Francis Books

This is the book to consult. rich, complex. and best savored in small, delicate bites, Bollas offers some insights about hysterics you simply won't find anywhere else. For example, he delineates the intricacies of exactly why the hysteric tries to find him-herself in the desire of the other. Bollas also explains why the hysteric eschews the physical and the sexual( the mother denied the infant's body). Further, Bollas makes such lucid sense of the hysteric's array of physical maladies. (She is offering her body to medical professionals to care for, attend, touch, and love, the way her mother never did.)

If after much clinical reading on the topic of hysteria, you are still feeling as if the fragments don't solidify into some concrete theory of your patient's psychic structure, this book will provide you with imaginative possibilities, many you probably have not conceived of before.

Goodness! Reading this book, I can't help but wonder how we've gotten along without it for so long, or for as long as hysteria as a working clinical-theoretical construct has been banished from our vernacular. Bollas depicts with great creativity and clarity just what hysteria is, and gives us a working sense of how to differentiate it from other psychic structures, especially the borderline, with which it has most commonly been misunderstood. True to classical and object relations thinking, the author also extends our understanding of this most complex patient. His differential descriptions of various structures is done through not only what the patient struggles with, but also how both the transference and the countertransference vary. A must-read! for any psychotherapist serious about working the depths of our patients.

This is one of the best introductory books to ideology. Hawkes deftely succeeds in providing a review of the history of the term and in the process the evolution of modern philosophy and thought. I recommend to my students all the time especially those still grappling with the intricate concept of ideology.

This book is a very good one. It goes into an interesting discussion about history of Ideology, its definition and how it is used over different times. It provides also a good phylosophyical account on Post-modern Ira.
It is simple also and doesn't need a lot of time to figure out what the author wants to say.
I loved that book.

Very good introduction to wavelet analysis. Not for someone looking for casual reading but for someone who wants to be able to dig in and start doing actual analysis it will get you going.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of wavelet transform methodologies and applications. The emphasis is on practical applications which are illustrated with many detailed figures and examples from Science and Engineering. A particular interesting chapter on medical applications is provided. In the introductory chapters, Addison gives a clear account of the theory for both continuous and discrete wavelet transform and associated post-processing techniques. Unlike many of the other books in this area, Addison communicates the concepts with a level of detail, sufficient for the applied engineer and scientist, but without becoming bogged down in a fog of mathematical gymnastics (a feature of many of the books in this area). A welcome addition to the growing number of books on this important signal analysis technique.

In "The Immaterial Self" John Foster defends the substance dualist theory of the mind as an immaterial substance. I think that Foster is one of the most original and insightful analytic philosophers around, and the "Immaterial Self" may be his most significant work, though it is hard to judge against his gem, "The Divine Lawmaker".
Foster is engaged on two fronts. First, he rejects versions of physicalist reductionism, according to which the mind is not an immaterial substance. Eliminativism, behaviourism, functionalism, and type- and token-identity theories are each carefully explained, and attacked with numerous objections.
Secondly, Foster defends the substance dualist theory about the mind. He first responds to problems of mechanism, showing that substance dualism faces no special problem in accounting for psycho-physical causation. Next the argument for the dualist theory of the mind is presented. Foster argues that if there is a mental subject, then it is essentially immaterial; and against the Humean bundle theory and in favour of the Cartesian theory that there is a mental subject.
The final chapter of the book is devoted to the subjects of personal identity and embodiment, and a defence of a libertarian account of free will.
Foster's coverage of contemporary analytic philosophy of mind is comprehensive and detailed. His arguments are generally set forth clearly and are often original.
The book is often subtle, sophisticated and very difficult, though I think that it will appeal to upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in the philosophy of mind as well as professional philosophers.
In my opinion, Foster's book has not received the attention it deserves because it defends a position that is unpopular among contemporary analytic philosophers of mind. Nevertheless, in my opinion, it is one of the finest books ever written in the philosophy of mind. Whether or not one ultimately agrees with Foster, I think that there is a lot to learn from this book. I recommend it strongly.

Why is substance dualism seemingly out of business? Whatever the reasons are, the neglect of books like this might be a candidate. I agree with the other reviewer that this book is too little read and discussed. Foster is a deep thinker, but he writes clearly. Throughout the book, his excellent understanding of the issues and the precision and rigor of his arguments shine forth.

Foster starts off by defining the position which he means to defend - that the mental realm is both CONCEPTUALLY and METAPHYSICALLY fundamental. He then goes on the offensive against different versions of materialism/physicalism. While Foster offers sustained attacks against these views, his conclusions are well-reasoned, and he does not stoop to the use of rhetoric. Rather, these views are carefully analyzed and evaluated: eliminative materialism, analytical reductionism, analytical behaviorism, analytical functionalism, the type-identity thesis, the token-identity thesis and metaphysical reductionism. Against each of these views, Foster offers several objections, and upon considering whether the materialist has a comeback to these objections, also shows which objection or combination of objections is fatal to a particular view. This takes up the first half of the book.

Having dealt with the problems materialists face, Foster moves on to consider common objections to an interactionist view of dualism - particularly with regard to how, given that the mental and physical are fundamentally different substances, they could causally interact. These include a priori objections to causal interaction, problems related to casual pairings (briefly: 1. causal relationships between events are always constituted by certain non-causal properties of the situation, together with the relevant covering laws, and 2. only be taking mental events to be physical can we, in cases of duplication, envisage laws which cover the causal pairings in the way which 1. requires), Davidson's argument against strict psycho-physical laws, and the argument from science that the physical realm is casually closed. Foster ably deals with each of these objections and argues that the interactionist can successfully deflect them.

The next step Foster embarks on is to give a positive thesis about the mental subject. He considers the potential problems in defining what a mental subject is, and goes on to look at the contrasting views of Descartes and Hume on the subject. Foster ends up defending the Cartesian ontology of basic subjects, with mental items as elements in their biographies, as opposed to the Humean view of mental items as ontologically autonomous. Follow these are some deep investigations into the nature of the self, and here Foster develops his theory of the mental subject.

Finally, in the last chapter, Foster shows how his notion of the mental subject and dualism in general can deal with the problems of personal identity and free will. He argues that there are viable criteria of personal identity and coherent notions of libertarian freedom given a mental subject.

Overall, this book is an excellent piece of analytic philosophy. At times, the book does get rather technical, and these areas might be difficult for the layman or a novice with regards to philosophy. As such, it is not recommended as an entry-level introduction to substance dualism. However, the inclusion of more technical issues does not come across as redundant or excessive. Foster is dealing with a deep metaphysical problem here, and he is not afraid to plumb its depths. Rather than using vague terms to gloss over the inherent difficulties in the mind-body problem, he responds with incisive analysis that does justice to the issues involved. As a result, the whole work is imbued with original insights and powerful grounds that constitute reasons for embracing substance dualism. Together with Swinburne's "The Evolution of the Soul," this book is a testament to the fact that substance dualism can very much stand on its own rational basis. Given books like The Immaterial Self, the relative paucity of substance dualists speaks sadly of non-rational factors in motivating philosophical views. Anyone who is serious about philosophy of mind should give this book honest and serious consideration.

For those seriously seeking to grow in holiness and bring some order to their daily prayer life, I strongly recommend this series. Drawing upon Sacred Scripture, the writings of the saints, and his own life experiences, the author brings together three daily meditations (about five to ten minutes each) that center around the Scripture readings of the Mass that day.

Imparted in these meditations are knowledge of the faith, advice on how to pray more fervently, and a clear understanding of virtue and its importance. It also inspires us to serve God faithfully. A good Catholic answer to the latest Protestant craze over "The Purpose Driven Life".

This is an amazing Catholic meditation and daily reflection series. The seven volumes have daily readings for each day of the church year as well as volume 6 & 7 being special Feast Days. The readings draw heavily upon the writings of Josemaria Escriva the founder of Opus Dei, Pope John Paul II, and the daily readings from the common liturgy for that day. The Sundays have three sets of readings depending on if we are in year A, B, or C in the church readings. These devotions are all about 6 pages long and divided into 3 sections. They can be read all as a lump or part in the morning, midday and evening. I find that with every day there is so much meat in these devotions that I am already planning on reading them again next year.

"We have a duty to rest. Resting in order to serve God and other people better.
We should learn to rest. If we can avoid becoming totally exhausted we should not fail to do so. God wants us to look after our health, and to know how to recover our strength. It is part of the fifth commandment. We need to rest in order to be fit, to restore lost energy, and so that our work may be all the more effective. Above all, we need it so as to serve God and other people better."
Francis Fernandez
In Conversation With God Volume #3 p.217

"For this reason asking advice about reading is an important part of the virtue of prudence, very especially if it is a question of theological or philosophical books, which can radically affect our formation and even our faith itself. How important it is to be right about books! It is still more important to consult our spiritual director about books specifically destined to aid the formation of our soul."
Francis Fernandez
In Conversation With God - Volume #3 p.117

Are but two samplings of what I have already copied out into my journal this year. There is a complete subject, and biblical reference index in volume 7, unfortunately the earlier volumes indexes only go as far as that volume #. The indexes are subject, and reference quoted by church Fathers, Popes and Saints. These books will draw anyone deeper into a faith and a life of action based upon that faith.

It has taken me awhile to complete my set of this 7 volume set of daily meditations. But, it is well worth the time it has taken me to acquire and learn how to use this set of Daily Meditations......As a set of Daily Meditations, the idea is to read one Meditation for each day and thus, one does not read these books through at a few sittings, but, rather, one day at a time. The readings put one into their own Conversation with God and thus help one to spend some time with God.


The important thing to know about this set is that it is tied to the daily liturgy, specifically, the Daily Mass Readings. Therefore, one can get a lot more out of reading these under a couple of sets of circumstances or preconditions. Firstly, one must familiarize oneself with the liturgical year of the Church. There is a chart inside the volume that helps you to do this. For Example, is the Church in Year A, B, or C? Is it the 14th week in Ordinary Time or is it the Eastertide? One MUST be aware of the ebb and flow of the Liturgical year which is different than the calendar year to maximize the power of your Conversation with God. Secondly, if you are not a daily Mass attendee, you may want to learn how to ascertain the daily scriptural readings for the weekdays when you may not frequent Mass. The reason for knowing or prereading the Mass reading for any specific day is that these Meditations refer to the Mass readings for any given day and therefore, it helps if one has read the Mass readings for the day or alternatively, knows how to find them. One way of finding the Mass readings for the day is through a Sunday Bulletin of a Catholic Church. Most parishes list in their weekly Bulletin the Mass readings for each day of the week. If this doesn't work for you, the daily Mass readings are easily found on line in a number of locations including the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops web site or EWTN's (Eternal World Television Network) web site.

One can use the book without the daily Mass readings of course. The volumes are footnoted and referenced. Thus, a footnote can refer to a specific scripture in the Bible and one can refer to that Biblical location.

OTHER SOURCES: In addition to the Bible, the daily commentary includes many other sources that are footnoted including writing of JOSEMARIE Escriva, like the "FORGE", "FURROW" and "Friends of God". Also, many writings of the SAINTS are referred to in the footnotes. One does not need to pursue the footnote references however to obtain value from the volume. I mention the footnote references only because you can see that the commentary is grounded in the teachings and Tradition of the Magisterium.

Thus, your daily Conversation with God takes the Scripture reading for the day and EXPANDS upon it, and helps you to meditate upon its meaning for your life. This practice of "lectio divina" - reading, praying/conversing with our Lord will heighten your intimacy with Our Lord and bring you closer to Him. We are the ones, after all, who bear responsibility for our distance from Him. To draw closer is not all that difficult and before long, you will find, that you will thirst for the Living Water. If you miss a day or two of this practice for a while, a consciousness will come to you and you will seek to restore the practice to again drink of the living water. [...]

Wow, this 7 volume set is a must have for anyone looking for a daily scriptural based meditation book. Fernandez does an excellent job of hitting the reader with real to life spirituality topics ranging anywhere from the sacraments and virtues to family interaction and friendship. Also, each spiritual reading ties in with the daily Gospel reading, which is very beneficial for meditating on the Mass. Overall, this is the best spiritual reading I have found and it is geared to anyone, whether religous, single, married, or just someone looking for a little spiritual guidance. Worth the money!

In 1990, while working in the Missouri Historical Society, I came across an accession card referring to the flag of the Missouri Brigade. The flag apparently had not been well cared for and was nothing remained but tatters wrapped around a staff. But the description of a rampant tiger was thrilling.

In the years that followed, I became very interested in the accomplishments of this fabled Confederate Brigade. As many know, there are scarce books about the Missouri Brigade. Well Gottschalk's book redresses this more than adequately.

The volume covers the entire history of the Missouri Brigade from its inception as part of the Missouri Home Guard to it's bloody end at Franklin.

It is the definitive accounting of one of the "Orphan Brigades" of the Southern Confederacy. And truly, the Missouri Brigade fought with courage and competence throughtout the maelstrom of the American Civil War.

It remains one of the most cherished volumes in my Civil War Library. Add it to yours today!

An outstanding piece of work. Gottschak's effort is heavily researched, well written and very readible. This book covers the formation and combat history of the 1st Missouri Brigade (CSA) during the Civil War, and is richly detailed throughout. Highly reccomended for anyone interested in the often obscure and overlooked western battles of our Civil War.

It's always a good sign to see that someone has bothered to translate a science book from another language into English. Publishers can usually get some English-language scientist to write a tome on the latest discoveries in a more commercially agreeable manner than putting together a translation. So when the translation appears you know the book is good and/or original in a distinctive way.

In Praise of Plants by botany Professor Emeritus Francis Hallé of the University of Montpellier, France is such a book. However it is by no means a popular treatise; indeed, if you want to get the look and feel of a botany article in a professional journal, this book provides an entire book's worth! The material is technical, detailed, and uncompromisingly professional.

So why has the Timber Press chosen this volume to bring to the English speaking world? Partly because of the international prestige of Hallé, who is an expert on tropical plants; partly because they were able to get a translation by David Lee who is Professor of Biological Sciences at Florida International University; and partly because of the striking nature of Hallé's presentation.

Hallé emphasizes the form of plants and how that form has developed evolutionarily from their need to secure the services of both sun and earth while remaining nearly immobile. There are dozens of line drawings in the book, most by Hallé himself, illustrating the differences between plants and animals with the text explaining why these differences occur. For example, because plants are sessile (attached to the ground) they are symmetrical on the horizontal plane, a tree looking pretty much the same from whatever spot on the ground you view it. However in a vertical sense a plant is very different since its crown is in the air looking at the sun while its roots are in the ground looking for water and minerals. In contrast, animals (I'll just quote Hallé so you'll get a feel for the technical language): "have dorsiventral polarity and anteroposterior and bilateral symmetry." (p. 70)

Fortunately the attractive and sometimes funny drawings help to penetrate the language for this amateur!

Here are some examples of the sort of things you can learn from this book:

At the microscopic level, where gravity is relatively "negligible compared to other forces" like "surface tension, viscosity, friction and Brownian motion," (p. 64) life forms tend toward the round and take on the symmetries we associate with astronomical objects like the sun and Saturn. Hallé gives examples of bacteria, amoebas, diatoms, etc. where "vertical polarity simply does not exist." (p. 64) Science fiction writers take note: creatures living in interstellar dust clouds will be more or less round.

One of the clear homologies (same form) assumed by plants and animals is in "the external (assimilating) surface of a plant and the internal (digestive) surface of an animal." (p. 51) The plant maximizes its surface area to expose as much of it as possible to the sun and the air, while the animal creates folds and such within its alimentary canal so as to provide a large surface area for effective digestion. Hallé notes that plants resemble fractals externally. (p. 52)

The waste products of animals bring forth (to our sensitivities) malodorous compounds as do their decomposing bodies. Hallé explains why this is so on pages 148-151, and why the waste products of plants and their decomposing bodies do not usually offend us; indeed the smell of new mown hay and forest humus or even a compost pile, can be very agreeable. On page 149 he favors us with a drawing of a tree which grows in part upon the waste products of its metabolism stored in its trunk. Next to the tree Hallé has a dog on top of a pile of its excrement, noting that "An animal that stored its excrement would also be capable of becoming very tall."

Hallé's love of plants and his deep respect for them, and his life-long experience in studying them comes through most wonderfully in this fine book. Although technical, it is accessible to amateur botanists and just plain old gardeners and lovers of plants with just a little effort.

[copy of my review for Amazon.co.uk]

Reviewer: Mr P J Stewart from Oxford United Kingdom
The best book on plants I've ever read (and I've been reading about them for more than 40 years). Here at last is a biologist who sees plants for the amazing things they are and not just as something like stationary green animals.
Of the living things that we can see, plants make up the overwhelmingly greater part. They create the grasslands and forests and wetlands and the surface ocean conditions in which most animals live, they stabilize the atmosphere of the whole planet, and they are the ultimate source of almost everything that animals feed on. Yet biology, until its recent lurch into molecular studies, has mostly derived from animal models. Hallé cites many examples, such as the fruitless search for plant hormones and the extension to plants of the doctrine that the lineage of reproductive cells is strictly separate from that of the cells that make up the body of the organism.

Hallé writes with clarity and gives plenty of concrete examples. He is someone who can decidedly 'see the wood for the trees' - not surprising perhaps in the man who pioneered the exploration of the rainforest canopy using 'rafts' suspended from balloons. He is also often very funny, and the translator has served him well. Hallé has illustrated the book with a large number of his own wonderful drawings. The work is beautifully produced - a gem from every point of view!

If you like to cook and enjoy delicious food, you will love this easy-to-read, cookbook, "In the Kitchen with Papa Wiltz." The recipes are very easy to follow, and written in a very organized manner on each page. Every recipe in this cookbook is a favorite of mine, and there are many . My mouth watered upon reading about the Pork Chile Verde, the Shrimp Creole, the Bananas Foster, and the Bread Pudding with Rum Sauce, to name a few. Each recipe is tried and true, by the author himself, who learned how to prepare these dishes from his mom, while growing up in Louisiana. This cookbook is a treasure, and I am so thrilled with it. I plan on buying an additional copy or two, to give as gifts--especially to some newly-wed family members and friends!

This cookbook presents the classic recipes of Cajun/Creole and Mexican/American cultures. The recipes are easy to follow with several tips and helpful hints on how to prepare these recipes. Historical and humorous comments are sprinkled throughout the cookbook.

If you read only one "South Seas" book from the 1920s back, this should be the one. This Penguin issue corrects a number of inaccuracies from previous editions, including Stevenson's own error in their departure date (!) It is the classic travel and observation book of the Pacific. The early descriptions of the Marquesas are unmatched, as are the accounts of the several islands they visited in Kiribati (Gilbert Islands). The account of Tem Binoka will give you a real eye opening into an absolute ruler and his ways in the late 19th century. Reading this could start a life long interest in Pacific literature.

In his book, In the South Seas, Stevenson gives an accurate and in depth look into the people and culture of the islands of the South Pacific. The book describes Stevenson's two year journey from the Marqueses Islands, to Tahiti, then Honolulu ,and finally Somoa. Stevenson uses the great adventures he experienced and his masterfully writing skills to paint a breath taking view of the islands and thier many beauties.