Georgia Tech Books

... then buy, borrow or steal a copy! Never before have I read such a good exploration of Irish exile. Stranded in a dismal flat in England, the protagonist remembers his happy childhood in Ireland, the rough living and working conditions in England, and his only love. The language is quite simple and often Hiberno Irish, but deeply imaginative and so lyrical, that the line between prose and poetry gets blurred. The beautiful black/white pictures added to this book, and the author's ability to portray Irish music help to give an insight into Irish culture. Sometimes it's like watching a documentary, and suddenly you can't help but feeling you're listening to a song; a song of heartache and terrible longing. Despite far from being soppy the book is very moving in the end; you actually hope for a happy ending. But that wouldn't be Irish.

Tim O'Grady creates exquisitely wrought, archetypal prose that could even overpower Pyke's perfect documentary photos. (Without offense to Walker Evans, now I'm wishing Pyke had been around to collaborate with James Agee).

Amazingly, requires very little interest in Ireland or the Irish - O'Grady is from Chicago anyway and this book is more about experiences of all mankind. His crystalline narrative is hardly bound by ethnicity.

Extraordinary and inspiring new use of the verb, can. If you read poetry, you couldn't regret buying this experimental novel.

This book is beautiful and tragic and joyful and moving, all at the same time and independently over the course of the story. Through the poetic language of the text and the poetic imagery of the photos, the drama of every day life in Ireland is brought across as quietly epic, if such a thing can be.

... then buy, borrow or steal a copy! Never before have I read such a good exploration of Irish exile. Stranded in a dismal flat in England, the protagonist remembers his happy childhood in Ireland, the rough living and working conditions in England, and his only love. The language is quite simple and often Hiberno Irish, but deeply imaginative and so lyrical, that the line between prose and poetry gets blurred. The beautiful black/white pictures added to this book, and the author's ability to portray Irish music help to give an insight into Irish culture. Sometimes it's like watching a documentary, and suddenly you can't help but feeling you're listening to a song; a song of heartache and terrible longing. Despite far from being soppy the book is very moving in the end; you actually hope for a happy ending. But that wouldn't be Irish.

I am very familiar with the works of old time Irish writers including the works of James Joyce who wrote about Ireland in exile. I still don't know much about modern Irish novelists until I had the opportunity of meeting and listening to parts of Timothy O'Grady's novel at Perth Writer's Festival early this year. Immediately afterwards I bought a copy and later talked to Timothy briefly about writers in exile and their struggle with dislocation. This story is not only about dislocation and exile. This is the story of a man coming of age and following a journey during which he struggles to make sense of his life, dislocation, loss of love and loneliness.

This lyrically crafted novel is a great collaboration between O'Grady and photographer Steve Pyke. They collectively create a visual journey of a musical Irishman, his journey from one location to another, looking for work and the love of his life. O'Grady's begins his novel with a description of the protagonist's life back at home as a child:

"This room is dark, as dark as it ever gets - the hour before dawn in winter. I have sounds and pictures but they flit and crash before I can get them..."

For me, it is a metaphor of not been able to recreate the places and the people he left behind as a result of his journey.

O'Grady ends his novel with a similar narrative:

"In the room now a breeze comes in through the window and on it there is the smell of spring. Downstairs the girl turns on her radio... There is a time after long work when you can look for strength and there is nothing there....

In the morning light I let go."

In between, we learn about his journey, his recollection of Irish landscapes, the places left behind, the music he played and his love. But this is not just a mere description of a nostalgic mental journey of an Irishman in exile. This can happen anywhere, anytime, and to anyone.

Reading this novel is like watching a visually crafted documentary embedded with voice and music that we can see and hear.

I'm glad that I met O'Grady and read his novel as my introduction to modern Irish novelists. But this novel had another positive effect on me. When I met O'Grady I was writing a novel about my own dislocation. This novel inspired me to look at my private journey again and again, and continue my writing in exile!

I recommend this book to anyone interested in the beauty and tragic of moving from one place to another.

The struggle for a science of culture represents a lenthy contention, as to whether or not culture is a infrastructure or simply a superstructure. The empirical approach used in Harris's work, avoids the realm of philosophy and the abiding law of society, which however is presented as a fact of matter. The contention between the survival of the fittest and the early need to develop agricultural society, the human need not to inter marry were, in fact the effect of a culture in motion. The materialization of culture as a container of human activity opposed to the idea of culture being the sum of the contents obsures the reality; that both coexist and do represent as stated in book, the true Dilectical relationship. Harris's view while I feel is a honest reflection of culture and science does not apply its conclusions to the dominance of the struggle by men to dominant women in society. Cultural materialism does recognize the exploitation of people as the category of change demanded by society and not these shifts in the mode of production.

Marvin Harris' book, Cultural Materialism, is a must read for any student in the social sciences who intends to address issues of war and peace, environmental decline, and social justice. Written in clear, understandable language, the theory presented is compelling and fully relevant to the most pressing issues of today. The updated edition offers an introduction by Allen and Orna Johnson that "examines the impact that the book and theory had on anthropological theorizing." Compared to today's muddled and often unfathomable social theories-Cultural Materialism provides a practical and useful research approach relevant to any social issue and usable by those working for social change. Don't be put off by the title, the book and theory fully address all aspects of culture and in an evolutionally perspective. I particularly recommend the book and theory to those who work on environmental and social justice issues. Conservation biologists seeking to explore sociocultural issues, especially when addressing conservation planning implementation problems, would be well served appreciating the Cultural Materialist perspective.

Foundational. This book is the core of cultural materialist theory. I lays out in simple language a theory for describing and explaining the complexity that is human behavior and thought. Many have railed against cultural materialism for being too simplistic, for "naïvely" arguing for evolutionary, universal patterns throughout human societies. Harris spent his life fighting for a scientific approach to anthropology and this was his masterwork towards that goal.

He begins by discussing science in general; its beginnings, evolution and application. At the end of the chapter he says something which resonates throughout the rest of the book and his work. This statement provides a window into the character of Marvin Harris like nothing else Ive read. He says, "No other way of knowing is based on a set of rules explicitly designed to transcend the prior belief systems of mutually antagonistic tribes, nations, classes, and ethnic and religious communities in order to arrive at knowledge that is equally probable for any rational human mind. Those that doubt that science can do this must be made to show that some other ecumenical alternative can do it better. Unless they can show how some other universalistic system of knowing leads to more acceptable criteria of truth, their attempt to subvert the universal credibility of science in the name of cultural relativism, however well intentioned, is an intellectual crime against humanity."

Throughout the first part he discusses his theory. Beginning with the epistemological underpinnings of the theory and ending with application he thoroughly explains and attempts to preempt any questions that might arise. In the second half of the book he compares his theory to other anthropological explainations and descriptions of human behavior and ideas. He discusses sociobiology, Marxism, structuralism and psychological approachs to humans. He ends with a critique of postmodernism or obscurantism as he calls it in this book.

His theory is basically that we are motivated primarily by a few basic biopsychological drives. These drives lead us to produce things and reproduce ourselves. Production and reproduction, in relation with the environment, lead to the organizational structures and the symbols and ideologies of particular societies. This is a system. As such all of the parts feed back into each other so that a change in one part usually leads to a change in all other parts. The primary way change occurs in the system, however, is through alterations in the modes of production and reproduction or because of changes in the environment. This is because these are the only things that are tied directly to our basic biopsychological needs.

It is a shame that anthropology has lost Marvin Harris and his scientific, multi-linear evolutionary theories and wandered into the abyss of postmodernist, interpretationist mishmash.

This book will eventually be recognized as one of the most important of the 20th Century - but not until the 21st Century. In spite of what the previous reviewer said, it does indeed deal with male supremacy - and Cultural Materialism's explanation for male dominance is something that feminists should learn and understand, if they want to do something to end male supremacy.

Monty Don is very cool. I've not seen him on television, but he comes across as defiantly insistent on the inescapable value of organic gardening for our souls and our bodies. A great read that you will treasure forever.

A great read. Made me want to get out there and start digging. Make everything sound so simple.

This is one of the most practical and comprehensive books on organic gardening I have come across. It is full of useful advice on the plants he,(Monty Don) grows in his own farm, turned garden. It is also nice that it is not your standard gardening book, that is, one that gives sterile advice on every species(hight:10',hardy to:-5 ect.). He even has information on taking care of small livestock(chickens,ducks) In order to "complete the livestock circle". All in all this book is a must on the bookshelf of any gardener, as much for inspiration from Montys beautyful british garden as for the wealth of practical advice it holds.

Inspiring, warm, homely, earthy... a book to read, not just for reference... Monty takes you so deep into his garden, you can feel the mud squishing under your wellies, smell the lavender and taste the ripe tomatoes, with the feel of gentle sunshine on the back of your neck, and the scent of a thousand sweet peas helping you to forget the scratches from the pruning job you just finished.

The book is written in England, about a English garden with a particular climate and environment. But the practises can be adopted anywhere: know your land, know the climate, experiment, and don't be afraid to make mistakes.

I will read this book over and over and over again. Sweet peas don't do so well in Sacramento as they used to back home in Leicestershire, but... maybe this year I'll try them at a time of year that suits them, not me!

After reading this book and putting in practice what I learned, I felt I had to come back here and post a comment on it. Let me tell you that this book became my Bible on golf. I have shown it to some of my golf friends and ALL of them ordered one. Even my brother who is handicap 2 and a golf fanatic ordered one. Mike covers ALL aspects of the golf swing: grip, stance, movement, etc. The comparison of the Classic and Modern swings is very well done and his tips, believe me, help a lot! If you had many golf professionals teaching you different things, you need a reference. I made this book my own.

I've been playing golf for over 25 years and this book has had THE most profound impact on my game. Coverage of the fundamentals is strong, but the parts that really made a difference were the chapters on the short game, including pitching, chipping, putting, and sand. The pitching and chipping techniques presented here are simple to learn and easy to remember. Best of all they helped me shave many strokes from my score!

The "Young Left-hander" compiled a great recap of GT Football history as seen from the sidelines and pressbox. A must have for any Tech fan!

This book is phenomenal!! If you are a Tech fan read this now!! A great history of the last half decade of Tech football!!! Kim King delivers his story of the ups and downs of the Ramblin Wreck over the last half century!! Check it out!!

Dublin Carol by celebrated Irish playwright Conor McPherson is a new sort of Christmas Carol, and a tour de force for three talented performers.

The demons that haunt this work's leading character are all in his own head and of his own making - alcoholism (would it be an Irish play without it?), family abandonment, failure to succeed. In McPherson's usual style, the dialogue runs summarily from pathos to humor and back again using earthy language and varied pacing, interspersed with poignant little Christmas moments. It leaves the audience to decide for themselves what the leading character will do at 'the end of the day'. I'll say no more about it.

The entire work takes place on Christmas Eve day - a time for hope, introspection, and whiskey. The leading character, John Plunkett, an undertaker's assistant, has just returned from yet another funeral. His young, gangly and untried assistant, Mark, is the perfect foil for John's stories, advice, and for providing the audience with plot/background exposition. We learn how John got to be in his current position, the ruinous road that lead him there, and what he may have learned from his past experiences and mistakes- if anything. The final of the three not-so-wise characters, Mary (hmmm, Mary? a Christmas Eve visit?) provides the catalyst of the story. I will not reveal her relationship to John nor the reason for her visit; suffice it so say that her tidings are not glad nor her news of great joy.

Does John Plunkett learn his lesson? Does he make amends? Change his life? Unlike Dickens' holiday work, the answers to these questions are less discernable.

A timeless and deeply human story of loss, hope and getting a second chance that will touch everyone's heart. Witty, charming and very well written, I read it once for the story, then a second time to grasp all the unspoken emotions between the lines. I just know I'll read it again.

I read this book years ago and it has always stuck in my mind. I am glad to have found it again.

The story is fiction because it revolves around some Americans who supposedly found themselves in von Lettow's army. But the historical setting and many of the characters and events are real.

When WWI broke out, the small number of German troops in German East Africa (now Tanzania) rallied and trained the local tribes and the resident German farmers into a guerilla force to resist the much larger British army to the north in Kenya. The book details some of the tactics used, as well some remarkable inventiveness.

Paul von Lettow, the commander, had an ensemble of talent in his army's baggage train that proved very handy. There was a German fellow named Ersatz who invented a lot of things out of local ingredients. (Because the Royal Navy pretty much owned the seas, there was no resupply for the German soldiers in Africa.) Everyone knows what "ersatz" means now - but this campaign is where the concept got its name!

Like a medieval army, this one had no formal logistical support. It relied on many camp followers, including women and children, to keep the army fed and supplied. Many of these womens' efforts and what life was like for them in the field are described.

One incredible tale told of an Imperial Navy vessel marooned in the Rufiji Delta. Some of the German farmers had domesticated African elephants, and used then to haul guns off the ship up the slopes of Kilmanjaro to shoot at the British army. It sounds highly implausible, but Stevenson gives evidence for many of the points in his story at the end of the book.

This is one of those books where you learn a lot while reading a great story. Stevenson claims that von Lettow knew that the Germans couldn't hold East Africa, and that he felt he was just laying the groundwork for an African country free from future British rule. Whether this is true or historical revisionism I don't know, but the Tanzanian people did build a statue honoring von Lettow in Arusha several years later.

"Ghosts of Africa" is a great title, as it refers to an incredible story that not many people know - at least in the USA. It is the reverse of "the African Queen" - and far more interesting!

This novel really captures a lost part of Africa. It details the German resistance in Africa during WWI. The germans were led by german noble named Paul Von Lettow. For four years they tied down nearly half a million british troops with barely 12,000 of there own. Von Lettow wrote the book on guerilla warfare although he is largely forgotten today. The book contains a great cast of characters in addtion to Von Lettow, many of whom were based on real people. The book has plenty of action and romance. I highly recommend it.

this is a great book that deals with a man who plots to kill a man to start a revolution in ireland and finds a conscience in the end. a must read. O'Flaherty is the man, i don't read much but i love his books.

This easy read chronicles the reconsiderations of both spouses in the midst of a Dublin marriage. But don't let that fool you. This isn't a divorce book, or an angry book, or even a very sad book. Although it may be wistful, it is, at its core, a wonder book. Paul and Margeret, through their separation, rediscover the wonder in their lives, the wonder of their love, and the wondrous variety of life in Dublin.

Through their friends and acquaintances we see through to the heart of things, where sometimes there is kindness, sometimes there is hardness and greed, and sometimes there is something enduring and profound. These men and women illustrate the richness of the city and its neighborhoods, as they run the gamut from upper to lower classes, from conservative to liberal, from upright to criminal.

If you've been to Dublin, you'll see the character of the city in this text. If you've always wanted to go, you'll see the spirit of the place opening up to you. I just finished Roddy Doyle's _A Star Called Henry_ before I picked this up, and I'd say the two serve well together as Dublin bookends. Where Doyle is rough and dirty and biased toward the north side of the city, Adler is polished and quiet and more at home on the south side of the Liffey.

This book is written by an expert in the field in Irish archeology and it should be read by anyone who wants to know the truth of pre-Christian Ireland. Harbison's descriptions of the ancient artifacts, the tombs, the gold, the jewelry, are excellent for the information he gives on early Irish life. The Irish Bronze Age is particularly interesting. Although maybe not written for a general reader it is a great book to have for accurate and informed reference. I highly recommend it.