Perry Books

Countries have a long history of ingratitude towards those who save them from peril. This book, in fictional form, was the first part of a planned trilogy detailing how the Polish army under King Jan Sobieski rescued the Western world from the encroachment of the Turks, by relieving the siege of Vienna in 1683. Without that victory, our entire history would probably have changed. What thanks did Poland receive for this tremendous accomplishment? It was dismembered by the very countries it had saved!
Sienkiewicz was a fine writer, unfortunately nearly unknown in these times. This is a robust work, but there is a dominant theme of patriotism infusing his characters. Rarely is love of country shown so clearly as in this work. It is also a love story, and a well-told one at that. The book has Sienkiewicz's usual elements: star-crossed lovers, strudy and loyal heroes, hissable villans, and characters who offer welcome comic relief. The writing is a bit old fashioned at times, but the patriotic feeling with which it was written practically leaps off the page at you. This book is much shorter than Sienkiewicz's other works that I have read, but its brevity does not diminish its impact.

This book is written beautifully and patriotically, you find yourself wanting to postpone evrything around you so can immerse you totally in the book
a well written novel by the master story teller sienkiewicz
definatly a keeper you will read it again
Have a good day

First of all, as much as I love this book, I'd suggest that the first Henryk Sienkiewicz book a person should read be either Quo Vadis or With Fire and Sword. They are long but worth it. This book - incredible as it is - is almost just a fragment compared with the giant scale and spirit of his other books that I've read. Even so, it is head and shoulders above most literature in so many ways.

You really get a sense of the times from Sienkiewicz, and this book is no exception. The descriptions of the armies and the countryside and the people in them establish a very concrete setting. Even so, Sienkiewicz infuses everything in the book with thematic relevance, but it is all done so very subtly that only gradually does the reader cumulatively percieve what the author wants him to understand. This must have been very difficult to accomplish, but he makes it seem effortless.

All the characterizations are centered on ideals and you come to know the people in the story through what they stand for and do. It hardly matters what any character's goal is. What's important here is the idealism and purity - or lack thereof - with which they pursue those goals. The heroes are extremely idealized, and the villians are predatory and evil. The "damsel in distress" is not typecast as a ditz. She is a full participant in the action - almost the main character - and her nobility is played off to great advantage against the trials she goes through. It's hard to resist such larger than life portrayals. Plus, the action is fast paced and always interesting.

Admitedly, this novel was the first of a planned trilogy that Sienkiewicz never completed and it shows a little. On the Field of Glory stands on its own, but it is still just a first act. Jacek's character is probably developed more fully in what would have been book two. In On the Field of Glory, we see powerful, passionate people who are being swept up into a greater conflict, but we do not get to see that greater conflict.

An excellent book that stands on its own, but it's a great loss to world literature that Sienkiewicz couldn't complete the trilogy!

I enjoy Perry Rhodan, but my order for this volume was delayed forever, my order for the 2nd volume was canceled and I had to go thru a distributor, and I don't even see listing for the 3rd volume, so who knows if I'll even be able to get it?

So why bother.

For we fans who have waited PATIENTLY for this day, it has FINALLY arrived! The longest-running sci-fi series in the WORLD is back in print...IN ENGLISH!
Fan Pro picked a great point in the PR story arc to re-introduce PR to a new generation of readers.
The story reminds me a bit of Harlan Ellison's 'Phoenix without Ashes', the novel that the 1973 TV series 'The Starlost' was loosely based.
The crew of a mining ship is surrepticiously transporting the leader of the Solar Imperium, Perry Rhodan, into the territory of the Akons, in hopes of forging new alliances. They discover a generation ship launched over 10,000 years ago, traveling with a 'cloak', only after one of the mothership's mining pods disappears. What they find on-board is only the beginning of this small saga within the grand scheme of the Rhodan Universe, now at 2422 (Jan 2008) issues and going strong!
The translator did a fanatastic job porting it from the native German and the editors earned their pay.
PLEASE DON'T STOP!!!

Whether you're already a fan of the "Perry Rhodan" science fiction series from its U.S. edition in the 1970's or whether you've never heard of "Perry Rhodan" but enjoy a good space adventure story, buy this book! It is the first of a six-part series called "Lemuria" and features both a vision of humankind's future in space while also revealing ancient secrets about Earth's past. As a long-time fan, I generally read the Perry Rhodan series in its German original and am just thrilled that it's finally back in the U.S.

I originally read this because I was a fan of his playing, but came to consider it a masterpiece of autobiograhical writing. The honesty and guilessness (?) of his self-presentation sets an example to us all. He's as non-judgmental and imaginiative in his approach to life as he is to music. In a culture driven by egotism this is a windstorm of very fresh air. I've ended up passing it along to several people who have absolutely no interest in the kind of music he represents and they've all been fascinated by him as a unique and exemplary human being. This is a gem not to be missed by anybody whose life leads them away from the mainstream. Do what you like and do it honestly.

"Unique in the annals of jazz musicians," would be how I'd initially describe Perry. Upon graduating from the Conservatory of Music in KC, MO and moving to New York in 1967, I immediately fell in with several of the maestros of the avante-garde, the main three being Perry, Roswell Rudd and Bill Dixon. Through Perry I also was introduced to the incredible vocalist, Sheila Jordan, with whom I played periodic concerts during that era. I also was introduced to the awesome bassist and psychologist, the late David Izenzon, who became my mentor in both areas. As Perry mentions in his totally comprehensive journey through time and space (both inner and outer), he was responsible for my getting into numerology and after some time, legally changing my own name from Richard Youngstein (this is the name that appears on albums with Carla Bley & the JCOA,such as Escalator Over the Hill; Paul Bley; Annette Peacock, etc.)to Noah Young - and in the footsteps of my mentor Izenzon, to the field of psychology for the last 20 or so years. Visions of Perry walking off the bandstand on a gig with Ros Rudd at a wedding gig on an estate in upstate New York , to put his arms around various guests, while uttering his mantra, "Oh my dear....Are we out? Are we so very out!?" and having some of the well-heeled folks stop in their tracks and stare at him like he was from Mars, continue to fill my utterly fond memories of this truly unique human being. Perry is also known as the former leader of the Uni Trio - who one night after an out-of-town gig went to the home of friends who were to have left the keys to their house under the door mat and....as Perry's Cosmic Journey would have it - he found what he thought was the house, found keys under a mat and went in...Some hours later, when the lights went on in the bedroom and a startled Perry and a startled couple found each other and the question was asked of Perry, "Who the hell are you and what are you doing in our house!!??" Perry, never that startled for long, replied, "Oh my dears, come right in - I'm Perry Robinson - I'm the leader of the Uni Trio - Wooo Wooo Wooo!!!" (Perry's famous Triple Woo!) Reading this book is like reading the life journey of an Initiate to a Higher Order. You will find yourself laughing, intrigued, curious, confused, and in general experiencing sheer enJOYment. Do your Self a favor.....get it and read it...the personal stories of the characters along Perry's Travels are worth price of admission!!

When I found this book, I nearly flipped out. Why? Well, Perry and I were stationed together at the Naval School of Music in 1963. I had the opportunity to slightly get to know him.
Reading this book was an adventure into my memories as well as Perry's. His words came naturally making this life trip on paper very cool, sometimes sad, often comical, and searingly truthful. As the cliche goes, I couldn't put the book down and find my self,even after finishing it, going back for seconds.
Wonderful reading about a master musician who prefers his shadows.

Len Levy

This book, which I read when it was first published in 1964, a month before I graduated from college, literally changed my life, as it has the lives of thousands of people since. This is the seminal work of the immortalist movement. Indeed many leading cryobiologists and scientists in other fields today were inspired to become scientists by this book. The additional contributions by R. Michael Perry, also the author of a seminal work - FOREVER FOR ALL, and by Charles Tandy, a life long student of Immortalism, only add to the value of this updated edition.

Peter H. Christiansen M.Div.
Former Senior Minister
First Unitarian Church of Los Angeles
Mt Diablo (Walnut Creek CA) Unitarian Universalist Church

Needless to say, transhumanism and cryonics are still considered "out there" by the vast majority of humankind. "How can you possibly bring back a person's consciousness?" "God never intended people to live past 'three score and ten.'" "Won't this make the population explosion even worse?" "Who wants to come back all old and wrinkled." "I'll be happy to leave this veil of tears."

One hears all manner of rationalizations and just plain misconceptions to accept the status quo. More than 40 years ago (!!) Dr. Ettinger made, still to this day, the most eloquent and passionate appeal to assure a practically immortal future for every commoner who wants one.

...

For my complete review of this book and for other book and movie
reviews, please visit my site [...]

Brian Wright
Copyright 2007

This is the clarion call for cryonics in its pre-natal stage. This was the first widely read book on the subject and as such is by default the genesis of the cryonics cannon.

Any serious student of cryonics needs this book. It is not nearly as readable or as "slick" as other modern books on the subject , as it was written at a time before there we any signposts to go by in this field.

I rate this book 5 stars for its significance rather than its "readability". In terms of being a cryonics primer, this is not the book you want, all you need for a primer is 2-3 hours on the alcor.com website. (the most prominent of the cryopreservation firms)

The fact that this book does not have more visibility than it does is a crime.

A practical guide which maps out an excellent strategy for any organization, business, or venture. In clear and engaging style the authors show how to improve one's personal relationship to work, family, and community. Intelligible on every page, this books works for those with time for a complete, sit-down reading and also for strap-hangers between subway stops. Here is deep thinking and personal experience applied with a spiritual attentiveness to true challenges. The reader is educated to think realistically about present problems, hard facts, and tough dilemmas in the rubric of uplifting hope. Hope is investigated as the best antidote to fear, and the authors avoid all of the swamps of New Age mushiness. Hope will put us on track. Bravo!

In a time when there are more "managers" (good or bad) than "leaders"; this book offers valuable insight into providing positive and realistic motivation for any organization. Any person who considering themself a leader should read this book and think about how various principles can be applied to their organization. This should be a "must-read"!

In their book, Putting Hope to Work: Five Principles to Activate Your Organization's Most Powerful Resource, Harry Hutson and Barbara Perry identify, and help us understand the inspirational value of Hope in the work place. While often thought of in the realm of vague spirituality or wishy-washy Pollyannaism, the authors clearly demonstrate that Hope, and its value within thriving, achieving organizations is anything but wishy-washy!

Stating that the "Hopes of an organization are consolidated in a company's belief in what you're trying to accomplish," they show how Hope within an organization is inevitably linked to the company's mission and vision - and where there is no vision, the people perish. The importance then, of a company's vision cannot be overstated. It's not coincidence that there is such a lack of "hope-talk" in the modern work place accompanied by a tangible sense of hopelessness.

While traditional management theory focuses on "driving out fear," pioneering authors Hutson and Perry compel us to focus on Hope instead, to "bring energy to the more life-enhancing side of the equation, creating more vibrant, creative, collaborative and successful workplaces."

Hutson and Perry identify the five principles of Hope - Possibility, Agency, Worth, Openness and Connection - and define Hope as "an orientation to a positive future that engages our heads, hearts and hands." When these principles are present - and sustained - within an organization, individuals and their organizations succeed.

In presenting their five principles of Hope, Hutson and Perry highlight research proving the effectiveness of Hope within an organization and provide detailed examples of how to evaluate and improve your skills as a leader fostering Hope within your organization or team. You'll learn who "Hopeful" leaders are, what they do, and how they keep their own Hope alive in times of difficulty or stress.

While some management books present theory alone, Hutson and Perry provide clear, useable tools to create and sustain Hope within your organization. Relying on their many years of management consulting and research, they feature real-life examples from a variety of industries. Combined with the tangible results presented from companies with cultures of Hope, led by "Hopeful" leaders, Putting Hope to Work is an inspirational and practical guide to implementing the power of Hope within your organization or team.

If you have any interest in the life and ways of the founder of Aikido, this is a delightful book of paragraph-long snapshots of experiences people had with O Sensei. I really enjoyed the various perspectives.

This book has lots of heartwarming and awe inspiriing stories in it. Just what I was hoping for. I got it so I could learn a bit of the candid moments in people's lives when they met the founder of Aikido. As a practitioner of Aikido I would recommend this book to beginners as an introduction into the Aikido society and attitude. I hope that one day I will have a surreal experiance comparible to those in this book, even though I was born too late to meet Ueshiba-sensei.

This is a book with a difference. This book allows the reader an insight into O-Sensei the man, rather than the often mythical image that is found in many publications. It is also refreshing that Ms Perry avoids the usual fantasy associated with many Aikido books. I was very pleased to see the story of the first meeting between my teacher Kenshiro Abbe Sensei and O-Sensei being worthy of inclusion in this excellent book.
Henry Ellis
Co-author `Positive Aikido`.

Of all the books I have encountered about love and loss through death, this is my favorite. The quotes are short and speak directly to the heart. It has comforted me, not only in the wake of a recent death, but anytime I seek an affirmation of what counts most in life, and how we come to that in times of loss.

I bought this book, mainly by chance, the year my mother died. I would find myself looking at it at traffic lights or while waiting to pick up my kids. It helped to have my feelings put into words by far more gifted craftmen than I. I find myself giving it to friends who experience tragedies. It has been out of print for some time and is becoming difficult to find. It shouldn't be. It is truly a gift.

This is a small book of quotations having to do with living, dying and letting go. Since buying my first copy in 1990, I have given away many, many copies to friends who have lost someone. Tonight I have used it again, to help me write to a friend who just lost his brother in a car accident

I recommend this book to anyone who loves to be inspired and who cares about giving back to our community. The stories are short and uplifting and well-written. I kept thinking I'd read "just one more story" and the next thing I knew I'd read half the book. The book's message: We can all make a difference in our world and be healthier for it.

I have read this book through and know I will read stories from it again soon whenever I need a pick-me-up. It is a great reminder of how many ways there are to help others and of all the great people out there who make it a habit to do so. This really showed me how we can use our own interests and talents to help others and make it our way of life. I recommend it!

this is a remarkable anthology filled with truth, inspiration and wisdom for children and adults alike. EXCELLENT testimonies regarding the mutually beneficial healing powers of volunteer work.

it is my philosophy that what we love to do, instructs us as to what we are here to do, and what suffering we endure, instructs us on who we are here to help once we've healed. this can be seen over and over again within the 45 short narratives of people who have transcended their personal tragedies by helping others through similar pains.

the concept and goal of this book: to successfully match readers with services/volunteer work most compatible with their personality, strengths/weaknesses, and passions, is a noble one. i was especially pleased to read, "this book provides no pecking order to the available causes to serve, because there shouldn't be any"

and gail johnston stays true to her words by showcasing the value of a wide variety of volunteer experiences from passing out pencils, to building homes, to providing medical care, to singing, random acts of kindness (prepaying a stranger's cab fare), to the actual founding of non-profit organizations.

no act of service is too small and all acts of service result in the benefits described at the beginning of the book: "...mysterious, spiritual belssings that can't be seen or measured but that surely enhance our well-being and quality of life"

like the author, i too am a survivor of eating disorders, and like the author also, i found that my healing and return to happiness and health is in large part thanks to the willingness and ability to move away from mass media influenced micro-self-consciousness and toward the much more important things in life: reaching out and helping others.

3/4 of the way through this book, my comment to my children was this: "we share the planet with some truly amazing people." -and i am most proud and grateful to have my own volunteer testimony and the tri valley haven in livermore, included in the social cause diet.

the world owes gail johnston a big thank you! for the time, work, effort and accomplishment of this most inspiring anthology. i'm sure the humanitarian benefits will manifest quickly and multiply for years to come.

it's "pay it foward" in action not theory.

and an all around great read, after read, after read...

sandra kay, ttgp

I GOT THIS BOOK OUT OF THE LIBRARY, AND JUST HAD TO HAVE A COPY OF MY OWN. THIS BOOK BRINGS ALL OF THE FUN OF CHILDHOOD AND SUMMER BACK TO US PARENTS, SO WE CAN MAKE MEMORIES FOR OUR CHILDREN.THE PICTURES ARE BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL TO LOOK AT, AND THE INSTRUCTIONS EASY TO FOLLOW. THIS IS A FUN BOOK FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY. I WHOLEHEARTEDLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!

Many fun ideas for crafts that don't require Martha Stewart skills. Made the cookie cutter soaps with my girlfriends and had a great time. Plan on making the vacation placemat this summer on vacation. The food also looks great. The picture of the black bean and salsa salad made my mouth water in the store. I will be making that soon. Also appreciate the adult versions of thirst quenching recipes. Instructions and ideas are basic and that's just what I need.

This lovely little volume, coming in at a jam-packed, powerful 96 pages (softbound) is truly a delight for kids and adults alike!! As with the previous books I've reviewed in this series...I love the size, the cover design and colors are VERY appealing and quite enjoyable...but I worry about the long term survivability of this book -- I think a nice spiral or library binding might better serve this book and increase its usability!!

How I determined how much I would actually be able to use this book as:

1. A craft and cooking resource for myself and my kids for fun and learning -- my kids are ages 3 & 6.

2. Its use as an inspiration for my own Wiccan practices, both for seasonal decorative projects and for usability in group gatherings and magickal workings

The inside flap promises:

"....every family's handbook to keeping cool and creative during the best months of the year...keep those brain cells functioning with fun and creative crafts that are easy to make, indoors and out!"

....I must say I think you get all that and more!! We start out with "standard" or "basic" practical tips -- which are helpful in reminding us to stock up that craft box before summer, so you can be spontaneous in your summer crafting!!

The actual crafts section is rather small...the bulk of this book consists of recipes for beverages and light meals...but DO NOT let that discourage you from adding this to your collection!! What crafts there are VERY exciting and fun for kids of all ages!!

I was particularly drawn to the Sand Dough...my crafty mind sees many, many applications both for "regular" craft projects as well as for magickal ones! This dough (yes, I already tried it out...boy was this FUN), is a great activity for small hands -- and will not be lost on older kids and adults, the applications for crafting beautiful sand art is as limitless as your imagination here...chunky and typical or elegant and finely crafted....your sand dough will allow you to make beautiful, fun, and long lasting (it's semi permanent - life can be added to these projects by using a spray on protective coating) items!! Let your imagination run wild with this...it's easy to do! I also see a great deal of expanded opportunities for magickal application with this project...both for altar decorations and for spell working too...this could be really useful in exploring or re-connecting with the "inner child" in all of us!!

The painted terra cotta pots is a fun project...this is another one that even the very young can enjoy and do with little help...my kids (ages 3 & 6) had no trouble with this...and they were so PROUD of their very special personal pots...these make great use for the kitchen or for planting (learning about growing things)....I was very happy with the ideas here!!

I would not personally attempt the terra cotta lamps with my kids - they are just too young for this...older kids (especially pre-teens and teens) will likely enjoy this project -- I believe that they will find this a classy and fun, "grown-up" feeling touch!! This is a fun way to "dress up" a party and if you use some of the colored tea lights that are available at many stores you have even greater flexibility in uses for this project!! My magickal mind was racing just as much with this one as the dough...Full moon gatherings and Summer Solstice circles would certainly be a great time to make some of these!! Again, the added use of colored tea lights adds variety to the potential for this project!!

The ants in the grass candle (page 25) is cute, probably best for kids 8+, who have better coordination (hot glue gun used)-- this project could be expanded and used as a playful alter decoration!!

The Vacation Placemat is a good way to commemorate a summer trip or even to help familiarize smaller children with destinations prior to travel!! I LOVE this project and it also has expansion possibilities -- it could be enlarged and made into an altar cloth of sorts...what a fun, playful and lively summer touch for your altar!!

There are a variety of other projects...very sweet and mostly fun which would be fun and easy for most kids - younger children will need assistance with some of the projects, but overall...there are actually lots that can be enjoyed by the ENTIRE family!!

The remainder of the book (from page 34 forward) is largely recipes with a few simple crafts interspersed...I think the drink recipes are all really easy (and the ones we tried were really YUMMY!)...they even have complimenting ice cube recipes...WHAT FUN!! Most of these can be done by younger children (some with assistance)!! I feel that the beverage recipes in particular would be a very fun resource for magickal summer gatherings!! I found my mind racing with alternative beverages for summer circles and think yours will too!!

The food recipes are all pretty light, but full of flavor -- the Gazpacho-to-Go....MMMMMMMMMMMMM!! There are LOTS of grilling recipes and salads with light flavored butters and lots of veggies -- GREAT flavorful summer sizzlers!!

Overall...I don't think anyone who buys this book will be disappointed with the content and as an all-in-one resource for family fun...it pretty much lives up to the promises made!!

I give it an A+ for content and usability -- a good amount of easy and fun craft projects that can be either a little campy or a lot elegant, depending on how you use them...and great beverage and food fare that won't bog you down in the summer heat!

Summertime treats gets a B+ for price...again...looking at this entire series...there is a list price of $14.95...I got it on Amazon for $10.47...I'd still like to see these for about $9.95 for the size and durability!!

This book was written in a manner that communicates to children at their age and understanding level. Thoroughly enjoyed reading it to my grandchildren.

What a wonderful book for children of all ages. This book shows children that success can come by relying on their own self-confidence, and not a material object. Great job!

This is an excellent book. My grandchildren loved it. It really kept their interest.