Hart Books

I have long been an admirer of Eugène Ionesco, with his playful wit and keen insights into human nature. This play is certainly among his best. The inspiration for it was the Nazi phenomenon in the Europe of the 20th century, but the theme is timeless, since we are all too prone to follow slavishly whatever movements we encounter in our society. To do so makes us less than human. The play's hero, Bérenger, is full of flaws, but he is paradoxically the only character capable of resisting the allure of the herd mentality. The play not only has a powerful message; it is also lots of fun to read.

Euguene Ionesco (1912-1994) was born in Romania, but lived a great part of his life in France. He was an important exponent of what became known as "the Theatre of Absurd", a kind of avant garde theatre that was born more or less in the 1950s and that somehow manages to transmit a message through irrational speech and strange occurrences that take place in what seem at first glance as common situations. Other exponents of this kind of theatre are, for example, Samuel Beckett, Jean Genet and Harold Pinter

"Rhinoceros" was written by Ionesco in 1958, and has a strange plot. The main character is Berenger, a Frenchman who likes to drink a lot. Berenger doesn't seem to mind when a rhinoceros first appears running past his town square, while he is talking with his friend Jean. Everybody else is astounded, but they are truly horrified when the same rhinoceros (or maybe another one) returns and even kills a cat. Even that doesn't shake Berenger, unfortunately. The situation is almost dramatically altered later, when Berenger realizes that many of his acquaintances are turning into rhinoceros without apparent reason. The pertinent questions are quite a few, for instance: will rhinoceros ultimately prevail?. And can an average person resist to conformity, or is the temptation to be like everybody else to big?.

This book can be understood as a metaphore regarding nazism and its diffusion in Germany, and has a lot to do with Ionesco's experiences with the Nazis. However, its main theme is the rise of totalitarism, the kind of behaviour and relativism that takes a country to that, and the dehumanization of those that succumb to conformism (like the human beings that slowly turn into rhinoceros, almost indistinguishable from each other). Due to that, "Rhinoceros" was considered a dangerous play by more than one totalitarism. For instance, the play was to be produced in the URSS, but the government wouldn't allow it to be played if Ionesco didn't say that the rhinoceros were the Nazis and not them. As Ionesco refused to do so, "Rhinoceros" couldn't be played...

On the whole, I can say that I really liked this play. It is interesting, easy to read (yes, without overly difficult vocabulary!!) and has a deeper meaning that shouldn't be lost to us. That is, conformity isn't the answer when an stampede of "rhinoceros" tries to run over us...

Belen Alcat

This is an account of how the George McGovern campaign began and how it was organized. It is a must read primer for anyone who wants to get involved in a grassroots political campaign, including the techniques, advantages, and pitfalls of a campaign and campaign organization that comes into being outside the 'establishment' structure. Written by former Senator Gary Hart (then McGovern's campaign manager), who now is poised on the edge of declaring another bid for the U.S. Presidency.

This book recounts Hart's experience as the campaign manager of George McGovern's failed attempt to oust Richard Nixon. It reveals much about such historical characters as McGovern, George Wallace and Hubert Humphrey. Especially intriguing is Wallace's secret, unannounced visit to Hart's office. Wallace begins by asking Hart whom he "really" wants to win the election. Hart responds to the effect that he hasn't been working on the McGovern campaign for his health. Wallace then proposes that McGovern choose him (Wallace) as his new running mate. It didn't come to pass but it shows Wallace's conspiratorial nature. It also lends some credence to his latter day claims that he was working behind the scenes with President Johnson to facilitate rather than obstruct deseggregation. This campaign memmoir also hints at things to come (from the perspective of 1973) in that it was Hart who recruited both Bill and Hillary Clinton to run McGovern's Texas effort. As a work of political history this book is useful because in 1973 Hart stood at the cross roads and saw both America's past and its future. As a work of political theory it its indespinsible. Hart is one of the true giants of American political thought and action and this book offers much insight.

I truly wish that Sharon Hart Addy's "Right Here on This Spot" had reached a wider audience, as it deserves greater attention. Addy takes the intriguing question of "What happened right here on this spot--last week, last year, a million years ago?" and turns it into a meditation on change, time, loss, and more. She goes from pre-human history to native Americans hunting to pioneers to Civil War soldiers, all planting them firmly in the exact same spot, living their lives out, leaving their fragments of history for future generations to find.

Addy's tale is more than matched by the breathtaking illustrations of artist John Clapp. Clapp, who teaches illustration at San Jose State University, has done a superlative job of giving larger life to the text without overpowering it. His illustrations are not only incredibly realistic and beautiful, but they transcend their medium by having an almost emotive quality. You almost hold your breath to see the Civil War soldier waving goodbye from a field.

I can't recommend "Right Here on This Spot" highly enough, and hope that reading this review will spur more readers to purchase it. It will become a much-loved favorite in your family, too.

This award winning look at the past, winner of the Archer/Eckbald Children's Picture Book Award, is a touching look at the history of place. It was recently selected for Outstanding Achievement in Children's Literature by the Children's Book Award Committee of the Wisconsin Library Association.

Skye Henderson is a good-natured, loopy, fun-loving girl with a mad crush on a not-particularly-interested executive who's (uh-oh) relocating from London to Edinburgh. What to do? Overly optimistic Skye decides the only logical plan is to follow him to Scotland under the pretext of having gotten a job there herself. Now,the only problem is convincing serious Scotsman Lorimer Kingan, no-nonsense golf course architect, that she's the perfect temporary secretary. With her vast secretarial skills (none), knowledge of golf (none), sensible office attire (none), how can Lorimer say no? The odd and amusing path to true love will keep you very entertained as Skye finally learns who is the right kind of man for her.

Skye Henderson is a good-natured, loopy, fun-loving girl with a mad crush on a not-particularly-interested executive who's (uh-oh) relocating from London to Edinburgh. What to do? Overly optimistic Skye decides the only logical plan is to follow him to Scotland under the pretext of having gotten a job there herself. Now, the only problem is convincing serious Scotsman Lorimer Kingan, no-nonsense golf course architect, that she's the perfect temporary secretary. With her vast secretarial skills (none), knowledge of golf (none), sensible office attire (none), how can Lorimer say no? The odd and amusing path to true love will keep you very entertained as Skye finally learns who is the right kind of man for her.

Edition indispensable des oeuvres de Serlio avec les différentes variantes. un magnifique ouvrage

This first ever translation in English from the original Italian is accompanied plates from Serlio's first editions. Thus it brings for the first time originals of Serlio's remarkable oeuvre to attention of the modern era. Through these five books Serlio had an enormous influence on the Renaissance and Baroque architecture of Northern Europe and the translators Hart and Hicks really bring this most self-effacing of Italian renaissance architects to life. A must for all those fascinated by the Italian renaissance!

In the North Cornwall coastal town of Crackington Haven, twelve years old Gavin Kane enjoys his childhood playing make believe games with his best friend Emily Scott. However, Gavin knows his parents fear war is coming to England as the Nazis blitzkrieg their way across the continent. His dad knowing he will soon fight for his country shares time with his son; they read together a tale of about King Arthur and Thaddeus Osbert the dragon.

WW II hits home doubly so to Gavin as his father leaves to fight and he befriends a newcomer evacuee child Bunty who survived the Nazi bombing of Plymouth inside air raid shelters until he was transported to North Cornwall. The three children meet Thaddeus Osbert the dragon who begs them to provide him with sugar at a time rationing grips the country. When the Germans land a force near Crackington Haven seeking Excalibur, the three kids and their sweet-toothed dragon try to repel them and their flying ally.

SECRET OF THE DRAGON'S EYE is a superb WWII fantasy that hooks the audience in two ways. First the description early WWII England mostly through the eyes of Bunty makes for a vivid anchored historical. When Thaddeus enters their lives, the story line adds fantasy elements to it. Mindful of Naomi Novik's Temeraire saga, readers who appreciate something different in their war novels will enjoy fine historical fantasy.

Harriet Klausner

What happens when a writer combines three children, Excalibur and meticulous research? A page-turner.

I was totally absorbed by the information about village life for British children in WWII England before the US joined the fight. Talk about tough - bacon grease on bread for dinner. But Gavin, Emily and Bunty have more to worry about than empty stomachs. The threat of a Nazi invasion is very real. So is Thaddeus Osbert, a sugar-loving, fire-breathing dragon.

It's hard for us, who have so much, to imagine the hard times these children experienced. Hart takes us there but, instead of the heavy hand that some writers would bring to the subject, Hart keeps it light.

I had fun with this book. The history is fascinating, the children are fun and the dragon is delightful.

Mickey Hart is in full-boogie these days touring with The Dead, and millions of fans are grateful they're back on the road. But lest anyone misunderstand the depth and scope of Mr. Hart's broad musical background, this book should be considered essential reading. He has painstakingly researched and documented recorded music in a way that I quite honestly never considered in any formal way. Best of all, he's illuminated the historical process and power of recorded music on a global platform, all-the-while presenting it in the most readble and accessible manner. I believe this is the best of Mr. Hart's many outstanding books on music. No wonder he works for the Smithsonian. Scholarly, yes. Boring, not for a single word.

When I bought this book ,I was buying it with my 40 year old son in mind.I thought I would glance at it, and Boy ,am I glad I did.My son enjoys Rock,and even plays a bit of it.I have'nt developed much of a feel for it,but really like Classic Country,Folk,Bluegrass ,Soul,Irish ballads and some Rock and Roll.As a matter of fact,I have heard of The Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia but I didn't even know that Mickey Hart was their drummer.So,I guess I'm really out of my league writing a review on this book;but here goes anyway.
This book bowled me over in a couple of ways.It really convinced me that all music is important and precious.That goes for Hank Williams singing "The First Fall of Snow",Woody Guthrie singing Philadelphia Lawyer,Elvis singing "Love Me Tender",Sinatra singing "New York,New York",Patty Reilly singing "The Town I Love So Well",the music of the Rain Forest,regional and tribal music from around the world, and even my son's Rock.
As a great lover of books,I can't begin to imagine what it would be like if we had nothing that was written prior to 1879.Well,that is exactly what Hart makes us think about,because there is not a single sound that was made befor that date,recorded,and can be replayed today.That thought is mind-boggling;and how many have even given it a thought?
Hart has made major contributions in trying to get the world's music recorded,particularly music from remote areas and cultures.A year or two ago I got the Asch Recordings,Vol.1-4 of Woody Guthrie ,by Smithsonian Folksways Recordings and even though I enjoy it very much,I had no idea what the background of it was--but thanks to this book,I can now appreciate it.
It takes someone with the talent and dedication of Mickey Hart to get involved and is certainly fortunate that he is on the Board of Directors at Smithonian Folksways.
Music and sound are as important as any other aspect of a culture and if not recorded is lost forever.
Just think about it ,we have the physical remains of the ancient pyrimids of Egypt to look at or even visit,there are all kinds of written material surviving,but not a single sound of the activity and the songs that must have been sung as they did their work.We dont't have to go back 4000 years;there is not a single battle sound ,music or song surviving from the Civil War.That's why what Mickey Hart has to say in this book is so important.

This was an excellent "crutch" for trips to Germany and Austria. The tabbed flip chart format and organization by subject make it very easy to look for the right thing to say without digging through an index. It has just enough commonly used words/phrases to get you through an average day's interactions.

I really appreciated its tiny size -- it fits unobtrusively in just about any pocket, and you're much more likely to have it when you need it. In fact, I'm buying this new copy since I accidentally put my original one through the wash.

If you're looking for a language course, keep looking. If you want a quick aid to basic communication or a survival tool for a trip to a German-speaking area, this works very well.

This guide is an easy to use quick reference to speaking German. The flip through format makes it easy to find the relevant phrase. Most basic phrases necessary to navigate in a german speaking country are included.

This little flip book goes with me everywhere. I frequently come n contact with hispanic individuals and this book allows me to interact competently and doesn't allow the subject they "No Comprende" response. It does take some work pronouncing correctly but the english phrase and the spanish coutnerpart are listed as witha pronunciation line which speaking the phrase easy even for the language inept ones out there. And for the price, Why not?

Make no mistake about it, if you want to learn the Spanish quickly this is one of the best books to start with. Forget the verbs, adjectives, nouns and pronouns. Start conversational Spanish now. I teach "Command Spanish" and this is a great compliment for Police Education.

Jane Hart has created a book that is essential for anyone wanting to grow spiritually. Highly recommended for truth seekers of all denominations.

In her book, Jane Hart has managed to capture a clearly explained and workable spiritual philosophy and several easy-to-understand, practical tools for spiritual growth. Straight to the point and eminently readable. Highly rcommended!