Hughes Books

This is a lovely book of photographs of places important to the life of Langston Hughes, African American writer, in his boyhood residence in Lawrence, Kansas. The local historians and museum people who researched and wrote the book were inspired by the designation of his home as a national poetry landmark by the American Academy of Poets in 2004. The authors have interwoven aspects of Hughes' life with the images of local places such as the grocery store owned by his grandfather, Charles Langston, in the 1880s and the centrality of the African American church in his life, and that of the black community in Lawrence.
Excerpts from Hughes' autobiographical "The Big Sea" inform the discoveries, and effective use of the scholarly biographies for this small volume that can be held in the hand while walking or driving in historic Lawrence.
This was the place of the first battles between proslavery and free-state adherents that preceded the Civil War and earned the nickname "Bloody Kansas." The winning of freedom through this fight, especially by John Brown, who later attacked slavery at Harpers Ferry with the husband of Hughes' grandmother, Lewis Leary, is central to understanding African American history in the locality of abolition. This is a nice book for a trip to Lawrence and to the local museum. Maps, photos, love of place.

This ground-breaking book shows us the places as well as the history surrounding those places that shaped Langston Hughes' childhood and family history. With vivid pictures and descriptions, a complete geneology, and an awesome amount of new discoveries about where and who influenced Hughes' growth, this book is a gem in Langston Hughes scholarship.

"LANGSTON HUGHES IN LAWRENCE is a remarkable portrait of a place that nurtured a man known for his words more than one hundred years after his birth. We owe a debt of gratitude to Low and Weso for bringing Hughes' boyhood home alive, for returnign us to those years between 1902 and 1915. Here we can see and imagine the world that made its permanent mark on the foremost poet of the 20th century" -- Maryemma Graham, Langston Hughes National Poetry Project, University of Kansas.

"No previous scholar of Langston Hughes' boyhood in Lawrence, Kansas has examined the complexities in Hughes' multiracial family or in his community with the comprehensiveness and insight that Denise Low and Thomas Weso provide in their new study." -- Elizabeth Schultz, University of Kansas

Langston Hughes wasn't ashamed of having two African American parents, being African American and a person of African decent!!!!!. There is no better testament to this fact than every word he put onto paper and every action of his during his lifetime!!!!!. But, this did not lead him to deny the complicated blood history of black Americans and himself. He was fully aware that unlike the pure African, black Americans are a composite of many strands of blood, a multicultural people of their own unique Diaspora who continue even today, with the exception of an inaccurate and racist political correct labeled decided few, to have their white, Asian, and Native American heritages "denied" them.

LANGSTON IN LAWRENCE..., by Denise Low and T.E. Pecore Weso, professes to outline and show most of the physical places incidental to the life of Langston Hughes during his early years as a boy in Lawrence, Kansas. Here, it succeeds very well. The city has maintained much of its historical legacy. The reader is allowed to see places where Langston walked in his youth and talked about in his two autobiographies and in those biographers like Arnold Ampersad and Faith Berry. There is good material to get a general idea of the place and time lived in by Langston.

But, the weight of this book is how it takes great pains to trace Langston Hughes heritage up to him. The authors go into great detail to tell who was who on the family tree, their identity, their contributions-- dubious and otherwise, and who was white and who was black and how all of this contributed to Langston creativity and concerns about injustices against black Americans and people in general. Other than the achievements made by some of his family members, many black Americans reading this book will see parallels to their own family trees and will not be surprise by learning anything new. The average black American like me shares the same multicultural heritages in whatever diversity.

This said, it constitutes "irresponsible scholarhip" to truncate a quote of Hughes without providing it completely. This allows for misinterpretation and is, without a question, "offensive" and the motives should be questioned. More, to be publicized and written up as a book promo, even more, to be included in the official Kansas historical site, without regard to complete accuracy of the entire quote is hurtful and insulting to people of African descent and disrespectful to Hughes who knew and understood the diverse bloodlines of his people in this country in general and himself. Though a satisfactory book over all, the authors and the publisher, even the Kansas historical site, should be faulted on this one issue and perhaps a little ashame of themselves for engaging in such blatently prejudiced rhetoric that Hughes himself never used or would have approved of as seen in the misquoted text.

Many pastors and church leaders find themselves evaluating their ministries by corporate standards. As a result, if the church or ministry does not meet particular benchmarks they feel the ministry is unsuccessful.

Kent Hughes has been a pastor for over four decades and he writes Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome for the pastor who is feeling this pressure. The book was originally published by Tyndale House in 1987 and has now been updated and republished last month by Crossway.

Hughes recounts a scene from early on his ministry where he was working on a church plant. From all accounts this was going to be a successful ministry. Hughes was blessed with a clear demonstration of pastoral gifts, a solid core group, a promising social demographic, and financial backing. However, after a short period, Hughes was on the edge of despondency and ready to leave the ministry. He goes on to articulate the depths of despair that colored these early days of ministry:

"My long-established world of bright prospects and success melted around me. I was in the darkest, deepest depression of my life. My memory of this time is of a gray, horizonless sea. A faint light falls from a threatening sky and I am treading water alone, sinking. Soon, I will be below the surface. Melodramatic, to be sure! But that is how I felt. I wanted out."

For someone like myself who is in the process of church planting, this book is encouraging and sobering, while being very practical.

Hughes goes on to describe the way in which the Lord brought him low only to bring him back up through prayer and dependence upon the God of the Scriptures. It was through this process of praying and reading that Hughes began to learn what ministry was all about. Thankfully he is now sharing his story of God's grace in his own life.

The majority of the book is made up of defining what biblical success is. The successive chapters are, Success is...faithfulness, serving, loving, believing, prayer, holiness, attitude.

Hughes is deeply transparent throughout the book. His wife Barbara occasionally and helpfully pops in to add her perspective during the times of trial and growth. Her presence in the book would be helpful for pastors' wives for sure.

This would be a great book to pick up for a pastor who is feeling `beat up' in ministry. It would also be a great gift for a seminary student or young man who is pursuing ministry. Either way it is a helpful and biblical reminder of what matters and what does not. And Hughes has done it for over forty years.

This book is concise, and largely biographical. It is geared toward protestant ministers, but I think it will resonate with a wider audience since the Bible calls us to such a counter-cultural view of success. Your concept of success will be enriched, confirmed and maybe even changed. This is a timeless read, and well worth rereading. You may even want to keep a loaner, as I have!

It is so easy to miss what God would consider fruitful and faithful ministry by falling prey to the worldly ways success is measured. Every pastor and Christian worker should read this book.

Dr. Sandy Shoemaker

honestly I saw the cover and said man I know I am not gonna like this. I was wrong. It was a great story, I would have loved for it to be longer than it was

A great title from romantic comdey author Charlotte Hughes. This short romance packs alot of punch in sexual tension and comedic banter between its main characters, Neil and Katie. Although the storyline is well used, it does manage to delite the reader with its light comical dialogue. Recommended to anyone looking for a new face in romance.

Neil Logan and Katie Jonas were pretty much raised together, since Katie's mother (neal's family housekeeper) died unexpectedly and the family raised her as their own. Now, Katie is being thrown a fantastic wedding and she's hoping to have the dream marriage. Neil despite his family money is a detective who gives his all to his job.

He and Katie have never really seen eye-to-eye but when he finds that Katie's been jilted, and her fiance has also left her three months pregnant, he 'volunteers' to marry Katie and give the baby a well-deserved name.

While the formula seems overdone, Charlotte Hughes brings these sterotypes to life with reality and spice. I loved the relationship between Neil and Katie and the sparks and sexual tension are second only to the warmth and humor. Charlotte Hughes has great dialogue and this former Loveswept author's debut for Desire is a winner. She also writes fro MIRA (eg HOT SHOT) and with Janet Evanovich on her new series.

RIVETING!! This book grabs you from the very first chapter and does'nt let you go until the suprising conclusion!! It is non-stop action written about a law enforcement investigation by a well seasoned Law Enforcement Officer. Don't miss this one, you won't be able to put it down!

A truly enjoyable read! If you enjoy stories driven by characters, this one will not fail you. The characters are well defined and will feel familiar by the end of the story. The book goes along at a good pace and maintains interest throughout. And watch out for that plot twist!!! Give this one read -- you'll be glad you did.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Nash Chronicles. At first I was unsure of the book, but once I started reading I couldn't put it down. The characters in the story come to life and you can begin to understand the aspects of their lives. This book really gets into the lifestyle of law enforcement not what Hollywood wants to make you believe. The suspense the story creates keeps you hungry for more. The twist at the end is what I remember most about the book, but I won't give it away.

Electrical power is one of the key components, along with chemicals, steel and petroleum, of the second industrial revolution. Hughes focuses on complex electrical supply networks and the impact of society, or culture, on shaping technology. The title of his book is brilliant in its dual imagery of large electrical distribution systems and the social, economic, and political interplay necessary to create them.

Hughes begins by describing an element of Thomas Edison's inventive genius not commonly recognized by historians. Edison not only invented marvelous machines, he also invented what may be his most significant contribution, the electrical power system. Edison, an inventor-entrepreneur, saw that it was not enough to only have electric lighting. Electricity must be made widely available. He built the first network capable of distributing electrical power to the public. Generating power at the Pearl Street station, Edison introduced the concept of a central-station supply system electrifying a square mile area in New York City.

Hughes' model shows how electrical systems developed in general and then, expanding on his theme, he discusses regional variations in Berlin, London, and Chicago. The model begins with 1, an invention and its development at one site, then, 2, the technology transfers and expands into a larger system, which, 3, grows despite "reverse salients." A "reverse salient" is a problem of uneven systems growth which threatens the entire system An example is the uneconomic transmission of direct current over long distances which was eventually solved by the use of alternating current. (A "reverse salient," however, does not have to be technical in nature.) Subsequently, 4, a system develops its own momentum toward a planned goal, and finally, 5, it matures with "the rise of financiers and consulting engineers to preeminence as problem solvers."(17) In the final phase the problems are largely legislative and political.

Hughes effectively makes use of a comparative approach to the history of technology. In his comparative analysis, Hughes finds that Berlin developed an electrical network in a political economy. In Chicago, pliant politicians were dominated by technology, whereas regulatory legislation and parochial political interests hindered system development in London.

Large generating projects built during WWI left a legacy of excess power. Post war support for government sponsored technology waned and planned systems emerged to pool the energy of independent utilities. Widespread grids encouraged engineers and managers to exploit regional diversity in order to balance loads around the clock. This, not surprisingly, gave rise to large holding companies. Financiers "inventiveness," Hughes says, "was comparable to that of inventors and engineers."(308)

In reading his book it is apparent that many factors influence technological systems. Hughes' work argues that historians should think more in terms of "sociotechnical systems rather than technological systems."(465)

Thomas Hughes is professor emeritus at the University of Pennsylvania, and has been the Distinguished Visiting Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, and the Royal Institute of Technology (Stockholm). He is a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences, a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and a member of Phi Beta Kappa. In 1985 he was awarded the Leonardo da Vinci Medal of the Society for the History of Technology for Networks of Power. In addition to Networks of Power, he has also published Rescuing Prometheus (1998) and Elmer Sperry: Inventor and Engineer (1993). With Agatha Hughes he edited Lewis Mumford: Public Intellectual (1990). Dr. Hughes completed his graduate work in European history at the University of Virginia.

In Networks of Power: Electrification of Western Society, 1880-1930, Thomas Hughes outlines his seminal theory of "Complex Systems." Hughes argues that "the most impressive patterns imposed on the world by men impelled by the force of constructive instincts [are] systems, coherent structures comprised of interacting, interconnected components." Hughes thoroughly investigates the development of electrical supply systems; in doing so, he exposes the "ordering, integrating, coordinating, and systematizing nature of modern human societies." In exposing these social and cultural influences, Hughes nails shut the coffin that is technological determinism. Several elements are key to Hughes' theory. Hughes introduces "reverse salients," "technological style," and "momentum."

A reverse salient is a problem that defies solution, while other (possibly related) problems in the system advance; the reverse salient is more descriptive than its technological equivalent-bottleneck. The identification of reverse salients provides the key to understanding concurrent invention and how different inventors in separate countries came to very similar solutions of the identified problem. Once a problem is clearly identified and understood, it is little wonder that more than one person comes up with a solution to it nearly simultaneously, as exemplified by Swan's and Edison's invention of the light bulb.

Other key terms in Hughes methodology include technological style and momentum. Technological style is a function of transfer; adaptation to new environments culminates in a style particular to that environment. A good example of this is the numerous small power plants found in London as opposed to the few larger plants utilized in large German cities-the number and size of the generators was a reflection of the British style of local government and municipal control. Momentum is a function of the size of the systems Hughes explores, the number and influence of the contributors to the system, and the vested interest politicians, the economy, even society has in the system. However, Hughes does not believe even vast systems gain autonomy, as a determinist might: "They have a mass of technical and organizational components; they possess direction, or goals; and they display a rate of growth suggesting velocity."

Hughe's insightful exploration of the differences and similarities of electric expansion in the United States, Germany and England highlight not only the diverse development of the field, but also the different social influences brought to bear on each system. That each system developed along remarkably different lines, as evidence by the case studies of Chicago, Berlin and London, can and was attributed to the different political/legislative/geographical forces present at each location. The advancement of the technology itself becomes secondary and responsive to the conditions present in each country-well exemplified by the differences associated with building the Bayernwerk and the Walchensee hydroelectric plant versus California's experience with hydroelectric power and the formation of the Pacific Gas & Electric company.

Hughes' masterful treatise on the development of electrical power systems reaches out beyond the technology to explain the style of the various systems. In doing so, he demonstrates the technological systems were "not simply autonomous, or free of the influence of nontechnical factors." According to Hughes, "the style of each system was found to be based on entrepreneurial drive and decisions, economic principles, legislative constraints or supports, and geographical factors, both human and natural." He decisively demonstrates in his case study of London that it is not a foregone conclusion that the best technology will triumph. Repeatedly he shows the impact society had on the development of the electrical system.

If you're a history buff, and appreciate the technology that surrounds us all, you'll love reading "Networks of Power: Electrification in Western Society, 1880-1930" by Tom Hughes. Hughes takes us back to the days of fierce rivalry between Edison and Westinghouse; the early era of electric power generation and consumption where the battle of DC vs. AC consumer power was born and decided.

Hughes doesn't stop there. Also included in this well-footnoted edition are in-depth narratives of the evolution of commercial power systems in England and Germany through 1930. A well written, readable snapshot in time.

Compelling historical reading for the non-technologist as well as the student of electrical power commercialization.

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[from the back cover of the book]

I used this book for an online course that I took from BYU. It was very informative and interesting.

To make the long story short, when I started to work as a CSR in a bank, I kept this book as a reference on my desk. Before that I tried to ask the branch manager - he didn't have a clue. In the end, I put it in bank's "Better Practices Manual" binder and used it it explain products to the customers.

This book has an excellent collection of portable and tasty recipes. They lend themselves just as easily to a summer dinner inside if it's too hot outside! The author offers menu selections to help you choose compatible dishes. It's a wonderful book!

Reading this lovely artful book summons images of culinary delights and outdoor beauty. The themed menus are lucious. The art, stunning. This is a book that I will buy numerous copies of for friends. It is simply lovely to look at and provides tasty recipes. LOVE IT.

The recipes are interesting and easy with sample menus. This would be a great book to put into a gift picnic basket and then give it to a friend. I'm looking forward to trying the grilled chicken kabobs with peach salsa. The herbed green beans with mozzarella and prosciutto look great, too.

I cannot think of a better way to introduce the poetry of Langston Hughes than this small volume. The selection is excellent and of interest you the young reader. The commentary is quite relevant as are the pictures which accompany it. I find that often now, our young people go all the way through the early grades in school and many of them have never heard of Hughes,much less read his poetry. This was the sort of stuff my generation and the generation before it grew up on and cut our teeth on. I do not feel I am any worse for the wear. I am fearful that we are bringing up an entire generation (rightfully or wrong, although I feel it is the later) of young folks who will have no appreciation to this great art form and will miss a lot. This book helps. This entire series helps, as a matter of fact and I certainly recommend you add this one and the others to your library. Actually, it is rather fun reading these with the young folk and then talking about them. Not only do you get to enjoy the work your self and perhaps bring back some great memories, but you have the opportunity to interact with your child or student. It is actually rather surprising what some of the kids come up with. I read these to my grandchildren and to the kids in my classes at school. For the most part, when I really get to discussing the work with them, they enjoy it. Recommend this one highly.

I grew up without having read any Langston Hughes. Now in college, I've read some and I'm going to become a teacher. When I teach, I'm going to use this book as a tool for teaching poetry and writing. The pages have beautiful art. It's not just good for academics, I'd buy it for any kid or adult.

If you're a Langston Hughes fan, you'll appreciate this book. It's meant for any age, and the illustrations make it even more friendly for children. I am using the book in studying the Harlem Renaissance with my students, and it does a great job. It makes it fun to study one of Harlem's biggest stars.

This collection is a masterpiece, and its companion volume the School Bag is every bit as good. While the collection includes many classics, the various obsessions of the editors have led them to uncover works that you are unlikely to have read before.

I return to this anthology again and again.

...Want a break from poetry that is "sophisticated," "domestic" or "Lacanian"? This is it! It's been a favorite of mine for ten years, restorative on every read. It bears the stamp of green, love, a garden of great poems (Keats, Neruda, "Anonymous" etc.) fresh as the day they were written. This vivid new cover sort of sums up the feeling.

A fascinating collection, more useful for insights into the favorites of two of the more important poets of the late 20th century than for anything else. While bowing down to no old chestnuts out of misplaced respect, the collection also suffers from a preferance for poets from Ireland and the United Kingdom and some choices seemingly inspired by multi-culturalism and little else. Nonetheless, the collection does have some wonderful pieces that would be hard to find on one's own, as well as a fantastic tribute to Shakespeare by including several passages from his plays and none of the sonnets.

Saints, Scholars, and Schizophrenics is a good ethnography of the feild work done by Mrs. Hughes. She gives good deffinitions for the translated Irish words used. A good veiw into the life of the isolated mountain regions f the Dingle Peninsula

A superb description and analysis of the pathologies in Irish styles of interaction, conversational and behavioural. Written by an American psycho-anthropologist conducting fieldwork in Ireland. Brings a detached eye to Irish patterns of conversation and communication. Should be required reading for Irish people seeking self understanding and insight into why their culture is how it is. Caused an uproar on publication - a recommendation in iself - not due to sensationalism, but because truth normally buried was painful when it emerged into the light of day.

well worth studying this book! Gives examples of the dynamic whole society maintenance of the status quo thru Bateson's Double-Bind theory of schizophrenia.