"Dorothy Cave uses her extensive experience and travel of New Mexico to show the world the beauty she has discovered. She skillfully spins a story rich with cultural and linguistic details. She expertly captures the innocence of small town life. Cave brings Descano alive with her vivid description of its residents and their customers. By the end of the novel, the reader dreams of giving up the hustle and bustle of today's world and going back to 'that forgotten pocket of God's overall,' where nothing is too important and everything can wait until manana."

Dorothy Cave has given us an unexpected gem, a work that radiates with a love of the blended cultures of the remote villages of Northern New Mexico. In "Mountains of the Blue Stone", we experience life as seen by an Anglo man, Drake, as he discards the trapping of his own life in hopes of finding his true self. Drake becomes "Carlos" and discovers the roots of his own soul, and in so doing, finds that life lived simply, near to the old gods of the earth, is life at its best. Ms. Cave demonstrates considerable talent as a mature writer who knows and cares deeply about her subjects. I look forward to her next work.

If you enjoyed Rudolfo Anaya's "Bless Me, Ultima", you will treasure this work.

I recently lived in El Paso and traveled throughout New Mexico. And Dorthory Cave's novel, Mountains of the Blue Stone, captures the land, the people, and the intense mystical spiritual realism of New Mexico. Through the eyes of Drake Cavanaugh, a near burntout "modern man," we view the book's main characters: the people of the land who are still giving meaning and birth to the spiritual.

The book is a journey of the soul, a trip up one of the many paths of the mountain to meaning. "But first we have to find the mountain!" Cave has found the mountain, and she and Drake happily allow us to travel with them and the proud and beautiful people of the "Land of Enchantment."

You are going to love this book. I am an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and my wife is a school teacher. We have both read this book and found our way up the mountain enlightened. Perhaps you will too.

Never Fry Bacon In The Nude And Other Lessons From The Quick & The Dead by business consultant and management trainer Stone Payton is a veritable primer of tips, tricks, and techniques for improving business performance, as well as other aspects of life in general. Focusing on the importance of speed in order to optimize the effectiveness of business processes, sales, adjusting to transitions, and to keep a consistent and successful position in the "fast lane", Never Fry Bacon In The Nude clearly outlines key disciplinary strengths with solid point-by-point recommendations and informative checklists which anyone can follow. Never Fry Bacon In The Nude is enjoyable reading and very useful and "user friendly" compendium of practical, "real world" advice.

You'll be glad you did. I sure was! Though it's touted as a "business" book, its five vital tenets of SPEED will help you in every facet of your life, from school to home to relationships to self-worth. It's short, it's sweet -- it works!

This book talks about SPEED, and how we can all use it to better our lives. Although it's billed as a business book, and I use it as such, it's also helped me act more SPEEDILY in my personal life, from accepting personal responsibility for my actions to not making excuses for others. With these fast-paced times, can't we all use a little more SPEED in our lives? Author Stone Payton thinks so . . . and so do I! Read this book -- and so will YOU!

I recently completed a course on Eastern Religions and can now appreciate this work of art. This is a book to pull out and read when the world is spinning and you want to step outside of the whirlwind to have inner peace and silence.

This book draws the reader in from the very first stanza. English-language text, calligraphy characters and rhythmic space come together to ease you into a contemplative state.

This book is beautifully made, an artpiece in itself. There is a complete blending of spirit with the artistic nature within the visual outer world. Anyone who enjoys the look and feel of books will go wild over this one.

It's an artpiece. 5 stars!!

it is an exellent book with simply technical explications and very practical. to repeat the words"it's a bible on the subject", but the photos are very "blurred" what I think is a pity... the editor of the book should do something about this problem! 5 stars for the text!!! zero for the quality of the photos

Finally an Owners Manual for Oriental Rugs

This book is aboutmuch more than repairing Oriental Rugs. It is an indispensable ownersguide. Of all the most common questions people ask me about rugs Stoneanswers them in an easy to understand and easy to follow fashion. Howdo you hang a rug on a wall? It is in there. How do I get a stain outof my rug? Whether it is urine (a frequent question from pet owners)to asphalt Stone tells you what you need to save your rug. Stonecovers such topics as "when to repair" or insectdamage. Stone guides us through the problem in a way any of us canhandle it with ease...when I tell you that this book is the best bookin the field it is because after years of study I know what I amtalking about. The thing I like about this book is that Stone gives usa depth of detail found no where else. For instance when it comes tospills do you clean up calamine lotion the same way you clean upAftershave lotion? No, two different processes and not knowing whichone to use can ruin your rug.

What about the actual repair part? Iwill freely admit that I have no intention of ever repairing mycarpets or anyone else's but with this book I could. But even moreimportantly for me is with the information in this book I canunderstand what the repair person purposes when I take a rug in. I canat least nod knowingly when the repairman uses terms like rewarding orreknoting. By the way my brother Jim was textile conservator and he isthe one who gave me my first edition of this book when I was juststarting to study in the field. Jim told me this book was so good theywould never need another. Jim was wrong this second edition is evenbetter than the first.

Should you buy this book? If you own anOriental Carpet then the answer is yes. This is the indispensableinformation that every consumer needs... An owners manual forOriental Rugs

Best wishes,

J. Barry O'Connell Jr.

Thank goodness this is an excellent book, since there are very few others on this topic. Stone's recent Oriental Rug Lexicon is also excellent (and once again essentially unique in English).

Original Enlightenment and the Transformation of Medieval Japanese Buddhism by Jacqueline Ilyse Stone (Studies in East Asian Buddhism, No. 12: University of Hawaii Press) Being recognized as a major study in Buddhist studies and recognized as one of the best religious studies books of 2000, Original Enlightenment and the Transformation of Medieval Japanese Buddhism represents some important historical and conceptual clarifications of perennial themes in Mahayana Buddhism.
From flyleaf: Original enlightenment thought (hongaku shiso) dominated Buddhist intellectual circles throughout Japan's medieval period. Enlightenment, this discourse claims, is neither a goal to be achieved nor a potential to be realized but the true status of all things. Every animate and inanimate object manifests the primordially enlightened Buddha just as it is. Seen in its true aspect, every activity of daily life?eating, sleeping, even one's deluded thinking?is the Buddha's conduct. Emerging from within the powerful Tendai school, ideas of original enlightenment were appropriated by a number of Buddhist traditions and influenced nascent theories about the kami (local deities) as well as medieval aesthetics and the literary and performing arts.
Scholars and commentators have long recognized the historical importance of original enlightenment thought but differ heatedly over how it is to be understood. Some tout it as the pinnacle of the Buddhist philosophy of absolute nondualism. Others claim to find in it the paradigmatic expression of a timeless Japanese spirituality. According to other readings, it represents a dangerous antinomianism that undermined observance of moral precepts, precipitated a decline in Buddhist scholarship, and denied the need for religious discipline. Still others denounce it as an authoritarian ideology that, by sacralizing the given order, has in effect legitimized hierarchy and discriminative social practices. Often the acceptance or rejection of original enlightenment thought is seen as the fault line along which traditional Buddhist institutions are to be differentiated from the new Buddhist movements (Zen, Pure Land, and Nichiren) that arose during Japan's medieval period.
Jacqueline Stone's groundbreaking study moves beyond the treatment of the original enlightenment doctrine as abstract philosophy to explore its historical dimension. Drawing on a wealth of medieval primary sources and modern Japanese scholarship, it places this discourse in its ritual, institutional, and social contexts, illuminating its importance to the maintenance of traditions of lineage and the secret transmission of knowledge that characterized medieval Japanese elite culture. It sheds new light on interpretive strategies employed in premodern Japanese Buddhist texts, an area that hitherto has received little attention. Through these and other lines of investigation, Stone problematizes entrenched notions of "corruption" in the medieval Buddhist establishment. Using the examples of Tendai and Nichiren Buddhism and their interactions throughout the medieval period, she calls into question both overly facile distinctions between "old" and "new" Buddhism and the long?standing scholarly assumptions that have perpetuated them. This study marks a significant contribution to ongoing debates over definitions of Buddhism in the Kamakura era (1185-1333) , long regarded as a formative period in Japanese religion and culture. Stone argues that "original enlightenment thought" represents a substantial rethinking of Buddhist enlightenment that cuts across the distinction between "old" and "new" institutions and was particularly characteristic of the medieval period.

Is Enlightenment something that we acquire? Or are we really Enlightened already and just have to realize that? Is Enlightenment something that will take us uncounted ages to achieve? Or can we achieve Enlightenment in this life and in this body? Such were some of the key issues of Medieval Japanese Buddhism. Some of the most popular conclusions, that we are Enlightened already, i.e. are Originally Enlightened, and that we can achieve Enlightenment in this life and in this body, remain both popular and controversial even today. Jacqueline Stone takes us into the little known world of the Tendai temples and hermitages on Mt. Hiei, the stately mountain above Kyoto, where much of the doctrine of Original Enlightenment thought was developed -- and whence it spread to the famous founders of Kamakura Buddhism, including Honen and Nichiren. Stone gives us a panorama of what was going on, what we known about it (not enough), and the long history of what happened and the debates that continue down to the present, debates that involve scholars, sectarian apologists, and the religious practice of many people, not just in Japan, but around the world. A fundamental book for one of the great, and still growing, religious traditions in the world.

Dr. Stone has provided an invaluable window into the current state of Japanese scholarship around the issues of orignal enlightenment teachings (hongaku shiso) and its role in the formation of Kamakuran Buddhism and Nichiren Buddhism in particular. I believe that she quite successfully brings out the complexities of this teaching and shows that it does not necessarily lead to antinomian conclusions and that it was not summarily rejected by the founders of Kamakuran Buddhism including Nichiren. The chapter on Nichiren in this book could also stand alone as an excellent guide to Nichiren's teachings and practice. She shows that there is much more to Nichiren Buddhism than vainly repeating the Sino-Japanese title of the Lotus Sutra in order to gain worldly benefits. She really brings out the depth and profundity of Nichiren Buddhism. This book, however, is not an apologetic for Nichiren Buddhism or even for original enlightenment teachings. Dr. Stone maintains a very objective and impartial stance throughout the book (which could be disturbing to those for whom this religion and these issues are literally a matter of life and death). She provides both the pros and the cons of the issues that she addresses. She is not so much providing a new theory about Nichiren Buddhism or original enlightenment so much as she is attempting to show that original enlightenment and its impact on Japanese Buddhism needs to be reevaluated and that the issues are far from black-and-white. I would highly recommend this book to serious scholars of Japanese Buddhism and to those who want to delve more deeply into the current state of scholarship in Japan surounding Nichiren Buddhism. This is not, however, a book for those who want simple answers to simple questions, or who want a primer on Nichiren Buddhism. For those hard core Nichiren Buddhists and scholars who want to find out the real truth about Nichiren Buddhism and the development of the Nichiren tradition, this book is worth every penny of its rather steep price tag.

Namu Myoho Renge Kyo, Ryuei Michael McCormick

I have been to Armenia and Artsakh the past two summers and have two photo albums from the trip. If my photos were ever destroyed or lost, I wouldn't feel so bad because I could buy this beautiful book that captures the essence, spirit and beauty of the ancient land and people. Plus, except for my photos having people I know and love in them, the photos in this book are superior. In fact, they are phenomenal.

It is a must for the library of any Armenophile.

Excellent job, Mr. Karanian and Mr. Kurkjian!!

The photographs are beautiful and timeless. Out of Stone
shows a country full of warm people, ancient churches, and amazing scenery in a way that I've never seen
before. This book is spellbinding!

This book is phenomenal! As an American-Armenian and a photographer, I was blown away by the spirit captured in this book.

A wonderful book! So lyrically written and beautifully illustrated
that it held the attention of my 11 year old son and 17 year old daughter
when I read it aloud to the family. Especially interesting were the author's
well-written notes at the end of the book that explained the symbolism used in the book.
As a result, the book was not only entertaining but gave us an opportunity to learn
about the Islamic mystics, the Sufi, and to see how allusions and metaphors were used
enhance the story. Get this book for your children -- so you can read it yourself!

Margaret's books always sing. They are like music. Her first, Marriage of the Rain Goddess was pure poetry--and this one, her third, is similar. It is refreshing to find such writing in children's books. The illustrations are breathtaking. This book is like a dream.

A beautiful and unusual story. The writing is like rare jewels, and the illustrations are extraordinary. I enjoyed this book because it featured a female who undergoes a spiritual transformation. Because of the rich inner story this makes an excellent book for adults as well--particularly for lovers of the poet Rumi. Superb.

Colin Wilson wrote this book because although he liked the basic ideas behind the "Lovecraftian" genre, he did not like the writing style of H.P. Lovecraft. His goal was to develop a well-written novel using the rules of the genre, such as making everything as real as possible in regards to references, events and places.

This book also deals extensively with the concepts that are more at home in a Frank Herbert novel, such as the limits of what it means to be human and what human beings are capable of. This book is part mystery, part science-fiction, part primer to Wilson's occult philosophy.

This is one of the best Lovecraft-style stories I have read. The suspense in this book is great. You never know what will be uncovered in the next page. This is a must read for anyone who enjoys a good suspense story.

Colin Wilson continues his exploration of "Intentionality" as a key element in his existential philosophy. If you liked The Mind Parasites, then you owe it to yourself to read this book (as well as The Space Vampires). His use of fiction as a vehicle to philosophical discourse is worth the effort to find these books.

Now in an updated and expanded second edition, Moustafa Gadalla's Pyramid Handbook is a unique, informative, and iconoclastic contribution to Egyptology with its focus on the pyramids of antiquity. Featured are the locations and dimensions of the interiors and exteriors of the pyramids; varied theories on the construction, purpose, and function of the pyramids; the sacred geometry that was incorporated into the design of the pyramids; and a great deal more. Pyramid Handbook is fresh, original, thorough, scholarly, completely accessible to the non-specialist general reader, and enhanced with useful illustrations of the sites and interiors of the Egyptian masonry pyramids. If you have an interest in Egyptology, the Pyramids, and iconoclastic archaeological studies, read Moustafa Gadalla's Pyramid Handbook.

This book contains a complete synopsis about the pyramids. Finally, there is a book that gives all the information about the pyramids, their locations, dimensions, profiles, why they were built, and how. The sacred geometry of the pyramids and pyramid power are very interesting. Well researched, and well written.

From having traveled to Egypt myself, I can tell you that this is one of the best books on the pyramids I've ever read. If only I had this when I was there, I could have been so much more fullfilled. I was especially interested in the writtings on sacred geometry. I can't wait for for the next time I get a chance to go to Egypt and visit the pyramids armed with Gadalla's book. This is a must own for anyone traveling to Egypt or has ever wanted to know the truth about antient Egypt and the pyramids.

Rolling Stone the Seventies by Kahn et al. admirably distills the current and past thoughts of many of the influential 70s writers, and a range of participants from politicians to musicians. It is too bad there is no accompanying CD or CD-ROM to go along with the book.

The collection -- mostly essays and pictures, places the 70s in a nicely printed coffee table book. Marginal notes including timeline reference the dramatic movement through the decade. As a reference or a momentary revival of the period, the book provides content and layout that no other book contains.

I'd had about as much ironic 70's redux as I could take; maybe that's why this book was such a pleasure to read. That and the fact that it exceeded all expectations that the Rolling Stone imprimatur conferred. This is a collection of essays by people who were there and have something to say about what they saw. The perspective is intimate but the observations-- especially if you were a teenager then as I was-- are universal. Patty Hearst, Ali, Nam, Zep, Nixon, Evel Knievel, disco, Dr. J., it all came jumping off the page. Many of the decade's Who's Who-- Dan Rather, Chrissie Hynde (present at Kent State!), John Milius, Hamilton Jordan, Joan Baez-- are not just subjects; they're essayists! Oh and by the way, the photos alone are worth the price of the entire book.

As informative as anything I read as an Ivy League history major and as good company as my high school party pals. If you lived it or if you want to find out how we got where we are then you must read this book.

I seeked this book out for my mother (class of 78) and i found myself amazed at all the coverage the book had about her century. Each chapter was writen about each year and within those chapters you were filled with pictures quotes (from the people who lived the time) as well a time line (breaking down each current event within that year)!! It was so great i was caught on the train reading it and i was stopped by people who were breath taken from the pictures.

Its funny how the wheels where turned. I not only gave the book to my mother but i bought one for myself. At the moment i am still on the quest for searching more books like this, but ofcourse this time in my decade (90's)