Maxim Books

Longing for Wisdom is a very accessible introduction to the Delphic Maxims (focusing on a selection, with reference to the full collection), those wise sayings which informed the lives and ethics of the ancient Greeks, and which are (perhaps surprisingly for some) very relevant to our lives today. Instead of some dry history lesson, Szabo necessarily puts the Maxims in their historical context but then spends the bulk of the book looking at each of the selected Maxims in detail, exploring the reasoning behind them, and how they can be applied to ourselves in very practical, helpful ways. It is written with an understanding of the Maxims' polytheistic religious underpinnings, the author being a polytheist herself, but yet it is applicable to anyone and everyone. Equal parts history, Classics, ethics, psychology, self-improvement, and a wide variety of other subjects, it's not only interesting but useful. Definitely recommended!

I'm not a big fan of little books of affirmations. That said, I found John Jenson's little book simply marvelous and marvelous in it's simplicity. John calls his book "Lost & Found: Impressions of an Ordinary Guy". That's exactly what it is.

As you page through the book, each left page has a "Lost"(a description of a loss in his life) and a "Found"(a positive consequence or reframing of that loss). On each facing page is a statement of the lesson learned. Each is stated simply and powerfully, and always insightfully.

John's insights cover the whole emotional lanscape. I loved the universality of the book. I also, surprisingly, loved that it wasn't illustrated. Just a minimum of words centered on mostly white pages. Simple.

I was very impressed with what I thought, at first glance, would be another sappy, coffee table decoration. It wasn't. It was simply marvelous. Take a look at John Jenson's little book. You'll be glad you found it.

When I opened this booklet, I knew that I had to get a copy to give to my beloved partner Kathy Brogla. The short verses sum up how my feelings for her alter my perceptions of the world. No matter how tough the day is, and some of them can really be hard, I know that when I get home and we are together, the world really isn't as bad as it seemed to be only a few hours ago.
The excerpts of verse are about the many aspects of love, how it can make you brave, how it can make a stuffed animal come alive and how it can brighten the dreariest day. Reading this book was the best thing that I could have done the day I read it.

An endearing, beautiful little book, filled with a variety of quotes from people famous and not famous--although more famous ones! It speaks of romantic love, first love, love in relationships, a mothers love,loving your self, and unconditional love. By no means covering all bases--that would take something much larger--, this simply but well illustrated book provides a pleasant resourse for browsing, or for quotes to share in sending your own love notes to those special people in your life.

My review of this book comes from a different perspective because I was the designer. I found this book to be beautifully written, and with each page that I designed, I would stop and read, and be touched by the sentiment. I think this is a wonderful book to have, in that it's perfect to thumb through when you need a pick me up, or when you're nostalgic about your relationship. It includes sentiment that everyone who has ever loved can relate to. I've designed many books, and this, by far, is my favorite to pick up time and time again.

This book is the best book for quickly informing on cat traits and cat care. Many useful observations such as "Love is knowing that when I flop on one side at your feet I'm saying "Play with me"". Lots of tidbits like this to educate new cat owners and even old cat owners! Such as "Love is knowing that when I stick my rump in your face, I'm just being sub misssive not trying to seduce you."

The format is cute images and single statements on each page so it is quick to read. Young readers can learn from it. It also informs the reader of clues to watch for to recognize a cat is sick and what objects are dangerous to cats.

This book should be given to every new cat owner.

All the poetry and quotes within show a love of language, or one might say, a love affair of words... and a depth of feeling. Excellent emotions and not too mushy... The art may be a little risque but it really does do the poetry more than justice...

I first saw the story "The Mahogany Elephant" in The New Yorker and was amazed by Biller's insight and precise rendering of the tricks and currents of modern love. I flipped back to the start of it a few times just to burn his name into my head so I would remember to buy the book when it came out.

And the book is no disappointment. Biller is sharp, almost surgical in his spare portrayal of relationships. Any reader can recognize moments they've lived themselves -- except with a new understanding from getting the perspective of Biller's all-seeing eye. Not every story coheres; at times the emotional distance keeps you from connecting with the characters. But many of the stories will just blow you away, and collectively, they have real power. You realize you're in the hands of a master, that his apparently simple writing is anything but, and that Biller not only sees but understands.

A great debut. Can't wait for more!

This is a great book of quotations, a wonderful gift, it will have you laughing out loud!

This is the biggest, most comprehensive book of quotes in existence and certainly in my collection of 400+ quotation books, dating back to 1590 (I just found out that the library of Congress has 150 quotation books.) It has well over 50,000 quotations, is organized by subject, and is close to 3000 pages.

This book, in one of it's edition prefaces, makes it clear that it is not a book of familiar quotations. It is not uncommon, that you will find a subject area which has several pages of fine print quotations dedicated to it, in comparison to a handful of quotes that are found in the average collection.

If you consider the book, based on the cost per quotation, it's actually a very good deal.

Because it is so comprehensive, some of the quotes are classics, some are highly familiar, but to me, the gems are the unusual ones, all with excellent source information. It's amazing that such a vast compendium does such a good job, and that it was done before the age of computers. (First ed was in the 30's.)

If you want the biggest and best, this is it, whether it goes by the Macmillan name or the Home book of Quotations name. The only thing you will be lacking will be the most recent quotes. So.... get a recent Simpsons Conemporary Quotations, and maybe Justin Kaplan's Bartletts, and the Thesaurus of Quotations, and you should be in pretty good shape, quotation colection-wise . Check out my profile to learn about my website, which has loads of quotations focusing on psychology, health, positive psychology and mind body topics.