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Excellent book highlighting the need and importance of logical reasoning for a better understanding of everything one encounters

is in this book. Socrates was proclaimed (by the Oracle at Delphi, the voice of Apollo) to be the wisest man in Athens. After the Democracy had come back after the defeat in the Peloponnesian Wars, the mob needed someone to take the blame, and Socrates was the designated victim. He continues on his path happily, knowing that he has served Athens in the best way that he could. You can't beat the price for this copy of the four dialogues that make up his trial and death, and you can't ask for a better role model than Socrates!

Highest rating!

This translation by Benjamin Jowett, a great translator of Plato's works, is the one you want to get if you are mostly concerned with beauty and elegance in a translation. There are other translations that are more accurate, but none more elegant and beautiful than Jowett. This translation was finished in the 19th century; it is the most famous of all Plato translations, although there are numerous other translations available today. (You will be able to find critics that love and hate each translator, so it is up to you to get the one that you think is most true and, if you are like me, most beautiful.) Here is a translation comparison of the same lines of a few different translations so you can see the difference:

(From the "Apology")

Tredennick:

"Well, now it is time to be off, I to die and you to live; but which of us has the happier prospect is unknown to anyone but God."

Jowett:

"The hour of departure has arrived, and we go our ways--I to die, and you to live. Which is better God only knows."

Rouse:

"And now it is time to go, I to die, and you to live; but which of us goes to a better thing is unknown to all but God."

Just so you know, the Jowett translation is a public domain text (finished in the late 19th century) that you can find on the internet if you don't want to buy it; but it only costs pennies, so go ahead and buy the book so you can make your notes in the margins...and also so you don't have to stare at a computer screen for hours.

Some links to other versions that feature the Jowett translation:
Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Phaedo (Great Books in Philosophy)

Six Great Dialogues: Apology, Crito, Phaedo, Phaedrus, Symposium, The Republic (Thrift Edition)

***It is generally agreed upon that the most accurate translation of Plato are the Grube translations. Here is a link: Plato Five Dialogues: Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Meno, Phaedo

The four dialogues collected in this volume tell the story of the trial and death of Socrates. The "Euthrypo" is a philosophical dialogue on the subject of piety and holiness, set against the background of Socrates' having been accused of impiety towards the gods. The 'Apology' contains Socrates largely monologic defense of his own actions. In this he defends his own devotion to truth, to seeking out the way of true Wisdom. His well- known claim is not that he is wise, but rather that whatever wisdom he has comes in knowing he and others are not wise. Socrates role as gadfly, as one who questions conventional truths is here highlighted. In the 'Crito' Socrates refuses the pleas of his friends, and shows himself to be a dutiful citizen of the state by refusing to illegally escape, run away from the death- sentence. In the 'Phaedo' Socrates nobly choses to accept the verdict of Death , and indicates that his concern is more with his own immortal soul than with the evanescent life in this world.
The Four Dialogues together are central to Plato's thought, and constitute one of the central stories of Western Philosophy.
'Philosophy' as Socrates practices it is an unending searching for the truth, an unending process of questioning and dialoguing , undermining one's own assumptions in the process. It is an exposing of the folly and error which is at the heart of most conventional opinion.
In these 'Dialogues' Plato creates the figure of Socrates as first great hero of Western Philosophy. And this though Plato's own thought will have a dimension of certainty and discovery of the Absolute Ideal which aims to be go beyond Socratic activity and dialogue.
These 'Dialogues' are not simply a central work of Western thought, but also a powerful work of Literature. They portray a remarkably , courageous figure, one who stands for the 'truth' and for his own moral integrity despite the entreaties and pressures of the mass of his countrymen. Socrates ia also the great martyr of truth, and as this sets the pattern for a whole series of 'heroes' of thought who defy Authority to present the Truth as they understand it.
With all this there are questions to be raised about Socrates value- system, wisdom and general morality. He has often been faulted for neglecting not only the shrewish wife Xantippe, but his three sons, for in short holding responsibility to family as secondary value. His 'questioning - of- everything' attitude is of course one which comes most naturally to adolescence and the young people he taught, but is problematic for those adult Athenians who truly had to be responsible for running Athenian democracy under difficult times.
This neat, small Dover Edition presents a classic piece of philosophical Literature in an attractive and inexpensive popular non- scholarly edition.

This edition of _The Trial and Death of Socrates_ contains Plato's four famous dialogues between Socrates and his friends and detractors before the noteworthy philosopher was condemned to death by the Athenian tribunal in ancient Greece. I find this topic of interest because of the close relationship between Platonic thought and early Christian philosophy during the period of roughly 250-750 A.D. when the fundamentals of Christian doctrine were formed. It is clear from a reading of this series of texts why Plato, although a pagan preceding Christ for several hundred years, was very popular among Christian prelates, monks, polemicists, theologians and philosophers. The texts make somewhat awkward reading because they are presented in the forms of dialogue between Socrates and his friends and detractors and thus Plato does not have to express unequivocally what his own opinions are regarding the debates. The first text discussed in this volume is entitled "Euthyphro" and discusses the nature of piety. Here Plato has Socrates question many of the concepts associated with the polytheistic worship and piety of ancient Athens. Socrates' famous "Apology" is a treatise against the accusations of the courts of Athens. Socrates argues for the fact that only God is ultimately the source of wisdom and in all his interactions with fellow poets, artists, philosophers, statesmen, etc., he has not found true wisdom, at least not any wisdom that he himself does not already possess. In "Crito" Socrates debates with those among his followers who entreat him to flee Athens and take up refuge in a safer city. "Phaedo" contains the account of Socrates' last dialogue and concludes with Socrates' death by consuming hemlock poison as ordered by the Athenian court. Socrates explains that he does not fear death because the physical things of this world are impermanent and only the soul is ultimately immortal. Death is in fact an improvement in man's condition and he advocates a type of otherworldly asceticism (disdaining external appearances, food, clothing and human love) as the true path for the philosopher who wants to understand and contemplate the nature of reality in a pure fashion. The body dies and the soul is immortal and therefore the most important thing is to attend to the metaphysical realities while in this life. Socrates argues, among other things, that the soul is pre-existent of the body, a concept which was taken up later by the Christian philosopher Origen and later condemned as heresy. He also believes in a concept of the afterlife where the soul is either punished for wrongdoing or rewarded for good. Some souls go through a process of purification before they can advance, similar to the Roman Catholic doctrine of Purgatory. _The Trial and Death of Socrates_ is an excellent read about an important figure in the history of religion and philosophy, especially as it shows the mindset of one who was willing to die for his beliefs (martyrdom). Not all of Plato and Socrates ideas were adopted by the Church but despite certain discrepancies they were nonetheless influential.

Father Lukefahr writes very easy-to-read books on the Catholic Faith and follows them up with workbooks that test your comprehension. This primary volume of his works is far easier that reading the Catechism itself. Father Lukefahr's warmth, knowledge, and love of souls comes through on every page. His books should be on every Christian's bookshelf!

This is a favorite book of mine, I just gave one away, to a young man leaving for Iraq, so this is a replacement. I use it often in teaching and recommend it for personal use for those who like to study on their own, or who can't get to regular meetings or study groups. All of Fr. Lukefahr books are helpful in learning and teaching about the faith.

Fr. Lukefahr's orthodox little catechism has proved to be a valuable guide to the Faith since it was first published ten years ago. The most recent version is fully indexed to the Catechism of the Catholic Church and includes suggestions for further reading and reflection.

The advantage of this catechism vs. others available is that it doesn't merely replicate the CCC, but rather provides details interesting to the lightly catechized or new Catholic. (Fr. Lukefahr's highly-recommended "The Catechism Handbook" is in fact an abbreviated CCC.) For instance, in the chapters on the New Testament, Fr. Lukefahr includes the findings of authentic Catholic scholarship on the identity of the evangelists and apostles but excludes fads popular in less orthodox circles.

He also explains things like the importance of the "priesthood of the faithful" without diminishing the unique role of the ordained priesthood in the life of the Church. Unfortunately, many other guides to the Faith either blur or confuse such teachings.

Much like that other master catechist Fr. Alfred McBride, Fr. Lukefahr purposely writes at a "Reader's Digest" level of sophistication. At roughly 200 pages, the book is an ideal text for an RCIA class or program of self-study.

Readers can enroll in a free "We Believe ..." home study course by "Googling" the words "Fr. Lukefahr" and "Catholic home study".

While you can find no greater authority on the beliefs in the Catholic faith like the Catechism of the Catholic Church, "We Believe..." is a wonderful starting point for non-Catholics interested in Catholicism and for any Catholic looking to "freshen up" their wisdom of the Church. Fr. Oscar Lukefahr breaks down the Catechism into easily digestable chapters divided into the main divisions of the Catechism, those being Belief, Worship, Christian Life, and Prayer. Each chapter gives a solid, Catechetical and Biblical explanation of its specific topic.

Fr. Lukefahr does a wonderful job of explaining things without losing the reader's attention by going into deep theological points. He provides plenty of cross-references in the Catechism that one can (and probably should) check out to see just where certain beliefs are derived.

Overall, this is a wonderful introductory look at the faith of Catholics. If you are not Catholic and just want know what we believe or if you're interested in joining the Church, this would be a wonderful place to start your journey. I was unaware of this book whenever I went through the RCIA process. This would have been a wonderful book to have back then.

As another reviewer has stated, there's a workbook full of multiple-choice and true/false questions available to those who want an even deeper study of the Catholic faith available for this book. I used it and it greatly enhances the reading experience. I highly recommend this book and its workbook companion.

As others have posted, "We Believe" is truly a resource for anyone interested in Catholicism. It should be added, however, that Father Lukefahr has a natural ability to write for his audience.

Most clergy are very well educated and spend years obtaining multiple advanced degrees. Although this may make them experts in their fields, somewhere along the way they also obtain a dialect that their flock no longer understands. "We Believe" is written in layman's terms which allows the reader to actually digest the material rather than chew on it for days in an attempt to acquire the flavor of it.

The material has been here for over 2000 years. Father Lukefahr simply has a knack of presenting it in a manner that makes it all seem new.

I went to to Catholic high school in Chicago where we were required to take a class solely on the topic of marriage. During my 21 year marriage my wife (now former) kept asking me where I learned all these good things about marriage. I told her I took a marriage class in high school, and I had two partnes who loved each other and showed it every day. I wish I read your book as a refresher 6 years after high school.

High schools should purchase this book by the truck-load and teach a class focused solely on this book. I have a different spiritual system than the author, but no reasonable, mature person can disagree with his highly effective examples, clear writing style and the wealth of first-hand experience he provides. You can tell he is a gifted person who cares for people and society. This book will dramatically reduce teen pregnancy, depression, abortion, crime, violence, poverty, and other societal problems caused by divorce, broken homes and single-parent homes. We need to buy this book in bulk and give it out to the people we care about, especially teens and young adults.

The author did a lot of information search. I found this book to be more of how and why to avoid abusive relationships. It will be a plus to add to your library as a reference guide.

Why People Choose the Wrong Mate is a best seller! It clearly defines the boundaries of God and society's relationship. The book illuminated my mind to the not so obvious pit-fall that so many fall prey to.

When I began reading. I could hardly put the book down. Anyone looking for a mate will definitely get this book recommended to them by me.

Triplett, you have out done yourself. The Holy Spirit was definitely talking to you. I can see that you have a sensative ear and relationship with the Lord. This book will go down as one in history for the ages to read.

Atlanta, Georgia

This is a powerful book full of powerful truths and everyday examples. I will not share my copy of this book. I'll buy one for others, but they cannot have my book. It is like a handbook and should be reviewed at the beginning of every relationship. The bottom line is this: Through examples and Biblical references, the book teaches that "Obedience is better than sacrafice." I thank God for Gillis Triplett. I was married for 24 years. My husband had a bad accident involving a head injury. The counselor said that the accident exacerbated the deteriorating condidtions in our marriage. The last six years of our marriage were living hell for me and my children. We were always afraid. As I looked back over the years, some of the abuse was there from the beginning, but I thought I could make the marriage work. If I had read this book earlier, I would have seen the signs even before we got married.

This book is the truth and nothing but the truth!Everyone should have this book.It is a true reference to life as we live it.Before starting any relationship,one should read it.It touches so close to home,you wont be able to put it down.My Advice to you 'GET YOUR OWN COPY"

"Women Who Love Psychopaths" is an eye-opening experience and certainly a must read. This book revealed many things about ourselves and our weakness, both men and women. And, it is a good book for those who have fallen in love with such a psychopathic individuals and how we can learn to spot the signs and how we can survive the toxic relationships.

It is most certainly a great research into the situation. I would highly recommend it along with Sandra Brown's How to Spot a Dangerous Man Before You Get Involved.

Based off a case study of seventy-five women, Women Who Love Psychopaths is Sandra Brown's latest tome dealing with dangerous men, and how to spot them before they can seriously cause damage. Liane Leedom also contributed, however her view of psychopathy is something more along the lines of the DSM-IV category, which anyone who studies the subject know is grossly misleading and quite inaccurate. The book offers a look inside the minds of psychopaths (which is the part I recommend you skip), as well as the minds and emotional traits of the women that tend to be their victims. It also gives an extremely details look at the 'bonding' process these women go through, how their psychopaths were able to hook them and keep them once their pathological behavior starts to rear its ugly head.

My biggest complaint about the book are its contributions by Liane Leedom. For example, on page 19 we're told, "ADHD is often a precursor to psychopathy." which simply isn't true. No reference is cited nor have I seen this in the classic literature (Hare, Cleckley, etc.) There was also a tendency to quote Wikipedia as if it's a reliable source. If I've learned anything about Wikipedia is that it's good for something, mundane things, like the temperature of the sun or a superficial look at history or definitions, but when it comes to sensitive topics, like the Israel-Palestinian bit, Iran, or psychopathy that the information is likely to be skewed in favor of the mainstream. If you want a good example contrast these two entries on the topic: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychopathy and http://enpsychopedia.org/index.php/Psychopathy. That latter one has good case studies of individual nut jobs too if you're interested.

What I really like about WWLP is that it gives us a good look at the women (and by extension anyone) who has a tendency to fall for psychopathic personalities and get ensnared in their pathological machinations. It gives us a plethora of red flags to look for in terms of their behavior, which can be useful in identifying pathological personalities at home, at work, or in our social life.

Some choice quotes on the matter:

"Interestingly, this is the only major trait that the psychopath's woman shares with the psycho¬path--the issue of extraversion and excitement seeking. This is the attraction, the hook-up factor, and the issue upon which their dating relationship was based, the exciting extraverted life they both want to live! If you wondered what the first part of their attraction to each other was: here it is! But there is also more to what attracted her and kept them together."

"As wonderful as competitiveness is in regular life, her competitiveness however, is a downfall in the relationship with the psychopath. This is because as the relationship begins to become patho¬logically-driven and his crazy-making increases instead of running for the hills she is likely to stay and battle it out."

"Women who love psychopaths tested very high in relationship investment and positive sociability. These are the kinds of women psychopaths like to target. The psychopath uses positive rewards to establish his patterns of power, control, and dominance in a woman's life."

"If a woman is ending a previous relationship in which she didn't get much affection, hooking up with a psychopath can feel like she has hit the 'Affection Lotto!' At least in the beginning many psychopaths know that to give affection is to increase her sense of attachment, and her corresponding loyalty. Psychopaths see affection as a way of exerting power and dominance over both the relationship and the emotions of their partners"

"These cooperation traits are her drawing card to a psychopath. Her over-flowing empathy, tolerance, friendliness, compassion, supportiveness and her moral prin¬ciples are what balance the lopsided scales of the relationship with him, since he lacks these quali¬ties. This delicate balance helps to camouflage the glaring gaps of the character traits between them. Her cooperativeness helps to smooth out the character he doesn't have and makes the relationship seem more normal. We think that very high cooperativeness is the most significant reason these specific women were targeted. Psychopaths instinctively know that women high in coopera¬tiveness will stay in relationships with them longer."



I could go on, but you get the idea. Friendly, cooperative, empathic, loyal, extraverted, tolerant, well-adjusted women are like a gold-mine, literally, for the psychopath. He'll use her strengths against her in order to keep her right where he wants her, while he drains her bank account, emotional vitality and all of the time their psychological and physiological health suffers as a result.

One of the most interesting traits I discovered during the reading was: "..the women in the survey when given the choice between trusting what the psychopath says he has done/not done/or will do, or trusting what she has caught him actually doing, women who love psychopaths will likely choose the words over the actions."

Now that's pretty scary. We're also given info on how he uses sex as a primer, in order to have her bond with him, chemically:

"Sex kick-starts the premature bonding process. The touching and sexual stimulation seals the love bond. The stimulation of the vagina and cervix during sex causes the release of the hormones prolactin and oxytocin. These hormones travel to the bonding centers of the brain and produce an emotional and hormonal attachment to the man. The importance of these hormones in female attachment is these are the exact hormones produced in pregnancy and nursing. They are responsible for a woman's ability to bond to babies! The more sex she has with the psychopath, the more these attachment hormones are released, and the more bonded she feels to the psychopath. This isn't merely the cuddling of love making. This is a biochemical process occurring in her body and brain increasing her sense of attachment...but tragically, to a psychopath! These are the hormones of motherhood attachment. Just like motherly love is unconditional, a sexual bond is also unconditional. She will find out just what it will cost her to have this intense unconditional attachment and love bond to a psychopath."



Psychopaths also instinctively know how to induce trance-like states in normal people:

"Trance produces perceptual biases. That means if the psychopath is telling her wonderful things and she is euphoric with him, she tends to associate wonderful and euphoric things with the memory of him...even after he's turned into a monster. While in trance, a woman tends to "cement" what she felt or learned in that state. That's why it's so difficult for women to believe he's a liar, swindler, or cheater because she learned all the wonderful things about him in trance states that have been "cemented" in her memory."



It's a chilling read. Later the book has discussions of what the women felt while their were with their psychopath, and how it has affected their lives once they've managed to break away from them. Most interestingly we are given a step by step explanation of the relationship as it progresses from the initial meet and attraction, subsequent bonding and infatuation to the eventual downward spiral into emotional manipulation, psychological (sometimes physical and sexual) abuse, and financial loss.

Overall Women Who Love Psychopaths is a great book, solely for it's look into pathological "love" relationships, how they get started, their downward trend, and the overall affects on the lives of the non-pathological partner. The stories are real, visceral, and sad and should serve to educate all of us on the warning signs, before we too before another victim.

Finally have the answers I needed 35 years ago. Professionals were of no help at all, and in fact aided the psychopath. Thirty years of going to counselors, and asking "Why?", and getting no help and no answers, and now the answers are all in here. This book is a tremendously freeing book, even though I am not yet free. Knowledge is power. Now, with the help of this book, I understand the dynamics of what has been going on all these years, and am now going to use what I have learned to systematically change my life.

My only problem with the book is that she gave no ideas or input on how to make the changes (in yourself) that would help extricate yourself from the situation. And she gave no case histories of how other women got free. This book was excellent on giving the dynamics of the relationship and of the psychopath, but I would have liked information on "how to break free". Due to that I give it 4 stars instead of 5.

This book is a must read if you or anyone you know has been involved with a bad/ abusive relationship or a series of bad ones. If you are asking yourself why was I with him or if you can't leave him, get this book. If you have been conned by a man, get this book. If your friend has been conned by a man, get this book so you can support them. In fact, even if you have not had a pathological relationship, but are a "good-hearted" women who gives away trust easily, likes excitement and loves extroverted men, get this book, it could save your life. My personality profile fits exactly into the study results of this book-- Even though I am considered suucessful and intelligent, my child and I have suffered severely at the hand of a Psychopath. This book will illuminate your vulnerbilities, his manipulation methods and also help you forgive yourself. It will validate you in ways others can not.. especially those who have not experienced this ordeal. It is a stepping stone to the begining of recovery. I could not put it down.

Wish I could give it a zillion starts. Learn how your greatest strength in normal circumstances become your greatest weakness when dealing with people as pathologically damaged as psychopaths. The authors took research surveys from 75 women and came up with a victim profile that is spot on. There are quotes from victims as well as great advice on how to spot the warning signs and run run run if you encounter a psychopath.
Women who love psychopaths is a concise easy read too. Even if you haven't experienced the pain of having loved a psychopath it should be read by every woman, and man for that matter. There are also female psychopaths after all. Which brings me to the only issue I have with the book-it's written for women. When the title is considered it isn't really an issue but I still think it is good advice for anyone who may fall in love with a psychopath, regardless of the gender of the victim or the aggressor. It's fantastic research by the authors. Get a copy for someone you care about, especially if the person is looking for love. While at it, get a copy of Sandra Brown's other book: how to spot a dangerous man before you get involved. Both are necessary reading.

Everything that you wanted to know about rigging ships with square sails.
The last part of the book is about ship handling. Now I know the reason the ships are rigged the way they are. You need this book if you build model square rigged ships.

This is a great reprint of the training manual for a Royal Navy officer. It has helped my presentation for living history of a US Navy seaman incredibly.

I bought this book because I am a recreational sailor and ship modeler. I found this to be an excellent source of information on the rigging and basic operation of 19th century military and commercial sailing vessels, and it answered many questions I have had about older sailing vessels as compared to modern ones.

The subject matter is laid out logically, but must be read carefully due to its original 19th century syntax and language, and the tremendous amount of detail discussed.

The book starts with how strands are laid into ropes, how ropes are made into lines, the basic components of rigging (hooks, blocks, hearts, trucks, cleats), description and tying of basic seaman's knots, moving on to constrction and stepping of the masts, spars and sprits, standing rigging, running rigging, sail construction and rigging for each location on the ship, finishing with anchor rigging. As if that were not enough, the second half of the book is a fascinating treatise on practical seamanship of the day, including coming to anchor, when to use certain sails, reefing, laying to, heaving to and other heavy weather techniques.

The book is illustrated throughout with hundreds of highly detailed period line drawings. Truly an 19th century version of the Annapolis Book of Seamanship and Chapman's Piloting combined, it is an absolute must for any model builder or student of sailing ships who wants to know "how it was".

History and ships...
I Love History and ships, and this is simply one of the best and most enjoyable books I have read. I am still reading it, but it is one of those you want to share immediately. My hobby is building 18th century wood static model sailing vessels, and I have learned a few things already (despite my library of 40+ books on the subject). It hurls you back in time, to enjoy details that would have been forgotten, if not for this kind of book. Like the page that tells the strategy that one should use if the wind changed by three points... or taking in a topsail... or tacking expeditiously...
If you are a fan of history and the 1700's sailing... you cannot go wrong with this book (and its cheap!)

Judge this book by its cover! It's exactly what it says it is. This book is full of practical knowledge suited for the young naval officer or merchant seaman. It's one of those books that is just fun to read. Similar to "The Art of Rigging," this book has tons of information about the rigging of sailing vessels not in common use today, but it's fascinating nonetheless. A great volume for those enthralled by the sea, or who enjoy model ship building. Looks great on the coffee table, too!

A must have for future PLS or LSIT examinees. An excellent source of study material needed for NCEES exams including, but not limited to, the history of surveying, calculations, State Plane systems, GPS, and Photogrametry.

I used this book as a study aid and as one of the books I had while taking my test. I found several answers to the test worked out or answered in this book.

Super fast shipping. I will always order from the seller.

The book is as advertised. It has a very large variety of solved surveying problems. The problems and their solutions are very thorough and clear. It's a well done book. The biggest downside is there is no index or listing of the types of problems in the book. If you are using this as a reference dring a surveying or professional engineers exam you will have a hard time finding the example problem you are looking for unless you have spent a great deal of time getting familiar with the book or developed your own listing of the problems. It was very helpful in preparing for the 2.5 hour California surveying exam, it was useless during the exam.

I bought this book to help review for the LSIT exam. After going through some problems I found the book to be very helpful in refreshing my memory on some of the things I forgot. Def. a good book for any surveyor or surveying student.

I use this guide often. I plant according to the Llewellen Guide, and have for years. It's really most accurate. I also use it to make jelly and jams. It can be a guide for most any project, from pruning to de-horning baby goats.

I have used the guide for several years and now cannot be without one. For anyone who monitors planetary movements to anticipate effects in daily life, this guide is a must.

I'm glad they put the asteroids back into the ephemeris. I buy this date-book every year, and it's handy to be able to see what the planets are doing while I'm planning what to do. There's a fair amount of space for writing, but I wish there were a little more.

I love this Datebook, carry it with me everywhere I go! Have for years!!!

REALLY DETAILED MOON SUN AND PLANET INFO, GOES DEEPER INTO THESE THINGS THAT THE WITCHES ALMANAC

I bought a number of digital textile design books. This one is the most updated and simple in terms of the instructions. Also, the author is extremely accessible and available for support, questions and feedback. He was fantastic and very helpful!

As a Graphic Designer, I made a research and bough four products that were supose to solve textil design, and this was the best, It gives you meny alternatives: also the seller stood beside me when nedded.

I love this book! It saved me hours in learning specific aspects of textile design using photoshop - plus the author makes himself available for technical assists. Awesome.

This is an excellent book for textile designers. Easy to follow and Frederick has been a pleasure to work with. Thanks again!

This book took me to an advanced level of textile design! It was like taking a course in textile design in college except you can actually do things when you're finished! I'm ecstatic that I found this book. I have learned many new techniques. The explanations are very clear, precise and complete! I recommend this wonderful book and I fell grateful that Mr. Chipkin generously shared his years of experience. It's a book for professionals, freelancers and an essential book for the students.

Shephard created a book satiated with texture, woven in embroidery of dyes and rituals. In African Accents, the author shares with us her stories through textiles. She recreates African accents for readers who have formerly collected pieces of cultural tradition and for the newly converted. Scanning through the craft section of any bookstore, one could notice a scarcity of African crafts, house style, and decorating books. With this book, Shephard undertakes a worthy task. The author's time spent in Senegal piqued her already flourishing interest in African design. Shephard prefaces each chapter with anecdotes, the significance of fiber technique, and facts about the fabrics used for the easy to follow hand-made crafts she shares later in the book. The author separates the fabric regionally and explains the social and rich cultural aspects tied into the various designs and processes.
The first part of the book is devoted to recreating the essence of each separate style of fabric, (that is, if you choose to). Some fabric recreations are simple and others are intricate including embroidery and weaving. Shephard cautions that replicating the fabric does not replace the real thing, but could rather deepen one's appreciation for the years of apprenticeship. In reproducing the designs on the fabrics, the book includes actual sized symbols with their meaning. Some of the Ashanti designs on the fabrics, the author indicates, are the equivalent of the European family crest.
In part two of the book the chapters are devoted to each room of your home and the art of gift giving. Secrets and tricks are provided to lend your pillows, clocks and picture frames the professional touch. There is certainly no limitation of "how to" procedures. I tried a few myself and although the suggestion of the staple gun for the kente stool fell short of my expectation (probably the gun itself) I pulled out the old hammer and nail and my stool looked unfailingly as Shephard had promised. Some of the crafts, if you were not handy with a sewing machine would be better left to the local tailor. Yet, there was a time when a sewing machine was a staple in most family's homes. The art of sewing and the practicality of its uses have been forgotten. But if sewing seems impossible for you, Shephard happily offers other easy alternatives.
This is a consummate reason for a recommendation of this slim book to be on the shelves of all art leagues. The book makes it apparent that Spanish and French artists popular in the 19th and 20th centuries have gained much of their appeal with the use of African art infused with their own. Shephard's passion for the continent exudes throughout the book, aquatinting the reader with crafts and fabric otherwise inaccessible. It is a craft-book du nouveau, a comprehensive history lesson, and a full color tabletop book. It is a significant forefront of a happily growing movement. Through this thoughtful undertaking the beauty of the textiles, that have been admired and used for years, could now have intimate meanings and representations. Choosing that kente, Kuba or mudcloth after reading Shephard's book will add new substance to its use.

Yasmain Broady-Soya...

African Accents by Lisa Shepard is more than just another book with homey decorator projects for the Do-It-Yourselfer. As Shepard makes clear in her introduction, her passion for genuine African fabrics is based on admiration for their strong colors and designs coupled an educated appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into their creation.

Since she recognizes that collection of these beautiful fabrics may well be beyond the reach of the average pocketbook, she sets out to teach us how to duplicate the look with affordable materials and then provides detailed instructions for sophisticated decorating projects that are reasonably easy to accomplish.

Make your own stamps with potatoes, compressed sponges or rubber stamps to get the look of Adinkra cloth. Shepard provides over 20 different Adinkra symbols to copy together with their African names and meanings.

Choose from over a dozen images to create unique Korhogo designs (and I dare you to resist trying the panels and floor cloth projects in the book). Try mudcloth, Kuba cloth or Kasaii velvet.

The instructions are clear and the power of the designs would enhance just about any room in your home or office.

They would also be fairly easy for a school group or Scout troop to teach children about the strength and beauty of the cultures they represent. I can easily imagine a group of kids having a good time creating Adinkra stamps at a children's birthday party.

Shepard expresses the hope that working on the projects will increase the readers appreciation for the real thing. A quick glance through this lovely book will convince you.

This was exactly what I was searching for...beautiful, inspiring photos of projects that you can easily do for yourself. If has great graphic designs you can copy and use for stenciling, stamping, etc. Loved the cardboard spear and the textiles.

I must have bought 10 other books on exotic decor, ethnic decor and this is the only one that really thrilled me.

I enjoyed lisa's book but I'm not much of a craftsperson. I love african style, and came away with some good ideas. Some of these projects require more than I am willing to give. I'm into simplistic projects that look like there was alot of effort. The projects range from easy to not so easy. The are some good internet sources but some of them are no longer avalible. I have not attempted any of the crafts in the book but I'm looking foreward to Lisa's next release (coming out in October). I think her next release may be what I'm looking for.

Ms. Shepard's knowledge and appreciation for African textiles and crafts is shown with style throughout this book. The craft instructions are clear and easy to follow (even for a novice craftsperson like myself!) The photographs are terrific also, they act as real motivators to try some of these great decorating ideas. How refreshing to see a crafts and decorating book with culturally diverse appeal!

I think every woman should read this book.
Dr. Nancy takes the worry out of growing older.

Hope Nature returns to all of us in infinite ways.It made me very happy reading this book.

This is a wonderful, sensible, informative book on health written by a female doctor. I am following many of the book's suggestions and have seen health improvements in myself. I have recommended it to amy of my friends.

This is an invaluable resource for all women, especially those over forty approaching the transition of menopause. Overflowing with very practical information to assist women during this natural life passage. I wish I had known this when I was forty! But far beyond just a manual for navigating through menopause it offers wise counsel on how women can maximize health at all the stages of life. As a health educator I recommend it often.

Nancy Lonsdorf has written a terrific book that really should be read by all women, before the age of 40! Dr. Lonsdorf renews one's ability to be guided by their own common sense while, at the same time, giving a deep understanding of the ongoing physical, mental and emotional changes experienced by women. If you read this book you will be able to take care of yourself and continue to experience life full of energy and zest! Dr. Lonsdorf explains concepts about the physical in a very clear way and also gives practical tips for taking care of health and preventing problems. It is very empowering to learn these tips and to apply them .....and then to feel better than ever.