Asian Books
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Japanese Detail: Architecture
Published in Paperback by Chronicle Books (1989-04-01)
List price: $24.95
New price: $17.82
Used price: $4.81
Used price: $4.81
Average review score: 
Japanese Detail: Architecture
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-19
Review Date: 2008-05-19
My greatest source for researching detail to incorporate into my Japanese design based furniture. A wealth of images!
Simply Beautiful
Helpful Votes: 18 out of 20 total.
Review Date: 1999-07-07
Review Date: 1999-07-07
If you are an architectural students or professionals, you must get this book for your visual reference. Beautiful photographs of details and traditions of Japanese architecture... you will know why it's so influential to world and modern architecture.
Excelent Book
Helpful Votes: 21 out of 25 total.
Review Date: 2000-10-11
Review Date: 2000-10-11
The book is Excellent. It is filled full of high color textures. This is one wonderful reference book for anyone interested in Japanese Architecture. The book is the closest thing to actually being in Japan and looking at the architecture on these buildings.
A good taste of life
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 30 total.
Review Date: 2004-02-23
Review Date: 2004-02-23
Japanese architecrure was firstly influenced American master architect----Frank Lloyd Wright,which you could occasionally find such trails of a natural simplicity acted super perfect in his mid-life works.Wright had using many of Japanese architectural tecniques within his residential projects:for example,the garden sitting,that he agreed traditional Japanese architectural philosophy-----the private garden may bestly mirrored owner's taste of life.Consquently,Wright was a picky architect that especially paying more attention on the rendering of a small enviroment.I am appreciated the choises of materials for Japanese architecture,no more greed,just got sufficient things they need,even for the palaces,still builded without any wasting,it must be hard to looking for another country to comparing with.The structures of Japanese architecture were mainly copied from China.In the same way,it added some new thing different with Chinese architecture.Like wells,beams,doors.lanterns...etc.,Japanese improved those details,and involved in their cultures.The architecture surely centered Eastern intelligence ,moreover,the love of the life.....
Japanese No Dramas (Penguin Classics)
Published in Paperback by Penguin Classics (1993-06-01)
List price: $14.95
New price: $8.77
Used price: $4.12
Used price: $4.12
Average review score:
Profound yet accessible
Helpful Votes: 10 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 2006-01-03
Review Date: 2006-01-03
As previous reviewers have observed, Royall Tyler's scholarship is always top-notch, and his efforts in "Japanese No Dramas" are no exception. Yet equally impressive in this volume is the translator's ability to so richly present the depth of the No theater in clear, concise introductory essays that preface each play while locating them within a broader historical and literary context. This feature makes the text perfect for casual readers and devoted students alike. Tyler's general introduction to the No provides a solid theoretical background for complete beginners, explaining the foundations of the art, its prevalent symbolism and themes, and text- and performance-related terminology, while the aforementioned play-specific introductions offer perceptive critical analyses that follow and expand upon current Japanese No scholarship. Also worth mentioning in this respect are the footnotes. As readers of Tyler's "The Tale of Genji" translation will recall, the author supplies a great deal of explanatory notes to the text, both clarifying less-than-obvious intended meanings and pointing out references to other works. Since intertextuality forms such a vital aspect of classical Japanese literature, Tyler's decision to document each allusion proves invaluable for readers who are familiar with Japanese canonical texts or who seek to better appreciate the literary resonance of certain recurrent images and phrases. Furthermore, considering that a few of the No plays featured in this collection are nearly impossible to understand without basic knowledge of their social, religious, or historical background, readers will find themselves most grateful for Tyler's eminently helpful (yet never intrusive) explanations.
Of course, as impressive as the scholarship is here, it would mean little if the translations of the selected plays were substandard. Thankfully this is by no means the case. Tyler's renderings of each work compare favorably with the various other translations I've stumbled across, and the language he has chosen is simple yet elegant--doubtless an apt reflection of the No theater itself. As Tyler explains, although No is essentially a performance art and as such must be experienced live to be fully grasped, this certainly does not deprive the texts of their literary value. The poetry of "Matsukaze" alone is enough to convince one of this fact, and several other plays are equally lyrical and profound in their expression.
On a personal note, I have never been fortunate enough to attend an actual performance (which are rather difficult to find outside Japan), and my interest in the No is a product of reading volumes such as this; and yet, in spite of such apparent limitations, I can claim that multiple No plays rank among the greatest literature I have ever studied. Surely Royall Tyler's fine translations and careful attention to detail are in large part responsible for this occurrence. Five stars without hesitation.
Of course, as impressive as the scholarship is here, it would mean little if the translations of the selected plays were substandard. Thankfully this is by no means the case. Tyler's renderings of each work compare favorably with the various other translations I've stumbled across, and the language he has chosen is simple yet elegant--doubtless an apt reflection of the No theater itself. As Tyler explains, although No is essentially a performance art and as such must be experienced live to be fully grasped, this certainly does not deprive the texts of their literary value. The poetry of "Matsukaze" alone is enough to convince one of this fact, and several other plays are equally lyrical and profound in their expression.
On a personal note, I have never been fortunate enough to attend an actual performance (which are rather difficult to find outside Japan), and my interest in the No is a product of reading volumes such as this; and yet, in spite of such apparent limitations, I can claim that multiple No plays rank among the greatest literature I have ever studied. Surely Royall Tyler's fine translations and careful attention to detail are in large part responsible for this occurrence. Five stars without hesitation.
Great stuff
Helpful Votes: 10 out of 12 total.
Review Date: 2001-01-07
Review Date: 2001-01-07
In college I picked up a copy of no dramas and started thumbing through. The plays really caught my attention. The plays are mostly short, and have an emotional impact. The funny thing is, in my opinon, even though these plays are ancient an canonized in Japan, to me, they seemed really off the wall and funky. These plays are easy to read and sympathetic. Not what you might be expecting if you have any prejudgements...
Noh Comparison
Helpful Votes: 11 out of 11 total.
Review Date: 2000-05-22
Review Date: 2000-05-22
The significance and effect of Noh drama is roughly equivalent to that of the plays of the great tragedians of ancient Greece. Noh combines the spiritual influences of the Buddhist and Shinto religions and the Japanese flair for densely woven, yet elegantly simple, verse in haunting allegories of enlightenment. Every detail, from set construction to the ritual motions of the actors on stage, heightens the poignancy of the plots. While the text of many of the plays are only a few pages long; a performance of a Noh play can last several hours. These plays are not only touching and intensely spiritual, but also provide a valuable resource for westerners who want to understand the roots of Japanese culture.
Good research material
Helpful Votes: 9 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 2002-04-14
Review Date: 2002-04-14
Tyler is known as an authority on Japanese Literature and this volume serves an excellent introduction to No drama which is quite philosophical and religious in background. Tyler includes several plays which are interesting from both an academic and asthetic viewpoint. I would like to make the suggestion to readers to look up some of Tyler's academic papers in titles such as "The Noh play Matsukaze as a transformation of Genji Monogatari" in Monumenta Nipponica. You can search in Jstor.com at your university library for his articles by author. His work in academic journals is top-notch.
The Japanese Pottery Handbook
Published in Paperback by Kodansha International (1979-09-15)
List price: $19.95
New price: $10.79
Used price: $11.03
Collectible price: $19.95
Used price: $11.03
Collectible price: $19.95
Average review score:
The Jananese Pottery Handbook
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-01
Review Date: 2008-07-01
I teach pottery and always have at least one Jananese student in my class. (Some times they speak very little English)
This is the most basic pottery book. There are no color photos but what wonderful step by step instructional sketches, the sheer number of forms and different designs is truly Awesome.
This book is written both in English and in Japanese. I can't tell you how much this book has help bridge the language barrier (I speak Zero Japanese).
My students both Japanese and American love the book. Worth every penny.
This is the most basic pottery book. There are no color photos but what wonderful step by step instructional sketches, the sheer number of forms and different designs is truly Awesome.
This book is written both in English and in Japanese. I can't tell you how much this book has help bridge the language barrier (I speak Zero Japanese).
My students both Japanese and American love the book. Worth every penny.
great deal
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-29
Review Date: 2007-08-29
This is an excellent book for the price! Simple and straight forward, it's a great learning tool and gives you some good basic info.
English/ Japanese terminology
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-21
Review Date: 2007-06-21
A very basic handbook if you are looking for pottery techniques, but invaluable for the English/ Japanese translations and terminology in hiragana, katakana and kanji for the Western potter who travels to Japan. Not many books around that gives one access to this terminology to enable one to discuss ceramics with the Japanese potter.The terminology regarding forms, descriptions, glazes, underglazes, etc are exellent, with helpfull maps on kiln sites and the different wares found in the different regions of Japan.
The Japanese Pottery Handbook
Helpful Votes: 24 out of 26 total.
Review Date: 2000-04-29
Review Date: 2000-04-29
This informative and delightful book is a must for any potter. With charming and clear illustrations the authors provide information on tools, workshops, forming, decorations, kilns, etc. Even common problems are illustrated! Towards the end of the book, drawings of various forms will prove a valuable resource to many a potter. This book has become a constant reference in my own studio. Please note that two languages are used in the book, Japanese and English, accenting the visual delight of this well designed book.
Jizo Bodhisattva: Guardian of Children, Travelers, and Other Voyagers
Published in Paperback by Shambhala (2003-11-11)
List price: $16.95
New price: $2.89
Used price: $0.01
Used price: $0.01
Average review score:
Thankyou, Roshi-san.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-05-04
Review Date: 2006-05-04
Having read "Liquid Life" by William R. LaFleur I was ready for a deeper study of Jizo bodhisattva.
When I first picked up Bays' book on this embodiment of compassion I expected a feel-good read. Not entirely so! The author is a paediatrician who deals with sometimes-horrific child abuse (I am grateful she said no more on this) and her husband, also a Zen priest, works with prisoners. These courageous beings themselves represent the fearless compassion that is Jizo; willing to face the most distressing aspects of human misery.
Jizo bodhisattva is beloved to the Japanese, for whom he has taken on special duties to do with children and babies who have died, and miscarried and aborted foetuses. This is a peculiarly Japanese extension of his particular concern with those suffering in the hell realms. It is in this latter role that he is best known in China as Dizang Wang, a bodhisattva who first came to light as Kshitigarbha in ancient Indian Buddhism.
All of these aspects of Jizo/Kshitigarbha's history and character are presented with a heart-felt quality such that I was both informed and moved by this book. It took me on a most unexpected journey.
I found myself surprisingly engaged by the figure of Kshitigarbha. I came to realise that Kshitigarbha had already been there in my practice as one of the Buddha's "Eight Close Sons," the main bodhisattvas in the Mahayana Sutras, in recognition of which I now practice a few additional minutes of recitation daily.
There is an inwardness that communicates itself through the images and stories that Bays presents. In Buddhist practice we seek to become that which we, cough, worship. Daily I see the disturbing reality of aging, sickness and death in my work as a nurse. Bays' book encourages me to explore the possibility of, like Jizo, engaging courageously with the distressing face of suffering.
Thankyou, Roshi-san.
When I first picked up Bays' book on this embodiment of compassion I expected a feel-good read. Not entirely so! The author is a paediatrician who deals with sometimes-horrific child abuse (I am grateful she said no more on this) and her husband, also a Zen priest, works with prisoners. These courageous beings themselves represent the fearless compassion that is Jizo; willing to face the most distressing aspects of human misery.
Jizo bodhisattva is beloved to the Japanese, for whom he has taken on special duties to do with children and babies who have died, and miscarried and aborted foetuses. This is a peculiarly Japanese extension of his particular concern with those suffering in the hell realms. It is in this latter role that he is best known in China as Dizang Wang, a bodhisattva who first came to light as Kshitigarbha in ancient Indian Buddhism.
All of these aspects of Jizo/Kshitigarbha's history and character are presented with a heart-felt quality such that I was both informed and moved by this book. It took me on a most unexpected journey.
I found myself surprisingly engaged by the figure of Kshitigarbha. I came to realise that Kshitigarbha had already been there in my practice as one of the Buddha's "Eight Close Sons," the main bodhisattvas in the Mahayana Sutras, in recognition of which I now practice a few additional minutes of recitation daily.
There is an inwardness that communicates itself through the images and stories that Bays presents. In Buddhist practice we seek to become that which we, cough, worship. Daily I see the disturbing reality of aging, sickness and death in my work as a nurse. Bays' book encourages me to explore the possibility of, like Jizo, engaging courageously with the distressing face of suffering.
Thankyou, Roshi-san.
What a Terrific Book
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2004-03-01
Review Date: 2004-03-01
Jan Chozen Bays studied under Taizan Maezumi Roshi, one of my favorite Zen masters. She is head dharma teacher at Jizo Mountain Great Vow Zen Monastery in Oregon. Also a doctor, she devotes her "free time" towards preventing and uncovering early signs of child abuse. Which is ironic, because Jizo Bodhisattva is closely associated with children, believed to be their guardian from birth, throughout their life and after the child dies. Jizo often has a special significance for Buddhists who have either lost a child through miscarriage or at a young age.
In this book, Jan Bays offers us a fascinating history of this magnificent (and often overlooked) bodhisattva. She explains the rituals and practices directly associated with him, like ceremonies involving remembering children who have died of illness, et cetera. I have always been amazed how striking it is that this author is a person who cares for children's well being, is a Zen master, and heads Jizo Monastery. That's no mere coincidence. Jan Chozen Bays IS Jizo bodhisattva. This book is more than wonderful, it's...there is no word for it. So buy it, you'll understand. I recommend this especially to those whom have lost a child or whom are expecting one.
Jan Chozen Bays IS Jizo bodhisattva
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2004-03-01
Review Date: 2004-03-01
Jan Chozen Bays studied under Taizan Maezumi Roshi, one of my favorite Zen masters. She is head dharma teacher at Jizo Mountain Great Vow Zen Monastery in Oregon. Also a doctor, she devotes her "free time" towards preventing and uncovering early signs of child abuse. Which is ironic, because Jizo Bodhisattva is closely associated with children, believed to be their guardian from birth, throughout their life and after the child dies. Jizo often has a special significance for Buddhists who have either lost a child through miscarriage or at a young age.
In this book, Jan Bays offers us a fascinating history of this magnificent (and often overlooked) bodhisattva. She explains the rituals and practices directly associated with him, like ceremonies involving remembering children who have died of illness, et cetera. I have always been amazed how striking it is that this author is a person who cares for children's well being, is a Zen master, and heads Jizo Monastery. That's no mere coincidence. Jan Chozen Bays IS Jizo bodhisattva. This book is more than wonderful, it's...there is no word for it. So buy it, you'll understand. I recommend this especially to those whom have lost a child or whom are expecting one.
Jizo Provides a Model of Perfection
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2004-09-02
Review Date: 2004-09-02
Jan Chozen Bay's book on Jizo marks a pathway to the deepest aspirations of the human being and of the Buddha Dharma. Jizo may set the world standard for the Buddhist vision of a compassionate life where the seeker forgoes continuously personal salvation and Nirvana in order to serve those more needy souls.
Most Buddhists are aware of and have a close relationship to Kwan Yin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion and, currently embodied by the Dalai Lama. Kwan Yin embodies the subtle touch of a thousand hands. These healing hands customize and specialize in offering compassion for the world. Kwan Yin is often pictured holding a medicine bottle and standing or sitting on top of a dragon and fire and riding the safety of a turtle in the seas of birth and death.
Jizo, the guardian deity of children, travelers and others is also the guardian of the Earth Storehouse and Hell Realm. Jizo appears in Japan as a childlike figure with a red bib symbolizing the offering to the sprit of aborted fetuses. Jizo also appears emerging from the Earth -- symbolic of our origination and our profound duty to serve our home world.
One of Jizo's spiritual missions is embodied in her simple vow -- "until hell is empty!!" This dedication is to the needs of departed child spirits, the earth itself and the most desperate souls - those in a living Hell
This mission of Jizo is profoundly transformative to the Buddhist seeker -- fearless we step forward to do our best to heal the worlds knowing that this is a never-ending journey and that Jizos' path is enlightenment itself. The Way of Jizo contrasts sharply with the many religions concerned with finding the fastest freeway to Heaven..
The Way of Jizo offers us a bold alternative view of life and full time employment. If you are ready Jizo is waiting for you in this deepest, and profoundly hopeful of books
Most Buddhists are aware of and have a close relationship to Kwan Yin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion and, currently embodied by the Dalai Lama. Kwan Yin embodies the subtle touch of a thousand hands. These healing hands customize and specialize in offering compassion for the world. Kwan Yin is often pictured holding a medicine bottle and standing or sitting on top of a dragon and fire and riding the safety of a turtle in the seas of birth and death.
Jizo, the guardian deity of children, travelers and others is also the guardian of the Earth Storehouse and Hell Realm. Jizo appears in Japan as a childlike figure with a red bib symbolizing the offering to the sprit of aborted fetuses. Jizo also appears emerging from the Earth -- symbolic of our origination and our profound duty to serve our home world.
One of Jizo's spiritual missions is embodied in her simple vow -- "until hell is empty!!" This dedication is to the needs of departed child spirits, the earth itself and the most desperate souls - those in a living Hell
This mission of Jizo is profoundly transformative to the Buddhist seeker -- fearless we step forward to do our best to heal the worlds knowing that this is a never-ending journey and that Jizos' path is enlightenment itself. The Way of Jizo contrasts sharply with the many religions concerned with finding the fastest freeway to Heaven..
The Way of Jizo offers us a bold alternative view of life and full time employment. If you are ready Jizo is waiting for you in this deepest, and profoundly hopeful of books
The Kama Sutra Illuminated: Erotic Art of India
Published in Hardcover by Harry N. Abrams (2002-10-08)
List price: $39.95
New price: $127.99
Used price: $99.95
Used price: $99.95
Average review score:
very beautiful!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-02
Review Date: 2007-12-02
what a lush, beautiful, dazzling book. Very well produced with many many lush color-soaked plates of erotic imagery. There are even fold-outs of larger images.
lots of text to so you can easily grasp the concepts.
impressive!
lots of text to so you can easily grasp the concepts.
impressive!
A big, fat, lovely book
Helpful Votes: 12 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2003-02-22
Review Date: 2003-02-22
This is absolutely the finest version of the Kama Sutra available. With 224 pages and a huge page size--14-1/2" by 10-1/2", over an inch thick, printed on high quality glossy paper, and absolutely full of full color photos of erotic Indian art, including statuary and several twice-size foldouts, it would be a bargain at twice the offered price here on Amazon.
For years the Kama Sutra has been the object of admiration because of its explicit sexual content, as well as its Tantric religious application for those interested in the practices of Eastern religions. Of course many in the West have sought it out as a source of ancient pornography, but the artwork represented in this book is not as anatomically correct as that which can be found in Playboy or Hustler, and therefore is less useful for voyeuristic titillation. However, for the student of Eastern religions, especially the Tantric tradition, it will be found to be unsurpassed.
The Hindi text, both in their calligraphy and the alphabet, and fully translated into English, is beautifully done. The absolutely gorgeous large sized full-color reproductions of ancient Indian art is exquisite.
Highly recommended!
Joseph Pierre
author of The Road to Damascus: Our Journey Through Eternity
and other books
amazing! ... exotic and erotic......just beautiful!
Helpful Votes: 42 out of 44 total.
Review Date: 2002-10-18
Review Date: 2002-10-18
An unbeleiveably full, large format book with the most wonderful and colorful images of erotic Indian art imaginable. This book should really be selling for $... upwards for the quality and quantity of fantastic photos and images alone. A top-quality, heavy art book, indeed.
Fold-out pages also provide large scale formats and it seems no expense was spared to create the high quality images that abound in this awe-inspiring collection of wonderful erotic masterpieces. Truly the most captivating book I now proudly own.
Fold-out pages also provide large scale formats and it seems no expense was spared to create the high quality images that abound in this awe-inspiring collection of wonderful erotic masterpieces. Truly the most captivating book I now proudly own.
As a traveler and lover of all things "India", I have been waiting for a book like this for a long time to give as a gift to my husband. This is the real heart of the matter...no need to actually read the Kama Sutra when what you really want is all right here. Even without the erotic theme, this book presents some of the most wonderful art of India I have ever seen in one breathtaking book. This book is an absolute "must" for any follower of Indian art, or just anyone who appreciates the delicious and delicate sex-play and sensualities of Indian art and history. Very inspiring :), very beautiful, exotic, erotic and just plain fabulous! What more could you want? I am thrilled with this purchase..... on all levels! A+++++
Gorgeous
Helpful Votes: 9 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2005-01-16
Review Date: 2005-01-16
This book is packed with beautiful illustrations. They cover every embrace, every kiss, and every acrobatic exotica in the Kama Sutra catalog. The pictures go beyond the actual text, in illustrations of groups and in groups of illustrations.
Some depictions are stone carvings from the temples at Konarak, other are more recent carvings in wood or ivory. Drawings and paintings seem to cover every historical style the sub-continent has seen since the 18th century, from stylized cartoons to realism. Color, where appropriate is vivid and well-printed. The illustrations capture many times, people, fashions, practices, and styles of dress. Where necessary, foldouts show larger views so you can appreciate the original's detail. With just a bit more organization and care with the attributions, the illustrations alone could form a serious historical document.
The only drawback to this beautiful book is the Kama Sutra - it's just not there, at least not in complete and coherent form. There are extracts, in Sanskrit, a Romanized form of the Sanskrit phonetics, in a modern translation, and in Burton's Victorian rendering. Maybe the whole Vatsyayana text is there, but it's pretty well chopped up and mixed with extensive commentary. This is about the Kama Sutra, but not a straight translation of the book.
Still, the pictures are worth it. This is a gorgeous book.
//wiredweird
Some depictions are stone carvings from the temples at Konarak, other are more recent carvings in wood or ivory. Drawings and paintings seem to cover every historical style the sub-continent has seen since the 18th century, from stylized cartoons to realism. Color, where appropriate is vivid and well-printed. The illustrations capture many times, people, fashions, practices, and styles of dress. Where necessary, foldouts show larger views so you can appreciate the original's detail. With just a bit more organization and care with the attributions, the illustrations alone could form a serious historical document.
The only drawback to this beautiful book is the Kama Sutra - it's just not there, at least not in complete and coherent form. There are extracts, in Sanskrit, a Romanized form of the Sanskrit phonetics, in a modern translation, and in Burton's Victorian rendering. Maybe the whole Vatsyayana text is there, but it's pretty well chopped up and mixed with extensive commentary. This is about the Kama Sutra, but not a straight translation of the book.
Still, the pictures are worth it. This is a gorgeous book.
//wiredweird
Kim Il Sung
Published in Paperback by Columbia University Press (1995-04-15)
List price: $32.50
New price: $11.00
Used price: $6.20
Collectible price: $36.59
Used price: $6.20
Collectible price: $36.59
Average review score:
Good for explainig North KOrea and understanding it.
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2003-02-04
Review Date: 2003-02-04
This is essential for understanding North Korea and how it relates to the world of today. To undestand North Korea you must understand it's founder Kim Il Sung. The book goes on to show how he created a Stalinist State and huge army to insure it's survival. It talks about the many attempts on the lives of south korean presidents and his unpredictable nature that he passed on to his son and successor. Understandin Kin Il Sung will help the reader understand why Noth Korea is today run more like a cult than a country and why it is the most secretive country in the world today and a failed society.
Very helpful book if visiting North Korea
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2003-01-09
Review Date: 2003-01-09
In 2001 I visited North Korea and found this book very helpful because our guides would only give us the official version of their history. The book is packed full of information and the only one I have found that explains how Kim Il Sung gained and kept power. Dae-Sook Sue has put a great deal of reseach into the book and let's hope he writes another book on North Korea covering Kim Jong Il present reign and the future of the country. There is no other county like North Korea so I recommend reading the book then visiting the country.
Advanced but Very Good
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2000-07-02
Review Date: 2000-07-02
This book is advanced but very good. It is complicated at times but in the long run it is good for reports or projects. It is very interesting. Kim Il Sungs career is much more interesting than Lenin's or Stalins. Very Good!
Napoleonic complex on a national level
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2003-04-24
Review Date: 2003-04-24
Ever wonder why North Korea is such a ... arrogant little country? This book will tell you exactly why. Guerrilla leaders scarred by years of eating rats, living in the hills, and butchering Japanese invaders do not necessarily possess the skills needed to run a country! This book is a must for anybody interested in the current standoff between America and Pyongyang, which North Korea seems to believe will end with the Korean peninsula being devoured by a sea of fire. Kim Il Sung's early days as a revolutionary and guerrilla fighter are given much attention, as are the purges he carried out in order to become the supreme leader. If you're looking for a play-by-play account of the Korean War, look elsewhere though- this book sweeps quickly through that period. The author focuses primarily on Kim's tight-rope act between the Soviet Union (which gave him the job in the first place), China (which saved his butt from the American-led U.N. forces), and the U.S. (which has refrained from crushing lil' Kim's summer camp of starvation in the name of East Asian harmony). Other topics addressed by the author include: Kim's frustration at not being acknowledged as the Emperor of the Third World, Kim's frustration at not being able to feed his population while spending 99.99% of his country's slight earnings on military hardware, Kim's frustration that the rest of the world didn't care much about the Korean problem (until now, of course), and Kim's frustration at not receiving a THIRD honorary degree from some university in Africa or Southeast Asia (naw, just kidding...but you get the point). The only complaint I have is this: the avalanche of names and details that sometimes disrupts the narrative. Perhaps a little too scholarly for anybody not specifically interested in the history of the North Korean Communist Party from 1946-1980's. Still, if you can get past this, the book is rewarding, and one will walk away knowing who Kim Il Sung was, how his son maneuvered into power, and why North Korea is a country with a Napoleonic complex.
The King and the Corpse
Published in Paperback by Princeton University Press (1971-11-01)
List price: $24.95
New price: $17.08
Used price: $0.50
Collectible price: $24.95
Used price: $0.50
Collectible price: $24.95
Average review score:
the tales that teach
Helpful Votes: 10 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2002-05-15
Review Date: 2002-05-15
I just love this book. The story from which the book takes its title profoundly affected me the first time I read it: it is the story of an Indian king who has to take part in a quest.This turns out to be an unexpected and thoroughly comprehensive lesson in life and the king emerges from it as a new and wiser person. You will also feel different after reading it. All the stories related in this book are incredibly old but can still connect with the deepest part of our souls. A book to reread.
Shimmering Zimmer
Helpful Votes: 10 out of 12 total.
Review Date: 1999-11-23
Review Date: 1999-11-23
In the tradition of Johann Jacob Bachhofen and in league with those such as Joseph Campbell, Heinrich Zimmer"s "The King and The Corpse" gets about as good as you will find with respect to comparative mythology. I highly recommend any Jung readers to visit Zimmer's brilliant pages. I also find the melding of Western and Eastern myth systems to be superb. Here is an adventurous path to follow.
Shimmering Zimmer
Helpful Votes: 15 out of 17 total.
Review Date: 1999-11-24
Review Date: 1999-11-24
In the tradition of Johann Jacob Bachhofen and in league with those such as Joseph Campbell, Heinrich Zimmer"s "The King and The Corpse" gets about as good as you will find with respect to comparative mythology. I highly recommend any Jung readers to visit Zimmer's brilliant pages. I also find the melding of Western and Eastern myth systems to be superb. Here is an adventurous path to follow.
A must have for the chela on any esoteric path!
Helpful Votes: 16 out of 21 total.
Review Date: 1998-01-04
Review Date: 1998-01-04
Indologist Heinrich Zimmer provides an easy to comprehend text taking four time-out-of-mind-myths and relating them to the esoteric "grail" path! It makes an excellent study for the seeker/student who would wish to follow Wolfgang Von Eckenback's "I learned my ABC's without the use of black magic".
In this writers opinion very few scholars have been suited to blend eastern thought processess into western concepts. Zimmer adeptly crosses this void as if stepping over a puddle of water, making "The King and The Corpse" highly informative and a joy of the heart to ponder.
If you are a seeker on any esoteric path you will find yourself and your 'map' within it's cover.
Shri Rajeshwari Pujari Maharaja
Kundalini : The Energy of the Depths : A Comprehensive Study Based on the Scriptures of Nondualistic Kasmir Saivism (Suny Series in the Shaiva Traditions of Kashmir)
Published in Hardcover by State Univ of New York Pr (1988-11)
List price: $23.50
New price: $50.00
Used price: $40.00
Used price: $40.00
Average review score:
Upon fourth re-read, even GREATER
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-17
Review Date: 2008-04-17
I just thought I'd reprint an updating of my review of years ago, this time with my pen name spelled correctly. (I SWEAR I entered it correctly at the time! I even refer to the Kularnava Tantra in the review.)
As the popularity of hatha yoga increases by quantum leaps, (thanks to popularizers such as Madonna, of all people), interest in Tantra has kept pace. Unfortunately, faddishness can breed mediocrity, as evidenced by hatha yoga's demotion to mock-spiritual aerobics, Tantra's characterization as "the yoga of sex" and the ancient Tantric spiritual practice (NOT theory) of Kundalini equated to a self-induced acid trip. All three views are as accurate as a vote re-count in Florida.
Now, Professor Lillian Silburn brings an academic's / scientist's eye and a novelist's style to her investigation of Kundalini and the result is a masterpiece of clarity, concision and, simple, honest-to-God truth. Without a hint of nastiness, she quickly disposes of popular misconceptions and presents three of the most important views of Kundalini practice - those of the Trika and Krama traditions within Kashmir Shaivism and the Kaula tradition ("Kulamarga"), the most concise presentation of which can be found in the ancient KULARNAVATANTRA. Her achievment ranks alongside the pioneering work in Tantra of Arthur Avalon (Sir John Woodroffe), although Professor Silburn doesn't let any puritanical inclinations cause her to censor the source material as Avalon did.
Madame Silburn builds her presentation systematically. The book's first part includes a preliminary exposition of yoga anatomy and clearly defines and explains terms such as "chakra" (wheel), "nadi" (energy current), "trikona" (mystical triangle), along with crucial Tantric tools and concepts such as "mantra" and the importance of understanding the outward and inward expressions of vibration and the still centers between the two in which the true yogi resides. Armed with this, even the newcomer to Tantric yoga will be able to follow the mystical and metaphorical rise of the Kundalini serpent through "sushumna" (the subtle middle spiritual channel of the spine), and the means by which it sets the energy centers ("chakras") whirling and vibrating as the yogin journeys ever onwards to final release from the mundane bonds of human life.
The book's second part explains the absolute necessity of the transmission of Kundalini knowledge from Guru to Disciple. The yogin's very safety depends upon this sacred initiation. Then, the processes themselves are described in detail, although Silburn has stated honestly in the Foreward that "Nevertheless, I have left enough points unclarified so as not to incur the wrath of the ancient masters". She means it. And, to underline the point, Silburn allows great Tantric masters such as Somananda, Goraksha and the magnificent Abhinavagupta do most of the explaining in well-chosen and faithfully translated excerpts from their most important works. This enviable practice reaches its apex in the book's final chapter.
The book's third and final part is entitled "The Deeper Meaning of the Esoteric Practice". This sums up pretty well the section's contents. It must be pointed out, however, that even if what preceded this section had been worthless and unreadable (which it definitely isn't), Silburn, in her final chapter presents an English translation of a small, yet powerful section, of that most supremely wide-ranging of all Tantric texts, Abhinavagupta's TANTRALOKA ("Light of the Tantras"). This towering work of sheer philosophical-mystical genius has yet to be translated into English. Silburn humbly turns to this great master, in his greatest work, to give shape, substance and meaning to her own modern masterpiece. Neither the Seeker nor the merely interested could ask for more.
After reading "Kundalini - Energy of the Depths", pick up "Vac" by Andre Padoux. In reading these, you can be satisfied that you are getting the real goods. Leave the trendiness for followers of Shiva Rea and Seane Corn. Let the academics have the terminally-footnoted tediousness of D.G. White's "The Alchemical Body". Lilian Silburn will take you where you want to go.
As the popularity of hatha yoga increases by quantum leaps, (thanks to popularizers such as Madonna, of all people), interest in Tantra has kept pace. Unfortunately, faddishness can breed mediocrity, as evidenced by hatha yoga's demotion to mock-spiritual aerobics, Tantra's characterization as "the yoga of sex" and the ancient Tantric spiritual practice (NOT theory) of Kundalini equated to a self-induced acid trip. All three views are as accurate as a vote re-count in Florida.
Now, Professor Lillian Silburn brings an academic's / scientist's eye and a novelist's style to her investigation of Kundalini and the result is a masterpiece of clarity, concision and, simple, honest-to-God truth. Without a hint of nastiness, she quickly disposes of popular misconceptions and presents three of the most important views of Kundalini practice - those of the Trika and Krama traditions within Kashmir Shaivism and the Kaula tradition ("Kulamarga"), the most concise presentation of which can be found in the ancient KULARNAVATANTRA. Her achievment ranks alongside the pioneering work in Tantra of Arthur Avalon (Sir John Woodroffe), although Professor Silburn doesn't let any puritanical inclinations cause her to censor the source material as Avalon did.
Madame Silburn builds her presentation systematically. The book's first part includes a preliminary exposition of yoga anatomy and clearly defines and explains terms such as "chakra" (wheel), "nadi" (energy current), "trikona" (mystical triangle), along with crucial Tantric tools and concepts such as "mantra" and the importance of understanding the outward and inward expressions of vibration and the still centers between the two in which the true yogi resides. Armed with this, even the newcomer to Tantric yoga will be able to follow the mystical and metaphorical rise of the Kundalini serpent through "sushumna" (the subtle middle spiritual channel of the spine), and the means by which it sets the energy centers ("chakras") whirling and vibrating as the yogin journeys ever onwards to final release from the mundane bonds of human life.
The book's second part explains the absolute necessity of the transmission of Kundalini knowledge from Guru to Disciple. The yogin's very safety depends upon this sacred initiation. Then, the processes themselves are described in detail, although Silburn has stated honestly in the Foreward that "Nevertheless, I have left enough points unclarified so as not to incur the wrath of the ancient masters". She means it. And, to underline the point, Silburn allows great Tantric masters such as Somananda, Goraksha and the magnificent Abhinavagupta do most of the explaining in well-chosen and faithfully translated excerpts from their most important works. This enviable practice reaches its apex in the book's final chapter.
The book's third and final part is entitled "The Deeper Meaning of the Esoteric Practice". This sums up pretty well the section's contents. It must be pointed out, however, that even if what preceded this section had been worthless and unreadable (which it definitely isn't), Silburn, in her final chapter presents an English translation of a small, yet powerful section, of that most supremely wide-ranging of all Tantric texts, Abhinavagupta's TANTRALOKA ("Light of the Tantras"). This towering work of sheer philosophical-mystical genius has yet to be translated into English. Silburn humbly turns to this great master, in his greatest work, to give shape, substance and meaning to her own modern masterpiece. Neither the Seeker nor the merely interested could ask for more.
After reading "Kundalini - Energy of the Depths", pick up "Vac" by Andre Padoux. In reading these, you can be satisfied that you are getting the real goods. Leave the trendiness for followers of Shiva Rea and Seane Corn. Let the academics have the terminally-footnoted tediousness of D.G. White's "The Alchemical Body". Lilian Silburn will take you where you want to go.
The most intelligent book on Kundalini I ever read.
Helpful Votes: 16 out of 16 total.
Review Date: 2002-12-23
Review Date: 2002-12-23
Lilian Silburn, french author born at the beginning of the 20th century, was far in advance. I read about 200 books on Kundalini and the very best would be On a Farther Shore, Prayer of Oraison and Energy of the Depth. Of course Gopi Krishna goes first when you begin. He is a bridge. But when you are inside yourself, then Lilian SIlburn is great. She elaborates on little triffles that will become important when one understands them. She is a kind of interior architect, with a precise mind and astonishing knowledges.
Encyclopedia Kundalannica!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-26
Review Date: 2006-03-26
The author has done a good job of researching and putting together what seems like an encyclopedia of Kundalini.
The books she has used for researching Kundalini are Eastern, so it may be hard for some of us Westerner's to follow. Then again, one has to remember that the Kundalini experince is different for everyone. Also it seems to be written by someone who has not experienced Kundalini awakening.
Overall a very interesting book on the subject of Kundalini that I would recommend to anyone who is interested in this subject.
The books she has used for researching Kundalini are Eastern, so it may be hard for some of us Westerner's to follow. Then again, one has to remember that the Kundalini experince is different for everyone. Also it seems to be written by someone who has not experienced Kundalini awakening.
Overall a very interesting book on the subject of Kundalini that I would recommend to anyone who is interested in this subject.
The Foremost Modern Exposition of Kundalini
Helpful Votes: 59 out of 60 total.
Review Date: 2000-11-23
Review Date: 2000-11-23
As the popularity of hatha yoga increases by quantum leaps, (thanks to popularizers such as Madonna, of all people), interest in Tantra has kept pace. Unfortunately, faddishness can breed mediocrity, as evidenced by hatha yoga's demotion to mock-spiritual aerobics, Tantra's characterization as "the yoga of sex" and the ancient Tantric spiritual practice (NOT theory) of Kundalini equated to a self-induced acid trip. All three views are as accurate as a vote re-count in Florida.
Now, Professor Lillian Silburn brings an academic's / scientist's eye and a novelist's style to her investigation of Kundalini and the result is a masterpiece of clarity, concision and, simple, honest-to-God truth. Without a hint of nastiness, she quickly disposes of popular misconceptions and presents three of the most important views of Kundalini practice - those of the Trika and Krama traditions within Kashmir Shaivism and the Kaula tradition ("Kulamarga"), the most concise presentation of which can be found in the ancient KULARNAVATANTRA. Her achievment ranks alongside the pioneering work in Tantra of Arthur Avalon (Sir John Woodroffe).
Madame Silburn builds her presentation systematically. The book's first part includes a preliminary exposition of yoga anatomy and clearly defines and explains terms such as "chakra" (wheel), "nadi" (energy current), "trikona" (mystical triangle), along with crucial Tantric tools and concepts such as "mantra" and the importance of understanding the outward and inward expressions of vibration and the still centers between the two in which the true yogi resides. Armed with this, even the newcomer to Tantric yoga will be able to follow the mystical and metaphorical rise of the Kundalini serpent through "sushumna" (the subtle middle spiritual channel of the spine), and the means by which it sets the energy centers ("chakras") whirling and vibrating as the yogin journeys ever onwards to final release from the mundane bonds of human life.
The book's second part explains the absolute necessity of the transmission of Kundalini knowledge from Guru to Disciple. The yogin's very safety depends upon this sacred initiation. Then, the processes themselves are described in detail, although Silburn has stated honestly in the Foreward that "Nevertheless, I have left enough points unclarified so as not to incur the wrath of the ancient masters". She means it. And, to underline the point, Silburn allows great Tantric masters such as Somananda and Goraksha to do most of the explaining in well-chosen and faithfully translated excerpts from their most important works. This enviable practice reaches its apex in the book's final chapter.
The book's third and final part is entitled "The Deeper Meaning of the Esoteric Practice". This sums up pretty well the section's contents. It must be pointed out, however, that even if what preceded this section had been worthless and unreadable (which it definitely isn't), Silburn, in her final chapter presents an English translation of a small, yet powerful section, of that most supremely wide-ranging of all Tantric texts, Abhinavagupta's TANTRALOKA ("Light of the Tantras"). This towering work of sheer philosophical-mystical genius has yet to be translated into English. Silburn humbly turns to this great master, in his greatest work, to give shape, substance and meaning to her own modern masterpiece. Neither the Seeker nor the merely interested could ask for more.
For anyone wanting to avoid the blatherings that so many modern writers ignorantly attach to this most beautiful and powerful ancient concept of Kundalini, he or she need look no further than Lilian Silburn's KUNDALINI, THE ENERGY OF THE DEPTHS.
Lawrence and Aaronsohn
Published in Kindle Edition by Viking (2007-07-19)
List price: $27.95
New price: $6.29
Average review score:
"Lawrence and Aaronsohn"
Helpful Votes: 12 out of 12 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-04
Review Date: 2008-01-04
All too often nonfiction authors spin a captivating tale based on poorly researched nonsense, relying on secondary sources with an occasional dip into a primary source composed in the only language of which the author has full command. Ronald Florence is not such an author. He is a skilled historian with a talent for painting lush portrayals of great personalities while capturing fine details that surprise the reader. In "Lawrence and Aaronsohn," one of our heroes is a young and romantic scholar-soldier whose over-confidence drives him across the desert to victory in Damascus and personal suffering and humiliation in Deraa. The other is an ornery genius who, anxious over the fate of the starving Jews at the hands of the Turks, abandons science for espionage opening the doors of the Middle East to Great Britain while sealing the fate of his sister Sarah. Florence's narrative will not only entertain you but may also offer you some insight into the seeds of the Arab-Israeli conflict.
A very interesting and original book
Helpful Votes: 21 out of 22 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-12
Review Date: 2007-08-12
As in a number of new books such as Jerusalem 1913: The Origins of the Arab-Israeli Conflict this book seeks to examine the 'seeds' of the Arab-Israeli conflict. But the approach here is quite original, in a dual biography of a leading Zionist and Arabist the roots of the conflict are drawn by those actors who worked to create the facts on the ground after the First World War. T.E. Lawrence was one of the most celebrated figures of the war who helped lead an irregular force of Arabs under the Sharif of Mecca, the Hussein family, to victory in Damascus. But Lawrence was more than a British officer, he was a lover of the Arabs and adopted their cause as his own. He drew maps granting them new countries and wanted to decide the future of the Middle East based on his Bedouin friends. But time was against him as Ibn Saud conquered Arabia and Faisal and Abdullah were ejected, eventually pushed from Damascus they found themselves in Iraq and Jordan. Only in Jordan would the legacy of Lawrence find root in a Bedouin state and a new Lawrence, Sir John Bagot Glubb, would help lead Jordan to a partial victory over Israel in 1948.
Juxtaposed with Lawrence is Aaron Aaronsohn, a Palestinian born Jew, he was a leading agronomist who desired to build a new Jewish state in Palestine. He worked to develop land purchased for Jewish pioneers. Aaronsohn saw in the British key allies of the Jews and as victors they would be the ones to help guide the Jews to statehood and safety.
The book is a series of vignettes of these two men as they lobby England to support their two causes and although originally the causes are mutually beneficial(King Faisal supported the Zionists in Palestine), eventually they become antagonistic by the 1920s.
The biggest drawback of this book is that these men are in-comparable. Aaronsohn is a Jew from a backward province, T.E Lawrence an Englishmen from the greatest power of the day. Instead the book could have compared Lawrence with Richard Mienertzhagen or Orde Wingate, both of whome were pro-Zionists and were like a T.E Lawrence for the Jews of Palestine.
Nevertheless this is a well written and interesting book.
Seth J. Frantzman
Juxtaposed with Lawrence is Aaron Aaronsohn, a Palestinian born Jew, he was a leading agronomist who desired to build a new Jewish state in Palestine. He worked to develop land purchased for Jewish pioneers. Aaronsohn saw in the British key allies of the Jews and as victors they would be the ones to help guide the Jews to statehood and safety.
The book is a series of vignettes of these two men as they lobby England to support their two causes and although originally the causes are mutually beneficial(King Faisal supported the Zionists in Palestine), eventually they become antagonistic by the 1920s.
The biggest drawback of this book is that these men are in-comparable. Aaronsohn is a Jew from a backward province, T.E Lawrence an Englishmen from the greatest power of the day. Instead the book could have compared Lawrence with Richard Mienertzhagen or Orde Wingate, both of whome were pro-Zionists and were like a T.E Lawrence for the Jews of Palestine.
Nevertheless this is a well written and interesting book.
Seth J. Frantzman
Parallel Lives
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-20
Review Date: 2008-05-20
Through careful research and telling, Florence tracks T. E. Lawrence as he seeks to help the Arabs (whom he has romanticized since childhood) help the British in WWI. Similarly, he tracks Aaron Aaronsohn, who bravely and methodically parleys his agricultural research station's observation capability into war intelligence for the British. Both men see war participation as a stragegy to advance their skeptical consitituencies in the aftermath of war. Both have to work to get the ear of the British bureaucracy.
One of Florence's theses is that in the work of Lawrence and Aaronsohn we can see the beginnings of the Arab Israeli conflict. The other is that while Lawrence is better known, Aaronson's work is more lasting.
I was particularly drawn to the childhoods of the two men. Lawrence's was a 99% guarantee that he'd be eccentric. Aaronsohn's brought to life the early days of Israeli settlers, how they came to the Middle East and how they contended with both European patrons and Ottoman overseers. There are many well written episodes, besides those of the childhoods these include tense moments in spying, Sarah Aaronsohn's ultimate sacrifice and descriptions of some of the Arab operations.
The text devoted to Lawrence's loss of his manuscript and Aaronsohn's death is short in relation to their respective impact, but both are followed by a very good analysis of the impact of the men's lives on the future.
One of Florence's theses is that in the work of Lawrence and Aaronsohn we can see the beginnings of the Arab Israeli conflict. The other is that while Lawrence is better known, Aaronson's work is more lasting.
I was particularly drawn to the childhoods of the two men. Lawrence's was a 99% guarantee that he'd be eccentric. Aaronsohn's brought to life the early days of Israeli settlers, how they came to the Middle East and how they contended with both European patrons and Ottoman overseers. There are many well written episodes, besides those of the childhoods these include tense moments in spying, Sarah Aaronsohn's ultimate sacrifice and descriptions of some of the Arab operations.
The text devoted to Lawrence's loss of his manuscript and Aaronsohn's death is short in relation to their respective impact, but both are followed by a very good analysis of the impact of the men's lives on the future.
A dual Biography both entertaining and enlightening
Helpful Votes: 9 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-27
Review Date: 2008-03-27
Allow me to begin with a summary and then indulge me a bit more time to discuss Lawrence. This volume is a wonderful read and I much enjoy dual biographies that develop a time and place as well as intersect events. Florence's book is most entertaining and enlightening with the emphasis placed mainly on the story of Aaron Aaronsohn and his sister Sarah. Lawrence (yes, Lawrence of Arabia) is somewhat short changed and summarized to quickly. I think Ronald Florence's objective was to market the hook to those who have interest in Lawrence literature only to introduce us to the amazing Aaronsohn family. Their support for Zionism through science and spying on behalf of the British against the Turks in WWI is simply an incredible story. I very highly recommend the book. Now let me digress for a while to say that I am a collector of T.E. Lawrence literature and purchased this book as part of that collection. My recommendation to those who want to explore Lawrence more deeply is to read two other great biographies. The first won the Pulitzer price and is A PRINCE OF OUR DISORDER, THE LIFE OF T E LAWRENCE by John E. Mack (1976) and the second by Jeremy Wilson, LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, THE AUTHORIZED BIOGRAPHY OF T E LAWRENCE. I noted that Ronald Florence referenced that Jeremy Wilson reviewed his text and made comments. Also, of note is that Jeremy Wilson and his wife Nicole own a private publishing house in England called Castle Hill Press. They have a web page and have printed several limited editions of Lawrence books, most notably the complete 1922 text of SEVEN PILLARS OF WISDOM which Florence mentions is his source reference. I recommend that you visit their web site and also pick up these two other volumes to really cover Lawrence in great detail. But a good place to begin is with Ronald Florences creative and well written LAWRENCE AND AARONSHOHN. (I notice that Amazon.com has this title now at bargin price which is even all the more reason to pick it up.)
The Legendary Cuisine of Persia
Published in Hardcover by Lieuse Publications, Limited (1992-12)
List price: $45.00
Used price: $20.68
Average review score:
Persian delight
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 15 total.
Review Date: 1998-12-27
Review Date: 1998-12-27
Fantasti
Easiest way to learn!!!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-23
Review Date: 2007-05-23
I am Iranian myself and only learned how to cook Perisan food once I got married 7 years ago. And of course, having an Iranian husband means your cooking better be good! I have tried New Food of Life and although it is a good cookbook, Margaret Shaida's is BETTER! It is so much simpler and so much easier to follow. Recipes are straight forward and I promise you you will learn how to cook wonderful delicious Persian meals fast! The only thing I wish she had were more pictures of the food.
deserves a place in the kitchen
Helpful Votes: 20 out of 20 total.
Review Date: 2002-02-21
Review Date: 2002-02-21
i really like this book. i was introduced to persian cooking by iranian friends and have been cooking it for more than ten years. persian cooking is incredibly delicious, with inspired parings of ingredients.
the history in this book is fascinating, and, since i do a lot of indian cooking, too, the links of persian cuisine to indian are especially interesting to me. the author's style is delightful--i don't have many cookbooks that make me laugh out loud! the only reason i give this book four stars instead of five is that the recipes, while very good, really can't compare to the recipes in the persian cookbook, _food of life_. however, since _food of life_ is very expensive, anyone wanting to begin to explore the delicious world of persian cooking can do so enjoyably and successfully with this book, which is far better than any of the other persian cookbooks i have with the above exception.
excellent superb book
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 1999-04-20
Review Date: 1999-04-20
I had been searching for a book like this for a long time. It is excellent, I like the historical detailsand I have tried many of the recipes successfully.
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