One Patriot's Saga: An Enlisted Man's Story of Wwii, Korea, and Vietnam

Book Description

This book is an indispensable work for anyone interested in the pioneering psychoanalyst Sandor Ferenczi.

Average customer rating:

Informative

Gotta Start Somewhere

A valuable resource for families of depressed children

Most Comprehensive Book for Parents with Depressed Teens

A reassuring and thorough guide for parents and pros.

Help Me, I'm Sad: Recognizing, Treating, and Preventing Childhood and Adolescent Depression
David G. Fassler , and Lynne Dumas
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Depression | Mental Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
Teenagers | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
General | Pediatrics | Specialties | Medicine | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Childhood Depression Sourcebook (Sourcebooks)

Depressed Child: A Parent's Guide for Rescusing Kids

Lonely, Sad and Angry: A Parent's Guide to Depression in Children and Adolescents

Understanding Teenage Depression: A Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management

Growing Up Sad: Childhood Depression and Its Treatment

Accessories:

Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

ASIN: 0140267638

Book Description

Until the early 1980s, there was no official diagnosis for depression in children. But children can, and do, become depressed. In fact, the National Institute of Mental Health now estimates that 2.5 million youngsters under eighteen have experienced clinical depression--and the real number may be higher still. "Help Me, I'm Sad" discusses how to tell if your child is at risk; how to spot symptoms; depression's link with other problems and its impact on the family; teen suicide; finding the right diagnosis, therapist, and treatment; and what you can do to help. For parents who have--or suspect they may have--depressed children, here is practical, easy-to-understand information from a compassionate and trustworthy source.

Customer Reviews:

Informative.......2005-02-15

I found this book to be very informative and highly recommend it to anyone concerned with how "sad" or withdrawn their child is.

Gotta Start Somewhere.......2001-11-16

Although adult depression has been recognized for decades, childhood depression has only been considered since the 1980's. Previously, it was simply thought that children couldn't be depressed. Perhaps this is because (as is learned from this book) the lethargy and weepiness that adults and adolescents experience during depression, in children is often expressed as hostility. The depressed children may in fact be the troublemakers and the discipline problems.

This book reports on few case histories, but because only twenty years of research are behind this subject, that isn't surprising. Most of the descriptive text looks at the stages of childhood depression, and what to expect from various treatment options. The authors do suggest that while several stressful situations such as parental divorce, or placement in foster care can lead to childhood depression, in most cases, there will be no single, obvious, precipitating factor, and parents should not look for one.

More than once, the authors state that depression is not the fault of the parents, or the result of bad parenting. Of course, what are they going to say, if they want parents to buy their book? Parents don't want to be blamed. At any rate, if they are voluntarily looking for help, the family is probably at a point where placing blame will not solve anything, so the authors are undoubtedly correct in this approach. The problem is that this approach appears to slant the book toward physiological causes of depression almost to the exclusion of environmental factors.

Nonetheless, the information presented is readable, clear, and written in a soothing narrative voice. Just reading the book may give relief to parents who are concerned about a child.

The book neatly describes external symptoms of childhood depression, offering a great deal of help to parents and people who work with children in identifying children who may be depressed. Much of the book is given over to choosing a therapist. This is so thoroughly commendable, I don't know where to begin, because it is not uncommon for people to walk into a therapist's office, and immediately turn over all their power. This book will help families hold onto themselves until they are certain they have the right person, not just for the child but for the whole family.

I would recommend this book over most of the others addressing this topic.

A valuable resource for families of depressed children.......2001-09-21

This is a very valuable book for families of depressed children, and I highly recommend it. It contains essential information, thoroughly and clearly covered. One section I particularly liked discussed the effect a depressed child has on family members and family dynamics.

"Help Me, I'm Sad" first addresses diagnosing depression in a child, including what I had never seen before: symptom lists specific to children at different stages of childhood, infants to teenagers. Companion illnesses that might indicate depression are also discussed as part of the diagnosis section.

The treatment section covers how to find effective treatment, whether therapy, medication or both, including questions to ask a potential therapist. The last section, on preventing depression, contains suggestions on how to raise an emotionally resilient child. All in all, a complete, compassionate resource for parents and others who have a depressed child in their lives.

Most Comprehensive Book for Parents with Depressed Teens.......2000-07-11

Dr. Fassler and Miss Dumas do an amazing job at organizing this book in the most efficient manner. The doctor with utmost clarity lists the symptoms of depression for each age group up to and including young adulthood. He does justice to new research revealing that symptoms may be dependant upon the patient's age. Moreover, he highlights the long-avoided fact that even toddlers can suffer from clinical depression. He also briefly examines the various related affective disorders common among young people and how they can be detected also. The chapter on suicide and suicide recognition and prevention is well-written in that it provides all the vital information without going into graphic details. In addition to discussing all forms of treatment types, schools of thought, and classes of mental healthcare professionals in an easily understandable manner, the doctor offers pragmatic advice on seeking help for the child and the child's family. All too often the devastating effects of depression on other family members are ignored with tragic consequences. Dr. Fassler makes sure that this point is stressed. He also helps the reader choose a good therapist and treatment plan for his/her child. Finally, he discusses ways in which depression can be prevented, and how good parenting can affect the child's chance of growing up to become a healthy adult. The only thing I found disappointing was Dr. Fassler's bias towards the physiological nature of affective disorders. Understanding the biochemical aspects of depression is crucial in effectively treating the illness for much of the symptoms are linked to somatic disorders in the brain.

A reassuring and thorough guide for parents and pros........1997-10-29

If you're the parent of a depressed child -- or think you might be -- this is a must-read. It's a reassuring, gentle but completely informative guide to all aspects of childhood depression. The part I liked best? How to get help for your child. It includes the best discussion of medications and other treatments I've ever read. This book makes an extremely sensitive, scary and complex subject easy to understand.

Average customer rating:

New Orleans Native

Solid, helpful, dependable, scrumptious

A good cookbook for company and family

A wonderful, wonderful , New Orleans cookbook.....

LA Bonne Cuisine: Cooking New Orleans Style
Women of All Saints Epsc. Church
Manufacturer: Episcopal Churchwoman of All Saints, Incorpor
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

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

River Road Recipes: The Textbook of Louisiana Cuisine

Talk About Good II

Plantation Cookbook: Junior League of New Orleans

Commander's Kitchen : Take Home the True Taste of New Orleans With More Than 150 Recipes from Commander's Palace Restaurant

Talk About Good

ASIN: 0960688005

Book Description

More than 550 recipes carefully tested for accuracy and appeal which reflect the way people in New Orleans really cook. Filled with fascinating photographs and information about the culture and heritage as well as its Good Food! Winner of the "Outstanding Community Cookbook Award" from the Tabasco/McIlhenny Company Cookbook Hall of Fame. Includes 33 pages of recipes from famous New Orleans restaurants. More than 150,000 in print.

Customer Reviews:

New Orleans Native.......2000-11-19

I can say without hesitation that this cookbook will provide you with beaucoup examples of real New Orleans cuisine that you will enjoy to the fullest. This book started out as a labor of love in 1980 and has grown into one of New Orleans' most popular cookbooks. In fact, it was awarded the "Outstanding Community Cookbook Award" from the Tabasco/McIlhenny Company Cookbook Hall of Fame. It has also been mentioned in Town & Country and other magazines.

In addition to the large collection of original recipes, the book also includes 33 pages of recipes from famous New Orleans restaurants.

I use this cookbook on a regular basis. I'm glad to see that some good people from other parts of the country have reviewed it before me. But if you want one local man's opinion who loves to cook, trust me on this one! There are several other great cookbooks which capture the essence of New Orleans cuisine, and this one is a sleeper that ranks right at the top.

Order the book and laissez les bon temps rouler!

Solid, helpful, dependable, scrumptious.......2000-10-22

I've been using many of the recipes from this book since 1982 when it was given to me as a Chrismas present by a girl friend of mine. I've used close to half of the recipes and been rewarded for it. The only glitch I found was in the stuffed mushroom recipe. It calls for twice as much broth as needed. When the ex and I split, this is the one of the few cook books I insisted on keeping, with good reason.

A good cookbook for company and family.......2000-04-28

I have tried several of the appetizers and most are excellent. I recently fixed the artichoke squares and the lumpia appetizers for a party and they were a big hit. The easy shrimp newberg is excellent! There are a number of recipes I am anxious to try. I highly recommend this cookbook because the recipes are different. I expect before long, everyone in my family will have this cookbook.

A wonderful, wonderful , New Orleans cookbook............1998-03-10

My family...sisters(2), and mother have used this cookbook and love it. It is easy to use and has some great New Orleans recipes. In fact, my mother bought one and then decided that it was so good we all needed one. If you are interested in La cuisine it has a wide variety of dishes which are really delicious. (I like the appetizers, my sister who has a sweet tooth loves the desserts) Good luck!!!

La Bonne Cuisine: Cooking New Orleans Style

Average customer rating:

La Bonne Cuisine: Cooking New Orleans Style
Women of All Saints' Episcopal Church
Manufacturer: Self-published
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000RS0AXM

La Bonne Cuisine: Cooking New Orleans Style Lagniappe

Average customer rating:

La Bonne Cuisine: Cooking New Orleans Style Lagniappe
All Saints Episcopal Churchwomen
Manufacturer: Episcopal Churchwoman of All Saints, Incorpor
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Average customer rating:

LA BONNE CUISINE, Cooking New Orleans Style

Manufacturer: Episcopal Churchwomen of All saints', Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound
ASIN: B000I34C3A

Average customer rating:

It Was Good But....

Learning about pigs

Geared toward farmer, not homesteader...

A must for Raising Pigs...Tonasket, WA 2002

Great Book

Storey's Guide to Raising Pigs: Care/Facilities/Management/Breed Selection
Kelly Klober
Manufacturer: Storey Publishing, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Animal Husbandry | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
Animal Husbandry | Agricultural Sciences | Professional Science | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books | Animal Production | Bees | Breeding | Dairy Science | Livestock Management | Meat | Nutrition | Poultry | Range Management
Similar Items:

Raising Pigs Successfully

Storey's Guide to Raising Beef Cattle: Health/Handling/Breeding

Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens: Care / Feeding / Facilities

Storey's Guide to Raising Sheep: Breeds, Care, Facilities

Storey's Guide to Raising Dairy Goats: Breeds, Care, Dairying

ASIN: 1580173268

Book Description

Practical advice for buying, feeding, and caring for hogs, plus modern breeding and herd management.

Customer Reviews:

It Was Good But...........2007-03-14

I learned some about pigs in this book but... have you ever tried to render your own lard??
This book says just to boil pig fat in water for awhile
That won't make lard
Took me four tries to finally get it right
Practical experience taught me more than this book

Learning about pigs.......2007-01-10

This is a great starter for raising pigs. It gives a lot of the basics on different breeds of pigs. The book is very helpful. Thank you.

Geared toward farmer, not homesteader..........2004-05-23

Overall, I would consider this a good but not great book. I was left with a vague feeling of incompleteness after reading it.

For example, it had several pictures of pigs with 'good muscling' (or 'nice topline' or 'great frame' or whatever). Granted, I'm a novice at pigs but it would be nice if it had pictures (preferably side-by-side) of an example of 'poor muscling' (or whatever) so I can see the difference.

I also found the 'butchering' section to be lacking. For example, when 'scalding' a carcass, it only talks about dipping the entire carcass into the hot water. Nowhere does it even mention dipping out the hot water and pouring it over the carcass (which is more manageable for a large pig). And the actual butchering (cutting up) part is minimal ('separate the carcass into the larger primal cuts with a butcher's knife').

My impression is that this book is geared more toward a small farmer wanting to raise a small herd for profit as opposed to a homesteader wanting to raise 1-3 pigs as food. It's just a different mindset. So - if you're a farmer - I would rate this book a '5'. A homesteader would still find it useful but not complete.

(I can't believe that pot-bellied pigs aren't even mentioned anywhere.)

A must for Raising Pigs...Tonasket, WA 2002.......2002-05-02

This is a must for pig raisers! I should know, I raise 5 breeding sows and write my own farm books, and I even mention this book in my resources section! It's that much of a needed book for pig farmers. Every subject you want to know about pigs is found in this book, from showing at the fair, breeding the pigs, to the business aspect of running a farm...

Great Book.......2002-03-28

My husband and I were thinking about raising pigs and bought this book. We read it cover to cover and found a lot of valuable information. We raised two pigs last summer and referenced this book constantly; it is always close at hand. If you are considering raising 1 pig or 50 this book will come in handy.

Potbellied Pig Behavior and Training: A Complete Guide for Solving Behavioral Problems in Vietnamese Potbellied Pigs, Revised Edition

Average customer rating:

AWESOME!!!!
Every new pig owner should have this
Alot of helpful information
Pigga!
Excellent Animal Training Principles

Potbellied Pig Behavior and Training: A Complete Guide for Solving Behavioral Problems in Vietnamese Potbellied Pigs, Revised Edition
Priscilla Valentine
Manufacturer: Luminary Media Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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

Miscellaneous | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1930580746

Product Description

Is your pet pig going through the "terrible twos"? Has he abandoned the litterbox, become destructive, refused to go outside in cold weather, screamed for his food, or dislikes visitors? "Potbellied Pig Behavior and Training" was written to provide easy solutions to the thirty most common pig problems. It also covers how to shape your potbelly's behavior from 8 weeks through the rest of his life. In addition, it contains two chapters on aggression, with a ten step program to "cure" it. Or, if you want your pig to be a TV star, there are simple instructions to teach him 20 amazing tricks! The delightful color photos and gorgeous cover will make this book a perfect candidate for the coffee table. But best of all, this book covers behavior modification that other books leave out. It explains why your pig acts the way he does, and why our solutions work. It makes training your pig simple and fun, and now in the 2007 edition, has almost 100 amazing and darling COLOR photos! It is the "Potbelly Bible" and only book you will need for the life of your pig. From the Publisher PETS / PSYCHOLOGY. Learn the common-sense approach to enjoy your potbellied pig from an expert trainer who has owned numerous Potbellied Pig Trick Campions of the World and has appeared on national TV countless times. Find out how to choose the right pig, train your pig to obey and how to discipline it, follow the Pig Programming philosophy, use the Ten-Step Program for behavior, and solve pig problems from A to Z. Includes 64 color photos, 21 black/white photos, an index, and an animated cartoon pig on the page corners with page-flipping.

Customer Reviews:

AWESOME!!!!.......2007-07-27

So well written! If you are considering or own a piggy it is a must read. Images are fabulous! Information is priceless and clear cut. Very happy to have made this small investment. Thank you, Nellie and Valentine Piggers:-)

Every new pig owner should have this.......2007-05-18

Well worth the money for new pig owners or people thinking of adopting one. Read it before the pig comes home with you!

Alot of helpful information.......2007-04-01

I like this book. Detailed helpful information for the pet pig owner. Buy this book.

Pigga!.......2007-01-06

This book is a great addition to have in your library if you own a potbellied pig. I want the best for my pbp and so I have quite a few books on the porkers. It has a great section of tips listed A-Z. Also, the behavior section is good. I especially like the colored pictures of all the little piggies.=)

Excellent Animal Training Principles.......2006-08-02

I ordered this book because I have recently started training a potbellied pig. Having never met a pig up-close-and-personal in my life, I felt a need to educate myself. I was delighted with Ms Valentine's book. It is informative and highly accessible. The animal training principles outlined in it are absolutely sound and can be applied to the training of any animal, pig or otherwise, with the utmost confidence. She gives excellent advice on how to both prevent and cure common behaviour problems. Everyone who owns a pet pig absolutely must own this book! You will save yourself a lot of grief and have a very rewarding with your very special pet.

Average customer rating:

Pigs: A Guide to Management
Neville Beynon
Manufacturer: Crowood Press, Limited, The
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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

General | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

Animal Husbandry | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Lessons in Pig Farming, A Swine Farmer's Guide For Surviving in Corporate America

Average customer rating:

Lessons in Pig Farming, A Swine Farmer's Guide For Surviving in Corporate America
Cathy Sumeracki
Manufacturer: Red Cabin Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Organizational Change | Organizational Behavior | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Comic Strips | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0971679215

Book Description

A fun, easy to read book covering the basics of successful change management. Written in story format, readers follow the stages of a typical project, (riddled with problems) while solutions are revealed through lessons learned from pig farming. Introduces a new set of corporate jargon including the pig snout, the boar, the angry sow plus much more.

A Guide to Raising Pigs: Care, Facilities, Breed Selection, Management (Storey Animal Handbook)

Average customer rating:

A must for anyone with pigs!

A Guide to Raising Pigs: Care, Facilities, Breed Selection, Management (Storey Animal Handbook)
Kelly Klober
Manufacturer: Storey Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Veterinary Medicine | Medicine | Subjects | Books

General | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Animal Husbandry | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1580170110

Book Description

Practical advice for buying, feeding, and caring for hogs, plus modern breeding and herd management.

Customer Reviews:

A must for anyone with pigs!.......1999-08-30

This is the best and most complete book on swine I have found! It covers every question I had and answered some I never thought of. Excellent.

Nebraska management guide for control of anthropod pests of poultry and pets: Featuring: poultry, dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs and gerbils (EC)

Average customer rating:

Nebraska management guide for control of anthropod pests of poultry and pets: Featuring: poultry, dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs and gerbils (EC)
John B Campbell
Manufacturer: Nebraska Cooperative Extension Service
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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

Book Description

Every day, ceramic artists encounter techniques, processes, materials, problems, and more that leave them with questions such as: How? Why? Where? Clay: A Studio Handbook answers those questions with authoritative, comprehensive coverage of topics ranging from studio safety, finding, making, and improvising tools and equipment, firing processes and theory, and much more.

Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in ceramics, Pitelka has created the most practical, all-inclusive studio handbook for students, studio artists, educators, and all those interested in the art of clay. Ten chapters, addressing the full range of ceramic processes, bring a lifetime of ceramic knowledge directly into the hands of potters. Written with concern for safe and efficient studio operation, diligent attention is paid to safety practices. A thorough table of contents, glossary, and index make finding answers quick and convenient. Numerous step-by-step illustrations guide readers through the many techniques.

Selected Contents
Clay and Claybodies
Handbuilding
Throwing
Plaster Working, Mold Making, and Slip Casting
Surface Decoration on Greenware
Glazes and Glazing
Kilns and Firing
Mixed Media in Ceramics
Studio Safety and Sensible Studio Practice
Studio Design, Setup, and Operation
Appendixes
Index

Book Description

A comprehensive resource for child--and adolescent--developing questions.

Customer Reviews:

I WOULDN'T PARENT WITHOUT THIS BOOK.......2004-02-02

I would not even think of parenting without the valuable advice in this book. Every question is one I've had, every answer is right on point AND WORKS! I've tried most of them and my very energetic, (my ex says "difficult" - I say "spirited" and knows what he wants) child has responded to every single word given in this magnificent answer book. As a guide it is absolutely indispensible. Literally every question I've ever had has been answered within minutes of picking up this book. I can't even sell it, it is so dog-eared, written in, dirty from being cooked over - yes I do all the cooking! And I believe it even has baby pee on it. GET IT! Especially if this is your first. I repeat GET THIS BOOK!!!

This book is SO useful........1999-03-05

As a parent of one beautiful boy, I don't have much experience raising children. This book has helped me through what may seem like the most basic issues with grace. I am in debt to you Drs. Deskin and Steckler. My wife and I are better parents because of your book. Thanks.

toeing the party line on "gayness".......1997-08-05

This is a book that seems to want to appeal to a wide spectrum of American families. As such, many of the recommendations and opinions are phrased in ways that are ambiguous or plainly obvious. It's time, however, that authors who wish to appeal to the American family realize that the liberal party line on homosexuality is not among the values that need to be included in such a book, and that it is more important to help children than for the authors to guard their reputations in the often wrong-thinking intellectual community. The section on homosexuality in this book is particularly offensive, in that it seems to matter-of-factly accept that society's new nonjudgmental attitude about gays increasingly allows for normally confused adolescents to actualy OPT for gayness if it seems appealing. Using terms like "opt" and "commitment" to describe this adolescent period merely underlines the authors'--and many of their fellow therapists'--unwillingness to even present an opinion that homosexualty may not be a healthy, or desirable, thing for parents to encourage in their children. Presenting the subject in such a one-sided, noncritical way is exactly what causes society to send out messages that such "experimentation" is nothing to avoid. In paying lip-service to a question that most normal families would still want to ask--"Can You Prevent Homosexuality?"--the authors answer in the prescribed, approved fashion (anything otherwise would attract complaints from the "right-thinking" in the medical and academic communities and might actually make a publisher afraid to include the section in a book): "Historically and at present so many creative people are homosexual that we should be extremely careful in tampering with nature." We should assume, it appears, that because this special elite of "creative" people are gay, then gay must be good. And we must also assume--even though the authors have also explained that homosexuality may be either genetic OR environmental in cause--that to discourage or want to prevent such a supposed creativity-inducing state in our children is against nature, and should not be allowed. Contrast this approach with the authors' espousal, elsewhere in the book, that parents NOT accept a problem like dislexia--yet, the authors clearly state that this is a genetic problem, period. For dislexia, it seems, it is okay to tamper with nature (even though that there are many "creative" people who are dislexic!): parents are allowed to want to do something about this, and should seek out "professionals...for assistance...who are equipped to help your child.... It is important for parents...to inform themselves of special programs...that might help the child." And under "Prevention" and "Recommendations," the authors clearly have no trouble in calling for helping the child overcome this problem through "early intervention": "The problem may not continue to be a problem if you get help for your child now." But then again, there are probably not thousands of highly-placed, arts-and-media-influential groups ready to destroy your career if you criticize the dislexic lifestyle. The tone of the whole entry is summed up by the last line about seeking help if the idea of child homosexuality causes parents pain. Like the public-relations term "homophobia," This seems to suggest (though like much of the book this sentence is worded vaguely and can, pardon the expression, go both ways) that rather than confronting the problem in a critical way that may help a child lead a more healthy life, it is the parents who need counseling if they're upset over a child's homosexual problems!

Customer Reviews:

Compelling but biased.......2007-04-05

Heartfelt and sincere, Dance of the Infidels is Francis Paudras' affectionate tribute to Bud Powell, the modern jazz icon who spent much of his final years in Paris. Paudras traces his relationship with Powell, which began with his adolescent infatuation and idolization of Powell and his genius. Most of the book deals with Powell's time in Paris during which Paudras befriended Powell and actually took him into his home and provided a family for his idol.

Dance is most compelling when Paudras recounts anecdotes from their time together. He dwells at length on Powell's childlike qualities, his need for constant care. Though he takes considerable pains to diagnose Powell and to correct what he sees as misunderstandings of Powell's mental condition, Paudras is mostly content to let Powell's actions speak for themselves. The book is indeed a testament to the power of one person to nurture another through an untiring devotion to not only a fellow human being but also to music and the passions it awakens.

Unfortunately, what makes the book such a rewarding read also highlights some of its weaknesses. Paudras practically deifies Powell. Paudras is quick to soften the harshness of Powell's detractors by portraying them as insensitive to his genius--especially when they are part of the American critical establishment. Paudras feels that only he and "the devoted little band of French fans" are truly able to appreciate Powell's gifts. As a result, Paudras seems content to describe Powell's playing with superlatives and hyperbole rather than apply the critical skills and vocabulary of even the amateur musician that Paudras claims to be.

Nonetheless, this book remains necessary reading for all jazz fans, or even music lovers in general who have sensed the sublime powers of music. Balanced with a more straightforward bio, Dance is a necessary part in building an understanding of the complex figure of Bud Powell.

Francis Paudras-The Amazing Best Friend of the Amazing Bud Powell.......2005-11-04

The relationship between jazz piano genius Bud Powell and maybe
anybody's best friend-of all time-is really only marginally portrayed in the 1986 Oscar-nominated movie,'Round Midnight'-one of my handful of all-time favorites.The film was dedicated to
Lester Young and Bud Powell-and the great saxophonist Dexter Gordon portrayed the burnt out musician Dale Turner.The film is
based on 'Dance of the Infidels' by Francis Paudras about his incredible relationship with Powell-one of the handful of defining jazz pianists,ever-and even among jazz musicians,nobody
ever had a more troubled life;Powell died at 42 in 1966 and there is no question that he'd have died sooner if not for Paudras's efforts.At 62,Paudras committed suicide in France in 1997.It's not easy to find a sadder book-and in terms of race relations-nobody tops Francis Paudras.R.I.P.

an extraordinary friendship.......2005-09-13

"Dance of the Infidels" is an account of jazz pianist Bud Powell ( 1924-66 ) written by his friend and onetime caretaker Francis Paudras. There are a number of reasons why it makes fascinating reading ( virtually mandatory for hardcore jazz fans ); prospective readers should, however, be aware the book focuses more on Powell's personality than it spends time detailing his groundbreaking role as bebop pioneer. Then again, given the notorious and shadowy caricature with which Powell *the legend* has been saddled ( helping to perpetuate his stigmatization, even posthumously ), the focus on Powell *the person* can only be counted a blessing. Above all, this reviewer was struck by their extraordinary friendship, all the more impressive considering the trying circumstances in which they often found themselves.

Paudras makes no attempt to render events in a self-consciously hip tone nor does he attempt to analyze Powell's music in theoretical terms. If occasionally he waxes effusive, he is far from slavishly uncritical or wedded to one particular party line concerning Powell's problems. For instance, while it is well known that the pianist suffered from a brutal beating he received ( from a policeman ) in 1945, which led to physical and mental breakdowns, Paudras also relates the strained relationship Powell had with an emotionally distant father, his marital/relationship strife, the barbaric treatment at the hands of doctors and various medical "professionals" ( administering shock treatments and dangerous drugs ) and from the very beginning of his career, the whole unsavory underworld ( gangsters, club owners and mercenary agents ) atmosphere in which he plied his trade. Trials and tribulations of this nature challenged the hardiest of men; for Bud Powell, unusually sensitive, they turned out to be nothing less than catastrophic. Powell, apart from playing music ( or getting drunk ), seemed to live most fully in the retreat of his mind, a remote and often haunted place. It was therefore no small measure of mercy that Paudras entered his life, first as a fan and later as friend ( "brother", as Powell himself referred to him towards the end ), allowing the older man to reveal himself ( in tones of poignant solemnity or raucous humor ) as he had to few others.

Another virtue: the author, no neophyte, is a diehard jazz fan who knows the music and its history quite well. His inside perspective, after years of living with Powell ( 1959-64), gives evidence of a certain smiling ( but never smug ) awareness of various myths and peculiarities propagated in the jazz subculture. From a purely musical point of view, he is quite convincing in defending Bud Powell from the received wisdom many critics regurgitate to this day; lionizing his output from 1947-53 while denigrating his later work. While the recordings from 47-53 do indeed remain the gold standard, listeners should, in evaluating his later output, rely on the only evidence that really counts, *recordings*; and in using them as criteria, Powell is often found in great form ( e.g., "Live at Lausanne", "Bouncin' with Bud', etc ). Furthermore, in asking for "consistency", critics overlook the fact that Powell, as much as any musician in jazz history, took risks. In the circumstances he found himself, Powell's digital equipment may have been less than reliable but the integrity of his expression ( ultimately what matters most in music ) never dimmed. Indeed, *no* musician played with more intensity than Bud Powell.

In the future, writers will focus more extensively on Bud Powell's music; fittingly so, for such a pioneering musician. But as far as Bud Powell *the person* is concerned, it is unlikely we will ever find an account more sympathetic or revealing than that rendered by his ( now deceased ) "brother", Francis Paudras.

A remarkable story of compassion.......2004-04-08

Francis Paudras was an aspiring jazz pianist who idolized and steeped himself in the music of Bud Powell. Rather suddenly he found himself in the position of caretaker and personal friend of his musical idol. Powell's circumstances were tragically sad. Barely competent to care for himself at this point in his life he was being verbally and certainly financially abused by a horror of a woman named Buttercup. Largely abandoned by his American friends Powell was living in deplorable conditions when Paudras and he became acquainted. Paudras' devotion to his new friend is a remarkable example of human compassion and love toward another human being. Through his efforts Bud Powell was able to experience some joy in his final years although the shadow of his tragic past was always close at hand. Powell's musical accomplishments are legendary and Paudras' writes with passion and understanding of the depth of Powell's talents and of his incredibly far-reaching influence on so many jazz musicians.
This book combines a warm human interest story, albeit with tragic elements, with an examination fo Powell's musical career that results in one of the finest jazz profiles ever published. Highly recommended to anyone remotely interested in jazz. For fans of Powell it is indispensible reading.

A Portrait of a Man.......2002-08-09

Obviously any serious Bud fan will have to read this, being one of only a handful of books devoted to the genius. That being said I ended getting much more out of the read besides examining a period in a musician's life. Even if this book were not about one of my favorite musicians I still would recommend it highly and would call it one of the more interesting reads I have had. (I read it about 6 months ago.)
This book also becomes, inadvertently I believe, a study into human personality. Bud had numerous mental problems, many of which were pigeonholed as manic-depressive or schizophrenic. But the author's fly on the wall psychology savant observations (many obviously from journal entries) show that these diagnoses are simple and barely scratch the surface of the behavior of Bud Powell.
I think about this book often particularly when I am considering what makes a person a person. Before I read this book I thought I had an idea, but after reading it I am not so sure. It also led me to read more direct analyses of personality by Lucan and Piaget.
Bud begins the book in horrible shape, mental & physical, completely reliant on someone who cares nothing for his well being. He is unkempt and rarely speaks. You wonder how he could have reached the age he has with so few of the skills which are required for human survival.
When the author begins to interact with Bud it is almost always wordless, with the author describing Bud's input with non-verbal actions. How "looking into his eyes I could tell how Bud felt."
I was very skeptical believing perhaps the author's worship of Bud were clouding his judgment about Bud. Maybe the author wanted to communicate with Bud so bad he was sub-consciencely creating Bud's side of the conversation.
This hero worship by the author made certain that there was a bias to anything in the book, but a careful reader can still infer what actually took place.(It is nowhere near as revisionist as Miles Davis' autobiography.) And after reading the book I honestly believe that Mr. Paudras would never intentionally lie about anything to do with Bud Powell
As the action of the book proceeds you realize there must be something happening to Bud because of the healthy changes occurring and the gains Bud makes. Bud begins to perform again, gets healthier, and begins to take more control of his life. But major barriers still remain. Often he will only communicate with Francis. It went as far as when someone would ask Bud a question he would ignore it until Francis repeated the question to Bud and then Bud would only answer Francis. Also, Bud was greatly affected by even the smallest portion of alcohol, which would haunt him for the remainder of his life.
By the end of the book I was engrossed. There is even a heart-wrenching climax that was more affecting than most novels I have read. The denouement is too powerful to describe. (I am choosing my words carefully as not to give away anything)
There is a measurable action by Bud which makes me doubt the assessments that he was merely a child with a prodigal gift allowing him to never mature. Apparently, Bud would write poems to go along with most of his songs. Most have been lost. The poem by Bud included in the book is so lucent and shows a startling awareness that I was left contemplating why Bud behaved the way he did. Francis spent so much time with him it could not have been and act. Also, Bud hurt himself by acting this way that you have to believe he would have stopped if he could.
This book has helped make Bud's amazing art even more poignant for me. I believe every person has trouble relating to the world around him or her. To me, Bud music is about expressing these difficulties. Somehow trying to reconcile the sublime beauty of the world with the horrible darkness it also contains.
Although, my belief in heaven is dubious at best, if I could pick two people who deserve to be there it is Bud Powell & Francis Paudras.
My final comments are about the fate of the author who recently committed suicide. After getting to know a side of him through his book. (And I do believe the seeds of his demise are hinted at in the reading particularly in the last scenes.) It also opens up a whole slew of questions about when is life worth living, and is there any reward for those who love and bring goodness to the world when all they seem to receive is senseless pain.
As you can tell I have thought about this book considerably so if you have any insights you'd like to share please drop me a line at derek_weisel@hotmail.com. Thanks. DW.

Dance of the Infidels: A Portrait of Bud Powell

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Dance of the Infidels: A Portrait of Bud Powell
Francis Paudras
Manufacturer: Da Capo
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OSC5MO

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A true story of the Jews of Iraq.......2007-08-05

In this phenomenal book, Heskel Haddad writes of his childhood and youth as a Jewish child growing up in Iraq in the 1930s and 40s, a country where Nazi influence was making life for the Jewish community more and more difficult.
A child passionate about Iraq, Haddad's world is shattered when as a boy of 9, carrying his baby sister, he is attacked by an Arab mob, thirsty for Jewish blood.
At age 11, during the Nazi-inspired pogrom against Jews in Iraq, known as the Farhud, Heskel's best friend and cousin was brutally murdered by Arab pogromchiks leaving Heskel to vow to avenge his blood.
Heskel joined the Jewish underground and became an active Zionist, ferevently following events as they unfolded in the Holy Land, where the Jews struggled to regain a foothold in their ancient homeland, under murderous arab attack.
Furthermore Heskel was following events from a country, where the society and media where hysterically anti-Zionist and anti-Jewish.
Something of the hatred nascent in Arab society for Jews and Israel is preserved in these pages, and we read of how as the conflict developed in the Holy Land, life became more dangerous for Iraq's Jews.
Jews were forbidden to carry or own anything with a Star of David emblem, or they would be guilty of the capital offence of Zionism.
In Nazi Europe they had been forced to wear a star, here they were forbidden from possessing one, on pain of death, a diffrent rule but the same spirit.
Heskel became a medical student at fifteen, and qualified as a doctor, before being forced to flee Iraq, after an unnamed informer made his exitance there perilous.
He then began a new struggle, socially and professionally to adapt to life in the struggling, infant State of Israel.
The author brings life in Iraq, Iran and Israel to vivid colour, as the sights, sounds and smells of the Middle East of the time, comes to life from these pages.
It is a very skilfully woven tapestry of the story of the Jews of the Middle East, of their flight to the reborn State of Israel, and their role within building up the reborn Jewish home.
We learn of how Iraq disposessed all of that country's Jews and forced them to leave, hoping that the entry of hundreds of thousands of destitute refugees would destroy Israel financially and socially.
The refugees were all absorbed by Israel.
And Israel's vicious and loathsome critics have the gall to accuse her of 'disposessing' the Arabs.

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