Cultural Books

When I was just a boy (many years ago), for a treat to myself, I bought the Classics Illustrated comics. The art work and plot were so engaging that I still carry some of those images around in my mind. Jules Verne's "Mysterious Island" and Dana's "Two Years Before the Mast" and many others were indelibly imprinted on my brain so that they could never be forgotten. Little did I realize that these illustrated novels were real literature, that they would lead many years later to actually reading those works. When I spied the life-sized book "Classics Illustrated: A Cultural History with Illustrations," I could not resist buying this book. When it arrived, I began reading a serious history of the Classics Illustrated publications, their awkward beginning and about the lives of their illustrators, and how the U.S. Postal Service effectively drove Classics Illustrated out of business. (It seems that the post office considered this comic a book and not a periodical.) Colorful images taken from the book abound throughout this edition. It's ironic that this very volume of literature is in danger of becoming a classic itself.

CLASSSICS ILLUSTRATED comprised such a crucial, influential, and above all, entertaining part of my youth that they have never entirely left me, and in fact I still have my entire childhood collection, and then some. The author of this book, William B. Jones, notes that his approach to the subject is meant to be objective in nature; but of course anyone raised on CLASSICS ILLUSTRATED can never be completely objective about them, and time and again Jones' understandable passion for these books seeps through. Nor is it simply nostalgia: when I go back to reread old issues it is mainly for the inherent richness of the storytelling and artwork they contain. Where in all comic book history is there a work so profound and moving as the Norman Nodel-illustrated LES MISERABLES, or as sad and tragic as the Angelo Torres-illustrated TOILERS OF THE SEA? Where is the comic book art that can excel, for its sense of historical time and place and fine drawing, John Severin's treatment of the Alamo and the Mexican War in BLAZING THE TRAILS WEST? Has there ever been a swashbuckling comic book so superbly ALIVE as George Evans' treatment of THE THREE MUSKETEERS? As for THE WAR OF THE WORLDS, I wholly agree with the author that it was never adapted so effectively, in any medium, as it was in CLASSICS ILLUSTRATED. I could go on. This is not to say that there weren't issues that were pretty bad, especially in the early days, and Mr. Jones freely admits this. But for those who are already familiar with this series, and especially for those who aren't, I cheerfully recommend this book as a kind of bible to CI and its several related series. I learned so much that was new to me about the issues, the artists, the editors, and the evolution and ultimate decline of the publishing house, Gilberton Company. The packaging and layout and paper quality of the book is a delight. Bravo, Mr. Jones! And bravo, CLASSICS ILLUSTRATED!

Ever said that line? Then you'll love this beautifully written and lovingly researched book about the history of Classics Illustrated.

Jones manages to evoke the characters of the men and women who contributed to this fascinating niche of Americana: illustrators, editors, publishers, and even its detractors. Interviews were obviously thorough, chapters are meticulously footnoted, and yet it reads like ...well, like an engrossing classic tale of adventure! Pick a chapter at random or read from cover-to-cover... it's consistently a winner.

While occasionally too ready with a disavowal of nostalgia, Jones does not hesitate to reveal his personal lifelong love of the comic book series. Truly, the best works of fandom itself can be so endearing, so contagious with admiration and awe. This book is no exception. Like myself, Jones loved the comics when he was a kid. Just as publisher Albert Kanter intended, as an adult I've managed to read every word of the real Count of Montecristo and War of the Worlds and The Moonstone, but I first learned these vivid and amazing tales by reading the Classics versions. Jones augments my personal appreciation and gratitude in this excellent book.

His work was in-depth and, while certainly using a critic's eye, relatively even-handed when it comes to the series' contributors. Now, reading the book, Jones has even made me appreciate the work of Classics artists whose pages I'd previously disliked.

Excellent illustrations, particularly of rare pages and covers, fill the book. Nice personal photos of the artists and editors are a great touch, seeing as this is a book of both down-to-earth and scholarly sensibilities.

Only fault I can find is that the text sometimes refers to a page or panel or other artwork which is not actually reprinted in the book. It can be maddening, at times, because we want to see exactly what he's talking about. My family's incomplete collection lies in another continent, otherwise it would be nice to have it at hand for referencing these things. Keep yours at hand. The book, I suppose, would be gargantuan if Jones did include these bits. So, by rights, it is an excellent book, and I did enjoy reading it.

The thing I appreciate most about this book is the soberness (with no lapses into pretentiousness or portentousness) the author brings to his subject. A survey of Classics Illustrated, to be sure, could have very easily elicited yet another visually engaging pretty-picture book saddled with a stridently jokey, throwaway text --ala Chronicle Books. We can be thankful that the tone here is intelligent, the level of detail scholarly, and very few, if any, stones are left unturned. The author has done all his homework, giving all known writers, editors, artists of the series coverage commensurate with their contribution.

This is a thoughtful, caring volume that is so much more than a tribute to a long-gone comic series, although it could be read as that too. One can't help but feel this is a primer on the way more books about popular culture really ought to be written.

From 1941-71 Classics Illustrated comics introduced millions to abridged, comics-style version of literary masterpieces. Classics Illustrated tells of the birth of this popular medium, founded by Russian Jewish immigrant Kanter whose operations saw both the heyday and decline of the golden age of comics. The focuses on artists' creations is particularly involving.

A great story and a great read about a great commander by my new favorite author, Thank You, Sir. I am going to order "Billy Ruffian".

As a die hard Patrick O'Brian fan and an amateur history buff this book was intriguing to me. It is very well written and presents the life story of an amazing British Navy hero not well known today.

David Cordingly does a superb job presenting the real life exploits of Cochrane, which incredibly are every bit as extraordinary as the fictional exploits of Captain Jack Aubrey in the Patrick O'Brian Master and Commander series.

I highly recommend it.

I am not an O'Brian fan but I do love C.S. Forester. This gripping true life narrative was an easy read and was more exciting than the fiction that used Cochrane as an inspirtation. This unfortunate tragic hero's life is told in gripping detail from his self-claimed sabotage as a naval officer to his failed career as a reformist politician in the Napoleanic Era of England. The scientific advances both in military and civilian pursuits are also touched on as scientific curioisty and their failure to commercially take advantage of their discoveries seemed to have run in Cochrane's family. For those who love those fictious sea tales of both O'Brian and Forester, this is the real thing.

Many readers will come to David Cordingly's The Real Master and Commander from a desire as fans of Patrick O'Brian and C.S. Forester to learn more about the remarkable man whose life provided the raw material for the tales of Jack Aubrey and Horatio Hornblower. Make no mistake, however, Cordingly's excellent historical biography deserves to be read on its own merits.

Lord Thomas Cochrane executed such stunningly audacious feats - successfully attacking much larger ships with his small sloop Speedy, leading an attack of fireships on the French fleet at Basque Roads, and helping Chile and Brazil establish their independence - that one might cry `what pitiful stuff' if one read it in a work of historical fiction. But it really happened.

Cochrane was a flawed man who could not restrain himself from reckless attacks on powerful forces in the navy and the government generally. When he found himself entangled in an infamous stock exchange fraud (the leaders spread false rumors that Napoleon had died and then sold their shares when the market predictably spiked), he discovered that powerful men were only too happy to see him convicted and drummed out of the navy. Cordingly judiciously sifts the evidence of Cochrane's guilt or innocence from our vantage point nearly 200 years later.

In addition to his naval feats Cochrane also fought for reform causes as a member of parliament. His intemperate tactics and language did him little good. Of course, he was quite right in insisting that either the electoral system would be reformed from within or reformed with a vengeance from without.

After several years in the `wilderness', Cochrane sailed to South America and successfully aided the rebellion against Spain and Portugal. He eventually wore out his welcome there as well, in part due to fights over prize money. From there he went to the Greek Fiasco, as Cordingly aptly names it. He spent his remaining years fighting with some success to restore honor to his name. A sad dwindling away for this remarkable man.

A must read for fans of Age of Sail historical fiction and an excellent histroical biography.

I think I am correct in saying that I have read all of the biographies of Thomas, Lord Cochrane, published in the last few decades, and I would rate this volume as the being the best of all, giving good coverage of all phases of Cochrane's long naval and political careers. Unlike some authors, Cordingly is careful to match Cochrane's own accounts of his activities against other primary sources, and to give equal balance to Cochrane's activities in the wars for South American independence with those during the Napoleonic Wars.

Cochrane was an extraordinary man, his genuine history perhaps more amazing than any of the fiction inspired by his real-world activities, this is a biography that does him justice, lauding his good qualities and achievements without hiding his flaws and failures.

It is vital we form mutual understandings between cultures so that stereotypes and prejudice don't start cultural conflicts. Cross-Cultural Communication has helped me in my way of thinking. I am more conscious now of other cultures than I have ever been before. My interaction with others will change gradually as I attempt to work successfully with different people. I will need these skills especially when I leave Tennessee State University and have to work in a multicultural setting or organization.

I would highly recommend this book to any student who is seeking a great source of knowledge in the communication area. Dr. Norales is obviously an expert in the field and delves into the issues by using her knowledge as well as other experts in the communication field. I hope she continues to assign this text to her future classes at Tennessee State University as I feel it will be a benefit to all who read it.

This book proved to be a thorough and detailed text of cultural relations worldwide. I found the book to be full of positive knowledge and culturally beneficial. The information and tools contained in this book could inspire many individuals to communicate well with all people of various cultures. The facts related to cultural negligence and violence are certainly disheartening. However, the reality of "cultural clashes" is not pleasant. It is my hope that more people will read books of this nature to inspire a positive change worldwide.

I would like to say that the Cross-Cultural Communication book was great. It was helpful in many ways. I feel like it will help me as it relates to communicating in the business world. It has expanded my knowledge of cultures. I would recommend this book to anyone. I think that the writers did a great job. They were excellent in relaying the information they had in each chapter.

This book is very easy to read. The sentences are concise. It provides some interesting concepts about intercultural challenges. It inspired me to write a report about my African-American culture.

60th Birthday present for Da, who thought it was brillient!!!

As a fan of military history, I was happy to find a book that tries its best to give a feel for the moment of that historic day. The little extras that are to be found is well worth the price and would be a great Christmas present to a history buff.

This is a fine tribute to our veterans!

Excellent prose and documentation of this historic event.
The book's top secret memos, the diaries of the foot soldiers,
and the immense planning and undertaking of this invasion, as recorded in this book, provided me with an indelible impression
and an appreciation of my parents who were members of this worlds "Greatest Generation."

I will recommend it to any young people who are beginners in the study of WWII and want to understand the history of their country and why we now feel and live the way we do especially
from a military and human point of view.

This book is incredible. It can't be described in words. It is basically a giant scrapbook of d-day - the liberation of Paris. It has pop-out maps and documents that where written to the soldiers e.g. by Eisenhower. If you read a book on world war two you get the normal information, but this book has detail, pictures - and what I call reading easter eggs - inside of it so that it really brings d-day + to life. I know amazon is selling the book for about $30 dollars, and thats probably how much to make the book, but it's educational value and its interest value to me would be over $200. I have to say this is the best book (it's really a scrapbook) that I have ever read. The other good thing about the book is you can pick it up any time and read a section that you seem to be interested in (even though all the sections are interesting). This to me is one of those things that I can show my kids and my grandkids in the years to come. Buy this book and you won't regret it, or miss a single penny that you spent.

Put 'D-Day' into Amazon's book search and you'll come up with over two hundred titles and I expect most will be about the momentous events in June 1944. This book covers them as an 'experience' and I think it does it rather well. Don't be put off when you see it only has sixty-four pages because it includes a lot of other things as well. There are fifty plus printed items which are facsimiles of maps (one is a German map thirty by twenty-two inches) military reports, logbooks, posters, soldiers diaries, a newspaper page, letters and more, they are either stuck on the pages or in envelopes to be removed and examined. One of the nice things is that the reproduction of these extras is particularly good and they do really help to create the experience.

Each spread covers one event with a mix of text, photos (with good captions) a map and other graphics all beautifully presented in a scrapbook format. If I have a criticism it is that the maps, which have a lot of information, are rather small so I had to use John Man's Atlas of the D-Day and Normandy Landings to fully understand the flow of events. While looking at this treasure of printed material you can also hear on the included CD (seventy minutes) the voices of men who were there and made it happen.

This is almost a unique publication but while looking through the Amazon list I came across 'Our finest day: D-Day: June 1944' (ISBN 0811830500) which also presents historical documents as reproductions to be handled but I'll stick with this D-Day experience, I don't think it can be beat.

***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.

Tuhiwai Smith's masterpiece is a must-read for any discipline. Her work questions the most basic assumptions upon which academic research lies; her influence is widely felt in fields as diverse as anthropology, social work, women studies, film studies, indigenous studies, psychology, history, sociology, and ethnic studies. Smith is the Fanon of the indigenous world, and the contemporary academic cannot afford to miss her work.

The chapters are absorbing and surprisingly straight-forward for theory, and can be read separately or in sequence. The work is accessible enough for undergraduate students, but rich enough to serve as a valuable addition to the graduate student's bookshelf.

She reaches both Native and non-Native audiences, and concludes her work with indiginizing projects that detail real alternatives to current practices. An investment you will not regret!

I first read this book for a course in Sociocultural Theory in Anthropology. It has stayed on my shelf ever since. Linda Tuhiwai Smith provides insight and deeply meaningful commentary on the field of social research and its place in the indigenous community. This work should be required reading of all students in the social sciences.

This book outlines important and useful methodologies for decolonization, and should be required reading for anyone who makes public policy.

Smith provides a coherent and detailed alternative perspective for those researching in fields related to indigenous populations. She presents both a theoretical framework and offers very practical suggestions. I have found great value not only in what Smith presents but also in following up readings through those she references. I believe this is a necessary book on any shelf of those involved in such study.

Looking at Western research practices from the ýundersideý of a positivist paradigm deeply entrenched and diffused throughout public and private educational, governmental, and corporate tentacles, Linda Tuhiwai Smith is a Maori (New Zealand) intellectual presenting a counter-methodological narrative stemming from a collective indigenous historical cynicism and whose voice bespeaks the refusal to be objectified by an inherently racist and imperialist mode of constructing knowledge and re-presentations of non-Western peoples. Deconstructing Western research paradigms is simply an act of defiance and resistance for Smith, particularly since she constructs a radical alternative methodology rooted in self-determination, social justice, intellectual property rights, and active participation in all knowledge-making, contributions to the research processes, and dissemination of ýfindingsý. The exigency of articulating a research methodology aimed at critical praxis for Western and non-Western peoples interested in indigenous issues emerges at a point where globalization and neo-liberal imperial practices and investments are opening new spaces for the unilateral and/or predominant benefit of Western research regimes that continue capitalizing and objectifying indigenous peoples through racist and incorrigible projects that erase human dignity, i.e. Human Genome Diversity Project.

The book can strategically be divided into two main sections: the first section explores the contemporary and historical legacy of an imperial tryst between Western scientific, economic, and ideological formations shaping relations with alterity (Chapters 1-5); the second section outlines a radical alternative methodology for conducting research on indigenous peoples and issues (Chapters 6-9). The first chapter reveals the ýEnlightenmentý and positivist threads that weave imperialism, history, writing, and theoretical practices that continue to shape current research and socio-political policies on an international level. Smith states: ýresearch within late-modern and late-colonial conditions continues relentlessly and brings with it a new wave of exploration, discovery, exploitation, and appropriationý (24). Deconstructing the historical legacy of imperial practices is also a call for rewriting and rerighting history with indigenous perspectives. The second chapter outlines the Baconian processes by which Westerners come to view the world as a standing reserve of objects for empirical inquiry, discursive appropriation, and mimetic comportment processes aimed at subjugating and ýcontrollingý nature and indigenous peoples with an intellectual will to power stemming from racist ideologues who trace some form of theoretical lineage back to Bacon, Kant, Hegel, Hume and others. Borrowing from Stuart Hall, this process moves from classification of the world and others, to collapsing images for a convenient system of representation, to presenting a reified model for comparative analysis, and, finally, establishing criteria for hierarchical positionality. Chapter three delves further into deconstructing research, as viewed through imperial eyes, and how this methodology produced a self-perpetuating apparatus comprised of multifarious disciplines for the construction and future survival of colonial ýknowledgeý and all those who invest in these truth regimes that purport to be ýuniversalý, ýneutralý, objectively sound, and constructed on a foundation of ýabsolute certaintyý.

Chapter four and five highlight many instances of how imperial research regimes continue to invest in the discursive and ýscientificý construction, re-presentation, and exploitation of indigenous peoples for profit and social control. The globe has become one large information colony where research is the means to inscribe social and ideological control and Westernized fabrications of history on the backs of indigenous peoples around the world. The most infamous example of how the imperial research regime continues to exist is through scientific projects stemming from private corporate entities mainly subsidized by governments. The Human Genome Diversity Project attempts to subjugate indigenous peoples by mapping and reifying DNA and possessing it as ýintellectual propertyý for future use. The attempt to patent the genetic make-up of the Hagahai people (New Guinea) by the U.S. government is indisputable proof of how these scientific projects threaten the future, autonomy, and human rights of indigenous peoples.

The second part of the book focuses on constructing an indigenous alternative to decolonize indigenous peoples from Western regimes of research based on emergent tribal social issues, practices, and beliefs. The center of this decolonizing project is constructed through Polynesian metaphors of ýspace-timeý. The center of social activity and identity is an archipelago comprised of self-determination in terms of tribal autonomy on a social, economic, and research level, as well as the full participation in inter-tribal and inter-national relations. Healing, decolonization, transformation, and mobilization are the four main ýdirectionsý that frame the spaces of this project. Survival, recovery, and development are the main ýtidesý that connect and transform all directionality of the project. This methodology is intended to transform indigenous peoples from passive objects in Western research to active-participants in an indigenous process of reconfiguring themselves and the world around them. Respect becomes the main affective principle for the survival of indigenous peoples and the project: ýthrough respect, the place of everyone, and everything in the universe is kept in balance and harmonyýthe denial by the West of humanity to indigenous peoples, the denial of citizenship and human rights, the denial of the right to self-determinationýall these demonstrate palpably the enormous lack of respect which has marked the relations of indigenous and non-indigenous peoplesý (120). Without respect, there is no dignity.

Chapter seven outlines a means of articulating such a project to indigenous and non-indigenous peoples and the challenges associated with it. Chapter eight provides a list of current indigenous research projects. Chapter nine provides a case study of the Maori peoples in which the method outlined in chapter six was put into practice. Chapter ten details with the methodological transformation of passive objects to active agents and lists tactics for strengthening and sustaining critical research for decolonizing processes.
Generally, when the researched become researchers, self-determination and healing can take place, communities can create and control research processes and the subsequent naming of the world, and they can define their relationship with others and the environment.

If a critical theroetical/methodological ýflawý or problematic of this decolonial methodology exists, it might come to presence from a post-structural disdain for outlining a process by which people can ýliberateý themselves from Western imperialist research regimes. But then again, post-structural thought is mainly a Western construction and/or response to
'modernity' and its discontents.

Rachel Bagby is a gift to the tribe of women of the world. She demonstrates how the earth heals when women sing. Anything by Rachel Bagby is a great offering to oneself. It is also an excellent choice for a loved one.

A Masterpiece! Rachel, just thank you. For your sweet words, your raw nature, your goddess essence as it eminates across these pages - these fallen trees, that serve the purpose of bringing such a timely message to bare. What you have captured is at the heart of woman, the core of daughterness. May all women know to turn to these pages. May we all come to understand the kind of freedom, of liberation offered in these dancing pages of your tale. For all women you have answered the call. May we listen to what you are truly saying. May we free our tongues, give rise to our sounds. You give possibility a chance to live. . .thank you for holding the vision. Thank you for dreaming us into tomorrow.
I reccommend this to all daughters who are searching for true life, for their authentic selves. Rachel risks showing all aspects, her very multi-demensional nature so that we might become more accepting of ourselves. Her eloquent soundings invite us all to step into our skins and celebrate what we discover. Her book is an invitation, a beckoning. . .I pray more women find Rachel's voice, and use her words as a jumping off point! May we all be so free to find our rhythm, our true nature wanting to live us.

Divine Daughters kept me company on a recent cross-country plane trip. Tired as I was from travleing, book-touring, lecturing, etc., it was impossible for me to put this book down. It is more than an autobiography. It is a story for all daughters (As the author points out, all women are duahgters whatever else we are). Rachel writes to the bone and beyond, to the heart of the heart and the core of the creative self. Her love affair with sound, music, rhythm and life is infectious. In this book she rocks, rolls, muses, soothes and sets the soul on fire. Don't miss out on this one.

I understand Rachel's larger message about the divinity of daughters, all daughters, and the plight of all daughters. To tell her story, she both had to and chose to use her self--and all the life experiences of her self--as empirical evidence.

Her empirical evidence is compelling, profound, and sort of "fetching"; it's wrapped in intimacy, truth, and simplicity. There is something so genuine about it, and even now. . .so amazingly innocent. These things make it impossible not to be drawn deeply to her, to her story. Perhaps my greater truth is that her writing makes me reflect first on my own life in a deeply penetrating way, but soon after, I find I am filled with empathic connections to her life.

The lucky ones will be able to move beyond this place (her memoirs), and embrace the essence of her empirical data to be brought to a new place of understanding about the divinity of women. This is a place larger than her academic accomplishments, childhood family dynamics, sexual assault, life on the streets, or her husband's infidelity.

Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, not every woman (or man) is going to get that, and it is truly bittersweet because to present her empirical evidence any differently would be to take away from the significance of the data that supports her thesis.

It may be called Divine Daughters, but divine sons will also find themselves relating to the meat of what Rachel Bagby has to sing and this book does read like a song. Each chapter is preluded with a musical notation of the author's original music; each chapter peppered with lyrics and poems, pertinent and practical. It doesn't stop there, the poetry leaps into the prose and you only wonder - where's the live music? After reading Divine Daughters, I feel compelled to take advantage of Mother's and Father's Day, heck even phone calls home as opportunities to collect the family stories, the bone and marrow of my upbringing. As a baby boomer with aging parents, I am motivated by this book to get my act in gear, to fast forward the healing of the human species. And that starts right here with myself. And my family. This book is a compassionate guide to that wholing process.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this little bit of nostalgia!!!! I have bought it for a few of my friends and we just love groaning over the things we thought were "too cool" way back when......
we need more of these type of fun, light, crazy books!!! one question, though...whaddya call those yellow thingys that you put in the hole of a 45 so you can play it?????????.........

"Do You Remember" really does take you back. It can best be described as a colorful TV collage in book form. From the Hardy Boys and Lawrence Welk, to Monty Hall and the infamous Academy Awards streaker, they're all here to jog some memories. The authors did a nice job of pulling together the expected (i.e. Donny & Marie and All in the Family) as well as the obscure and unexepected (i.e. Mason Reese, the Underwood Deviled Ham kid). Having the inside front and back covers resemble pages from TV Guide from September 1974 (when Gilligan and The Match Game dominated the air waves) was a clever touch as well.

If you grew up watching TV in the 70s and 80s, you'll get a kick out of this book.

This is a really good book that covers it all.. almost.I'd say it's worth buying and it has tons of info from the 70's and some from 80's- i just expected it to have a lil more info from 80's but other than that it is good and has lots of cool stuff in it. It definetly brought back lots of memories and reminded me of things i havnt thought of in years and stuff ive totally forgoten about yet i enjoyed as a kid. It's a good read with some really cool facts and pictures.

I love this book! It really took me back - I had completely forgotten about stuff like the Five Chinese Brothers and Lip Smackers.

A friend of mine gave me this book on my 30th birthday and it was one of the best presents I ever received. It was fun and the book really took me back to some of the best times of my life! I highly recommend this book for it's memory jogging effect.

A truly unique window into the world of a Japanese family. After the first chapter, I was so interested in this unique man and his wife that I could not stop reading the book. I think both dog lovers and history buffs will find this a worthwhile read.

Martha Sherrill is an extraordinarily gifted writer across many genres. Here, her voice, muted and elegaic, captures a lost world with delicacy and economy befitting its subject matter. So much more than a dog story--although as someone who loves a good dog story I enjoyed it on that level too--it is an unexpected window into an often opaque culture and a love story that transcends a specific place and time..

This book is a rare treasure. As a dog lover, an amateur student of Japanese history, and a resident of Japan, I found it irresistable. It provides great information about a relatively unknown place in Japan, even to Japanese folks. It also chronicles a period of time in Japanese history from an unusual vantage point. The book is an excellent book for dog lovers, but it's about much more than that. It details incredible human relationships in tight, hypnotic verse, it tells about the most beautiful areas in Japan, and it tells about the changing dynamics of Japanese marriage. I read it from cover to cover, totally unable to put it down. A must read!

My mother heard a lady talking about this book at the veterinarian's office and told me about it. I immediately ordered it on Amazon.com.

It is a wonderful story about a man, his integrity, a committed wife, their children, and the Akita dog breed. Even if you are not an "Akita person" I am sure you would find this book very interesting. If you are an "Akita person" I am sure it will be on your shelf of favorites. I will be ordering more for gifts... it's that good.

Thank you Mr. Morie (Mor ee ay) for preserving and developing my favorite breed. I have 3 living Akita's, 2 have passed away, and they are like no other dogs. Their intelligence, judge of character, and loyalty amaze me everyday.

Thank you Ms. Sherrill for sharing this man's story with us. Thank you for sharing Kitako (Mr. Morie's wife) and their children's views also. Thank you for showing us an example of integrity and committment, even though it's not the easy road, it is always worth the journey.

I LOVED IT!

Let's get this out of the way right up front... We are Akita owners so we are slightly biased. Martha Sherrill does a wonderful job capturing the essence of the breed and tells an amazing story. You rarely hear her voice in the telling, but you feel well guided through the tale. As an author she was wise to stay out of the way of this amazing tale of a man who wants, and ultimately led, the simple life. In "Dog Man", Morie remained true to himself and his particular view of the world. He was not without his faults, but his wife, dogs, and yes, even his children loved him. His legacy is one of creation. What Morie created, his dogs, mountain retreat and legacy of kindness resonates with those hoping for something more from the world. In fact, the book makes such an impression, that a different outcome for "Into the Wild" might have occurred had this book been available...

For me... maybe one day my partner and I will end up with our own tin roofed cabin in a spot of the world that takes your breath away. Of course when I say "cabin of our own" that includes an Akita sleeping on the bed. Morie and Uesugi would not have approved of an Akita in the bed, but I bet Kitako would not mind so much!

Thank you Martha Sherrill for writing this book. Even though it is only March, I now know what our friends will be getting for Christmas this year.

This well-researched book includes the a "Cultural Poisoning" self-test. The idea is that with the help of the book, one can move from a state of being Culturally Poisoned and onward to a state of Cultural Literacy and even to a Zone of Optimal Development.

This book is very useful for people of all races and backgrounds.

I must commend brothah Aunk for his scholarship. "DoubleSpeak in Black and White", a book which has been obviously put together with much thought, and investigation/research, in those areas concerning some of the particulars in providing specific tools for those of us who have not had much success in articulating concerns relative to understanding much of what has been passed down to us here in the western civilizations. Yes, I said "tool". 'Doublespeak" can certainly be considered a "tool" or a handy guide of the present and future. For those of you who have not had time to read "doublespeak", I would highly recommend that you do.

"DoubleSpeak" addresses areas of concern pertinent to what our understanding of not only the culture we live in, but also, how we view ourselves as "Africans" in a world colonized by "antihumanist". [An American who is in favor of life liberty and the pursuit of happiness for some] as written by brothah Aunk.

Brothah Aunk cleverly coins the term "AIDS" [Acquired Information Deficiency Syndrome] as a descriptive diagnosis of some of the ills or dis-ease we manifest [unknowingly most times] due to programming and conditioning via the various institutions set up here in the west and other parts of the world. [educational, political, religious, ect.] For example Aunk refers to some of the strains of AIDS as WorldView AIDS, Medical AIDS, Image AIDS, Geography AIDS, American History AIDS, Melanin AIDS, ect.

As you will notice these phrases have been sectioned into small groups of information assisting you in your understanding of Cultural Illiteracy and Cultural Poisoning. [See Aunk's "DoubleSpeak in Black and White" for further details on cultural literacy...cultural poisoning] "DoubleSpeak in Black and White" is a tool, which is able to provide us with concise terms and information relative to each of the strains of AIDS, which in some cases may have affected our ability to communicate information, and to be able to recognize the "mis-information in each of the strains of cultural AIDS. I would also like to point out, that in the context of the book, you'll also find very interesting models and illustrations, which provides you with a visual of important points in the book. Aunk provides several models of the Aunk illustrating it's many functions as used by the ancient kamitians. Fascinating photos and descriptions of melanin, even more interesting are the various step by step models of achieving Cultural Literacy and on to cultural harmony, final phase!...fantastic job Aunk!

Finally, after reading Aunk's DoubleSpeak in Black and White", I have become conscious of certain terms and phrases I had been accustomed to using, which once it had been brought to my attention, via Aunk's book, I realized I had to make certain changes in how I communicate cultural ideas. I was able to recognize how some of what I may have said and how I said them, may have, in essence, been perpetuating Cultural Poisoning. In a time where "race" issues have been the highlight of much our societies discussions, it is certainly good to know that we now have a concise reference guide/tool that can help us to be able to bring to political forums on "race", terms and phrases which can be used universally in articulating our views in a way that everyone present can understand/comprehend, thus providing us with the opportunity to be well on our way to resolving some of the "race" issues in America and abroad.

This handy tool..."DoubleSpeak" can certainly be considered a universal reference guide for not only us but our children and those of other ethnicities as well, present and future! Let's provide a brighter future for generations to come, become Culturally Literate! Also I would like to recommend that we all take time to take the "Cultural Poisoning Self Test" [see Aunk's "DoubleSpeak in Black and White"] in conclusion...I would like to say th-ankh you brotha Aunk for all the positive energy you invested in not only your book...but in "us" as well. For caring enough to provide us with such a valuable tool, which by the way, in developing "our" own schools in the future and for those of us who teach, this book can be used as an excellent reference guide for teaching adults and children in schools, or wherever it is you teach...Aunk's book, "DoubleSpeak in Black and White" comes highly recommended by me!... ....in keeping the cypher in motion... Omniversal love and respect to all!!

"... If you and I would just realize, that once we learn to talk the language that they understand, they will then get the point. You can't ever reach a man if you don't speak his language. If a man speaks the language of brute force, you can't come to him with peace. Why goodnight! He'll break you in two, as he has been doing all along. If a man speaks French, you can't speak to him in German. If he speaks Swahili, you can't communicate with him in Chinese. You have to find out, what does this man speak? Once you know his language, learn how to speak his language. He'll get the point, there will be some dialogue, some communication, and some understanding will be developed." El-Hajj Malik El Shabazz (Malcolm X)

I have "zero tolerance" when it concerns overtly racist white folks or patronizing white folks who call themselves "liberal." I cannot afford to waste my valuable time explaining the concept of a "just" society to those who supposedly advocate and practice it. I am a part of that generation, born into segregation; weaned into integration; now traumatized by the intransigence of white supremacy. It took me a long time to adjust, but I am clear now. Maybe if I would have had Rudy Aunk's book, "DoubleSpeak in Black and White," when I was younger, I might have become clear sooner and saved myself the heartache.

It is only appropriate that Aunk starts his work in the context of America's last chance to begin any type of racial healing, President Clinton's failed national discussion on race, a plan that I have had very personal experience with. Aunk underlines the reasons why I, and the rest of the country, had difficulty with this discussion-we came to the conference table unprepared because we did not speak the same language. Aunk makes a critical point that if the medical and sales profession can standardize speech within those professions, then the same can be done to raise the ''language efficiency' in our discussions on 'race'. Aunk even offers standard definitions to many of the terms surrounding 'race' in order to begin the standardization process.

From there, Aunk traces the roots of this unpreparedness as being grounded in the cultural poisoning that has taken place since our childhoods. Not convinced of the level of your poisoning? The book even has a very enlightening self-test, if you are not afraid to face the truth!

Need validation of Aunk's position? All you have to do is look at the results of the National Geographic-Roper 2002 Global Geographic Literacy Survey. This study surveyed over 3,000 18- to 24-year-olds in Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Sweden and the United States and found that American students scored next to last lowest score. It is frightening and unfortunate that no one has put forth any "clear" plans to do anything about this except Aunk and a few others. Prevention is a central theme of the book, however, Aunk offers clear solutions for today's stalemated issues. For example, Aunk's commentary of the educational voucher controversy should offend no one, especially if they are really about teaching the children.

Aunk then goes about the task of exploding popular myths and other miseducation while offering an action plan that will help us de-toxify and empower ourselves with cultural literacy.

Probably the greatest concept Aunk puts forth in the book is a question few dare, in this culture of obfuscation, to ask. That is, "now that you know, what are you going to do about it?"

Aunk's book is definitely a must read for those individuals not afraid to explore the possibility of creating another mindset. I think this book should be used as a primary textbook for the millions of institutions in the United States and the Western world responsible for "Diversity" programs. Certainly, the book should be required reading at my job, however, the whites and blacks are severely poisoned, close to cultural death

By Tolbert

I am a European American young woman. My relationships with African Americans at school and work, was not where I wanted it to be. I read DoubleSpeak in Black and White, most of the info was new to me, and has made a big difference. Aunk is right, detecting Cultural Poisoning, and deleting these negative programs from your bio-computer is easy, once you know how. I have recommended this book to everyone in my family, and highly recommend it to YOU!

I am an African American educator. I use to be defensive about my culture. I used the information in DoubleSpeak in B/W to move from cultural defense to cultural offence. As an Elder, I now enjoy helping others do the same.

This provocative book brings forth historical, spiritual, and cultural concepts that have been at the heart of the India since 2000 B.C. By looking to the Vedas, Gupta deconstructs difficult concepts and gracefully explains them in a manner which helps the reader understand the Indian worldview. By exploring the concepts of dharma, karma, and moksha, Gupta brings forth the core values inherent in Indian societies. The need for educating their children, respecting elders, and consistently putting the "other" before the "self". Dr. Gupta provides a window into the world of Indian-ness. This book is not only for teachers...but for anyone looking to explore the unknown terrain of Indian-ness.

Gupta's comparative work offers an important critique of the assumptions of American (and Western) educational psychologies. She gracefully points out that American educational orthodoxies unwittingly overlook the human aspect in the classroom. That is, particularly as they encounter other cultures, Western educational psychologies at times bundle children into developmental boxes which may contradict the children's cultural background, and disregard the power of the familial, social, religious or economic background of the teacher in the pursuit of the West's classroom standards.
Gupta does not speak contra Western educational psychology. Rather, she argues graciously that it recognize itself as a cultural product, and that it not be quick to impose its ontological and practical assumptions on others. I found her insights extremely helpful and inspiring!

Gupta's point that teacher education systems need to take into consideration teachers' own value systems is a suggestion many countries could benefit from hearing. As an American teacher who is interested in educational systems throughout the world, I found this book to be extremely informative and interesting. This book is a fascinating combination of educational theory, postcolonial theory and an examination of both Indian and American teaching methods. Gupta provides well-written background on Indian philosophy, religion and educational practices as well as on educational theorists. I recently took a trip to India and studied the educational systems there - I found her book to be very helpful. Chapter 3 "The Sociocultural Context of Education: Core Concepts of the Philosophy Underlying the Worldview of Indians" clearly outlined the texts and ideas that form the basis of Indian philosophy. Anyone interested in studying Indian philosophy and/or educational systems would do well to read this book. In a world where we are in dire need of intercultural and interreligious understanding, Gupta raises thoughtful questions and proposes timely next steps.

An excellent book!
Presents an in-depth exploration of classroom practice and teachers voices in urban Indian schools, as well as the connections between cultural values and educational values in India. It is about time that such perspectives and aspects are made a part of the wider body of educational research. Very informative. I would strongly urge teachers, school administrators and policy makers to read this book.

A very well written and insightful book that helped me to better understand the intersection and relationship between a society's cultural philosophy and educational practices. The author provided an unusual perspective on urban Indian early education that is laden with implications for all levels of teaching. I found this to be an excellent book!