Gregory Books

More than poetry, this book teaches Chinese history, language and culture. Each poem appears in 4 forms, English with syntax adjusted, Raw English word-for-word translation, pinyin (pronunciation guide), and Chinese charaters. The commentary on each poem ranges from an explanation of the symbolism to anecdotes about the poets themselves.

Very pleasing collection of classical Chinese Poetry! The Chinese is provided with the translation so it is also an excellent opportunity to learn more about the Characters as well. This was a joy to read and it connects the reader to the notion that poetry has always been with us and is as inherent to humans as breathing!

THE HEART OF CHINESE POETRY. By Greg Whincup. 178 pp. (Anchor Books). New York : Doubleday, 1987. ISBN 0-385-23967-X (pbk.)

Greg Whincup has here had the useful idea of making Chinese poetry come alive for the Western reader by bringing readers face-to-face with the original texts. Although it has been done before, for example by David Hawkes in his 'A Little Primer of Tu Fu' (Renditions Press, 1988), Whincup seems certainly to have done as well, and considering the incredible importance of the Chinese language, and the wealth of its literature, there really ought to be many more books like this.

Whereas Hawkes' book focused exclusively on the work of Tu Fu, Whincup has chosen instead to give us fifty-seven of China's greatest poems from a wide range of writers - Li Bai, Du Fu, Du Mu, Su Shr, etc. If these names look strange it's because Whincup, rather than employing the Wade-Giles system of transcription which everyone is familiar with, has chosen instead to use the far less well-known Yale system of romanization. For those who don't know it, which probably includes almost everyone, he has provided a brief guide on pages 173-74. The book also contains an extensive 5-page English-language Bibliography

The poems have been topically arranged under the following headings : The Heart of Chinese Poetry; The History of Chinese Poetry; Three Poets of the Golden Age; Poems of War; Poems by and about Women; Landscape/Enlightenment.

For each poem we are given : 1. Whincup's final translation; 2. the Yale word-by-word romanization; 3. the printed full-form Chinese character (ideogram; sinograph); 4. a literal translation of each character; 5. explanatory notes. A nice touch is that the texts have been arranged vertically.

As anyone who has read the poems like this can vouch, it really is the only way for the non-specialist to get an idea of how glorious Chinese poems are when understood in their original language. My only complaint is that, although the Chinese font that has been used in the book is a beautiful cursive form and without the stiffness of the usual printed form, it's also incredibly tiny, and the beginner is going to need very good eyes and very good lighting to be able to discern the structure of the more complex characters.

Here is an example of Whincup's final translation of a famous poem, 'Deer Fence,' by Wang Wei (with my obliques added to indicate line breaks) :

"In the empty mountains / I see no one, / But hear the sound / Of someone's voice. // Slanting sunlight / Enters deep forest, / And shines again / On green moss" (p.169).

This is a respectable effort, and readers might care to compare it with Wai-lim Yip's treatment of Wang Wei in his excellent bilingual anthology, details of which follow below.

Whincup's is a wonderful book that, by enabling the reader to come to grips with the Chinese, will help anyone to arrive at a deeper and richer appreciation of Chinese poetry, and to see how far short of the originals any English translation must inevitably fall. You simply can't do in English what can be done in Chinese, and there really ought to be more books like 'The Heart of Chinese Poetry.'

For those who may be interested, here are details of the Yip:

CHINESE POETRY : An Anthology of Major Modes and Genres. Edited and translated by Wai-lim Yip. 358 pp. Durham NC and London : Duke University Press, 1997. ISBN 0-8223-1951-9 (pbk.)

One of the best books of translated Chinese poetry. The Chinese characters and word by word translation lets one get a real feel for the original. How could this have gone out of print?

I can add little to the other reviews except for my enthusiastic recommendation of this book! Mank, one of the best film historians on the beat, liberally mixes careful scholarship with the zest of good storytelling. This makes for part one of a great double-feature if you follow it with Shawn Levy's dynamite RAT PACK CONFIDENTIAL. Ah, for the good old days... when bad behavior had panache! Great read! As another has noted, it's hard not to tear through in a single sitting.

Greg Mank has left the haunted mansion of golden age horror film critiques and heads into Hollywood Babylon territory with his newest book; and what he finds would have Kenneth Anger gasping for breath. Mank, with his coauthors Charles Heard and Bill Nelson, tells the tale of the Bundy Drive Boys, a collective of fast living and hard drinking Hollywood actors, writers and artists--- all committed to their friendship and the right to destroy their careers, their families and themselves by any means necessary. Among the hell-raisers are John Barrymore, W.C. Fields, Errol Flynn, John Decker, William Fowler, John Carradine, Ben Hecht and Sadakichi Hartmann; and their stories of childhood tragedy, incest, rape, cannibalism (in a POW camp), drunken brawls, sexual conquests, and even an art forgery scam, will have your jaw hitting the floor.

I read HOLLYWOOD HELLFIRE CLUB in one sitting. My morbid curiosity (wondering just how much worse can things get for the Bundy Drive boys) simply would not let me put this book down. If you are a fan of Hollywood's Golden Age... or the last person to leave the scene of a train wreck, this book will surely entertain and/or horrify you!

There are only two ways you can look at the lives of these legendary "bad boy" actors and comedians. First is head-on, which this book offers in abundance. And second, philosophically, as suggested by one of the most poignant passages in the book, "They all saw the joke of life, and they teach us not to be scared. There is no bogeyman. Get the essence of love and happiness and joy, and share it with people. All that matters is to leave a legacy of happiness, and to give someone else an inspiration--like they gave us." (Rita Saiz, clairvoyant?)

John Barrymore, W.C. Fields, Errol Flynn, and John Decker were among the most talented individuals of their day, and seemingly, among the most tragic, each drowning his pain in alcohol and prematurely snuffing-out their abilities and lives. But they did so in good company: John Carradine, Alan Mowbray, Ben Hecht, and Thomas Mitchell, to name a few. And best of all, there was Gene Fowler, the writer whom they trusted to keep the record straight. And worst of all, there was Sadakichi Hartmann, a pre-counter-culture beatnik/hippie who seemed to be consumed by his worst impulses, and was kept afloat by Barrymore.

But to concentrate on the tragic is to lose sight of the legacy that includes Barrymore's "Svengali" and "Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde," Fields's trenchant satires of American family life, and the transcendent magic of Flynn's swashbuckling heroes. Authors Mank, Heard, and Nelson offer no apologies for these artists, nor do they cast judgement. This is a book that is both repulsive and yet mesmerizing. In the end, we are left not so much mourning the shortened careers of these men, but marveling that their genius allowed them to perform a weird alchemy that transformed so much personal squalor into artistic brilliance.

This is High-Gothic Hollywood storytelling, and maybe it's about time.

I was a bit nervous when I ordered "Hollywood's Hellfire Club" by Gregory Mank, Charles Heard and Bill Nelson.

I love old Hollywood and the stars of its golden age and although I was not looking for a whitewash of their lives, I was worried it might be a book that just trashed them. And yes, the book shows their lives warts and all, but it was clearly written by people who love these guys and the period of Hollywood they lived in.

The interwoven stories of these friends has the highest of highs to the lowest of lows, but all told in an engrossing way that really wraps you up in the tale. I was familiar with W.C. Fields, Errol Flynn, John Carradine, John Barrymore, Ben Hecht and Gene Fowler but I did not know much about John Decker and Sadakichi Hartmann but reading about their exploits and insanity was funny and fascinating (W.C. Fields as Queen Victoria? And who in their right mind would ever think of a perfume concert?!?)

The book is a very enjoyable read, it grabs you with each persons story and pulls the group together as it tells the tale. Organized by decades, the book is lavishly illustrated and although most of the cast of characters had a lot of sadness in their lives, the book does not get morbid, it more looks at the absurdity and fun these people brought each other, and through their work they brought each of us.

These guys personified perfection in their chosen fields, were perfectly decadent in their private lives and the way "Hollywood's Hellfire Club" is presented makes for a perfectly fascinating story.

How better to understand our common humanity than to peek at the inner world of another -- and find it so like our own? Soft, coloured pencil illustrations and sparse, personal narrative relate a poignant story of love and loss, freedom and frustration, heartbreak and, in the end, happiness.

When I first read this book I cried. It is a great tale about a girl with down's syndrome named Cindy. She finds a puppy that she befriends and is forced later in the book to give up the puppy. It is a heart warming tale that children can identify with. We've all lost something we loved, whether it be a family member, a pet, or even a favorite blanket. In educational terms, it is filled with sight words and many new vocabulary words. It also introduces young readers to diversity and is a great way to teach children about disabilities.

Coming from a mother of two boys with Down syndrome, I was justtouched at the story. Gregory has a captivating way of literallyentering the mind of Cindy and the way she processes her day to dayactivities. This wonderful lesson in empathy helps us realize thatso-called "special-needs" people are a lot more like therest of us than they are different.

I am in awe of what Nan Gregory has been able to accomplish by page 2, the respect she has for her young audience's intelligence, and for all the seeds of other stories she plants along the way but chooses not to tell. Ron Lightburn's gorgeous, moody, illustrations help draw the reader (or listener) into Cindy's world, far away from sentimentality and cuteness. A great book; one day hope to read it (and Charlotte's Web) aloud without sobbing. Please give us more of Cindy.

the book was good it was kinda like the movie all about the
benjamins you know what im sayin mooney money bling bling

I rated this book five stars.
Why?
I enjoyed reading about how
they all felt about each other.
What I really liked was they finally
got record deal.
The character I liked the most was Chanel
because she was the nice and pretty type.
So that's why I rated this book five stars.

Of all the books I've read I have to say this is the best. The series alone is great! In this book Galleria tries to be the leader of the group and bosses them around. So Chanel tells her it's not happening. (But I like the old Aqua and Angie better, They are featured in the series 1-4)

Well I am a big fan of all types of books and when I first sawthe Cheetah Girls book I had to get it (the first edition). I am inlove with them! They are so adorable. Although, it took me awhile for me to understand what they were saying. This book is recomended for kids age 8 & up. Anyone can enjoy this book. If you want to be a star or don't think you can make it just read this (and other books) to let you know you can.

This book is the best Japanese reference book you can own! It identifies swords, dirks, tassels, belt buckles, civilian swords, and pretty much anything else you can think of. This book is a must have for any Japanese sword collector! In fact this book itself is very hard to find and is skyrocking in value. Whatever you have to pay for this book it is worth it, I know I made up for the price with the first purchase I made.

Excellent book for the new or advanced collector. lots of good photos never published info. Clear and concise info on anything you may find at estate sales flea markets or antique shops

This book is very comprehensive and has more information than most books of a similar topic. Great reference material as well as some nice closeup details of rare swords. A MUST HAVE item for anybody that wants to collect Military swords and such. Information of the type included within this book will assist newcomers to buy swords with confidence. Well worth $50 price!!

This is an excellent reference for anyone interested in Japanese swords. The authors have made not only a great handbook, but also one that is easily readable. It is an excellent buying guide in terms of identification, authentication, and evaluation. It also provides great information on sword knots, sword belts, and hangers as well as collecting tips and period photos. Don't go to a show without it! It gives you a knowledge advantage over 90% of the folks selling Japanese military swords. Easily pays for itself with your first treasure find.

Excellent reading material written in a format that kids can relate to. I highly recommend Callie Gregory's "Jeeves, I'm Bored" to individuals with kids interested in adventures on the internet.

Even if you aren't a parent, odds are you have children in your life. How refreshing to find things my nieces and nephew and I can do together on the web besides raid tombs and kill centipedes! I am internet savvy, but have never had any need or time to see what is available for children. I found this guide to be a handy and valuable resource. The best part is, the children and I found things to do that we both enjoyed.

Excellent idea and outstanding presentation. Callie Gregory is right on target with this book! I recommend it to all of us that have kids with curious thoughts about what do do on a rainy day!

As a teacher and a mother, I highly recommend this book. It is an excellent way for kids to have fun while learning at the same time. Great idea by Callie Gregory!

A children's book adaptation of a lovely poem of encouragement and spirit by Beah E. Richards. Accompanied by simple illustrations, distinctive for their broad swaths of subdued, earthly colors. A wonderful read aloud book for storytime or bedtime (or anytime!). An inspirational story for any young girl, especially those surrounded by brothers and a very nice gift book for female graduates of any age (sure to replace "Oh the Places You'll Go!").

This book is one I wish I had when I was a young girl. This book is also very personal. As my father grew up with Mrs. Richards, and she was his dance instructor. So in the portion of the book that is dedicated to all of the children, past, present and future of Vicksburg, MS that would include me and most of my family. Great book. Highly recommended! Thank you Mrs. Richardson and Mrs. Hamilton.

Every little girl (and big girl!) should read this book. It is very motivating. I loved it.

This book will inspire girls in all places and all races to jump for the sun and live their grandest dreams. The language provides a great read-aloud. The message resonates in the heart. It is an encouraging read. Keep Climbing, Girls! Inspite of all the great tribulations that our present world is going through and inspite of woman's collective struggle that continues across the many lands. Yes, keep on climbing. The world needs your light to survie and thrive. Share this book with your daugters and sons, too.

If you've ever wondered while traveling to scenic locales whether they served as backdrops for some of the most momentous events in this country, this book has the answers. Brought to you in the lovely form of photographs taken across a glorious landscape - in conjunction with the impressions made on Lewis and Clark back in the day - this work transcends other photography books and moves in the direction of magic.

I especially enjoyed the humanistic asides on the "slave" and "female" perspective that featured so powerfully on the journey.

A beautiful book at many levels.

I was surprised and excited to receive a signed photo journal from George Thomas. I had looked in books that offered good quality, applicable pictures that I could look at while researching and reading other books (i.e. Undaughted Courage- Steven Ambrose, and Out West- Dave Duncan). I was surprised how hard it was to find a book with many pictures of the trail highlights

This book has not only pictures of the many landmarks along the trail but also suggested old camp sites and river forks described in the story books and journals (I believe they were taken around the same time of year the explorers traveled).

I would suggest this book for everyone!

This is an excellent overview of the terrain Lewis and Clark encountered on their expedition of 1804-1806. It consists mostly of gorgeous photos of scenery. As the author states in the preface,"If Lewis and Clark had had the good fortune to document their amazing journey with photographs, these are the scenes that would have been recorded because these are the scenes described in their journals." The photos cover the entire route, and at about the time of year that Lewis and Clark were there.

I recommend this book.

The photography was breathtaking. It is an excellent book for the layman. I would advise any history buff to read this book. It is also an excellent resource for teachers.

Inter-universe travelers alight on a culture approximately European medieval but polytheistic. The travelers have powers which seem supernatural to the natives. A bad traveler, himself an atheist, but with motives like a Satanist's, pretends to be a local god, and two good travelers, one trapped in an inappropriate body, work to foil his plans for general destruction. Good portrayals of varied persons, including honest clergy deceived by apparitions; a strong presumption of objective morality, although no "real" God appears; adventure of good people fighting powerful opponent. There is an unseen background of a multiverse with some civilization's members moving among the universes, but the nature of the civilization is unclear; there are a few glimpses of the other universes, and the battle between the good and bad travelers is part of something bigger, although there seem to be no books about the rest of the saga.

Just really great FUN !! Rousing adventure story - with witty alien cat sidekick - witty humor medieval scenario adventure tale. One of my favorites for just fun reading. Reminds me very much of the style of Christoper Stasheff - the Warlock series.

I don't understand why this book is out of print or why Frost hasn't written any other books. Lyrec, while a simple title, is an EXCELLENT book.

This is one of those books that once you start reading your hooked and cant put it down. If your looking for one of the best Fantasy books ever written, try and get a copy. You WONT regret it!

Okay, Gregory Frost gets my personal pullitzer for one big fat reason: his writing is very sensually evocative. What I mean by that is when you read this you will be able to experience this story with multiple senses. I can't see why this is out of print. People must be stupid or something.

The Mass Never Ends!
For a Life Long Catholic,this book is a must read in order to revitilize your faith and perseption of the intent of the Mass which for most is an every Sunday rutual.

This new book by author and publisher, Gregory Pierce, is a joy to read. It is packed full of powerful reflections on how the Catholic Mass supports and sustains us in carrying out our mission "to help bring about the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven." Pierce makes the vital connection between our celebration of the Mass and our life mission.

The Mass provides us with all we need to carry out what Pierce calls our "mission impossible." We are not alone in this difficult mission of bringing about God's kingdom. Our celebration of the Mass within our respective communities supports us in our work, encourages us when we get discouraged and provides a constant reminder "to do the good that presents itself."

In fifteen short and easy-to-read chapters, Pierce tackles the topics of vocation or mission, the Mass as a sending forth, and the spirituality of work. Included are a mini-story and questions for reflection and discussion at the end of each chapter.

Pierce's writing is clear and down-to earth with delightful touches of humor. For example, regarding the Fall of Adam and Eve, he writes "The first couple of beings off the assembly line were slightly flawed." One of the most exciting parts of the book for me is Pierce's translation of the dismissal, "Ite missa est", at the end of Mass. Instead of the lame-sounding dismissal we often hear, Pierce's lively rewording jumps off the page: "Go, what are you standing around for? Get out of here. You are being sent forth to do something. Go do it!"

"The Mass Is Never Ended: Rediscovering Our Mission to Transform the World" is a refreshing look at the Mass and our Christian mission that will be of great benefit to a wide audience of individuals and small groups. I strongly recommend it!

Very highly recommended reading, especially for young adults seeking a meaningful reason to become active in their Catholic church and those older Catholics fearing that the Church has diminished commitments to social justice, "The Mass Is Never Ended: Rediscovering Our Mission To Transform The World" by Gregory F. Augustine Pierce (an experienced book editor, as well as the president and co-publisher of ACTA Publications), examines the Roman Catholic Mass with respect to its connection to the remaining 167 hours of the week. The purpose of this beautifully written and spiritually inspiring book is to encourage the reader to renew a dedication to the Christian mission of community and spirituality in the home, in the workplace, and in the community, thereby creating a continuing connection to God resulting in their enjoying richer and more fulfilling personal and professional lives.

The main thesis of this new work by Gregory Pierce is that the Mass of the Catholic Church provides everything we need to be happy, holy, and fulfilled in our lives: a mission worthy of our lives, a community to send us forth, and a spirituality of work. These three embody the 15 chapters of The Mass Is Never Ended, each of which closes with a short "story about" that synthesizes the topic and questions for reflection and discussion.

The mission we share was given by the Father for Jesus to begin, then by Jesus to the first disciples and all who, by virtue of their baptism and confirmation, follow them. Pierce defines the mission as "no less than to transform the world into a place much more like the way God would have things." He then turns to the question of "how?" sharing answers he has discovered in the Mass. The liturgy assures us that bringing about the kingdom is God's job, not ours and that "Jesus never intended that any one person or any single group of us would be able to pull off this mission." Throughout the Mass, we are reminded that our work is acceptable, our failures are forgiven, and we are being sent forth once again so that God may use our collective efforts to accomplish the mission. Tracing the Latin word for "Mass" to a military term from which the word "missile" also derives, Pierce makes the point that the words of the dismissal, however humdrum they may seem, propel us, "like a cannonball," back into our workaday lives. Armed with the sending forth and the promise of re-gathering in a week or less, we approach our work, whatever it is, aware of our mission.

The book's final section on the spirituality of work provides concrete ideas and examples that support the author's argument that it's almost too simple. "Stick close to the Mass," he writes "Allow it to forgive you, to prepare you, and to send you forth. Leave the church as if you had been shot out of a cannon, embrace your mission to make this a better world, and develop your own spirituality of work to sustain you."

Pierce's latest work has much to offer individuals, RCIA groups, retreat planners, and small church communities. Appendixes contain a litany of work, a Eucharistic Prayer that emphasizes "sending forth," and synopses of books and movies that shed light on the spirituality of work.