Chang Books

I had a glance at this book some fithteen years ago in o book-store and... I didn't buy it! My interest in garden design was fairly recent I thought "I can't buy every book on the topic". But the name and the images keept haunting me as other writers referred to Mr Page and pictures of some of his gardens flickered by. By then the book was out of print and unavailable alas. So one snowy day I went to a second-hand book-seller and there it was in the window! I got it instantly and spent the next weeks travelling to England, Italy, USA and his other places of work over and over again, slowly turning the pages of this book. If you have an interest in classical gardens of the Renaissance and Baroque - here is the modern version of their ideals to make you gasp. But it doesn't stop there; wood-lands, ponds and pools, Arab-style and more are to be found in excellent photos. The Italian projects (La Landriana, Villa Silvio Pellico, La Mortella e.g.) are perhaps the most famous ones. They are showed of course, along with the best kept of the many places he designed (far from all his gardens have survived to the present). This is actually the only book on a single designer that I've felt I've had to own. But then I am a lover of classical art and design...

No words to describe this genius!.How as a landscape gardener,could I have taken ten years to discover his works!!.He is obviously and sadly unknown for his contribution to timeless gardening.This is the "Bible" of landscape gardening,and he is the Van Gogh of gardeners.How can such a valuble and essential book be unavailable!?

I hadn't even heard of Russell page until I perchanced upon this book in my local bookstore some 5 years ago. I was moved to tears by some of the photographs, and that doesn't happen easily to me. The man was a genius, clear and simple, and his designs reached out and spoke to me in a way very few designers ever have. In my own landscapes, I have been immensely influenced by Russell Page, both through this wonderful book, and his own 'Education of a gardener'. This book is superbly illustrated with colour photographs throughout. The photography is excellent, and the written descriptions are well penned, informative, decriptive but not too long-winded. My copy of this book would be on my list of my top ten material possessions.

Review of God's Light and Universal Principles for all Humanity
By Leena Banerjee Brown, Ph.D.

This book gives information about the spiritual practice and organization of Sukyo Mahikari. This path of Light exists for two primary reasons. One is to unify the global community through the experienced realization of common origins that lie deep within the human psyche and body beneath the many categories of identification used in human societies. Unity consciousness, which encompasses diversity, makes possible a lived awareness and connection as whole beings, undeniably equal to one another in our depths, inextricably connected with one another in our destinies and in that of our common home and mother, planet earth. The second reason, is to give people the Light energy of God, the Creator, the formless, infinite, all-encompassing Brahman. This develops a living awareness of core self which contains our deepest most intrinsic source of empowerment and democratization as well as our natural capacity for connection expressed through reflection, empathy, cooperation, altruism and intuition.

For me, these potentialities necessitate a new paradigm recognizing the primacy of spirit, as all existence comes out of its formless core and appears in the diversity of experiences, abilities, relationships and accomplishments made possible through the mind and the body. I found this paradigm well articulated in God's Light (as well as in my book Circles in the Nursery: Practicing Multicultural Family Therapy (2007)ISBN: 978-1-934019-09-2). This paradigm opens up a new horizon for the advancement of higher levels of science that integrate the unseen and the seen and the development of objective and subjective methodologies for the measurement and communication of new awareness, knowledge and action.

I found that God's Light provides a hope-filled vision for a peaceful future grounded in spiritual awareness harmoniously connected with the advancing plan of the divine being. As a book that opened my eyes to new heights and horizons for an interconnected global community, God's Light is remarkable in its simplicity and practicality.

This book has been written to provide information about Sukyo Mahikari to a European audience and is intended primarily for members of Sukyo Mahikari and people considering becoming members or who are otherwise interested in knowing more about the organization. God's Light and Universal Principles introduces Sukyo Mahikari's goals, teachings, practices, history and organizational structure.

Sidney Chang's professional background is that of a molecular and cellular biologist who worked for over twenty years in the field of cancer research in Britain and the United States. Brought up in the Anglican faith, during the course of his professional studies he found himself "becoming increasingly skeptical about the existence of God" and "felt that science would eventually give people a rational explanation about the nature and purpose of life."

Then, through illness and recovery, Chang discovered that neither conventional nor alternative medicine had been able to resolve his condition. It had been through the spiritual practice of Sukyo Mahikari that he had uncovered a pathway to recovery. He thus recognized that there is a connection between the spiritual, mental and physical components of health. Chang became a member of Sukyo Mahikari in November 1991 and has since had a variety of experiences that have cultivated his enthusiasm for the organization and its practices.

As a scientist, it is Chang's opinion "that if the (Sukyo Mahikari) teachings were more widely known and taken seriously, they could bring a new perspective to many areas of scientific research. This is because an awareness of the universal principles that unite the visible and invisible realms could open the door to a higher level science that could give answers to many long-standing questions such as what conditions are necessary for people to enjoy good health."

To readers who might think that Dr. Chang's experience is exceptional, he indicates that they are not. He suggests that "through Sukyo Mahikari practice, people can accumulate many spiritual experiences and our hope is that this book will help the reader to put such experiences into context."

As a medical doctor, I also have had a variety of experiences since I learned about and started the practice of Sukyo Mahikari. In my perspective, God's Light and Universal Principles is recommended reading for anyone interested in becoming a happier, more successful human being, and helping others to do so, too.

Would you want to know if the way to transform our troubled world were--finally, really--at hand? If so, this book is for you. Read about a new spiritual practice and a fresh explanation of divine principles leading humanity toward a new, God-centered civilization--which will harmoniously combine materialism and spirituality. The belief that God is Light is found in many traditional religions. Incredibly, in this book we learn that God's Light is now available to all of us through a new spiritual practice. Practitioners radiate God's Light from the hand, purifying people, other living things, places, or objects. This powerful Light purifies on the spiritual level, and also causes changes in our physical world (e.g., individuals' physical/emotional condition). People's very souls are purified--so, no wonder that the world is on the threshold of major change. Hope for a bright future returns! Dr. Sidney Chang (editor) has written an easily understood 150-page introduction to Sukyo Mahikari. This book will transform our world, and lead its readers to greater health, harmony, and prosperity.

This book was given to me as a gift, and I must say that I cherish it not only because it came from a special person, but because it is absolutely magical. There is a diversity of the goddesses given press in this book, as well as the mediums...poetry and prose. This is in no way a dictionary of goddesses or an in-depth study of them, however, it is quite a tribute. I would recommend this book to anyone into Goddess worship, divinity or art....it's fine pages, beautiful cover and content make it worth the price.

I have been coveting this book for a few years when it first came out. The artwork is lovely and each goddess image is accompanied by information about the goddess - a poem or short history. I would recommend this book to art-lovers, goddess- lovers and people interested in Wicca. The book covers many different pantheons.

I picked this up on a whim and am absolutely ecstatic that I did. Not only is the artwork varied and beautiful, but the (albiet shortened) myths are nicely told. As the book itself points out, there is the idea that a particular myth will spark something in you and make you research it further. Don't expect to use this as a reference manual, the myths are too shortened for that, but as a general overview it's great, and beautifully done to boot.

Another nice bonus is the quality of the book itself. The pages are thick, the binding is well done, and even the "paper" cover is pretty sturdy - a pet peeve of mine is wimpy throwaway paper covers on hardbacks. This book will survive the many readings which it will certainally experience on my shelves. And at the outlet price...absolutely worth every penny!!

I am Balinese, have a restaurant and love food. I especially love Thai food.

The recipes in this book are excellent and have obviously all been tested by the author. Follow them and you will not be disappointed.

The presentation is clear at all times and the photographs are superb.

Partcularly helpful are a couple of pages on which wines best accompany Thai food - and they are not those that you would immediately think of. The explanations are interesting and illuminating.

I would recommend this book to restaurant owners, as well as people cooking at home for a few friends.

very tasty. quite healthy. many recipes are quick and easy, too. some ingredients are a little tough to get, but easily substituted. gorgeous pictures.

This book has delicous recipes which are easy to follow (with color pictures of most dishes). The dishes taste like delicous restaurant-grade food and are healthy and easy to prepare.

Many of the illuminations in this text are also in The Golden Haggadah - refer to the latter for the art history and criticism related to the illuminations.

This volume is a traditional Haggadah in Hebrew and English with illuminations from Medieval texts in the British Library. The result is a splendid, visually appealing book. The illuminations run from vines running down the margins of the page, to elaborate Hebrew letters, folk illustrations, and icon-like depictions of Biblical scenes. Here and there a bit of commentary on the contents of the ritual is included. It is clear that the hope of the authors that the Haggadah be not only a beautiful book on your shelf but also be used as a beautiful book in the celebration of Passover.

This is a beautifully illustrated hagadah with rare images. The text is very easy to follow and the commentary is very helpful and insightful.

The Haggadah is beautiful and the text is authentic and easy to follow. It is not only an art book, it is a practical and useful haggadah for use during the seder. It brings Pesach to life and connects us to our history.

I bought a copy of this book when it was first published, and still use many of the recipes. Some are elegant - fancy food for a dinner party, while others are what you want when you come home from work on a weeknight. Most are easy to make.

The photographs are terrific, so you stay inspired.

Incredible taste sensations. The soups are amazing due mainly to the delectable Veg. Soup Stock that listed on page 45. The French onion soup and the Leek and pea soup with mint are astounding. The photographs elegantly frame each dish and just inspire you to try it yourself.

I would have bought the book for its photos alone. Now, I wonder what could have inspired that photographer, hmmm? I prepared a couple of the recipes and they were great successes, and then gave the book away thinking I could get another one for myself, but alas, it is out of print! Now, all I can do is covet my friend's copy. Bummer.

Just help me to find an original of this book. I'm searching for it since 1994 and still haven't found one. I think this says enough for a graphic designer that simply loves the style of DDB and the Volkswagen ads.

For an excellent alternative to "Is the Bug Dead" (which is, unfortunately, out of print), you can check out "Remember those great Volkswagen ads?", published November 2000 and still in print in the UK - check out [...]. It charts the history of the Beetle advertising and has an additional chapter on the New Beetle. It is a beautiful, fully illustrated book and a fantastic read for Beetle enthusiasts and those in advertising alike.

With little commentary this book lets the ads speak for themselves

This book was a great project book for my daughters, especially the 10 year old. We learned a lot about weaving and were able to produce some nice, usable projects in a short time. We still plan to make the loom from PVC piping and make some Christmas gifts with it.

I had gotten the book from our public library and felt it would be a great addition to our craft library and had to buy it. The instructions, diagrams and photos are well done.

This book is great if you want a book that has interesting, useful projects, clear instructions, and beautiful photos of kids and their weaving. The starting projects are loomless, involving weaving paper ('checkerboard notecards'), twigs ('fairygarden planter'), pliable tree branches ('hideout'), and what looks like a kind of six-strand braiding of embroidery floss hung from a pencil ('friendship bracelet'). From there you graduate to use of a cardboard loom to make a small wool pouch (I did this one) and to weaving cloth strips to make Japanese Rag Warrior dolls. (These, by the way, really do look like dolls my boys would play with.) Following that, the book details how to construct a stand-up loom from pvc piping and fittings, thick wooden dowels, and tongue depressors, and comes complete with heddle bar. I made mine for a cost of about $20. This pvc loom will handle a band of weaving up to 5" wide. From this loom (dubbed 'inkle loom') you can make these projects: inkle strap shoelaces, tapestry dog collar, a belt, a 43" long scarf, doll-sized pile carpets, and, by sewing woven strips together, a kente cloth blanket. The book also includes information, about making your own fiber dyes, different ways to set up the inkle loom, what is 'fulling' and how it is done, as well as bits of weaving history and lore. I got 'Kids Weaving' from the library six weeks ago. I meant to photocopy only a few pages for use introducing weaving to a small homeschool co-op. But when I began to see that it wouldn't be just a few pages, that's when I realized that I should just buy the book. Nearly all of the projects look like something we would do. That's rare.

Lots of GREAT ideas!!! Some are quickly done while others are more involved. This is the best book I have found for doing weaving with children. The PVC pipe loom is a terrific idea and inexpensive enough for each child to have one of their own to work on.

Krishnamurti, although interesting and intriguing, is not known for his entertainment value. He was as austere and uncompromising as he was fascinating. This book is entertaining, and interesting, and intriguing, and fascinating. It is my educated guess that Krishnamurti's teachings will become more well known in the years to come. Much more well known. This book is an excellent introduction to his teaching as well as a supplement to his actual wealth of books. What other book offers an invitation to what it means to being really aware and seeing truth, and also shares anecdotes of the like of which Krishnamuti is on a picnic with Charlie Chaplin, Paulette Goddard, and Aldous Huxley, to name a few. This book is a wonderful gem, full of insight. Absolutely enlightening.

I first came across this book in a library and borrowed it, and the impression I got, sustained for 3 years to make me actually buy it. As Krishnaji would say, the only way of understanding and discovering your self is through the mirror of relationship, what better way of understanding Krishnaji than through the way he interacted with people from different parts of the world and with different perspectives? That said, Krishnaji still remains a mystery as he rightly should, but nevertheless a delightful mystery.....

This story of Krishanurti's life is the most fascinating and complete biography I have ever read. It certainly helps that the book begins with intriguing accounts of Krishnamurti's unusual childhood, in which he was "found" by the Theosophical Society. ... "Leadbetter suddenly noticed one of the boys, outwardly a rather skinny looking little boy with a shaved front to his head and a pigtail. He was about thirteen (actually fourteen but appeared much younger), and had a little brother with him. He saw that around this boy was an aura of such brightness and glory as he said no one else in Adyar had, and that was so outstanding to him that he at once made friends with the two brothers."

Thus begins a most unusual relationship between the very young Krishnamurti and the Theosophical Society (Annie Besant was appointed guardian of Krishnamurti and his beloved younger brother one year later, in 1910. There were many advantages and disadvantages to the transformed life Krishnamurti led, and this book covers all the most interesting facets of Krishnamurti's life with beautiful photographs, hand-written journal entries, and interviews with Krishnamurti and other great thinkers of his time.

This is the story of a man devoted to giving spiritual teachings -- a man who inspired many (including Bruce Lee, Van Morrison, Henry Miller, Deepak Chopra, and Joseph Campbell) with his tremendous wisdom and clarity. Many of Krishnamurti's thoughts and quotes are included, such as, "In yourself lies the whole world, and if you know how to look and learn, then the door is there and the key is in your hand. Nobody on earth can give you either that key or the door to open except yourself."

I highly recommend this book, both for its exquisite attention to the details and big picture of Krishnamurti's life, and for the inspirational wisdom it imparts to the reader.

In this age of information, poetry is perhaps the most efficient method of expressing grand concepts. Language for a New Century, a collection of contemporary poetry from the Middle East, Asia (including parts of North and East Africa) and its Diaspora, contains one poetic masterpiece after another. Complete with humor, love, anger, despair, confusion, contempt, sadness and joy, the poems open a window into the experience of the world's most populous continent. Lovingly compiled by its editors, who are towering artists in their own right, this collection of 400 voices from the "East" is the culmination of six years of research and collaboration with thousands of people in the 55 countries from which the works are drawn.

The poems were carefully translated from their 40 original languages into English--many for the first time--by expert regional artists who have succeeded in expressing concepts and ideas often difficult to convey. The poems contained in this massive volume represent some of the best in their modern craft, and stand in stark contrast to the disposable monotony we slog through in our daily search for truth. Evocative and provocative, familiar and shocking, the poets pose questions more often than they make pronouncements. Eliciting thought and reflection, they challenge the consumer of "information" to instead become an information producer.

Arranged around nine themes related to the human experience, the structure of the book itself combats Orientalism with humanity. It defies borders, many artificial, many imposed, reconnecting regions in a continent where, prior to Western imperialism, war and the modern nation state, identities, ideas and people interacted more fluidly. Events that have transpired in these regions over the past six years have only made the poems' messages more urgent--and their publication that much more of a triumph. Indeed, Language for a New Century, and the regional networks developed through the work of its tireless collaborators, is likely to bring on a new age of enlightenment; if not for the world, then at least for the reader.

Published in the September/October 2008 Issue of the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs.

The presentation gives a fairly complete rendition
of poetry from the Middle East and Asia. Renditions
from Azerbaijan, Turkey, India, Iran, Japan,
Palestine and Iceland are provided for the readers'
enjoyment. Tidbits of typical poems are provided
together with the applicable authors. i.e.

Jennifer Dobbys-Elesy wrote "Pure Music" which contains
the following passage:

" Child among night flowers , opening their dark eyes
to the moon , "

Hamid Ismailov wrote "The Shaping Clay" containing the
following passage:

"Crack open your door, silence to the murmurs of a
cottage under the cradle of the sleeping clay."

Kyimay Kaung wrote "Eskimo Paradise" containing the
following passage:

" Eskimo paradise is warm paradise of Bedouins cold-
my paradise. "

LANGUAGE FOR A NEW CENTURY: CONTEMPORARY POETRY FROM THE MIDDLE EAST, ASIA AND BEYOND provides an unprecedented collection of poetry from the East, blending and presenting works by Middle Eastern and Asian writers. Some 400 poets are featured here, selecting poets whose works represent a wider artistic movement in the East. It's a literary anthology no college-level collection should be without.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch