Journals Books

*Munch In His Own Words* is worth five stars just for the generous reproductions of the paintings, drawings, lithographs, and woodcuts that illustrate the text, as well as the selection of photographs taken by/and of Munch himself. These reproductions give one an idea of the stunning range and variety of Munch's complete life work, which goes well beyond his reputation primarily as the guy who painted `The Scream.' Nevertheless, in spite of this variety, one can still trace the red thread that runs through virtually everything he ever produced in his long career: a violently passionate and often antagonistic engagement with life and the world around him.

So it is that the actual text of *Munch In His Own Words* can only be a bonus--and in this book we get extracts from Munch's personal journals and letters that offer first-hand insights into his complex psyche from which his extraordinary art emerged. Some of these texts are brilliant evocations of the artist's role as rebel and savior, others repetitive and obsessive, still others read like the ravings of a paranoid schizophrenic. Not having access to the complete texts, one wonders if they might have been edited and selected with an eye to a little more variety and little less repetition, but it's hard to complain. Munch is almost as explosive and idiosyncratic a writer as he is a painter and, on the whole, the texts provide a rewarding counterpoint and context to the art.

Another bonus is the introduction and chapter openings by the book's editor Poul Erik Tojner. Sometimes elliptical to the point of incomprehensibility, studded with fancifully pretentious interpretations, Tojner does manage to provide some genuinely enlightening and provocative observations, perhaps none moreso than his suggestion that one can find striking parallels between the work of Munch and--of all people--Andy Warhol! Outrageous at first--and yet Tojner makes a wholly compelling and convincing argument for this unlikeliest of pairings.

A rich and compulsively readable--not to mention eye-catching--volume, *Munch In His Own Words* is a great overall look at an artist who painted, in his own words, the only way he knew how: with his heart's blood.

Edvard Munch painted "The Scream." (BTW, his name is said like "monk", not like "bunch.") That was just one work from a long and dedicated life in art, and arguably not his defining work. Look at his "Sick Child" (p.15), and at the mother. Does she really have anything more in her than the Screamer, except just that little more strength a woman has than a man does? Only quietly enough for others to bear?

I never thought much of Munch until I saw a display of his graphic work, largely woodcuts and some lithos. Then, I realized just how literal his painting style is. "As long as cameras can not be used in Hell or in Heaven, painters have no fear of competition." His paintings, and even more his prints, are about heaven and hell. Together, in the same picture, as his fevered mind saw them.

Many of his painted and graphic works center on two monopoles: light and dark. Become aware of this frequent pattern, and you'll have almost the visual experience of seeing a magnetic field. His visual field contains a North and South pole, a source and a sink, a plus and a minus. In those, composition consists of defining the two, filling the space between the two, and emptying the space around the two. I recommend his work most highly to any student, at any level, who wants to learn composition by being kicked in the gut with it. Much of Munch's work is about stark, polar power.

He also eliminates the placement of figure and ground, and creates the dichotomy of figure and ground. Half or more of his paintings show it: that aura emanating from the human being that sets it off from the material world around it. The background has no chance to interact with that force of person that emanates from each figure, so there must be a buffer zone between them. That, I think, explains the brushwork halo around so many of his human renderings: an attempt to define their visual limit, at the expense of any relationship to the world around them.

Munch is good, if emotional truth means more to you than optical literality. He's also hard to take, and becomes harder to take as you learn more. I really think he put it all out there for us to see, whether or not we can take it all in.

//wiredweird

I could not put this book down and when I finished, I felt as though I finally had some insight into Munch as a person as well as an artist. If you would like to have a better understanding of both the man and his paintings this book is for you.

This book is great! I finally found a great gift for my kids that play hockey. I think that it will be great for them to record their stats and experiences so that they can look back at them when they have grown up (or even if they ever make the NHL!). The artwork is visually appealing and the quality of the book is very professional. I recommend this book to any other parent who is looking for a nice gift for their child that plays hockey.

My Hockey Years is a tremendous treasure trove of memories. Congratulations on those who thought it out and designed it. What a great idea! Made of durable material to last a lifetime! By organizing and keeping your personal records you can write your own story once you have left the ice rink. Great for children and adults alike. Lots of stories to tell as you grow older and look back fondly at your accomplishments. Great to remincisce. And it all starts with this innovative and unique book. Highly recommended for all hockey players, their parents, siblings and their teams. I would not be caught without it! In fact it's a must for all parents with children in hockey.

This book is great! I finally found a great gift for my kids that play hockey. I think that it will great for them to record their stats and experiences so that they can look back at them when they have grown up (or even if they ever make the NHL!). The artwork is visually appealing and the quality of the book is very professional. I recommend this book to any other parent who is looking for a nice gift for their child that plays hockey.

I purchased this scrapebook for my 4 year old daughter. It is a simple way to record special names, events, family information and photos for you and your daughter. I found it great, since I don't have time to prepare a "baby book". My Mother and Me allowed me to record special names, and events together with my daughter. I found the special family time a real plus.

Although nice for documenting any mother and child relationship, this is especially nice for single mothers to have a scrapbook with all the same info as a regular baby book but no reference to a father. Even the family tree page is only the Mom's relatives.

Although nice for documenting any mother and child relationship, this is especially nice for single mothers to have a scrapbook with all the same info as a regular baby book but no reference to a father. Even the family tree page is only the Mom's relatives.

I really like the movie "Newsies" that was made in 1992, so when I found this book at our library, I just had to read it. The only thing bad about this book, is that it doesn't have alot of stuff about the strike. The entrees were only 2 paragraphs long. Other than that I think it was a great book. I like Racetrack, Being that he is my favorite in the movie, and in this book, he's not much differant. he's still a smart alac in the book.

"The Journal of Finn Reardon: A Newsie" was a very interesting book. I'm sure you've either heard of your father or grandfather selling newspapers on the street corner. My father did, so this story brought back the stories he used to tell me as a child. Today, the newspaper is delivered to your front doorstep, or you can buy it at stands or supermarkets. In the early 20th century, you relied on tween and teen boys to get your daily dose of news, and this "My America" book explains the daily lives of these boys. Times were most certainly different, since you could let a 12-year-old work a street corner until dark, without any immediate worries. Each day was a struggle, and the money a family made was used immediately on that day; and to think that the Great Depression hadn't hit yet. If you're interested in journalism and newspapers, then this story is an interesting one. I recommend.

Yet another great My Name Is America book has been published. This one, The Journal of Finn Reardon, take place in 1899 New York. Finn lives with his family in a crowded flat in New York's notorious Lower East Side. In addition to dealing with school, Finn is a newsie. A newsie was the most popular occupation for teen age boys then. Let the author take you on a journey as you learn about Finn's life including gangs, the strike, and his unique friends. You'll really enjoy this book.

Amid a culture that is so fast-paced, this book is so timely! How much we need to consider the legacy we are leaving for those who come behind us. Who doesn't enjoy a good story? I know I do! This book beautifully weaves the stories from Larry Toller's life with the impact they had upon him. What a treasure we can offer to our children and our grandchildren by simply taking the time to record those little moments in life that have brought us joy or pain or other emotions. Yes, Larry encourages us to write--not worrying about how skilled we are. And as we write, we are offering those we love our time--and glimpses into the times that shaped our lives! Thank you, Larry!

The book allows you to share the life of the author as you get Biblical insights and the chance to share your story right in the book. It can provide a cherished heirloom for many generations as you pass it down to your children.

My primary focus is family relationships. My Story Your Story His Story provides you with an opportunity to have a relational encounter and spiritual influence on your family, for generations to come.
- - Dr. Gary Smalley, Author of The DNA of Relationships.

Larry Toller's book, My Story Your Story His Story is an unusually engaging writing that offers far more than casual reading. Unlike most books, Larry offers his readers the opportunity to "jump into" the story and indeed, become the story. With delightful prose and illuminating style, one feels as if he is sitting on the back porch recounting life's precious memories with an old friend. My Story Your Story His Story invites readers to record those things which "ought" to be recorded for posterity . . . an effort which could produce captured imprints for generations to come!
- - Dr. Robert Imhoff, President of Mid-Continent University, Mayfield, Kentucky

George Mueller, the great pastor and spiritual giant of Bristol, England studiously recorded what God had done in His life and ministry. His aim was simple: to show the world that God was a "prayer hearing and prayer answering God." Countless thousands have been blessed since that time because he took the time to record God's provision. Larry Toller, with wit and insight is giving us all a great look into his life and ministry. Better still, he has given us a tool to challenge us to record our own story, the record of God's dealings in our lives. Take the time to read and be blessed and to write and bless others! Those who follow you will be encouraged to see that God is faithful to ALL generations.
- - Bill Elliff, Directional Pastor, The Summit Church, North Little Rock, Arkansas

A simple story is powerful. It can spark the memory, ignite the imagination, and etch truth into the mind. Jesus masterfully used stories to drive home eternal truths to the hearts and minds of his hearers. With simplicity and clarity Larry Toller has recaptured the power of stories. His stories will bring back memories and lessons you may have forgotten. Take time to listen and reflect on his stories; then use them to remember, and learn again from the stories of your life.
- - Jim Rahtjen, Pastor, Glenfield Baptist Church, Glen Ellyn, Illinois

As a child growing up in churches in the rural south, I remember singing, at top of my lungs, the old hymn, `I Love to Tell the Story.' In this insightful book, Larry Toller helps us to tell that story in fresh ways that will bring hope and encouragement to family and friends. I'm glad that God gifted Larry to offer this book to us."
- - Dr. Andrew Westmoreland, President, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama

What a wonderful gift Larry Toller has given the readers of this special book and journal. With warmth and humor these everyday glimpses of eternity inspire and invite us to recognize those moments in our own lives. As story begets story and memory begets memory I invite you to participate and record your own moments of the heart. You'll be glad you did, and so will those you love.
- - Nate Adams, Executive Director, Illinois Baptist State Association, Springfield, Illinois

I really enjoy the book.I'm a Nine year old girl and I will be visiting WAshington D. C. with my family this summer. I thought the book was very interesting because it told me everything you can see in the city. It has really good pictures of things you can find. It has great maps, pockets for stamps and envelopes, and other lose items.It had very good background information. It has made me excited about my trip.

What a great book! Very informative and enjoyable for kids as well as for adults. Our children loved the different exercises, the interesting facts and the photos throughout the book. It made our vacation a lot more interesting and educational, which is exactly what we wanted. The kids are taking the book to school to show their classmates and teachers. We highly recommend this great book!

Hope to see one on U.S. National Parks soon!

Ed & Colleen Garcia

My seven year old had a great time iwth this book. It helped her get excited about our trip to Washington, made the tirp more meaningful to her, and has her looking forward to our next visit. Definitely a keeper!

This was a good introduction to emerson. It's a small book, and far from a complete collection of his works, but it includes some of his most famous and moving essays as well as a few of his poems. This was my first reading of emerson, and at first, I didn't care too much for him. But after reading it a second time, I understood more clearly his message, and it began to grow on me. In fact, I've since purchased a complete collection of his writings as this book left me hungry for more. Even though this other book contains everything this book has, plus more, I am still glad I bought this book. It's nice to have a little pocket sized collection of his greatest hits.

"The young man reveres men of genius, because, to speak truly, they are more himself than he is. They receive of the soul as he also receives, but they more."

An exquisite pocket sized edition. Emerson, as always, will stun you with his prose style rhetoric. "I am God in nature; I am a weed by the wall."

Emerson is a genious. His words in this small edition are just as sweet and easily accessable. It is handy to have a small version to keep close at all times. Everytime I look at the night sky I think of a quote of Emerson, "But every night come out these envoys of beauty, and light the universe with their admonishing smile." That alone is a reason to own the work of Emerson.

Joseph Epstein is a master of the personal essay. His books on 'Envy' and 'Friendship' are extended exercises in this form. I just today read another masterful essay of his, this one on 'Turning Seventy'. For the Norton Anthology he writes a preface on the Personal Essay as a means of discovery. He chooses about fifty essays from many of those most closely identified with the form from Mark Twain , Edmund Wilson, E.B. White, Dorothy Parker, Anne Dillard, Joan Didion, A.B. Leibling, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Amy Tan, and many others. Epstein also includes an amusing essay of his own ' I love a Gershwin Tune'.
There is a lot of pleasurable reading in this excellent anthology.

If this weren't so heavy, I would carry it everywhere. Jam-packed with brilliant, insightful writing. I defy anyone to read Mark Twain's ``Italian Without a Master'' (the first essay in this compilation) and NOT laugh out loud. David Sedaris's essays, much as I love them, are a pale imitation of this Twain masterpiece.

Joseph Epstein is an intersting author who has taken the art of the Personal Essay to a higher Realm. In this book, he has chosen a variety of authors who have similarly treated this art form, and presents a delightful collection of the same. An enjoyable read for people who enjoy good literary style. Included authors include Twain, Beerbohm, Woolf, Parker, Orwell, Fitzgerald, Connolly, Greene, Capote, Baldwin, Naipaul, Tan, etc.. Try it out!

This was a wonderful study. Each woman who participated in our small group was enriched by this study that frees us to look at a variety of ways to communicate with God. The study is done with Biblical references, opportunities for frank discussion and the author is down to earth.

This study guide is has a useful blend of ideas and real application. It reviews key concepts throughout the guide and while some of its ideas are well-known, many take a new stance. The guide is good at getting you to think and process the material, not just gloss it over and move on to the next chapter.

I have used many Bible Study Books in the past with groups, usually frustrated by the trite questions and the lack of digging into God's Word. This year we used this book and the whole group has loved it. It really makes us read the Word and the quotations from Discipleship Journal are fantastic. This is a very "meaty" study which I would highly recommend to anyone wanting to develop their prayer lives.

Editor Barry O'Connell performs a signal service in making these forgotten texts available to a wider audience (and also
his very useful introduction). The writings of William Apess are, regrettably, still highly relevant even now. This is partly because of the universal import of the issues of religious conversion, ethnic identity and the personal challenges he confronted, but even more because American Indians are still denied the civil and human rights enjoyed by other Americans. Apess's fiery prose and profound insights into the American experience from his Indigenous perspective are guaranteed not only to shed much light on his life and times, but will shatter cherished misconceptions of European Americans concerning the presumed fairness of our society.

Opponents of multiculturalism would probably complain that yet another insignificant author has been dredged up from the past. But Apess is not obscure, rather, his brilliance was obscured through the neglect of those who most needed to hear his message. There is much more to his work than merely documenting the victimization of Indians. As author, minister and also activist on behalf of his congregation of Mashpee Wampanoags in the 1830s, Apess's life work testifies eloquently that Indians have always exercised agency in shaping their history and ours as a whole---even in circumstances not of their choosing.

Editor O'Connell has done something very valuable in making these forgotten texts available to a wider audience. The writings of Pequot William Apess are, sadly, highly relevant even now. This is partly because of the universal import of religious conversion, ethnic identity and the personal challenges he confronted, but even more because American Indians are still denied the civil and human rights enjoyed by fellow citizens. Apess's fiery prose and profound insights on America from his Indigenous perspective not only shed much light on his life and times, but will shatter cherished myths of Euramericans about the presumed fairness of our society. Opponents of multiculturalism would probably complain that yet another marginal author has been dredged up from the past. But Apess is not obscure, rather, his brilliance was obscured by neglect of those who most needed to hear his message. There is far more to his work than merely documenting Indian victimhood. As author, minister and also activist on behalf of his Mashpee Wampanoag congregation in the 1830s, Apess's life work testifies eloquently that Indians have always exercised agency in shaping their history and ours as a whole---even in circumstances not of their choosing.

Eurocentric assumptions perpetrated by white males have obscured the incredibly brave and noble work of Native American writers. As a feminist who is interrogating those eurocentric paradigms, I am delighted to come upon this wonderful book.