Washington Books

This museum catalog is one of the best of any I have seen. I was fortunate enough to be involved in a living history demonstration when this exhibit came to Los Angeles in about 1991. The catalog covers the best and most significant pieces from the show (which I find rare among museum catalogs). It begins with comprehensive coverage of the history of the tribes of this region. Other chapters in the catalog are devoted to spirituality (both concepts and religious artifacts), clothing, jewelry, housing and other commonly used items. It has become one of my favorite pictoral reference books on Eurasia.

Vladimir Basilov's broad history of Central Asian nomadic cultures is a companion volume to a traveling exhibit of nomadic steppe art put together by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the Academy of Sciences of the USSR in 1990-1991. Basilov's book is not merely a catalog of the exhibit, but rather is designed to provide a background chronology of the cultures encompassed and thus grounding the viewer/reader in an understanding of the artifacts and the peoples who produced them.

Basilov, as editor and principal writer, begins with an introduction that describes the land and conditions that support a nomadic lifestyle in these steppe areas of Central Asia, with an overview of the chronology of Central Asia. The first chapter, written by Larisa R. Pavlinskaya, describes in detail the archaelogical findings on the Scythian and Sakaian cultures of the first millennium BC the next chapter, by Evgenii I. Lubo-Lesnichenko, is devoted to the Huns, linking them the Hsiung-nu who ravaged China's western borders up to the sixth century AD, and drawing on both Chinese and European primary sources to enhance this history. Each chapter builds on the information of the previous chapters, as in the next chapter on the Turkic peoples of the sixth to twelfth centuries, written by Sev'yan I. Vainshtein, who links the culture of Turkic tribes to those of the earlier Scythians and later Mongols, setting-up an understanding of the origins of Mongolian culture which then becomes the focus of the book. In this chapter also can be seen the multifaceted, multi-tribal nature of these cultures which the author shows by focusing both on distinctions between different tribes like the Uigher, Avar, and Oghuz as well as the similarities inherent in all such warrior-nomadic societies.

Basilov, whose personal interests seem to lie in the study of the Mongolian peoples, devotes over one-half of this book to the Mongols that arose as the predominant nomadic culture of Central Asian steppes from the twelfth century onwards. He draws heavily on anthropologic details as well as on Arabic and Chinese primary sources, and divides up his remaining chapters into specific areas of research: Mongol history, housing and household goods, clothing, weaponry, herds, music and religious practices. Each of these chapters is a study not only in the artifacts but in the people who use them and the how and why of that use.

Aside from the incredibly beautiful photos of these artifacts, which alone would makes this a worthwhile book, Basilov's text is clear and to the point providing an easily understood, but not simplistic, view of these nomadic cultures. By telling Mongolian history through the use of artifacts as well as documents, Basilov has given a more socialized than political look at the history of the Mongols entirely without making value judgments on this unique nomadic culture--a pitfall of many histories that take a less cultural approach.

As exemplified in song by Woodie Guthrie when he extolled the virtues of the great dams on the Columbia River and the subsequent development of irrigated agriculture, man's focus on the Columbia Plateau has been on how it can serve him. Now a new book has emerged that explores the geology, soils, flora and fauna of the region and its shrub-steppe ecosystems. This book serves as primer for all who would seek to understand these natural systems...a starting point for further exploration, both on the ground and in the regional libraries. The book is a gentle reminder of the natural richness of this region and the need to preserve the remaining habitat for future generations so that the land can continue to serve man, but in a different way, enriching our lives through the knowledge that soils derived from the harsh reality of volcanic eruption in conjunction with simple associations of grasses and shrubs can form the basis for a complex and enduring living system.

As exemplified in song by Woodie Guthrie when he extolled the virtues of the great dams on the Columbia River and the subsequent development of irrigated agriculture, man's focus on the Columbia Plateau has been on how it can serve him. Now a new book has emerged that explores the geology, soils, flora and fauna of the region and its shrub-steppe ecosystems. This book serves as primer for all who would seek to understand these natural systems...a starting point for further exploration, both on the ground and in the regional libraries. The book is a gentle reminder of the natural richness of this region and the need to preserve the remaining habitat for future generations so that the land can continue to serve man, but in a different way, enriching our lives through the knowledge that soils derived from the harsh reality of volcanic eruption in conjunction with simple associations of grasses and shrubs can form the basis for a complex and enduring living system.

Unlike any other food and wine book, NORTHWEST Food and Wine, is the most current book on the foods and wines of Washington State and Oregon. It is an easy-to-read interesting compilation of the latest in food and wine trends from the great Pacific Northwest.

I've been looking for a cookbook that has wine pairings with food that won't break my budget and yet complement my choice of wines. The recipes are simple and tasty. Many cookbooks in the market today tend to be needlessly complicated or just plain out of reach to the average consumer. The Taggerts did a wonderful job of making this subject accessible but not condescending. It is just right for the budding wine enthusiast who love to cook. I've liked it so much that I'm giving a copy to a friend.

I was deeply inspired and moved by Ana Maria Spagna's essays set in or around Stehekin and the North Cascades National Park in Washington State. I've had a cabin in this area for over 30 years, but even if that weren't so, I'd still love this book! It is honest, witty, succint, insightful and of course, well written. Think Pam Houston (Cowboys are My Weakness, or, in this case, cowgirls) meets Anne Lamott (Travelling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith) with a little Whitman, Thoreau, and Emerson thrown in. Each essay kept me moving on to the next one, there are 17 in all. Some are really personal, others lighthearted. It is also great reading for anyone who loves the outdoors and nature. The references to Walden are to many to mention.

I was assigned this book as part of a nature literature course. I did not care for the other books we had already read, so I thought I would dislike this one as well. But the opposite is true. The book is poignant, honest, evocative, funny. Unlike so many other nature novels out there, it is entirely unpretentious. Spagna does not pretend to be "better" than people with different viewpoints (as she holds a few herself), she is not afraid to laugh at herself and reveal her innermost thoughts. Really, this is not a nature novel per se. It is a book about finding oneself, about belonging, and about how wilderness was a catalyst for her own soul-searching quests. It can be taken at face value, but there are also many opportunities to explore deeper themes and symbolism. Highly recommended.

As President of the Ukrainian American Club of WA from 1993-1999 and as Co-Chair of the Ukrainian Studies Endowment Campaign at the University of Washington, I was intrigued by the article in the Seattle Times about the effort which led to the publication of Nuclear Legacy: Students of Two Atomic Cities.

The book is a stunning achievement at so many levels. Students and teachers managed to do interdisciplinary, integrative study. From local settings, they dealt with international and intercultural matters. Science and technology were given a human dimension. The universal significance of particular issues was underscored. Abstractions became particulars. People came together. In a society where youth and adults are lured by the trivial, these teachers and students dealt with fundamentals. They modeled for the nation what education at all levels should and can be.

In the process, they inspired hope. While it was natural in 1986 to speak of the Chornobyl explosion in apocalyptic categories that stressed catastrophe, the basic meaning of "apocalyptic" as a "revelation" was lost. Has something been disclosed about human beings and the world? What can we learn about ourselves and our relation to other selves and the environment in which and with which we must live? The book and all that preceded it answered a resounding "Yes!"

A thank you to the authors also for resisting the pressures against doing such work in Ukrainian. It is so much easier to capitulate to those who still insist on using Russian instead of the official language of the country.

This is simply an excellent book.

Sincerely

Eugene E. Lemcio, Ph.D. (206) 281-2208 elemcio@spu.edu

This fascinating book combines the fresh and frank opinions common to youth anywhere with the unique circumstances that faced these young people, who grew up in cities dominated by the nuclear industry in Richland, Washington and Slavutych, Ukraine (near Chornobyl). It turns out the book gives you an inside view of young people in two distinct national cultures, in spite of the shared nuclear culture. The Ukrainian children faced the most tragic of pasts, and you find pieces that pull at the heartstrings, like the girl who was learning a poem with her father when the Chornobyl disaster occurred. Now she feels for him and the pain he still suffers from the radiation he received. You notice the love of town and homeland among the Ukrainian youth that is expressed quite poetically. The American youth are more straightforward and reserved about their love of their community. They have clearly dug into the history of their area, with stories about the Indians, the farmers who were removed from their land by the Manhattan Project, the current scientific culture of the Richland area, and lighter pieces-like a sidebar about a local Spudnut Shop. The book gives a good background on nuclear and environmental issues that surround each community. One of the ironies is that the remaining wastes at Hanford and the Zone around the Chornobyl accident have resulted in land remaining or returning to natural habitat for animals-and these issues and the animals are described along with the stories about local people. Another shared theme is the effort of each economy to diversify. The book has some great color photos of the local areas and people and is beautifully designed and put together with English and Ukrainian text side by side on each page. There is something here for everybody, but the book will especially appeal to those with an interest in nuclear issues and students and teachers who may be considering similar projects. It's quite amazing what these students accomplished-a powerful and professional job at a remarkably young age.

The Odyssey by Homer is about a warrior from the Trojan War and is trying to return home, but he faces deadly obsticles, for the Ocean God, Poseidon seeks revenge on him, for defying the gods! He gets trapped on an island with the sea nimph, Callypso. Please read this book. I know that once you get reading it, you will feel the salt water of the ocean blaring in your face as Odysseus journeys on his ship. It is a true classic! Now An NBC Major Television Event! Starring Armand Assante, Vanessa Williams, Greta Schacchi, and Isabella Rosillani. 5 Stars!

After fighting courageously in the Trojan War, Odysseus has been trying to get home for the past 20 years. Telemachus, the son of Odysseus can only watch as his father's estate is ruined by the evil suitors of his mother, who think Odysseuss in long dead. Hoping to learn of his father Telemachus sets on a journey guided by the goddess Athena, unaware that the wicked suitors plan to kill him. Meanwhile Odysseus has been held captive on the island of the cunning goddess, Calypso for the last seven yeaers. After the gods convince Calypso to free Odysseus, he builds a raft only to be shipwrecked on theh land of the Phaecians. Here he tells them what befell him after Troy this includes his narrow escape from the cyclops Polyhemus, the crafty goddess Circe, the land of the Lotus-eaters, Aeolus keeper of the winds, his voyage to the underworld and many other adventures. Will Odysseus and his son come home alive to punish the suitors, or will they die far from home? This book is for anyone who loves adventre and excitement, even if you never read Greek Mythology before you will love the adventures of Odysseus.The Odyssey is filled with betrayal, magic, myghical beasts, the wrath of the gods and the foolishness of human nature.

OFFSPRING OF EMPIRE is, in one aspect, history of a powerful landlord family, Kochang Kims, their interactions with Japanese colonial authorities and the active role they played in the growth of textile and other industries throughout 20th century Korea. More broadly and importantly, it is a rigorous and insightful analysis of the emergence of industrial capitalism in Korea. When it was initially published, the book received criticism from Korean scholars for challenging the then-dominant model of the nationalist scholarship; "sprout theory," or the notion that indigenous sprouts of industrial capitalism were nipped by the colonial exploitation by the Japanese. Recently, however, nationalist scholarship has come under attack by a new generation of Korean historians. Much of the nationalist criticism -- including the claim that the book "rationalizes" Japanese colonial rule -- were operating under the (unstated) assumption that economic development was an unquestioned good, and since the Japanese colonial rule was evil, it could not possibly have helped Korean economic development. Some young Korean historians are now seriously questioning this assumption. Economic development , in either colonial or postcolonial Korea, no longer appears to be an unquestioned good, given its gross human rights violations, environmental destruction and other negative legacies. (North Korea in its way had to deal with the legacy of colonialism -- it can be seen as a nation where nationalism, emerged as an oppositional ideology to the Japanese colonial rule, has been elevated to the level of religious credo. The result of this, as we all can plainly see, has been disastrous to the basic human dignity of North Koreans) The evidence for continuties between colonial and postcolonial regimes is too numerous and obvious to be brushed aside. The fact that there was economic development under the colonial rule by no means justifies or excuses the Japanese domination, an act of profound disregard and contempt for the people of Korea. Acknowledging this fact simply opens the way for raising more questions and topics to be investigated about the nature of Japanese colonialism. The critical attitude of many young Korean historians indicates, indeed, that one of the most important negative legacies of Japanese colonialism, i.e. absolutist, unyielding allegiance to nationalism, (which so often breaks down into the "blood is thicker than water" variety of ethnic chauvinism) is becoming the thing of the past. Read OFFSPRING if you are interested in modern Korean history, modern Japanese history and East Asian economic development, and make up your own mind.

OFFSPRING OF EMPIRE: THE KOCH"ANG KIMS AND THE COLONIAL ORIGINS OF KOREAN CAPITALISM 1876-1945 is a detailed economic, historical, and biographical polemic about the origins of capitalism in Korea. The author argues, that Japanese "(c)olonialism...for better or worse...was the catalyst and cradle of industrial development in Korea...". Using the example of two brothers, Kim Songsu and Kim Yonsu, Eckart reveals a rough portrait of middle-class life in pre-and-Occupation-era Korea. Wading through economic statistics, newspaper clippings, boardroom minutes, and interviews, the author also contends against nationalistic, whether South Korean ("sprouts theory") or North Korean, theories of Korean development. What remains is the disturbing thought, that the glue holding nationalism together on the Korean peninsula, is morally bankrupt.

Although this book was published originally in 1991 (reprinted in 1997), the full effect of the events it describes are still unfolding. Relations between the two Koreas, and both Koreas' relations with foreign nations, particularly Japan, China, Russia, and the United States, are complicated by questions from just this period of history. Where is Korea? Who are the Koreans? Both these basic questions continue to unnerve Koreans as they try to locate themselves in the larger world outside Asia. Eckart's argument undermines the Korean argument, that Koreans were developing into a modern nation just like any western nation. He also undermines the role of Koreans in the capitalist development of their own country. He even, by questioning the origins of Park Chung Hee's inspiration for developing South Korea after the Occupation, undermines all of Korea's development efforts. One is left with the disturbing thought, that Korea, as the average Korean loves to say, is the land of one racial group, a theory fraught with serious moral implications.

Eckart's argument also frustrates the search for an alternative to authoritarian development by a strong government, whether colonialist or Park-esque. Its as if the Americans had crowned Washington after all, instead of devising an original alternative to the despotism the revolutionaries had just defeated. As Korea stumbles through reform with a president highly unpopular and limited by constitutional restrictions, these thoughts,this book raises,take on more urgency.

This book shows the level and complexity of organized crime and political corruption in the United States. Using Seattle, WA as a place of study, Chambliss looks at all levels of corruption in the city and the effect it has on poltical decision making leading up to the 1972 Grand Jury Indictment.

Professor Chambliss bravely exposes crime and how it is allowed to operate in the big city of Seattle, and how it extends throughout the nation and other governments. When you read it, you will lose your naivity and your false sense of security, because you will learn how government really operates and for whom. It is the truth spoken when legislators can do nothing to rid the governments in WA state of their vipers, and out of fear one sent her own grandchildren to live in another state. This book is a must for all interested in the truth of political power. Look for it's sequel which is in the works, so says the grapevine.

Congratulations are due to Ms. Lyons for this enjoyable picture book that focuses on the events of the Million Man March through the eyes of a little girl. The author must also be an excellent journalist, based on the depth of observation demonstrated through the narrative. The story is interesting and the descriptions are unexpected. The message is positive and supportive of interpersonal and community relationships. I would recommend this for families and collections for young children.

One Million Men and Me is a children's picturebook inspired by the author's personal experience witnessing a father and daughter at the Million Man March of 1995, which brought together black men across America who were committed to making positive and lasting changes for the better both in the home and in the community. Told through the eyes of a little girl who was with her father on the day black men made history, One Million Men and Me emphasizes the importance of a father-daughter bond as well as standing up for one's beliefs. The simple yet iconic color illustrations bring the events of the Million Man March to life for young readers who might not have been born yet when the it took place. "I'll always remember / the day Daddy took me / on a journey. // The day a million Black men / stood shoulder to shoulder, / the day history was made with / one million men and me."

Because U.S. Corporations has invested billions of dollars into joint ventures in China, they feared change. An overthrow of the Communist regime might cost them billions. As a consequence they appealed to Bush Senior to do all he could to defeat the democratic movement. CIA agents spied on the students and reported their findings to the Chinese Communist leaders. It was an ugly married between big business and the Chinese ruthless dictatorship. The author documents this well. One cannot doubt the accuracy of the book. I was there. I saw the massacre at Muxidi. As an eye witness I can vouch for its accuracy.

Good book ! its incredibal what happened to those
students in China , they thought Bush would help them,
but Bush and his busness partners were more interested
in looking after there own interast s . My heart goes out to the students . I liked how the book was written .