Prose Books

One of the most interesting parts of this book is Schwarz's examination of how Runyon created the special language of his 'Runyonese', of how he put together the language of vaudeville, of the radio, of the criminals slang, of New York City street talk, of Yiddish mamaloshen, to build an idiom all his own yet reflecting the energy and vibrancy of his special world of gamblers, sportspeople, Broadway characters , of all types.
Schwarz is also interested in examining how Runyon contributed to the shaping of our image of New York City, of urban life in general.
An outstanding study especially for those who know who Nicely- Nicely and Harry the Horse are.

"Broadway Boogie Woogie" is a fascinating read, both for anyone who finds New York City a fascinating city and for anyone with an interest in the origins of today's debate about how American journalism does and should shape the popular imagination. In "Broadway," Schwarz convincingly and vividly portrays an early-twentieth-century urban world of celebrity journalists and criminals, those who set the stage for that part of today's popular culture embodied in the celebrity cult phenomenon.
At the same time, he paints a true story of "the American dream," embodied in Damon Runyon, a self-made man who used words--through his newspaper articles to his short stories--to pull himself out of humble beginnings to attain wealth and fame. But while Runyon took full advantage of the elevated status he reached in early 20th century society--somewhat in the tradition of William Randolph Heart--he never forgot where he came from: his wrote about humble men and women with a great deal of sympathy, sometimes even glorifying the lifestyles of the shadowy and desperate. Anyone who ever loved "Guys and Dolls" and "West Side Story" should read this book.

"Broadway Boogie Woogie" is a fascinating read, both for anyone who finds New York City a fascinating city and for anyone with an interest in the origins of today's debate about how American journalism does and should shape the popular imagination. In "Broadway," Schwarz convincingly and vividly portrays an early-twentieth-century urban world of celebrity journalists and criminals, those who set the stage for that part of today's popular culture embodied in the celebrity cult phenomenon.
At the same time, he paints the true American Dream story of Damon Runyon, a man who used words--from his newspaper articles to his short stories--to pull himself out of humble beginnings to attain wealth and fame. But while Runyon took full advantage of the elevated status he reached in early 20th century society--somewhat in the tradition of William Randolph Heart--he never forgot where he came from: his highly entertaining stories about humble men and women were suffused with a great deal of sympathy and sometimes even glorified shadowy and desperate lives. Anyone who ever loved "Guys and Dolls" and "West Side Story" should read this book.

Schwarz has written a fine book that captures the energy and excitment of high life and low life in Manhattan in the first half of the twentieth century. He discusses Damon Runyon's many short stories--including those that were incorporated in the musical "Guys and Dolls"--setting them in their historical context and drawing our attention to Runyon's gift for conveying speech in writing. Schwarz also discusses Runyon's life and his work as a reporter who covered many of the major events of the day, especially showcase trials like the Lindberg trial. If you liked "Seabiscuit," you; will like this book: as with "Seabiscuit," you will come away from Schwarz's book feeling that you have vacationed in the twenties and thirties and have been enriched by the experience.

BROADWAY BOOGIE WOOGIE situates Runyon's stories and reportage in their New York, circa 1929-1946, context and tells us why Runyon's work still matters. The seriousness and skill that Schwarz used in earlier books to examine the writings of High Modernism (Conrad, Joyce, Woolf, Wallace Stevens) he uses here to illuminate the "wiseguy" world of BROADWAY BOOGIE WOOGIE. With insight and compassion Schwarz re-visits this world of gamblers, gangsters, swindlers, womanizers, and cheats and looks at America's ever present yearning to "take a walk on the wild side." The book should appeal to not only students and scholars in American Studies, 20th Century American History, Urban and Immigration History, Working-Class Studies, and American Literature, but also to anyone who simply loves New York.

I dare anyone to put this gem of a book down...

It reminded me of Steinbeck in its efficient ability to weave a complex and rich story full of vivid atmosphere out of so few words. A clever mix of genres too - a modern, original story with shadings of the CSI procedural, the murder mystery, and the spaghetti western. That it also manages to include a believable and satisfying love story makes me wonder if it's already being made into a movie. If so, I can't wait.

Quite simply it's a great story told with fascinating characters that leaves you begging for more. And I'm pretty sure that's all I ask for when it's time to curl up with a good book.

Buffalo nicle, turned out to be a very enjoyable read.
the setting is in AZ and the writer captures the residents down to the tee.
the Homicide detective in this book is very beleivable.
I recieved this book at noon and I did not put it down until evening meal, completed in at bed time. great book.
this is the same author whom wrote BOATSWAINSMATE, so if you enjoyed that book, you will, really enjoy this one.

Pat Johnston has created a wonderful crime novel that takes place in the southwest and blended the crime to one of the finest coins ever minted that honers our old southwest traditions: "The Buffalo Nickel".Adding in bits of history and interesting characters in his book that takes place in Arizona, makes this a great "who-dunnit" read! I'll be looking for more of Pat Johnston's work!!!Harry Moore, Oregon

I really enjoyed this mystery. It reflects the small towns in Arizona and frankly, ended up getting so into the characters and the plot that I finished it in one night. Definitely worth a read.

As the author, I am biased, but can't help but be enthusiastic about the story. Set in Arizona, I tried to convey the beauty and vastness of the desert in my descriptive passages. The novel moves across the landscape describing the natural features and historical highlights of the region, all in the quest to solve a viscous murder and bring a dangerous killer to justice.
The buffalo nickel, found near the unidentified body by the highway, is a vital clue.
The buffalo nickels were produced from 1913 until 1938 and were considered one of the most distinctive American coins ever minted.
This book should keep you on your toes and turning the pages. "I read it in one night..." a reader recently told me.

This book was everything I expected it to be coming from this author. It was concise,entertaining, yet inspirational.

There's nothing like hearing Fred Craddock preach or to read an anthology of his sermons to set your mind spinning off in a million helpful homiletical directions. These sermons are clearly by a master preacher and we are invited into the sanctuary with him as he mounts the pulpit, for just a moment to overhear what he has to say about life, the gospel, Jesus Christ, etc. I found these sermons to be absolutely marvelous--quintessential Craddock and evidence of why preaching can be-- on occasion -- life changing.

Great stuff in these sermons - excellent narrative preaching on a level that reaches the listener. Some good, relevant examples for use in sermons - the story of the greyhound and "Old Frank". Craddock involves the reader in all the sermons in this book. Highly recommend the book.

Ones who read these stories and sermons by Dr Craddock may recognize some of his traits of personality in his styles of preaching. None-the-less, they are all, 'Vintage Fred Craddock.' As Barbara Brown Taylor writes, no one can possibly copy the style or practices of Fred Craddock's preaching. When he has finished telling the story, he drops his head, looks over his glasses with a stony look on his face waiting for the people's reaction...almost like he has just thought it up at the moment!

Two of his best vintage from earlier years that I remember are both the shortes and the longest. When he speaks about "How long does Easter last?" he prods around in our thoughts to see if there is still Hope? From that one to the longest "Living on the Edge," I could not stop reading and laughting!

Lasting from past to future, they are vintage Craddock. Hooray!

Chaplain Fred W Hood

Those who read these stories and sermons by Dr. Craddock may recognize his personality traits found in styles of his preaching. None-the-less, they are all - 'Vintage' Fred Craddock. As Barbara Brown Taylor writes in her introduction, no one can possibly emulate Fred Craddock's preaching. When he has finished telling a story in his sermons, he lowers his head, looks out over the top of his glasses with a stoney, puzzled look on his face, waiting for people's reaction. With an innocent look of interest he seems to be the model, introverted, intuitive, thinker! He gives an impression of one who just thought-it-up at the moment.

Two of his best vintage sermons are both shortest and longest. When he speaks about "How long does Easter last?" he seems able to walk around in our thoughts to see if there is any Hope. His quote about Hope, as "built on the nature of God, Who calls into being what does not yet exist," fits with any good sermon based on Hope!

From the shortest one to the longest, "Living on the Edge," I could not stop reading and laughting! From the earlier shortest to future longest, they are Imaginative, 'Vintage' Craddock. Hooray!

Chaplain Fred W Hood

It's dessert at our house:after we finish a meal around the dinner table, we retire with this amusing book...one to be savored aloud. Ages 5-45 join in the memories and laughter. "More! More!" the family pleads, just as they do for any good dessert. We're just hoping this new author bakes up another soon.

This wonderful little book of short essays/articles provides giggles, guffaws, and chuckles. The topics are universal, and the writing is snappy, crisp, and at almost all times hilariously funny. A great book to read, read aloud, or give to friends--

I hope I'm not biased about this book, with the author being myaunt. I liked this book mainly because it is filled with funnystories that I have heard many times by my family about my aunt growing up on a farm, having her first (and only) baby, and steeplechasing on her mare, Mele (who I might add died several months ago). My Aunt Robin has always been a very enthusiastic person with everlasting energy which you will surely see after reading this book. It tells about daily activities around the farm gone wrong (when Robin loses a battle with a 100 pound, 200 foot hose and she tells about her talent that no one can beat her at: throwing up at inopportune occasions. I'm sure anyone who reads this book can relate to it, especially those who struggle to keep animals under control, and raise one of the strangest kids on the planet (you don't know my cousin Katie Bo!) I also think the chapter titles are pretty cool: "Great Expectations: The Truth About Pregnancy", "How I was Cured of Being a Health Nut", and "Grown-ups Don't Eat Cookie Dough", to name a few. I really encourage people to read this book not only because it is good, but I'm really proud of my aunt's hard work. You should see her desk and computer!

Robin Traywick Williams has assembled a wonderful collection of anecdotes and vignettes portraying the Virginia countryside that she knows and loves. The memories, the families, the dogs and horses, the children [now disguised as adults] who move through these short essays are displayed with great tenderness and humor. The characters, human and non-human, come to life before the reader's eye, and Mrs. Williams's graceful portrayal of all the things that make up her pastoral lifestyle makes one want to pull up stakes and move South.

This is a gem of a book. Take it with you on your next business trip, and escape to a gentler world.

Not only are Robin Traywick's stories engaging, poignant, funny and true, they are well written. (Robin has a master's degree in writing from Hollins College where she studied under Annie Dillard--and it shows.) I have heard many of these stories before, the writer coming from a family who thrives on family tales, but those who have not are in for a treat. The locale might be Goochland, Virginia, but the themes are universal--wrestling with yards of stubborn hose during a drought, trying to keep one's sanity during the addition of a large kitchen, mourning a beloved dog or pony. Some of the memories are sad, some are silly, but the voice is always right on target.

This collection of stories, poems, myths, and Dr. Estes' interpretations will truly amaze you. I listened to the tapes while driving to and from work and also while doing housework. I could not wait until the next listen! Dr. Estes is an exceptional storyteller. Not only does her voice carry such wonder and awe, but it also builds suspense at the right bends and curves of each story. If you love storytelling and the world of the human imagination, you will cherish this collection. Listening to the tapes is nothing less than a celebration of being human. This collection should appeal to all, but especially to women who enjoy exploring spirituality and psychology.

I have used Clarissa Pinkola Estes' material in my psychotherapy practice for many years and have found that the stories help me clarify points and make connections in a rapid, yet heart-felt way. This collection of tapes covers a wonderful range of topics and includes stories that make you laugh and weep and shiver. Dr. Estes' voice is a remarkable gift and she uses it wisely and well. The live format is a wonderful surprise, showing her funny and spontaneous side, which is missing from her studio tapes. One tiny irritation for me was the opening music and narration, which was identical on all of the tapes. Because I consumed these tapes voraciously, one after another, this became annoying. That aside, I encourage anyone who likes a good story and, especially, anyone with some lingering issues to resolve, to sit back and enjoy an evening with Dr. Estes. She is one of a kind.

I had read Dr. Estes' book, Women Who Run With THe Wolves, several years ago. Listening brought back the disturbing and life-changing images and stories of the book. The 6 cassettes cover issues of intuition, body image, women's and mens experiences of sacred power, and much, much more. What I especially enjoyed was hearing Dr. Estes' voice and especially her laughter, which her books couldnt quite commuticate. I laughed, listened, cried, sighed from relief at truths spoken and wrestled with stories that poked at hidden places in my spirit. I highly recommend this,not as entertainment, but as soulfood.

Clarissa Pinkola Estes shares her stories in a lyric style. Her presentation of myths and tales are full of thought-provoking ideas and is presented in her soothing, poetic voice. I think the live audience is a great addition to the recording, it made me feel as though I were right there in the room. Needless to say, I love listening to the tapes, and I learn something new everytime.

This set is a must have! The warmth, humor and wisdom contained in these tapes will last you a lifetime. Dr. Estes is an unbelievable author and storyteller in print, but if you've never heard her voice - prepare to be mesmerized!!

Please see my review of the paperback edition. Although no single book is the final word on jazz, this comes close with a comprehensive description of most of the pioneers of the trad.jazz revival on the west coast. Kid Ory is given his due; and emphasis is given to some of the often unsung heroes, such as Pete Daily, whose early records with Jump, Jazzmen, and Capitol paved the way for Bob Scobey,Turk Murphy,and other groups. Particularly, his coverage of Eddie Miller, Pud Brown, Muggsy Spanier, Wild Bill Davison,Rosy NcHargue, and Yank Lawson-Bobby Haggart's World Greatest Jazz Band is appreciated. This is a must for the library of any Traditional or Classic Jazz buff!

This book stands out as a historical summary of trad jazz! No book is absolutely complete history, but Levin does a superb job of highlighting the trad jazz revival. His accounts of Eddie Miller, Rosy McHargue, Pete Daily, Bob Scobey, Turk Murphy, Muggsy Spanier, and others are flavored with personal reflections and accurate facts., He gives Kid Ory his rightful due, and, although too brief on Bix Beiderbecke, Red Nichols, the Original Dixieland Jazz Band and nothing on George Brunis, he treats the west coast revival of dixieland with much needed love and respect. I thoroughly recommend the book and believe it to be the best on trad jazz in this country.

Floyd Levin has always been a stalwart jazz enthusiast. Living in the Los Angeles area, he has had opportunity to know many of the jazz musicians personally and to share their stories with the readers. As the title implies, this is a personal recollection for Levin.

Floyd's book fleshes out some of the jazz history and clarifies some points. One is the story about the plaque in Touro Infirmary in New Orleans. Trumpeter Muggsy Spanier had a perforated ulcer which was operated by the famous Dr. Alton Ochsner, Tulane Professor and founder of famed Ochsner Clinic. During convalescence, Spanier composed and later recorded a tune called "Relaxin' at the Touro." Previous jazz writings had told about a plaque in Touro commemorating this event. Floyd tracked down the plaque which administration couldn't exactly locate. Because there had been renovation, the plaque was in a somewhat obscure location. Levin interviewed Muggsy about the event and they became fast friends. ( This is frequently a jazz quiz question: In the famous Muggsy Spanier tune, "Relaxin' at the Touro," what is the Touro? Now you know the answer.)

Levin writes about musicians he has known including Benny Carter, who wrote the foreword, James P. Johnson, Milt Hinton, Wild Bill Davison, Artie Shaw, Barney Bigard and many others. He also includes many West Coast musicians with whom he came in contact. There is a chapter on musicians, lesser known, who deserved greater recognition. Two of those included reedmen Pud Brown and Rick Fay.

Levin's concluding chapter covers the struggle to get an appropriate memorial for Louis Armstrong. Funds were being raised by various jazz societies and individuals for a statue of Armstrong to be erected in Armstrong's native New Orleans. He recounts how Bing Crosby donated the proceeds of a concert in San Francisco which put the fund over the top. That twice-lifesize statue of Armstrong stands in Armstrong Park in New Orleans and was unveiled on the nation's bicentennial in Jackson Square in New Orleans. Levin made the presentation, on behalf of the Louis Armstrong Statue Fund, to the city of New Orleans. Four years later, the statue was permanently erected and dedicated in Armstrong Park.

This book is not a definitive jazz history but an interesting view into the lives and careers of musicians who have been influential in shaping jazz--America's Music.

My review of this book is not without personal bias. I have known and worked with Levin on the Board of American Federation of Jazz Societies and have visited with him at various jazz festivals and in his home. Two of my photographs have been included in the book. I am pleased to have known him and congratulate him on completion of this book, his labor of love.

If you love New Orleans traditional jazz, you gotta read this book. Mr. Levin writes about many of the legends of jazz and recounts personal experiences with many of the the jazz musicians. I liked the depth of treatment by the author. He tells you a lot of interesting things about the musicians and their careers, but doesn't go overboard in telling you more than you really want to know. His telling of the story of how the statute of Louis Armstrong made it to Louis Armstrong Park in New Orleans is especially informative. I recommend it to most anyone who has an interest in traditional jazz, but especially to those who want ot knwo just a little bit more about the major players.

Maybe I shouldn't call the book a popouri of Jazz musicians because Levin's stories of the many personalities and events are well organized. However, a mine of classic jazzmen, famous and/or forgotten, are included with stuning, compeling and personal detail. Many talents I followed years ago who'd dropped off the radar, and about whom I've never been able to glean prior information, are included along with their more famous brothers and sisters.

What makes the book a real five star celebration are the first hand naratives along with page turning drama and pictures that carries along any New Orleans, Chicago, San Francisco, et. al. jazz lover. The book is in lyric style just like the music it presents with great pictures as well.

Persosnally I savored the mid-century west coast scenes, documenting what has not prevously been so well described, about Ory and the host of his compatriots including my favorite, Buster Wilson (whom I had never found in any other publications).

For me this is the best jazz book ever -- just what I wanted.

I annually purchase a Louis L'amour book for my dad as he has become an avid reader of his books. The stories take him back to days of Roy Rogers and Trigger. A great read for those who love the duke and weekend westerns.

recivied in less than a week in excellent condition. excelent collection of short western stories

This set of cd's are a great listen-I listen to them at work and even though it would seem to be a distraction, these stories actually help me concentrate. Very enjoyable.

I've been a fan of Louis L'Amour for as long as I can remember and I have always liked the audio tapes, and now CD's, that let me listen to the stories when I am driving. But I do have a couple of complaints about The Collected Short Stories of Louis L'Amour Volume One and Volume Two. First, it would be nice if they listed the titles of the short stories, but they don't. There is no where on the CD itself, the CD case, or the slip cover with the titles of the stories. Why the big secret?

Second, and more important, neither of the readers, John Bedford Lloyd for Volume One and Jason Culp for Volume Two are good at doing voices. Their natural voices are great but then they try to change their voices for various characters, instead of simply reading with their natural voice, and that significantly detracts from the stories. And neither is any good at doing women's voices and shouldn't try. It is embarrassing. It is also embarrassing when Culp does the voices of some of the heros - they come of as either 10 or 12 year old whiny kids (as in The Drift) - or not very bright adults. What is the point? If different voices are important then they should use more than one person to read the story. If not, dispense with the attempt since it detracts from the stories.

Fantastic audio. I have been a devoted Louis L'Amour fan for eons. Another way to enjoy one of my favorite authors. I highly recommend this audio.

I recently read the book `The Colour of Dreams' by Robert Strzalko and I must admit I was impressed. It would not surprise me if it gained a huge interest of the public.
The plot of the book focuses on ... - it's difficult to say. During the whole process of reading I felt as if I was in a different world, sleepy world of dreams. The book is like a journey - from one dream to another. The main element to which the author tends to turn to is a woman who was very important to him. `Was' because it seems as though she is now in a completely different dimension. When I look closer to the situation I think it is he who loved her very much and it is she who might have left him or even passed away. The author tells us what he feels now, what his dreams, memories and wishes are.
I like the way the book is written. It is not conventional but a lot of space between the lines helped me to understand the story better.
From the very beginning there is a mystery that the author reveals to me step by step. It is his longing for something, desire for something. I don't know it yet, I have to guess what it is. This mystery absorbs me, forces me to unravel it. I appreciate the fact that the author treats it with subtlety. What I also liked about the book is its ambiguity. Everything said isn't clearly stated, it gives me free space that I can fill with my own images, which makes me feel more committed to the book.
All in all, I think `The Colour of Dreams' is really worth reading. It was a pleasure for me to get acquainted to it. At the end, I still wanted more. I can thoroughly recommend this book.



Justyna Bechta

"The Colour of Dreams" written by Robert Strzalko is an outstanding and extraordinary book. It seems to be a volume of poems, but they are compounded together and create one seamless story. The book is breath-taking and provoke to reflection on our life.
The story begins with three rhetorical questions, after which we may expect that the whole book is based on an abstract thinking-over. At first sight the book seems to be rather confusing. It covers different kinds of problems which, although are different, create a compact integrity. The author compares life to a dream: "Our Planet moves between shadow and shade night and day In a dream". Like in a real dream, the plot seems to be a little bit secret, magic and sometimes even frightening. The author includes there his doubts about the world's justice, his sadness, despair, he describes all-embracing darkness and his tragic love. He shows life as a full of colours but at the same time faded of them. There is nothing which is stable and truthful; "Seven colours of time remind me that everything is relative".
"The colour of dreams" is well worth reading. It is a riveting and thought-provoking book. It will change the way you perceive the world. It provokes to reflection on our life, on the rules of our world. It is highly entertaining as well as educating book.



Rafal Malinowski

What do we need in our everyday life to organize our thoughts? The answer is dreams.
"The Color of Dreams" is a book which has a great power, power to make you think for long hours even though you will spend les than 30 minutes on reading it. This well written book consists of a set of `stories', and their layout can be sometimes surprising and sometimes confusing.
For me, reading this book was like a journey across authors mind. Every `story' was like a thought. Some of our thoughts are long and organized, and some of them are short and we don't know how to describe them. I must admit though that not every `story' is clearly presented. There are some which I can't understand but that is good because it makes me think about it all over again. The conclusion is that this book has been written for people who like to think a lot about matters which aren't so important for everybody, but are important to see our gray life in colours.
I recommend this book to an open-minded person who likes to compare his own thoughts with those of others. Don't miss it will change the way you look at the world.



Sebastian Ryo Hombek

Have you ever walked through your mind? Yes, walked? Have you? Try to imagine that you are taking a long walk through a park, everything is so colorful and your head is full of thoughts, colorful thoughts.
The Color of Dreams is a book written by Robert Strzalko who probably likes to wonder... To be honest, in my opinion it's not a book that you read through all the pages one by one. You can do that but you won't make much sense of it. That's why it is so original. You read it like a blank verse at first but suddenly what strikes you are the empty pages with only one sentence. That makes you think doesn't it? Just like your thoughts break in the middle.
It's not a book for people without imagination, without sensibility and without something that let's you to stop and look at the world from a distance, from every possible point of view. The dreams of Robert Strzalko concern many fields of life but you can interpret them in different ways. For some darkness means just darkness, but for others darkness is a place of different colors of mind, of pleasures or peace.
Surely this book can be read a couple of times and still we will find something new in it - in us. Some new thoughts will appear; new colors will emerge in our brains. After reading this book, which I recommend to you dear reader, try to think, use your brain and read it again, and again, and again as long as it brings you new ways of interpretation.



Katarzyna Jezierska

"The color of Dreams" by Robert Strzalko is a beautifully written book with poetic descriptions of human feelings and emotions. The most
important aspects it deals with are love and human existence. Reading it
can be a kind of travel inside one's soul.
First of all, the poet tell us a lot about love lost, but still present. He describes a mysterious woman who plays a very important role in his life. Although she escapes him, he is still in love with her. She gives him a chance to change his viewpoint, to see the world in different
colors. The poet suffers because he loves her, but he realizes they can
not be together any longer.
The second aspect of the book is human existence which is described in a very ironic way. Everything is connected with nature. We are all an
inseparable part of it. Nobody can change it but there are still some
people who believe it is possible. One of the examples given by the poet are cities that we have built in order to became more civilized.
Unfortunately, we are now running back to the nature. We have probably
realized that we became slaves of ourselves, slaves of our lust for
power. We pretend to be strong, but in fact we are impotent. We keep in
prison our animals in order to feel that we can take control over
somebody or something.
I would like to recommend this book to those who are willing to
contemplate each line, even each word, very carefully since there are a
lot of metaphors, unfinished thoughts and questions which are not
answered. It gives a reader chance to create their own point of view.
Although, it is not easy to follow, I think it is worth reading it even
more than once because each time you read it you discover something new.



Ewelina Moskal

The Colour of Dreams by Robert Strzalko is one of the most intriguing and thought-provoking pieces of poetry that I have recently read.
I have gone through the book several times so far and each time I found in it something different, something that attracted my attention to a completely new thing. It gave me an opportunity to think about the power of Nature and all the unnamed things that control our Universe. I particularly like a passage which says: "What do we know of love? It seems that we only know of lust, love seems yet to come on our planet further from the sun". The book is written with no punctuation but a question mark. The author has many questions concerning all sorts of metaphysical problems and as I am a person who is constantly looking for the answers, I enjoyed delving into my consciousness to guess the meaning which is hidden beyond the letters, in between the sentences written on a sheet of paper.
I find the book really refreshing, I like its dreamy atmosphere and the choice of topics. Sometimes the conclusion of the author is witty and touches the heart of the matter, e.g. "If you believe in nothing, if you stand for nothing, then in essence you are nothing".
To conclude, I am glad that I have found, or rather that this poetry found me. Surely, I will return to it often for the author's way of perceiving many phenomena is close to mine.



Renata Karal

If you are looking for a book which is completely different from the previous ones you have read "The color of dreams" by Robert Strzalko could be a perfect choice. It is distinct not only in form but also in content. It provides reflection on the world around us as well as offers an insight into human nature.
The design of the book makes the impression that it is comprised of separate poems. However, each part is connected with the previous one when contemplated deeper. The poet asks many questions about the philosophy of life which should be accepted, making the reader think about his behavior. He makes us realize that there are many paradoxes inside us and we often contradict ourselves. One of the passages reads "Why is it more important to find the remains of a Dinosaur than it is to feed hungry children?", showing human's vanity. Many questions are not answered which provokes thinking. The book reminds us that life is very changeable and nothing lasts forever. In its centre is a story about love. The poet brings back memories connected with his beloved woman. Although they are not together any more, she still awakens many emotions in him and he still loves her.
As well as revealing poet's deeply personal feelings, the book offers a truly rewarding and enjoyable journey into the space with plenty of opportunities for reflection on human identity. Its mood is absolutely stunning and the book is really worth reading. I would recommend it to anyone who doesn't want to live an empty life and who wants to have a feeling of the personal fulfillment.



Katarzyna Mazur

`The Color of Dreams' is the first published book, I hope not the last one, written by Robert Strzalko. Strzalko's poem reflects on the meaning of life, it is a commentary of it. `The Color of Dreams' contains several rhetorical questions, such as `Where is love?', or `Why do we dream?'. It allows the reader to wonder about the answers. This book deals not only with different aspects of life, but also with love. Although the author lost a lady of his heart, she is still present in his mind and memories. He does not use any sophisticated words to describe how great affection he feels for his beloved, but the simplicity of his thoughts causes you to think about your own memories.
I have to admit that one reading is not enough to understand this book thoroughly. The form of it is not conventional, and this may make some problems with fathoming the content of it. There is also lack of punctuation which additionally poses unnecessary interruption to the flow of the text.
In my opinion this book is well worth reading. If you have the chance, you should read it immediately. `The Color of Dreams' is the kind of book which will arouse no less emotions than during the first time, irrespective of how many times you read it, and, I am sure, you will find it totally riveting. I am convinced that you will return to this book many times, each time with a new perception.
I would unreservedly recommend `The Color of Dreams' to everyone who is fed up with the old forms of books and enjoys reading ones, making deep analysis.



Magda Wielgosz

`The Color of Dreams' by Robert Strza³ko is a thought-provoking book. It takes the reader on a journey towards self-discovery. The format is unique and rather surprising. It looks like separate poems which should be read as a one story. The reader can go back to his favorite passage without reading the whole book. I find myself re-reading some sentences, which I rarely do. I like the passage "Just live, just breathe, just feel, every moment is perfect, every moment is new". It may appeal to everybody because we can all identify with the author. We all have dreams and we are dying for somebody to tell us that they may come true.
The book is excellent with descriptions of people's feelings, emotions, desires, etc. which are both moving and heart-warming. It retains the reader's interest throughout and gives a fascinating insight into our life.
The author skillfully combines words of philosophy and simplicity of meaning and language which makes it readable and engaging. The author uses rhetorical questions "Why do we dream?" to encourage the reader to think about life and produce an impressive effect.
`The Color of Dreams' is a great book that bursts with optimism. It's the kind of prose that tells the reader that everything is possible as long as you really want it to happen. That may sound like an oversimplified version of new-age philosophy but as the author states "If you believe in nothing, if you stand for nothing then in essence you are nothing". This book's fascinating and sensitively written format is guaranteed to keep the reader absorbed from beginning to end. Don't miss your chance to read it. Once you have read it, you will never forget it.



Adrian Konieczny

The "color of dreams" is a book written with the aim of taking into consideration some abstract entities connected with human's life. Its style is similar to monologue, however it is very original, because it seems as if the author simply transformed his thoughts directly from his mind to the paper. This book contains mainly psychological questions, some of which are answered and some are rhetorical.
Robert Strzalko in his book encourages people to stop for a moment in their busy lives and think about those values which are of great importance, but unfortunately forgotten. He describes people's habits and behaviors as if he was an observer. Asking questions to himself he reveals in a very distinct way the irony of human life which has its backgrounds in all those factors which are imposed on people - by people. This generalized description stands as a stimulus for a reader to understand in a deeper way what do people need, what governs the entire world and how should we find ourselves in this chaos. What is more, this book also makes us aware of the fact that we are equipped with a plentiful source of knowledge and wisdom which is our mind, but the thing is that we do not always remember about it.
I enjoyed the book very much. Each question asked by the author gave me a great opportunity to contemplate, hence to travel in my thoughts to a completely abstract and interesting world. The book is very short because it does not have to be long. Its content is so rich that I spend far more time thinking about it than reading it - and that is the point.



Katarzyna Podkalicka

First and foremost, `The Color of Dreams' by Robert Strza³ko is poetry. For those who do not like poetry it can be a great pain to understand `what the author really wanted to say'. I like poetry and I can say that Robert Strza³ko's work is a great collection of thoughts arranged smoothly into one little book. We may think for a while and ask ourselves if the book is very clever and deals with sophisticated matters or the author was clever enough to put something simple into sophisticated structure. The answer comes just after reading it.
Talking about the language, the author simply plays with `words'. And here `simply' means `just' not `in easy way', because the book is not easy to follow. To understand it we have to make our minds open for new concepts, new ideas which in fact describe totally old thing -life.
The very first page shows how Robert Strza³ko smoothly chooses words and their connotations to create something original : "Do we say elementary because our bodies are comprised of the elements? Do we say holy because our spirits belong to The whole?" Sophisticated thought hidden behind simple structure mingles with simplicity of meaningful expression.
The author's thoughts circle around life: what it is? What should be? What could be? Etc. He expresses his own dreams, which in fact, are our dreams too. He asks questions that can be asked by all of us who think about life, who miss something which could fill its emptiness. "Why do we live on a planet that orbits a star?", he asks. "Just live, just breathe, just feel.", he answers.
The book also deals with love, as almost all of them do. Poet describes woman of his heart. He shows her image and her values by using sophisticated language: by presenting greatly chosen adjectives or meaningful metaphors. We may ask: is it something really extra ordinary? All of the poets do it. It is nothing new, nothing original. But still while reading we feel sympathy towards him, we understand his tragedy, his loss, his pain. "And as I withdrew from her nectar Her yin was all over my yang". (...) "Time, time, time passes by me the pain of what used to be but is no longer."
The atmosphere of this poetry is rather melancholic. Sadness because of the loss of someone important, longing for understanding, both: from other people, and for his own understanding of world. `Stranger killing stranger, Both in the name of God. Brother fighting brother, not by choice it's rather job. What does God think about people killing in His name?('...) `You created my enemy to fill the void. Why is that we need someone to hate? Someone to destroyed?'.
At the end I can say that this book is a small piece of something very big. I believe there is much more behind these words as we usually cannot express everything that we want to say. And if this `piece' is so amazing, the rest must be really ingenious.
In my personal view this book is worth not only reading but also understanding as it provides great nourishing medium for our souls.



Wojciech Trelka

If you are looking for a book providing insight and reflection on various elements of life, about deep feelings and emotions, you should definitely read `The Colour of Dreams' by Robert Strzalko.
In the book, the author shows his reflections about existence and analyzes what is around us. He describes his thoughts and tries to guide the reader through human feelings held deep inside of everyone of us. Interaction with nature is also a very important aspect of the book. The author opens our eyes and gives a new point of view into the world around us. Although this book deals with extremely hard problems, we can see here the story of love and physical desire.
The book has an interesting design and seems to be comprised solely of short poems. It is a huge portion of reflections in a small pill. The writer has created intellectual atmosphere in every page of his book.
I'm not a professional critic but in my opinion this book is aimed for adult people. However, I think that this book is worth reading, especially if you have an open mind and soul.



Magdalena Mazur

"The colour of dreams" a poem written by Robert Strza³ko is distinct and unique in mood, style, and form. It takes the reader on a thought provoking poetic journey.
From the very beginning the author asks many questions to the reader : "What is consciousness? ","Why do we dream?", which makes the impression of dialogue between the writer and the reader making the book more interesting. The plot concerns thoughts about the universe, humanity, and the inseparable connection between them, as " Everything is relative". I agree with author, that human existence is based on Chinese philosophy "Yin and Yang" that are descriptions of two mutually correlated opposites. Every creature can communicate with each other "When I look at the moon, I feel like it saying something to me".
What I like about the book is the statements about human nature, that people should believe in something: God, Love, Freedom because if we believe in nothing, we are nothing. Life is a short but beautiful journey "People die to be born, again and again", every moment is different and nothing stays the same.
My view is that the book is an instruction on how to live in a good way, because according to author's opinion, nowadays, the world consists of many people who are afraid of themselves, they are smiling but they are unhappy. They feel strong desire to posses everything, but at the same time they loose freedom, stop believing in miracles and feeling that the seasons change. I support the author's opinion that the only things that people should do to be happy are: live, breathe, feel and respect others.
The plot of book is believable and interesting. I can thoroughly recommend this book because it will change the way you think about the hierarchy of values in life.



Mirek Suwala

Approaching the first pages of the book, you are under the delusion that everything you are going to read will be undoubtedly be poetry. Soon you realize it resembles poetry perhaps in choice of the topic only, since
its layout is like no other poetry you have ever read. The format reads
more like a series of short stories. In a way it surprises a reader.
After all it's not often that you see pages left almost entirely blank. Its design allows a busy reader to finish it in one setting.
However, the book surely demands multiple readings. The topic seems to be so vast and, what is most important, it makes you wonder about
everything that concerns you. It provides insight and reflection on
various elements of the human condition. I felt this book to be related
to a deeper understanding of our true emotions. The book compiles
reflections on many various aspects of our life being sometimes funny
and at the same time providing nice uplifting.
I recommend this book to anyone with a mind open to new revelations about the world around them and willing to take a trip inside your own mind.



Dorota Kurasz

Poetry is such a wonderful tool for self-expression, emotional release, and creative art. The written word can evoke the deepest feelings, bring a smile, or tear, and reach out to the reader in many ways. Robert Strzalko has published a unique in style and form poem- "The Color of Dreams". It takes the reader on a poetic journey among separate poems which are merged into one captivating story.
Its design allows a booklover to read it progressively, in stages, and at the same time makes it possible to contemplate various elements of the human mentality. The plot focuses on spiritual and mental aspects of life. There are the deliberations of crude and natural emotions, that by the end of the book makes you more aware of reality.
Never before have I read a book that gives so many answers to the complexity of existence. The author wonders what is consciousness and why do we dream. By making references to universe and planets, he obtains general and ubiquitous rightness of life. Moreover, using names of parts of space and nature causes mysterious atmosphere. There are shown diverse features of emotions and pleasures.
In my opinion, "The Color of Dreams" has deep meaning and if you would like to find it, you should re-read passages and go back to these parts which are most challenging to understand. It is clear that Robert Strzalko has a passion for his craft. It is worth reading because it will change the way you see your experience of life.



Marcin Aftanas

`The Colors of Dreams' written by Robert Strzalko is a very interesting and captivating book. I recently read it, and I must say I was impressed, because it was much more enjoyable than I had expected. Never before have I read a book that gave me so much reflection on various elements of the human life.
The book consist of short stories which provide deep understanding of human life, nature and interaction with it, and society:"Societies commit war, individuals commit murder. Is there any difference? Two men started war, two million finish it" The book really stands out. `The Color of Dreams' opens our eyes to many aspects of our lives and provides reflection on it. Not every question is answered in the book, but maybe that is the time for us to think about it.
`The Color of Dreams' is certainly a wonderful book, and was a pleasure to read it. I can thoroughly recommend this book, and I am sure you would enjoy it too.



Agnieszka Pankowicz

Recently I have read an interesting book written by an American writer Robert Strzalko. The book is entitled "The Color Of Dreams" and it is poetry. In general the book is about love, but is not the clichéd one. The form of writing is also original.
The author is lost in meditation about the world, the truth, about his love. At the beginning of his book, he comes to the conclusion that dreams have a colour only when the person who we love is near, close to us. His love passed away. But the reader may ask in what way she passed away? From the real world, or from his heart? Maybe both? However, he still remembers her face, her hair, shapes of her body. The author paints somehow her portrait, he comes back to the moment when he saw her for the first time. Without his love it is darkness. But he still feels her presence all the time, as if she was with him. That is why his dreams are probably coloured.
I would recommend "The Color Of Dreams" because, in an excellent way, it presents an essential part of our life- love and it's absence. Full of reflections on time, truth, and love, the book can be the answer to many questions: What is the most important for us? What should we appreciate before we lose it? It is really worth considering.



AGNIESZKA STOPYRA

`The Colour of Dreams' by Robert Strzalko is a series of short poems. They, however, run through each other so smoothly that you read them almost like a book. A book with a deep personal background that you try to discover on every next page.
The book provides us with an insight into the themes well known to us but very often ignored. They are: war, nature, love, even lust. The author, though, does not impose on us his own opinions on these subjects, but puts them in different light, which makes the reader contemplate them and form his or her own opinion.
Personally, I do not enjoy poetry. There are very few poems I really admire and that was the reason for my scepticism before reading it, but I happened to read `The Colour of Dreams' while listening to Hans Zimmer's music and that made an overwhelming impression on me. Not only did they fit together well, but also the music made me feel what I was reading.
Sometimes ironic, sometimes a bit pathetic, the book still wakes our imagination and senses and that makes it well worth reading. Read it either listening to a good piece of music or in absolute silence. This book will convince you that `dreams have a colour'.



MAGDA G£ÓD

"The color of Dreams" is a well-written book by Robert Strzalko. The author of this book comes from Poland but lives in USA. This book is a sad poem.
The major plot focuses on author's love of a woman who has just died. He is nervously broken down because he loves her so much and can't stand the fact that she just isn't on earth. The author remembers the time when he was with her. Her appearance, way of walking, smell. He also tells about her beautiful eyes. He makes a lot of comparisons. The stars are the most important for the author as well as the bird's flight!!!
This excellent book is full of affection and tells that the love is stronger than death and full of hope to meet afterlife. I fully recommend this book for those who are romantic and sensible. Thanks to this book people can associate their feelings if they lost somebody whom they loved. It is full of truth and it's a perfect description of feelings, especially those sad and psychologically suffering. Makes an unforgettable mood.



Patrycja Zubrzycka

"The Color of Dreams" by Robert Strzalko is a poetic book, which gives the reader insight into the author's personal thoughts and feelings. It presents the world seen by his eyes and tells the story of love to a woman, which is lost.
The book is well-written and it's a pleasure to read it. I appreciate the selection of words - subtle, but expressing emotions and moods. The atmosphere is dreamy, a little surreal, but on the other hand, the book deals with very serious matters. There is war mentioned, reflections of people killing in the name of God or mothers sending their sons to war. Author contemplates on human nature and on nature itself. I especially like the passage about water, which says that there's no life on our planet without it.
Other subjects covered in "The Color of Dreams" are outer space and time. From traveling through time and trips around the sun to Venus, the planet of love. Eventually, love is the main point of the whole story. "I've burnt all your letters, but I would like to have them" - author recalls a relationship with a woman. He shares with the reader his deep feelings and memories. However it's sometimes pessimistic, for example in the passage about God ("Is there God on Earth or in the Sky?"), and I don't agree with every statement.
In my opinion "The Color of Dreams" is a book well worth reading. It is beautifully written and makes one think about life and the surrounding world.



Dorota Slabicka

"The Color of Dreams" is the first public appearance of Robert Strzalko. The form of his book resembles a couple of brief stories rather than typical poetry. However, we can observe some links and similarities between them.
The plot of the book focuses on describing and presenting various feelings and emotions such as love and hurt. What is more, each page gave me enormous opportunity to think deeply not only about people, but also about nature which is mentioned as well. I like the page that asks the question "what is consciousness?" Such a statement led me to contemplating and dreaming about everything. The Color of Dreams is a great and clever book to read. Its form which is more like short stories allows even a busy reader to finish reading the whole story. I find it to be more fascinating and original. Never before have I read a book that gave me so much to consider and reflect about on almost every page. This book gave me the satisfaction of using my senses because it fulfilled my expectation and helped me to understand the text. Apart from these, it served me a positive attitude and optimism.
I absolutely enjoyed The Color of Dreams. It is worth reading. I recommend it to anyone. Read the book and find out.



Sebastian Bana

The Color of dreams is a poetry book which considers many problems of human nature, psychology and today's world. Although this book is not long and you can read it in half an hour, it is better to stop after each part and think it over.
The book deals with abstract notions like dreams or consciousness as well as with more down-to-earth topics such as war, civilization, etc. The writer often asks questions, however, he does not answer them in a clear, simple way (if he does it at all). He wants us to think about those issues and not only in the context of this book but in the context of our life. Questions are of great importance as they are the only punctuation marks in the book. What has struck me the most are the fragments about the mindlessness of some aspects of humanity. The author writes that people evoke wars which do not make sense and build big cities only to escapes from them to nature.
After reading this book I realized that there are so many curious things in the world which I had not thought about. So I recommend this book to anybody who would like to look at their lives from a slightly different perspective.

I enjoy this book so very much. The format reads more like a series of short stories rather than poetry, which I found to be more captivating. This was pieced together seamlessly. I felt this book related to a deeper understanding of our true and raw emotions, mental anguish as well as delight, and physical desires as a human race. I like for my senses to be awakened and my intellect challenged, this book gave me that satisfaction. I continue to go back, reading passages that take me somewhere familiar; yet taunt me to revisit with a fresh perception. He awakened vivid senses with his words; I could see,hear,touch,smell and feel all that he expressed. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an uplifting, refreshing and awakening read!

Author, Robert Strzalko, has carefully honed exquisitely painful yet ferociously beautiful pieces of free verse poetry into a subjective odyssey. Adventure into his world of dreams, erotic love, and nature. His descriptions are vivid. His philosophical observations describe modern man's universal struggle to understand his place in the universe in a modern world out of control and beyond reason. Strzalko alludes to a great love found and lost and wonders why the human feelings of hurt, love and pain exist if mankind is just a small blip on a planet in a infinitesimal universe. (I'm on my forth reading and am going to send them as gifts to friends.)

"The Color of Dreams" was a powerful book to read. Its design allows a busy reader to finish it one setting, but at the same time provides insight and reflection on various elements of the human condition. Never before have I read a book that gave me so much to contemplate on each and every page. One of my favorite passages reads: "Another trip around the sun leaves me feeling as if I've been here before. As though I've been striving all my life to get back to where I've already been."

Nature and our interaction with it is also a big focus of the book. Humanity's irony is unforgiving brought to light in passages such as: "It's funny how we build our cities to escape the untamed wild. But now the city is a jungle, as we run back to nature like a lost child." Although the book deals with such sobering issues, at the core of the story is a tale about love, lost but still present.

I recommend this book to anyone with a mind open to new revelations about the world around them. Not every question is answered in the book, but sometimes the posing of a question is just as life changing as the answer itself.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I received this as a gift from a friend. Although the book seems to be comprised solely of short poems, there is seamlessness to this book. The description "reads as a story" is accurate but is almost an understatement. I recommend this to anyone who has a few minutes to spare each day...uplifting. I find myself re-reading passages, which I almost never do... I love the page that asks the question: What is consciousness? --- no spoilers here!

Antigone is the very best play ever written. It shows how a woman can be just as strong as men and teaches you to follow what's in your heart.

Antigone is the very best play ever written. It shows how a woman can be just as strong as men and teaches you to follow what's in your heart.

I wrote the review of Aescylus below, which is a mistake. I was reviewing another part of the complete greek plays by L and G.

Greens translation and editing of Sophocles is as good as Lattimores Aesychlus(which is the best in the world of classical literature). It is often mistaken that these three plays are of the same trilogy. Actually they are parts of three unique trilogies. So don't be disturbed if you find some minor contradiction in the story lines each triology was ment to be played only once and never seen agains so the author often would be willing to use the same characters to convey different messages.

Antigone is a play about a sense of higher justice than the law. Doing what is right because it is right even if it means death. It is a great look into the greek view of justice. Still today this may be on my top ten play list of all time. I believe that this is the first of a trilogy on the King Creon and his down fall.

Oedipus Tyrannos (Oedipus the tyrant) is about hubris or man trying to rival the gods. Oedipus is also about self discovery and finding out things about yourself that lies just below the surface. It is also about stubborn pride and how it bind you and turns you against those tring to help you. As well it is about the tragedy that accompanies self discovery. Don't try to read to much Freud into this. Again one of the best playes ever written.

Oedipus at Colonus is about redemption of Oeidpus and the freedom that he achieves in admitting himself as human. This is a great play also.

This entire series is a jewel from the classics department of U of Chicago.

Please remove the review that misattributes the Antigone to Euripides and misspells his name - nothing against the reviewer, but it's best not to continue to display such a misspelling. As for the Chicago translations, they are the most even and readable translations of Greek tragedy, albeit with lower highs than the Oxford translations and higher lows than the Penn translations.

This is Volume II of a four volume set "The Complete Greek Tragedies" (Volume I is Aeschylus, Volumes III and IV are Euripides). Like the other volumes, _Sophocles_ is a handsomely bound hardcover with stylized Greekish images interspersed throughout and one on the cover (in this case, a golden hoplite).

_Sophocles_ is light on interpretative materials -- no footnotes and only a brief essay introducing each play (a slightly longer essay introduces the Theban plays as a trilogy). However, since the tragedians are much simpler to translate than, say, Aristophanes (who throws in lots of puns and current event references and untranslateable jokes and therefore really requires some explanation), the lack of critical apparatus is not a problem.

Sophocles, of course, is a must-read. In his writings, drama has taken a step away from the choral Aeschylus and a step toward us by adding more actors and diminishing the role of the Chorus, so he is in some sense easier to read than Aeschylus. Sophocles is also more "tragic" than Aeschylus, less upbeat -- Sophocles's heroes are in some sense transformed and earn the respect of the gods by their subborn loyalty to their own natures, but from a human perspective they always destroy themselves. (A great introduction to Sophocles, while I'm at it, is Bernard Knox's book _The Heroic Temper_.) And, of course, you simply have to read the "Theban plays" ("Oedipus at Colonus" and "Antigone", but especially "Oedipus the King", sometimes also called "Oedipus Tyrannos" or "Oedipus Rex").

Sophocles is a beautiful, insightful writer, and an important part of the Western canon. This edition is a lovely and complete collection of his surviving plays.

The personal history of the greatest Priest/Sorcerer of the Hyborian Age. Very well written and a wonderful look at Stygia prior to the ressurection of the Cult of Set. The similarities between a Stygia ruled by Thoth-Amon and set and the various dictatorhips of our own century (Stalinist Russia, Nazi Germany, Tojo Japan, Pol Pot Kampuchea) are shocking. Its saddening there are so many real world horrors to sample from when creating a book like this.

This book is about the life of Thothamon who is one of the scary and well built characters in Conan comics. It's about how