Vision Books

Enjoy fourteen fine stories which are set on Earth and which paint very different stories of men who dream of space, other worlds, and salvation. From urban gun scenes to solar contemplation, the backgrounds are different but the visions - ultimately of hope - are similar and moving. Highly recommended, haunting.

Russo's stories are grim and gritty, stark and bleak glimpses into the dark dystopia of the near future. His vision is powerful and haunting, darkly perceptive and prophetic in the terminal rites of passage...

Gary S. Potter Author/Poet

Russo's novels (at least the ones I've read, Carlucci's Edge and Carlucci's Heart) offer a dark, Blade-Runneresque vision of a near-future San Francisco in which chaos rules the streets and cops keep their heads down.

Terminal Visions is both wider and narrower -- wider in that these short stories are set in a variety of locales with differing casts, different premises, and different tones (although 'noir' seems to be the prevailing one). Narrower in that, like John Varley's short stories, these are miniature universes unto themselves, sketching out in a few hundred words an entire scenario for a possible future. Russo's spare use of language, and haunting ideas, make this one of the best and most thought-provoking collections of shorts I've read since The Barbie Murders.

Wonderful stuff.

Terminal Visions is an outstanding anthology showcasing fourteen short story writings of Richard Russo. The compelling selections include science fiction themes (eleven set on Earth). The themes run from alien encounters to the human condition to triumph over seemingly overwhelming conditions. Terminal Visions very nicely documents why Russo, who has won the Philip K. Dick Memorial Award and been nominated for the Arthur C. Clark Award, is considered on of the best of today's speculative fiction authors.

This book shaped my young mind as college student some years ago. I am purchasing another copy to read it again. This book gives a clear explanation of what it means to live out a christian life in a culture that is counter to christ's ideals. The book certainly doesn't advocate isolationism but rather active involvment in transforming the world around us. It is an eye opening and well thought out book for christians in the 20th century and beyond.

I am reading this book with one more chapter to go and have to say that it has been an "eye-opening" and insightful read as to what a REAL Christian/Biblical world view is...and what it isn't. I would HIGHLY recommend this book to others.

This book was used as a textbook in one of my college classes through Regent University. The class, "Contemporary Problems for Christian Leaders," was very enlightening. The book covers world views in general and Christian world views specifically. As a Christian, my world view was transformed by this book, not in an earth-shaking way, but in a subtle way. Instead of Christianity being separate from "the world," I now see Christianity as redeeming the world. I would highly recommend this book.

This book is a penetrating critique of modernism, the prevailing ethos in which we live. It calls Christians to be aware of the presuppositions of the world around us and to renew our minds by seeking after Christlikeness.

This is inspired stuff!! Jamila's paintings are gems, and my only reason for reducing a star is the sometimes indifferent print quality of the reproductions. Nevertheless, one can easily imagine that the originals would be masterpieces to behold. I also wish that the artist had spent more time explaining the process by which she transformed seemingly drab, decrepit scenes into such interesting subjects. Her line rendition of architectural details in some of the plates is truly stunning, and the variation of treatment just adds to the myriad moods and environments the book so successfully evokes. I hope the next edition does justice to the printing inadequacies of the first, despite which it remains a collectors item. Amazon should certainly stock this book for its buyers.

This book vividly and imaginatively captures the aura of a fading cultural legacy--the loss of period architecture at the alter of modernity and urban chaos. Jamila's paintings in mixed media don't depict only the buildings, but also the ambience of common daily life that is so inextricably intertwined with such old dwellings. A remarkable execution of an ephemeral idea, with each full color plate presenting a slightly different stylistic interpretation of the subject. The writeup on the artist's early life spent growing up in similar environs really brings these faraway places to life. All in all, a very worthy addition to anyone's collection of coffee table books.

I've travelled frequently in Pakistan, one of the lesser known but more fascinating travel destinations. Having walked through some of the back alleys and bylanes of the inner city of Lahore, I can vouch for the fact that Jamila's paintings do capture some of the magic of the exotic urban scenes and lifestyles that are still quite evident to the Western tourist. The color plates are sometimes of variable print quality, but all in all this is an excellent purchase. The introductory text is brief but alluring, and the book overall makes for a very interesting interpretation of a passing legacy. Hats off to the artist/author for her imaginative interpretation and skilled masterpieces.

This book vividly and imaginatively captures the aura of a fading cultural legacy--the loss of period architecture at the alter of modernity and urban chaos. Jamila's paintings in mixed media don't depict only the buildings, but also the ambience of common daily life that is so inextricably intertwined with such old dwellings. A remarkable execution of an ephemeral idea, with each full color plate presenting a slightly different stylistic interpretation of the subject. The writeup on the artist's early life spent growing up in similar environs really brings these faraway places to life. All in all, a very worthy addition to anyone's collection of coffee table books.

The pictures are beautiful. The story thoughtfully written. More importantly, the book's message of hope, hard work, and loyalty comes through loud and clear. As a business woman, Sarah (Madame CC) was not only supportive to her sisters "of color" she was loyal to the community in which she lived. We all have "brothers and sisters" we can reach out to and help. It's a message needed in today's world.

I really enjoyed sharing this book with my class. I am a primary teacher and I thought that the storyline and facts given were appropriate to share with young children. She is a person in african american history who all should admire for her courage and tenacity.

This is a partially fictionalized account of Sarah Breedlove, a young impoverished girl born free just after slavery who grew up and became inventor of hair-care products for Black women. She owned and operated her own business and became financially successful. She renamed herself and her business Madame C.J. Walker. With her business acumen she soon became one of the richest women of her time. Though she lived lavishly, she was a great philanthropher of her people, giving of her time and money to charities for the betterment of the African-American race.

She employed a large number of Black women to promote and sell her products, thereby giving women an opportunity to have a profession that gave them pride and economic freedom.

The author grasps the blatant racism of the times without being depressing about it. She also captures the spirit of Madame Walker, an uneducated sharecropper who had a dream and achieved it.

The text is well illustrated with watercolor and pencil drawings in soft colors. This book would be a good addition to a school library collection for browsers and report writers alike.

Summary: This is a real life story of a young freed slave girl named Sarah Breedlove who feels inferior to white women because she is not as beautiful. She soon discovers a way to use herbs and oils to create hair products that will provide "colored" women with healthy hair. To advertise, she relies on ads that show colored women with healthy hair and a confident demeanor. As her company continues to grow, she employs other colored women who are willing to go into women's kitchens to show them the proper procedures for creating healthy hair. She also supports colored women in their fight for equality. She even stands up to Booker T. Washington when he implies that only colored men can fight for equality in the business world. Madame Walker (as she calls herself--Walker being her married name) becomes one of the wealthiest people in the country, yet she still fights for social justice.

Critical Review: In this picture book, Lasky creates an exciting story of a woman who overcomes the odds without forgetting her past and how she got to where she is. Lasky is able to do this by portraying Madame Walker as a real character with issues and struggles with which many readers may be able to relate. The illustrations by Bennett are beautiful and add to the story by capturing the essence of Madame Walker and her product line. Bennett's pictures are realistic and enchanting. In the author's letter, Lasky admits that she had to "fill in" some of the gaps left by her research. She does this exceedingly well in that the entire story seems possible. Though there were some gaps, Lasky based as much of the story as possible on research, some of which was from a first hand account by Walker's great-granddaughter. This book is about a minority group which is not stereo-typed by either the author or the illustrator. Overall, this book is very enjoyable and brings out some really great points. It will be surprising if the book does not win an award such as the Coretta Scott King, Caldecott, or Newbery.

Curriculum Connections: The possible curriculum connections in this book are numerous. One obvious connection is history. Lasky points out the racial and gender discrimination of the time. Connections can be made both to the Civil Rights Movement and the Women's Suffrage Movement. Another connection is in the field of science. Walker uses herbs and oils in her hair products. Students can examine the qualities of such herbs and check out how many are used in different types of products today. A third connection is climate. Lasky points out the different types of weather that Walker experiences as she moves from region to region around the US. Students can check out weather patterns that exist in different areas of the world. A final connection can be made in geography because Walker moves around the country so much.

A very accessible book, supplemented by numerous illustrations. It presents Buddhism's start and its spread through time and countries, and the variegated transmutations it underwent in the process. Brief, yet clear distinction between the various transmutations of Buddhism are also provided.

At the end of the book are a list of well-known Buddhism gurus, a list of important Buddhist sites acorss the world, useful addresses(by each variety of Buddhism!), and a helpful glossary.

An informative read for students of Buddhism.

While obviously not a definitive text, Tom Lowenstein's "The Vision of the Buddha" is to me a good beginners guide to the history and practice of Buddhism. The life of Buddha is well described, as are the various schools of Buddhism from original Mahayana to Theravada and from Pure Land to Soto Zen, each with its own distinct practices. The author also includes discussions of related and/or contemporary religions- Taoism, Shinto, Confucianism- as well as the historical context. The book is very well illustrated and a pleasure to read. I gave a copy to the local Soto Zen Center and they were very pleased with it.

Of all the world's major religions, Buddhism is nearly unique because it functions without a definition of "God" or "gods." To most Buddhists the question of the existence of God or gods is unanswerable and therefore not relevant to the practice (although gods- including Hindu deities- do show up in many Buddhist myths, they are not usually meant to be literal). For this reason Buddhism is often classified not as a religion, but as a philosophy. It has in recent years increased in the West to become a serious practice much beyond the Beat Generation and New Age practitioners. In addition, therapists, some businesses and even some Christian groups have taken up meditation as a useful technique. This book is a very good starting place for anyone wanting to understand what Buddhism is all about.

Tom Lowenstein's "The Vision of the Buddha" is arguably one of the most accessible books on the subject. Moreover, he not only brings Buddhism and its development to presence for the novice user - he brings in a whole set of other issues making it a very comprehensive book. I highly recommend it. This is a handsomely illustrated and, as previously mentioned, extensive book on Buddhism. Lowenstein bring Buddhism to life with over 200 illustrations. Included in the 200 illustrations are pieces relating to art, archeological artifacts and examples of architecture. Lowenstein also includes pictures of rituals and practices that go a long way to explain as it accompanies his superb text. "The Vision of the Buddha" explores important concepts, sensitively explores living values and ways of life as well as the religious and psycho-social angles of the dogma and, inevitably its connection to modern-day Western society.

As a pedagogical tool, this book is second to none. The Buddha's instruction and the prominent tenets of Buddhist philosophy are described in depth. More importantly, this book follows the spread of Buddhism from its Indian roots to Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, China, Japan, and Tibet. Each area or country has a chapter set aside for it - which makes it really easy to understand. Moreover, it allows the author to explore in some detail the uniqueness of Buddhism and its development in discrete spaces. The really neat thing about this book - aside from its length - is that frequently difficult doctrine is clearly drawn out in clear and simple language - without sacrificing its authority and seriousness. Harkening back to the book as a pedagogical tool, the book includes a reference section at the back that includes a guide to the most important Buddhist sites, a section on present-day Buddhist masters, a comprehensive glossary, as well as a list of Buddhist groups for further exploration.

In short, this book is an excellent introduction to the subject for a novice; as well as providing an in-depth overview of Buddhism for the knowledgeable reader who would like to increase the breadth and depth of their understanding of this very old and venerated path.

Miguel Llora

This book makes an interesting and worthy read for someone who knows little about Buddhism but is interested in knowing more. Mr Lowenstein outlines the life of the Buddha and the major traditions that have grown out of His teachings in an easy to follow, however very brief, format. The book is easy to read and very well illustrated, I don't think there are many other books that serve the capacity of being a "beginners" guide to Buddhism that are so enjoyable to read. Another helpful aspect in the book is that when Buddhist terms are repeated a reference always follows to help you find the explaination of the word (instead of assuming you have instantly remembered the meaning!) The illustrations really help bring the vitality and differences in Buddhist tradition to light. However I think anyone with more than a little knowledge of Buddhism would find this book somewhat frustrating in it's lack of detail as it really is a basic overview. I would recommend this book to beginners as an excellent source with which to get started understanding Buddhism.

Im so impresed with this mans work I am obsessed. He is a rare breed of intelligence. He has a piece in this called 'Mouth" which refers tothe position our heads take well being thrown back in a scream as that of an extension to our spines, inother words that we assume an animal architecture to our bones in the most extreme pains. Batailles constant opinions detailed here in wonderful totaly controlled short pieces , is for me, the only truly awful reading I have ever done. A music piece I often play also has this effect. It is genuis to have the power of horror in works not involving the 'supernatural". I am in awe of this odd,dead man.

in reponse to stevie, i'd say that andre breton has left us infinitely more to 'go on' than the far too reductionist bataille. unlike bataille, breton was not living in the shadow of his idols (bataille:sade) but trying to generate something new. bataille's assessment of nietzsche and the surrealists as romantic icaruses also seems a self assessment; bataille could never rise above his 'need to go below'. he was guilty of precisely the same things he accused the surrealists of.

Bataille was French surrealist who wrote like an alien trapped on a hostile planet. In searing essays like "the Solar Anus," he almost convinces you that the end is not just near, but here. Disturbing and beautiful, this book is highly recommended.

He and Breton (the dead ox, vile priest, castrated lion of surrealism) violently attacked one another precisely because Bataille was opposed to the idealism and the upstanding morals of surrealism. Bataille is probably spinning in his grave at the mere thought that his legacy would be trashed by the sloppy reference to him as a member of religion he so hated.

Beyond being a truly enjoyable and delightful book to read I found it to be a thoughtful and insightful look back into the values of yesterday inspiring visions of hope for tomorrow.

A very thought provoking book. Dr. Mary paints wonderful word pictures for the mind and gives a new perspective on life, past, present and future.

I read random poems throughout Visions of Hope Voices of Americana and then I read through it again, and then I re-read selected ones. Each time, I found something different and inspiring. The ones that resonated the most with this Midwesterner were, of course, those inspired by the Midwest. However, they all reflect not only the memories, hopes, thoughts and reflections of the writer, but also those of the reader - reinterpreted by each of us. I particularly like "Sisters," having been blessed with three at birth and gifted with two more upon marriage. I will look forward to the planned future publictions. DeAnna Underwood

I was riveted from start to finish by this compelling collection of poetry bringing `Voices of Hope' to the weary and worn in our stress filled world. Any reader will experience both healing and a resurgence of hope by reading this unique compilation of poetic visions inspired by the beauty and values found in the forgotten by-ways of Americana. Dr. Johnson should be commended for her ability to verbally create a visual scene in our minds and uncover the truth and inspiration waiting for us around every corner. She gives us the eyes to see the present, past, and future with new perspectives that offer renewed strength in challenging times. This is a "must read" that deserves a place in every library. This inspiring work is truly a book to be treasured! -Carolyn Barber

When I think about a master of quality in Japanese printmaking a few artists immediately come to mind: Hiroshi Yoshida, Paul Jacoulet, and Kawase Hasui. This little paperback book is jam packed full of color woodblock prints,...page after page of an artists masterful works. If you are not fond of landscapes this is not for you, but if you enjoy Japanese printmaking, this book is an absolute must. The simple compositions, the colorful gradations, and the mastery in image, carving and printmaking comes through on every page. GET IT NOW!!!

As art books go, this one gets it just about perfect. 100 of Kawase Hasui's prints, arranged in chronological order and finely reproduced with great care in full color and as large as the book's format will allow (the format being large enough to show off the prints to advantage without being unwieldy to hold and peruse). The text at the beginning by Kendall Brown is informative and helpful in better appreciating the prints, placing them within the context of the larger Shin-Hanga ("New Print") movement of the 20th century and tentatively explicating an aesthetics for this underappreciated art form--derided as it was (and is) by modernist artists and art critics for whom lyrical beauty and sentiment in art are passe and collaboration with engravers and publishers a damning compromise of principle. Brown goes on to focus more specifically on the life of the artist himself, his methods and practices, and his overall artistic development over the years. I especially liked how he was able to address issues of nostalgia, invented tradition, and cultural nationalism in Kawase's works without being reductive, politically trenchant, or dismissive of intrinsic artistic value.

And these prints definitely have the latter. Kawase is a master of evoking the quiet, tranquil moods of dusky twilight and drifting snow, of rainy days and moonlit nights. Both his rural and urban landscapes are imbued with these qualities, and places both famous and anonymous seem to shimmer with moods and resonances of an archetypal Japan you always wanted to visit but found only fleetingly when you actually went there--and in this too there is a subdued hint of something more universal and eternal still. And yet on a more down-to-earth level these are very accessible, nice scenic pictures that look great on calendars, postcards, and computer desktops. Esoteric and humble at the same time. But is it art? Close enough for me, anyway.

One hundred woodblock prints of the 20th-century Japanese artist Hasui are cataloged in bright colors on large pages roughly 9" x 11". Captions for the hundred are grouped following the prints. With annotations which are comments by Hasui on the particular print or informative remarks by Narazaki Munishige, editor of a book on the artist's prints, the captions are instructive. Instructive too are two introductory essays by Kendall H. Brown. The first is on the Japanese cultural sources of Hasui's prints; the second focuses on Hasui's life and art. The succinct text with the appealing pictures of numerous prints offers an ideal introduction to and sampling of the woodblock prints by this outstanding Japanese artist who is regarded as one of the primary artists of the 20th-century Japanese art movement known as "New prints" (Shin-hanga).

My wife and I were very pleased with this book. The commentary was interesting and the numerous photos were of decent quality. A lot better than paying the $400 for the complete book by Brown. A nice book if you like Hasui and are on a normal budget.

I like Astronomy very much, particularly I am interested in the Planet Mars. On Mars there is a less gravity, and I am an invalid. Perhaps we can live better there. So far it is the Planet most studied. I think it is very important the idea to explore Mars and to settle it. The different missions are our eyes. This book let us see what our eyes have seen in such a beautiful place very far. I like this French scientist very much. To have this book it is a little to speak with him!

What would Mars look like if you could actually get in your own spaceship and fly there right now? And what book would you want to put what you were seeing in context? Well, in both cases, this is your book! The fourth planet from the sun is brought to life in full color in this priceless blend of realistic paintings, actual photographs and informative prose. Great as a gift or for yourself: You'll never have quite the same Visions of Mars ever again!!

This book contained some new pictures that I had never seen before. Written narration is good. If you're interested in learning and seeing more of Mars, I highly recommend this book.

"Visions of Mars" is filled with astounding images of Mars, most of them photographs taken by the Viking, Pathfinder, Spirit, and Opportunity lander missions, some by the Mars orbiters, and others created by computers based upon orbital laser data. Almost all of them are colored according to the best interpretation of what Mars would look like to the human eye (in general, the photographs are constructed from black-and-white images made with color filters, then layered together). We get to see the salmon-pink of the Martian sky and the coppery dust that covers the planet. Many of the orbital images show canyons that dwarf anything to be found on earth, Along the visual journey, the text explains the latest findings and thinking regarding the questions about water on Mars and the possibility of life there.

Marcia is the best romance writer around! Her books are clean, but oh, be still my heart! The Visions of Ransom Lake is my favorite so far. I couldn't put it down.

In this story, the wild and imaginative Vaden Valmont moves with her sister to the untamed West where her aunt and uncle need help with their mercantile. While she immediately catches the eye of Jerome Clayton, the well-mannered, ideal gentlemen and perfect beau of the town, Vaden's only interest is the mysterious and brooding town hermit, Ransom Lake, whom she continuously trips up, but whom eventually wins her heart.

I would give any of Marcia's books no less than FIVE STARS, because that's what they all deserve. It is absolutely amazing, the writing skill of this woman. She can weave a spell with her magical words and transport you to the exact time and place of the story. It is beautiful historical romance, but without smutty trash or preachy Christian ties. It's filled with sweet kisses, healing kisses, promising kisses. If you're looking for an amazing romance story that will keep you riveted from beginning to end, this is it! Page one will pull you in and you won't be able to put it down till the early hours of the morning. You won't regret buying this book.

If you feel the offers are too expensive or the books are unavaliable, try Googling her name or look for her publishing company, Distractions, Inc. All her books are avaliable for under $20 on her website and worth every penny. Spread the word, because Marcia is entirely too underrated and overlooked.

Clean with no yucky suprises. Lots of yummy kisses. This is my favorite "Marcia" book! Shackles of Honor is a close second. What can I say there is nothing like MmmmmmmmmMarcia's books. Read one and you have to read them all, again, and again until the pages fall out. Not exagerating at all. My litte sister got me hooked on her books. She can't write them fast enough as far as we are concerned.

Marcia Lynn McClure is one of the best authors I have found who write "clean" romance. I loved all of her books. This book was not my favorite (Dusty Britches and Heavenly Surrentder tied for that spot) Here is the basic overview of the book (taken from Marcia's website)...................
Youthful beauty, naive innocence, a romantic imagination thirsting for adventure...an apt description of Vaden. Vaden Valmont, who would soon find the adventure and mystery she had always longed to experience...in the form of a man.
A somber recluse, Ransom Lake descended from his solitary concealment in the mountains, wholly disinterested in people and their trivial affairs. But somehow, young Vaden managed to be ever in his way...either by accident or because of her own unique ability to stumble into a quandary.
Yet the enigmatic Ransom Lake would involuntarily become Vaden's unwitting tutor. Through him, she would experience joy and passion the like that even Vaden had never imagined. Yes, Vaden Valmont stepped innocently, yet irrevocably, into love with the secretive, seemingly callous man.
There were other life's lessons that Ransom Lake would inadvertently bring to her as well. The darker side of life...despair, guilt, heartache. Would Ransom Lake be the means of Vaden's dreams come true? Or the cause of her complete desolation?