Many Californias, edited by Gerald Haslam contains a teriffic, eclectic collection of writing about the Golden State. The name "California" is like Kevin Bacon to the wide universe of writers and poets who ever lived, wrote or were associated with it in some way. Haslam ponders, " Where is California? What is it?," then offers, "California remains at least as much state of mind as state of the union."

This collection is a great place to start to answer Haslam's questions and contains not only bright essays about this fabled island but also reveals some darker points in its history. From early accounts of California before the gold rush days, to Beat poets and Fresno poets, readers will enjoy what so many have had to say about the state, whether real or imagined. Subjects as diverse as Mark Twain's story of blue jay speech habits, Joan Didion's evocation of the southland's Santa Ana winds to Bukowski's ride in a red Porsche all add layers to such a rich subject. An added bonus is the selected California bibliography at the end.

There is this storybook. It's the one you always want your parents to read aloud, over and over again. When you go to sleep, you want to become part of the poetry, and help the two kittens, Brush and Hush. Carelessly, and by no fault of their own, they transform the world by haphazardly dumping and mixing the colorful paints from their endless supply of cans. The pages in my old book from the 1950s are becoming brittle and yellow, but it still hold a special place on my bookshelf. The imaginative illustrations and charming story are an endearing part of my childhood. It brings back wonderful memories to this day.

I am amazed that there are no other customer reviews about this fine and important work of spirituality and interreligious dialogue. It is certainly among Griffiths' best works. Most people who have done doctoral dissertations on the author are correct in considering this to be his second autobiography, and the subtitle tells us that this was more or less the author's intention as well.

First the author writes about fifty pages to show how life in India -- by the time he wrote this book he had been living there about thirty years -- has changed his heart and soul and expanded his mind.

The remainder of the book is devoted to outlining the Vedic, Judaic, and Christian Revelations and most of the subsections are so arranged as to show how myths have developed and grown in each of these three major religious traditions. I must confess that my background in Hindu religions is not sufficient for me to read that section critically, so I concentrated more on the Jewish and Christian sections. I have a whole lifetime to learn more about the Hindu traditions.

I have no problem with viewing most of the material in the Old Testament as radically involved with myth. Even the creation story. It is a beautiful myth, but still a myth. But there are a lot of Christians who can't get over a literal historical understanding of this material. This book was clearly not meant for them.

Even the story of the foundations of Christianity is tied up with the mythological. But since Christ is a historical figure, it is harder to sift out the strictly historical from the largely mythological elements in the tradition's founding events. Griffiths identifies the Christian revelation as the "rebirth of the myth." He centers his discussion on the myth of Christ and the myth of the Church. The myth, he says by way of validating his argument, appeals to the imagination, to the heart, and transforms the person.

It should be pointed out that large parts of Griffiths' discussion owe a heavy debt to the work of Mircea Eliade. The book can be recommended to anyone seeking religious or spiritual enrichment.

Hilda Charleton was a living saint ,teacher,healer, and lover of God. Throughout her life she lived the golden rule and prospered greatly by being initiated by the Great Masters of Wisdom written about by Tibetan and Hindu scholars. Her account is first hand and she channels the teachings of this Great Master sincerely and with clarity. This book is a rare oppertunity to inhale the prescence of the Divine by applying each word as scripture into your practical and spiritual lives.Master Hilarion's influence will remain long after the book is read.

You cn't beat the price!! The stickers included are a plus! The book starts with the basics and ends off with clocks/time and money! This is a great addition to any household with a Second grader. I use it to homeschool, and it is fantastic!!

Did you really think Adam and Eve were unique or unprecedented? Every human culture has a myth of the "fall" from an original golden-age of peace and prosperity to death and disease, including eskimos, aborigines and Native Americans. The author examines "fall" myths from a variety of angles, presenting all the major theories as to what they might mean. "Memories and Visions of Paradise" presents a much clearer overview of the "saddest story ever told" than any previous book on the topic. A commendable effort, well worth picking up for anyone interested in myth or religion.

I enjoyed this book and its stories and recipes. I have tried several of the recipes, for example the Bean and Barley soup and the mandel bread, and they were very good. The stories made me laugh and cry.

This book although close to two millenia old, could have been written today. Its just as relevant today as when it was written. The book is significant in that it does a good job in giving the reader an understanding of what the physical plane of existence is all about. The protagonist is transformed to an ass and through the eyes of the ass sees the world and experiences the world within those limitations. Thru cruelty, perversion, abuse and other misadventures, the formerly well placed narrarator experiences life in a very unique way. The tale then deals with his eventual retransformation to his normal human self and then there is an exposition of the ancient mystery rites. The treatment of the mysteries is broad stroke but interesting tidbits are revealed. I love Taylors works, and even given the dated writting style I much prefer this version. I savored reading this one!

I love the movie and the book . The creators of Pokemon has very nice and very cute creations .Pokemon 4 ever !

This is a wonderfully illustrated book and a must-have for those who enjoy movie poster art. The full-color reproductions are a joy to browse. Highly recommended!!!!