popular, most requested, most memorable, knock-your-socks-off desserts ever!

Customer Reviews:

A very good and high standard cookbook.......2003-05-24

This is a award-winning cookbook, just picture it, a table filled with delicious recipes. Everything here is foolproof and yummy, it isn't very hard to make them. The price isn't so expensive, it's worth buying! If you're a desserts lover like me, this is a must buy! Don't be left out in the stardust!

A very good and high standard cookbook.......2003-05-24

Highly Recommend!! --No Disappointments Here!!.......2002-10-23

I have dozens of cookbooks. This one, along with the original Recipe Hall of fame cookbook, is my most-used cookbook!! This one does not collect dust!! Impressive desserts that only LOOK like you took all day to make!! And the ingredients are not something you have to go cross-the-city to an highly expensive gourmet store for!! Most recipes are easy to make, easy to clean-up, and always a hit--not a dud yet!!

Recipe Hall of Fame Dessert Cookbook : Winning Recipes from.......2001-11-17

I thought the Recipe Hall of Fame Quick & Easy Cookbook : Winning Recipes from Hometown America was so good that I picked up this cookbook, too. There were so many delicious recipes that I had to try several over a weekend. Then I had to walk three miles a day the next week to burn off the extra calories! But it was worth it. Recipes for desserts adaptable to summer or winter menus, casual or formal entertaining, light or rich meal-enders, this cookbook has it all.

A very odd cookbook.......2001-03-03

I bought this expecting "hometown" style recipes, but some of them are really odd. One of the advertised recipes is "Black Forest Cake", ordinarily one of my favorites - a chocolate cake with cherries and a whipped cream icing. In fact, the name is a translation from the German "Schwarzwalder Kirschtorte" - black forest cherry cake. But the recipe in this book is for 4 meringue disks layered together with a chocolate pudding-like filling and whipped cream. No cherries or cake in sight, and not like any Black Forest cake I've ever seen.

I also expected a fair number of packaged and instant ingredients in a cookbook like this, and there are. But, again, a lot of the recipes are very strange in this. "Raspberry Sherry Trifle" uses store-bought cake, Raspberry Jell-o (??? - never saw that in a trifle before), and frozen raspberries - but goes on to include making home-made vanilla cornstarch pudding. Huh? With all those commercially-prepared ingredients, why waste your time on homemade pudding? Use instant.

At first I thought that I have too much experience with real European desserts and real recipes - but I'm just getting into desserts, so I'm not much beyond the novice stage. I'm certainly no pro, but I know when I see something bizarre, and lots of these recipes are!

Interesting recipes, but don't expect to find a recipe for your favorite [fill in the blank], because it probably won't be what you expect.

Recipe Hall of Fame Dessert Cookbook: Winning Recipes From Hometown America
Average customer rating:
Recipe Hall of Fame Dessert Cookbook: Winning Recipes From Hometown America

Manufacturer: Quail Ridge Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0739416103

Average customer rating:
Recipe Hall Of Fame Dessert Cookbook - Winning Recipes From Hometown America - Best Of The Best
Gwen and Moseley, Barbara - Editor; Illustrated by England, Tupper Mckee
Manufacturer: Quail Ridge Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000QEAR9Y

Book Description

2 dolls and 32 carefully authenticated costumes recreate the haute couture of the thirties. Fashions by Schiaparelli, Lanvin, Chanel, Molyneux, 13 others. Full color. Captions. Introduction.

Customer Reviews:

Thirties.......2005-04-15

The sophistication and elegance of the 1930-s is wonderfully expressed by Tom Tierney's work. The dolls and costumes are drawn in great detail. One can see the change in style from flowing, soft gowns of the early thirties to the sharper tailoring and increasing extravagance of the late thirties.
Mr Tierney has intentionally drawn the dolls to resemble Gloria Swanson and Joan Crawford (with blonde hair?), which was a great idea as it lends more authenticity to the look of the dolls. However, Gloria Swanson's popularity was already on descent by this time, so I think that another star would have been more suitable to represent the early thirties.

Fun Pictures.......2000-09-19

This book is full of fun and fashionable outfits from the 1930's. They are great to see and gives an exceptional view into top fashions of that era.

Life After Birth: What Even Your Friends Won't Tell You About Motherhood
Average customer rating:

Not for pre-motherhood

Not what I expected.

At-home moms beware!

The WHOLE truth

At last, a sensible book about the mother

Life After Birth: What Even Your Friends Won't Tell You About Motherhood
Kate Figes , and Jean Zimmerman
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Pregnancy & Childbirth | Women's Health | Personal Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Family Health | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
Motherhood | Family Relationships | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Mask of Motherhood: How Becoming a Mother Changes Our Lives and Why We Never Talk About It

I Wish Someone Had Told Me: A Realistic Guide to Early Motherhood

Mother Shock: Loving Every (Other) Minute of It

The Girlfriends' Guide to Surviving the First Year of Motherhood

The Happiest Baby on the Block: The New Way to Calm Crying and Help Your Newborn Baby Sleep Longer

Accessories:

Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

ASIN: 0312283326

Book Description

he turmoil of new motherhood is still a taboo subject. After Kate Figes had her first baby, she was unprepared for the physical, sensory, emotional, and psychological upheaval. She imagined that she would carry on working, thinking, feeling, and socializing as usual and felt inadequate as a mother and as a woman when she didnt. Life After Birth is the first thoroughly honest book to examine the transition into motherhood. Using interviews, medical and anthropological research, and her own experience, Figes tackles problems facing new moms such as:Experiencing anger and hostility toward the child after expecting to feel unconditional love How the attitudes of friendsboth childless and with childrenchange toward the mother of a new baby Feeling bone-tired and unsexual even after the infant sleeps through the night.Life After Birth illuminates these realities so that new mothers will feel reassured, less alone, and ready to enjoy motherhood.

Customer Reviews:

Not for pre-motherhood.......2007-03-10

This book is not for those who are not already mothers, nor perhaps even for those who are brand new mothers. This book is for those who have been a mother for several years, perhaps have more than one child, and wonder why they have not yet recovered from the experience. As a stay-at-home mother of a 5-year-old and a 2-year-old, I have struggled with depression and guilt every day since the first one was born. I have wondered why I continue to be a basket-case this long after the second birth. My range of emotions and frustration at myself and my children terrified me and distressed my husband. I thought that I was mentally unstable because I couldn't enjoy every aspect of motherhood. This book could not have helped me before I became a mother, because I never would have believed all that Kate Figes described. After 5 years of motherhood, however, I find myself on every page. I have found that my feelings and struggles are shared by many women, and that I don't have some dark secret shame. This book has been more helpful to me than the many self-help manuals on mothering and depression that I have read. I feel liberated from guilt and happier at my decisions to have children and be home with them. Although it may seem strange, I am more patient with myself and with my children because I no longer feel that I am an unhinged aberrant mother.

Not what I expected........2006-04-01

I must say, I was rather disappointed with this book. Motherhood is definately hard work and there are some terrible, horrible, no-good days for mothers, to be sure.

But Kate Figes seems to have had a bad experience with motherhood, found others with a like experience, decided that mothers in generations past were all miserable, and then applied it to the rest of us. I disagree vehemently with her picture of motherhood, and particularly with her ideas about mothers who stay at home. According to Figes, children of previous generations were basically abandoned and neglected because women had to work (again, I disagree and think her view of history is a bit skewed), and somehow, therefore, it is *good* for mothers to put children in daycare and work, even if it's not financially necessary. One gets the idea from this book that all stay at home mothers are indolent sluggards, and are "indulging" in a "luxury". Well, let me tell you, with an income of $24K, we're certainly not exactly rolling in dough. To be a stay at home mom was a sacrificial choice made for the benefit our our children.

I have not found motherhood to be nearly as depressing as "Life after birth" would have it. In spite of the labor pains, the sore [...], the saggy body, the night wakings, all manner of bodily excretions, and the general craziness of life in this house, I am looking forward to being a mother many times over, for many years. I feel so sad that some women seem to be unable to get over the shock to self and selfishness that motherhood brings, and learn to enjoy it.

At-home moms beware!.......2003-06-11

Figes' intolerant views towards at-home moms and her prescriptive approach seriously undermine her stated goal of supporting all new mothers. She describes at-home moms as `selfish' and damaging their children. Even as a non-mother whose mom worked outside the home, I was annoyed.

There is no need for this sort of divisive criticism. To make matters worse, her criticism is disguised as helpful, comforting advice. Nonetheless, parts of the book interested me.

Instead of this book, try Nina Barrett's "I Wish Someone Had Told Me: A Realistic Guide to Early Motherhood" (1997) for an even-handed approach to the same issues.

The WHOLE truth.......2003-05-14

There are lots of books about how wonderful motherhood is, and there are lots of books that address the hard parts (Misconceptions, The Mask of Motherhood, etc.). Reading the first kind makes me feel crazy and inadequate. Reading the second kind makes me feel angry and used. THIS absolutely wonderful book told the whole truth, validated EVERY feeling I've ever had about the whole experience, and made me realize I'm normal, not crazy, and blessed beyond belief. A big thank you to this author. I've read many books about mothering. This one is by far the best.

At last, a sensible book about the mother.......2003-03-22

I know that this book has distressed some other readers, but I'm grateful Figes and Zimmerman wrote it. They're dead right when they say other books tend to be DIY manuals and paint a wildly optimistic picture of the physical recovery you should expect. There's a big difference between "feeling well enough to get up and back to a normal adult routine" and "feeling well", and medically-oriented books and people often fudge the two. It should come as no surprise that a physical change and strain as big as pregnancy and childbearing should take much more than the eight or twelve weeks' recovery we're told to expect. In a good part of nature, the mother, flower, what have you _dies_ after giving birth or laying eggs; why should we expect childbirth recovery to be like a sprained ankle or a broken bone?

Apart from the frankness on physical issues, I appreciate their indignation about how pregnant women are viewed in a society based on an uneasy near-equality and financial productivity. There doesn't seem to be any real role for us that recognizes we're simultaneously people and pregnant. And there's a strange embarrassment, even irritation, that seems to say, "Aren't you supposed to go be with the women in your family now (and stop reminding us that there's life beyond ordinary work and play)?" Well, for those of us who don't have many women in the family, don't have nearby family, or don't have supportive families, that's not helpful. So hooray for these two women, who've written a book about mother care, not just baby care.

(Oh -- and to readers who wonder why anyone would go through pregnancy knowing the horrors that might await: Some of us do it because it's the best way we know to give to someone else, when it's time to do that. And frankly, if you let yourself out occasionally, things that sound physically nightmarish in your teens can sound pretty surviveable and transient in your 20s or 30s. You also begin to understand you're not going to keep forever anyway.)

Book Description

Impressions from two years in Tahiti. Compelling autobiographical fragment. 24 black-and-white illustrations.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent translation........2005-09-09

Very readable translation. This is not the best edition if you want good reproductions of drawings. But in terms of getting a good text for a good price it's great.

I'm not really going to review the book itself as I assume most people who are here know that this was Gauguin's attempt to put together a what he hoped would be a best selling travelogue that would promote his art. He was hoping to cash in on the success of Pierre Loti's best seller the Marriage of Loti which was set in exotic Tahiti. It never made any money, but this is mostly because of it's idiosyncratic style. But for anyone interested in Gauguin's Tahitian experience it's great. Also check out his intimate journals which came out posthumously and cover also his life before Tahiti.

It's actually an experimental novel.......2002-09-15

Typically considered a journal or memoir, Gauguin's book is in fact an early type of experimental multimedia novel. Thematically, Gauguin burlesques Pierre Loti's "Marriage of Loti", while structurally he interleaves narrative with his own highly-inventive Post-impressionist woodcarvings. It's a fine book: Gauguin could have been a great novelist, if he weren't already busy.

A Unique Opportunity.......2002-01-26

Though you may quarrel with Guaguin tactics or motivations, his art stands alone--brilliant, moving, subtle. It is always intriquing to hear the voice of a master painter and "Noa, Noa," affords that opportunity.

Noa Noa.......1996-07-18

Contemplations visual, intellectual and spiritual. In 1891, French painter Paul Gauguin fled to the island of Tahiti - "a sixty-three days' voyage, sixty-three days of feverish expactancy;" begun as an unofficial visit regarding the imminent death of the island's king Pomare -- and resulting in a profoundly moving sea-change (spirit, observation, happiness). The Tahitian theology, natural history, and especially the progress of his relationships - a gift. This is a good book to read BEFORE embarking on your "desert island" voyage, but beware! Hard to top once you're there on some other island. An exceptional journal, with a graceful translation (it seems) by O. F. Theis from the French. Rated 9 (needs more color plates of paintings! but a lovely, portable paper edition) Other recommended travel/discovery books: Off the Map: Bicycling Across Siberia, by Mark Jenkins. 1993 HarperPerennial pb. Letters from Iceland, by W. H. Auden & Louis MacNeice. 1990 Paragon House pb. Why Come To Slaka? by Malcolm Bradbury. 1991 Penguin Books pb. Travels With Lizbeth (writing/homelessness), by Lars Eighner. The Starship & the Canoe (Freeman Dyson & son George) Bird of Jove (falconry), by David Bruce. 1994 Texas A&M pb. The Earthsea Trilogy, by Ursula K. Le Guin Ishi (anthropology/Native American history), by Theodora Kroeber

Noa Noa: The Tahiti Journal of Paul Gauguin

Average customer rating:

Paul Gauguin history

Noa Noa: The Tahiti Journal of Paul Gauguin
Paul Gauguin
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Artists, A-Z | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Painting | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Artists, Architects & Photographers | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Travel | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books

Essays & Travelogues | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Gauguin Tahiti
Gauguin's Intimate Journals
Noa Noa: The Tahitian Journal (Fine Art Series)
Typee: A Peep at Polynesian Life (Penguin Classics)
Hidden Tahiti and French Polynesia: Including Moorea, Bora Bora, and the Society, Austral, Gambier, Tuamotu, and Marquesas Islands (Hidden Travel)

ASIN: 0811848418

Book Description

In 1894, Paul Gauguin left what he considered to be a culturally bereft Europe to live an unfettered life in a tropical paradise Tahiti. It was there that he produced some of his most beautiful and best-known paintings, as well as another masterpiece: this enchanting journal. Complete with sensuous woodblock prints and sketches, this exquisitely designed edition first published by Chronicle in 1994 and now reissued with a beautiful new jacket is still the only translation to contain all of Gauguin's richly colored illustrations of the Tahiti diary. Including Tahitian myths and legends, affectionate tales of Gauguin's encounters with the captivating Tahitian people, and fascinating glimpses of the inspiration behind his most famous paintings, Noa Noa assumes its rightful place among the masterworks of an extraordinary artist.

Customer Reviews:

Paul Gauguin history.......2007-09-21

This was very interesting reading just before going to the South Seas. Wonderful to see the islands as he saw them and described them in this journal. Well worth reading!

Average customer rating:

Understanding Gauguin
A Great Little Book

Noa Noa: The Tahiti Journal of Paul Gauguin
Paul Gauguin
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Book Description

In 1894, Paul Gauguin left Europe to spend two years in Tahiti, where he produced some of his most beautiful and best-known paintings. But he also created another masterpiece that has languished in obscurity for nearly 100 years: a detailed, entertaining journal and the sensuous woodblock prints and sketches made to accompany it. In this exquisitely designed edition, Chronicle Books is proud to publish together for the first time the evocative text and richly colored illustrations of Gauguin's Tahiti diary. Including Tahitian myths and legends, affectionate tales of Gauguin's encounters with the beautiful Tahitian people, and fascinating glimpses of the inspiration behind his most famous paintings, Noa Noa now assumes its rightful place among the masterworks of an extraordinary artist.

Customer Reviews:

Understanding Gauguin.......2002-10-25

This is a lovely book... and, brief though it is, helped me to understand more about Gauguin's reasons behind his actions. I read it at a perfect time - when the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NY was holding one of their most important exhibits on Gauguin and featured his wood cuts. It's a colourful, passionate and painful journey.

A Great Little Book.......2000-12-07

This is a great book detailing a few pages from his journal. It has great wood-cut reprints and is a quick read. It puts you into the spirit of Tahiti.

Noa Noa [a journal of the South Seas] (Noonday paperbacks)

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Noa Noa [a journal of the South Seas] (Noonday paperbacks)
Paul Gauguin
Manufacturer: Noonday Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0007HEWXW

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Noa Noa a Journal of the South Seas
Paul Gauguin
Manufacturer: The Noonday Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: B000OPCR0W

Product Description

Gauguin's journal of the south seas

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Noa Noa: The Tahiti Journal of Paul Gauguin
Paul Gauguin
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Noa Noa: The Tahiti Journal of Paul Gauguin
Paul; Translated By: Theis, O. F. Gauguin
Manufacturer: SOLD
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OP7FPO

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