Cultural Books

Since the 60s, Earl Hooker has been a mythical figure for me. Over the years I've heard his brilliant slide guitar solos here and there, mostly as an accompanist and eventually on his Blue Thumb vinyl release in 1970. And of course I had read all the superlatives that his musical cohorts liberally expressed in the blues press. But reading Danchin's exhaustively researched tribute has given a whole new life to those recordings. The detailed stories and thorough personnel listings associated with each of Hooker's scant few recording sessions add immeasurably to the enjoyment of my Hooker collection. Danchin does a remarkable job recreating a life using only second-hand info gleaned in the main from dozens of interviews with all those bluesmen and friends who inhabited Hooker's hectic world. My hope is that Danchin will apply his skills to telling the story of another deserving (and still LIVING) blues legend: Little Milton Campbell!

The amazing part about this book is that the author was able to find out so much about Earl Hooker. The guy is a legendary guitar player. If you read interviews with his contemporaries like Buddy Guy or Otis Rush, they will attest to Hooker's greatness. Unfortunately Hooker died thirty years ago and is pretty obscure today. He didn't sing, so he survives on records largely as an accompanist to other people and on albums he recorded under his own name for a wide variety of mostly small and forgotten record labels. Many of his recordings are hard to find today. Surprisingly this author was able to find out about Earl Hooker's life and his world in great detail and in so doing rescue Earl Hooker from disappearing into history. In addition to being amazingly well researched this book is written by a fan of blues music. If you read this book you'll probably want to hear more of Earl Hooker, and that's probably the best compliment I could bestow on the author!

to come to the point--this is one of the best books ever written about a blues artist---it gives a great insight into what the life of this incredible guitarist was really like in the 1950's and 1960's...i laughed a whole lot---this book is very entertaining--earl was just about the greatest guitarist of his time and this book serves to remind those who love him of his greatness and to educate those who have no idea who he was-- if you never even heard of earl hooker, this is still a highly entertaining book about a very entertaining fellow-- the author did a great job of putting together dozens of interviews (done over a period of over 20 years)into a very nice book--its a big book too---lots of pages---some cool photos too- i plan on reading it many more times---two big thumbs up!!-

Earl Hooker was one of the most influential guitarists that ever lived; not just in the blues, but in many different musical styles. His mastery of slide guitar and the wah-wah pedal (many times combining BOTH, thus creating a truly hair-raising sound) are legendary. But sadly, Earl Hooker is all but obscure now, owing to his early death (he died in 1970 at age 39 from tuberculosis), his uneven recording career (he only made 3 "true" albums; he recorded many obscure 45 rpm sides and guest appearances), and even his famous name association (he is half-cousin to the late boogie king John Lee Hooker) didn't seem to help him achieve real stardom; one he so greatly deserved!

As all of the previous reviewers have pointed out, this is an extensively researched book, chock-full of interviews with many of the legends Hooker played with in his seemingly short career (Pinetop Perkins, Big Moose Walker, A.C. Reed, B.B. King), each one giving detailed accounts of Hooker's somewhat eccentric behavior, his lifelong battle with TB, but most of all and importantly, his undeniable guitar prowess. Unfortunately, by the time Hooker began to get noticed for his amazing natural talent and hard work, TB overtook him, causing his untimely death.

This is an excellent book, both for true Earl Hooker fans, and new ones alike. He had so much more to give the world of music, and had he lived, he most certainly would've attained the same success and legendary status as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy and Albert King, just to name a few. Essential reading!

This book is an excellent recording of the civil rights movement as experienced by one of Martin Luther King's lieutenants. Young describes in detail the experiences he has while first growing up in New Orleans, then while being active on Martin Luther King's side and aiding him in his efforts. He then describes his successful campaign to become a Congressman from Georgia. Indeed, in taking that step, he fulfilled one of Martin Luther King's expectations - the rise of all minorities into all aspects of public life.

Heard AN EASY BURDEN, written and read by Andrew Young--an
early adviser and colleague of Martin Luther King who went
to become the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations,
among other things.

The book provides a stirring account of the civil rights movement,
starting in the 1950s . . . it got me thinking about the role not only
played by both King and Young, but by many other leaders of the
time . . . in addition, it gave me a different perspective on how hard
this must have been; i.e., to fight for change without being violent.

The author is quite candid in his views . . . just has been the case
throughout his life, he is not afraid to mince words (or opinions)
and while some may disagree with what he says or the way he says
it, you will gain an increasing respect for the man if you read AN
EASY BURDEN.

I especially enjoyed the ending:
Everything I know now convinces me that the struggle to eliminate
racism, war and poverty is a burden, but in America, with all the
freedom and opportunity afforded us under our constitution--in the
most productive society in human history--it is an easy burden if
we undertake it together.

Andrew Young, former mayor of Atlanta and official in the Carter White House, details his time as an assistant to Martin Luther King Jr. in this work. After some semi-interesting biographical background, we get a good view of the inside of the civil rights movement. Young shows all the conflicts within the movement and the spiritual values that kept it going in face of adversity. A very fine work on the topic for those of us who were not alive during the movement and also showing how hard it truly was on those involved. It truly made me realize how difficult it is to stand up peacefully when met with violence and oppression - numerous times I thought how poorly I would have reacted to such violence. For those who call King soft, nonintellectual, conformist, attention-seeking or weak, this book should dispel those myths.

An Uneasy Burden is a wonderful read. One major reason is that this autobiography is not about self praise or telling a one dimensional story. I usually do not care for most autobiographies. Young is very honest and candid, often critical of himself and some events or occurences within the Civil Rights Movement.

I really liked the spiritual themes that were so present within this book, "My Yoke is easy and my burden is light," and "For unto whomsoever much is given of them much will be required." If you are searching for purpose and growth within your life I highly reccomend this account from Young. This book made me think long and hard about what direction and what I can do for others who are in need or are hurting.

One of the most interesting things is Young's dramatic account of the march in St. Augustine and Selma. I do not agree with all of Young's politics but I have really found him to be an inspirational and genuine person. Andrew Young was a man searching for purpose, and he found purpose in life. He has a lot of spiritual insight and delivers it in an authentic narrative.

This is a pretty good book - very visually appealing, has some gorgeous pics. It summarizes most of the major tourist attractions and does give some very useful info, but is in no way comprehensive. If you're needing restaurant or accommodation info, this isn't what you're looking for.

This book is great! It talks about all the attractions in Edinburgh, and has some nice pictures! I'm going to Edinburgh in 4 months, and I will be taking this book along with me. There seems to few books on Edinburgh only, and this is a great resource!

"Edinburgh Castle, the capital's most famous landmark, contains a wealth of interest. It houses the Stone of Destiny, the Scottish Crown Jewels (Honours of Scotland), Mons Meg, the One O'clock Gun and the National War Museum of Scotland." ~ pg. 27

The medieval Old Town contrasts with the Georgian New Town as historic and modern buildings stand side by side. The Edinburgh Castle stands above all the structures in all its splendor . The Edinburgh visitors guide is organized alphabetically and there are listings for many attractions including festivals, events, castles, historic houses, ancient monuments, museums, galleries, gardens, religious buildings and outdoor activities. All the entries include information on websites, opening times and admission.

Each entry is accompanied by symbols to indicate say, whether there is a tea room. When you see a coffee/tea cup there is a Tearoom/Café. Is there a picnic area for lunch or a restaurant nearby? These types of symbols are helpful to address many issues from whether there will be a nice view to "where can we park the car?"

The authors have made sure this book is visually entertaining as well as intellectually fulfilling. Full-color pictures from many angles and places make this book a tour all on its own. You can truly get a sense of a place you want to visit through viewing the photographs and by reading about all the attractions you may want to see.

~The Rebecca Review

Enhanced with 66 four-color photographs, maps, and indexes, The Edinburgh Visitor Guide is an impressive travel guide which blends tradition and innovation as it showcases Edinburgh's medieval Old Town confusion of stone and spires with her Georgian New Town's ordered symmetry. The side-by-side contrasts of magnificent historic buildings with striking modern structures offers the visitor novel array of architectural delights. Additionally, The Edinburgh Visitor Guide provides a wealth of city history ranging from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, along with great museums, quaint shops, centuries-old pubs, and contemporary restaurants. If you are planning a trip that will include Edinburgh, Scotland, then be sure to take along your own personal copy of The Edinburgh Visitor Guide!

Epting has done it again. He continues to take us on the road to "live" the events that happened in America's history. We toured with James Dean and then Marilyn Monroe. The third book in his trilogy is as exciting as his predecessors and a must have if you are an Epting "junkie." If for nothing else get this book to complete the set; after all who has only two volumes of "Lord of the Rings"? It's time to grab your camera and get out on the road. Come on; tell me who wouldn't want to fly a kite in the same place as Ben?

A third great book in this series, (James Dean Died Here; Marilyn Monroe Dyed Here), by author Chris Epting. All three are must haves for anyone interested in American pop and historical icons. With a location and brief summary, each place is easily found. Plus Chris has gone to great strides as to the accuracy of the factual information given. I personally know Chris by way of email and snail mail, and I can tell you he is a great person with a great personality, and that those qualities shine through in his work as well.

Another outstanding book from Chris Epting. A must for every glove compartment or carry-on flight bag--this is your instant guide to "where it happened". As always with Mr. Epting's previous books--it is well researched, with addresses and directions, photographs, and great descriptions of the actual sites where history was made. This is that perfect gift for any age--and an absolute must for any traveler. When is the Travel Channel going to make Mr. Epting's books into a series? PS: besides his trilogy pop culture books he has written the world's best sports book: Roadside Baseball--take this one with you too as you travel this summmer. Like with all his books--you won't be able to put it down (includes a great forward from Joe Buck). When was the last time an author was so much fun to read but you were educated at the same time?

Elvis Passed Here is the third in this series of books written by Chris Epting, and as I expected, exceeds my expectations. As with the previous books (James Dean Died Here & Marilyn Monroe Dyed Here), Chris guides us to the locations of other pop culture landmarks. What I particularly like about these books is the broad range of categories he chooses to cover. In addition to the categories one would expect (movies, music, art, etc.), Chris has also included chapters dedicated to such bizarre subjects as infamous celebrity events, historical tragic events, and crime.

I was fascinated to learn about pop culture locations in and around the city where I live. Locations that I didn't even know existed, or that I have probably seen countless times and not taken notice of.

This book, and those before it, have also added a new dimension to vacations and trips for me. Whenever I plan a trip, I now consult these books to see what pop culture locations exist where I'm going. For example, on our recent trip to New York City, I was able to eat at the first pizzeria in North America, visit the club where Jimi Hendrix was discovered, sit at the table where the famous scene from "When Harry Met Sally" was filmed, and find the location where the photo on the cover of Led Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti album was taken.

I would definitely recommend this book to those who want to add a fun and exciting new element to their travels!

A seminal reference for all those qualitative researchers--graudate students and tenure track--who use the interview as a data gathering tool. I have referenced this book several times throughout my journey of obtaining my PhD. A must-have reference!

Diane Billay RN BN MN PhD(c)

While reviewing tons of literature searching for the appropriate research methodology for my doctorate degree in corporate innovation, "The Ethnographic Interview" came to my attention. The research paradigm described and illustrated in this work provided a blueprint for the collection and analysis of text-based data. So often quantitative measures are applied before the problem or situation has been truly assessed. Spradley's methods are respectful of the population or culture to be studied and provide a vehicle for the researcher to interact without interferring.

Spradley was an advocate and artful practitioner of a particular type of ethnography, informed by symbolic interactionism, that does not necessarily have the spatial contextual character of most ethnography. For example, he studied "tramp" culture, which is a context of a sort, but not like, say the KU med school in Boys in White. Much of this book explains how to conduct his sort of research. Because I generally favor the more traditional contextual approach, I neglected this book in my own book The Ethnographer's Method (Sage). Now I wish I hadn't; the advice on ethnographic interviewing is still very worthwhile for anyone heading off into field research, regardless of their style of "qualitative" study. In fact, I'm using it myself in the project I'm currently launching.

This is a great step-by-step guide to the theory and practice of ethnography. Provides the theoretical rationale for why ethnography is structured as it is. It is most unique for the well thought out, structured approach to interviewing. Identifies how different types of questions provide different types of data. Gives an elegant taxonomy of questions and shows how each type of question is linked to a different aspect of ethnographic analysis. A must read classic for anyone--academic ethnographics to market researchers--involved with data collection from individual human beings.

This book gives you the opportunity to get a feeling of what your life may have been like living in the Jim Crow era of Georgia. My name is Bullard and I am a white genealogist. Eugene Bullard was the son of ex-slaves that were owned by a family named Bullard.

It is fabulous to see a black person rise out of impossible circumstances to become an expatriate combat pilot in the French Air Force during World War I. Jazz and Blues is what I listen to every day and the Jazz story in this book is very interesting to me.

Eugene Bullard was an African American man who was born in 1895 in Columbus, Georgia, and lived a really fascinating live. After leaving the U.S. in 1912 to escape the existing suffocating racist oppression, he stayed first in Britain, and then settled in France where he lived as a boxer, entertainer, jazz drummer, was a war hero in the trenches in Verdun, and become the first African American combat pilot in 1917 (in French service: the U.S. would allow black combat pilots only in 1941...). After the war, like so many other African Americans, he remained in Europe. He become a well known entrepeneur in the Parisian night club life during the 20s and 30s. At the German invasion in 1940, and after a brief stint in the French army, he went back to the U.S. where he died in New York in 1961. Revered in France as a national hero during is life, and completely unknown in his country until more than twenty years after his death, the life of this extraordinary man has in this book a much deserved homage and, probably, its definitive biography.

A very well documented biography on a genuine American and French hero. Unfortunately he was born during the Jim Crow era in the south (even though the constitution which was written over 100 years before his birth mentions "all men are created equal", this did not include any non-caucasian's or women, did it? Did not use the word minority since it denotes less than some majority, there are more non-caucasian's in the world anyway and what is really meant by that word is just that, non-caucasian. I find it odd that the USA was founded by European descendants like the English, French and even though the country prided itself on it's progresive nature, it did not include equality, even though Europe itself did not practice racial discrimination). He was born the seventh child of a large family and his father always had a premonition of a very distinguished future for him and let it be known to him when he was young. Talks about his travel through the south after he left home and was told early by his father of a country (France) where all men are truly free. This had a profound effect on him because he eventually made it to France via England first.

He began his livelyhood as a theatre performer and boxer; two opposing and similar avocations. He joined the military and became the first Black American and Black Frenchman aviator and was awarded medals for his bravery, dedication and skills. Very well liked, he had a contagious personality and started working at a famous Paris club later in life and eventually became a club owner himself. He met the famous of the day like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Langston Hughes, Bricktop and many others. This biography also got me interested in Jazz age Paris to request both autobiographies of Hughes and Bricktop.

Slowly (too slowly) more is being known about this man and his acomplishments and contributions to the human race.

You won't be able to put it down. Jack Johnson's autobiography "In the Ring and Out" is another good bio of that era too.

I had earlier learned of some of Eugene Bullard's exploits, but Craig Lloyd's book spotlights an endless list of amazing achievements that seem unbelievable for any man to accomplish in just one lifetime. It's a shame Bullard's life has been up to now unexplored and uncelebrated. Hopefully this extremely well-researched biography will fix that.

The Exchange Student Survival Kit is a solid primer for foreign exchange students and host families alike. Now in a completely revised and updated second edition that includes references to the latest communications technology (e-mail, instant messaging, cell phones, online games, etc.), crucial advice with regard to personal safety, and notes concerning ongoing changes in society and family life that affect travelers, The Exchange Student Survival Kit covers everything from practical packing to learning to identify "red flag" emotions that are likely triggered by culture shock to preparing for reverse culture shock on the trip home. Peppered throughout with anecdotes of young people from various different nations adjusting to a new way of life, The Exchange Student Survival Kit is an absolute "must-read" for any prospective exchange student or host family.

This is an excellent book for anyone who's going to be an exchange student, as it gives the reader a realistic view of what going on the exchange will really entail. It covers settling in, homesickness, culture shock, making friends, learning the language, getting ready to leave, and "reverse culture shock" -- coming home again. Although not every exchange student may experience the stages in the exact order or extent the author describes, most exchange students will be able to identify with what she's saying. I found it very informative and comforting to read this book before going to Ecuador for a year, and it was also helpful to read during the exchange, simply to know that what seemed like bizarre feelings were really fairly normal for exchange students. Do yourself a favor and read this book before you go, you'll be glad you did. It'll leave you feeling a whole lot less in the dark about what's going to happen during your exchange.

It really helped me get through it, and I would recommend it to anyone going overseas.

This book provides extremely helpful information about adjusting to life as an exchange student. It has checklists for packing, tips about avoiding cultural mishaps, personal stories, and the stages of getting used to your temporary home. Everything is easy to find and written clearly. A must have for exchange students!

Perhaps the best book on the Filipino American experience I have ever read.
This is a must read book.

I come from a similar background as the author, though a generation removed (younger). As I read it, I find that he has in fact written MY personal archipelago. This book is not contrived or pretentious. One of very few books I've found that relate the Philippines and Filipino identity issues so genuinely and honestly.

The only thing better then reading this book on your own, is to experience it from Francia's own lips. Francia is an amazing storyteller, this book is a must for anyone interested in personal/cultural identity. If you ever get a chance to hear this author read, do it- he is wonderful!

From the first word of this book I knew that this book was for me. Luis Francia's book is a must read for any Filipino-American looking to discover their Cultural Identity.

Luis takes his reader's on poetic journeys through the Philippine Archipelago, through these adventures we discover the many cultures of the Philippines and start to understand social and political issues that Filipinos face. Through his words you feel Luis' passion for a country he loves in the same way that you feel the passion through the words of Jose Rizal, Jorge Luis Borges, or Pablo Neruda.

It is not enough to say that I enjoyed this book. Luis' book is culturally significant. It meets the needs of Filipino's in their struggle to create a new cultural identity.

This book is one of the best I've read since college on American "culture" and the so-called "culture wars". Clausen defines what he means by culture and post-culture, then shows that America no longer has a culture. What is called "multiculturalism" is racial/racist/victimology pandering manufactured for political use. America today, and increasingly the rest of the civilized world, are monocultural.

Post-cultural society is one without authority, either as persons or ideals. But it is also a society of conformist, pseudo-individualists, dominated by narcissism: rejection of fact and rational thought, historically illiterate. What's left of real historical cultures in America has been cannibalized for commercial, political, or academic purposes. Clausen takes an especially fascinating and decisive look at the anthropological concept of "culture", why it applies only to isolated primitive societies, and why cultural "relativism" never made any sense.

Our state, outlined by Clausen, was prophesied over a century ago by Tocqueville and Nietzsche, as the "tyranny of the majority" or the mentally enfeebled "last man". It's here, and it's the way we live now, like it or not. It does not bode well for individual freedom or democratic self-government.

This is a great book, almost a respite from the culture war histrionics that dominate media and academic discourse. In it Clausen talks about "post-culturalism," yet another insipid term for which he apologizes at the book's beginning. It's just gotta be like that, I guess. As a good explanation of his thesis, I'll describe the cover:

People are going about their business outside a small restaurant, everything's normal. The restaurant is called "Log Cabin Pizza" and specializes in burgers, tacos, and italian beef. The specials are corned beef sandwiches and Cantonese stirfry. Next to the Log Cabin is a store specializing in religious artifacts and trinkets, of "all religions." Heterogeneity and homogeneity have become the same thing.

Clausen has an excellent critique of multiculturalism's theoretical permutations, and its significance for our society. He sort of downplays the idea of any sort of genuine "culture war," however, saying that cultures --and the very term culture-- are just methods to conveniently construct the present, and genuinely signify little in America. He is rather scathing talking about some of the Indian (he insists on calling them Indians) reconstructions of the past to "preserve their culture." All in all a great book for people interested in understanding the paths of American social development, and for those looking for a critique of the culture-vulture flame wars.

Another nice thing is that the book is short. It is not some plodding monstrosity of an author's effort to demonstrate he is well read. Instead, Clausen has written a clear and concise book that does not fall into the short book trap of polemics.

This book will change the way you think about contemporary American society. With acid wit and one arresting phrase after another, Christopher Clausen shows that the ferocious debate over multiculturalism misses the point. Culture is disappearing in America. Far from being multicultural, America has been a "graveyard of cultures." Ethnic studies programs in American universities "dot the academic world like grave markers after a plague." In what Clausen calls "post-cultural" America, the very word culture has lost its meaning and multiculturalism is little more than a code word for racial identity politics. After reading Clausen's analysis of how modern American usage has emptied culture of its meaning, I have tried to eliminate the word from my vocabulary. But culture babble is so pervasive in our society that it isn't easy. Globalization, pop culture (there's that word again!), and especially mass individualism have caused the death of culture in America. If each individual is free to create himself on whatever model he chooses, culture has lost its function. Clausen is ambivalent about post-cultural America. Although he is pained by the narcissism of modern individualism, the blandness of "McWorld," and the moral paralysis of relativism, he is completely free of nostalgia for imagined pasts. Rather he sees the death of culture in America as a consequence of the struggle for freedom that has been the theme of American history. In any case, there is no going back. Clausen's book, full of insight and wisdom, will help us find our way in post-cultural America.

Faded Mosaic considers modern American culture, presented by the author as the first post-cultural society existing after the death of culture: after defining the state of post-culturalism, Clausen argues that its effects are transforming American life and creating conformist individuals who don't believe in outer authority figures. Both causes and effects of these culture wars receive intimate analysis in a title recommended for college-level students of sociology.

Fear and Envy is a wonderful book. Dr. Ransohoff draws on a wealth of past traditions and practices in every day life today in West Africa, India, the U.S. and elsewhere to describe the many obvious and far more subtle ways in which men have wanted and felt they needed to control women. She writes in a very easy, readable way, using examples from ancient myths to modern movies. And this is not an angry, "anti-man" book. Far from it. In times of uncertainty-like the one we face post September 11-deep-seated needs can re-assert themselves, making this book even more relevant and important for us all.

Fear and Envy by Dr. Rita Ransohoff is a most fascinating and illuminating book. It is a transcultural study of men's attitudes toward women, of conflicts and their resolution as incorporated in folklore. Dr. Ransohoff's psychological background, worldwide travels, and appreciation of myths and legends makes this book exceptionally enjoyable reading. I highly recommend it!

Dr. Ransohoff has a lot to say about the experience of being a woman in our society, in Asia, and in Africa. In presenting what she has to say simply and without stridence, she makes her considerable knowledge of the global feminine condition accessible to both readers with limited knowledge of her subject as well as to those among us who are well acquainted with it. Her descriptions of how gender roles are played out in the Muslim world are, of course, particularly timely; the chapter entitled "Instrumental Women" is hopeful and inspiring. Professors of Women's Studies would be well-advised to list "Fear & Envy" as an assigned reading selection on their course syllabi.

An unexpected book. Fear and Envy attempts to explain the need of males to dominate females - a topic of substantial interest in the light of the practice of fundamentalists in several religions to continue to subjugate women. Dr. Ransohoff writes relaxed and literate prose. She laces her exposition with utterly fascinating anectdotes she has collected over years of travel in Asia and Africa. Through these stories she demonstrates the universality of much of the practice of male domination. She also presents information about life as a female in our own and other societies that is simply unknown and unavailable to men. It can't be found anywhere else. She is convincing, while quite charming, in her text, and neatly avoids the dust of academia. It is an engaging and edifying read.