This is a wonderful book full of information on vegetables and ways to prepare them, as well as simple and delicious recipes that can be built on for more complex cooking. I haven't had bad luck with any of the recipes. I have lots of cookbooks I never look at, but this will be a handy reference guide. I highly recommend it!

...I bought it a few years ago when I found out that I had high cholesterol and needed to change my eating habits. Being rather passionate about my Italian cooking, I was determined to eat traditional Italian meals. This book allowed me to do that. The recipes are *very* simple and delectable. For example, the white onions in balsamic vinegar takes nearly 0 preparation time but the taste is just incredible. The more rigorous recipes such as veggie broth and the *reason* to make it - risotto, will take some time to prepare, but the steps are clearly laid out, and open to a little interpretation so you can make some of your own choices. Every time I make the wild mushroom risotto (actually, many mushroom risotto) my guests fall in love with it and come back for more. It contains very descriptive methods and the reasoning behind some of the choices of ingredients as well as some anecdotal information on how she discovered some of the recipes. I have truly enjoyed this book, and now I'm worried about what I'm going to do when the book wears out!

I have recommended this book to many friends. The recipes are a wonderful introduction to Italian vegetable cooking. Sometimes she calls for authentic ingredients (like fresh artichoke hearts), but these can readily be substituted for with available ones (such as canned artichoke hearts).

Tied with Moosewood Cooks at Home on my list of most used cookbooks.

I found the translations included in this book beautiful and clear. A good example that narrative poems can also be translated in verse as contrasted to prose, preserving rhythm and imagery. A brief and precise introduction completes the work by helping the reader into the context of the poems and offering a very short but lucid discussion of Greek meter for those who like me can't read Greek. I just pity so elegant a book being less than 100 pages (but this probably contributes even more to its elegance, I acknowledge) and not having found the translation of Theocritus' Idylls by the same Thelma Sargent.

I found "The Homeric Hymns" the most satisfying version of these ancient myths I have read; far superior to modern prose retellings. Thelma Sargent's elegant translations of these poems inspire a great sense of the sacred. The longer poems, especially "To Demeter" and "To Hermes" also develop a sense of the personalities of the gods. Those who love Homer's epics will also love these short poems, even if scholarship has taken the honor of authorship from him.

After reading the Loeb translation of the Homeric Hymns and Homerica, I was inclined to look askance on this slim little volume by Thelma Sargent. Upon opening the cover, however, I found I had been mistaken. Not only are these verse translations of short invocations and hymns to the Greek Gods and Godesses lovely and effecting (to which I will give credit where credit is due to Homer,an unlikely but romantic notion,or whichever ancient bard had the presence of mind to create them), they manage to be quite readable as well (credit for which I am willing to divide up between said bard and Thelma Sargent). The hymns are very straightforeward, utilizing in conjunction with the familiar stories of the Gods and Godesses, imagery common to the times and people for which they were written. Taking this alone into consideration, their beauty is impressive; rather like poetry invoking a Goddess to be present in your daily coffee making and data processing. Then again, maybe not, to have survived two and a half centuries, they would have to be pretty good little poems. I found the Hymns to Demeter, Delian Apollo, and the Mother of the Gods particularly elegant. It is from some of these hymns that we get our primary source material for some of our knowledge of Greek mythology. It is interesting to me, who was weaned on English re-tellings of these same myths, to read them in, at least closer to, their origional form. They are much deeper, the language much more sweeeping, than I had ever imagined- like the Psalms or Song of Solomon. We don't often think of those well-worn myths as religious tales. The way (I guess I mean the words and rythms)in which they were written, and then translated in this edition, makes the fact that they are religious texts decidedly apparant. It was, if not mind-blowing, than at least mind-stretching and intriguing to have them presented in this way.

The current re-evaluation of the contributions of John Singer Sargent to the art of the USA, as indicated by the impressive exhibition "Sargent And Italy" currently in Los Angeles, the steady flow of new books about his work, and the academic resurgence of emphasis on his importance in American art at the turn of the last century - this re-evaluation has been truly underscored by this very fine book by Trevor Fairbrother. Written with great style and zest, the author explores the sensual nature of an artist once considered a 'society portraitist', a good painter but one more concerned with reaping the wealth from his gifts than in painting for art's sake. Well, bury that prejudice, as Fairbrother reveals Sargent's preoccupation with the human body, not only elegantly clothed but sensually nude. A fine example is "Nude Study of Thomas E. McKellar" in which Sargent paints his favorite African American model in a beautifully erotic pose.

But the sensuality does not stop with the plethora of nude figure studies. Indeed, the author demonstrates how Sargent's compositions of landscapes and buildings as well as outdor and indoor groups of people are rendered with a sensual manipulation of light and pigment. And much time and discussion focuses on the famous painting 'El Jaleo' of a flamenco dancer barely visible in the artificial light of the stage, making her sensual movements of the hands and wrists ring like the music accompanying her.

This well written book is lavishly illustrated with excellent color reproductions and gifts us with a significant body of work at book's end - a folio of male nudes called "Album of Figure Studies" which alone is worth the price of this superb volume.
Highly recommended.

I'm a big Sargent fan. Fairbrother have done an unbiased work on Sargent. All his life, Sargent have always been attractive to the exotic, the bizarre, and the supernation and loved color and gaiety in his life. In his early paintings, he had painted many ethnic women including Rosina Ferrara, whom I've compared her to Chilli of TLC and I have two websites dedicated to both Chilli and Rosina Ferrara. He painted beautiful, lively gypsy women remininscent of Carmen, which was played around the same era as Sargent. His book is a wealth of pictures and sketches never seen before. Especially his book of nudes, which he had done when he wasn't busy painting wealthy patrons. Those sketches were realistic and, of course, very sensual for those with an open mind. It's a treat for those who are really interested in this brilliant artist.

This is a wonderful book for any lover of Sargent's work. I have quite a few monographs on Sargent, and this one contains work which I have not seen before. It focuses on every aspect of his ouvre, from portraits, landscapes, genre, and figurative studies. Not only do the selected works represent the sensuality that eminates from Sargent's hand and mind, but the layout of the actual book reflects this also. The last section of the book is devoted to some of his male figure charcoal studies, which are incredibly inspiring. They are printed on laid paper (different from the rest of the book), and have a beautiful quality to them. Most of them are even different drawings than those reproduced in the "Sargent: Male Nudes" book. This is very refreshing to see, as the drawings bring us right into the studio with Sargent, almost looking over his shoulder while he renders the figure with unwavering power and finesse....

Inspired by birth anthropologist Brigitte Jordan (author of Birth in Four Cultures), editors Davis-Floyd and Sargent have collection of articles written by scientists studying birth all over the world who have taken Jordan's concept of authoritative knowledge and applied it to myriad studies. Authoritative knowledge refers to the dominant accepted theory (usually the Western medical tradition and dependent on technology) and how its acceptance translates into customs and practices surrounding birth.

Many of the studies were very easy to read and the articles that "told the tale" of births in Greece, Mexico, and Sierra Leone were especially good. A surprise for me was how much I enjoyed Marsden Wagner's article - a doctor and public health official by training, Wagner was appointed the head of the World Health Organization's Maternal and Child Health Department. As he studied the efficacy of midwifery techniques the world over, Wagner began publishing WHO reports recommending the adoption of midwifery systems and a rejection of technology-oriented birth. His story of how the Western medical community continually attempt to disparge and undermine his work (my words as his are more understanding of the difficulty of change) is an excellent overview of the power of medical professionals.

This is an amazing collection of medical anthropoligical qualitative observational studies of pregnancy and birth in many cultures of the world. The caveat of exploration of the book is to critically compare how things got to be this way in our US technological/mechanical system of birthing, and to compare this to other cultural systems. The fallicy of the safety of hospital birth is examined as well as why physicians have (what I believe is) inappropriate status and power in decision making during pregnancy and birth. Researchers describe how culture and women themselves have contributed to their own relinquishment of control over their bodies for what is supposed to be a normal physiological event with the capacity for profound meaning in family life. This book is not for the faint of heart. It will challenge all of your assumptions about how we blindly enter the arena of physican dominated decision making in birth, letting those with technological knowledge hook us up to machines and gadgets, strip us of our clothing and identity, and then tell us how our bodies are functioning based on what machines and those with power say, not what women and families say. Data will prove how midwives can deliver safer (or safer) and sensitive care while respecting womens bodies and the status of her innate knowledge during labor and birth. I highly recommend this book to childbirth educators, midwives, OB nurses, obstetricians, and consumers who want to take back power and control over their pregnancy and birth experience. However, you will see that this cannot be easily done in a hospital setting, and almost impossible with a physician as the care provider. This may sound like I am bashing doctors - this cannot be further from the truth. However this book convinced me that the arena of birth belongs with those who believe in the physiology of normal birth and can spiritually as well as emotionally support women and families experiencing this momentous occasion. The place for doctors is best modeled after the European system of care - as specialists of abnormal pregnancy and birth. The book is written on the upper college to graduate level.

At last! Welcome to the City of Skulls, the demoniac realm of Iuz himself. Here, the daring heroes (levels 9-12) must do the impossible - fight or sneak their way into the city, and into the dungeons below, to rescue a favored spy in the name of the King of Furyondy! Of course, it's even harder (and more fun) than they suspect... a classic Greyhawk adventure, huge and hard to find.

This adventure is one of the bright spots of TSR's "From the Ashes" line of Greyhawk Adventures products. The party is hired to sneak into Dorakaa, the home city of Iuz the Evil, the half-demon Lord of Pain. The place is overrun with demonic creatures and Iuz's horrible clergy. The action is far from linear, and the adventure has the feel of a James Bond film. The most innovative aspect of this adventure is an excellent notoriety system to deal with characters or parties who make too much commotion during their stay. This adventure is good for any type of player, but the characters had better be well-equipped and ready for hordes of demons and undead.

I first found this book at the ...in Louisianna. I bought five of them for my five grandchildren. Then I had a sixth. I called the Gibson Co and they said they were out of print. I called ... all over the US to try to find them. I finally found three more. I bought them all. Those eight lasted until now. I have one grandchild who doesn't (or didn't) have one. I have been looking for a book that is similar to my others. I look in gift shops and children's shops and ... finally found one that was OK but not great. It had room for pictures but not for my writing. Then last night in the middle of the night, a thought occurred to me. Just write in Grandma's Gift and let the computer search for me. I could hardly wait to wake up and wait my turn on my husband's computer. As soon as I put in Grandma's Gift, it came up on Amazon.com. I was elated and bought three more. I really don't want to tell the world how wonderful they are because I'm afraid everyone will buy them and I won't be able to get enough for all of my grandchildren because I don't know how many there will be in the future. You must be prepared to do a lot of work and jot memories as you go. It is the greatest gift I will ever give to anyone. I am so grateful to be able to buy three of them today.

This book conveys the things one seldom says to their child or grandchild. It encompasses the family history, special stories about the family, and secret thoughts and feelings the grandparent has for their grandchild. It gives the grandchild a perspective and understanding of their grandparent that they may not have known heretofor. A wonderfully rich treasure to be passed on to grandchildren.

Good, Better, The Power Behind the Throne. If you enjoy playing adventures that challenge your brains this is for you. You can not solve problems with your blade this time. Someone will put Middenheim in to a great danger. This person is much more smarter than you can even imagine. You are to find out who is behind everything. I am not the only one who thinks that this is the best adventure ever made. I would give 6 stars for Power Behind the Throne if I could. If you do not have this book I recommend that you go and get it. As fast as you can... This book is the king of roleplaying adventures.

When it was first released in the 80s, The Enemy Within campaign was an amazing accomplishment in what was a "hack 'n' slash" era of RPGs. It boasted fully-developed non-player characters (NPCs), political intrigue, moral dilemmas, and the chance for players to expand their roles beyond the requisite magical armor and damage bonuses.

Power Behind the Throne was (and is) the high point of the entire campaign. All the players have to do is find out who is behind a new set of taxes in the city of Middenheim. Sound simple? It isn't. In order to accomplish this goal, their characters will have to mix with members of Middenheim's high society, each of whom has their own secrets, motivations, and knowledge. But it is only by getting to know these people and finding out what makes them tick that the players will ever be able to achieve their goal.

Since the NPCs play such a prominent role in the game, their description takes up the majority of this book. Game Masters are given complete details as to why NPCs act as they do, how they react to their fellow NPCs, and what skeletons are hidden in their respective closets. There is also a map of Middenheim, handouts to be distributed to players, reference cards to make the Game Master's job more manageable, and a spiffy new introductory adventure that more closely links this adventure with the book that proceeded it (Death on the Reik).

Power Behind the Throne can be played as a stand-alone, but I would recommend that you put your characters through the first two books of the campaign first. This will allow them enough time to get to develop their own characters.

I played in this campaign when it was first released, and now that it has been reprinted, I plan to run it for my gaming group. There are precious few scenarios out there that I can say that about.

Where was this book when I had little ones? Mine are grown now, but I wish I'd thought of these practical, fun tips for play with my kids. I highly recommend this for every mom.

The Power of Parent-Child Play is the first book to directly acknowledge common struggles with parent-child play while offering readers humor, compassion, and practical strategies. The book combines storytelling with magazine-style tips and Five Minute Fun activities to help parents:

1) increase time and energy for play and decrease stress,
2) incorporate discipline more effectively with play,
3) increase motivation and spontaneity for play, and
4) increase joy and playfulness in the home.

Endorsements:

Says Gregory L. Jantz, Ph.D., (Healing the Scars of Emotional Abuse): "Laurie gives us what we need-a fresh plan for bonding and enhancing our relationship with our children through play." Sherwood Wirt (Editor Emeritus, Decision magazine and 28 book author) enjoys the "candid way she [Sargent] describes her own home, and her deep insight into the personalities of growing children."

Cynthia Tobias (The Way They Learn) appreciates the "practical, immediately usable strategies that any parent can understand.", and Dorothy Rich (MegaSkills , Forward by Barbara Bush) states, "In this book [Sargent] generously shares hundreds of excellent ideas that enable parents to enrich the lives and the achievement of their children."

This book touches moms and dads. Jeff Kemp, former NFL quarterback and director of Families Northwest, writes: "This book is like a toy chest, overflowing with great insights and plans for parent-child play . . . and ultimately, loving our kids."

I read the book before going to Burma and really enjoyed it. It gives you a good idea of the way people live, and the problems they have. A very nice story.

A comment to the ones that already read the book :

When I entered the Shan State and saw the Orange plantation a few teardrops went through my face.!

Have seen on Austrian Television a documantary film on the life of Mrs/HHPrincess Inge Sargeant called 'Die himmlische Prinzessin'.. am so deeply touched and impressed with a life led there under the hardest of circumstances and trying now to help refugees from Burma as such. Am an Austrian myself and have lived uproad (Africa), so feel a bit the more for her formidable life led there and a special graciousness and truly wish I'd be able to meet her real in life some day..

This hilarious story will delight all ages. Sherman, the brightest sheep in his flock is approached by his cousin Wayne to lead the sheep to greener pastures. Sherman, who is perfectly content to lie under his apple tree, reluctantly goes along with the idea. He leads the flock on a series of misadventures, pretends he can read road signs which lead to even further misadventures before the flock ends up where it belongs. There really is no place like home.

Sherman would endorse that sentiment as he lies under his favorite apple tree.

Sherman, the smartest of sheep, tricks his own flock, who wish to look for greener pastures. Amusing, clever, well-told. Lends itself beautifully to dramatization. The children love it when Sherman, who thinks he can read, misreads various road signs. Or does he misread them? Sherman may just be more clever than we think.