Open Books

Whether you are an armchair traveler who loves gardens or international traveler in search of the most beautiful gardens in England and Wales, this book both satisfies the craving for reading about this topic and whets the appetite for more. These private gardens, opened to visits to help raise funds for this charitable organizaton, are described in detail with dates and times they are open, admission fees, directions, parking and what is available to partake of, such as teas and music. There are several pages of beautiful color photographs. This is one book that will be packed in the suitcase or tucked by the garden lover's chair. It's a book I love and never tire of going through time and again.

If you are planning a trip to England and/or Wales and want to know which gardens are open on what days, plus which of those days selected gardens are open for charity, this is the book to buy. GARDENS OPEN FOR CHARITY (2003) is updated every year. The 2003 version is sponsored by "Carr Sheppards and Crosthaite" and contains every thing the avid gardener and/or garden lover and/or visitor will want to have on hand to plan a vacation, a weekend excursion, or a day out. I ordered the 2003 version of the "yellow book" from Amazon-UK and received it very quickly.

Gardens open almost every day through the year, or the growing season plus those only open for special events are included. You can obtain information about all kinds of gardens including the Botanic Gardens (Oxford University) and Hidcote Manor Garden in Chipping Camden (National Trust) that are accessible most of the time to privately owned gardens such as Lambeth Palace (Archbishop of Canterbury) that are only open to the public on special occasions.

England and Wales are divided into shires and maps are shown for each jurisdiction. The gardens discussed in the catalogue are noted on the map. This is one of the best if not the best guide you will find to gardens in the U.K.

....for any collector of books or, for that matter, collectors period!

Spanning the long period from ancient times, when books were hand-copied, to the modern day, "A Gentle Madness" takes us on a strange and exciting journey through the world of rare book collectors. Our society owes a lot to book collectors. Determination, time, and money have enabled them to seek out and preserve rare books, manuscripts, documents, and letters of profound cultural and historical importance. Many of the most noted collectors have ultimately given their world-class libraries to colleges and universities, where the fruits of their labor have benefited generations of scholars and researchers. This book demonstrates, in a colorful manner, how book collectors are driven to seek out new acquisitions for their libraries. For some, it is a consuming passion. For a few, it is a dangerous obsession that forces them to sacrifice the basic amenities of life, or even break the law. Nicholas Basbanes not only introduces readers to book collectors throughout history, but also to the books themselves, and to the methods employed to obtain rare books. While anyone interested in history and scholarship will thoroughly enjoy this book, book collectors will have a very difficult time putting it down, except maybe to run down to the local antiquarian book store and spend some money!

I used this book years ago and found it extremely helpful. Now, as my second child is about to embark on a college career, where else should I advise her to turn but to this admirable little text.

Of course, the book is a little outdated but the principles hold good. Despite the modern trends in education, and particularly at the college level, little within the book has diminished in relevance.

Northedge is especially good at providing succinct direction in clear and lucid language, hardly surprising as the target audience is the adult learner who has been away from school or study for a number of years. In fact, I would consider this to be a major selling point and the continued success of the Open University in Great Britain is a testament to the work that has gone into this student manual.

I would highly recommend this book to students of all ages in preparation for the voyage of discovery that is higher education.

I have been recommending this book to undergraduate and postrgraduate students for over 10 years now. It is an excellent guide to what is required in order to make a success of your studies. I particularly commend Andy Northedge on the contents of chapters 10 and 11 which explain how to write good essays and assignments. Buy this book, read it and then apply its lessons to take your grades to a higher level.

Fuller makes creative use of ideas from political philosophy to come up with a model for science policy. Encapsulating the model is the principle of "the right to be wrong". This is central to the political tradition of "republicanism", which appears to have been sidelined in public debate by its better known rivals, liberalism and communitarianism. Fuller examines and rejects liberal (free market politics) and communitarian (identity politics) arguments for the organization of knowledge. The liberal ideology punishes individuals whose ideas and projects are made "wrong" by the market - not by taking away their freedom to exist but by making it harder for them to move on and acquire intellectual capital. Dissent is highly risky in the absence of a safety-net in the case of failure. The communitarian ideology would forbid the very expression of certain ideas; it places cultural hurdles for individuals to dissent from their community, which in the case of science, is the academic discipline that they are a part of. By contrast, republicanism both encourages free expression and recognizes that specific steps must be taken to provide more than a few risk-takers with the incentive for such expression. Relying as it does on large-scale state-funded resources, "Big Science" undermines the republican ideal, Fuller argues - failure becomes too costly. Now that the question of government versus private funding for science is regularly being debated in the media, Fuller's proposals detailed in the book provide an interesting and thought-provoking alternative to the usual positions. But apart from science policy people, those interested in political theory should also find this book worth a read.

This book is much more politically minded than Fuller's usual stuff and he says things that have needed to be said for a long time - namely, that organised enquiry is threatened by both the political correctness brigade and grant racketeers. There are some pretty wild positive proposals in here as well, which include enabling people to gamble on alternative research programmes as a way of raising public interest (and perhaps even support?) in science. Definitely worth a look, even if with arched eyebrow. Certainly much gutsier than run-of-the-mill science studies.

I just had the great pleasure of opening the package that contained this beautiful, beautiful book. If you get it, you'll own something you'll want to keep for a long time, and in an easy-to-reach place so you can lift your spirits often. From the photo on the cover, page after page of more exquisite exquisite photos, page after page of wisdom, the touching act of women caring for women, the enlightened act of supporting mothers in the most important job of all time... I could go on. This beautiful creation moved my heart. I can't think of a more perfect gift for anyone with or expecting children.

This book is so amazing! It makes a GREAT Mother's Day present! I sent it to a friend who is expecting and she is thrilled! The photographs are beautiful but what makes this book so special is that it gives real advice on how to go beyond "coping" and how to ENJOY the journey of being a mom!!

I love this book! Steve tells it like it is while remaining professional and positive.

Ok, I've been playing guitar for 13 years now and have had the opportunities to play everywhere from Great Falls, MT to Korea and this book has simply floored me. Although I already live by many of the lessons to be learned in this book, it was still fresh and full of incredible ways to work your way through the business EFFECTIVELY.

Steve Morse is one of the most respected artists on the road these days. He is honest and fair about his feelings for the road, his bandmates, replacing bandmates at the last minute, tones, respecting those around you, working with problems within your band, etc, etc.

Pick it up, you won't regret it and the price is amazing.

Keep on rocking...

In The Gift, the GypsyBridge Friends series of children's books builds on its impressive start in The Vine. The concept for the series initially surprised me and I had to sleep on that surprise before I understood all of my reactions. I can't remember ever having to think a lot about a children's book before. Since then, I've come to be very enthusiastic about the concept.

The Gift is a four-part resource. First, it's a story told as a parable about a child, Sally, and her friends, Dick, Jane and Tom. Second, it's a Bible lesson using the parable. Third, it's a play lesson with reusable materials. Fourth, it's a series of teaching suggestions for parents (located behind the materials).

But to say that understates the versatility of this book. Most such books pretty much can be used only as a picture book and then as a reader at a beginner level. The Gift can be used at three levels: a picture book; then as a book where the child has the material read aloud to her or him; and then as a reader that is appropriate for about third grade with over 2000 words in it.

Here's the parable. The four children are neighbors in a seemingly adult-bereft world. God and Jesus are around . . . but not visibly. Like most children, the four find themselves sitting glumly on a park bench one day because they are bored. "What can they do to make things better?" Reciting the rhyme, "Gifts from God," cheers up all but Sally, who just walks off as they others are getting excited. Sally just feels sad. Jane fixes a tea party for her, but that doesn't cheer Sally up. Antics by Spot, the dog, make Sally cry and walk away again. The other children feel sadder because Sally is sad. The next day, they take her a cake . . . but Sally just cries again. And she doesn't feel like playing. "Who could help them?" They go to their Father's house through the front door with Jesus' name on it. Suddenly, Sally realizes she should pray to Jesus and ask his help. "Make me joyful in you again." "She feels peace inside her, and the sadness doesn't seem to matter any more, Jesus will take care of it." The children tell Father about the problem and He says He can and will fix it. They all feel better. A few days later, Jane visits Sally again to find that Sally has found a new pet, a fluffy white cat named Fluffy. Jane is happy now and Sally thanks Father.

The parable's lesson is from Philippians 4:6-7. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." The parable is nicely explained in this context.

The book's activity involves playing Jane's Game. There are outlines of Spot, Fluffy, a teapot and two cups on a page that can be decorated with dry erase markers (you'll need to use your own). In the example images, there are also shapes like those in The Vine so you could also put those shapes on the outlines.

Visually, the book will be very appealing to most children. It uses computer-generated animation methods similar to those in the movie "Toy Story." Since it's about children, they will find the material relevant. Also, there are two girls and two boys so there's a chance to relate to a same-sex character. One of the characters, Tom, appears to be African-American which encourages racial openness.

When I was young, I enjoyed the comic-book versions of the Bible that were distributed in Sunday School. These made the stories come to life for me. Unfortunately, there were no similar materials when I was younger. The GypsyBridge Friends fill in that gap in an imaginative way. Now every day can bring a Sunday School lesson for preschoolers and beginning readers!

After you have been reading this delightful book with your child from a while, I suggest that you pray with your child to ask for God's help. That's a way that you can be a greater gift to your child.

The GypsyBridge Friends series of children's books is off to an impressive start in The Vine. The concept for the series surprised me and I had to sleep on that surprise before I understood all of my reactions. I can't remember ever having to think a lot about a children's book before.

The Vine is really a four-part resource. First, it's a story told as a parable about a child, Dick, and his friends, Sally, Tom and Jane. Second, it's a Bible lesson using the parable. Third, it's a play lesson with reusable materials. Fourth, it's a series of teaching suggestions for parents (located behind the materials).

But to say that understates the versatility of this book. Most such books pretty much can be used only as a picture book and then as a reader at a beginner level. The Vine can be used at three levels: a picture book; then as a book where the child has the material read aloud to her or him; and then as a reader that is appropriate for about third grade with over 2000 words in it.

Here's the parable. The four children are neighbors in a seemingly adult-bereft world. God and Jesus are around . . . but not visibly. God's hand starts the story when a coupon floats down from the sky where Dick sees it. The coupon offers one free vine of life "Guaranteed to bring you Joy. Ask in the name of Jesus." Dick heads down to Dad's store and the person at the Customer Service desk gives him a box with a little booklet and a pot in it containing a vine with two tiny leaves. Dick plants the vine right by his front door and heedlessly throws the instructions away without reading them. He waits for the joy to come. While he's waiting, a mug labeled THOUGHTLESSNESS appears mysteriously. Dick tastes it, drinks more and pours the rest on his vine. When Dick returns home from playing with Tom and his dog, Spot, a big purple vine has taken over the front of his house. He angrily cuts the vine down. Next, he starts playing ball with himself. Spot wants to play, too, but Dick won't let him. A can labeled SELFISHNESS arrives. He drinks from that and pours the rest on his vine. He goes for a walk. Now his house is covered with the purple vine again and a new yellow one on one side. Dick gets even angrier and orders his friends to leave him alone. A glass labeled ANGER appears. Dick drinks and pours the rest on his vine. He goes inside and shuts the door. While he's there the purple and yellow vines return along with a red one. He cannot get out of the house! With clippers he can finally get out a window. He asks, "Why would Jesus do this?" Tom asks Dick if he had read the instructions. Dick finds the instructions and finds out that he should "Plant this vine with the love of Jesus. Water with Prayer. Prune with the word of God." There's a box labeled "Love of Jesus," a jar labeled "Prayer," and a small pair of clippers labeled "Word of God." He follows the instructions and all is well.

The parable's lesson is from John 15:1-2 and 5. "Jesus said, I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a person remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." The parable is nicely explained in this context.

The book's activity is using simple shapes to make an image which can easily be turned into a grape vine climbing a trellis.

Visually, the book will be very appealing to most children. It uses computer-generated animation methods similar to those in the movie "Toy Story." Since it's about children, they will find the material relevant. Also, there are two girls and two boys so there's a chance to relate to a same-sex character. One of the characters, Tom, appears to be African-American which encourages racial openness.

When I was young, I enjoyed the comic-book versions of the Bible that were distributed in Sunday School. These made the stories come to life for me. Unfortunately, there were no similar materials when I was younger. The GypsyBridge Friends fill in that gap in an imaginative way. Now every day can bring a Sunday School lesson for preschoolers and beginning readers!

After you have been reading this delightful book with your child from a while, I suggest that you try to create your own book together drawing from the Bible as your inspiration. That's another way that you can be a branch from the vine of Jesus.

I was an undergraduate philosophy major with all of the earnestness and seriousness that implies. Years later, after getting my MBA, starting and running a successful business, and buying a Harley to ride, I came on this book. It reminded me of all of those seminal college conversations late into the night with girls I was trying to score with and to impress.(Usually the girls were not impressed!)

This book is fun because it does not take itself too seriously and is written by philosophers-riders who can relate the topic of philosophy to a motorcycle, especially a Harley. The book is funny, irreverent, and a little Monty Python-like. It helped me to remember all of those philosophical issues I had thought I'd forgotten over the years -- e.g., what is the best way to live one's life? -- and it started me thinking about philosophy while riding my Harley.

One doesn't usually associate bikers with philosophy - but here are twelve bikers who also happen to be philosophers to refute the image of the biker as uneducated or unthinking. In associating philosophy with recognizable, everyday concerns, HARLEY-DAVIDSON AND PHILOSOPHY: FULL-THROTTLE ARISTOTLE brings the staid practice of philosophy to life, joining others in the publisher's series to attract new generations to a practice often presented as a dry art of past thinkers.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Never mind the PoMo bollocks - here's the real deal. Be astonished as Dr. Harman analyzes and interprets Heidegger without obfuscation! Veteran philosophers, Heideggerians, Continentalists, Anglophiles, along with novices and newbies alike will find a very worthwhile read that takes Heidegger as a pointer in a direction which brings philosophy out of the various intellectual ghettos and back to life. In language at once pithy, moving, and substantive, Harman delivers a reading of Heidegger which neither forgives his sins nor ignores his great contribution to philosophy - bringing sublime, careful thoughtfulness to the terrible beauty of reality.

Of all the books which attempt an introductory overview of Heidegger, this is the only one I've read that goes as far in humanizing the man with new details of his personal mistakes and challenges, while also doing a superior job explaining all his key concepts in succinct, pithy, well-written English statements. The concepts are unfolded chronologically along with the basic narrative of Heidegger's career.

One other thing that should be added: Harman brings a different perspective to Heidegger which is neither that of the fawning Heideggerian imitator, nor that of the belittling, condescending critic. He is an admirer of Heidegger's originality with a unique and particularly compelling view of how Heidegger should be understood as an important point of departure for philosophy.

HEIDEGGER EXPLAINED: FROM PHENOMENON TO THING is a philosophy coverage recommended for both high school and college-level collections strong in introductory philosophy. By understanding Heidegger some of the foundation theories of the 20th century are more accessible - and equally accessible is an introduction which offers up a lively survey of all of Heidegger's works, avoiding confusing terminology to provide a more inviting coverage of his key works and concepts. An outstanding reference for any introductory philosophy section.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

For anyone who has ever gone through one of life's major changes, this book will help you know you are not alone and you can get through it. Sandi is an amazing writer. I recommend giving this book to all of your friends' in need of sage advice with a touch of humor.

I was delighted to find this little book...packed with wisdoms based on the life experiences of the author and valuable for anyone seeking spiritual growth as well as support in recovery. Easy to read, I get out my highlighter for those phrases that hit home with me. I will buy and send this book to those people in my life who are "awakening" to living the best life for them. It follows the "new", but not really new, philosophy of The Law of Attraction and the inherent basics of spirituality. A true treasure!