Publications Books

...and this is one of the few books that has anything to meaningful to say about antisocial and destructive behavior.

Many books are reviewed and proclaimed to be profound, this is one of them that lives up to the claim. Do yourself a favor and get a copy. While it can be unnecessarily chewy and pedantic in parts, the content far overshadows some sluggishness and dry passages.

5 Stars.

I started reading Mr. Fromm a million years ago. I had been reading Sigmund Freud before Fromm. I went from Freud to Fromm. So you might say that I know psychology from F to F instead of from A to Z.
Fromm was more human and more down to earth than Freud. He talked more about people and not people's ideosyncrasies. I felt that he was maybe less scientific but more universally cogent. He was a theorist analyzing Mankind. I don't know if anyone else has since taken up such a perspective; but it is a good one. I am still reading Mr. Fromm. I have his Anatomy of Destructiveness on my night-table today. I started reading this gentleman when I was about 18 and I am now 65. So, he must be pretty interesting, wouldn't you say.

Fromm's volume "The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness" is the most complete and thorough research on the topic of aggression. It validates the theory that malignant aggression or destructiveness is part of human character, one of the passions we possess like love, ambition, and greed. His book takes the reader on a phenomenal journey that enlightens the mind and unearths the deepest passion in the human heart. Fromm explores with surgical precision the various types of human aggression and the history behind it. His fabulous research is unequivocally the most prolific and exhaustive on this topic. This text is a must read. It will help you discover and understand yourself as well as the world that you live in.

Whichever path through this masterpiece you take, you will need to keep reminding yourself that you entered the land of the brave and you need to go through things that may be too recognizable to accept without resistance. But when you do, it will make you a better person. Then, you may need to be brave enough to forget the part of what you read if you start recognizing too many rationalizations in your everyday walk and talk of life.

This work has amazing composition that allows you to read it in different ways. You can skip the whole Part I, if you don't have time and you know that Fromm knows what is he attacking and why, and you can skip big case studies, if you don't have time and don't particularly care for the brains of Stalin and Hitler :-). And still you will get the whole and earth-shattering definition of the human nature and how and why a human can get hurt so easily and can hurt others so easily.

Or, you can start with big case studies, if that is what motivates you to read, and in order to read through them you will have to read the rest, probably with your own pattern of chapters.

Or, you can start from the page one, to see how deeply wrong currently popular behavioral theory is and take it from there in a linear fashion.

Erich Fromm is considered by most to be the social science thinker that brought critical theory to America. His insights of using both psychology (neo-Freudian) and sociology are timely, especially today when trying to understanding terrorism's mindset of suicide bombing. Though some of the language is dated, nonetheless, his writing style is simple and concise. Because of this, many considered him just a "popular culture" author rather than an actual theorist.

A great work to read. I often use it for research papers and reports. Highly recommended.

Coggins wrote some excellent books and his extremely valuable and accessible text was always made even more clear by his wonderful illustrations. This should be the first book anyone buys on the equipment of the American Civil War and even in an extensive library will often be the last book needed to answer questions, from the most general to highly specific. It isn't the most in depth or the most wide ranging but is certainly the most generally useful and is solidly rewarding from cover to cover

This book, although not very large, contains a wealth of information on varous Civil War supplies. It is highly detailed and Jack Coggins provides illustrations with virtually everything so the reader can get a good feel for what an item really looked like. Many of these items are cut away pictures giving the reader a visual account of the operations of the items described. This is a wonderful book for anyone interested in the equipment and weapons of the Civil War.

I first discovered this book when I was a kid, it was origionally printed in 1962. I checked it out of the library so many times, my Dad ended up getting me a copy for my birthday. This was one of my favorite sources on specifics of unit tactics, engineer job, etc.. The text is concise and too the point and the illustrations further clarify what is described in the text. Unfortunatly, my beloved copy was lost, much to my chagrin. In studying the Civil War I often though of this slim volume and how Coggins clearly laid things out when reading more obtuse textss that didn't quite measure up. While searching on Google on individual unit tactics a link for this book came up. I felt as if I discovered a long lost part of my childhood, I immediatly ordered it from Amazon and it was delivered. I went through it and rediscovered the classic drawings and text that I loved as a child and remembered the richness of this volume.
Although I loved it as a child, this is not necessarily a childrens book. It is great for all ages and should be part of any casual or serious student of the conflict.

Alas, there is - or was - only one Jack Coggins. A matchless illustrator, a good writer, and a man who did exactly what he set out to do, and did it completely. I suppose it would be possible to put together a better book on the arms and equipment of the Civil War. I just don't know how. Great illustrations, clear and lucid text, thorough. If you like this, try his book on Guadalcanal, or the Campaign in North Africa; they're cut of the same cloth.

I would recommend this book to every amateur Civil War historian. The scope of the text is limited to equipment used in the Civil War and reads quickly. I found a lot of interesting information that I had not seen in all my other Civil War readings. Also the drawings are very detailed just plain fun to look at.

If more people took the time to educate themselves about horses and horsemanship in general and Xenophone's book in particular, perhaps we not see so many "show horses" of various popular breeds so physically manipulated by in breeding for only one or two specific traits rather than breeding for the whole horse. What was true in Ancient Greece is truer still today - without good feet, balance in the body and common sense a horse is worthless. Bravo to Amazon for bringing us this excellent book dirt cheap!

The material in this book is thousands of years old but amazing in how modern the approach is to horsemanship. Most of Xenophon's advice is timely even today. It shows how little has changed over the centuries.

This is a must if you are passionate about horses. It is so clear and to the essential point that it is a pleasure to read.

Xenophon covers several aspects of horsemanship, from grooming, leading, and choosing a horse, to mounting, riding, and training a war mount. Very, very interesting to see what is still applicable today. While this isn't a "training" or even a "horse care book," its a great historical reference from those interested in how horses we cared for and trained 2000 years ago. However, for those looking for a story or a book to teach riding skills, I suggest you look elsewhere. Those interested in dressage will find this worth-while, as it is considered the oldest text on the subject.

Xenophon's philosophy and many techniques, though tailored for the development of a war-horse, demonstrate the ageless capacity for human empathy toward the horse. The horse centered work makes the goal of a harmonious partnership attainable. The book interweaves aspects of barn management, riding technique, and early human psychological insights. The translation keeps this work relevant and vibrant. The overriding theme is one of responsibility for the education and wellbeing of the horse. It is, if nothing else, a comfort to read that some horses in the ancient world were treated humanely in the training process...even if under the unfortunate auspices of a warrior culture. Kurt Hartle, Reydon,Suffolk. UK

Deannas' Husband Jay says....Best book to get started in the Fire Service. It's a must have on you bookshelf. Look for the newest book to come out...It's going to be the best!!

This book is a very good overview of the fire service and the steps necessary to make you a more desirable candidate. I highly recommend.

This book was recommended to me when I first became interested in the fire service. After reading it, I feel that I have a better understanding of what I can do to better my chances of getting hired. The book covers many important topics like: the importance of education, the process of testing (including written examinations, interviews, backgrounds and how to prepare your resume), what to expect in the academy, what to expect during probation and on your first day on the job.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about the fire service. Thank you Chief Lepore!

As a professional Firefighter and Motivational Speaker, I am finally able to reference a "how-to" entrance book that gives the Fire Candidate the edge they need. Author Battalion Chief Paul Lepore has broken through the barrier of what it takes to become a Firefighter. I've successfully used this book for a one year now, and this book only to prescribe a pathway for a life in the Fire Service to young candidates.

In my twenty-five years in the Fire Service, this is the best book available that can be used universally across the nation among all Fire municipalities.

Paul's passion for the subject and willingness to pass his knowledge along to others shows through with this book. Paul's advice and guidance is coming from someone doing the job everyday that he's mentoring in this book. This isn't theoretical armchair advice. Paul lives the life of a fire fighter day in and day out and knows what fire departments look for in candidates. This book is worth every penny of its cover price.

This is a good book to have if you decided to get back to nature, downsize your life, get with it or just make ends meet when food prices are going up, up, up. Just know that it takes a lot of work, especially if you are into organic. That said, this is a good start on making money with gardening when you don't have a acres of land. My lot is 1/3 of an acre and it is quite productive. This book helps you make the best of what you have. I recommend it. I didn't give it five stars because it doesn't have all that much that's new to me, but then again I read a lot.

Not only is this book a great guide to gardening using organic methods, it goes to great lengths to show you how to market you extra production or even to start a full time endeavor. Very good coverage of modern methods in irrigation, crop rotation, pest controls, and marketing. I highly reccomend this to your library!

This is a tremendous resource for anyone who believes that you don't have to 'go big' to make money. This is something you must own.

My Husband has not put this book down since it arrived! It contains exactly the information he's been looking for to help him make the right decisions about selling what we grow. Needless to say, this book gets a very high rating for content!

For eight years, Lee averaged 110 cubic years of compost per season. Each year Lee added 5,000 square feet of garden. The idea was to cash in on new farmer markets in Boston Neighborhoods. In 1988, Lee had nearly one acre planted and grossed $36,000 and that average out to 50 hours a week or 12 an hour. Don't be afraid of creating too much competition. Growers are currently only serving 1 to 3 percent of the market with organic foods. The number of acres dedicated to growing organic foods amounts to less than 1 percent of the national agricultural land base. Organic foods include more than 200 varieties of vegetables, 1,000 varieties of flowers, and close to 100 different herbs, several distinct growing methods, and at least 10 prime marketing methods. 97 percent of the market buys from the supermarket.

Tomatoes grown organically have five times more calcium and 2,000 times more iron than conventionally grown tomatoes. 16 commonly known trace elements are: boron, calcium, carbon, chlorine, copper, hydrogen, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, and zinc. Without the proper balance of soil pH, moisture, naturally occurring soil minerals, and biological activity, the nutrients may remain locked in the soil and usages of compost is one of the best ways to increase humus levels. Compost provides a healthy, nutrient-filled environment for the plant roots. You need 3 cubic yards of cow manure for every 1,000 square feet of garden. A 1,000 square feet of garden can grow 100 tomato plants. After three years of manure, tomato plants yield 14 pounds per plant; and in super rich soil, potatoes yield 5 pounds per plant. To get 65 yards of compost, 200 cubic yards of raw materials will need to be formed into a 4 foot piles, 10 feet wide, and 200 feet long.

In 1990 the farm had four hogs. After a year the hogs are moved and rock phosphate is added. Potatoes and strawberries are planted first; wood ash is added and two years of peas and beans replenish nitrogen in the soil; and in the fourth year the plot is ready for any crop.

Anne Perry, the enormously popular writer of historical fiction, just recommended this ballad by G. K. Chesterton as one of five must read tales of historical fiction. (See the Wall Street Journal's online Opinion Page for April 21, 2007 in an article entitled "Past Tense.") Here's part of what she said:

"This is the story of the English King Alfred's desperate stand against invading Danes in 878. England is conquered, and Alfred is a fugitive when he sees a vision of the Virgin Mary that bids him call together the remnants of his people for a final battle. "The Ballad of the White Horse" is an epic poem of courage, passion and unsurpassable beauty."

If you'd like to read other tales and poems by Chesterton, you might want to get "The Ballad of the White Horse" as part of a collection of his poetry that I edited for not much more money. It's called G. K. Chesterton's Early Poetry and has "The Ballad of the White Horse," along with two other books of Chesterton poetry under one cover. That means you'll also get his best humorous poetry, "Greybeards at Play." No less a writer than George Orwell ranked Chesterton as one of the three best writers of funny poetry in twentieth century England. The poems are a riot of the ridiculous and are accompanied with equally funny sketches he did.

And although Anne Perry and I have the same last name, as far as I know we're not related. Her's is a pen name. Mine is a real name. I guess I'm not creative enough to invent a name for myself.

G. K. Chesterton's Early Poetry: Greybeards At Play, The Wild Knight And Other Poems, The Ballad Of The White Horse

Mr. Chesterton has a masterful skill with the pen; _Orthodoxy_ and _The Napoleon of Notting Hill_ are wonderful books--but _The Ballad of the White Horse_ is heartbreaking in its power, beauty, and nobility. With a stunning use of alliteration, rhythm, and imagery, Mr. Chesterton teaches the reader about true hearts, true faith, and true sacrifice. I have bought a few copies of this book to give as gifts to friends, and I eagerly recommend it to anyone who will listen. This book is a must-have for any individual interested in expanding their knowledge of great poetry!

Out of the thousand or so books I have read in my life, if I were to put the Bible aside (since the Bible speaks with a special authority to believers and cannot really be compared to other books), I have read no more than five or six books that I would call truly great. That means there are only five or six books I would rate at five stars. This is one. Yes, it is that good.

I have never read any author who could make the English language sing the way Chesterton does in this poem -- for over a hundred pages. In contrast to contemporary "poets" whose "poems" consist of a bunch of strange words scattered apparently at random on a page, whose meaning, if there is one, is far beyond obscurity, Chesterton had apparently unlimited ability to create rhyme and alliteration, and then he bound it all tightly in the sing-song ballad style that carries it all swiftly along. The words of this poem are glorious to hear, and really, this book should be read aloud, so that one might hear the music of the words.

And few have ever been able to match the way Chesterton paints pictures with words. I will quote one passage, and hope it is not to long, to illustrate this. The scene here is Alfred's army making one final charge against the Danish camp:

Then bursting all and blasting
Came Christendom like death,
Kicked of such catapults of will,
The staves shiver, the barrels spill,
The waggons waver and crash and kill
The waggoners beneath.

Barriers go backward, banners rend,
Great shields groan like a gong,
Horses like horns of nightmare
Neigh horribly and long.

Horses ramp and rock and boil
And break their golden reins,
And slide on carnage clamorously,
Down where the bitter blood doth lie,
Where Ogier went on foot to die
In the old way of the Danes.

It would be hard to imagine anyone anyone describing such a violent scene in so few words any better than Chesterton does in that passage. And this passage is but one of dozens of glorious word-pictures that Chesterton's poetry paints in this book.

Beyond its magnificent use of the English language, this book also contains much philosophical insight -- insight that, although first published in 1911, is directly and clearly applicable today. Chesterton expresses very clearly the way that Christianity has formed the heart of Western culture over the ages, and the way that Christian faith -- which seems all about self-denial and thus sadness -- leads to unconquerable joy.

The book, of course, is not perfect; no work of literature can be. There are places where it gets a bit too preachy for my taste. But the book's flaws are few and minor, while its good points are many and glorious.

How good is this book? I have read it at least 50 times in my life, and I still enjoy reading it. In my opinion it is one of the truly greatest works written in the English language. It is one of the few books I have read that truly deserves five stars.

I had read some of Chesterton's fictional books, most of which contain poems which he has written, and I very much enjoyed his poems, so I decided to get a book of his poetry. This too I really enjoyed, so I decided to get another book of his poetry, this time it was The Ballad of the White Horse, and this book simply blew away all of the rest of Chesterton's poems. In fact, it simply blows away most poems by anyone. I have read Dante's Divine Comedy, Milton' Paradise Lost, Eliot's Wasteland, Chaucer's Canturbury Tales, etc., but I can honestly say that I enjoyed this epic far more than any of them. I am not saying that it is a better written poem or that it should be ranked above these classics, but I am saying that it is much more exciting to read than the others. Somehow Chesterton makes his poem involving: you are drawn into it and cannot put the book down until you have finished the chapter. He wrote it in such a way that the verses beg to be read quickly, and as I read I found myself reading faster and faster, until I was stumbling over the words and had to slow down again. Chesterton, like no other poet whom I know of, paints a picture of glory, honor, bravery, and captures the true spirit of an idealized Medieval War. The poem resounds with the drums of doom, the cries of angels, the hordes of invading barbarians and great deeds of heroes of old. If I were to recommend owning one epic poem, this would be the one.

Overall grade: A+

A stirring epic poem with a message important for the future of western civilization...to act on hope when there is no longer any hope... The outcome is always, finally, in God's Providence. "The Ballad of the White Horse" should have great appeal for young men who can dream impossibilities because they are firmly grounded in the eternal verities. The battles scenes will fire the blood!

I got this book last summer. Despite being the fourth of an outstanding series of beaded jewelry instruction and inspiration, it provides yet even more inspiring designs and instructions. This book, like its predecessors, is content rich and full of unique designs. I continue to get compliments on jewelry made from this book.

I received this book today & it's just what I expected. Beautiful pieces,great instructions & very nice pictures.I think I'll be buying all her books now.I strongly recommend this one.

One of the nicest books ever.Easy instructions and very beautiful example which you can change yourself if it doesn't suit your style.Small and compact book!

I haven't done any of the crafts in the book yet, but the instructions look easy and the pictures are very clear.

This is by far the best jewellery book I have bought. The jewellery is lovely and is quite different to other American beading books I have bought. the main techniques used in this book are bead weaving, bead stringing and the right angle weave (what she calls 'figure eights' in the book.)However, most of the projects use 2 needles which beginers or people used to 1 needle methods might find confusing. i wouldnt recommend this book to complete beginners, but anyone with beading experience would be able to complete the projects in this book

This book is so helpful and worthwhile that I shared my copy with our family practice doctor who, in turn, passed it on to another of his prostate cancer patients. I just bought another copy for my husband and me. If you are dealing with this cancer, you need this book!

As a health acare professional and prostate cancer patient, I cannot recommend Dr. Myers book Beating Prostate Cancer highly enough. Dr. Myers makes the case for nutritional based therapy that combines detailed scientific knowledge buttressed with extensive research studies in clear language that is easily grasped by the lay person. The reader comes away a secure sense of confidence that Dr. Myers has thoroughly and scrupulously evaluated each therapy, accepting only those that meet the highest standards of proof. A detailed technical bibliography is part of each chapter for those who wish to review the actual studies. Dr. Myers book is a treasure for prostate cancer patients and should be on the shelf of every health professional.

Beating Prostate Cancer (Hormonal Therapy & Diet, 1)

"The Book Beating Prostate Cancer" by Dr. Charles Snuffy Myers" is a must read for all prostate cancer patients as well as though who wish to avoid the disease. My husband is fortunate enough to be a patient of Dr. Myers but for those who are not, this is a book of knowledge and personal empowerment. Dr. Myers is an internationally renowned oncologist and clinical researcher whose own battle with prostate cancer is a living testimony of his teachings and convictions. His writing is indicative of his bed side manner: gentle, warm, caring, uncomplicated and engaging.

An initial diagnosis of cancer or a recurrence is frightening enough for any patient and their loved ones. If the patient and their spouse or advocate are vigilant in seeking opinions and knowledge, they will confront complex testing procedures, confusing terminology, and will be prescribed only conventional treatment options. Our collective experience has been that physicians are often siloed by their discipline and their opinions are at time biased and "singular" in an approach to the disease. The radiologist, or surgeon or medical oncologist, although experts, do not provide a consolidated analysis or a multidisciplinary treatment approach. It is difficult for the patient to gain perspective and to conclude what the proper decision may be for their treatment.

Dr. Myers is a "treatment architect" and his representation of all the disciplines, in concert with disease stages and prognosis are clearly presented in an uncomplicated and concise manner. It is very similar to his in-person style and delivery. He simplifies the text for the layman, while encouraging and empowering his patients to maintain a state of health and possible remission. He teaches and advocates the "mediterranean diet" and makes recommendations to ingest vitamin supplements and antioxidants. He utilizes both conventional treatments in concert with alternative treatments, all which are predicated on on-going medical research. Succinctly, by choosing a healthy life style patients can keep the immune system strong and create a body chemistry that literally starves cancer cells.

This quick reading book should be kept bedside or close at hand to garner the day to day encouragement so often needed and for easy accessibily to guidance and knowledge.

Dr. Charles "Snuffy" Myers has once again made an enormous contribution to those of us living with prostate cancer. What I appreciate the most about this book is his very thorough descriptions of all aspects of hormone therapy. He understands and is able to communicate effectively that cancer is a systemic disease and provides speicific information about how life style and diet are just as critical as medical treatment. He carefully follows the research and studies related to prostate cancer, including the nutritional research, and digests this information for the lay reader. This book has been most helpful to me as I continue my fifteen year journey of understanding and living with my prostate cancer.

As an 8 year survivor I had the good fortune to be treated to one of Dr. Myers lectures at the time my initial radiation therapy failed. This lead to seeking his assistance on my case resulting in his supervising my triple blockade hormone therapy.

His new book is an excellent representation of his skill in the medical oncology field and highlights his ability to communicate in lay terms, the logic behind hormone therapy. He goes beyond "pills" and helps build a lifestyle of diet and exercise to make survival worthwhile. His advise is especially meaningful as he is also a survivor and fully appreciates what the patient is experiencing

My initial reason for ordering this book was to learn more about mediation. From front to back, it was like a blossoming lotus. Not only did I learn about meditation, I learned that it is a staple of the Buddhist Faith and why it is just that. The concept of cleansing ones mind sounds like a good intention that actually unfolds into a replenishing and rebirth of our mind and body. It is a message of hope and love with instructions.
Meditation is not just merely sitting on a pillow and chanting, it is a skill that is learned and brought forward to our thinking and speaking. She so eloquently words this process of how it flows into our daily lives as mindfulness of everything around us. We so often look at a landfill of details that really are of no consequence to the quality of our lives whatsoever. We can learn to be the inertia of wholesomeness and peace that will automatically radiate to all living things around us with skill!!
I would recommend this book to the most enlightened of people, to those in a recovery process, and also to those who are balancing life in and out of a mental (depressive)condition. Seriously, I believe not only what she was teaching, but how she taught it could actually alleviate the need for all of these medication that are being prescribed because of our run-away, chaotic world and in turn our seemingly unmanageable, stressful lives.
I DO not like the term "New Age" here. The teachings of Buddha are anything but.

I used to always recommend Walpola Rahula's "What the Buddha Taught" as the best first read for someone looking to get started with Buddhism but now I think I'd recommend this instead. Rahula's book seems better for those with just an intellectual interest in Buddhism, but this book seems better for those who are ready to start changing their life. An absolute gem.

A book that transcends the page and leaves the reader with insight long after putting it down. It is written in a style that is easy for Western Bhuddist readers to comprehend. Well worth the time and money to read.

Ayya Khema's book is a summary of lessons at a Bhuddist retreat in Sri Lanka, but it reads like an overview of the most important Bhuddist teachings in one volume.

I've read many books about meditation, but for me this is the best. I highly recommend it for both beginning and experienced meditators.

There are thousands of books out there for people interested in Buddhism, but few of them get to the core of what it's all about and why it's so important to practice, practice, practice. This is undoubtedly the best. Just the first chapter alone is perhaps the best summary I've ever read of what Buddhism really is.

The Pelbar Cycle are books that stick with you for a lifetime. I first read them in college almost twenty years ago and I just recently read the series again for the third time. The books are fun, adventurous, and a great summer read, but they also have an interesting moral center that makes me remember pieces of the narrative years later.

Though the book started of a little slow, the pace picked up and I couldn't put it down. It's a great story and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

Here's a highly enthusiastic plug for Paul O Williams who wrote only two things:

* the 7 book Pelbar Cycle.
* The Gifts of the Gorboduc Vandal, since republished with a sequel in an omnibus volume called Man from Far Cloud.

Gifts is the only book that I've ever read more than a couple times, and it remains among my favorite novels of all-time. The Pelbar Cycle IMO is a highly underappreciated work, with highly original sequels that explore various aspects of that world. In essence, I think Book 1 can be read as a standalone but the rest of the books form a unified story.

Williams was not just your usual churn 'um out fantasy/sci-fi hack (sorry - I didn't feel this way before in my 20s but as I've gotten older I have far less tolerance for this stuff than I used to). He was an english professor (as the new introduction to the trade paperback Breaking of Northwall reveals) who happened to get an idea for book and submitted it, unsolicited, as a completed work to Del-Rey. They accepted, and the series then followed.

Let me add one little note - these are mature works. Pelbar (and Gorboduc, which essentially has many of the same elements in a new setting) is not only one of my all-time favorite series but also my father's. There is a depth to some of these characters that could have only come from the author's own inner strength, intelligence, and maturity. In essence, though I don't personally know Mr. Williams I wish I did. I think he'd be a terrific friend.

This book (and the entire series) is excellent. I wish more had been written.
One thing to consider when starting to read is the time during which the series was written and published. The cold war was still in effect and the threat of global nuclear devastation was still prominent in the consciousness of a great many people.
This series explores a possible future several decades (or centuries) following such a cataclysm.
Put aside preconceived notions and enjoy the adventure. If you don't get all of the details at first, keep reading and everything will fall into place as you go.
I believe you'll appreciate the journey.

Originally published over 20 years ago by the Del Ray imprint, this book and its sequels have now been reissued as trade paperbacks by the University of Nebraska Press. Set in the midwest of the Mississippi Valley (the Heart River of the book), millenia in the future after a nuclear war, this book depicts the emergence of new civilizations controlling large swathes of North America. The author develops several different urban and tribal cultures, all with distinctive features, uses a bildungsroman type of plot to expose the readers to the various cultures, and then ties them together with an adventure story - romance involving inter-cultural warfare. Written decently and with a good degree of imagination. This is a stand alone book. I suspect the author wrote this book and after its success developed the rest of the series which are more interdependent. The University of Nebraska Press deserves considerable credit for bringing out relatively obscure but worthy books like this one.