Works Books

Abrams, accomplished scholar and critic, has created a monument for himself and the best, most reliable, and concise glossary of literary terms. Opening up the recent trends, but not as trends, as developments from within established scholarship and literary science. This glossary is special, with a good index of terms, one for authors, and dense, usable, clearly written articles with further reading, its form is unchanged since it first appeared in 1957. The 8th edition I purchased opens with the Absurd and closes with Wit, Humor, and the Comic. The articles are articles, not just key terms defined, but developments traced and contextualized. This is no replacement for an encyclopedia of literature or an Oxford Companion, but a vital tool next to these. None of us can keep every term in mind, and this is a serious book to help our feeble minds, for which we should be grateful and which delivers bang for the buck.

Every student of literature should have their own copy of this book. Non-students would get a lot out of this too. And while the price might appear excessive, I think in the long-term this book is a worthwhile investment. What makes this guide of literary terms different from others, is its comprehensiveness. Abrams goes into great detail on the important terms that one comes across most often in literature. There is information on theories and movements in criticism and terms such as modernism and post modernism, are clearly defined. there is also material on symbolism, metaphor and other figures of speech and so on. A Glossary of Literary Terms, now in its 8th edition, is written in a lucid style, and is a must buy for anyone who wants to expand their literary horizons. Recommended. 5 stars.

Abrams supplies very nicely written explanations of many terms you are likely to come across in literature, or more specifically, in literary studies. If you have puzzled over an "objective correlative", then he explains that it wasn't due to TS Eliot, as many believe, but to Allston. Though Eliot was the one responsible for popularising the term. Or, if you want to use "doggerel" properly when deconstructing some Bukowski poem, perhaps check Abrams first.

This is a very well-researched encyclopedia covering almost any literary term that comes to mind. Try it, look up the term as if using a dictionary and one finds a clearly written paragraph, if not essay, that explains it all. It also provides links that can point the reader in different directions. In the event of literary jargon overload, there is no better treatment currently available.

As a student, this is an essential reference for me, but it is also something that I would want to keep forever as I think it would be very difficult to find such a useful, interesting and intellectually credible/incredible guide to literary terms. As a future teacher I look forward to using this book for many years to come.

The reader who complains that the 8th edition is radically different from previous editions with respect to the definitions of literary terms such as sonnet and ode is entirely mistaken. The entries on these and other terms are either unchanged from earlier editions or improved and updated. Moreover, a number of new terms have been added.

It's in the knowing of someone that we can develop trust in who that person truly is. This is precisely what our Creator means for us to do concerning Him. Purpose to know Him, believe Him, understand Him, trust Him. As we come close to God through His written word and prayer, we know Him as our Comforter! This book leads us in that direction.

To me the title makes it sound like a book for those of us in need of sympathetic, "touchy-feely" encouragement. Instead I would say it is a book encouraging us to take God at His word, in spite of how we would want to wallow in our own ways, and thereby finding in Him true "rest for our souls."

To understand Scripture and God in a new light is powerful! For example, the chapter that has recently hit me is on Self-Examination. Too often we in the Church are urged to regularly examine ourselves, a practice that often leads to inward, self-centered and myopic, if not discouraging, spiritual vision. Yet in actuality the Bible tells us only to do this in two different passages: prior to Communion and once said to a church to check if "one is in the faith" - a Yes or No question. From that point, Smith writes that we instead read in Scripture to invite GOD to examine US (not we ourselves), asking HIM to reveal in our lives HIS ways and plans; in other words, we are to focus on HIM, learning of Him, growing toward HIM as a result of it being He who we chose to spend time with, about, and for. Taking our eyes off of ourselves, even when looking inward appears a pious undertaking, and turning our examination toward Him gives freedom from self-focus, inherently grows our relationship with our Lord God, and allows our hearts to be changed not from our own working but from God working in us! This was an incredible change of perspective for me!

Excellent, excellent book!

My wife has read this book off and on for years. She decided it was so good that she wanted to give it to a close friend who has cancer. Our friend said he really appreciated and loved the book.
E. T. Owens

Another WOW, just the depth and richness of her writing, and understanding of God, His words, and His LOVE will encourage, and enlighten you, you will be amazed at the simpleness, as well as the profoundness of her words, and more impressive, as it was written in the middle 1800's, and addresses anything that is relevant today.

The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life ( Complete and Unabridged)

I have been teaching this book for nearly a year to my ladies Bible class on Wednesday nights. The class consists of 25 women, who, in varying ways, need to be comforted. Even though this book was written in 1906, and these women range in age from 20 to 60, it is the best book I have found to address each of their needs. This book has taught me that God can and does meet all our needs and even though each of our needs are very different, His way of meeting them, individually, is very similar. Hannah Whitall Smith has a way of simplifying and explaining how God can and will comfort us. Chapter eight, The Lord our Dwelling Place, has been particularly helpful to those of us who have had wayward children. She has a way of convicting us that God is there and He really is Our Father. Even though I thought discussing 17 chapters would be long and redundant, the class has proven to be one of the best I have ever led and the women have recommended it to more people than any class I have ever taught. I highly recommend it.

Easy to read but the message is a bit more subtle. Enjoyed the book for its insights. It is a book to be read more than once to understand the nuances.

I read this book to my yoga classes. Her prose/poetry is perfection meditation material. She's clear with her message. I have bought several copies of this book to give as gifts and recommend this to anyone who enjoys spiritual reading. Short stories alternate with beauutiful inspiring poems.

This book touched me so deeply, I bought ten copies to distribute to friends and family.

Karyn Kedar understands and addresses the sense of loss and isolation which are too often part of the human experience. She confirms that our dreams and hopes are attainable, when we work to connect with others, look for meaning in the day to day, and realize God is found in a myriad of places we would least expect. When we look and listen closely, God is softly speaking to and directing us.

This book is sustenance for the spiritually hungry.

I bought Rabbi Kedar's book after learning that she had been chosen as the Senior Rabbi of my synagogue, B'nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim in Glenview, IL. I am now not only excited about reading her 2nd book, but getting to live these experiences with her on a routine basis. This book lived up to its introduction where it suggested that I would find great comfort in some of what I read in the book, but I will also become fearful of some of the stories as well as angry about some of them. In each case, however, it caused me to reflect on how I would and should react and what was truly causing me to feel the way I did. I think this book will help me in my every day dealing with people. Applause to Rabbi Kedar for an outstanding book (as well as to BJBE's search committee for a great choice for Senior Rabbi!!!!).

Slow down and give yourself a gift and read GOD WHISPERS by Rabbi Karen Kedar. It is one of those amazing texts that seem to speak to you when you need it most. Many of her chapter/lessons will stay with you and "pop out" during your life and the most unexpected moments. Because of her style, you can pick up the book and read it from the start - or middle. Each chapter will add to your life and speak to your soul. How fortunate we are that Rabbi Kedar shares her experiences and wisdom with us! read it and feed your soul!

I am really privliged to be a part of this book as when it was in the makes I was requested by Joan to submit information from my kennel "Harbor Side Mastiffs". This fine collection was put togeather not long after we had a litter of 15 healthy strong pups (Clovite is amazing)that all lived, this was in Feb. of 87' and it was a pretty big deal in the Baltimore Area (the news coverage did a top notch story on channel 13 and was presented by the then anchor Jerry Turner-RIP).
This book has many great pictures and stories along with two of my daughters and their mastiffs. My youngest daughter is only 3 at at the time sitting out in a run with her puppy "Missy"...now she is in her last year of college. My daughter Helen is shown standing on a city street holding my stud dog "Chaucer" as I snap the picture. Now you see one of the reasons that I am crazy over this work. If possible get a copy as there will never be a more complete volume written on the Mastiff then this one.
"Enjoy" Joe Kopeck owner of "Harbor Side Mastiffs"

Please rerelease this book. It is a MUST have for ALL Mastiff lovers. Please Joan, Please.

This is a most excellent and comprehensive book that should be owned by all Mastiff enthusiasts! Don't miss it! The stories give you a glimpse into what Mastiffs are really like in a way that factual, descriptive books just don't do.

This is THE book about the best dogs in the world.
Of all the books on Mastiffs, this one best reveals the nature and specialness of these dogs. The heartfelt stories, the pictures, the tons of advice from experienced breeders and trainers.
Speaking frankly, it's a nightmare to try to find anything in it (it's hard to even find the table of contents!), but actually, that's a good thing because you end up wandering through it enjoying the wonderfulness of these dogs.
I thank my stars I was lucky enough to find a copy at a book store.

Having read other mastiff owner's coppies I want one for myself. I do not have 400.00 to buy one from an auction. It is a top quality reference book on the breed and to have only so few coppies in curculation is a shame.

I am stunned! Never have I read a book that has so much wisdom for the home and family, and I've read a bunch. Our society has slipped so far from nurturing and caring for each other in the home and this should be a must-read for anyone wanting or planning to be married. Although it is faith-based, it chock-full of everyday reasoning and insight that everyone can understand. If you're looking for clarity into the roles of the people who live in your home and how everyone can live up to their potential, this is the one to read.

The material covered in this book is worthwhile and useful. It is, however, written in 19th century linguistic style which can, and for the most part is, difficult to slog through.

This book is not really a book about "homemaking" in the sense of housekeeping. This is a deeply lovely book about what the experience of living in a happy home should be like. This book was written years ago, when people still had the idea that the home and the people in it should be a haven for each other, and a beacon to those in the world. This is a book that calls husbands and wives, siblings, sons and daughters, to a higher vision of a home. It reminds that all are part of this goal.

This is not just a book for moms, though, despite the picture on the cover. One of the most intimate nights my newlywed husband and I have experienced was when I read aloud to him the chapter on Husbands. Just thinking about how we can love each other better and the deep responsibility that is was very meaningful for us.

I highly recommend this book -- the language alone is lovely to read. The style of the book is peaceful and lyrical. This is not a typical self-help book; this is a peaceful, worshipful book.

A MUST for newlyweds, or anyone who wants to be intentional and biblical about their marriage and family life.

I am very much in love with this beautiful work. Many of the passages left me in tears. A call to arms for all Christians. My huband and I decided to give this book as wedding and baby shower gifts from now on. Stirring and well writen...read it, read it again, and again.

I think this book would be great for Newly Married couples. Dont let the girly looking cover fool you. Its packed full of examples on how to treat others. In the intro it said "the aim is to mark out duties and responsibilities of each member of the household..." I really enjoyed it and will have my children read it too.

After much previous reading and study wihtout learning how to medidate reading this little text gives a clear and simple path towards achieving the rewards of medidation.

This book is a blessing

This is an inspiring and practical book with exercises to live lovingly in the world.

The contribution of Delai Lama's writing's in this century may give the world a significant change as it struggles in material pleasures of life. May his message of love and peace win over human suffering and bring about a positive change in people.

Author of "A Hot Pot of Roasted Poems"
Editor of "The Blue Fog Journal"
Rohitash Chandra

Like a few other reviewers, I am in the beginning stages of my practice of Buddhism, and I have struggled with some of the concepts I have read about from other authors, lamas, and practitioners. However, when I read this book by the Dalai Lama, the veil was lifted from my eyes and I literally felt the sudden rush of understanding. Never have I meditated on a topic so deep and full of mystery and felt that it had been explained so thoroughly and with such clarity.

The pages just fly by as you get lost in your own thoughts - your world will be literally turned upside down as you proceed through the chapters. This book will have you thinking long after completion and will allow you to experience your life through completely different (and more compassionate and understanding) eyes.

Highly recommended for experienced practitioners, as well as beginners like me who wish to grasp an extremely deep and insightful concept that will not be explained with better clarity.

This was a wonderfully insightful book that challenges you to take a hard look at the "true you". It makes you think on the choices you have made in life, and where you want to go from where you are now. I found this book very enlightening and found great peace in it's reading. I learned many things about myself that I feel have made me want to be a better person, and I believe it has helped put me on that path. I recommend this title to anyone looking for self awareness.

Unlike many books written for people in the world of business, this book really ties it all together. It not only talks about leadership, core values, and applying them, but also shows us why we don't and most importantly how we can, and why we must.

I recommend this book, as a strong must read for anyone working with or managing people.

With all the corruption being exposed in the business world it is refreshing to read a book that offers solutions that are both practical and easily applied. Every CEO should read this book. It will change your perspective about how we operate both consciously and unconsciously in our work, our world, and how intuition can be our best ally...

This book is a must read for all business people interested in really transforming the soul of the workplace.

As a business consultant, I couldn't agree more with the authors' insights and ideas.

The Inner Edge presents a common sense framework for improved personal and organizational effectiveness. The book is especially relevant in an era of intense scrutiny of corporate behavior and heightened expectations of ethical personal and professional behavior.

The book has an easy to use format with helpful tools such as self assessment exercises, guidelines and charts.

I have been working with individuals and small business for over 30 years in the Financial Services Industry. I have read many books and attended many workshops in an effort to expand my spiritually in both my personal and business life. This book and the concepts and exercises it provides is unquestionably one of the very best I have experienced.
I have ordered the audio CD's to assist me in implementing these concepts in my life. This book and it's concepts will provide wonderful benefits for everyone who puts it to work in their lives.

The title, preface and initial chapters excited me towards this book which i happen to browse in a local book store. I was quite excited and sometimes amazed by the clarity of presentation by the authors in the initial chapters which talks about life and its purpose, understanding and having your own "identity" and also about the side-effects of deep-rooted negative childhood habbits (unfinished business) which some people tend to carry along in their life unknowingly. The techniques to identify your strengths and small steps to be carried out to overcome the negative qualities are somewhat old but polished with new terminologies and jargons.
But I noticed a strange discontinuity in the authors presentation, when they jump into a new concept, so called "Quantum Decision Making (QDM)". The authors does not give good insight into QDM nor establish the relationship between the initial chapters and QDM. Hence overall we are introduced in lots new terms but without clear purpose and reasoning. The case studies of their approach has been clearly separated from the actual text, which was helpful to maintain the continuity in the discussion.
I would been happy or atleast understood the QDM concept better if a limited version of a CD or small visual guide was accompanied with this book. Because of this most of the latter part of the book goes over the head, when the authors talk about "icons", "multicolored 3D visualization" .. etc. Interesting/Useful initial chapters but poor second part.

I was born and raised in Havana. After 13 years of living in the States, I recently purchased this book. The handling of lighting in the pictures is just masterful. Because of my familiarity with some of the places pictured and with the architectural styles depicted, I could almost feel as if I was part of the scene; I could smell the air and hear the voice-filled environment of some of the street scenes captured. This is the best photography book in my collection, despite a handful of pictures being on the weak side as far as the theme is concerned. The rest more than makes up for it. Highly recommended!!

All the pictures are beautiful, the photography is excellent, but some of the images are a little weak and uninteresting. With a little more self-criticism and a little more work the book could have been really good.

I thought it would have more of a written description, not just pictures

I was so surprised that I actually found 2 pages of pictures from my Aunt Amelia Pelaez'house in this book!!! And what pictures!! Shows her bedroom perfectly. Other pictures are of a real and depressing Cuba. Some people think Cuba is a Tourist paradise and they forget the citizens of that same heavenly paradise! Cuban people are dying of hunger and many parts of the city are hidden from tourists, they're not allowed to see the real Cuba, which yu can see in this book. Wonderful pictures of Cuba! Bought 4 kept one gave others as Christmas presents!

This book is such a great buy. The photographs are amazing; filled with rich textures and colors. If you are looking to expand your art library, I would definitely recommend this book.

This book had pictures that I have never seen before and I thought I had seen them all. Worth every penny

I was captivated by this book. James Spada has compiled several well-known photographs with many photos I had never seen. He does not try to analyse or to delve into the behind the scenes. He presents the photos with a paragraph or two, and lets us glimpse into Jackie Kennedy Onassis's life. I was entranced by the pictures of her youth and the pure beauty and joy in several ungarded moments. A beautiful tribute.

Despite her need for privacy Jackie Kennedy was a major target of photographers when she retreated to private life. This is a great collage of her moments being herself in New York City and elsewhere. Whether she was just walking in Central Park or throughout Manhattan, Jackie's poise never left her. The pictures prove it.

I really adored this book - it is so much more than yet another reprinting of the famous pictures of Jackie. The photos chosen by Spada are remarkable in their ability to portray both the remarkable strength possessed by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, as well as her frailties that we can all relate to. While many people have seen the countless photos that have been published of Mrs. Onassis from her birth to death, Mr. Spada managed to select mostly photos that are little-seen, as well as photos that needed no text to give the reader a better sense of the people portrayed in the book. The text that does accompany the photos is well written and restrained. Purchasing "Jackie: Her Life in Pictures" will be money well spent.

The texts are good but particularity the photos, there are a lot buy it!!!The photos chosen by Spada are remarkable in their ability to portray both the remarkable strength possessed by Jacqueline Kennedy .
Jackie: Her Life in Pictures" will be money well spent

I found this book is very useful for my buddhism study, the chapters are arranged in a very organized way. the contents are consise and accurate, it is like a notebook for most of the buddhism concepts and principles.

I really like it, and appreciate the English translation. it's great!

I tried to read Gunther's translation of Gampopa's classic, but was unable to relate to it. If it weren't for Ken McLeod's podcast of his Then And Now class (www.unfetteredmind.com/audio, then go to the Classes dropdown), this translation would fair no better with me. Ken's podcast classes are helping in my developing an experiential relationship with the subject matter. This book, although written in medieval Tibet, deals with the questions of human confusion and struggle that impact us today, and provide direction on freeing us of this confusion and struggle, especially when Ken's podcasts are used as a study guide.

This is a 1958 translation of a classic basic text for Tibetan Buddhist students. I have owned the text before and studied it. It is humbling to 'review' a classic.

This text presents the Mahayana approach with a few references to tantric elements. I use it to review ideas I need to refresh in my mind. The approach is to study the text, think about it and then meditate on what you have read. This is a source book for those persons beginning the approach to Tibetan Buddhism. I find it inexhaustible.

The author, Gampopa, was a disciple of Milarepa and Gampopa's disciples started one of the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. It is one of the standard ways to study the path leading to tantra. It is best, of course, to have a teacher or spiritual friend, to use the standard term.

Most people I know are using to say "that's a hard time to live in". But they change nothing in their lifes, day after day, they weak up and do the same old things...I don't understand why.
Lord Gampopa, in his kindeness, show us a very effective way to review this unhappy situation. This book is a gift from the most elevate kind of intelligence the mankind alredy had made. But it's just for the braves, cause that's a kind of adventure.

I was introduced to this book 18 months ago as I began a four-year Marig Munsel class at Tashi Choling on Mount Ashland. It served as our introductory text, and I've read it cover to cover at least three times. It is most thorough and accessible. I appreciate how topics are introduced, defined, then illustrated with numerous clear examples. Glossary material and appendices are especially impressive. Often the text reads like religious or found poetry, which I find especially appealing and endearing. But my greatest compliment for this text is the simple acknowledgement that my personal spiritual practice took shape and deepened considerably as a result of reading and re-reading and referring to this text.

I highly recommend it for any serious-minded spiritual student, not just those interested in Tibetan Buddhism.

--Robert McDowell, author of the forthcoming Poetry In Spiritual Practice