I'll fess up right here. I love the Bible, and am moved by the Psalms. But I bought this translation just for Bono's forward, and if you've got a few bucks to spare, I'd recommend doing the same. It's easy to dismiss him as an opionated, ego-centric rock star, and lump him with the self-important and empty-headed lugs that are his peers. But anyone who has capacity enough to not only read, but internalize, these ancient, high-minded texts is impressive. And anyone who can give voice to those internalizations, who can take a personal prayer written by a stranger and see himself, see his contemporaries, see his heroes and enemies in his own modern world, has a gift. The man writes more than songs, he examines his soul, and ours as well. If you think the Bible has nothing for you, read Bono's little introduction. You'll change your mind, and have your eyes opened to the possibilities.

A very nice size booklet which you can carry with you anywhere; and a very good selection of the Psalms. Also I really like Bono's introduction, I kind of liken him to a modern day St. Paul. The Psalms are so important in reminded us to seek God and HIS will in days of trouble, like today; and really at all times. I think giving these as gifts to friends and family would be a good way to get people to get interested in the Bible.

This edition is memorable only because of Bono's introduction. This is not the complete Psalms, only exerpts, which means they may have left out your favorite. (Pslams 140?) That said, the words of a rock star on what these verses mean to him are very revealing, inspirational and worth reading.

As a lesbian anthropologist who spent several years summering in Cherry Grove and getting to know the then-aging members of its first gay pioneers, Esther Newton was uniquely placed to write the history of America's first (and for long, only) predominantly gay and lesbian community. The documentation and the historical depth are impressive; what struck me more, however, was the extent to which gay and lesbian life existed in the United States before Stonewall (1969), even if it was often constrained by a combination of public disapproval and intermittent enforcement of oppressive laws. As someone born after Stonewall, the pre-1960s history of marginalized groups, like homosexuals, is largely unknown. This book goes a long way to redressing that gap in American social history.

Newton organizes her book into three main eras. The "country-club" time of the first gay, lesbian, and sexually ambiguous individuals who came out from the New York theatre and artistic circles, began in the 1930s and continued through WW II and into the anti-gay witch hunts of the McCarthy era. The second period, beginning in the 1960s, saw the expansion of the upper-class WASP definition of gay identity to include new perspectives from "ethnic" whites, mainly Jews and Italians of middle- and working-class backgrounds. Finally, the 1970s and 1980s saw a transformation of the Grove, post-Stonewall, post-advent of AIDS, in which a newly militant gay identity was forged nationwide through the rhetoric of civil rights and in response to the devastation of HIV. Each era has seen conflicts between straights and gays, between owners, renters, and day-trippers, between men and women, and along lines of class and ethnicity. Often these factions have aligned in unexpected ways, and as an older renter, a woman, and a person of Jewish heritage, Newton is unusually placed to see the shifting fault lines.

The weakness of the book lies in a certain lack of analysis, on the one hand, and a certain political positioning on the other. Newton is an anthropologist by profession, but the analysis of social groupings in this book rarely goes beneath a simple description of what happened, in which factors of class, gender, and ethnic identity largely determine the political history of Cherry Grove. One could hope for a bit more analysis -- for instance, camp culture and drag (both of which changed substantially in conception with the changes of generations) are rather central to her description of Cherry Grove's history. Yet there is little attempt to analyze the psychology or motivations for either. The second issue is that Newton very strongly identifies herself as a politically liberal lesbian of a certain generation; this is both an advantage and a disadvantage. On the one hand, she sees and describes what might be invisible to someone who accepted the class identity of the first generation, to someone who accepted the assumed whiteness of the first two generations, or someone who accepted the current gay assumption that "gayness" is an identity primarily of white, middle-class males under the age of 40. On the other hand, the narrative is somewhat shaped by her identification (and criticism of) particular groups within Cherry Grove. She also has a fondness for camp humor which is somewhat alien to many people who have grown up since Stonewall, and which identifies her as a member of a particular generation. It is a pity she does not take more effort to explain it, as she seems to think it central to an understanding of Cherry Grove's first thirty years. (She may do so in her earlier book, Mother Camp, based on her dissertation work.)

All in all, this is a very good history of gay life in a culturally significant American community.

As a student of the natural sciences growing up in an era in which most Americans have already learned the lessons of AIDS and Stonewall is becoming a distant recollection of the founding moments of a move that is today alive and strong, I have had little opportunity to learn about the history of the gay and lesbian rights movement in America. Thus, in anthropological texts on this subject, such as Newton's, I seek a book which is easy to read from a lay-person's perspective (having no training in anthropology myself) and capable of providing a well-balanced look at how significant historical events have shaped the movement with which I am familiar today. Cherry Grove, Fire Island performs superbly on both of these points.

The book focuses on the small queer community of Cherry Grove which managed to develop in the mid-1930's on the remote sand bar of Fire Island, just off the coast of New York. Newton notes that perhaps it was in such a remote place that the first development of gay community in America happened because this was the only place it could happen-removed from mainstream life. Newton's book follows this community through the major eras in its development, carefully noting the important roles of major events both on the island and the mainland. Changing economic structures on the island (including the introduction of mafia-owned discos!), the developing gay rights movement on the mainland, the AIDS pandemic, sexism and racism in The Grove, day-tripping visitors, public sex, and competition with other Fire Island communities are only a few of the topics Newton explores in her comprehensive study.

Newton based her book on interviews of forty-six informants that she gathered while spending five years in The Grove during the 80's. She formulates the text as the story of a community with a focus on some key characters and places throughout. At times, it reads much like a novel with charming characters and situations almost too enchanting too believe. Indeed, Newton's book may be an anthropological record, but it reads like anything but the dry, sterile picture that such classification invokes. Nonetheless, Newton has done a careful job of keeping the "big picture" of gay rights and identity in mind while telling her story and it is not difficult to see how most of what she recounts is historically important in this scope as well. Finally, it is notable that one shortcoming of anthropological work in general is that much of it seems generally lacking in a balance between focus on gay men and lesbians. Despite the fact that The Grove was primarily a gay male community throughout most of its early years (something that has slowly been changing), Newton manages to do an admirable job of maintaining a sense of balance, even managing to draw extensively from interviews of some of the lesbians who did manage to visit Cherry Grove in its early years.

If there is one shortcoming of Newton's book, it is perhaps that the subsection of the gay community on which it focuses is a rather affluent one. Of course, this focus is more a result of the nature of the community itself and we can hardly fault Newton for it. On the whole, then, Cherry Grove, Fire Island is a well-written and informative portrayal of early gay and lesbian life in America.

A fun adventure through the complex world of Levi-Strauss and his theory of Structuralism. It contains cartoons, pictures, and fun comments which bring Levi-Strauss' complex theory to a sort of clarity.

Although I still don't find any practical use for a theory that is based upon the Western concept of binary opposites and deconstruction of mythology and fiction to explain culture, I am at least better able to understand the theory.

Reading this was a hoot. It makes structural anthropology fun and understantable in lay terms, notwithstanding the dilution and simplification of key concepts that invariably results from this sort of watering-down treatment.

I'm not sure what the previous reviewer meant about L-S's "deconstruction" of myths--although Derrida is mentioned briefly in the book. However, the L-S method of interpreting the transposition and mutation of myths is briefly introduced.

This book is a pretty good introduction into the basics of psychology. It explains the different perspectives and approaches to studying the mind and the different therapies used to treat disorders and undesirable behavior. The illustrations are rather helpful, and there are insights into the history of this science. It's worth a quick study for someone who may be thinking of making psychology their college major or considering therapy or counseling for him/herself.

Personally I have to say that this is one of the better books on psychology written specifically(hence the title "Pyschology for BEGINNERS). To illustrate, the book is 176 pages with a fairly good index and some interesting and quite explanatory pictures and lots of good information on different psychological tecnhinques. It starts out explaining what psychology is and what it is NOT. It goes back to the philosophers to find its origins(psychology) and traces to the future where we learn and know more about genes, our brain. The book tackels subjects, whcih are quite controversial in teh psychological industry quite tamely and does give different points of view. Like on the nature-nurture debate. It explains some of the new techniques psychology uses and used to classify behavior. It, the book, gives information on psychological and psychiatric associationn. The book explains the courses to take if you want to major in psychology. There are also lots of good graphs showing different information on different behaviors. The author's explantions are interseting and simple even for the layman reader. Some words can be quite techniquel but in all in all, its quite manageable. The author profiles different people and psychologists providing a paragraph to a couple of pages on the figure depending on improtance. The book also gives a good explanation of Freud's theories though does not delve into Jung as much. But thats good. Cause getting into Jung or other psychiatrists would have been to techniquel and not for the "beginner." Buy the book if you are interested in psychology. You will not be disappointed.

The authors of this work combine insights from their own research in Crete with their colleagues works in other regions of Mediterranean Europe to provide an exceptional overview of the natural history of the region. Throughout the book the authors emphasize the pitfalls in using historical documentation in developing an understanding evolution of a specific environment, and emphasize the need for first hand observation. The presentation of the information is, therefore, a combination of summary of observations and an interesting lecture on interpretation of data and observation.

US readers may find the authors use of British vernacular and colloquiallisms in summarizing key points to be confusing. There are also occasions where the authors choose to compare methods of teaching in the US and Europe, wherein it is clear that the authors knowledge of US curricula is dated (e.g. the practice of teaching climax vegation theory is no longer in common practice in the US.) That aside, the information and analysis provided by the authors is insightful, well organized and above all challenges conventional stereotypes of the region.

I took this book on a two week tour of Mediterranean Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Turkey and quickly acquired a deeper understanding of; human history, the impact of anthropogenic disturbance, geomorphology, evolution of biota and climate.

I recommend this book to others studying or working in any of the natural resource fields, and especially to those who have not had a prior exposure to European ecology. Prior studies in ecology, botany, wildlife biology and the like will suffice to follow the refreshingly opinionated perspectives provided in this book. Unlike many other recent publications in ecology, this is not an anthology or synthesis of prior written works, but rather the analysis and opinions of two professionals with solid field experience. The authors leave the reader with ample grounds to agree, disagree or augment interpretation. Reading the book will make you want to join the authors on their next field trip.

The hardcover copy I purchased was well made with ample graphic illustrations (though landscape photographs would find improvement in depth of field). Good use of data tables and graphs are made throughout. I was particularly pleased by the format for footnoting chosen by the authors. I am a reader who distains the current practice of embedding references to other authors work within the text; a practice which I find makes the text less readable, while often times leaving the reader to guess where to find the supporting information. A good value for the money.

This book has much in common with Rackham & Moody's "The Making of the Cretan Landscape." Indeed, the information from the earlier book seems to form the foundation of the later one. The inclusion of examples from other parts of the Mediterranean region (especially Spain and Italy) expands the new book considerably, so it is certainly true to its title. The new book is more generously illustrated than the earlier one, with more color photographs of various types of vegetation, geological phenomena, ancient trees, etc...

The New Grove Beethoven is one of a series of biographies on great composers. The text was originally written in the 1970's.

I used this book during an upper division class on Beethoven at UCLA, and I loved it. Why? Because I knew nothing about music, but I loved Beethoven's music. What is refreshing about this book is that it will provide a background on the life of Beethoven that is wholly understandable even if you don't have a music background.

This book is a little over 150 pages of text. The remainder is notes etc. It reads very quick. The book is largely broken up into chronoligical sections and ends with a quick breakdown of Beethoven's music and his impact on music.

The New Grove Beethoven does a great job of delving into Beethoven's frustration with the onset of deafness and how he felt estranged from society as a result. It also treats Beethoven's deep desire to be respected as this desire continually butted up against his dislike for preferential treatment to nobility as "superiors." In short, he wanted to be like them, loved like them but his attitude estranged him from them.

If you are looking for a quick primer on Beethoven that is readable and quite enjoyable, pick up the New Grove Beethoven!

This book is being used in my music class at Dartmouth College that's focusing on Beethoven. It contains very accurate information about the Maestro himself and does not add to the myths about the composer as other books do. It's very easy to read and there's a lot of satisfaction and knowledge that a Beethoven admirer can gain from this magnificent biography.

Finally, Primate Taxonomy has appeared- before this, I had heard references to it at primatological gatherings. Colin Groves needs no introduction in the area of taxonomy of many non-primate species, most recently, in resolving the question whether the African bush elephant is a subspecies, or a species in its own right (the latter). But it is probably fair to say that Colin's greatest achievement has been, the taxonomy of nonhuman primate (NHP) species. So what is Primate Taxonomy like? First, although a work aimed at a professional audience, there is much that can be appreciated by a non-scholarly audience interested in NHPs. The first few chapters deal with taxonomy, its history, and how it is done to-day. Taxonomy is the science of identifying species, placing them in the system designed by Linnaeus and familiar to all biology students, which assigns to each species a double Latin name; the first indicates the genus to which the species belongs, while the second is specific and unique to the species, eg, the rhesus monkey is Macaca mulatta, and the sacred baboon, Papio hamadryas. Related genera (like Macaca and Papio) are included in the "tribe" of the Papionini, which is part of the "subfamily" Cercopithecinae, which is part of the "family" Cercopithecidae, which is part of the "superfamily" of the Cercopithecoidea. This way, each species has its own place in a tree-like, hierarchical structure. But there is a snag: what, exactly, is a species? At first glance, this may seem obvious, but it is not. Appearances may be deceiving, with animals which look alike nevertheless being different species (the owl monkey, where chromosomal differences differentiate between very similar animals); conversely, animals that differ strikingly in their appearance may be of the same species (the historic misidentification of some gibbon species where there is sexual dimorphism in colour, as two species), and the history of taxonomy is littered with misidentifications of species. Groves provides clear descriptions of different attempts to define what makes a species, and favours the "traditional" definition, which includes a species being a population with its own ecological niche and limited distribution which does not interbreed (except in cases where territories may overlap) with another species, and which has a common behavioural repertoire distinct from other populations. Unfortunately for the taxonomist, the essential components of this (or any) definition of a species are often not known, and the only materials available are skins and skeletons (where, in case of some, it is not even known exactly where they were collected). On the other hand, in modern times, the traditional morphological criteria derived from skins and bones can be amplified by DNA analysis and other molecular biological markers, chromosome analysis, and by an increasing knowledge of behaviour, and Groves has, wherever possible, used such data in compiling his book. However, having identified a species, the taxonomist is not there yet: any species with a wide distribution covering a number of different "living conditions", or where rivers separate different populations (as in the Amazon or Congo basins) will probably have subspecies. Reading those first chapters makes one aware of the amount of work involved in the bulk of the book, where, going down the branches of the taxonomic tree, Groves lists the species and subspecies of all NHPs, from lemurs, lorises, bushbabies and tarsiers, through the New World monkeys and Old World monkeys to the great apes (Homo sapiens is listed at the very end but receives little discussion). There are brief summaries of the main features of families, subfamilies, tribes, etc, but the focus is on the species level where a general description of the genus is followed by one of a species including a list of the scientific names that species may have had since first described. This is rather helpful because one still comes across superseded names. After the description and distribution of a species, its subspecies are listed, starting with the type species (eg, Macaca fascicularis fascicularis), with for each, the characteristics which make it different, as well as the distribution. Two impressions emerge: first, the enormous variety of NHP species and subspecies that exist; and that in a world that seems to become smaller daily, new species are still being discovered, even where very little NHP habitat is left, such as on Madagascar. And this is surely the second impression, that many species, or their subspecies, are fast becoming vulnerable/threatened/endangered. So should you buy this book? If your profession is dealing with primate taxonomy in a serious way (zoos, conservation groups, government and NGO environmental and foreign aid agencies, university departments) the book is essential because of its profound scholarship. Nevertheless, I do have a few quibbles: the major one is that it would have been very good to have a summary table at the end of the book which allowed a quick overview of the proposed taxonomy. Now, if one wants to know how many subspecies of Macaca mulatta there are, for instance, one has to go to the relevant chapter and count them as listed; which is not made easier because the book's print is rather fine, and while, following convention, all scientific names are in italics, they are not otherwise highlighted and a brief entry can easily be missed. Likewise, short of counting, I could not find out how many species of NHP Groves thinks there are, and how many subspecies, overall. Such numbers would be nice to know in arguments about biodiversity and conservation. For non-taxonomists, it might have been helpful to include a kind of diagram of a "standard" NHP divided (bushmeat-like?), into portions so descriptions of fur colour distributions could be read more easily; in the text, for instance, terms like "dorsum", "saddle", "rump", "haunch" and "lumbar region", although strictly speaking referring to different parts, could be confusing. But these are minor points: Primate Taxonomy will be a tool, and subject for discussions for many years to come. It represents an outstanding feat of scholarship.

Extensive taxonomic revisions are usually published in monographic series by natural history museums, distributed to a handful of academic institutions the world over, and relegated to shelves in the bowels of libraries where they are consulted on occasion by a few specialists in each scientific generation. That Colin Groves' latest taxonomic revision is published in an attractive volume and sold on amazon.com testifies to the importance of primate taxonomy to many disciplines. I've read it from cover to cover. This revision deserves the attention.

Groves' introductory chapters describe theories and traditional methods in taxonomy, and provide useful historical context, as well as insight into his own viewpoints. For primatologists without taxonomic experience, this account will de-mystify the discipline and allow the process to be easily visualized and understood. For fellow taxonomists, Groves' descriptions of his methods and his mindset are invaluable for interpreting his conclusions, and for comparing notes. Also extremely useful are Groves' remarks both on the comparative excellence of primate holdings at major natural history museums worldwide, and on the influence and thought of past taxonomists. Knowledge like this is very truly the province of the specialist, and is very hard to come by-- close familiarity with the holdings of primate collections in museums worldwide can only be gained through expensive travel and extensive examinations, and intimate understanding of the viewpoints of taxonomists of decades and centuries past requires a comprehensive familiarity with countless old and often obscure descriptions, revisions, and monographs.

As for Groves' treatment of the primates, it is different, fresh, and full of monumental splitting (he recognizes about 330 species). Possibly it will be hard for some workers in primatology and mammalogy to stomach, as it certainly disrupts familiarity with relative rank of various taxa, and with figures of species richness in all groups. However, as many or more will welcome it as a long-needed reassessment of primate diversity, which in other current treatments is woefully underestimated. Groves has discovered over time, via careful museum research, that a large number of primate taxa named long ago but later uncritically synonymized and soon enough forgotten, are actually distinctive and recognizable species. Such taxonomic resurrections turn conservationists' attention to long-overlooked populations of primates that are deserving of high-concern conservation status. Changes in taxonomy lead to changes in policy, and this without doubt will be the most important effect of Groves' new book. An additional very useful contribution is that the book highlights and summarizes the flood of new primate taxa discovered during fieldwork in the tropics in recent years.

Of course it is important to remember, as Groves himself notes, that no taxonomic revision is the last word on the subject. In the case of primates, new species will continue to be described from the world's tropical regions, and many of the taxa Groves lists as provisional will with further research be shown to be undeserving of the rank he bestows on them. Nevertheless, Groves' take on primate taxonomy is without doubt a much more accurate characterization of living primate species diversity than other current and more traditional arrangements. For the large number of people who work with, write about, or make decisions regarding primates, this book should be considered the authoritative reference for identifying the current name, taxonomic rank, or uniqueness of a primate population. It is a most excellent contribution.

The Crystal Garden is an awsome book. It starts out when Eliza and her mother are living together, along way away from her mothers boyfriend. But one day her moms boyfriend came over and ask them to move in at his house, a small pink trelier in the small town of Gouge eye.Eliza is kind of an out cast at school and see's this as her chance tho change her life and be
popular. When she gets there she becomes friends with a neighbor, Dreidre. Once school starts she began to hang with the popular kids, but she soon relized what was really goning on. The popular kids were using her and Burl,her moms boyfriend was using her moms money from the waitressing job she got at a small resturant in town. It ends up that Eliza finds her real frind Dre, and Eliza, her mom, dre, and dres mom all move in together in a small up town apartment.

Eliza and her mother, Lorna, start off on a new adventure to start over from the tragic loss of Eliza's father by moving to a pink trailer in the small town of Gouge Eye, Missouri. Eliza throughout this book takes a number of tests to get herself in the "popular" crowd, and try's to make her "science-book" minded friend Deirdre understand. Even though she puts her relationships with people around her at great risks, she finally understands what real friendship is.

Eliza and her mother move to a small town in Missouri hoping for a new start, but Eliza only finds old problems wearing new faces. A 1997-98 Mark Twain Award nominee, Vickie Grove is a master at capturing the emotions and difficulties growing children must learn to resolve.

I have had this book prescribed as a textbook for a music history and theory course. This is a good book for such a purpose, it covers much. (This review is on the third edition).

Unit I has 5 chapters covering the fundamentals of musical theory. Sound, time, pitch, structure, form and style. Unit II is a 4-chapter overview of early music, starting with the Middle Ages. Unit III covers the 18th century in 6 chapters, starting with Late Baroque. Unit IV focuses on the 19th century, starting with Beethoven and finishing with the Late Romantics in 5 chapters.

Unit V: The Twentieth Century, was my favourite section. The prelude chapter discusses the concepts of music and modernism. The next chapter covers the early 20th century, then there is a chapter on alternatives to modernism, and the fourth chapter covers the late 20the century. Chapter 24 focuses on music in America: Jazz.

The book is organised around listening samples. These are available on a set of a 6 accompanying CDs. I liked the samples chosen. The late 20th century chapter, for example, discussed works by Ligeti, Berio, Varese, Cage, Crumb, Leon, Gubaidulina and Reich.

An alternative to "Listen" is Music: An appreciation" by Roger Kamien. It seems to me to have a bit more on artistic context, whilst at the same time covering more topics at slightly more depth.

However, "Listen" is well organised (always a good sign), and richly illustrated. Historical events are touched upon, and there is some reference to other art forms in context with the music of the time. I would recommend it as an introductory text even if you don't need to read it for school. Of course a book like this can cover topics only to a limited depth.

With the accompanied 6 CDs, Joseph Kerman has written one of the most interesting and comprehensive introductory music text. Not so much a memory-and-fact type of textbook, Kerman's uncanny ability to describe music experience has made this a success. Students do not need musicianship prerequisite to read this book. From ancient to modern, the book gives a broad overview of some of the masterpieces with insights and explanations. Excellent reading. (Note: The 6 CD set mentioned in this review is sold separately, and is not included in the price of the book. -Ed.)

This book makes learning about music interesting and fun. It begins talking about basic structures of music (rhythm, harmony, tonality, etc.) but mostly follows the history of recorded music starting from the Middle Ages through Baroque to Jazz. It does a good job relating the development of music to other artistic developments of the time, like painting and architecture. With the CD you can listen right along and learn a lot of interesting things about music a novice like me had never thought about before.

the notion of breaking the bible back into books (and tiny ones at that) is refereshing. while typographically nothing to marvel at, they are much easier to lug around than moser's beautiful but daunting pennyworth-caxton edition. the introductory notes give the texts spiritual and historical context without spoiling the majesty of what follows.

Be aware that the introduction authors for the boxed set are different than the stand alone versions of the books. If you're looking to collect another bit of obscure writing by your favorite author, you may be dissapointed. Also, the boxed set does not contain the Song of Solomon which is offered as a part of the stand alone series.

Kathleen Norris's introduction to the Book of Revelation rescues the book for contemporary readers from the comic book style of treatment now popular in so many conventional religious circles. Bravo to Norris, and to all others who are engaged in reclaiming the Bible from fundamentalists. This will make it possible for many new readers of the Bible to continue valuing it when the current prophecy craze loses its allure. parker@enter.net