Cultural Books

submitted for my friend Katy L. . . .
Forthright...gripping...delightful. Reading this book-length interview with Victor Dreke is like sitting down for a chat with a favourite uncle and being totally mesmerized by the story of his life -- which is part of yours, too. Completely uncomplicatedly, he tells of young rebels going on missions with guns that jammed at the crucial moment never-to-be-forgotten lesson on the discipline of weapons-cleaning!); being in Africa with Che Guevara (the beginning of a chain of events that eventually led to Namibian independence and the release of Nelson Mandela); and being an Afro-Cuban at the very beginning of the revolution (he was sent to a town where the rope separating Blacks from whites at Saturday night dances had only been taken down days before -- by a white Rebel Army officer). He describes the thrill in 1953 of hearing that Fidel Castro had stormed the Moncada Barracks. The action went down to military defeat -- but it was a sign that there were people who would never waver, and Dreke responded. Gives you total confidence that human beings can learn how to fight and win. Also paints a convincing picture of why Cuba is part of Africa.

While this book is not always available on Amazon, it is always available from BooksfromPathfinder, an Amazon Z store that you can get to by clicking on New and Used further up this page!

A través de la vida del compañero Dreke vemos y comprendemos los avances del la revolución cubana.

Aunque aquí en el mundo regido por el capital nos alimentan con cuentos del corte "de mendigo a príncipe", hay más provecho en una historia verdadero de una persona verdadera que nació negro -segregado y negado lo mas básico de la civilización- que ha llegado a ser dirigente de revoluciones en dos continentes.

Trazando su vida en este volumen vemos muchos capítulos de la revolución pocos conocidos fuera de Cuba. De Dreke aprendemos la resistencia a las violentas contrarrevoluciones en Cuba mismo y en muchos países de África central.

Los conocedores de la editorial Pathfinder a veces le llamamos "la editorial de los mártires" porque tantos de sus libros más populares dan voz a generaciones pasadas. Sin embargo, los casos como Dreke y Fidel Castro Ruiz nos presta el honor de contar con ejemplares vivos bajo esta imprenta.

¡Hasta la victoria siempre!

Otro título más de los libros de Pathfinder donde dirigentes de la revolución cubana hablan de sus experiencias, dando detalles importantes sobre la historia de la revolución y ofreciendo a nuevas generaciones de trabajadores y jóvenes el ejemplo de cómo luchar contra la opresión y explotación y a favor de la humanidad.

Dreke cuenta sus experiencias en la lucha contra la dictadura de batista, los cambios revolucionarios en los primeros años de la revolución, y la lucha contra las bandas contrarrevolucionarias organizadas por el gobierno norteamericano. Dreke es afrocubano y nos ofrece lecciones importantes en la lucha en contra el racismo. De gran interés es su análisis de la misión internacionalista de los cubanos que lucharon junto con fuerzas anticolonial en el Congo in 1965. Dreke era dirigente al lado de Che Guevara de esta misión. También son de gran valor sus observaciones sobre cuestiones de liderazgo, de cómo forjar un movimiento revolucionario y desarrollar los hombres y mujeres de una nueva sociedad en el curso de la lucha.

¡Un libro fascinante e instructivo! Sus 24 páginas de fotos hacen mucho aún más rico el contenido del libro. ¡Léalo!

Aqui` es la historia de la campan~a de la revolucio`n cubana en contra las bandas terroristas contrarrevoulcionarias en las montan~as del Escambray, suministrado del gobierno yanqui, y la missio`n internacionalista dirigida del Che en el Congo.Victor Dreke fue comandante en ambos dos campan~nas , tambie`n peleo` en contra la dictadura Batista apoyado del gobierno E.U. Fue gente ordinario - trabajadores, campesinos, tenderos, vendedores de calle, estudiantes - que derrocarron el dictador Batista, y hicieron la primera revolucio`n socialista en las Ame`ricas.Mientras hicieron la revolucio`n, ellos se cambiaron a ellos mismos.Victor Dreke fue uno de ellos , despue`s el fue uno de los muchos dirigentes del proceso.El cuenta su historia : la historia del heroismo poco comu`n de la gente ' ordinario'. Nosotros los trabajadores ,campesinos, agricoltores pequen~os, estudiantes y jovenes luchadores por un mejor mundo vamos necestiar estudiar esta historia conjuntos preparar y participar en las luchas que el capitalismo esta` fuerzando a nosotros.

Being an Alabama native, I found this book fascinating! I learned about towns, villages, and communities that I never knew existed. Some of them were very near my hometown. The book contained several types of dead town information. It told of former Indian villages, Spanish, French, British, and American settlements. The earliest date was an Indian village which began around 1200 and died about 1500. When the Spanish explorer and Conqueror, Desoto, came to Alabama, many of his findings were written down. Desoto found Alabama as it existed when the Indians were it's only residents. Harris gives many details of these early events. He also shares later stories of conflict between Indians and early settlers. When people think of Indian/American conflict, they usually think of the Wild West. There are great stories from Deep South too! He also shares stories and events from more modern towns that have failed to last. Some of them existed during the Civil War and some even existed into the twentieth century. Many of these are very interesting as well. If you do not live in Alabama, you might find the book boring. If you live here, you may find there is a Dead town very near you, waiting for you to explore.

This is the most complete Book on this Subject, I have ever found. Mr. Harris did extensive research to compile such an informative and educational Book. I comand him, for his ideals, and even in a few areas, imagnation into reality.

Reliable and exact, are the only words I can use to refer to the excellance of the research that went into this work of Art. Every page has information described to perfection, the areas, locations, times, dates, descriptions of everything are so real, I felt I was there. I learned more, about Alabama than I will ever know, about my own Home State.

Thank YOU Mr. Harris; I spent hours re-reading your excellent work. Please, inform me of any future Publications by you. ( The Author )

While this is an excellent study of Alabama's lost towns of old, I recommend it only for the most die-hard Alabama student/historian. The listings are well-presented and there is much esoteric historical information contained within the covers, but the average seeker of Alabama history tidbits should look for a more general reference.

A decent general and relatively recent Alabama history book is "Alabama The History of a Deep South State" (currently available from Amazon & other sources). Although I don't completely agree with a few of the subjective opinions/views expressed in this publication, I certainly consider it the best history of Alabama to have been published in the last 50 years and do indeed recommend it!

This is the most complete Book on this Subject, I have ever found. Mr. Harris did extensive research to compile such an informative and educational Book. I comand him, for his ideals, and even in a few areas, imagnation into reality.

Reliable and exact, are the only words I can use to refer to the excellance of the research that went into this work of Art. Every page has information described to perfection, the areas, locations, times, dates, descriptions of everything are so real, I felt I was there. I learned more, about Alabama than I will ever know, about my own Home State.

Thank YOU Mr. Harris; I spent hours re-reading your excellent work. Please, inform me of any future Publications by you. ( The Author )

I got this book from a bookseller in my area and was captivated by such diverse accounts. I have some time on my hands and I plan to explore this topic very deeply. I think I will check out everything by Professor Taylor too. This was a surprise and a treat.

This is quite simply put an amazing piece of scholarship that I just happend to pick up at used book store. I am a retired accountant and have never studied such things but was always interested in other cultures and how beliefs are different in different places of the world or in history. I can't tell you that I understand everything in here but this book taught me something important about myself and how I relate to the rest of the world. It's funny how a little book can make such a difference. Actually, the book is not little but it's such an entertaining read for those of us addicted to the History Channel, NPR and documentaries.

This is a very good scholarly collection of articles about death and burial rituals. We ordered this for the library after one of our high school students used it for a report. Her teacher asked us to purchase it.

If your topic is death and burial rituals, look no further. This Berkeley professor collects everything you need in a way that makes sense.

My husband, not involved in the library sciences, thinks it is strange for me to be reading this book at night. I try to read and write about all new purchases for the library.

This book is first rate. A really terrific find from the library that I ended up purchasing on-line for a decent price. Lots of information and it's well organized. You get a good study of comparative religion by way of detailed analysis of cross-cultural and cross-religio burial ritual and ideas about the afterlife. I see that the author has co-authored another book that got a terrific review. I might go ahead and get that too. Of course, it's a specific niche topic and you should share at least a general interest before buying Death and the Afterlife: A Cultural Encyclopedia.

I know for a fact that Ben Feinberg has watched over one hundred hours of "I Dream of Jeanie."

But if that's not enough to convince you to buy his book, you might consider the actual subject matter. How do people in small places not overcome by the hegemony of time and space most people reading this website live with conceive of time and space? Feinberg looks at this, dealing with different categories of time and such from the perspective of the Sierra Mazteca. How do you get to Oaxaca de Juarez from Juatla? Where is the United States, and who are these weird tourists?

Read the book for the answers to these questions and more.

I've been interested in the Sierra Mazateca for years-- after spending time there, I read the handful of books written about it, yet felt that there was much more to be said. I was thrilled to discover that last year, someone finally wrote a well-researched ethnography about it. Feinberg's book is packed with fascinating observations and reflections on the way people in the Sierra Mazateca understand and talk about their lives, history, and "culture." I would recommend this book to anyone with a background in anthropology or a similar field who is interested in cultural identity negotiation and "indigenous-ness," Oaxaca, sacred mushrooms, and folklore about devils and caves.

His analysis is brilliant. If you are unsatisfied after reading through once, then I suggest you purchase another copy and read it over again.

I know for a fact that Ben Feinberg has eaten Armour(tm) Potted Meat Food Product.

It is a great book and a nice additon to my collection of Diana books

The feeling I have when I look through "Diana In Art" is one of comraderie and warmth, of course with a touch of sadness at the loss, but it is a celebration of Diana's loving nature and her generous spirit. It's also amazing to see the different art from artists all over the world who admired the late Diana.

I am one of the artists who contributed to this book, and am honored to be a part of this tastefully written, compiled, and elegantly edited tribute to "The People's Princess." There are a few works by famous artists, but also a large selection of lesser-knowns (such as myself) who contribute a wide variation of creative styles and personal views of the beautiful Diana through their artwork. I received my copy a few days ago and spent several days reading it, and I am honored to have been a contributor to this touching and very warm tribute to Diana. The selections of quotes by Diana herself, and by friends and family, all contribute to the tone and mood of this tribute to her....she is still terribly missed.

I do feel she would've been fond of this book. There are enlightening quotes from a wide source of admirers that cast light on her spirit and life. I am under the impression that Diana wasn't the type to distinguish between the powerful and the common in her regard for people. Mem Mehmet follows suit with his selections which include the unknowns as well as the well established in the art world. I believe this was done in harmony with the way of Diana. Some of the work is serious, some strange, some traditional, some modern, and some simply comical. All are valid reminders of the affection and respect that were intended for her with each of these creative efforts. Most of this art is as original and special as Diana was, and all of it honors her. Congratulations Mr Mehmet, for following through with your obvious and deeply felt admiration for a lady you've helped forever remain in our memories.

Diana In Art is an excellent book of Art and Artists. A must have addition to any library. The greatest artists of the day including Andy Wharhol, Carlee, Andre Durand, Esrael Zohar and much, much more....

Looking forward to more of your books on celebrities!

I expected this book to be fun, I did not expect it to be so poignant and yes, painful. It's a roller coaster ride of memories of where the Baby Boom came from, how it manifested, where it went, and how it dissipated - the most painful chapters of all. It is a well-written eye-opener for those who weren't there, and a nostalgic journey for those who were. It would be too easy to forget - things have changed so much, and not in the idealistic ways hoped for. It's easy to see why. All our major leaders/heroes were assassinated, all our best and brightest were distracted by sex, drugs, rock and roll and the master manipulation of TV. Still, we had vision and we had hope - and Annie Gottlieb captures the basics of what might have been. She even implies it may not be too late. If only that were true.

I read this fabulous book as we went to war with Iraq. The pages came to life and the tears flowed as I was in the midst of the Vietman peace movement, war, politics and social changes leaping off the pages in vibrant, uncensored candor as I sat in my living room listening to the news of yet another war-- the absurdity, the peace protests--greater than ever befor and WORLD WIDE-- the deception of politics and the reverberation of divine righteousness from the far right fundalmentalists. It seemed the force for change made in the 60-70's had been annulled and we fell into the old addage "History repeats itself."

As a late baby boomer riding on the tail of the comet of change,
I was delighted and remorse over reading this wonderfully crafted, personal history of the experience of "my" generation and the reflection of the outcome of all the craziness of those "first wavers" as they matured into the middle age stage of life. Now they are entering the golden age and there is an enormouse amount of work yet to be done, the purpose is still the same but the maturity of experience and reflection can help the Boomers negotiate the course with greater finess and certitude.

I am a gerontologist, received my degree in Gerontology from San Diego State University in 1996 at the age of 38. I now have a greater view on the emense power the Baby Boom Generation had in their youth and what I felt as they co-opted in the 1980 into the establishment of wealth and power. It has been my hope that this "sleeping Dragon" will wake up and arise to the task they were set out to accomplish -- preservation of the earth and humanity from the destructive forces of greed, power, religion and their ultimate "glory" in the destruction of life through war and oppression.

If you are a "Boomer" and want to get reconnected, READ THIS BOOK!! The choice still remains before us-- The Bomb or US.

Ms Gottlieb has an objective but sympathetic view of Boomers and the period known as "the 60s". She presents Boomers warts and all, but still is able to make us feel good about ourselves and our youth.

Ms. Gottleib's retrospective of the Sixties is approached in a manner that makes the reader feel as though they are an intimate part of the research stage of the book. Interview after interview with household names of the time, as well as with those of lesser notoriety, provide honest insight into a time of turmoil on almost every level of existence in the US.

If you were there and don't remember, READ IT! If you weren't there and wish you had been, READ IT! If you're just looking for an intelligent, insightful, well-researched book, READ IT! I would LOVE to have lunch with the author. . .

well, what is to happen when the "ultimate player", who has arranged an impossible game of snakes and ladders by which to try the worth of the object of his seduction is the first one to commit the mistake that gives it all away???
naturally enough, in such a case, she has no option but to call for all cards to be now put on the table - signs and gestures cannot continue to be after this unexpected turn of events: that the creator of the trap has been the first one to go and call the King when the roof was just "not" falling. so what is he to do after this has happened? was the posibility of "his" failing in his books?
as to her, she is only sure that nothing can continue to be quite as it was and also it is somehow a shame that now there is just nothing more to hope for, nothing more to upset the monotony of life all of a sudden. she knew that she would not have failed, but she had simply not expected that he would just rush to do wrong at the very first trial of trust...!!

This is the most famous depiction of the ancient legend of Don Juan, the unrepentant and bold sinner from Spain. A masterwork of Romanticism, "Don Juan" tells the story of Juan Tenorio, a worldly man whose only interest in life is to seduce as many women as he can. He makes a bet with his friend Luis Mejía, to see who is more fortunate with women. Don Juan wins, but his father writes him off from his testament. After that, Don Juan rapes Luis' fiancée. All this gives him, of course, a bad reputation, so the father of his beloved Ines forbids him to marry her. Events unfold then at a rapid pace, amidst duels, murders, illegitimate seductions and tragedy, including the apparition of ghosts. But more than just a cloak-and-dagger play, this work is a fascinating elaboration on the central myths of sin and repentance; of trespassing and divine forgiving; of the redeeming possibilities of true love, as distinguished from the sins of the flesh which lead to hell. In the Spanish world, it is the play that is staged every year, by the beginning of November when Day of the Dead is celebrated. It is a sum-up of the Romantic myth and, as all classical works, it admits different interpretations, from the literal to the philosophical. And it's a lot of fun too.

This book tells of the fascinating story of Don Juan Tenorio, the ultimate player. Don Juan is to players what William Shakespear is to poets. This story is told with a masterful wit, and has an incredibly exciting plot. This book, like so many others, is one of those that many people know, but few have read. This book is well worth the money spent on it.

Don Juan Tenorio is the ultimate player. He is to players what William Shakespear is to poets. This is a fascinating story which talk about Don Juan, a young man that is out to seduce as many women as he can. Not only that, but he is probably the most succesful player ever known to man! find out what happens to him in this classic story full to the brim of adventure and excitement.

For three decades Robin Wright has worked in the Middle East as the best kind of reporter -- a messenger who really listens to people and conveys their messages straight. In this book she draws on a vast network of people who trust her to convey the real experience of Middle Easterners struggling for a better future. She introduces numerous local heroes from Morocco to Iran, who have risked themselves standing up to despotic rulers. Where the West once supported conservative Muslim rulers against Communists, Wright finds that many of the strongest voices for fairness and liberty are socialists or communists. Where the West has backed Muslim autocrats against Islamists, she finds a new wave of popular movements for religious values have become the strongest challengers to autocracy. Wright honestly conveys the difficulties and courage of these activists. She also conveys their despair over the destructive role of US interventionism in the region. As Syrian dissident Yassin Haj Saleh puts it, "However opposed Syrians are to our own regime, they now distrust the Americans more".


I think this is the kind of direct dialogue with local leaders that we need most from our news professionals.

From reading this book, I feel that I've gained a perseective on the current situation in various mid-east countries from a author who knows the region very well and I thought it was very intresting to read about the diffrent climates in various countries and the prospects of change in those countries.

Anyone who wants to see another perspective on the current Middle East should read this book

Ms. Wright has written a State of Disunion for the Arabic countries of the Middle East and North Africa, post 9-11. It is an optimistic report of gradual change against the Islamic fundamentalism (Hamas, Hezbollah) that already function as nation-states. The greatest obstacle to change are the entrenched military regimes and the Western interests. The two freely elected governments were Islamic fundamentalism in Algeria in 1992 and Hamas' victory in 2006. Neither election was recognized by the West. A hopeful sign is that the Internet is being used to connect reformers and spread information. Ms. Wright has written a long, interesting book that is full of insight into the world of the Middle East.

A clearly-written account of the current political and social roadmap in the Middle East. This book contains a lot of information and is worth reading more than once in order for everything to sink in. All Americans, especially Republicans, are recommended to read the final chapter - "Iraq and the United States", which has a long list of shocking stats associated with the war in Iraq.

Lippman's erudite and insightful observations about the world around him are still very pertinent today. Lippman goes on throughout the book to make keen observations about the society around him hoping the reader will take note. The main idea is that the culture has approached a crossroads and will need to make a decision about where to go next: Should the changes and cultural norms be mastered? Or will we just drift along letting them control us. This is one of the first and monumental Lippman works, differing from his post WW1 analysis of the world. Keep in mind this work is the last where Lippman contends that we can still take hold of our destiny and master the changes. With the publication of "Public Opinion" and the new idea of the Phantom public, Lippman has no faith in the public or their observations to take charge and master the world around them. Overall great introduction to Lippman and culture in the progressive era.

Walter Lippmann's vision of a cooperative America in 1914 has withstood the test of time as a paradigm for retaining our humanity during industrialization. His emphasis on science, communication, labor organization, and the women's movement has uncannily mirrored the intervening 90 years. Although a few of his sentiments and observations are outdated, the majority of his recommendations are still applicable to today's society.

The title is the clearest indication of the timeless pertinence of this work. In all eras of change, drift has been of the utmost importance. In today's world of exponentially progressing technology and corporate mechanization, we often feel helpless against the tides of nation-wide change. Mastery, then, is the ability to band together and set those changes on the course of prosperity without sacrificing our individuality.

Lippmann outlines the problems, solutions, and repercussions of mastery. Despite some aspects of the text being idealistic or anachronistic, much of what he predicted has come to pass. Although the average reader like myself may not be able to put Lippmann's ideas into direct action, his concepts still ought to help understand our responsibilities as citizens.

This is Walter Lippmann's erudite and often perspicuous examination of the "progressing" American society of the early twentieth century. For Lippmann society is in a constant state of drift and confusion. The confusion is promulgated throughout society by means of the large scale shift from pre-modern industrialism to modern industrialism. In order to obtain mastery what new forms of cohesion have to emerge? Lippmann rejects laissez-fair, William Graham Sumner's brand of individualism, and aligns himself with men like Herbert Croly (his soon to be partner at the New Republic). Society needs cohesion. Lippmann's answer, similar to Croly's, is pluralism (this is mastery). He does not buy the totally homogenous vision of society. Instead his vision is pluralist - large interest groups are emerging and social order can be achieved if a balance or common principle can be met between these common interest groups. In Drift and Mastery Lippmann discusses organized labor (in which he welcomes unions distinguishing himself from Croly), the consumer movement (the importance of objective consumer advice), the women's movement, and corporate managers (Lippmann had already abandoned his previous attraction to socialism. For Lippmann socialism was no longer needed because the robber barons were being replaced by socially minded managers who wanted to establish market share. Ownership is being democratized by the share of stock.
The book is rooted in actual observation allowing its readers to identify with it immediately. In it they observe the new modern era that is taking shape. How will the problems be solved? Lippmann sees science replacing religion as the primary device for solving peoples' problems. Science is the discipline of democracy. Science is no longer a threat. Instead it is a good thing in the Progressive Era.

This is Walter Lippmann's erudite and often perspicuous examination of the "progressing" American society of the early twentieth century. For Lippmann society is in a constant state of drift and confusion. The confusion is promulgated throughout society by means of the large scale shift from pre-modern industrialism to modern industrialism. In order to obtain mastery what new forms of cohesion have to emerge? Lippmann rejects laissez-fair, William Graham Sumner's brand of individualism, and aligns himself with men like Herbert Croly (his soon to be partner at the New Republic). Society needs cohesion. Lippmann's answer, similar to Croly's, is pluralism (this is mastery). He does not buy the totally homogenous vision of society. Instead his vision is pluralist - large interest groups are emerging and social order can be achieved if a balance or common principle can be met between these common interest groups. In Drift and Mastery Lippmann discusses organized labor (in which he welcomes unions distinguishing himself from Croly), the consumer movement (the importance of objective consumer advice), the women's movement, and corporate managers (Lippmann had already abandoned his previous attraction to socialism). For Lippmann socialism was no longer needed because the robber barons were being replaced by socially minded managers who wanted to establish market share. Ownership is being democratized by the share of stock.
The book is rooted in actual observation allowing its readers to identify with it immediately. In it they observe the new modern era that is taking shape. How will the problems be solved? Lippmann sees science replacing religion as the primary device for solving peoples' problems. Science is the discipline of democracy. Science is no longer a threat. Instead it is a good thing in the Progressive Era. Lippmann even uses the word diagnose (a word with explict scientific conotations) in the subtitle.

This book is the absolute best available about Afro-Cuban religious traditions, music, and culture that I have ever seen. Velez writes in a clear style and with great respect for Mr. Villamil's heritage. Finally a book in english has addressed the controversy surrounding lineages and lines within Afro-Cuban religion. Not to mention one of the few books that describes festivles and musical celebrations within these religions instead of 'new age magic'. Secondly, the voice and mannerisms of Mr. Villamil come through the pages as if you were watching a documentary. As a long time (medio asiento) affiliate en La Regla de Ocha this book has truly touched my heart. Instead of spewing out made-up "secrets" it conveys the feeling, culture, and legacy of these little known traditions with utmost dignity. If you enjoyed the book I would suggest seeking out some of Mr. Villamil's CD's under the group Emikike it is amazing. Velez deserves some kind of award for this work because it is truly astounding..... just when I was about to give up on English books concerning Afro-Cuban culture.
Charles Panella
", but you have to keep hammering away there because he was destined for that and I wasn't. This is my religion and I love it with all my heart" FGV

The first thing to be said about Ms.Velez' book is that it is written in a disarmingly straightforward style - a rare if not unique occurrence in contemporary scholarly writings. Without shying away from tackling the complexities of an issue (and there are many in the book) Ms. Velez' style allows the reader to concentrate on the content rather than wrestle with tortuous syntax and intricate constructions. It is perhaps for this reason that the author manages so felicitously to blend her cultivated voice with that of the "informer" in a delicately balanced counterpoint. This, in turn, is well suited to the multifaceted role of F.G.V., who play the role of a self-centered first actor as well as that of an anonymous yet ideally representative prototype of a time and a place. Or rather, multiple times and places.

This is truly a unique book. Not only is it informative, but also easy to read. I don't know of any other source that delves as deeply into the life of a single Afrocuban religious musician or practitioner as this book does. It is a gold mine of information not only for the serious student of Afrocuban culture, but also for any practitioner.

If you consider yourself a serious drummer in the Afro-Cuban styles (batá, bembé, palo, abakuá, rumba, comparsa, etc.), you must read this book, as you will learn a great deal from it. It is refreshing to see the music and the culture through the eyes of a musician and practitioner himself (Mr. García Villamil), a true living legend. Every page is loaded with TONS of information, dating from his Yoruba great-grandfather's time to the present.