Bernard Books

The great book to learn quantum field theory. It is a complete reference and guide to understand quasi everything about this theory. I used this book in my pos-graduate degree.

a book so cheap yet so great. the shipment is fast too. recommend to others who need it.

This book has been used a great deal both in classes on quantum field theory and as a reference, and, in spite of its date of publication, it could still serve as such, if supplemented with updated materials. There is a lot in this book that one could not find at the time it was published, and was a welcome relief to those who needed a textbook that was more up to date than Bjorken and Drell's classic work on quantum field theory.

Some of the highlights of the book include: 1. The "wave packet" solution of the Dirac equation and the Zitterbewegung phenomenon, which the authors use as a counterexample to the idea of treating negative energy states in the framework of a 1-particle theory. 2. The treatment of two-body relativistic corrections to study the recoil of the nucleus, this being done in the context of the Dirac equation. 3. The use of the Dirac hole theory to motivate the need for a true many-body theory to accomodate particles and antiparticles via quantized fields. 4. A fairly lengthy discussion of the Fock-Schwinger proper time method to obtain an exact expression for the Dirac propagator in a constant uniform electromagnetic field and a plane wave electromagnetic field. 5. The discussion on the use of coherent states to study the positive frequency part of a (free) quantum field. 6. The discussion on charged scalar fields, and why they are needed to formulate a (scalar) theory of particles and antiparticles. 7. The quantization of the electromagnetic field using the Gupta-Bleuler method using an indefinite metric, and the need for retaining the full Fock space (with indefinite norm) in order to preserve locality. 8. The discussion of the vacuum fluctuations via the Casimir effect. 9. The treatment of the Dirac field and the Pauli exclusion principle. The authors begin with two complex fields that both satisfy the Dirac equation, but the Lagrangian then vanishes. They thus are careful to note that canonical quantization will not work, and so they turn to the using their transformation laws under the Poincare group. The derivation of the anticommutators is purely heuristic (and they note this), and they point out that locality would not be satisfied if canonical quantization were followed. The same holds true, as they state also, if one were to quantize a scalar theory according to Fermi statistics. Their discussion here is a neat illustration of the spin-statistics theorem. 10. The discussion of form factors, which they motivate by calling them a relativistic generalization of charge distributions. 11. The discussion of the Euler-Heisenberg effective Lagrangian, and its ability, even though it is "classical", to model nonlinear phenomena due to quantum corrections. 12. The discussion of the Jost-Lehmann-Dyson representation. 13. The discussion of Euclidean Green functions. 14. The derivation of the Ward-Takahashi identities and the proof that they are preserved by the regularization and renormalization operations. 15. The discussion on functional integration in Bargmann-Fock space, in particular its use in fermion systems. 16. The discussion of the Schwinger-Dyson equations and their use in studying quantum field theory independent of perturbation theory. The existence of a bound state in quantum field theory has yet to be proven using these equations, but they supposedly hold the answer to this existence. The authors give an example of scalar particles interacting via the exchange of scalar particles via the Bethe-Salpeter equation, which are then studied via Wick rotation and where crossed-ladder diagrams are omitted. They also analyze the hyperfine splitting in positronium, but remark that the methods used for this are not entirely satisfactory. 17. The discussion of the sigma model, a topic that has become very important of late. 18. The discussion of asymptotic behavior, the authors emphasizing how the infinities in the relation between bare and renormalized charges and how these infinities must compensate imposes constraints on the theory, which show up in the asymptotic behavior.

Some of the omissions which might be expected from a modern standpoint: 1. Representations of the Poincare group. 2. Critical phenomena. 3. Integrable systems in quantum field theory 4. Finite temperature quantum field theory. 5. Quantum field theory in curved spacetime. 6. A more in-depth treatment of instantons (the authors only spend one page on them). 7. Topological quantum field theory.

As anybody who is an expert or a student in the field knows, this is the best book available
on the subject. Dover Publication Inc.'s paperback republication of this book, which was
originally by McGraw-Hill, Inc., is an excellent idea. The Dover version has better fonts
that are clearer than the original McGraw-Hill version. On top of that, amazon.com made
it much easier for many people to order it over Internet. I will definitely recommend
students to buy this paperback version in the future.

This is one of the best field theory texts written. Not an introduction but is suitable for the reader who already has a background in QFT at the level of Hatfield. The authors write very clearly and maintain a level of mathematical rigor superior to other QFT books I've encountered. The text is filled with numerous examples and interesting details. Each topic is dealt with thoroughly leaving the reader well grounded in the material. The presentation is pedagogical and very readable. This is a must read for anyone wishing to study field theory beyond the basics and obtain a mastery of the subject.

It is too bad that it is no longer in print. I was fortunate enough to buy a copy when it was still on the shelves. I would imagine though that almost every scientific library would have copy.

This is the best book I have read on the potential for stem cell therapy from the patient's perspective. It is written in the most straightforward manner possible, focused not on polemic but on being helpful. So much so, that the author takes nothing for granted, even the patient's knowledge about the Internet (a few plodding pages on that topic alone) but also on the practicalities of using pluripotential cells. The book is also exceedingly honest: the author recounts his experiences (and transient recovery) during the placebo arm of a trial of stem cells. My one quibble is that after giving us so much detail about the wind up to the transplant, we get very little detail on the author's outcome after the stem cell infusion. Did it last longer than the placebo? How many years out has it been effective? This part of the review may be grossly unfair as I have no idea how sick the author was when he wrote this. Maybe he was in a hurry to get the word out and did not have much follow up time to report on. Despite among the driest writing styles I have experienced in many years, I find the story of this book has stuck with me.

Stem Cells Saved My Life: How to Be Next is the true-life story of author Bernard Van Zyl, who suffered from severe heart disease that could not be brought under control by conventional surgery or therapy. Yet an FDA-approved clinical trial transformed his life - adult stem cells were harvested from his own body, and used to bolster the strength of his heart, transforming him from a dying invalid and giving him a new leash on life. Stem Cells Saved My Life does more than tell his story; it presents what he has learned about stem cell treatments, FDA-approved clinical trials for stem cell therapies that are currently helping thousands of people, and advice for readers who may be in need concerning how to locate and get into such clinical trials. Written in plain terms for readers of all backgrounds, Stem Cells Saved My Life discusses adult, embryonic, fetal, and umbilical cord stem cells, and is enthusiastically recommended for its inspirational message to never give up hope to anyone struggling with a medical problem that can potentially be helped through stem cell treatment.

This book has given me a new perspective on Stem Cell research. Especially as it pertains to real science as opposed to rhetoric. The book presents an interesting case study about a specific kind of treatment, but it also delves into the various research that is going on in the field of Stem Cells. It was informative and well researched.

As a librarian, I am often asked to help patrons find information on health conditions. I have found that these patrons aren't just looking for cold facts, they are also seeking the human side, the human impact of their medical condition. One of the aspects of the book Stem Cells Saved My Life: How to Be Next I enjoyed the most was the balance of these two needs.

I highly recommend this book to libraries large and small, to those with similar conditions, and especially to those whose families are affected.

Mr. van Zyl describes the severe heart condition which resulted in death, resuscitation, and a six way bypass which left him totally disabled. Severe fatigue prevented him from leading a normal useful life. After being turned down as a candidate for a heart transplant the doctors indicated there was no hope for improvement and no further medical treatment was available. Mr. van Zyl would not give up that easily. He researched the internet to find experimental medical clinical trials that could result in improvement in his condition. He found a clinical trial using adult stem cells that are injected directly into the heart. If successful the damaged heart muscle would be repaired and the function of the heart improved. The lengthy study was being conducted in the Boston area and Mr. van Zyl lives in Florida which presented a physical challenge for him to travel each month to receive the treatments. His dedication and determination resulted in a marked improvement to his heart and he now leads a useful and purposeful life. His story is an inspiration to all people with a desperate medical condition for which there appears to be no hope and no further standard medical treatment is available. This book is a "must read" for people in this condition and for all people who want to learn more about the potential of adult stem cell research.

The information in this book has literally changed my life! To follow the ideals and steps to a better way of life through Dr. Jensen's teachings of natural healing is so key. Paul Harris has really brought this to the forefront by sharing his memories and cherished experiences of Dr. Jensen's way of life. I can attest that following his methods has improved my health superlatively. I highly recommend this book to those looking to change their lives.

Finally we have Mr. Harris explain to us with simple words how our body works and how to take care of it!! It is such a simple way of life and if we listen to nature we will be healthy and strong. What a priceless gift to all of us that always wanted the real truth about being healthy! Such an honor to read and learn about the life and career of Dr. Jensen and his expertise advice told by someone who seems to have been challenged with so many experiences of human pain and suffering. What a great book. Thank You!!

This book is simply the best book on how to heal yourself and feel full of energy the natural way. This book opened my eyes to how first cleansing the body and then giving it good nutrition can create a tremendous healing environment. I Have been eating quite healthy most of my life yet I learned so much from this book and am practicing it now. Mr. Harris, the author, not only explains things so simply but tells you why you should be doing it. No need to go anywhere else. You should read this first and follow the regimens outlined before going to "modern medicine". This book is awesome!

I found this book to be very engaging. I appreciated the biography of Jensen, and the artful way the author wrote his own story about how he came to study with the doctor. It alternated between sweet stories about the author and Jensen, and practical, useable techniques for improving health. The ideas in the book are very common-sense, and easy to do.

This book offers us a look outside the paradigm of traditional health care. Although, I feel many approach medical diagnosis and treatment modalities offered by a sole practitioner as an invitation to seek another opinion, Mr. Harris introduces yet another challenge for us to consider as we make personal health care choices. The author asks us to consider the "Nature Cure Philosophy in Totality". The concept of taking control of our own health and well-being has definite merit. Dr. Bernard Jensen sought non-traditional health care alternatives, embraced them as every day living, and chose to avail both his personal experiences and years of research through his teachings and practices. I found the book to be both a thought evoking and pleasant read. Well Done Mr. Harris.

Bernard Taylor is one of the horror genre's greatest authors and has never received the accolades for his talent that he should have, especially outside of England. His second novel, Sweetheart, Sweetheart, first published way back in 1977 capitalised on the momentum from his debut novel The Godsend and proved he was no one hit wonder. Although he hasn't published as large a volume of work as say Stephen King you can rest assured that when you pick up one of his novels it will always be good. His most terrifying novels in my opinion are the ones that don't involve the supernatural at all and instead show the world the true evil of humans and I recommend you don't leave the library, bookstore, Amazon or wherever you get your books from without reading his masterpiece Mother's Boys! If you want something that will make it hard to sleep at night, then that's the novel for you.

In the classic and ageless Sweetheart, Sweetheart, David returns to England after living in the USA to visit his twin brother and wife and check out their countryside cottage they've been raving about. To his shock and heartbreak he learns from his estranged father that his brother actually died in a car crash, his funeral's been and gone and that he has actually inherited his brother's cottage. Puzzled as to why his brother didn't leave the cottage to his wife Helen instead of him, David decides to visit the cottage and find out why. At the cottage he meets Jean Timmins who reluctantly tells him where he can find Helen, which is the cemetery. His brother and his brother's wife both died violent deaths outside the cottage within a week of each other and Jean and others in the nearby village seem reluctant to give him any details. David decides to stay on until he finds out exactly what happened. It seems someone who regularly visits the cottage will kill to have him around permanently anyway.

I'm well-read in the horror genre. This book and Peter Straub's Ghost Story are the only two that genuinely scared me. That is, made me hesitant to go to sleep so that I would not be visited by evil dreams. Sweetheart, Sweetheart is a splendid mystery and can be read on that level as well. The ending yet lingers in my mind. I need to read a comic novel. Perhaps this will ease my state of mind.

I first read this book in the summer of 1978. From the start I found it intriguing, and was so hooked by the story I read it in one afternoon! I've read it several times since then, and always smile when I see the 'clues' I outlined throughout the book.
I enjoyed the story so much that I wrote a letter to Mr. Taylor, sharing my enthusiasm for his book. He was kind enough to reply! Cool!

The BEST ghost story I've ever read!

I first became interested in this writer because of this book. "Sweetheart, Sweetheart" is on several Best Horror Novel lists-and rightfully so. This author excels at building suspense slowly; he's not a thrill-a-minute writer. But you'll still be unable to put his books down. He's also very good at characterization, which modern horror writers (except for Steven King)tend to ignore; he really makes you care for his protagonists, which makes his books poignant as well as scary. This book has several interesting twists that I didn't see coming. His "Godsend" is also excellent and a must read if you're a fan (like me) of the "evil child" trope.

I have just discovered this author and have read all that is presently available in english-wonderful reading!!!!

I wish they wouldn't publish the same book by two different names. I love this author's books, they're so different than american writers.

The sombre fall weather in Iceland can have a depressing influence on the people of Reykjavik. Even when it is not raining, the clouds are hanging deep over the city and the short days of light are preparing for an even darker winter. Arnaldur Indridason depicts the atmosphere brilliantly. A bleak, yet not uncommon environment for excellent thrillers. In Iceland, crime is usually straightforward, the motive evident and the case quickly resolved, muses Inspector Erlendur Sveinnson of the local police. He is of the brooding, morose kind, fitting well with the climate. Everybody knows somebody who is known to you - the geography of the island leads to these interconnections. However, when called to an apparent murder of 69 year-old Holberg, the pattern does not appear to fit. There doesn't seem to be a motive - nothing was stolen, for example. Did the victim know his attacker? Ponderous Erlendur has an eye for detail and that skill leads him down some unexpected paths in the hunt for the killer. Holberg also is not the quiet solitary retiree his neighbours think he is - a nasty past comes to light as Erlendur's perseveres, even when faced with opposition by his colleagues, should show results. The case requires digging deep into the past of the various victims that come to light. Secrets are buried deep in this close-knit society.

"Tainted Blood", Indridason's the first translated English novel, initially published under the title "Jar City", is an excellent introduction into Icelandic crime fiction. Erlendur's personality is very well developed. Similarities with his Swedish detective colleague Kurt Wallender (by Henning Mankell) come easily to mind. Both are complex and tested by personal as well as professional challenges. The social environment of the investigators, the victims and the villains is craftily portrayed. The title of the reissued book is unfortunate however, as it does provide a clue to one element in the dramatic story early on. Despite that, the tension is kept to the unpredictable end. [Friederike Knabe]

Much as I enjoyed this book, I would like to give fair warning that it was published as "Jar City" before being retitled for this paperback edition. I wish publishing houses wouldn't do this as it is very misleading.

It would have been good to know that "Tainted Blood" was actually the novel "Jar City" before I purchased it and realized the confusion after 2 pages.

Huasipungo(the villagers) truly is one of the best novels to read if you want to understand the transformation South American society was going through at the turn of the 19th and 20th century, as a result of the invasion of the Spanish. The native indians became slaves of their own lands now controlled by the powerful criollos or peninsulares of Spain and their descendants. It is sad to think that if you travel to Ecuador today you will still see the unfair distribution of goods and land relevant to what is going on in the novel. Although definitely there have been strong changes in society, in general those of prominent white background are way better off than the indigenous or the mestizos. This novel is one of those novels that stand the test of time and feel as fresh as when it was written in the middle 1930s. Very entertaining reading, and at the same time, compelling and sad. Very highly recommended especially for students of latin american studies and history and worldly people in general.

I read this book many years ago and it is the only book that has told of that brutality that is endemic and daily in this beautiful, yet sad country of Ecuador. Ycasa is the real heroe in our historical voyage. He has stuck his neck out and has told a story-amongs many- that reveal the destructive, oppresive, and racist nature of his society. His sense of justice and solidarity with the poor and the indians are as powerful as his indignation of the established oligarchy and it's system.

"The Villagers," a novel by Jorge Icaza of Ecuador, was first published in 1934. It has been translated into English by Bernard Dulsey. I think of "The Villagers" as a sort of Ecuadoran counterpart to "Uncle Tom's Cabin" (the classic anti-slavery novel by United States author Harriet Beecher Stowe). Like that earlier novel, Icaza's book is an impassioned expose of racially-charged violence and oppression.

"The Villagers" tells the story of the exploitation of Ecuadoran Indians by whites who are intent on taking economic advantage of the Indians' homeland. Icaza paints a fascinating portrait of the conflicts and twisted connections among three major groups: Indians, whites, and "cholos" (those of mixed blood). The "gringos," or white North Americans, form a sinister fourth group that lurks menacingly behind the scenes of the unfolding drama.

The novel is full of vivid, graphic details--lice infestation, a worm-infected wound, rape, suffering, and death. Icaza mercilessly satirizes the lust and greed of the white landowner, Don Alfonso. Icaza also savagely critiques the complicity of the church (in the form of the hypocritical village priest) in the abuse of the Indians. And the author also exposes the insidious debt bondage that turns nominally "free" people into virtual slaves.

Some of the more villainous characters seem a bit one-dimensional, but in my opinion the many strengths of the book outweigh this flaw. "The Villagers" is a powerful work of social protest that deserves a wide readership.

Vile language, adultery, human suffering, courage, fear, love, guile--Icaza portrays TRUE HUMANITY in his first book The Villagers (Huasipungo),one of this century's greatest novels. As a professor of French and Spanish literature I have had many students ask me who Jorge Icaza was and why there are no other novels by Icaza available for them to read. The answer is that Jorge Icaza is one of the most complex writers in the Spanish language. Translating him is a task that no one wishes to take on because it may take them their whole lives to complete. It is sad because Icaza wrote some of the greatest novels of this century, ie., El Chulla Romero y Flores. As a translator of 4 novels, I myself am terrified of Icaza's prose. Jorge Icaza is the author of 7 novels (he left behind the draft for an 8th novel), 4 collections of short stories, and 7 plays. Bernard M. Dulsey did a great job in the translation. Of course he had help from Icaza himself, something which no translator can now have since Icaza died in 1972. Readers are fortunate to have this novel available in the English. Perhaps the greatest pre-Magic novel of Latin-America.

Jorge Icaza had a dream just like Martin Luther King, except his dream was not meant toward the United States, his dream was meant toward his people of Ecuador who, like people in the United States, are prejudiced against people who are of different races, and different economic statuses, etc. Jorge Icaza wrote his first novel The Villagers as the first step (in a series of steps) to make the dream come true. In it he portrays the Indian people of Ecuador as they truly are, as well as the landowners and government leaders, and the ways in which these ruthlessly treat the Indians. Religion plays a big role in this novel. Icaza leaves no prisoners, everyone in Ecuadorean society is criticized, including the mestizoes, persons of both European and American Indian descent. Icaza's 1934 novel is studied in many of the top universities of the United States in classes of Spanish, Comparative Literature, and Anthropology. I suggest this book to those who are interested in learning about Latin America and its peoples. I think people will be shocked and appalled. Icaza is by far the most important Indianist novelist Latin America ever brought forth, as well as one of Ecuador's most finest and important writers.

As a writer, I found this book very much of a revelation. Why? Simply put, Vincent van Gogh (Dutch, 1853-1890) was a prolific writer of letters. He wrote hundreds of brilliant letters to fellow artists, friends and his brother, Theo. Much of a persons character, thoughts, likes and dislikes, loves and hates, fears and loneliness can be found in letters. Both the darkness and the light of the soul come through in personal letters as they are often inner directed as much as directed to the receiver.

Many of these letters tell the story of life. They give us a glimpse of the ideas behind his art. They seem to prove that he was very much in his right mind and that he was not suffering from any sort of mental disability as some have thought.

The letters written to the French painter, Emile Bernard (1868-1941), who was twenty-years-old in 1888, are of great significance. In these, the artists share ideas when van Gogh was working in Arles in the South of France.

This is a very fine work. It's interesting reading and seems to bring the characters to life.

Highly recommended.

- Susanna K. Hutcheson

..in fact, in my entire library, one of the best. I read it before viewing the exhibition. The facsimiles of the letters are as good as seeing them in person. Art and letter lovers alike will cherish this book!

The 22 letters written by Van Gogh to French painter Emile Bernard, in which he almost exclusively discusses the subject of painting with a fellow artist, are the subject of this beautiful volume which accompanies an exhibition of the letters at the Pierpont Morgan library in NYC. Each of the letters is reproduced through a high-quality facsimile and also translated into English. Many works Van Gogh alludes to in those letters are also reproduced and every letter is carefully annotated which helps the reader understand the many references the artist cites as sources of inspiration to his work.

This is a groundbreaking publication that gives the reader invaluable insights into Van Gogh thoughts and working methods and comes as a perfect complement to the already published correspondence of the artist with his brother and dealer Theo. The letters to Bernard are more spontaneous because they were written by an artist to another artist and the introduction of the book explains this very well.

Highly recommended.

An excellent addition to the library of anyone with a serious interest in Vincent van Gogh, or for that matter Emile Bernard.

In 1996 I enjoyed reading the selected letters of van Gogh, a gifted writer, in a book edited by Ronald De Leeuw. This current effort has a more narrow focus but is greatly enhanced by the fine selection of accompanying artwork. The explanatory chapter notes are superb.

Its editors and the Morgan Library should win prizes for this scholarly work.

A friend of many Impressionists, Vincent van Gogh stands alone among artists, beloved, admired and respected by millions. While many of his paintings are familiar to us, this beautiful volume offers insights into his thinking, his cretaive process, and his life. The letters presented herein were written between December 1887 and November 1889 to his younger friend and colleague, Emile Bernard. These epistles are priceless as they focus to a great extent on artistic questions and, at the same time reveal a man blessed with a unique style and plagued by doubts.

Letters in this volume are numbered from 1 to 22. Facsimiles of all are presented. With these we are privy to the artist's apparent disregard for apostrophes and his cavalier use of capital letters. A joy and privilege to see the writing in his own script, complete with drawings and crossed out words.

Following the facsimiles one finds the letters printed in the original French along with transcriptions. Also included are generous full color reproductions of paintings by van Gogh and Bernard, many of which are discussed in the epistles as van Gogh both criticized and praised the younger artist. What comes through very clearly in the correspondence is the depth of friendship the two men shared.

Van Gogh's last letter was written mere months before he took his own life.
Vincent van Gogh Painted with Words is a volume to be read, reread, studied, and treasured. It contributes immeasurably to our understanding of this troubled genius.

Highly recommended.

- Gail Cooke

This coloring book is great. The detail in it is brilliant and the NY landmarks highlighted by the book are well selected. I especially love the appearance of Conan O'Brien in the Times Square picture. I definitely recommend this book to people of all ages and sizes! And its very reasonably priced! Thanks Pierre!

I brought 5 copies about 3 years ago. Gave them to friends. They loved it. I just decided to purchased 2 copies this time around. With the events of September 11th, I wanted a nice reminder of New York City. I highly recommend this book. The images are really well drawn. And as an adult it gave me an excuse to buy some crayons.

"Welcome to New York City" is perfect for kids and adults. My cousins love to color draw, and what better way to show them where they live by having fun coloring! Pierre, keep up the great work with the beautiful art work you have demonstrated and I'll be on the look out for the next book!

Welcome to New York City is a great coloring book for children and adults to share time and creativity together. I ordered it for my nephew and niece over the holidays, and with them living outside of New York, I was able to sit down and spend time with them as they colored the fine landmarks of this city and asked questions about the city I live in.

I purchased 4 copies back in August during a trip to New York. Great book. I didn't know until recently you could buy it on line here at Amazon (You should promote it more!). Am planning to purchase 2 copies this time around (One copy for myself this time!). Great work, Pierre. When will we see some other states... maybe Washington?

World Leader Pretend is a novel populated by people that are funny and clever and tragic. It's a story told in a world fueled by hopefulness and misery, a world where continents seem to be endlessly torn apart and thrust back together--our world. Some of the characters in this novel hand out trust like free pull tokens for a seedy casino; some of them aren't even sure the sun will ever come up again. The stakes are high, in the game and in the world. Not everyone can win. Some people are going to lose everything they have--some are going to get back something that they lost.
Frost tells the story with a crisp modern style, and he has a way of using a phrase the way another writer might use a single word that I loved. He's written an inventive book full of persistent images and surprising changes. A terrific read.

I loved this book. I'm kind of a lazy book shopper - I typically only buy books that certain friends have recommended or that have received (or nearly received) awards - because I don't have time to read bad books. But something made me pick up this book, read a few paragraphs, and buy it ... and I'm super glad that I did. The story is engaging, the characters are interesting, and the prose extremely well-written. I'm used to reading books with little gold seals on them ... and with any luck, World Leader Pretend will soon be one of those.

The Realm is the fictional on-line world vividly created by author James Bernard Frost in his first novel World Leader Pretend. It is a naked peak into the cyber-lives of otherwise ordinary people. Who would you be if you could be anyone else? How many orcs can you take down with how many troops? How's your Queen, your Wizard, your Dragons? And what about the pesky thing called "Real Life"? Which one is more important to you?

I don't play games like this but I have often wondered about them and who it is that has so many free hours that they disappear into their computers. Frost is a madman. I like this book. Buy it.

It's not easy for me to review a friend's book, especially fiction (as you'll see from my other reviews, I've exclusively posted reviews of non-fiction). I've known Jim for about a dozen years so it was kind of a guilty voyeuristic experience to read the book and try to pry out the biographical from the pure flights of fancy.

Some of the objective reasons why I think it's a worthwhile read and why others may love it as much as I did:

- the writing style and observations are very quirky and catch you off-guard. Without fraying, the plot weaves between multiple points of view, locations and story lines. It is complex but coherent.
- the characters each really have something special about them. They are presented in a consistent manner throughout and remain true to themselves and their journey. Each one speaks, thinks and behaves both in the virtual world of the game they are playing and in the "so-called real world" in a way that is truly genuine. The characters have their limitations and flaws and moments of sef-reflection.
- the underlying message seems to be that we matter, all of us. That our thoughts and actions, whether online or in-person, have ripple effects and form bonds with other lives. In this last respect, I was reminded of Malcolm Gladwell's THE TIPPING POINT and BLINK where the social impacts of individual actions and the power of context on the individual are described.

It was a really engrossing experience to stay up almost all night reading WORLD LEADER PRETEND and feeling that giddy unreality that gamers experience after pulling an all-nighter with head buried in some virtual world.

This book lures the reader into the world of anonymous internet relationships in contrast with relationships in the real world, in complete honesty. The book describes how much easier it is to converse and interact with people who are literally virtual and how this affects one's real-life social relationships. The characters are strikingly unique, interesting and full of grit. The detail leaves you entranced. A book full of characters you want to know everything about and then some.

Readers interested in fiction about prostitution may also enjoy Naked in Haiti: A sexy morality tale about tourists, prostitutes & politicians. It is probably more entertaining than Yama, and perhaps a bit more generous to prostitution.

Alexander Kuprin dedicated this book to the motherhood and the youth. And even though it deals with unspeakable horrors of people living and acting worse than any beasts imaginable, it's at its heart about friendship, love, and devotion. These virtues, most often absent in the world of the riches, are found in what seems to be the deepest pit (yama) of social injustice.
I read this book in high school, lured in by Kuprin's other famous stories, such as "The Duel" (his first success, just as impressive as the later ones), "Gambrinus" or "The Bracelet of Garnets." Back then the emotional punch of "The Pit" pushed me to become a strong believer in women's rights, and helped me to form a solid idea of what a true man is as opposed to the dispeakable "men" portrayed by Kuprin's stinging prose.
Now, as an adult, I firmly believe that this book is a must read for any growing man, so that he learns how to be human in the highest sense of the word, as opposed to "respectable" and heartless "consumers" like so many showcased in this story.
NB: why do the words "a novel of prostitution" appear in the title? It's not in the original and absolutely unnecessary. What should appear instead is "a novel of real life".

This book was widely praised by the Bolsheviks during and just after the Russian Revolution even though the author fought with the White Russians and was forced into exile in Paris at the conclusion of the Revolution. The book was made into a film in 1936 by the Japanese director Kenji Mizoguchi.

ALEXANDER KUPRIN (1870 ~ 1938) was a Russian who opposed the Bolshevic revolution and thus found himself an exile in Paris. he wrote strong novels of realism. Yama: The Pit shocked the world with its graphic presentation of life in Russian brothels and the inherent violence prevelent in the underside of Russian urban life. It is a brutal, but honest portrayal and, even through translation, one realizes that Kuprin was a great writer with a strong style.

For some reason I had never even heard of Yama until recently. Just imagine my surprise upon picking this up and finding a spectacular classic. Kuprin does indeed tread that fine line between cheese and morality (both being boorish methods of storytelling) to create a truly human picture of Russian society. If you are interested in the glorification of vice and youthful indiscretions, please reread Burroughs, Miller or Selby. Likewise, if you are interested in moral high ground, stick to Tolstoy. Here, Kuprin deftly defies the clichés to create not only a wonderful illustration of Russian life but a great story as well. This is amazing considering the time period in which it was written.