Francis Books

state of the art book for all anesthesiology residents for every day life and board exams, one of the best books i have read, concise, pertinent, easy to read and to the date.
not a book to start with in anesthesiology, but it contains answers to the questions you can't find the answer, and a very good last read before clinical exams.

Finally the book that I have been waiting for. Two years after graduation for CRNA school I have been looking for a book to sort of "light my fire" again and Yao and Artusio's did it. Not only is this book filled with a great amount of knowledge, but also it is an inspiration to those of us who want to excel in anesthesia beyond the banality of induction and wake-ups. In the workforce, we as anesthesia providers, can become repetitive doers based on what work for us on a daily basis, but this book provides the key reasoning about why doing this versus doing that. The reading flows very well and after each chapter you are filled with a knowledge wandering how come no one explained it to you like that before. This book is a most for the serious anesthesia provider who wants to excel.

I do agree that this textbook is a very well-done, well written book with a lot of value for anesthesiologists. However, as a tool for oral board study it is actually a bit too comprehensive and inclusive. Take my word for it, during your oral board exam you are not going to be asked about histologic changes in the bronchial mucosa of the asthmatic or the synthetic pathway of catecholamines. The person studying for the oral anesthesiology board doesn't have time to waste learning material that he or she doesn't need to know. I recommend instead Clinical Cases in Anesthesia by Reed. Same format, much more focused on the material that the anesthesiologist must know for the oral exam.

You've passed the written boards - Congratulations! Now that you're sober again it's time to start thinking about the orals and this puppy is a big part of the solution. It's set up in an oral board question and answer style. Simply read the question -without looking at their answer- and then answer it out loud like you would if the examiner were sitting there in front of you. I know it's weird but it really does help to also practice in front of a mirror to eliminate all of the bizarre facial tics you never knew you had. Now look at the answer. Were you right or even close? Good! Keep going, you'll hone your style to a razor's edge. This technique, along with some good mock oral practice with those attendings who know how to give them, will have you spraying champagne over your friends and family like you've won the Grand Prix of Monaco the night after!

WRITTEN IN A FORMAT OF QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS THAT MAKES YOUR PREPERATION FOR THE BOARD MUUCH MORE YIELDED.A VERY GOOD SUPPLEMENT FOR ANESTHESIA PREPERATION

As a former student of Political Science and a strict follower of the events of Afghanistan in the aftermath of the Soviet invasion and most recently, the post-9/11 era, I have tried to read the works written about my country and the agony of its people. I believe no nation in the course of history shed its blood so generously in defense of her identity, liberty, and faith. The book researched and written by Dr. Misdaq throws light on many unseen, dark corners of Afghanistan such as unmasking many of its false war heroes. It is well-written, well-researched, and I would like to add, thoroughly well done. For those scholars who want to know more and find unbiased facts about Afghanistan, I strongly recommend "Political Fraility and Foreign Interference." I wish Dr. Misdaq much success in this endeavor.

-Hafiz Karzai
An Afghan

Dr. Misdaq presents a finely written discourse on a breadth of Afghan history and its current state. A compelling backdrop is set in an effort to describe the formation and continuous reformation of an Afghan identity with each foreign interference and civil uprising. He speaks from a sociological and anthropological perspective, one which allows the reader to understand concepts and traditions, such as the tribal codes and the Pasthunwali code of honor, which are so integral to understanding Afghan people, life, and culture.

There is a thorough narrative of the political history and characters involved, of course, but I feel the most interesting parts of the book are the Appendices which explore particular ideas or events in more depth. From topics such as comparing tribal traditions to Islamic traditions, resisting modernization from the West, to the impetus behind the Durand Agreement and the disputes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Dr. Misdaq gently allows the reader to see just how resilient Afghans have truly been in the past two and a half centuries - almost as if they've had the ability to change without changing.

I highly recommend the book to anyone who wants to know Afghanistan in depth, or wants to understand key events and issues in Afghan culture and history, past and present.

Every so often a book comes along that makes a significant contribution to the corpus of available Afghanistan literature. This is such a book.

Crafted with the skilled eye of a BBC foreign affairs journalist for more than a decade, and with training as an anthropologist and historian, Dr Nabi Misdaq guides and challenges readers through the tumult and mosaic that is Afghanistan. Beginning with a multitude of dynastic invaders, our narrative curiousity is nourished with an encyclopedic treatise on the rich history, culture, tradition and political landscape of Afghanistan.

Our journey culminates with an objective appraisal of the devastating effect that the "war on terror" has had on the people of Afghanistan while dispelling many of the myths that persist.

In this book, the reader will find none of the "file-copy" so prevalent in the media and among many books on Afghanistan. Our eminently qualified author and narrator challenges many of the sterotypical images crafted by those with superficial knowledge and or a political orientation who are often posed as media experts.

With courage and candor, Dr. Misdaq reveals the many untruths surrounding certain Afghan personalities masquerading as patriots, but in truth, were and in some cases are, collaborators. Exhaustively researched with copius end-notes, Dr. Misdaq's book will educate, enlighten and enthrall the reader, be they student, historian or policy maker yet who also harbor a desire to understand the complexity and mosaic of a nation poised at the gates of the fiercely competitive, energy-rich Central Asian and Caspian deposits. Currently the focus of Russia, Iran, China and the United States who seek an alternative to the dwindling, traditional Middle East energy sources. It can be argued therefore that Afghanistan is a victim of its geography as the contentious Trans-Afghan-Pipeline negotiations between The U.S. and Taliban through the Summer of 2001 will attest.

This and much, much more can be found in this remarkable and compelling historical work by Dr. Misdaq. I can therefore recommend without reservation "Afghanistan, Political Fraility and External Interference."

Bruce G. Richardson
Author: "Afghanistan, Ending the Reign of Soviet Terror."

The following academic reviews are offered on the inside cover of the book and should be of interest:

"Nabi Misdaq has a rare blend of skills. As an anthropologist he studied contemporary Afghan society and then worked for many years as a journalist with the BBC's Overseas Service in which capacity he met and interviewed most of Afghanistan's leading politicians. Combining these skills with a profound knowledge of Afghan history, he has produced an enthralling study which reveals the fundamental problems encountered by generations of Afghan rulers in attempting to create a legitimate, centralised Afghan state, problems which, as Misdaq also shows, still confront Afghanistan's present-day leadership."
- Ralph Grillo, Emeritus Professor of Social Anthropology,
University of Sussex

"'Afghanistan: Political Frailty and External Interference' is a timely book. At a time when the focus of the world is on the region, it is one of the few anthropological commentaries by a well-known native. Nabi Misdaq's book is detailed and insightful. He has established himself as an authority on Afghanistan. I strongly recommend the book."
- Dr Akbar S. Ahmed, Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies,
American University, Washington DC

"Dr Nabi Misdaq has described in this book how the Afghans defended their identity and country, Afghanistan, in odd conditions throughout history, with a special focus on the last 300 years. The publication of this book, considering the current conditions in Afghanistan, is by itself an example of such defense. This is a thoroughly researched and compassionately argued work. I will recommend this book as a must for all those who have an interest in the geo-politics of Afghanistan."
- Dr Farouq Azam, former Afghan Minister of Education

This is an excellent, highly readable book for anyone interested in the nuts and bolts of British politics. Each constituency is profiled in-depth, and I reach for this book every time a by-election is caused. This new edition is highly welcome, as the old edition was made hopelessly out of date by the 1997 Labour landslide. Buy this book, and you'll know which seats Peter Snow means the next time he says "Now let's have a look at our Swingometer!"

Excellent resource for British Politics. Glad to see it has been updated to reflect the sweeping 1997 Labour Victory and Boundary Commission changes. A must for anyone interested in British Politics.

This is the 'bible' of British electoral politics, but it suffers from one major drawback - since it was published we have had the 1997 General Election which renders much of it out-of-date. The next edition is therefore eagerly awaited. Basically the book consists of an account of each parliamentary constituency, detailing its location, social and political mix, and boundary changes imposed since the previous election in 1992 (which in some cases make drastic changes to its political flavour). The really fascinating element of this analysis is the prediction made as to the likely outcome of the 1997 election - the authors followed the common belief that the (then) opposition parties would catch up on the Conservatives, but failed to predict the size of the landslide that overwhelmed John Major's government on 1st May 1997. In my own constituency, for example, the prediction includes the line "there will be no more close contests in Bosworth" - the sitting MP saw his majority slashed from 19,000 to 1,000!

The constituency profiles also include potted biographies of the sitting MPs and, in some cases, of the people thought likely to replace them. These are 'warts and all' sketches that are often highly amusing. My own MP, we read, was described as "so stupid that he couldn't find his own bottom with both hands and a compass" - by someone who is now a government minister!

As a student of the political scene I turn to this book constantly when an MP or a constituency hits the headlines, and I always learn something new from it. It has a value despite the turn of events, but I won't be alone in my eager anticipation of the next edition!

Excellent review of british politics. Gets even better with time. If you are interested in what is going on in a major player in europe this is the book to get. Provides excellent portraits of all the major players in this parliament and of Tony Blairs government.

With such a mind boggling, almost infinite amount of information produced by Aquinas, one is overwhelmed with where to start. In this book, Selman takes thirteen of Aquinas' most popular topics of discussion and with pinpoint accuracy explains them-along with Aquinas' reasoning- in a format that is easy to read...but not watered down. Seman keeps his own opinions out of the writings, keeping Aquinas' thought constantly in the foreground. Selman also does an excellent job explaining the circumstances surrounding the writings taking into account the social, political and religious undertones of the era.
While Gilson, McInery and Pieper are still the best exhaustive writers on Aquinas this one gets quickly to the heart, and stays there.
By far the best book I have read on Aquinas' thought in a long time.

Very few theologians can be as daunting as St. Thomas Aquinas. As one who has studied his work for years, I have often longed for a brief text that clearly expounded the thought of St. Thomas and in this volume I have found it. Written for the general audience and presuming no great knowledge of either theology or philosophy, this book is a real gem. It could even be used as a source book for a small group discussion or as an introduction to the larger works of this Saint, whose writings have guided Christian thought for over seven centuries.

If you, like me, had very little to no Thomistic Philosophy in high school or college, and would love to know more, this book is for you. What a pleasure for me it has been to read Aquinas 101 in preparation for this review. The book brings forth a surprisingly readable and sometimes funny Saint Thomas!

To begin, I quote from the publisher's site, Ave Maria Press:

A brief, engaging, and readable summary of the influential thought of St. Thomas Aquinas, one of the Catholic Church's greatest minds. In this clear, thoughtful and immensely readable book, Francis Selman offers summaries on some of the most complex topics in the writing of St. Thomas Aquinas. Selman deftly draws on the work of contemporary scholars while situating Aquinas in relation to the thinkers and schools of thought he was both confronting and drawing upon. The result provides an overview that places the thought of Aquinas both in his time and in our own.


The author succeeds indeed in both bringing the thought and philosophy of Saint Thomas Aquinas to students (or the interested reader) and in making it contemporary by referring to recent writings on St. Thomas.

The Prologue is a very nice biography of the saint's life, leaving the reader with admiration for him and interest for his thought. The language is light, down-to-earth, using quotidian anecdotes to shed clarity. Saint Thomas Aquinas comes through the book as a friendly, practical counselor. For instance, on page 114 we read:

For sorrow, St. Thomas Aquinas recommends four remedies: weeping, the company of friends, pleasure, and warm baths.


The paragraph that follows goes into the reasons St. Thomas believes these four remedies will help anyone in sorrow. So true, and so practical! Of course, the book also goes into more meaty philosophy, but it refrains from being too dense for the lay reader.

I also like the fact that Saint Thomas is referred to as Saint Thomas throughout the book.

In the homeschool, this book would make a very good choice for a High School introductory course on the philosophy of Saint Thomas.

St. Thomas Aquinas composed more than sixty works in less than fifty years of life. Few of us have the time or inclination to read even a portion of these but some, like this reader, nevertheless nurse a desire to be exposed to the Angelic Doctor's thought. Francis Selman's AQUINAS 101 presents a worthy, accessible introduction to key subjects.

As Selman notes in his Preface, "The books falls into three parts of nearly equal length: chapters one to five on God and creation, six to eight on human nature and action, and nine to twelve on the economy of salvation." Then a final chapter, "Charity and Friendship," melds the enduring themes of the book: "unity and love." I found the first third of the book most engrossing, the second part somewhat tedious, and the last section again piquing my intellectual curiosity.

Yet even in the fascinating discussion about God and creation, certain postulates are simply stated without support and can demand leaps of logic or circular logic. For example, on page 20 Selman notes, "By the light of reason, St. Thomas says, we can know that God exists as the cause of the world, because effects resemble their cause and bear a likeness to their cause." I've no doubt this is an accurate summation of Aquinas' theology, but it leaves the reader (at least it did me) concerned that important connective arguments must be left for the source materials. Later, the following conclusion appears: "Anyone who thinks that the world is due to necessity must also think it is eternal." Aquinas, who lived in the midst of the thirteenth century, believed this, but we twenty-first century readers could use further grounding as to why it should be a valid premise.

Those reservations aside, Selman does a commendable job of surveying some of Aquinas' most influential and vital writings. An introduction is just that, and AQUINAS 101 not only provides a far-reaching overview but also nudges the reader to dig a little deeper into selections of the saint's; this reader suggests the ever durable INTRODUCTION TO ST. THOMAS AQUINAS, edited by Anton C. Pegis.

On an aesthetic level, AQUINAS 101 is a quality paperbound volume. The cover painting of the saint gazing heavenward with a longing, searching expression is beautifully, spiritually alluring. The prologue (outlining Aquinas' life), glossary, notes, and index are all indispensable. And the type is clear and comfortable to view.

Readers with a budding or general interest in St. Thomas' philosophy and theology should find AQUINAS 101 a valuable resource.

Augustus F. Sherman worked as a clerk with the Immigration Bureau of Ellis Island, photographing over two hundred families, groups and individuals as they passed through customs. Augustus F. Sherman: Ellis Island Portraits 1905-20 represents the first published collection of his work, featuring a hundred of his best photos of peoples from cultures around the world. A historical essay by Peter Mesenholler places the period of time and photos in perspective, providing both a critical analysis of Sherman's work and this collection, and lending important background to the portraits. An outstanding presentation of historical portrait photography.

Augustus F. Sherman's book of many portraits is a glimpse into 15 years of daily life at Ellis Island. Due to his office position at Ellis Island, Sherman had both time(remember these shots took a long time to set up and take) and opportunity to capture the many interesting clients Ellis Island served.

If you are looking for a portrait of your grandmother/father who came through Elllis Island, this is probably not the book you will find them in.

Rather, these portraits focus on immigrants wearing unusual native clothing/costumes; religious or military outfits; large family groups; ethnic groups; and even those suffering from congenital birth defects. Included also is a group of deportees whose crimes range from anarchy to being a stowaway.

Sherman sort to take as many photographs as possible in natural light, so the reader sees children playing in the Ellis Island "playground" - located on the roof; or a group of ladies from the Caribbean standing on the front "lawn"; a family from Africa; and much more.

A delightful glimpse at Ellis Island's early history - one wishes there were many more photographs the reader could view.

into what it must have been like to go through the process on Ellis Island. I had visited Ellis Island earlier this year,on a trip to New York and was struck by the atmosphere and history. The photographs in this book catch the essence of this landmark and the diversity of the people. There is also an explanation of the process that the individuals had to go through before being allowed to enter the US.

Augustus F. Sherman was simply doing his job when from 1904 to 1920 he photographed the individual arrivals of multiple nationalities at Ellis Island. It was his duty to document those new immigrants who were detained for further investigation before they were allowed to step onto the Great Hope that was America. But what resulted from this duty is a portfolio of portraits of world peoples that is as tender and as touching as any ever captured by professional famous photographers!

According to essayist Peter Mesenholler, Sherman was interested in anthropological documentation of the different physical characteristics of these Eastern, Western and Southern European proud folk. He captured the inherent pride of origin of these people who often donned their finest native folk costumes as they entered New York harbor. Sherman was sensitive to the psyches of his 'sitters', knowing that in addition to the overwhelming urge to enter America, the Land of Dreams, each of these people brought with them the memories both sad and happy of their native lands, 'heroes' if you will who were brave enough to leave their roots and aspire to higher dreams and goals.

These one hundred portraits are some of the more wrenchingly beautiful from this important time of mass immigration into America, images of the folk who would comprise the melting pot that we so cherish as our national treasure. All of this art is gained by the honest eye of a non-professional photographer who took the interest and care to pass along that rarefied moment of our country's history. And there is much to be learned from slowly perusing the faces and honest captions of these important photographs.

The quality of the reproductions in sepia-toned presentation is superb as is the accompanying wise essay by Peter Mesenholler. There are few books of photography that can be more widely acclaimed than this. Very highly recommended. Grady Harp, July 05

Jacob, Zack, Bo and Abigail are members of the 'top-secret' History Club, founded by their teacher Mr. Caruthers. Their objective is to travel through time preventing the wicked Babs Magee from altering history.

In BEN FRANKLIN'S FAME, Franklin has disappeared from their text book. Thus using their 'super-cool, hand-held video game-like time travel computer', the gang sets off back to the many events, (1741-creation of the Franklin Stove, 1750-invention of the lighting rod, 1752-the famous kite experiment, 1776-the signing of the Declaration of Independence), in Franklin's life, attempting to set the course of history straight.

It is easy to see why the Blast To The Past series has been awarded LEARNING MAGAZINE'S TEACHER'S CHOICE AWARD. It is simply history made accessible and pleasurable.

The concept is engaging, the characters are refreshing given they are flawed and actually bicker while performing Herculean deeds! The Author's Notes were fun and quirky, the historical timeline is a terrific bonus for young reader and parents with slippery minds!

Ben Franklin's Fame was really good because I learned a lot about Ben Franklin. I also liked it because the author was very good at describing Ben's life. I recommend this book to people around the ages of 7-10 years old. I have read every book in the series and find they are an excellent and fun way to learn about history. I can't wait for the next book to be written so I can read it at once!
Michelle J
(....)

It is a great book and will entertain all ages. I'd recommend it to anybody because it shows different aspects of Benjamin Franklin's life. The writers' imaginations are definitely creative. This book will make readers itch for more!

Ben Franklin's Fame is the sixth book in the Blast to the Past series, by Stacia Deutsch and Rhody Cohon. This is an early chapter book with occasional illustrations, perfect for 7 to 10-year-olds who like reading about historical events. The premise is that an elementary school teacher, Mr. C, has created a time machine.

"It looks like a hand-held video game with a larger screen and extra buttons. When we put a special cartridge in the back, a glowing green hole opens and we jump through time. Taking the cartridge out brings us home again." (Prologue)

Here "us" refers to a group of four third-graders, Abigail, Jacob, Zach, and Bo, who help out Mr. C by going back in time and troubleshooting for him. You see, an evil former assistant of Mr. C's (Babs Magee) is using her own version of the time machine to go back in time. Babs hopes to convince some famous historical figure to give up on his or her own dreams, so that she can take their place, and be famous. The kids have to go back and talk with the figure that she's targeting each week, and try to convince whoever it is not to give up. They call themselves The History Club.

In this episode, Babs has her sights set on Ben Franklin. In fact, as the story begins, Ben has already disappeared from the history books, to be replaced by a picture of Babs. The History Club has to go back to several points in time, until they can find the place where Babs influenced Ben Franklin to step off of his own path, so that she could step in. They start out at the signing of the Constitution, and move backwards through other milestones in Franklin's life.

Each of the four kids has some special skill that he or she brings to the mission. Zack can relate to Ben Franklin because he, too, has trouble deciding what he wants to do with his life, and wants to keep trying out new things. Jacob needs his computer skills to tweak the time machine, and allow the kids to visit the different time periods and places in Franklin's life. Bo's encyclopedic knowledge about Franklin guides the kids to where they go. And Abigail is the documenter of incidents and follower of clues, who comes up with a critical brainstorm near the end of the book.

This book is a lot of fun. It's filled with facts about Ben Franklin's life that I think kids will find interesting, like the fact that he had 16 older brothers and sisters, and once invented a pair of swim fins for his hands. The description of the signing of the Constitution is both reverential and humorous. For example:

"We knew our time was ticking away, but not one of us could move. We were frozen to the floor. This was it! The signing of the Declaration of Independence." (Chapter 4)

And when Thomas Jefferson is inadvertently knocked to the floor by Zack, Bo steps in.

"Bo knew that this was his chance to help his hero. He straightened his backbone, puffed out his chest, and stepped forward, hand outstretched. Thomas Jefferson took Bo's hand and pulled himself off the floor. "Thank you, son," he said to Bo.

Bo didn't reply. He just stared down at his hand. He was still gripping Thomas Jefferson's fingers. I had to give Bo a little reminder to drop Thomas Jefferson's hand. "Time to go," I whispered.

Bo let go of the future third president of the United States and said softly, "You're welcome." (Chapter 4)

I think that the book strikes a nice balance between making the kids realistic and making them excited about history. I'm interested to go back and read an earlier book in the series in which they apparently meet Walt Disney. What kid wouldn't be excited about that?

In this particular story, I liked the parallels between Zack's inability to focus on a single passion, and Ben Franklin's success in many different fields. I think that a book like this gives kids permission to be third graders, and try out different things, without having to always know exactly where they plan to end up.

Oh, there are some questions I bring to the logic behind the story, reading with my adult eyes (Why can they only time travel on Mondays? Why is Babs limited to visiting a particular list of historical figures in order, that Mr. C can track? If Ben Franklin really ceased to exist as a famous figure at the beginning of the book, why could they all remember him?). But I think that questions like this are inevitable in any time travel story, and it could be that some of these points were clarified in the earlier books. And it doesn't matter anyway. I think that kids will find the story fun, and will pick up some miscellaneous tidbits about history, too. There's a nice letter to readers at the end that clarifies what is fact and what is fiction in the story, and a timeline showing the major events in Ben Franklin's life. I definitely recommend this series for the early elementary school set.

This book review was originally published on my blog, Jen Robinson's Book Page, on November 30, 2006.

BEYOND makes us long for a love as full and embracing as the love that inspired this collection: raw, powerful, beautiful. And when the transient nature of that love comes crashing in, we are reminded of Othello's words, " . . . and when I love thee not, / Chaos is come again." Anyone who has experienced the joy and anguish of such powerful emotions will find solace in this collection, a reminder that love can be double-sided. And while "Living," the closing poem, asserts a willingness to continue "in love with you," any compassionate reader will hope this collection has been a catharsis, a catharsis that will lead its author and readers to the strength to be open to a new love, one more deserving of someone as expressive as this author.

Reads like a diary of a unique love, few experience, much less can offer or give. If only more of us could love like this!
Touching, profund, heartfelt, familiar and true.
If you have ever truly loved and lost, this is the book for you. A wonderful gift to anyone you may love, and if you are heart-broken a book to read for courage and reassurance that you are not alone.
It re-affirms our human potential to continue to love even in the grieving knowledge we have been abandoned by whom we have most loved.

A beautifully crafted book of soul searching poetry. I especially was touched by "With". The author uses unusual images that cut right to the emotion. You can feel the happiness and heartache in this lovely read. A wonderful additon to your home library as well as a thoughful gift to anyone that has touched you with their love and compassion. Thank you to the author for putting into words such deep and profound feelings.

Beyond speaks of merging with a beloved in body, in mind, in heart, and in soul.

Every poem has its own geography into the very depth of connecting as the roots of flowers go into each other.

It is about longing for a union with higher consciousness and being.

It is the cry of every lover wanting their beloved to want them and praying for a miracle to join their path.

As the pages of poetry end in Beyond, the poems linger with a life of their own, filled with intimate sharing of how two beings become intertwined, and how an alignment of purpose can create an opportunity for growth and for full self-expression.

It is a love story of poetry that lifts the hearts of its characters and readers to a higher potential.

The words of Beyond penetrate love's deepest core, go beyond the deepest core of a lover's desire, to the very seed.

Hanan

The picture on page one is of Griffen Todd, a third-generation farmer. He's standing in a recently plowed field, eyes turned toward the skies. Under his overalls he wears a pristine, starched white shirt. His son, Griffen Jr. will take over the farm.

This eloquent book paints a picture of what is happening today to small, independent, black farmers. Today, unlike the Todd family, most black farmers are the last generation.

Without a doubt, all small farms are being squeezed out by megafarms. But the black farmer, primarily through racism, is being driven out at rates at least ten times higher than their counterparts.

The pictures tell a story--pride, hard work, a connection to the earth. But don't neglect the essay. "Each photograph articulates the paradox facing black farmers: what looks like slavery is, in fact, the most courageous form of economic self-determination, and what looks like "the simple life" is, in fact, a profoundly complex and risky economic undertaking."

The last photograph depicts a vine-shrouded structure that once housed a farm family, and the essay ends with "These pictures are timeless and speak to the best virtues of the American heart... , Here is a golden twilight to treasure--the story of black American farmers.

I hope this is a documentary for black farmers of future generations, and not one about the fading of a way of life.

Armchair Interviews says: Highly recommended.

John Ficara is a truly gifted photojournalist. His latest undertaking is a work of love and historical necessity. The plight of the Black farmer in America is that they are quickly losing out to large corporate entities, and the family farm is quickly vanishing. Ficara's documentation of their lives and fruitless efforts to continue a family tradition is admirable and very well done. A true keeper for those who admire beautiful photography and historical documentation.

In 1920 black Americans made up 14 percent of all farmers in the nation: they owned and worked millions of acres. Today they are less than 1 percent of the nation's farmers and less than 3 million acres are cultivated under their hand. BLACK FARMERS IN AMERICA provides a photo documentary of their lives, providing some 100 duotone photos with chapters hardship and farming life. Juan Williams provides the historical background for the photos as he charts racism and struggles as they affected black farming efforts in this nation. A 'must' for any college-level collection strong in Afro-American history and studies.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

John Ficara, a well respected photojournalist, undertook this ambitious documentary project on his own. With a world filled with "celebrity" journalisim, Ficara devoted a major period of time to document the plight of Black Farmers in America. Not done with pity or cheap shots, Ficara brought us a book with integrity, remarkably strong images, and an understanding of an issue overlooked by the main stream press and government.

This is a book which should be a must for each serious library and photography program.

A "keeper"!.

I can't believe my eyes, this book is full of beautiful pictures, magic moments in the Blue Note studio with the jazz masters, all of them.
Not to talk about the price, what's 20 bucks for a book like this? it's worth so much more. A huge book in every aspect. I've got just one word: INCREDIBLE. Buy it.
zl1

Yes, there IS a calendar version of this book but the calendar just scratches the surface of this collection.

I intitially borrowed this book while looking for reference images for a video project. It became obvious to me in a very short time that I would HAVE to purchase this book. Even though I am a professional photographer and filmmaker, there are very few photography books I am willing to spend my money on. There are many I like but few I wish to own. This book, like all of the photo books I've purchased, moved me in a powerful way. These are beautifully executed, intimate black and white portraits. Most of the photographs are spontaneous and shot during recording rehearsals. Several of the images graced the covers and sleeves of the records produced by the jazz record label, Blue Note.

Francis Wolff was not just Blue Note's primary photographer (and quite talented), he was also the label's co-founder. His already skillful eye was that much more in tune (no pun intended) with his subjects and sensitive to the working environment. He was able to capture subtle moments few likely could. Most images are illuminated by a single light source, spotlighting the artists and capturing them in moments of thought, exhilaration, playfulness and intensity.

Seeing greats like Wayne Shorter, John Coltrane, Dexter Gordon, Sonny Rollins, a young Herbie Hancock and Hank Mobley in these intimate moments early in their careers is powerful. The design is outstanding and the printing if these photographs is impressive. This is a must have book for the music lover, photographer, or photography lover. If you don't fit into one of the above catagories, don't sweat it. You will love this book simply because it is beautiful.

I must admit I am a little confused as to why the other reviews list this as a book.....

Good, insightfull text, great photographs, oustanding print quality: a must have for all lovers of jazz, jazz musicians and photography. The photographer's empathy for his subject(s) just oozes from the pages of this wonderful book. There's a picture there of a dreamy John Coltrane, that just totally catches the sensitivity, the intelligence, the emotionality of a great musician and a great human being! A must buy !

I am happy to say that this book reached readers in the Baltic region, in Lithuania. i bought this book as soon as it was possible! I was amazed. However, before reading this book, I had some knowledge concerning the occult. I bought an introductory book to the world of magic and the supernatural, therefore i was already acquainted with the mysteries of this world. I read that "he, who posseses the Book of Angels might gain extraordinary power and supernatural abilities." So i thought - I must have this book and find more on this curious fact. Luckily, my greed was satisfied.Although, i have one question - where did Francis Melville get such material, especially the parts concerning the invoking rituals of angels, etc.
I wish there were more books of this author translated in Lithuanian! I would be thrilled to read "The secrets of High magic"!
So, mister Melville, thanks for a job well done!

...

In my oppinon this is one of the best books about angels. The author, Francis Melville, talks about the birth of angels, the heircarchy, archangels and the planetary angels. There is even some information on guardian angels and how to find out the name of your guardian angel. There is a chapter on assisting angels, angels you can invoke for different needs such as, harmany, Commitment, fertility, spiritual knowledge, wisdom, and so on.
There is also a chapter on rituals of invocations, the angelic script, and an evocation. You can imagine how much information there is in this book.

This book's cover doesn't begin to prepare you for the stunning graphic design and artwork inside. A history of angels and their relevance within the major religions is explained, followed by a nice "Who's Who" of the major angels. The descriptions of how to invoke and petition the angels were interesting, though I felt that I wanted more information before getting involved at that level. Worth purchasing for the artwork alone, even if you aren't an Angelophile. I'm giving it 4 stars only because I wish it was more comprehensive.

this book has the ''wow'' factor; i bought it not knowing what to expect,but was pleasantly surprised with the competence,authority and beauty by which
the author dealt with his subject. a truly genuine work of great value.
how can you be interested in angels, or be an angelologist witout this book?.
i would however have liked to see more 'modus operandi' methods of contact
offered because some may find the pentagram rituals a bit of a bother if they need very quick, and urgent but effective contact. i would also have liked to see a mention, and contact formular for the archangel metatron,and other major angels too.