Frank Hoff's The Genial Seed deals with the hanadaue (rice transplanting) ritual. The volume centers on Hoff's translation of a tauezoshi, or written version of song cycles accompanying the transplanting ritual. Manabe Masahiro's accompanying essay covers the history of the transmission of the manuscript, and speculates as to the contents of missing sections. Hoff begins by describing the hanadaue ritual and selected themes and motifs in the song cycle. The translation itself has an uncluttered appearance, as if it were poetry rather than a script or score. Unlike many poetic translations, Hoff's does not include the romanized Japanese originals, which prevents any easy comparison between the original songs and Hoff's translation. There is dearth of glosses for a number of Japanese terms. Hoff has, however, taken pains to indicate instances in which there is no consensus as to the meaning of a word. Furthermore, he has succeeded in capturing the various moods of the songs, whether comical or sorrowful, and in evoking an emotional response from the reader. As a description of ritual, The Genial Seed seems particularly incomplete without any indication of how these songs were sung-if not with actual scores, then at least with more extensive musicological discussion. Although musical aspects of these songs are neglected in favor of textual aspects, there is only minimal analysis of the lyrics. Greater treatment of their themes might have enabled the reader better to appreciate the song texts. On the whole, The Genial Seed is an enjoyable read. It is a handsomely assembled book: the photographs and reproductions of illustrations included in the volume are not only appealing but also help to better the reader's understanding of the ritual process. Most importantly, it provides a rare peek into commoner culture in Japan's medieval and early modern periods.

Brown rice has been staple in many diets to help with kidney and other body functional problems.

Here is bible on brown rice as dietary aid, with a complete look at health and culinary properties of this staple pantry food.

This is an excellent book about a time in our history that should not be forgotten. Learn how several families worked the plantations and see pictures of various buildings, homes, churches, and gardens. Names are listed in the index for those interested in tracing family history. The Allstons (also spelled "Alston" because a branch of the family dropped one "L")played a major role on these plantations.......even to this day. Learn many interesting facts about rice production during the 19th century and how and why it came to an end in the 1st decade of the 1900's.

I am teaching 7th & 8th grade keyboarding. This text is very helpful in giving the exact information needed to teach the basics of hand placement all the way on up to spreadsheet applications!

Having already ventured into the world of quinoa, barley and wild rice, this book has helped to move into such unknowns as amaranth, spelt, millet, and others.

This book has two neat features on fold-out flaps on both front inside and back inside covers: the front having a complete chart of correct prep and cook for each grain and the back a delightful small color picture of each with a small summary of its use, benefits, etc.

Additional benefit is rating of each dish along lines of: inexpensive, elegant - for company, savory, unusual, spicy, etc.

Not really exploring all the cookbooks on grains, I got this one real cheap and have been glad to have it around as another resource for exploring this healthy area which is just starting to come into its own. If you can find it also, you'll be blessed.

This book gives many useful advices. The authors know the industry and communicate the ideas very well. Recommended!

For students of the Southern mountain rifle as well as Appalachian lore, this book is a must. What is so amazing is how these plain, but entirely serviceable rifles were made under such primitive conditions. The chapter on cross bows and how they were made gives the reader an idea of the extreme poverty that these folk lived in. I also found the chapter on Hacker Martin, a 20th century maker of these guns to be entertaining and informative. Being a collector and muzzleloading shooter, I certainly appreciated what John R. Irwin has done with the subject

Excellent mystery that kept me guessing until the very end. Offers good insight into the trucking life. I liked the fact that a female truck drive was presented in a positive role model.

If you have no idea how to write research report, read this book and you will have a basic concept how to start. It is a simple and easy reference for beginners. Not very thick but useful. Easy to carry with you. Also, with steps and example show you how to write term papers or reports.

Is indeed a quick ref. It has all the major commands that are mostly found in other UNIX versions + a variety of HP-UX specific.