Publications Books

I used this book on a medical humanitarian mission to Africa because I didn't want to lug my huge textbooks around. It was the perfect size to fit in my carry on and fanny pack. The material was clear, concise, and up to date. I used it every day of my trip, and would recommend it to physicians or other health care professionals.

The Oxford Handbook of Tropical Medicine is a great book, as the other reviewers have stated. There is one reason why it stands out, and that is its physical construction. The paper is very thin (like a bible), and the writing is microscopic (good for traveling). The cover is tough plastic, and it is crammed with great reference material. If you've made it to this review, you should buy this book even if you aren't a doctor. If you're going to a developing country (where English is spoken) it would make a wonderful gift for the local doctor or nurse (many of whom are forced to consult 20 year old smeared photocopies of photocopies of out of date textbooks for their clinical information).

I stay part time in rural India and this book is awesome. It addresses issues that I had begun to believe I would never find solid information about. It also gives treatment options that keep Third World Medicine in mind. Very practical.

I recently spent some time in a small, rural clinic in sub-saharan Africa, and this book was by far the most useful tool I had. This is not at all a book on disease theory or etiology - it is purely practical. Concisely, what to suspect, how to diagnosis, and how to treat (e.g., step-by-step instructions on how to Giemsa stain a blood smear). One feature I especially appreciated was how this book doesn't make any assumptions about what diagnostic tools you have available; it explains how to best make decisions both with and without radiology, bacterial cultures, etc. The size of this book of course precludes certain information, the incorporation and discussion of WHO treatment guidelines is incredibly valuable.

I had this book among several others while working in rural Uganda. I quickly forgot the other texts and had this stuffed in my back pocket on the wards and going for housecalls. I'm an internist, so when a measles outbreak started I really appreciated the great section on managing this disease. This text contains the essentials for all aspects of medicine in tropical, resource-poor settings as well as great nutritional information. I will bring this book whenever when workng abroad.

In Play Of Consciousness: A Spiritual Autobiography, Swami Muktananda vividly and candidly describes his spiritual initiation which awakened the hidden power known as Kundalini Shakti and the astonishing process of inner transformation that followed. Muktananda reveals many mysteries describing the rigors of spiritual practice and the mystical, metaphysical alchemy of the awakened Kundalini. He offers inspiration for all those seeking the ultimate personal and metaphysical freedom that is spiritual enlightenment. Play Of Consciousness is recommended reading for students of eastern philosophies, yoga, metaphysical studies, and personal spiritual enlightenment.

I first read this book in the `70's. It knocked my socks off. I recently recommended it to someone and thought, "Hmm. Maybe I should read it again." It blew my socks off again. Play of Consciousness is the spiritual autobiography of Sw. Muktananda, an Indian meditation master who died in 1982. In POC, he breaks Hindu tradition by talking about his experiences. He does this for one reason: To serve and guide his students. This is a handbook for meditators, in many ways a survival manual. Muktananda had many of the experiences recounted here -- some of which were terrifying-- without knowing what they were. Here, he lets his students know what to expect in advanced meditation. The book is written in sections. The book opens with a tightly written and comprehensive guide to Hinduism and kundalini yoga. Muktananda lays out the turf-- quoting many major Indian saints and scriptures. This alone is worth buying. The second part describes his spiritual experiences, his sadhana. If you ever thought that meditation was a passive, dopey thing popularized in California, this will change your mind. Muktananda's experiences were big. Explosive. Gorgeous. They read like sci-fi, but you have the sense of their utter authenticity. The final section explains what Muktananda wants from his students. How he sees the universe, and how a good yogi/yogini should live. This is a masterpiece in mystical writing. POC is not an easy read. First, it may induce culture shock. This is not a Western book. It was translated from Hindi or one of the Indian languages and written by an older man, a Hindu monk. The language sounds it-- flowery, exquisite, complex, and somewhat antiquated. Muktananda talks about gurus and disciples. The word "guru" has been maligned in the West. For thousands of years, Indian people have had gurus the way that we have accountants. "Guru" means "teacher", with the root meaning, "bringer of light, taker of darkness." The guru's function. POC is a hard read for another reason: Muktananda's experience roars through it. If you do not know what devotion and love are by the end of this book, there's no hope. His energy permeates POC. You may find yourself nodding off or falling into meditation. You may only be able to read a page to two at a time. That's fine. Just keep reading.

Truly this is the greatest work of liter- ature of any kind I have ever been exposed to. The immense power of Swami Muktananda's state of realization seems to have infused each word with an amazing spiritual force, so that I can usually only read a paragraph or two before I have to put the book down and revel in the presence of his Shakti (spiritual energy). If I were to be left on a deserted island, I often reflect, I would only need this book with me to be completely happy for all time. This is not really a book, it is a doorway God has opened into the mystical realm of His Presence. I have heard of people reading it, and becoming immediately transformed beyond measure...

Orginally published and edited undr the title GURU in the 1970's , this work must be on any seeker into Eastern wisdom. this work plus Autoboigraphy of a Yogi, and the Gita are must reads. We are given a detailed look inot the world of Kashmir Shaivism and the potential of that mysterous force barely known to psycholiogists called Kundalini. The only danger in the presentation is that it may casue the reader to seek out a teacher to place full dependency upon and we have learned well from the past thirty years that this can be a great error as most teachers are subjected to human flaws such as rock star syndrome READ THIS BOOK

A must read for anyone seeking spirituality. It changed my view on life and took my meditation to a new level. Startling secrets, which I have not seen anywhere else, were revealed.

This is the most informative book I have seen on eye care and improvement. I notice an improvement in 4 weeks, but have much further to go.

The information is presented in a very clear, well-organized, and succinct way. The instructions for the exercises are very clear and thorough. I especially like the "What to Watch For" and "Notes" sections for each exercise. I feel like it's hard not to do these exercises correctly with all the notes and observations the author adds. The testimonials at the beginning and the introductory chapters really gave me hope and enthusiasm in this program. I just started the program, but I feel this book will have been valuable even if I do not see improvement in the "First Stage" of the program.

The "First Stage" is only 8 weeks, with a simple exercise for each day. Eight weeks is quite a short time considering how long it took for some of our vision to have deteriorated this much. The exercises taught seem like they should be helpful in the prevention of my worsening nearsightedness, if not improvement.

I read through the non-exercises part of this book quickly--its content is all relevant. It seems helpful to read through the exercises before starting because some may require other materials, such as a fusion string for the first exercise or a voice recorder for the visualization exercise later on. The schedule asks that you follow it strictly (6 days a week with the 7th day as a rest day) so I'd rather not discover that I'm missing materials on the day for a certain exercise.

I wish the materials were either included in the book or that we were warned that it might be helpful to order the materials from The Cambridge Institute for Better Vision. The materials are easy to make or find, though--it's just a "tad" more trouble.

If you are looking around Amazon at all the different vision improvement books, this is the one that is worth investing in. It is clear, succinct, and offers a step by step program that is thoroughly outlines and easy to follow. A lot of the other books on the subject offer a lot of information, but fail to give the reader a program to follow. Martin Sussman's book also explains why and how vision works and why it will improve with this program. I just got the book, but already his techniques have completely changed my (previously negative)attitude toward my vision.

When I started this program, my perscription was -4.75 in each eye with enough astigmatism that I had to wear glasses to correct it. Now, three months later, I wear contacts at -3.50 and no correction for astigmatism and am seeing 20/20. I have hope that someday I might not need lenses at all.

This book explains everthing about you eyesight and the way you can improve it. I recommend it.

Timothy Johnson's "Race Through the Forest" is excellent. The book brings to light why a steady and thorough approach to project management will always win the race. Great effort, clever analogies, wonderfully written. Bravo!

Timothy Johnson spins a good yarn. This book is an easy read.

Race Through the Forest does not include a lot of "how to", so the reader would need to be an accomplished project manager to glean a lot of practical use. It is a high-level story that seems best used to convince exeuctives the value of project management in an organization that is skeptical.

When the first hundred pages of a book are the entire book, it's hard to go wrong. And when one has Timothy L Johnson to put in just enough practical information to make it useful and digestible, and just enough effort to make a readable story, and based the whole thing on simple truths, then you've got a winner.

Race Through the Forest is a one-hour read. More like a pamphlet or executive summary, but more fun.

Speaking of executives, get yours to read it. If one of them comes back to you and says it opened their eyes, or even just reminded them of when their work used to be fun, then you're on the right track. Sign 'em up as your next project sponsor!

This is a wonderful book! Timothy uses the "story" -- probably the best teaching vehicle ever devised -- to delightfully convey the challenges and pitfalls of successfully mangaged projects. The characters are a real hoot: Barry Tortisse, Been Theer, Dun Thaat are just a few of them.

My favorite line in this fable: "So, no more putting sales people in project management positions."

My personal key learning item: I had never fully appreciated the importance of the Business Case in the context of project management.

Are you a project manager? It may not say that on your business card, but I'll bet you're involved in making things happen within your enterprise. This book can help you in one (or both) of two major ways: 1) you'll learn how to contribute more effectively; and, 2) if you're currently "getting in the way of things getting done," you'll learn how to stop being such an impediment.

Tim Johnson has found a way to make project management seem FUN! For experienced project managers, the tools inside this book can help you keep your projects on track in a non-threatening way. For project participants, this book will help you understand why your PMs are asking for updates as often as they do. And for new project managers, this book is a must-have primer that you can carry in your back pocket for instant advice. Well done!

"Realism"- A more fitting description of this book could not have been found. The creators have developed perhaps the best resource book and teaching aid on structural anatomy I have had the pleasure to utilize.

My school added this book to their library, and it has helped me a great deal. Very detailed and clean images. I've recommended it to all my classmates.

I've used this book as a guide to human body sculpting. This book has given me a better understanding of muscle structure as I built my clay model from the skeletton, and then adding muscles. I recommend it to any artist who strive to represent the human body with accuracy, be it in 3D or 2D.

I always found it difficult to relate to the way individual muscles act alone or in groups to shape and to move the human body. Page after page this book brings a simplicity to a complicated form and trust me on this one...you will have a greater appreciation of the functional body when you aquire this atlas.

I have used my REALISM book countless times as a student of anatomy, and as a practicing massage therapist. The outstanding images in REALISM capture the detail of each bone intricately and each muscle so clearly. As a student learning origins and insertions of muscles this book was invaluable, and as I educate my clients about their own bodies; explaining where muscles are or why somethings hurting etc. I am constantly reffering back to REALISM whether it's to show someone where a muscle is on their body or to refresh my own understanding. I would recommend this book to anyone whether you are a student of anatomy, working in a field where you need to know detailed anatomy, or someone who simply wants to understand their body structure a whole lot better!

I am still beginning my journey and in the very beginning before joining ADF and finding I had the wrong environment to do the meditations and also the total lack of information available to me, before ADF I just couldn't wrap my head around Wicca, I always thought that wicca was a little fluffy. Recently I have decided to move into a path that i can connect with druidism later. I got this book thinking that I would use it as a start off point into my kind of witchcraft, but after I started reading I found myself thinking that maybe I could use most of the guidelines without adapting them at all. I really like the fact that through the book the author is not always saying, "lord and lady" and "god and goddess". I like the fact that she let me know that wiccan's can be more then dualistic and that they can be polytheistic, like me. I am looking forward to putting what I learn in this book to use. The author has really impressed me. I also like the fact that all the little things that I did to try to connect with nature and spirituality, I didn't feel like I had done enough, what she says in the book made me take another look at it and actually be proud of the steps that I took.

This was the follow up to In The Circle. Much of is is covered in the first volume. This is more than a "how to be a witch". This title has great information on chakra work and meditation techniques. Ms Hawke has one slight misconception about Buddhism.
Buddhist honor the world as well. They consider human life precious and literally wait to enter liberation until all others are free from suffering. This is fine. I have been practicing Tibetan Buddhism as well as western witchcraft for the past several years

These paths are really rather similar for the most part. As Westerners, we need to be aware of where we come from. Witchcraft is the best place to start. Maybe a few more generations will evolve a Western school of Buddhism that combines the paths.
This is not meant to be a debate on the philosophy schools. Meditation is great for Westerners. At this point in the game, a good lesson in non-violence could be learned.

Magic with good intentions cannot hurt anyone. This is where many of my comrades fall into a major debate. Reflection and calm abiding meditation do great. It makes one a great Visualizer/Spell Caster as an added bonus.

The book is a must have for all witches here in the States. I recommend all of Elen Hawke's titles with high regard.

Despite the negertive comments from the last review, this is a great book. I found all aspects helpful and productive. The chapter on the elements was particularly useful, but really all sections of the book are excellent. One of the best descriptions of the chakras, and the exercises work a treat. All beautifuly written and the pictures are stunning. I found the rituals easy to adapt for solitary work and had no trouble with the visualisation, but what works for some doesn't work for other people and you have to be prepared to put in some effort with any magikal work. One of the hardest things is to write a good follow up book but Ellen Hawk has done this here.

Elen Hawke is a wonderful writer. Her work truly shines with inspiring and thoughtful prose. She is clearly an elder in the craft and writes with genuine wisdom.

My favorite chapters are:

Chakra Work - which is brilliant
Meditations and Visualisations - clear and non-fluffy
The Moon - the core work of my own practice

In response to another review, I think the simplicity and clarity of her rituals adapts beautifully to solitary work. I have been practicing solitary for many years, and find her approach suits me well. It is refreshing and intelligent. I recommend all her books.

Bright Blessings!

Over the years I have attempted to use various books for prayer and meditation (Wicca and non-wicca). I found THE SACRED ROUND one of the more inspirational, and exactly what I need at this time. Following a busy workday and a 2-way commute, at the end of the day I need a respite. Lately, I've taken an hour to sit quietly, burn incense, mediate, and read material designed to quieten my overwrought soul. The past few weeks, I've been using THE SACRED ROUND and have felt rested, restored and renewed. What more can one ask.

THE SACRED ROUND is not as comprehensive as Scott Cunningham's books for solitaries (which are excellent) and is not a comprehensive historical review of Wicca and it's works (such as DRAWING DOWN THE MOON by Margo Adler). Hawke's book is simple and straightforward and focuses on tools one can use for daily practice.

Although Hawke describes rituals that involve more than one person, I think one person can use them. What is visualization if I cannot use it to imagine a ritual. Imagination is about conjuring up an image and exploring every facet of it. A really good exercise Hawke suggests involves creating an inner space where you can take yourself to 'get away from it all'. My intuitive self understands this suggestion and I am able to be elsewhere when I need to--as in the days when I used to "daydream" in school and transport myself out the classroom window and into a grassy field nearby.

In addition to material describing of various rituals associated with 'Western' lunar and solar holidays, she has included Eastern material including Chakra work.

I have to say I was very interested in this book, but it was not exactly what I wanted. I have yet to find a ribbonwork book that is set up as clearly as possible and is really designed for a beginner. The Artful Ribbon, by Candace Kling is a treasure for those seeking old fashioned ribbonwork and is still the best reference I have found. Overall, if you are looking for how to make very realistic Roses (esp. Tea Roses) you will be absolutely thrilled with Helen Gibbs's book. Also, if you are looking for a book to teach you how to make flowers that look as realistic as possible, this is for you. Bear in mind that you are only taught how to make the flowers in the book (Pansies, violets, sweet peas, poppies, canterbury bells, bluebells, hollyhocks, fuchias, chrysanthemums, delphiniums, carnations, peonies, and gardenias). Actually, the gardenias alone may be worth the price of the book! Spectacular! You will also be taught to make only specific sizes and flowers are mostly done on stems, which makes them hard to use as embellishments on clothing. The projects in the book are not as appealing to me as playing on my own. I am still seeking the definitive book on using silk bias ribbon and, while Helen uses it when she's on the Carol Duvall show, she doesn't have many examples in this book. This is a crying shame, since I have a bunch I bought from The Store on the Corner in San Diego. I've also seen Helen's last two books and they seem to contain basically the same material. Another book to check would be A Passion for Ribbonry by Camela Nitschke.

The instructions in this book on making beautiful flowers out of ribbon, are clear and easy to follow. I have other similar books, but this one is by far the best! Truly worth the money!

This is a great book on ribbon flowers. The author explains how to make the flowers so it is easy to follow and you have a flower like hers when you finish. I highly recommend this book.

Wow, what can I say? I love this book. There's a great introduction to crafting ribbon flowers which includes a history as well. The instructions are so easy to follow it's a wonder that this hobby/craft is on the brink of vanishing for good! Not only that, but it's such a beautiful craft, too. I've used the book's techniques to embellish pillows, curtains, dresses, purses... you name it! Here's the great thing: I'm usually not even good at crafts! All it takes is to buy a cute little unadorned girls' dress from, say, Target, make a few ribbon flowers to attach to the dress and you have an instant artful creation. The things I have made (or embellished) have been such a hit with my family and friends. Also, Helen Gibb is an amazing person. I've seen her a few times on HGTV (which inspired me to get this book). I went to her website and sent an e-mail saying I enjoyed her segments on HGTV and she wrote me back a letter of thanks! It wasn't a canned response, either. Great lady, great book, great craft, so go get it!

I've had this book for about 4 weeks and have tried making a couple types of roses and, just last night, tried making a pansy. The directions are easy to follow and, after some practice, the reader is able to make some nice looking flowers. The particular projects in the book don't appeal to me, but I could see that they would be of interest to those who like the frills and complexity of Victorian-inspired objects. The author does provide a variety of ideas for using ribbon flowers that the reader can adjust to her or his taste.

I listened to Cantor Leo Fettman speak 12 years ago and I will never forget what he talked about. He described and gave a face to the holocaust for me I was born in the 70's and was not even alive when all this had happened. My knowledge was from books and classes (so very limited). What he said 12 years ago and his book showed me the most was hope. If a person can endure what he did and do so much good and have so much hope how can any of us not have hope for the future. This book should be required reading for all people.

this book is so well written, i had dreams about being in the holocaust after i read it.

"I have read many books on the Holocaust, including survivors' own testimonies, yet this is the first book that enlightened my awareness as to how long anti-Semitism has been in existence. I would gladly recommend to anyone to read this book as it goes beyond the Holocaust and into humanity."

Rebecca Herren, Editor The Jewish Reporter

My name is Dusty Baldwin I feel that the book "Shoah" is an excelent book.Because it discribes what happend during the Holocaust.This book deplicts the good times and the bad times of the Holocaust.The book also tells how the Jews were rounded up and put on trains and treated like animals.The book was written from a survivors story.The good thing about this book is that it tells you excactly what happend in the death camps and at the concentration camps.I would recommend this book to anyone from the age of 12 and up read this book to find out what the government didn't tell you.

Loved this book. In fact, I couldn't put it down. I read it in one afternoon. I found it to be well written and informative.

I honestly think that if I could only keep 1 of my silk ribbon books it would be this one!
It really is the "Bible"
Great- Especially the layout.

This is one of the best books ever for Ribbon Embroidery! I keep it on my coffee table so it's handy! Very detailed and simple explanations.

The most informative, understandable directions for a new or experienced silk ribbon art enthusiast. The book is just beautiful and when you create its projects they will be beautiful also.

I have never done any silk ribbon embroidery and this book is a great place to start. There are great pictures, easy directions and a sturdy user friendly back. Definitely a good purchase.

Anyone who works with ribbons has to have this book.
I love mine.
Everything you need to know...
clear instructions on every page.

When I was in middle school, my friend Scott and I occupied our time on the school bus by playing a string game called "Cat's Cradle." Although repetitive, it was a fun game; it took many hours of play before we finally grew tired of it. That game is one of many described in this book.
Until I read it, I was unaware of how many different string games there were in the cultures of the world. Korea, Japan, China, India, Borneo, the Philippines, Aleuts in Alaska, the Navahos of New Mexico, the Osage of Oklahoma, pygmies of the Congo, the Pacific island of Nauru, and Uap in the Caroline islands is just a partial list of the points of origin of the string games described in this book. The construction of each figure is explained using a sequence of diagrams.
If you are interested in string games from around the world, then you will find this book to be an excellent reference. Had I known of it when I was younger, Scott and I would never have grown tired of playing string games.

I learned some string figures in my childhood and recently became interested again. I found this book on Amazon and promptly ordered it!

The book is quite fascinating. There is a huge collection of string figures which in themselves are interesting to look at and learn how to do. There is also a considerable amount of anthropological information (the author was after all an anthropologist) and some amazing photographs from around the turn of the 19th/20th century. In addition some of the stories and legends that go with these figures, many of which are very old indeed, are collected in the book with relevant figures.

My only complaint is that the string figures on the cover are from the collection of 20 or so at the end of the book for which no instructions are given because there wasn't time due to the book being in the final stages of publication! (Remember this was in the time long before computers). It's still however a collection which many can enjoy for all sorts of reasons.

I had a copy of this book as a child and bought this for my son who is 10. It's quite interesting, the instructions are easy to follow, and since we homeschool, it's made for some nice opportunities for geography and culture discussions. Adults could learn some of them for family-friendly parlor tricks at parties.

Considered by many String Figure people to be the "Bible" in this field. It has easy to follow instructions using what has become standard nomenclature. This book is referenced in recent writings probably more than any other. Anyone with interest in String Figures should have this book in their collection.

Once you master the language of manipulating the string--with a little patience-- you'll find the explanations easy to follow. The selection of string figures was wonderful. A strong collection --a legacy that has travelled throughout the world. Pass it along to your children.