Reading this book is like sitting in on a fascinating conversation between two great preachers. They cover a wide-ranging set of topics. Anyone interested in preaching will enjoy this book. A special treat included is a CD containing one of Bailey's sermons.

F.G. Bailey's book, "The Prevalence of Deceit," is about deception in human affairs. The book posits that "all facts are theory generated" and that "truth" depends on what people collectively believe the truth to be. The prevalence of deception in human affairs is facilitated by an innate human desire for order, predictablitiy, structure, control. It is this tendency which makes us vulnerable to accepting other peoples' "truths" (deception). Power is the principal motivation for deceiving people (that is, influencing their behavior by your version of "truth"). To persuade people by rhetoric -- i.e., perpetuating your "truth" to others -- you assert your control over them. Politicians are one good example of those who use their words more to persuade/flatter constituents to accept "truth" than to use their words to (dialectically) speak. Actually, F.G. Baileys believes that TRUE dialectics is a philosopher's dream and is virtually impossible. When people accept the "truths" of others, their freedom (to other "truth") is necessarily restricted; that is why F.G. Bailey posits that deception is so prevalent in human affairs. Unwittingly, people lock themselves into paradigms ("habitus") and collectively subscribe to "intersubjectivity." Throughout the book, he uses the terms "syntactical truth," "habitus," "truth-by-coherence," and "layman's truth" to refer to the paradigm problem. One interesting thesis in the book are the so-called "open secrets" (i.e., the so-called double standards) in society. The basis of this can be found in understanding how "truth" tends to be subsumed to the innate will for stability, structure, control. This is why, for example, apparant contradictions in reality are ignored for the sake of maintaining stability, saving face, keeping control. F.G. Bailey gives several examples from his experiences as an anthropologist in India during the 1950s to support his theses throughout the book. Overall the book posits the old epistemological quandary ("what is truth?") and finally warns us to always ask, Cui Bono? (Who benefits?) Thus the preponderance and warnings against deception. Although there is a dry spell in the book's middle on intra-Indian politics/affairs in the 1950s, the book is, overall, worth reading.

A simple old fashion good story that captured my daughter's imagination

This workbook consists of 70 exercises on thinking skills in various aspects, such as visual discrimination, problem solving, understanding relationship,inference, sequencing, storytelling and rhyming words. My 5 years old girl needs me to explain the exercise to her, and it gives her some brain storming. As what the editor written: If a child has grasp of how to think, school success and even success in life will become more assured. However not in ONE workbook, the Gifted and Talented Workbooks have some more titles on maths, reading, science and language arts.

I found this book very readable. It cast a different light onto the life of a man everyone new as brilliant. I was very surprised at how frankly this was written. No bars were held, even when Mr. Ailey didn't come across as a shining example. I think great pains were taken to retain the intergrity of the story without compromising Mr. Ailey's driving desire for privacy. The voices of many dance stars lent a certain energy to the book. Mr. Ailey made me laugh out loud while recounting details of his well-publicized breakdown. I was left wishing i'd paid more attention to this great dancer while he was yet alive.

This book provides those who are more likely to have believed the Harlem Renaissance to be entirely literary and entirely Harlem-centered with evidence of the all-encompassing scope and international import of this crucial, modern, blackened artistic surge. The exploration of black identity and construction of black nationality called the Harlem Renaissance is insightfully revisited through the social and artistic problems enacted in the works, within the voices, and upon the bodies of protagonists: Josephine Baker, Paul Robeson, and surprisingly, Orson Welles. This book is a fine complement to books which focus on literary-hitsorical aspects (such as David L. Lewis' _When Harlem was in Vogue_) and those which focus on music such as Angela Davis' _Blues Legacies and Black Feminism_ and Albert Murray's _Stomping the Blues_). It is a a fabulous expansion of the artistic territory encompassed in black art. Maya Angleou has said: "I am human, and therefore nothing h! uman can escape my grasp." I believe that black art has languished too long in the storage bin where fads and fanices go to die. _Black Rhapsodies_ rescues the Renaissance from this fate by positing black art as a philosphical stance, therefore attainable in varied ways throughout the post WWI world--not as the exotic and undisciplined, irregular expressions of primitive black jungle souls on the drum-pulsing streets of 20s Harlem. I couldn't agree more, and I hope that the idea that black art is both a real category and a complex one full of contadictions is adopted in the teaching of the Renaissance.

My one complaint is minor and may stem from my own unfamiliarity with the indexing system of books on art. I found it difficult to locate quickly the visual art being described in certain passages. If there were a more convenient way on idexing the art or of expaining the system to the novice reader, it would be appreciated.

characters tend to be florid in speech and crude in sentiment. posturing and backroom maeuvering given prominent place, though the courtroom takes center stage with assurance in a missing body case, especially with an imported barrister. above average.

Set in Japan in the 1630's, a story is told of interwoven fates between the Shogun, Samurais, Ninjas, European Jesuits, and beautiful courtesans. This book captures one's attention when father's betray sons, friends betray friends, priests fall in love with women, and ritual suicide is an honorable and common way to die. This story combines exotic and beautiful love with exciting and lethal combat to create a shimmering and passionate view of feudal Japan.

Part of my job as a Park Ranger is to provide wildlife education presentations. Believe me, when it comes to interpretive programs about snakes, one fact always holds true...people either love them or they HATE them! This book has wonderful large color pictures and easy to read, informative text that makes it perfect for all ages. I use it on a regular basis for Pre-school and Elementary "Story time". I also use it to illustrate basic snake characteristics in presentations for Scouts and Civic groups. No matter what their passion for snakes, or how old or young the audience may be, this book is the perfect tool to hold everyones interest.....At least until I open up the cages with the REAL THINGSssssssssssssss!

If all you want is an easy, straight forward "how do I?" book, then this is about the best around. It's basic, but clear and SHORT (no wading through page after page to find the answer).