Shadow The Books

At times both poignant and prescient, "In the Shadow of Islam" is the revelation of a brilliant mind. The book is, as one would expect from a trade paperback, well printed and bound.

This volume of Isabelle Eberhardt's original Dans L'ombre Chaude de Islam "In the Warm Shadow of Islam" was penned in 1904. As a big Eberhardt fan I still enjoyed reading this slim 1993 edition although it's lamely billed "In the Shadow of Islam". Translated by Sharon Bangert, the omission of this single word from the title, "Warm", quite neatly reverses its meaning. Thus the translator or publishers (Peter Owen Publishers) chose to slyly sabotage Eberhardt's empathic sympathetic message about her chosen faith Sufism/Islam with a beckoning yet ominous tang. I suppose her original title, 'In the Warm Shadow of Islam', (emphasis mine) was too long and Islam-friendly for today's market?

Thus, the publisher's choice perpetrates the ever popular anti-Islamic bent. That said, it's the brilliance of Eberhart's work that manages to shine through even a biased translation.
Without ado, let me provide some of my favorite quotes from In the Shadow of Islam:

"To the extent that I feel myself saturated by ancient, unshaken Islam, which here seems to be the very breathing of the earth...And I understand that one could end one's days in the peace and silence of some southern zawiya, end in ecstasy, free of yearnings, confronting only radiant horizons. " pg 114

"I have jotted these reflections in the margin of a letter...Having written them, I relapse into my feeling of exile, wishing to bury myself even deeper in this hostile south, without any desire for the Paris I have known, where the newspaper's lip-service to feminism was even more repugnant to me than the Parisian coquettes.

I have said nothing in my response worth reading. Why bother? One day paths separate, destinies crystallize. And this is so much more than having made a few friends. When they are good enough to invite us to share their foreign happiness, let's show them what's possible to a true fraternity of minds.

Let's regret nothing, since our happiness and theirs will consist in letting ourselves go one day, into mysterious currents which will carry our souls adrift towards impossible shores. Then we'll enjoy the intoxication of decadence and shipwreck; and wandering over the immense beaches of the night, we'll feel within us the seeds of suffering begin to germinate." pg 70

"...forgetting the principals of tolerance propounded by Islam at its purest..." pg 49

It strikes me that prayer, and dreams, too, should never end." pg 60-61


Please enjoy this timeless piece of writing...still relevant and convincing.

Edith Warner's own words exceed in beauty and simpicity anyone else's account of what her experiences were like in Northern New Mexico during the era of the making of the atomic bomb. Captured for the reader are the feelings of an anglo woman being accepted by Native Americans, the difficult life a woman making it on her own, and her intense feelings about how the war affected pueblo people.
Editor, Patrick Burns, has done a fine job of editing and staying true to the spirit of these wonderful writings!

Edith Warner came to New Mexico from the East in 1922, seeking a place to regain her failing physical health. Rather, she found a place ideal for her spiritual health, an ancient land where she felt at peace. She settled into a little house beside the Rio Grande at a lonely railroad siding called Otowi, where she supervised the off loading of freight. Ironically, in that out-of-the-way location, fate placed her at a crossroads in time, to live between the pastoral life of the neighboring Pueblo Indians and the frenzied pace of nearby scientists ushering in the atomic age at Los Alamos. In the midst of these different worlds, Edith completed her personal journey and touched the lives of everyone who passed her way, from sheepherders and potters to world-renowned physicists. Her story has been presented in two previous books, THE HOUSE AT OTOWI BRIDGE, a memoir and southwestern classic by Peggy Pond Church, and THE WOMAN AT OTOWI CROSSING, a fictionalized and altered version of Edith's life by Frank Waters. Now, IN THE SHADOW OF LOS ALAMOS offers the story through Edith's own writing, with a preface to set the stage.

As a reviewer, I am suppose to tell you whether or not you will enjoy this book, but such a prediction would be based solely on opinion. What I can tell you is that Patrick Burns, the book's editor, was passionately dedicated to his project on Edith Warner and that his admiration of Edith, despite never having met her, shows through in his work. Burns pursued lost documents in dusty archives, salvaged old letters that were about to be destroyed, and talked with Edith's friends and relatives from around the country to gather and preserve this record of her writing, which includes published and unpublished articles, letters, and surviving portions of her journal. IN THE SHADOW OF LOS ALAMOS is the result of years of in-depth research into a remarkable woman and a place in time. Edith's story leads the reader to wonder what might have become of her had she stayed in Pennsylvania, never having found her little house by the river, but we will never know because Edith recognized that she was right where she was suppose to be. She pursued her destiny. Through this book, she continues to inspire others to do the same. My opinion? You will more than enjoy IN THE SHADOW OF LOS ALAMOS.

This has been a delight. It's my 3rd Sally John book reading, and she has not disappointed me yet. The book is very good, easy to read and the story was great. I'll recommend it if you are in a mood for a good Christian Romance.
Enjoy!

SALLY JOHN HAS A GREAT TALENT FOR ENGROSSING THE READERS INTO HER STORY. THIS BOOK IS ONE OF THE BETTER CHRISTIAN ROMANCES OUT THERE, AND I'M ANTICIPATING HER NEXT BOOK. THE READING IS VERY EASY, WHICH CAN BE FOLLOWED EASILY FROM START TO FINISH. I RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE WHO WANTS TO BE ENCOURAGED.

Walter Meyerhof has written something really special. When I read his book - which I did in one 'go', as it was quite impossible to put it down - I felt really privileged to have entered his world and seen something of the joy he has obviously found in his life. INSPIRATIONAL was a title which came immediately to me as the title for this review. INSPIRATIONAL is what this little book is. Thank you, Professor Meyerhof, for showing us the way!

During the Hitler period, a number of extraordinary immigrants came to the USA, fleeing certain death because of their Jewish ancestry or religion. The USA did not make it easy for them to get in. Our society was extremely anti-semitic itself at that time. As a result, only the most promising people managed make the jump.

Walter Meyerhof, who was the son of a Nobel prize winning scientist and who later went on to become a physics professor at Stanford, was one who made it out and made it here. Like many refugees, he was not actually Jewish, but had Jewish ancestry.

The book consists of a number of short vignettes about Meyerhof's life. The vignettes are not really connected into a single narrative as one would expect from a biography, still one does get a picture of the flow of his life.

The book's account of Meyerhof's flight from Hitler is understated, but the sense of the closing of the horrifying vice of death still comes through.

Meyerhof's tales of his encounters with romance are also fascinating in giving us a window into how such things happened even before the "free love" generation.

The book does leave us with many questions about the parts of the author's life that are missing. Still, the parts that are there are well worth reading.

If you research the Douglas family or just love Scottish history this book is well worth your money. Having spent some years researching the family myself, I can appreciate just how much information is contained within these pages, and how much trouble the author has gone to to bring the family to life. You can buy and read straightforward history of the many battles James Douglas fought, but if you seek to understand the man and why he fought, what he fought for and believed and who influenced him, you will find that information here. Keep a notebook and pen beside you to take notes. Consult the glossary and who's-who in the back. If you know nothing of the family history to begin with, the reuse of names by each generation can get confusing.
This is not a flowery romance, but a portrait of strength of individuals and family, with common goals and support for one another in times we can hardly imagine. It is for the most part backed up by extensive documentation. Where documents fail, other unproven but chosen pieces fit neatly.
Photos throughout add to the story, carrying you along to see the real places, as you can see them now and then imagine how they must have looked before.
James Douglas, like Bruce, was a miracle, loaned to Scotland by the powers that be for the time that needed him. But like all of us, under his armor, he was only human.

History comes to life and invites you to be entranced. "In the Shadow of My Truth" is the second epic novel by Deborah Richmond Foulkes in a series of three, that explore her family's history but also the great history of "The Good Sir James."

The legacy of William le Hardi, the martyred patriot of the first book, "My Truth Lies in the Ruins," is continued in the story of his sons, one of which is The Good Sir James himself. William's widow, Eleanora Lovaine Douglas, vows to fulfill her promise of continuing the fight for Scotland. She raises her sons to reflect the great values of her husband. The three grow up to be King Robert's greatest soldier and most trusted knight, a crusader knight and alchemist healer, and a dedicated squire in service to his older brother, Sir James. What's more is that they grow up to be an honor to their father and to Scotland.

The book begins in the year 1306 and follows to 1330. What it encompasses is a glimpse into the true history of the Clan Douglas and Scotland's Wars for National Independence. But the book holds so much more than that. Here you will see the majestic lifestyle of medieval castles with all the pomp and flourish, you will feel the points of swords in battle and see the death of soldiers all around, you will witness births, weddings and the crossings into the Otherworld. All in such a vivid manner that you will think you had experienced it yourself.

Deborah Richmond Foulkes spent two years in Scotland doing research and spent much time in the libraries of Harvard University and The National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh. I am quite sure that this is only a slight mention of the research involved, as this is the most authentic presentation of historical novel I have read. While this is so, the book reads so easily, so unlike a history book that you will forget that these are true stories and find yourself immersed in a very interesting tale. The plot runs smoothly while Foulkes' descriptive writing is flawless. You won't soon forget the Douglas Clan and will look forward to the next book in the series, "My Truth...A Mist in Time."

Review by Heather Froeschl.

"In the Shadow of Pickle Peak" is one of those fascinating journey books.... the reader gets so caught up in its pages that he/she takes the trip with Malinda,the protagonist, as she relocates with her brother Drew and changes her own life to save his life. In its pages, Malinda finds herself in a true epiphany... she realizes that her life can only be truly lived in the "shadow of Pickle Peak." The book is a must read for a spring or summer day. It is a romance, not just between two individuals but with life itself. It is a celebration of being alive.

Great for an easy, happy read. Full of action all the way, and a happy ending for all - except the poor heroic dog! If you ever feel like a comforting read with a good chance of a happy outcome, you'll love "In the Shadow of Pickle Peak." Well done Marge Dobbin!
Nick Mellersh

I read this book and it was very interesting,the folks of Nicholson Hollow are my grandfathers parents. I never knew any of this until I read the book. The pictures are great,the stone work displayed is a tradition that was passed down to my grandfather, father and brothers.I was truly amazed at the article .This is a great piece of history ,the sad thing is this part of the forest was distroyed by fire around 2000 or 2001.

Acheologist Audrey Horning has written a brilliant and startling reappraisal of the people who lived in the mountains of Virginia prior to the incorporation of Shenandoah National Park. The infamous book "Hollow Folk" had unfairly portrayed these people as broad stereotypes -- unlearned, uncouth, and totally removed from the rest of society -- characterizations that have persisted for decades. Horning has used a combination of archeological research and impressive genealogical work to debunk many of the myths of the mountain society. Her book is an enjoyable and informative mixture of text and photographs, both period and contemporary. The Epilogue is especially concise and considered.

Horning has done a great service to the descendants of these remarkable mountain people. I have read many books on the subject, and hers is by far the best.

It's often said that there is nothing new to say about abortion. Harrison has something new to say -- said over two decades ago and foolishly ignored. Viewed from our perspective, "In The Shadow of the Curette" seems a chilling prophecy.

It's often said that there is nothing new to say about abortion. Harrison has something new to say -- said over two decades ago and foolishly ignored. Viewed from our perspective, In The Shadow of the Curette seems a chilling prophecy.

this book shows the above counties'sights by photo from 1883 to 1908.you may say this is an old records.however,especially the kingdom of sikkim,
the records on this book are very very variable and important matwerial even if you have not any interest in this country.because many people never heard the name of "sikkim",that's the important point.we thought we know all countries around this small globe,but it's not correct.because we never know about sikkim at all,even the name of this coutry.I hope you agree with me about this point,at least.today you can touch and know every countries at book stores except sikkim.hope you may have the same feeling and thoughts about this small black hall in this world.how can i say...we have to know more about sikkim any way . thank you.

This extraordinary book presents 113 sepia-toned photographs, with commentary, of the people, architecture and landscape of Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sikkim, taken by a career British officer in the late 19th and very early 20th century. Anyone with an interest in this region should be enthralled by his remarkable photographs of these remote mountain worlds. The photos represent an important historical record, and give us a fascinating view of these mysterious hidden kingdoms. The book is beautifully designed, and the authors provide important historical background on the photographer (John Claude White), his life and times, and the history of the region.

Who better to write about the Children of Holocaust Survivors than a Clinical Psychologist who is a Child of Holocaust Survivors himself. The opinions and attitudes of Children of Holocaust Survivors are shared in this book. The truths that Second Generation Children hold on to become quite evident.

I am one of those rare creatures: a non-Jew who is very interested in the legacy of the Holocaust on the Jewish people. In one place, the author states that Jews view the Holocaust as a Jewish tragedy, while non-Jews see it as another example of "man's inhumanity to man." This is a generalization. I see the Holocaust as complete devastation for the Jews of Europe with traumatic effects that extend to Jews in many other places in the world. This does not mean ignoring non-Jewish victims; Charlotte Delbo, a non-Jew, wrote a painfully honest account of her time in Auschwitz. But I do recognize that there was a difference between those victims who were selected for complete annihilation and destruction of their culture, and those who, while subjected to persecution as individuals and perhaps within their families, were not meant to be elimated from the Earth.

Plus, anyone who is familiar with the awful history of European anti-Semitism will know that the Nazis took many of their techniques, such as Jewish stars, denial of rights to Jews, refusal to allow Jews into professions or even speak to Gentiles, and ghettos, straight from Catholic (and to some extent, Protestant as well) treatment of Jews during the Middle Ages.

The Holocaust was uniquely horrific; I'm not doubting that. but it's cheap for Christians to absolve ourselves by saying it's "man's inhumanity to man," given the long legacy of anti-Semitism, forced conversions, murders, etc.

That having been said -

Hass is a child of survivors and a clinical psychologist who felt that the literature on children of survivors was too skewed towards pathology. So he interviewed adult children from the general public. He did not find the level of pathology that some other psychologist authors have found, but he did find heightened mistrust. He states that three words he heard from just about every person in his 48-person sample were: fear, mistrust, cynicism.

He directly takes on the complex issues of remembering the Holocaust, the guilt induced by many survivor parents ("for this I survived the camps?"), strong and sometimes conflicted feelings about Jewish identity, relations with the Gentile world, and passing on the legacy to the "third generation." He addresses the nightmares of being chased, being behind bars, etc. that many children of survivors have, while also realizing their good fortune compared to their parents, which often leads to considerable guilt due to having easier lives, while their parents suffered so much. Even those children who rebelled against their parents felt this guilt.

At the same time, children of survivors often did not have their own emotional needs met because their parents experienced an overwhelming lack of support in the years following the genocide, meaning that further indifference and refusal to hear about the Holocaust made mourning diffiicult and enhanced the sense that the world was against the Jews. There was often little energy left over to appropriately emotionally nurture the children, especially when survivors saw their children living out the normal lives that were denied to them. Conflicts resulted for survivors: they wanted their children to be happy and they also displayed signs of their extreme suffering, even when they spoke little about the Holocaust. This led to confusion on the children's part. I think the indifference of an uncaring world, that went right on without much notice that the Jews of Europe had been destroyed, played a large part in this continuation of suffering.

He writes with compassion, honesty, and understanding, and is honest enough to tackle children of survivors' conflicted feelings about Gentiles, which expresses their pain and fear of persecution without descending into racism, though he reports some prejudiced statements from some Jews, such as that all Gentiles will sell them for a loaf of bread. While uncomfortable for me to read as a non-Jew, such statements represent the reality of what many of the survivors experienced. Other children of survivors go out of their way to understand Gentiles and work on behalf of oppressed groups of all ethnicities, because they want to bring their sensitivity to persecution and willingness to fight it to the larger world.

The book concludes with some moving thoughts on the third generation as described by his relationship with his young daughter, Rachel. He describes the need for Jews, even children of survivors who often don't learn much about the Holocaust intellectually, to keep memory alive. And he asks for increased dialogue between children and their aging parents so that the children understand their parents' lives in context, though he expresses the hope that the parents will express their experiences in a straightforward way, without trying to induce guilt, which would only make the children more defensive.

An outstanding, thoughtful book - highly recommended for anyone who wants to understand the legacy of persecution and the resilience that allows people to keep living despite it.