South America Books

A very handsome book, full of beautiful color photographs of neotropical wildlife. Definitely the most captivating picture book about the rain forest that I know of. It made me even more aware of the need to preserve the incredibly rich variety of life forms on our planet.

Extending the Frozen Moment is well-written, well-illustrated and an excellent overview of Betty Saar's work. Anyone interested in gender, Black history, racial politics, collective memory, collage, minority art, or autobiographical art work should find this book fascinating.

Well known to Latin Americanists, La Florida del Inca is strangely neglected by English readers in the U.S. Why? Perhaps lack of context. This delightfully illustrated collection presents top scholars writing for a general audience. The result? The best introduction to date for non-Spanish speakers on the work. My only complaint? It's not in paperback. Now if only U Texas Press would bring back the Varners' translation ....

Joshua Brown looks closely at FRANK LESLIES ILLUSTRATED WEEKLY as the paradigm of mass-market magazines in 19th century America, and his choice is apt. There's a biographical plot with a Horatio Alger twist, there's a strong and controversial woman executive, a media empire that expands and shrinks as new markets are tested and old ones abandoned, and there's the vast panoply of American cultural experience during the period from the Civil War to the 20th century. Brown's thinking is nuanced and sometimes complex; this isn't a quick read, but it's a very rewarding one. The illustrations are reason enough for most readers interested in American history.

In Beyond the Missouri, Richard Etulain demonstrates how the American West is, and has long been, a complex region characterized by change. In his comprehensive and engaging study, Etulain examines the changing inhabitants, social patterns, and industries of the West. Creating more than a basic narrative, Etulain discusses how public perception of the West has evolved through the use of multiple mediums.

The earliest known inhabitants of the West included a variety of Native tribes. After centuries of establishing unique cultures and societies, the Native population began to decline with the first contact with Europeans in the 16th century. Spanish, Russian, British, and later Mexican and American interests attempted to exert control over all or parts of the West, in the process physically and socially displacing the previous inhabitants.

During the 19th century, predominantly Anglo Americans migrated to the West as trappers, prospectors, miners, and businessmen. In addition to changing the human aspect of the West, these settlers altered the West that surrounded them. Trappers reduced various animal populations, some to the brink of extinction. Prospectors and miners changed the landscape of the West by boring into the land and engaging in the destructive practice of hydraulic mining. Many businessmen prospered for brief periods in the many boomtowns that emerged throughout the region, while others enjoyed the growth of towns like Denver and San Francisco that would remain important regional centers.

The growing and urbanizing West remained a virtual colony dependent on the East until World War II. During the war, the federal government awarded a large number of defense and support contracts to multiple regions of the West. The resulting inflow of people and money transformed the West into an independent region with its own unique identity that continues to evolve today.

One of Etulain's strengths is his discussion of the perception of the West in popular culture, the individuals who created the images, and the various forms in which the images were transmitted. If there is a shortcoming of the study, it is that Etulain's discussion of the modern West is skewed so as to read as an urban and not a regional study.

Beyond the Missouri is a well-written book of the American West that builds upon previous studies to provide the reader with a broad overview of the region.

David Thomson is arguably the most gifted writer on the cinema -- his "Biogrpahical Dictionary of Film" one of the subject's most valued reference guides. Singling out Howard Hawks' film version of Raymond Chandler's "The Big Sleep" as the most entertaining movie ever made is clearly a bold move on Thomson's part, but his arguments are steadfast and persuasive. Anyone choosing to read this work will emerge with a deeper understanding of the great detective film and an irresistable desire to see it again as soon as possible.

I lived in this neighborhood in the late 1980's and have been friends with Richard for many years. What a treasure this book is. Living in such a culturally diverse neighborhood really helped influence the way I live now. The book delves into the past of the homes & apartment buildings I used see in my neighborhood. Richard's research and accompanying photos made the book a joy to peruse. I keep this book out on my coffee table in my home to show all of my California friends. If you ever knew this neighborhood or had the privilege to live there, you'll enjoy it as well

This book powerfully depicts the African American's struggle to become citizens in a country that had no original intention of allowing them to do so. The photograph's in the book are captivating and show the joy, sadness fears and pain of a race of people during the most visable times of the struggle. This a great book for reference, coffee tables as well as pleasure reading.

ONCE AGAIN, READING ABOUT THE SO CALLED LIBERTY AND JUSTICE OF ALL, IS ANOTHER FARCE. PERHAPS, THIS SHOULD ALSO BE IN american STUDIES. THAT'S IF THE MYTHS AND LEGENDS CAN BE WADED THROUGH.

This is essential reading for anyone seeking an introduction to and overview of the complex sonic wealth of musical forms from Africa and the African Diaspora.

It is a fine orientation from an intrepid Brit who has been seeking these wonders since the early 1950's.

It was hard enough to find recordings of compelling planetary noise for a kid in the 70's in provincial America.

Roberts was discovering it all in its homeworlds before I was born.

Roberts work helped me make sense of Merengue, High Life, Blues Shouters, Santeria Drummers and many other glistening things from the hearts and minds of Africa here and there.