Geography Books

This book, by David Freedberg, tells the fascinating story of Freedberg's discovery, on a tip from the notorious spy and brilliant art historian Anthony Blunt, of a group of amazing antique drawings stashed away in an obscure cupboard in Windsor Castle. The images, gracefully drawn and beautifully colored, depicted a bizarre range of flora and fauna: deformed lemons with claw-like legs, flamingoes, dramatic portraits of badger faces, strange plants...

The discovery marked the beginning of a great adventure told in the book--of Freedberg's search for and discovery of the source of the drawings: a 17th-century gang of noblemen and eccentrics based largely in Rome who took as their mission nothing less than the discovery, analysis, and visual record of all natural knowledge. They called themselves the Accademia Lincea, or Academy of Lynxes. This was the age of Galileo, who was in fact a member, and whose work the Lincea edited and published. With the aid of microscopes, telescopes, and other instruments, the Lincea and their peers began to develop a picture of the natural world in all its details that profoundly challenged traditional views of Heaven and Earth, supported by the Roman Catholic Church.

Freedberg's manner is at once learned and accessible. He tells a gripping story of a group of fascinating characters, some brilliant, some insane, and their grand projects, including a decidedly obsessive interest in bees. Lavishly illustrated in color and black-and-white, this is surely one of the most attractive, novel, and important works of history this year.

Rich in breathtakingly beautiful illustrations (83 color plates, 89 halftones) "The Eye of the Lynx" is a must-have for those with a penchant for science and its history.

We are told that author Freedberg, an art history professor and director of the Italian Academy for Advanced Studies in America at Columbia University, once happened upon a neglected cupboard in Windsor Castle holding hundreds of intricately precise drawings of plants and animals dating from the Old and New Worlds. He was acting on the word of Anthony Blount, an art historian and British spy. These drawings had been hidden and forgotten since the days of King George III.

Later, after coming across countless more throughout Europe, Freedberg discovered their provenance - a small 17th century scientific group. Based in Italy it was called the Academy of Linceans for Lynx-eyed.

This optimistic organization set as their goal the representation of all nature in pictures. The mighty task of the Linceans is recounted for the first time in English in this wondrous book. They, unlike their predecessors, focused on internal structures rather than external appearances.

For its time, one of the most outre ideas proposed by the Linceans was the microscope. They simply turned Galileo's telescope around and exposed a once invisible world.

Freedberg has rendered an enormous service in bringing to light this integral portion of the development of visuals as related to natural history.

- Gail Cooke

An excellent book for anyone interested in California History, US History, the Great Depression or the history of corporate agriculture. Originally released the same year as Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath, McWilliams' book relates the history of not only migrant farm labor in California, but the corporate farm as well. Having included extensive background on California's 19th Century land grab, McWilliams presents a comprehensive look at corporate agriculture, including its effect on various labor groups and the economy of the State of California. Written with a definite bias toward the underdog (the migrant worker), Factories in the Field nevertheless provides the reader with an understanding of the beginnings of corporate economy in California and its true beginnings in agriculture, including an explanation of the power of the ag growers--a political hot potato that continues in the state today.

A quick look at the index of Carey McWilliams's "Factories in the Field" finds not a single reference to Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Should that be surprising? Given that the book was first published in 1939, I believe it should. But in this "Story of Magratory Farm Labor in California," neither the New Deal or the Great Depression followed the same script as in the rest of the country. 1939 was also the year of publication of John Steinbeck's great novel "Grapes of Wrath." The two books have been linked ever since, one as documentation for the other, even though McWilliams published first.

The "dustbowl refugees" of Steinbeck's fiction were white Americans, fleeing from the Depression and the folly of pioneer agriculture in an area unsuitable to family farming. They do turn up in Factories in the Fields, as victims of exploitation and violence, but Steinbeck knowingly overlooked the majority of migrant workers in California in the 1930s (and earlier and later), who were not white transplants from the poor South but rather Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, and eventually prodominently Mexican. McWilliams describes in convincing terms how the nascent "industrial farmers" of California used racism, inter-ethnic competition, anti-union sentiments, and the pro-business partiality of American labor law not only to exploit the poorest of the poor unconscionably but also to consolidate huge holdings in some of America's richest farm land. The landest land-holding, that of the King family, is still around, and if I remember correctly it's larger than any of a half-dozen small states. The chapters in which McWilliams describes the violence, cloaked in legality, with which all efforts to organize migratory workers to defend their right to the Pursuit of Happiness are graphic and heart-rending.

One era's historiography often becomes the source material for historians of later eras, and this is surely the case of Factories in the Fields. Sixty years later it's a vivid window into the mentality of earnest reformers of the New Deal, who had plenty to be passionate about. But Factories in the Fields not only was history; it also made history. Few books on such an obscure subject have had such long-term influence. I can state with certainty that without this book the efforts of Cesar Chavez, one of America's greatest heroes, would not have had half the chance of success; the boycotts that created the United Farm Workers were led by people who knew about migrant labor chiefly through McWilliams. Even today, the cautious distrust many people feel toward the Bush Republican proposals to create a pool of non-immigrant guest workers reflects the memory of the exploitative "bracero" program that was terminated in the 1960s through protests from, once again, people who'd read Factories in the Fields.

I've recently reviewed two other studies of the New Deal era - "The Political Life of Floyd B. Olson" and "The New Deal and the Iroquois". My central point in these reviews has been to remind people, especially conservatives, of the complexity of conditions, and of political responses to conditions, in the Depression decade. FDR was not the whole story. There was no New Deal for migratory workers, though there should have been.

This is a great book for young children. Excellent first book for teaching kids about another county. I enjoyed the book very much and I am an adult! It offers lots of nice color photographs and discusses everyday life of the typical Guatemala family.

This is a great book for young children. Excellent first book for teaching kids about another county. I enjoyed the book very much and I am an adult! It offers lots of nice color photographs and discusses everyday life of the typical Guatemala family.

Appadurai draws on his former work on globalization in Modernity at Large, to propose a set of exciting and innovatively original reflections on the agendas set by post-September 11. The way terrorism is a sequel to former globalizing tendencies, and has been used in local contexts to deal in a discriminating way with 'difference', and 'minorities', is set against larger issues, such as the question of the role of the territorialized nation-state, and deterritorialized global terror. The interest of his approach resides in the fact that it considers a wide range of examples from South Asia to Europe, and the US, thus making the more evident how reductive - to say the least- are views of contemporaneity derived from Huntington's Clash of Civilizations. Appadurai is a genuinely original thinker, an exception in a world which sees a daily proliferation of repetitive and obvious approaches to such issues. An inspiring book I strongly recommend!

"Fear of Small Numbers" by Arjun Appadurai offers an exceptionally astute and often original analysis on the topic of violence and globalization. Drawing on his extensive knowledge gained over an impressive career as a scholar, consultant and activist, Mr. Appadurai brings an unique and internationalist perspective to bear on the subject. Written with a high degree of intelligence, clarity and conciseness, Mr. Appadurai's book convincingly explains how much of today's violence is tied to economic and social forces that are peculiar to our moment in history, thereby providing much-needed insight into how we might begin to address and resolve the problem of violence in our time.

Mr. Appadurai contends that globalization has created mass uncertainty by demolishing the state's ability to control its own economic destiny; as a consequence, the production of cultural cohesion has gained greater importance than ever for the nation state's bid to retain relevancy. Unfortunately, the globalization game can easily destabilize national borders and upset the state's attempts at social cohesion by creating mass unemployment and encouraging inflows and outflows of destitute workers. Under these conditions, the downtrodden can sometimes become scapegoats for the nation's failures; in extreme cases, the poor and disenfranchised may become victims of violent purges that are driven by the majority population's heightened social and economic anxieties.

However, Mr. Appadurai believes that terrorism constitutes the truly nightmarish side of globalization. Mimicking transnational corporations by organizing themselves in flexible, decentralized production networks, terrorist groups threaten the survival of the nation state. Terrorist rage is often directed at the U.S. as a consequence of its perceived cultural and economic hegemony as well as for its frequent exercise of military power around the world, especially in the Middle East. Mr. Appadurai points out that suicide bombers attempt to make political statements by personalizing themselves and their victims in deliberate and pointed contrast to the anonymous mass violence inflicted by U.S. air bombing campaigns. While Mr. Appadurai understands that some of these outsider perceptions of the U.S. may be difficult to accept, we probably need to acknowledge the author's point about how the unequal distribution of wealth and the sometimes indiscriminate and reckless deployment of U.S. power may be contributing to political destabilization and violent backlash if we wish to address some of the root causes of terrorism in a meaningful way.

Mr. Appadurai goes on to discuss how the rise and fall of the BJP in India illustrates how political struggle can coalesce around ideas of cultural identification and exclusion. We learn how relatively small segments of the population can challenge legal and religious doctrines in a manner that can seem threatening to the majority population, elements of whom sometimes lash out violently against perceived threats in ideologically motivated attacks. On the other hand, the author finds hope in the many grass-roots activist networks around the world who are working for positive socioeconomic change. Mr. Appadurai believes that such organizations can create a much-needed "third space" for democratic deliberation and decision making, thereby helping the global economic system to work towards just ends.

I give this timely and important book the highest possible rating and recommend it to everyone.

Most readers who come to this text are, no doubt, overly familiar with the more playful spiritual intensity of Japanese Zen, whether it be through the writings of stoic mountain hermits (say, Dogen); the peripatetic musings of hip flask, sake swilling outcasts (say, Santoka Taneda or Ryokan); the no nonesense monastic types (say, Hakuin); the earthy, gritty advice for living in the modern world (say, DT Suzuki); or even the American literati influences (say, Gary Snyder).

Far fewer readers, however, will be familiar with the logistical organization of Zen temples in Japan. As esteemed Japan expert Edwin O. reischauer writes in the brief preface, "It is ironic that Zen philosophy, which is commonly charaterized as being beyond words, has inspired millions of words in English print, whereas Zen instituions, though vastly important in many aspects of medieval Japanese civilization and in no way beyond description, has drawn so few."

Indeed.

Yet, does a book about the logistical organization of Rinzai's Gozan ("Five Mountain") temples sound boring?

Perhaps. But let me tell you: this text is anything but boring! Author Martin Collcut takes a seemingly mundane subject and delivers a delightfully informative product that will not disappoint even the most discerning reader. Moreover, he neatly ties the development of the temple system into the existing socio-political milieu of Medieval Japan.

Quite frankly, this is a dream book for a Japanese history "otaku" (lit: "buff," or worse, "nerd" or "geek") like myself: clear and detailed but highly readable, unlike so many other academic texts.

Lastly, I do not think you need to have too much knowledge of Japanese history or even Buddhism for that matter, as Collcutt does a great job of keeping the reader informed and up to date. Roughly speaking, there are three main branches of Zen in Japan: Rinzai (founded by Eisai), Soto (Dogen), and the lesser known Obaku (imported by Chinese monks in the Tokugawa Era). This book, of course, focuses on how the first, Rinzai Zen, which mirrored the organization of its "five mountain temples" on the Chinese model (and literally had main temples on five mountain sites).

Though this book is full of details, it exceedingly engrossing at every turn. I wish I could give it 10 stars.

Buy it today!

Not everyone wants to explore the history of Rinzai Zen as an Institution - but, if you do, Martin Collcutt's study is a veritable treasure trove. Potted within its pages (382, excluding the index and bibliography), you will find fascinating references to just about everything of significance concerning the formation of the 'Gozan' or 'Five Mountain System' - its precedents in Sung China, its patrons and supporters in Japan, the temple builders, key figures, secular and religious, all the regulations, and all the myriad processes involved in the maintenance of these inter-linked temple complexes.

Even at their best, studies like this can be tedious, in places, but this well informed account is never dry. It explores macrocosmic factors, and surveys microcosmic details. Collcutt conveys an almost organic picture of the entire complex of processes - social, technical,human and spiritual - which brought the 'Gozan' system into being and made it a living entity. While all of this was ultimately directed to one end - the spiritual life nurtured in the Sodo or monks hall, Collcutt's study makes us keenly aware of the managerial and administrative skills required to run such large complexes. Rather like their equivalent in medieval or late medieval Europe, these monastic institutions virtually became thriving 'businesses'- running large landed estates, even employing hired labour. Beating the Medici family to the game by several centuries, the Chinese Buddhists were the first people to print paper money - and lend it at interest. As with the European monastic institutions, corruption and worldliness sometimes took over. Similar traits sometimes characterised life in the Japanese temples. Collcutt's study can be statistical in places, but this is always tempered by the human interest - the notable figures and events which have shaped life in these temples. It details the virtues, vices and the vicissitudes, which have left their mark upon the Gozan system.

Clearly written & makes plants easy to identify. This reference makes hiking in the area a joyous experience

"The Flavors of Home" is a highly readable and well-illustrated account of the variety and richness of edible plants in the San Francisco Bay Area. Before reading it, I could never have imagined that an urban realm of some 6 million people would house such a rich supply of edibles (and a surprising abundance in our own backyards!)

Ms. Roos-Collins thoughtfully informs you of the types and usages of local plantlife, provides recipes, and warns you where danger lurks. The hand-drawn illustrations by Rose Craig are excellent.

I highly recommend this wonderful resource to anyone wanting to know more about the variety and seasonal availability of edible foliage in the Bay Area.

If you liked "Mushrooms of Northern California", then you'll love "Flora of Mount Rainier". Once again Mr. Biek provides with an interesting and well informed account of the beauty of the world we live in. A must for naturalists and anyone who appreciates the great outdoors.

A thorough exploration of the flora of Mount Rainier. Perfect for naturalists, hikers and anyone who points to a flower and wants an answer to the perennial " What is that?" Ideal for anyone who who loves the outdoors and is insatiably curious about the environment around them. Obviously well-researched. Great illustrations and photos.

I thoroughly enjoyed this well written volume about French history and culture. Not only is the text first rate, it is filled with stunning color photos of various places in France and makes the reader really want to go there. The whole thing is good, but I thought the chapter on the French arts was particularly educational. I think the book is aimed at young people, but adults will definitly find it worthwhile too.

This is a colorful, absorbing look at one of the world's most interesting and picturesque countries. The author is Don Nardo, who is known for his many fine books about ancient history, so this book goes a bit more heavily into France's history than into other aspects of the country. Still, it's a pretty much balanced presentation. The chapter on the history of French culture is especially well done and interesting. I would recommend the book highly to anyone planning a trip to France.

'From the Caves and Jungles of Hindostan' offers an intrigueing travelogue through nineteenth century India revealing a culture whose uncanny developments in the metaphysics of mind in the material world are today shedding light upon far reaching intuitions. The way Blavatsky reveals India without the fogs of mysticism but through an insightful first-person narritive makes this an exellent introduction and captivating look into the exotic world of Hindustan. It's truly adventuresome and fascinating. For anyone looking into the anthropology of ancient and modern India this book will prove insightful, or for those looking to escape into an exciting travelogue. Blavatsky and her traveling companions are both intellectual and charming. I've had this book for a number of years and I continuously comeback to it for its wonderful wealth of thought and adventure.

Read this more for its artistic value than its historical accuracy...it is a delight for any true follower of HPB's life and times and invaluable look at India from a traveler's point of view.

Copious notes on what activities and attractions are available and of interest to kids and other family members. Only shortcoming is minimal references to restaurants and accommodations. Author selects top 10 day trip ideas for each island and they were dead on for our family of five.

It is very easy to find age appropriate activities for your children. The book is arranged in an easy to follow format which allows you to find special stops coming up as you drive. A great quick reference that we used many times a day while vacationing on Oahu.