Jens Bjorneboe, like the Russian dissident Yevgeny Zamyatin, believed in heresy. The autobiographical alcoholic hero of his novel MOMENT OF FREEDOM (1966) remarks: "What on earth would our beloved, stinking, beautiful Europe have become without our dope fiends, drunkards, homosexuals, consumptives, madmen, syphilitics, bed-wetters, criminals and epileptics? Our whole culture was created by invalids, lunatics and felons. There isn't one normal person who has done a useful or lasting thing: it was the normal ones who built the slave labor camps in both Germany and Russia." This wild thought echoes Zamyatin's famous literary declaration of 1921: "The point is that there can be a true literature only where it is made not by efficient and trustworthy clerks, but by madmen, hermits, heretics, dreamers, rebels, skeptics." Both writers identified with the loner, the original thinker, the individual with the courage to question routine, dogma and well-established rules. Such an individual may challenge society, but also prove its salvation. Zamyatin characterized him as "a sailor sent up the mast, from which he can see shipwrecks, icebergs and maelstroms still undetectable from the deck."

As a Norwegian, Bjorneboe did not make his protest against a totalitarian government or even totalitarianism in general, but rather against the common urge to think alike, the herd mentality, the mass mind. His demon was what he called "the guardian type" (the term formynder-mennesket" entered everyday speech in Norway). This is the moral, political or social administrator, functionary or busybody who needs the system, the institution and the boss above him, who faithfully enforces the rules on people below him and ferociously punishes transgressors, mavericks and misfits. It's the little man who can be a big bully, a soul-killer or even, given the right circumstances, a body-killer, whether in an office, a university, or a scientific institution. In Russia they called such men "little Stalins." In America such men (and women) ticket your car, make sure you mow your lawn regularly and--but you know the type.

In the historical figure of Ignaz Semmelweis, nineteenth-century founder of antiseptic medicine, Bjorneboe found the perfect foil for his argument. Semmelweis, a Hungarian physician in Vienna, questioned the medically established definition of "child-bed fever" (a supposedly "non-contagious female disease common to the lower classes") and discovered the true source of the malady--infection from the dirty hands of the high-class physicians. From the moment of that discovery in 1846 to the end of his life in 1867 he was at war with the authorities, the recognized experts, the upholders of convention, who refused to accept his scientific data, to follow his hygienic methods, which eliminated the "fever" in his ward, or even to try washing their hands with the proper disinfectant, and therefore condemned 25% of pregnant women in Europe--hundreds of thousands--to death. The heretic-savior is denounced, fired and driven half-mad, while the respectable guardians of medicine murder their patients. Later Louis Pasteur confirmed Semmelweis' discovery, and procedures were finally changed.

Given this theme, the play SEMMELWEIS (1968) is unusually forceful, like all of Bjorneboe's works, though in the manner of a Greek tragedy the opposition to the hero is mostly offstage. Joe Martin's translation is crisp and efficient, but has irritating lapses of punctuation ("I know, I know Herr Doktor." "Then you should know something about women, shouldn't you Nasi?")Bjorneboe framed the period piece with a prologue and epilogue: contemporary students seize the stage (prologue), present an unscheduled play (the play about Semmelweis) and afterwards encourage the audience to discuss it (epilogue). Since the frame can change with the times, the historical material can be renewed in each country and period, and with it the basic argument. But here the translation drops the prologue, preferring to explain it at length in an introduction, which is strange. Otherwise it's a good job, and the Sun and Moon printing is beautiful. Martin is also the author of an important study of Bjorneboe, KEEPER OF THE PROTOCOLS (1996). The play should be made into a movie.

This chilling tale is classic Bjørneboe material. Based on the true story of Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis, the play shows the intelligent well-meaning individual pitted against the ignorant and inhumane forces of the faceless institution and small-minded peers. Semmelweis, an Austro-Hungarian physician, is today lauded as the father of modern antiseptic theory. During his lifetime, however, he was ridiculed, maligned, fired from his position, and driven to madness. The first to make the connection between the plague of childbed fever, which killed countless women, and medical students' trips between the morgue and the maternity hospital, Semmelweis found himself to be a voice crying in the wilderness. Doctors and medical students did not want to believe that they themselves could be the carriers of disease. They therefore branded Semmelweis a heretic and created a martyr to truth. In his preface to the work, Martin states: "As often is the case in Bjørneboe's work, disease is also a metaphor for the prevailing consciousness of an age. The 'doctors are the disease' here -- and so is the hierarchical form of society upon which they sit near the top rungs. Meanwhile anyone who pursues an inconvenient truth in such a society is paradoxically seen as 'sick.' That is, he is not normal because he is not part of the prevailing disease."

Class and gender politics are evident, as doctors seem unmoved by the deaths of the poor women who come to the lying-in hospitals. The disinfectants found in the janitor's closet are deemed inappropriate tools for the gentleman professional. Our tragic hero Semmelweis and the unfortunate patients are undone by the physicians' refusal to simply wash their hands - or even to engage in the scientific experiment of determining if such an act could make a difference in hospital mortality rates.

Martin's lively translation conveys the excitement and despair of this story of misunderstood genius. Bjørneboe himself deserves high praise for bringing this tale to life for modern readers, and for casting more light on our own human condition.

One of the most amazing poets I've read in awhile ( maybe forever). He catches nuances of emotion and sensations akin to the truly intense writing of Anais Nin's finest moments. Writes like an ideal poet, the melancholy, sensitive, yet genuine type that seem rare these days.

Servicing the Salamander is a strong collection of work by spoken word performer and novelist Douglas A. Martin. An exhilirating read infused with lyricism and cleverly constructed word play. Martin is one to watch. I can't wait for his next book!

Baby boomers will enjoy this book immensely! The childhood stories are adorable and hilarious. Fabulously inspirational! One can only imagine the indepdendence achieved by 17 children, born in a span of 19 years, of only two parents, which so far has led 15 of the 17 to finish college! I read it to my 8-year old, an only child, as a chapter book. It illustrates the value of hard work, creativity, and youthful independence. Applause, applause!!

This book is funny, insightful, and touching. I read it five times and each time I found something different

Here's the most frequently asked question whenever I show people my vacation photos: "Why aren't there any people in your pictures?" That's because I spend most of my time and film photographing interesting painted, tiled, or neon signs. Klaus Schmidt's gorgeous and quirky collection of signs from around the world in his colorful photos puts my snapshots to shame however (which, I suppose, is why he's a professional photographer with a book contract, and I'm not!)

Schmidt's beautiful full-color photographs of contemporary and historical signs take us around the world and through a history of cultures in their signage: street markers, pub signs, elaborate tombstones, gothic carvings, advertising placards, movie marquees, brilliant neon, and even common sights that aren't *completely* familiar (a McDonalds sign in Japanese). From famous (Checkpoint Charlie's "You are now leaving the American Sector") to the obscure (Morocco mailboxes) this is a quirky, entertaining, and beautifully designed collection, a wonderful book for photography fans, travel buffs, and anyone who is intrigued by the portrayal of culture through its most visible, yet often overlooked, public icons.

This book was a great way to learn about multiplicity signs around the world.Such as Germany, Japan, Puerto Rico, France and many others! Some signs that are shown are Weathered Road signs; the collage-like combinations of signs and posters on European kiosks; inscriptions on ancient gravestones; faded commercial signs painted on brick walls; and signage found on hotels, resturants, and theaters. The pictures were all very neat and well done and for anyone who has not looked at this GREAT book I suggest that you do right away!!!!

Dalton's poetry is intense, and exudes revolution in every verse. Knowing a history of the poet's life and struggle, you get a greater feel and appreciation for all his work. His pain, love, and hate all mixed together delivers the most powerful poetry I've ever read. I enjoyed this book immensely, and recommend it to all of those that are a rebel at heart.

In Dalton's words you can hear his pain, loss and anger; but it's his love and romantic vision that you take away. I tresure this book and it stands as my most read book.

SMALL WORLD is Martin Suter's first novel, an international best-seller just recently published in the U.S. With it and his succeeding novels not yet out in English, THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON, and A PERECT FRIEND, Suter has carved out almost a new genre--the psychological thriller--in which a net of corporate intrigue parallels the inner labyrinth of the central character's mind. In SMALL WORLD, the mind is that of a man whose deteroriation due to Alzheimer's brings him closer and closer to early memories that endanger a wealthy and powerful Swiss industrialist--a woman hiding her own past. In DARK SIDE OF THE MOON, the mind at risk is that of a propserous but angry middle-aged lawyer whose specialty is corporate mergers: his personal merger with some magic mushrooms ingested in a Swiss forest bring the anger to the fore and bring him into a deadly game of hunter and hunted in the forest. In A PERFECT FRIEND, the hero lost in a labyrinth is a journalist who wakes up amnesiac in a hospital bed after being hit over the head with a blunt object. He fears he's been assaulted because of a story he was covering--but what the story was and what he'd been doing in the days leading up to the attack, he can't remember. Picking up the lost theads of his life leads him closer and closer to ruthless attackers and truths about himself he won't want to face. Suter's psychological and social explorations are always convincing and precise; his books are page-turners, electric with tension from the first page, surprising to the last and yet always believable. There's no naiveté in his depiction of corporate scams and personal cupidity--yet in his novels even the good guys have faults, and even the bad guys have a certain malign beauty. There's mercy, sweetness and humor in Suter's treatment of his characters that's unique to his writing. He's a novelist to follow, and one hopes that all his novels out and those to come will be published in English.

This is a very fascinating, touchy, and partially also thrilling story about Konrad Lang, a man who develops Alzheimer's disease. The account tells stories that move from gradually increasing stages of the disease.
I could imagine that it might be a bit hard to stand for someone being personally affected by Alzheimer's in the direct environment, but it might as well help to see Konrad and his environment struggling with the disease and its effects on everyone.
It is a fascinating story until the very end that makes it difficult to interrupt reading once you started. The end comes as a surprise.

Beautifully illustrated, this book is a delightful authentic Native American tale. Every child I bought this for has loved the drawings.

Geri is a genuine Native American storyteller (Navajo) and one of the few authentic indian authors of children's books today. This book reflects her creativity, while the vivid and beautiful illustrations excite the imagination! "Snail Girl" is based on a story from the Navajo creation myth which imparts respect and honor for a most precious substance, water. Highly recommended.

Profound, thought provoking and full of information that is useful to the student, professional or leisure reader. Anyone who has ever lived in, visited or who wants to learn about Atlantic City MUST read this book. I do not know too much about this Paulsson fellow, but he is a genius and I look forward to reading more of his work.

Paulsson shows why he is one of the best historians in the business with this revealing and insightful account regarding the origins of Atlantic City - as well as its victories, failures and legacy. Especially interesting is Paulsson's expertise on race relations in Atlantic City. A fine piece of work and well worth the time to read.

Absolutely the most important book on softbills that I've every read. Martin Vince's considerable and thorough knowledge of softbills is evident in easy to understand chapters that make caring for these unique types of birds far less difficult. He includes valuable information about the various species, including their individual dietary and habitat requirements. If you own softbills or are considering acquiring them, this book is the most important addition you can make to your library and is an absolute must have.

This book contains valuble information that can be applied to most all birds kept in captivity.The text is clear,easily digested, and should be on every birdkeepers shelf.In a time when we are smoothered with useless books of pictures and no text of any importance,this book shines as the cutting edge of understanding the birds that we keep.

A comprehensive and fascinating book, a good primer on the elite of the SADF and SA Police Services. Besides the Recce Commandos, covers such units as the SA Marines, the Police "Hunter" units of the 60s and 70s, and the 44 Para Brigade and Pathfinders. Highly recommended.

Not much has been written about the South African Defense Forces. Like Isreal, South Africa of the late cold war was surrounded and under siege. It cannot invade and occupy forgien land. So instead the SADF raised commando units, from Recce Commandos and the Parabats to 32nd Battalion, to strike at their enemies to great effect. I wish that a deffinative book about South African special forces could be written and published in America.