Spain Books

This is the definitive English language compilation of the most significant spanish documents relating the first years of the conquest of the Caribbean and Tierra Firme. A tragic account given to us first hand by the chroniclers and put into context by Carl Sauer, one of the experts on the topic. An anthological book.

Ambassador Marker demonstrates that diplomacy truly is just the `Art of the Possible'.

This memoir is about the responsibilities, hazards and rewards of being entrusted with a no-win scenario and making the best of it that one can.

An experienced diplomat with a distinguished career behind him, Ambassador Marker was appointed by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan as his Personal Representative for East Timor in 1997.

Marker wryly defined his mission as being akin to `polishing the dinner silver on the Titanic'.

Quietly erudite, approachable and enlightening, the book describes the 'two steps forward and one step back' of the perilous road to independence for East Timor.

Jamsheed Marker's appealing personality and gentle sense of irony shine through the rather grim story he has to tell. It is obvious that he has vast affection and tolerance for the glories and foibles of his fellow men.

Each character described in these dramatic events is accorded understanding and respect.
Marker is tough-minded enough to see the flaws and weak points of the people he is called upon to deal with, but also generous enough to play to their strengths.

There are none of the shrill denunciations of incompetence, greed and opportunism that one comes across so often in diplomatic or political memoirs.
He spends no time on indulging in moral indignation about what others should or should not have done, preferring instead to quietly do his duty by all the conflicting parties, and encouraging them to try and do the same.

He is refreshingly modest about his own achievements, but not so reticent about others'.
Indeed, his world seems to be peopled by `brilliant', flamboyant', `solid', `decent', `dedicated, `intelligent', `hard-working', `decisive', `highly skilled' individuals, who between them seem to have managed to iron out most of their differences with just an occasional nudge from the Personal Representative of the Secretary General for East Timor.

He shows that patience, pragmatism and prudence make excellent companions to passion and courage. Without ever wavering from his vision, he was able to persuade disparate personalities with diametrically opposing points of view to sit down and talk to each other seriously. No mean accomplishment.

Marker gives us a straightforward chronological account of the whole process; an unflinchingly lucid and honest report of a series of delicate negotiations, rendered even more colourful by descriptions of backstage politicking, diplomatic reflexology (applying pressure where needed) and liberal applications of good, old-fashioned charm.

Reading his natural, unpretentious prose somehow enhances the tragic effects of the turbulent events unfolding, and heightens our disgust for the total waste and futility of violence.

This was an excellent book. Not only did it contain the plays, but also several sections of biographical information on the author and notes to aid in the understanding of the plays. Some of the themes in the plays are antiquated, but make for an interesting study of Spain during the earlier centuries. The plays themselves were well written and well translated. The social satire included it each one made for a comical and interesting read. I recommend this book for people who have an interest in historical drama.

Panache, verve, whimsical humor, Professor Ingber has it all. A treat to read - intellelectually stimulating, comestible, sultry. What more can be said?

This enjoyable story of adventure and life takes the reader along with the Chimenti family as they take a unique approach toward the Camino de Santiago and toward life itself. Their goal of accomplishing this ancient pilgrimage with their 12 year old daughter Nahja as her rites of passage into adulthood is undertaken with a refreshing outlook, appealing to anyone interested in taking the road less traveled, and applying those travel experiences to their outlook on life. The Chimenti's experiences in the last legs of their journey take an interesting view on the concept of faith.
I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good adventure, but you'll also be pleasantly surprised as the author weaves the varied experiences and characters of the Camino into a refreshing perspective on the journey we all share, the journey of life

Being my first Pratchett book I did not know what to expect. But it came highly recommended. First of all I love the way he writes. He is ironic, with what in Spain will be defined as a little of "mala leche" but a great writer. His style is fast and entertaining. But most of all I love his hero. Rincenwid is a bad wizzard with a strange good luck, a spell that he does not know how to use and a coward. After a serie of unfortunate events he has to get alone with the most distracted tourist you can ever imagine.

Our story tells the journey Rincewind and Dosflores make with a little trunk with killer instintcs. In their journey they will find extravagnat characters that ussually will make Rincewind life more complicated.

Reading the book I thought in El Quijote . Rincewind is a poor Sancho, but with more temperament. But also I was impressed by the logic that rules this world full of magic. Even in the most bizarre situation you can follow a logic, that although strange has its perfect reason to be.

This is inteligent humor at its best. How else can you describe a book that makes assertions like: Rincewind decided from that day on that tourist meant idiot? . or that Death has a substitute when she has too much work?

I am sure that dear Cervantes would have enjoyed this book. And now after reading this one I cannot wait to read the others. So five starts because a good humor book is always a pleasure to read

Amanda Lear never stops to amaze anyone,in any aspect that she does,like the previous books she has written. She was for Years Dali's Muse,and it will always be that way. This book is a great way to explore the Amazing Amanda Lear. from alterego in Tulsa Oklahoma USA

Con esta novela, Fernando Vallejo nos toma con fuerza y nos arrastra al desbarrancadero que forman los últimos días de Darío, hermano del narrador. Con su cuestionable conocimiento médico que bordea en lo ilegal y antiético, el amor por Darío lo impulsa a inyectarle un álito de esperanza a quien parece no tenerlo, intentanto irremediablemente remediar lo irremediable. Su lenguaje crudo, directo e irreverente, reta y rechaza creencias y tradiciones impuestas por la sociedad. Vallejo nos transporta a una Colombia de entorno tangible, real, como la misma angustia vivida por los protagonistas. El Desbarrancadero retrata las vidas bordeando las muertes en vidas vividas con la intensidad que la naturaleza les ha ofrecido a sus personajes. El narrador no solamente hace suyo el dolor de su hermano, sino también su esperanza. Vallejo se adentra hasta en los pensamientos de otros personajes, rompiendo esquemas literarios en narraciones en primera persona.

Hoy termin? el libro, lo cual tuve que leer por una clase de literatura espa?ola. Pude sentir, a trav?s del libro, un sentimiento de nostalgia y esperanza, del desencanto de la madurez y de la maravilla de lo fingido y de las mentiras que, en fin, son mejores y mayores de lo que es la 'verdad verdadera.' Este libro lo recomiendo con todo.

This book contains a basic summary of El Greco's life accompanied by a good number of excellent reproductions of a his works. I bought it mainly for the images, which are the usual high Taschen quality one has come to expect. For what you get for the price, the Taschen Basic Art series of books are a great value.