Titles Books

Thom stablished the foundantions of a new and powefull tool of exploring the non linear behaviour of the physics and byological phenomena. It's impossible to understand the universe and the life evolution whithout help of the catastrophe theory.

I would say his book is very visionary and inspiring of thought. You need some mathematical maturity to understand some of his notation, but there isn't a lot of it. It's more of a science book than a math book in my opinion. His pictures of examples of all of the kinds of the 7 catastrophes were very insightful. This caused me to think of examples on my own.

Rene Thom was the primary force behind the creation of Catastrophe Theory, and this is the book that brought his ideas forth. (This is actually the English translation of his original French edition.)

Thom uses topology as his primary mathematical tool for describing and investigating catastrophes and stabilities. As such, this is primarily a qualitative, not a quantitative, approach. The advantage of this is that it allows Thom to spend a great deal of time discussing general characteristics without getting bogged down in formulae or proofs. Indeed, the book is largely text, interspersed with graphs and only the occasional polynomial or differential equations.

And Thom is very insightful when discussing those general characteristics. Along the way he comments on everything from embryology to societal structures as viewed from the perspective of catastrophe theory. Much of the value of the book is buried not in the technical results as it is in his understated comments and speculations regarding the myriad of applications he investigates. Alot of careful and deep thought is present, and there is a significant amount of pregnant wisdom inside.

I originally came to read Thom via the profound books of theoretical biologist Robert Rosen. As someone not conversant in topology or catastrophe theory, I can say that there were some parts that were a technical struggle, but the content is well worth the effort. Someone versed in the math of dynamical systems and topology would be the more typical target audience.

But I stress again that the technical value is equalled or surpassed by the insights Thom brings to understanding physical systems of many types.

Since there are no publishers notes here on Amazon, I will list the table of contents for you:
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Introduction
Form and Structural Stability
Structural Stability in Mathematics
Kinematic of Forms; Catastrophes
Elementary Catastrophes on R4 Associated with Conflicts of Regimes
General Morphology
The Dynamic of Forms
Biology and Topology
Local Models in Embryology
Global Models for a Living Being (Metazoa)
Models in Ultrastructure
The Basic Problems of Biology
From Animal to Man: Thought and Language

Ballerina Margot Fonteyn's Swan Lake is a beautifully retold classic. The text is enchanting and the illustrations only add to the magnificence of this book. I highly recommend this book for all children.

Margot Fonteyn and Trina Schart Hyman make a great team in this adaptation of Swan Lake. Fonteyn's balletic outlook and Hyman's artistic expression make this fable a great, valuable classic story. I especially love Hyman's drawing interpretation of Odile, known as the evil Black Swan, when she enters the palace to steal the Prince's heart. This would make a great gift for a child any age!!

The reviews for the Margot Fonteyn Swan Lake performance from the '60's with Nureyev, now available on DVD as well as video, are mistakenly appearing on Amazon as though they pertain to her children's book of Swan Lake. I just want to make it clear: Margot Fonteyn also wrote a book for children of Swan Lake. The reviews for her taped performance with Nureyev do not pertain to her children's book and should not be linked to it. I am writing this solely because I would like to make that clear, and I hope Amazon will fix the error. Thanks.

I have browsed through a number of T'ai Chi instructional books, but none compare to the quality of this one. Every movement of the T'ai Chi form is clearly demonstrated with numerous, full-body photographs and detailed written instructions. Correlations are also given between the form's movements and a section of "basic moves" which help train the basic movement patterns of T'ai Chi. I love that the "basic moves" section even includes written descriptions and pictures of common mistakes! In the book, the author also covers some basic warm-up techniques and other essential aspects of T'ai Chi such as breathing. It's amazing how much she packed in to 160 beautiful and inspirational pages.

Another thing I appreciate about the book is that it is a wonderful complement to Tricia Yu's T'ai Chi Fundamentals video that I already owned. Now I can use the video for practice or to experience the flow of the movements, but I can also reference the book for more "static" detail. Oh yeah - the video is beautiful and inspirational as well.

This is absolutely the clearest, most accessible and most beautiful tai chi book I've ever read... everyone on my Christmas list gets this-- from my niece in her teens to my grandmother.

I have looked at Tai Chi texts for over twenty years and this is simply the best text I've ever seen. The photographs, both inside the studio and outside, are lovely and practical. They have a side text and brief remarks in the photo identifying key
points in each posture. The written text is clear and straitforward without the usual overemphasis on philosophy, history, and martial arts. It's really the type of text that any beginner(and even more advanced student)will benefit from.

This was my oldest daughter's favorite book, bar none, when she was four to six years old. Of course, I sought out tales with strong heroines for her and this was the best of many good picture books out there. This is the poetic tale of Jennet who rescues Tam Lin from the fairy queen. A rescue that requires great courage and endurance.

In searching for this book for my younger daughter I realized that our branch of the library had lost its copy. Since it has never been replaced I suspected that it was out of print. I recommend grabbing yourself a used copy while they are available.

This is one of several versions of the Tam Lin legend I've read, and by far the best--even though the other books were highly acclaimed novels. Jane Yolen's version is short but sweet--not to mention haunting, eerie, and beautiful. It's certainly not just a children's book; the spare, elegant writing and magical illustrations should charm readers of all ages who enjoy folk tales of dark magic, forbidden romance, danger and redemption. The heroine is spunky and courageous, the hero enigmatic and seemingly doomed. This is a classic.

"Tam Lin" has been my favorite fairy tale since kindergarten, and Jane Yolen retells it beautifully. The illustrations, too, are wonderful.
I especially like this story, because it is very unique. There is a heroine instead of a hero, Tam Lin and Janet are not a prince and princess, but commoners, and the fairies are evil.
This book is not only for children; teens and adults who are fans of Scottish folklore will adore it, too.
A tear always comes to my eye every time I read "Tam Lin". It will be enjoyed by many generations to come.

So concludes Chief Joseph at the end of this remarkable and touching book, based on an 1879 interview he gave to reporters from the "North American Review."

Joseph, chief of one of the clans of the Nez Perce, reluctantly conducted a four-month war in 1877 against the U.S. government. The Nez Perce, whose traditional grounds were in the western Montana-Idaho-astern Oregon region, had seen their land steadily whittled away by governmental decree and white settlement until, by 1863, they were allowed less than 1,000 square miles. This led to a splintering of the tribe into compliant and noncompliant bands. Joseph, following his father's insistence that the land belonged to no one and couldn't be apportioned by governmental treaty, led the noncompliant band.

Officially ignored for a few years, Joseph's Nez Perce fell under government scrutiny again when an in-rush of goldseekers in the mid-1870s led to increased tension between whites and Indians. The tension erupted into outright violence when a group of young and angry Nez Perce killed four white settlers, and the war which Joseph had tried so long and hard to avoid was thrust upon him.

Although the war was short in duration, it was intense in fighting. No fewer than four U.S. armies went after Joseph. Nez Perce women and children were butchered by U.S. troops and volunteers. Joseph finally surrendered because he was promised that his people could return to their own lands. But they were sent first to Leavenworth, where many of them died from malaria, and then Baxter, Kansas.

Throughout the interview, Joseph continuously expresses bewilderment at the greed of the white men who insist on owning all the land; at the fact that Indians are treated so unjustly, even though all men and women are kindred; at the willingness of the white community to dishonor itself by breaking treaties ("It makes my heart sick when I remember all the good words and all the broken promises," p. 41); and at the arrogance of whites, who just naturally presume that they have the right to subjugate Indians ("I have asked some of the great white chiefs where they get their authority to say to the Indian that he shall stay in one place, while he sees white men going where they please. They cannot tell me," p. 42).

An eloquent and heartbreaking document, one that makes the reader proud of Chief Joseph and ashamed of the U.S. government's treatment of the Nez Perce--a tribe, by the way, that saved the Lewis and Clark expedition at a crisis moment.

Its ironic to give a 5 star rating to a man who's nation was decimated by our government. At first blush its sinful to place an entertainment rating on genocide. Yet how else might you learn of the great wisdom of the Native Americans if I do otherwise. ALL ancient wisdom confirms: 1) Violence comes full circle to anyone, or any nation, that pursues it as a solution no matter what `rightous' banner is used to vindicate it. 2) All governments decay into lying, cheating, and stealing from the governed because unrestrained power steals the soul, the humanity, out of a human being. 3) Only love and foregiveness create lasting change in the world. 4) Nature buries her undertakers--do not abuse her. One definition of insanity is `doing the same thing expecting different results.' This is a must read if you care at all about yourself, your children and the greatness of all people.

Other recommendations:
Wisdom of the Vedas (Theosophical Heritage Classics)
Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao
Illusions
Life of Pi

Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce, who was also known by his Nimipoo name Hin-Mah-Too-Yah-Lahket, gave an interview to the North American Review in l879. This book is a reprint of Chief Joseph's account of the Nez Perce's dealings with their white brothers, the Nez Perce War of l877 which he tried so hard to avoid, and his people's imprisonment on reservations following his surrender. The final portion of the book consists of Joseph's plea that all people treat each other with respect and human decency and as equals. Hin-Mah-Too-Yah-Lahket expresses himself in nothing short of pure poetry. He is generally considered in the Northwestern United States (where he is a hero with a town, schools and numerous memorials named after him) to be one of the greatest Native American orators. This book is a must-read for 1) students of American history and 2) proponents of civil liberties. This edition does contain some strange spellings (e.g., Rutherford B. Hayes is here spelled "Rutherford Hays" and Hin-Mah-Too-Yah-Lahket is spelled "In-Mut-Too-Yah-Lat-Lat"). However, since Snohomish was an unwritten language, the spelling of Nimiputan words and names is anybody's guess. I'm just glad that Mountain Meadow Press reprinted Chief Joseph's l879 article.

Beautiful illustrations and simple prose make this a quietly poetic and aesthetically pleasing selection to read to kids three years old and up. A great introduction to the Native American concept of the seasons of the year and the close and personal relationship with all of Nature.

I was fortunate to hear the author speak in the early 90s in my hometown of Syracuse, NY. He is an engaging storyteller. It was then that I discovered his book. The artwork in this edition is rich and appealing. The vignettes of each moon, combined with the illustrations, make an appealing canvas for young and/or exploring minds.

This book is an excellent work of Native American children's literature. Joseph Bruchac is a well-known Abenaki story-teller who profiles in this book the thirteen moons of the year, and profiles for each moon what is important about that season to different Native Nations. The artwork is a beautiful compliment to the story. If you are looking for a solid and sensitive look at inter-tribal stories for children, this is a great place to start!

I absolutely loved the story line in this book! A Princess is given 3 Princes to choose from to marry. She has a difficult time deciding and in the end chooses the best one. A very fun find for children, and a valuable lesson is learned as well. Definitely an enjoyable book. Great for Multicultural classrooms or integrating Arab culture into the room!

The plot will be familiar to anyone who has seen the old silent movie "Thief of Bagdad." This is a Middle Eastern tale of three princes who search the world for rare treasures in order to win the hand of a princess. Will true love triumph? Wonderful telling of a classic story.

As an ESL teacher, I'm always looking for books to share as a read aloud to honor my students' native cultures. Not only is this a noteworthy book, but the illustrations are magnificent. My students from the Middle East always enjoy the sharing of this story with their new friends. I applaud the princess in this tale for her choice of a prince. Her wisdom is extraordinary; she provides a worthwhile lesson for all students.

We Both Read: Thumbelina is a picturebook adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's classic fable. Like all picturebooks in the "We Both Read" series, Thumbelina is designed to be read by parents and children together; longer, more complex passages are marked with one symbol for parents, and simple sentences are marked with a symbol for children. The colorful illustrations perfectly suit this timeless fairy tale about an extraordinarily tiny girl and the many adventures she has before finally meeting the prince of the flower kingdom. A wonderful picturebook perfect for sharing storytime with young people who are just learning to sound out words.

The Mom's Choice Awards® honors excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. An esteemed panel of judges includes education, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. A sampling of the panel members includes: Dr. Twila C. Liggett, Ten-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of Reading Rainbow; Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco, New York Times Best-Selling Author; LeAnn Thieman, Motivational speaker and coauthor of seven Chicken Soup For The Soul books; Florrie Binford-Kichler, Founder of Patria Press, Inc.- an award-winning independent publisher and Member of The Children's Book Council; Tara Paterson, Certified Parent Coach, and founder of The Just For Mom Foundation(tm) and the Mom's Choice Awards®. Parents and educators look for the Mom's Choice Awards® seal in selecting quality materials and products for children and families. This book has been honored by this distinguished award.

A gorgeous, joyful adaptation of this Hans Christian Andersen classic. Belgian illustrator Quentin Greban (one of my faves!) crafts a beautiful, evocative vision of this magical, though slightly creepy, story -- the perfect look for a classic fairy tale... The text, by educational writer Sindy McKay, is designed to encourage children to read along with adults -- it includes prompts for both adult and child readers, but it's not necessary at all -- an older reader can still easily read the book for smaller children and it will still be very enjoyable. We've read a few different Thumbelinas, and this is by far and away out favorite. Highly recommended! (ReadThatAgain!)

An old story retold with a charming western flair. Our children are older now, but I still look for picture books to give as gifts. This is my most recent favorite. We keep a copy on the coffee table to read to young guests and have several stashed away.

Great story. Great illustrations. Great book!

A wonderful kids book. Engaging story, mine loved it. Wonderful illustrations, kids really enjoy all the visual activity. Fun to read with your kids - we all enjoyed how the story progressed from page to page and have read and re-read it. A nice picture into western, cowboy life and humour.

I love this book! It's a wonderful retelling of an old Jewish folktale placed in a Western setting. The story flows beautifully and the language is fun! Children I have read it to have loved all the western terms. There is even a glossary of some of the words and phrases to help with understanding.

The cowboy in the story is given a beautiful piece of leather which he makes into chaps for himself. As time goes by, the chaps wear out and are remade into something new. The cowboy's life also changes with time. The story is full of warmth and the beautiful illustrations fit it perfectly. They are warm and alive and full of action. A welcome change from many of the newer books today. It is a univeral story of life with a new twist.

This is THE book about the longest-running show in TV history (and rightfully so.) All the profits from it go to charity. I bought it a few years ago. It includes a chapter (biography and photos) on each of the show's four decades; what happened after the show ended; song lyrics ("I watched the tube today, Wall-boy/Captain Super didn't make the grade..."); fan comments; and sections on some of the show's behind-the-scenes people, other performers like Dan Horn, and regular guests like Officer Harry, celebrity guests; and more.

The best thing about this book is all the photos. I loved the photos from the early years. I didn't start watching until the '70s, so those '50s and '60s photos are fascinating to me. I also liked the photos of their live shows (remember Legend City and the state fair?) and the photos of the set. Too many of them look a bit grainy or out-of-focus. It would've been nice to have more photos of Pat McMahon's hundreds of different characters. (That could've been a book in itself!) But since more/better photos probably don't exist, I can't fault the book for not including them. This book is as good as it could possibly be.

It will be of interest to anyone interested in TV history and/or Arizona history. I think it should be required reading for all the masses of people moving here. And if you're a Wallace and Ladmo fan, how can you live without it?

Damn, I miss these guys. Even Gerald. They make me proud to be an Arizona native. Here's to you, Ladmo!

If you grew up in Arizona like I did, and grew up watching the Wallace and Ladmo show after or before school...religiously as I did, you've got to get this book which chronicles the show wonderfully and really brings back very fond memories. KJ Chandler, AZ

When I was a young child in Arizona, I used to watch Wallace and Ladmo every morning before I went to school up until I was 7 and moved to California. I didn't move back to Arizona until I was in my 20's and by then the show had gone off the air. But just because it is no longer on the air does not mean it has to fade away. This book was the greatest gift I could have ever received. Not only could I reminisce about the show I loved as a child but I also learned about how the show started and what happened in the years after I had moved away. And this book is filled with hundreds of photos that bring back so many memories. Even though I only watched the Wallace and Ladmo Show for a few years, it will always have a big place in my heart and I will always be able to relive those happy memories with this great book.