Don't be fooled by the title- although it focuses on the dark side of every Wraith, this outstanding book contains tons of important information on all sorts of subjects- from exactly what your Eidolon IS, and when it comes into play, to roleplaying romance and love.

Other important topics covered include exactly how Castigation affects your Shadow- and while your Shadow is by definition your adversary, the isn't always your enemy. There is a lot more to Psyche/Shadow interaction than just "I'm the Good Guy, he's the Bad Guy."

Every Circle of Wraiths should have this one- you owe it to yourselves... and to your Shadows. :)

Fans of the Dallas Cowboys will love this down-to-earth story of one of their greatest heroes, Bill Bates, but anyone who follows pro football can enjoy this inspirational story. Bates begins by describing how he had always wanted to be a Cowboy and goes into detail about how he never allowed anyone to derail him from his dream of wearing the star on his helmet, even when he is bypassed in the NFL draft. His hard work and determination enabled him to carve out a long career as a special teams standout and starting safety despite being labelled "too slow" to play professionally and having to prove himself all over again with each new coach.

The book is exceptionally readable, and Bates is candid with both his emotions and opinions. Even if you're not a Dallas fan, and I'm not, you can't help but cheer for Bill Bates at each twist and turn his career takes. The story at times seems more than a little corny, but it is a nice antidote for the image of spoiled pro athletes that is so prevalent these days.

Jonathan Bate's short book, 'Romantic Ecology'(1991) was a landmark in literary ecocriticism. In 'The Song of the Earth' Bate has developed his theme further and in doing so has produced an instant classic.

The purpose of the book is to show how poetry is not only relevant but necessary in an age of increasing environmental unease. It is a manifesto for the urgency of 'ecopoetics'. Bate writes: 'This is a book about why poetry continues to matter as we enter a new millennium that will be ruled by technology. It is a book about modern western man's alienation from nature. It is about the capacity of the writer to restore us to the earth which is our home' (vii)

Chapters are as follows: 1. Going, Going 2. The State of Nature 3. A Voice for Ariel 4. Major Weather 5. The Picturesque Environment 6. Nests, Shell, Landmarks 7. Poets, Apes and Other Animals 8. The Place of Poetry 9. What are Poets For?

My favourite chapter is 'Major Weather' which, in some quite startling and original ways, charts the influence of climate on writing . The centre piece of the chapter is a reading of Keat's 'Ode to Autumn' as a 'weather poem', resembling 'a well-regulated ecosystem'. For Bate, the ode 'is not an escapist fantasy which turns its back on the ruptures of Regency culture, as late twentieth century criticism tended to suggest. No: it is a meditation on how human culture can only function through links and reciprocal relations with nature.'(103-4). I learned 'Ode to Autumn' as a schoolchild, and it has always stayed with me. Now I see eloquently expressed the reasons for its significance to me.

Bate has set himself a difficult but worthy task, to argue for poetry as 'the place where we save the earth', that if culture is the cause of environmental destruction it can also be its remedy. This, then, is a book that should be read by everyone with an interest in literature, by everyone with an interest in the continuation of life on the planet.

I was looking for information on bird songs when I came across this book in the library. In Jake's essays, I found not only "Songs to Birds" but essays that resonated with my soul. Jakes is a fabulous essayist, and balances a love of nature with a dash of reality. He also helps us to see the bigger picture of living a life of meaning. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves birds, or who just loves great essayists.

One of the best books about media and its evolving role in tapping into our emotions about political candidates. Genuinely funny and sophisticated examinations here. But, Ed Diamond is a saint. Is Steven Bates, Satan Starr's author the handmaid of the Devil?

Mysterious things are happening at the stable when the ownershave to leave for a while. There is even an attempt to put the stableon fire. Who is doing such horrible things to the stables? I couldn't put this one down!

Bates' comprehensive review is very unique. Anyone interested in a theory for how to select media and technology, including the costs of technology use will surely want to visit this book. Data in the book are becoming outdated (base studies are from th 80's in many cases), but the approach modeled in nonetheless invaluable.

This volume examines individual differences between people and their possible neurobiological causes. The book is an anthology of scientific literature on the topic ranging from the general basis biology of the brain, the study of the relationship psychoendocrine system and stress, and implications for application and further research. Includes articles by such giants in the field of psychology as Fox, Gunnar, Plomin, Wachs, Zuckerman and Bates, the editor.

Dr. Bates paints a fascinating picture of actors as modern day shamans, and interviewed many actors, including Sir Lawrence Olivier, in the process. This is a must read for all serious actors, and for anyone interested in shamanic practices, it will also be very interesting.

I've used this for a parent program at the end of the year with my kindergarten students. There is the familiar story, a cute song that changes for each new number/animal from the meadow, and an easy repeat format for the children to easily learn.

I have each child wear a baseball hat adorned with a crow, a frog, whatever their animal is in the verse. It makes a very appealing year-end program for families to enjoy.