Oscar Books

This book captures the young child's imagination as the extraordinariness of the ordinary day plays out. There are a very few books that touch both children and parents in such a way so as to stand the test of time. Oscar's Half Birthday deserves a special place beside Good Night Moon on every young child's bookshelf.

My daughter adores the illustrations, the story and the beautiful language. It has become our favorite gift to give friends with small children. I even read this story to a group of adults I was teaching....they were totally entranced.

Kudos to Bob Graham.

It's nice to see a picturebook set in an dingy, urban environment for once, rather than the endless procession of books set in idyllic, pastoral New England farmhouses with smiling, priveleged, upper-middle class nuclear families. Nice, too, that this hip, young "nontraditional" family is completely loving and sweet, and that the urban setting isn't used as a backdrop to hash out some social issues or whatever. City folks can have joyful lives, too.

This sweet, light little book is as airy as angel food cake and just as delightful. There's not a lot of story, just a simple tale of a family outing. Oscar's family is loving and caring and the depiction of almost-4-year-old Millie is very accurate.

"She wears coat-hanger fairy wings on her back and a dinosaur puppet on her hand. She's excited and the dinosaur squeezes Oscar's arm. 'Careful, Millie,' says Mom. 'A little more fairy and not so much dinosaur,' says Dad. 'But he's so CUTE,' says Millie. "I know," says Dad..."

An added bonus is that Oscar and his family are multi-racial, something not often seen in children's books. As a person from a rather...funky family myself, I also liked that Mom has cornrows and Dad sports a ponytail, but both are shown as loving, caring parents who act as any other parent does. A book that can be enjoyed by families of all types, especially if the older sibling is very excited about their new brother or sister.

A young couple, along with their little daughter and their dog, celebrate their baby son's six month birthday with a picnic in a city park.

This story brought a long, slow, quiet smile to my face. Memories of my own days as a young parent came flooding back. This is a very simple story about family love and a sense of community. The patient, indulgent parents obviously enjoy their two little children, which makes reading the text and looking at the pictures a joy. The illustrations are lovely and uncluttered, I like that both the beauty and the gritty reality of the city are shown. (My only change would be to show more diversity among the people in the park - I was disappointed that everyone was white. City populations are generally much more colorful!)

Many picture books are full of weird creatures, slam-bang action, and excitement. But to a 3 year old child, the world is still so new and big that everyday life is already exciting - watching traffic, seeing planes in the sky, a leaf falling, taking a walk over a bridge and under the train tracks - these are wondrous things for a very little person. "Oscar's Half Birthday" captures this enchantment perfectly. This would make fine bedtime reading for small children, and big people too!

This is a great book for anyone who has ever been adopted by a stray cat.

Author of "Hobo Finds A Home"

I really enjoyed reading this book. I think that anyone who reads this will feel more comfortable in nowing that many people may love them and that it is okay to have more than one "family." Many love you just the same and they can care for you in their own special way. I think Oscar is unique and even though this is just a book I respect the characters.

I think I have not had a more pleasant reading experience than sitting down next to a burning fire place, listening to my favorite antique clock ticking.. the patter of rain on the window panes and reading James Herriott. It is a memory of that afternoon that all these years later I have never forgotten. James Herriott is the most pleasant, relaxing, refreshing writer. Forget all the worries and cares and escape for a few minutes into a quiet world where the animals speak their own language.. A wonderful book, a wonderful writer. Thank You James Herriott for the memories.

Warm, homey illustrations that almost seem to glow are paired nicely with the sweet storyline. As always, James Herriott knows his animals, and can capture their essence on paper. I have known cats like Oscar, who is most definitely a "people" cat--he loves to be in the thick of things!--and reading Oscar's story was like a touch of nostalgia. If your little one loves animals, do get them this book. I have a hunch they'll like it.

An excellent story of Dorian Gray, a young man who in a fit of vanity, prays that his newly painted portrait takes the burden of his ageing. For some mysterious reason, his wish is granted but he discovers this after his fiance is found dead when he spurned her. Her death affected his soul and the picture reflects his descent into evil (?). The picture troubles his conscience as he lives his life in search of pleasure. His beauty attracts people but his depraved lifestyle makes them shun him and eventually most people avoid him.
He does it all, even commits murder and the picture reflects this. He tries one good act but the picture reflects what this act is, one of vanity and hypocracy.
Terrific story

I read this book(translated to the portuguese), here in Brazil about twenty years ago.Being writen in XIX century, this novel remains a classic book.

After a few months of cajoling, my parents finally convinced me to read "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde. Actually, part of what motivated me was not my parents' persistant pestering (and occasionally threatening), but the fact that Oscar Wilde is the favorite author of the lead singer from my favorite out-of-date band, The Smiths (Morrissey, yes).
But anyway, to the book. When I started to read, I was in some kind of rapturous awe of Wilde's writing. It was so utterly beautiful, shaped and molded as finely as the face of the man Wilde so eloquently describes, Mr. Dorian Gray himself. It has the operatic and tragic occurence of an opera, or at least a play, but had The Picture of Dorain Gray been written as a play, it would have shirked the story of the wonderous use of the English language that so holds this novel up.
Admittedly, it was a bit thick to wade through at times, but other than that, it's a ripping good ride, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about the evils and attraction of physical beauty.

This book was truly one of the jewels filled with beauty that will never fade with time. It was the way I think a book should be written. The plot was both intriguing and unsettling. The ending to this beautifully told story would be - in itself - reason enough to read it.

Although, the plot is not even the best reason to read "The Picture of Dorian Gray." Lord Henry Wotton, one of the main characters, hold beliefs so incredible that they actually prove to be quite credible. They are very interesting to read, and you may find yourself agreeing with the majority of what he says, as I did.

Make sure not to skip over the preface. It is also quite interesting. The whole book in very fascinating and enjoyable. But, be warned, chapter eleven is quite difficult, so make sure you are able to concentrate on it when you read it (although, it does not exactly play a large role in the plot of the book).

This book is very informative and insightful. Very easy read. It was recommended to me at my local natural pet food store "My Pet Naturally" here in Los Angeles and I quickly read through it. I shuddered when I recognized all of the symptoms of the yeast infections that our family dog suffered through for years until she was finally put down last year. We went through all sorts of expensive prescription dog foods, corizone shots, steroids, antibiotics, the works! After hundreds of dollars in vet bills nothing ever made that animal more comfortable and she died just miserable. After reading this book I'm certain that if we had put her on the Pat McKay diet she would have lived a much healthier and comfortable life. I now see the same things happening in my cats. Overweight, constantly hungry, lethargic. I'm starting them on this diet immediately.

Being a nutrition consultant (for humans) I found this book extremely informative. This raw meat & veggie diet is the only thing that seems to have helped my puppy's digestive problems. After trying EVERY top quality commercial dog food on the market, I gave this diet a try. His health improved tremendously. He stopped itching, his coat turned shiny and his digestive problems ended. The nutrition information provided really makes sense when you stop to think about it. Though it can be more expensive initially, I believe it will pay off in the long run -- a healthier and happier dog! Not to mention fewer visits to the vet. Thank you Pat McKay for this wonderful book that I really did "stumble" upon in a natural food store.

This is my faorite book out there on animal nutrition. Pat tells us why our pets need wholesome, raw foods. The book is large type, simple to read and includes a simple raw food diet, easily prepared. As a "health food store for pets" owner..I highly recommend this to all interested in a more natural, healthier way of life for their companion animals.

This is a simple nutrition program based on raw meat and pureed raw veggies. It's not a bad introduction to raw food diets for dogs and cats, but I would definitely recommend further reading on the subject matter. Contains a good section on the different vegetables one can feed as well as info on nutritional supplements, purified water, fasting, detoxification, and natural flea control. McKay does sell her own line of nutritional supplements which she recommends in the book.

This play is based on the biblical story of the death of John the Baptist. Herod Antipas, Tetrarch of Judea, is married to his brother's wife Herodias, but finds himself lusting after her daughter Salome. Overcome with wine and passion for Salome, he offers her anything to dance the dance of seven veils for him. Little does he know what price she will exact.

Oscar Wilde first published this book in Paris in 1891 in an attempt to bypass Victorian censorship. In 1894 it was translated into English, and published with a series of illustrations created by the incomparable Aubrey Beardsley. This book was quite shocking to Victorian Britain.

This book surprised me with its power. While not erotic in the modern, XXX sense, it is a compelling tale of decadence. The characters give no thought to anything but their own pleasure, and the worst of them all is the young (and far from innocent) Salome. Beardsley's stark, black-and-white pictures add to the tale, complementing Wilde's text with a disturbing, passionless sexuality. This is a fascinating story, and one that I recommend to any adult.

This affordably-priced edition of Salome contains all the Aubrey Beardsley drawings and is the English translation undertaken by Lord Alfred Douglas of Wilde's most brilliant tale of passion, which was originally written in French to avoid (unsuccessfully) Victorian censorship. Salome is a simple tale of complex passion. Wilde's heroine bears no resemblance to her biblical origin. His Salome is no mere instrument of Herodias, but a dangerous and passionate young woman whose thwarted affections for John the Baptist lead to a disasterous climax for all persons involved. Wilde's script is a brilliant look at deep-rooted desires and the dangers of obsession. This edition of the play is a must for anyone building their own theatrical library.

I found this book to a very quick and interesting read. Salome is both loved and feared by men. She uses her deadly seductive power to get anything she wants, almost.
The price of the book is so cheap how can you resist not buying it.

Oscar Wilde touches here a fundamental subject in Christian lore : Salome and John the Baptist, and through them Jesus and the prophesy that he is the Messiah. It would be a perfect subject for an opera because the events are contained in too short a time and the feelings and motivations are too simple and intensely concentrated for a dramaruc play. Salome asks for John's head out of spite because she could not possess him, because he refused to acknowledge her, and also because she knows this will mean the downfall of her step-father, the killer of her own father, and the incestuous husband of her mother. So vengeance is her second motivation. Those motivations are too simple to build up the tragical force of a play, but they are so intense that they could have inspired the most dramatic and powerful music. Oscar Wilde's language is beautiful in many ways but this beauty does not give any complexity to the simpleness of the emotions and motivations. This beautiful language could have become the carrier of a beautiful music. Actually we can hear the music of a Scarlatti, or of a Purcell behind the words, maybe even a Haendel. But as a play it is a little bit flat and without enough depth to build a beautiful performance. As a matter of fact the centrepiece of the play, the dance of the seven veils, is not a dramatic event but a visual and musical event. And we cannot in anyway escape the recollection of the fantastic little black and white film by Clive Barker on the subject. Salome is worth more than just a dramatic play. She can only find her full strength when music and dancing come into the picture, when it is fully visual and musical.

Dr Jacques COULARDEAU, University of Perpignan

This is an excellent little book. It's entertaining reading and highly informative. I'm not only glad I read the book but I find myself wanting to know much more about Sam Houston and his era. I think Texans and all Americans are much more indebted to men like him than we realize. Would to God we had some Sam Houstons today!

This particular portrayal was a mandatory reading in a History course in college, and by far, the depiction from Campbell is astounding, and amazing. He brings to the surface far more than just the fable you hear about in junior high Texas history. The man was tall, but this piece makes him larger than life.

Texas's Savior Ever since Texas was a territory in the middle of no where, one man stood up to lead the way to statehood. That man who rose above the rest and conquered endless, unimaginable barriers was Sam Houston. Rudolph B. Campbell wrote a chronologically correct book about Houston entitled Sam Houston and the American Southwest. He became the most popular and most honorable man in Texas. The battle of San Jacinto, acquiring Presidency of the Republic of Texas, and obtaining a place in the United States Senate all proved that Sam Houston was a competent and trustworthy leader. First and foremost, the battle of San Jacinto was one Houston's greatest accomplishments, defeating Santa Anna and shamefully returning him to Mexico. This battle turned out to be the turning point in Texas's becoming a Republic and Sam Houston's popularity beginning to soar across Texas. Even though the revolution was a failure and Mexico still didn't recognize Texas as a republic, Houston still received the recognition that he deserved. It happened "...at three o'clock in the afternoon, Houston ordered his 'effectives' into battle formation that stretched across the prairie" (Campbell 68). After this strategic move, Sam Houston attacked and eighteen minutes later ended the battle. With this fight under his belt, Houston slowly arose to become a powerful and noteworthy man. This rise in power enabled Houston to become the first President of the Republic of Texas on September 18th, 1836. He was basically the only man for the job, supported by a landsliding "5,119 vote to Smith's 743 votes" (74). Houston saw himself as the candidate who could bring unity to Texas, despite its ambiguity and immense size. With Mirabeau B. Lamar at his side as vice president, Sam Houston would find as much

money for Texas as he could, balance the budget, and keep good relations with Mexico. In order to make and save money, Houston sold Texas's navy. Even the money gained from this sale didn't help the budget at all. By the time Houston's term of presidency was over, the debt had grown to roughly two million dollars. As far as keeping relations with Mexico, Houston must have apparently done a very good job because they did not attack again for a long period of time. Plus, he helped the Indians, especially the Cherokee, as much as he could, considering how he U.S. was driving them farther and farther away from their land. After Houston's three-year term was over, he resigned and moved to a higher position. In addition to already being President of the Republic of Texas more than once, Sam Houston became one of the first senators of Texas as well. Nothing is more suitable for a man with Houston's recognition and fame than to represent "his" state in the United States Senate. Even a more powerful and demanding job than president of a republic, Houston represented Texas better than any man possible. As a senator, and included in his inaugural address, Houston believed that "...finance, Indian policy, and relations with Mexico" were the most important things needed to be taken of in Texas and all over the United States (93). In the interest of finance, Sam Houston recommended that suspending all payments of interest and principal on the debt should be done. In addition, signing treaties, describing boundaries, with the Indians would depress war and bring on peace. Finally, the Texas senator thought it would be best to "...leave the Mexican nation alone," since "diplomatic relations had not been improved" (93). Overall, Sam

Houston improved Texas by taking its troubles all the way to Congress by using his intelligence and popularity to serve as a weapon for political listeners. Rudolph B. Campbell showed how Sam Houston became the most prominent, influential, and powerful man of his time. Houston basically devoted his entire life to serving other people's needs and wants. There wasn't a man during his time that was even close to becoming as great a hero as Sam Houston.

Randolph B. Campbell writes about a man I never knew had that much impact on Texas and the United States in Sam Houston and the American Southwest. The writing is quick and simple to read, and flows from one topic to the next easily.

The book covers everything from Sam Houston's beginnings, to his forrays as a military man and finally to his exploits as a political leader. He impacted Texas more than any other person, and was a leading voice in both the War against Mexico and the Civil War. To characterize his impact on Texas, one would only have to look at the political atmosphere of Texas in their early Republic days. Texas was a two party state, those who were Houston supporters and those who were anti-Houston.

I loved learning about Sam Houston's command during Texas's fight for independence, his thoughts on the Civil War (always a Union man, something unusual for a southerner), and the love he had for his wife (his last words will emphasize this). He was the first President of the Republic of Texas, served as a senator after the state was annexed, and is the only man to serve as governor in two states (Texas and Tennessee). I would have never known three fourths of this information if it wasn't for Randolph B. Campbell's Sam Houston and the American Southwest. I highly recommend this read, for literature lovers and history buffs and all those in between. Everyone enjoy!

I liked this book and the way it is transcribed. The book really isn't for beginner's.I'd class it intermediate to advanced. I'm a big Oscar jazz fan and have another book of his. This books nice because the notations are spread out instead of cramed tight. I'm happy with it and would buy other books of his music if formatted the same.

Any transcription of OP is worth serious attention especially when we should be doing our own... However, this book is a gem and kudos to the guy(s) who did the transcriptions. The Hal Leonard series of Artist Transcriptions are all uniformly excellent (I have many) and are absolutely indispensible for learning from the greats. What's more all the books are beautifully produced. For what it contains this book is essential. So, do not hesitate. Buy it now!

OP was never given quite the credit he rightfully deserves. Technically he stands on his own mountain peak, and whereas a technical comparison with Art Tatum might spur a heated debate, its not really so interesting, since OP, in any event, is Tatum infinitely superior in the art of conveying deep inner emotion to the listener. Its wonderful several very good transcriptions of OP's music has seen the light of day last 5 years. I wonder what kept you ?! The main dispute here may arise over the selection of numbers made. I suppose no-one will ever agree 100% as to what "the very best" are. In this case I find that the selection is good, no doubt, and includes some indisputable highlights. It is strange, though, that the editor didnt focus more on OP's solo music, in view of the numerous trio-transcriptions done already. What happened to "Lulu's back in town" or "Just a Gigolo" ? Also, its a pitty that OP's most famous composition, most discussed and re-arranged number, from his most sold album ever, in that very characteristic blusy OP style, "Hymn to Freedom" from "Night Train" didnt make it. Maybe next publication ? In conclusion, buy this fantastic book, you will not regret it.

Oscar is an inspiration and a fascination for jazz players and listners alike. These are superb transcriptions and offer a chance for the mere mortals among us to have a taste of what it's like to play like Oscar. If you have the patience, it will be well rewarded. The quality of the publication is excellent as well with large easy to read font. If you can read piano music, this will be among the best $20 you ever spent - incredible value - enjoy!

This is a great book on the Mass. Every Catholic should read this book. It is an easy to read but very informational book. It will change your view on the Mass if you think Mass is boring or routine.

Even though this book is not a scholarly approach to worship and liturgy, it is good and easy reading for Catholics who want to deepen their knowledge of some interesting finer liturgical background for the most important ritual in the Church.

If you've been attending Mass all your life, but haven't experienced Jesus' presence all these years, you're not alone. Neither are you, if you've been guilty of treating the Mass as mere obligation.

The irony is that the Mass was never meant to be a burden. Rather, it has always been meant to help unite us with Jesus and the community of Catholics around the world!

In We worship: a guide to the Catholic Mass, Fr Oscar Lukefahr, C.M., a religious educator with over 40 years of experience, describes the Mass as a ritual, and compares it to the ritual of a baseball game: "Those who understand the rules and the rituals of baseball can have a great time at the game. Those who don't know baseball, on the other hand, will likely experience much confusion."

In a light-hearted, simple-to-read manner, Lukefahr gives good reasons to attend Mass, as well as a brief history showing how the Mass we celebrate goes way back to Jesus' time. He also takes a step-by-step walkthrough of the Mass, explaining along the way the significance of each part.

He also gives practical suggestions for participation at Mass in order to get more out of it, and then reveals why the Eucharist is key to the Mass, and the centre of all other sacraments of the Church (CCC# 1324).

To add value to the read, questions for reflections and activities for personal growth at the end of each chapter will help keep us engaged. A full chapter is devoted to addressing Frequently Asked Questions, which will likely satisfy most, if not all, of your own curiosity.

Not once during the read was I tempted to put the book down as dull or boring. In fact, the further I read, the more I wanted to know! Lukefahr provides a refreshing perspective on the Mass we attend each week, and promises to help the reader with the open heart to experience more fully the meaning of the Mass and the Eucharist.

For Catholics who want to deepen their knowledge on the Mass, or those who have lost the meaning of it, or those simply never understood it, We worship: a guide to the Catholic Mass makes a good read to help you appreciate and love the weekly hour-long devotion as the pinnacle of Christian prayer, where we come in full union with Jesus and the Church.

Being a cradle Catholic, I have attended thousands of Masses over the years, and I truly enjoyed this book. It started off with "why" we should attend Mass, and then moved to the history and progression of the Mass through the centuries. It finished with how to pray and live the Mass. I came away with new perspectives - it is so easy for something like Mass to be something you do on 'auto-pilot' and a new zeal for attending the Mass. We have a great gift in the Mass and I appreciate it even more now.

An interesting book that explains why we dress as we do and it also explains why it is called a Tuxedo in North America, a dinner jacket in the UK and a smoking in many other languages. Furthermore, some important faux paxs are also brought to the reader's attention.

This simple, "pocket size" book has proven to be extra-ordinary.
After I lost my entire wardrobe due to an apartment fire, I
bought this book and my new wardrobe is not only more elegant
but less expensive as well !

Do not be fooled by the "Pocket Guide" title: this book
covers everything from Suits, Shirts, Accessories, UnderClothes,
OverCoats, Formal Wear and much more. Must have for all
gentlemen.

This book is extremely useful as you search information about what to wear...and know few about it. History, materials, are well described but I feel somewhat disappointed as I found no photos, and few counselling about how to match the different items, and when...except for the excellent formal wear chapters.
But after all, this is a pocket book, well-done and quite instructing!

One of the more thoroughly historically informed works in the genre, this book features much background for each clothing type and also guidance. Perfect for those who'd rather not live in ignorance regarding the original meaning of their clothes and clothing conventions.

This is a very well contructed book, and it shows the evolution of the slap technique in the Latin Style and also demostrated once and again how well is Oscar Stangaro as a teacher, writter and bass player. Like we say in my language !!!BRAVO!!!


Heriberto Rojas

es un gran libro de latin!!!, contiene los ritmos mas importantes de este genero cada uno de tres formas con la banda completa,con la seccion de percusiones y play along. los ejercicios de slap estan geniales .contiene tablatura y notacion normal.
altamente recomendable no solo como libro de slap sino tambien de latin!!!!

I have found "Afro-Cuban Slap Bass Lines" to be very enjoyable. I have always wanted to learn new styles and this book, along with the CD has greatly improved my skills. The CD helped me develop the desired style, whether it be cha cha cha or Afro-Cubano, at a quick pace. I found myself playing along to the complete song tracks quickly and easily. I highly recommend this book.