Spencer Books

This is a well written book, accessible to the well read layperson. Stimson does a fine job of laying out the thesis that he has elaborated upon in more academic research. On page xvi, he lays out the central theme of this work: "Tracing movements and showing conseuences is the central theme of this book. It claims that change over time is what moves politics. Its design is to look at change over time in many different facets of public preferences, behavior, and response." One disclosure that I probably ought to make: Jim Stimson was one of my professors in graduate school at the State University of New York at Buffalo (as it was then called), and his work and passion for the study of politics is something that has stuck with me over time.

In some senses, the culminatuion of this volume begins in chapter 3. Here, Stimson notes the evolution of policy preferences over time. His data analysis clearly suggests oscillations in Americans' political preferences (liberal to conservative as one of the examples) over time (from 1960 to 2000). In Chapter 4, he examines a sampling of presidential elections and asks what they meant (if anything). He also inquires into the effects of presidential debates. Chapter 5 looks at public opinion regarding government between elections. Much data are presented in an accessible and illuminating manner.

In the end, he contends (page 171), ". . .citzens--in the aggregate and at the margin--do succeed in communicatinjg their preferences to government." This should be considered in terms of a conclusion that he and colleagues made in another work, "The Macro Polity," that government in the United States does respond to public opinion. All in all, a good work for well informed laypersons. . . .

This biography about the life of lesser-known Harlem Renaissance poet Anne Spencer, reveals details about the Harlem Renaissance that helps to link people, places and events together. Mrs. Spencer's gardenhome was an important nexus between the North and the South for many of the Black intelligentsia during that time. Her biography shares her friendships with James Weldon Johnson, W.E.B. DuBois and others; giving us a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives of these great figures of African American history.

We also receive the gift of learning about Mrs. Spencer's literary contribution to the Harlem Renaissance, with a healthy collection of her poems placed in an appendix in the back of the book. "Time's Unfading Garden" would be a wonderful addition to any Harlem Renaissance collection. It is a rare item today, but if you can find it, it is worth the investment.

As a famous photographer once stated, photography is aligning the mind, the heart and sight. Scrolling through Modotti's photographs, one feels that she goes beyond by reflecting her passion in her work. This book is an invaluable source portraying Mexican communist art with a flavour of Tina's very special passion.

Blessed Charles of Mount Argus lived almost all his life in a place where his native language was not spoken. His companions shared his ideals more as rubric than as conduct. In modern parlance, he lacked "support" from his community. Despite this, he provided a warm, healing presence to the sick and poor in late 19th Century Ireland. The narrator of this brief, simply written biography allows source documents and, where possible, the words of Blessed Charles and those who knew him to give an account of a life offered in service

I like this book because you can use the exact facial features given OR use the parts given for eyes, noses, mouths...

I have looked for this set of books for many years. I was delighted to find a copy in such good condition and it was delivered promptly. If you love poetry and famous quotes, you will love this book.

If you are ready to heal from the trauma of Childhood Sexual Abuse, then this book is for you! Triumph Over Darkness is a collection of writings and drawings that are varied, creative and powerful commentaries on incest, rape and abuse. Through poetry, art, and first person accounts, 70 women share their experiences of childhood sexual abuse and walk with the reader along the path towards wellness. They reflect each stage of the healing process with a clarity and beauty that is frequently painful, often hopeful and that helps the reader understand the facts and myths surrounding the experience of abuse. Triumph Over Darkness will: Provide tools for survivors of abuse. Give insight into the process of recovery. Dispel the feelings of isolation. Help the reader understand the trauma of abuse. This second addition adds special chapters for partners of survivors, a look at ritual abuse and multiple personality disorder.

Or as near as one can get to such a thing! Astrologer Neil Spencer has put together a first class comprehensive overview of the position of astrology in contemporary Western society. It is entertaining, balanced, intelligent and often very funny. "Believers" (I am a professional astrologer myself) and "sceptics" can both benefit from reading this book.

Early on there is a brief guide to the basics of astrology itself, followed by a quick look at the history of the subject over the last few hundred years. Most of the book is taken up with considerations of every possible aspect (pun intended) over the last century. The rise of newspaper horoscopes, psychological astrology as self-development, statistical evidence or lack of it, the use of astrology by the likes of Ronald Reagan and Princess Diana, successes and failures in predicting the future.

Spencer does a good job of exploding many popular ideas that are held by many e.g. being born on the cusp (you are actually either one sign or another) and the ever-present myth of the Age of Aquarius (highly dubious as to what it actually is). Although Spencer's own astrological input takes a back seat most of the time, countless examples of astrology in action are scattered throughout. The chart comparison between Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky is an entertaining example!

Read this book if you REALLY want to know what astrology is all about.

I thought this book was entertaining and insightful. This quick read would appeal to anyone interested in knowing what it is really like to be a police officer. It certainly opened my eyes to what law enforcement officers encounter on a daily basis in my hometown. I look forward to the next installment.

This anthology of dramatic plays for children includes "Jack and the Beanstalk", "Tom Sawyer", "The Indian Captive", The Ghost of Mr. Penny", Rumpelstiltskin", "Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater", "The Land of the Dragon", Huckleberry Finn", Arthur and the Magic Sword", "Niccolo and Nicolette", Reynard the Fox", "Johnny Moonbeam and the Silver Arrow", "Abe Lincoln of Pigeon Creek", "The Man Who Killed Time", "Androcles and the Lion", "Twho Pails of Water", "Rags to Riches", "The great Cross-Country Race" "Trudi and the Minstrel", "Don Quixote of La Mancha".

The selection spans several cultures and classic stories. Each play is about 60 pages long, has between 8-20 characters, and would be suited to an elementary school-age level.