Jose Saramago is one the most important writers in the 20th Century. His 'Memorial do convento', 'O ano da morte de Ricardo Reis', 'O evanghelo segundo Jesus Cristo', and 'Ensaio sobre a cegueira' are true literature classics, both in depth and form. Those novels were almost all-embracing, covering an incredible diversity of subjects in the space of 300-400 pages. Now, with 'Todos os nomes', Saramago probes deeper into one of those subjects that are so dear to him: how to defeat death. Probably because of this, 'Todos os nomes' has a simple plot, but is highly philosophical and symbolic.

Saramago's theme in 'Todos os nomes' is best stated as a question: When do people truly die? Saramago seems to be saying that, in the world of the living, the dead must also have a place, and it is our duty to remember them. Therein also lies our dignity. In this enterprise, ironically, individual names don't matter; they are all, in the final analysis, the same because everybody (the famous and the not-so-famous) is equal in death.

Even though I enjoyed 'Todos os nomes', I found some sections verbose and trivial because too much time is spent in relating things that don't add much to the main theme. In those cases, it seemed as if Saramago didn't have a clear idea of where he was heading to in the narrative. But the main character of 'Todos os nomes', Sr. Jose (incidentally, the only character that has a name in the novel), is truly engaging, probably because in his obsessive nature he has an intense internal life that reminds us so much of ourselves.

Perhaps 'Todos os nomes' is not one of Saramago's best novels. It is, however, one that deserves attention, particularly from those interested in Saramago's worldview.

This is one of the most engrossing, absorbing and challenging books I have read this year. The deceptive simplicity of the plot, which I do not wish to give away, is belied by the fabulous richness and complexity of the language Saramago uses. It deals with such diverse themes as loneliness, obsession, self-doubt, personal development and fruition with a mastery I have rarely seen equalled. An excellent book, and a deserving Nobel-Prize winner.

El autor en este libro, a través de su estilo, lleva al lector a explorar el mundo de la duda dentro de un contexto social en el que los actos se encuentran ¨predeterminados¨. El ir y venir del personaje y del lector hacen de esta obra todo un deleite espiritual.

I bought this book for my students in my ESL (English as a Second Language) classes, but , in spite of being under $... it still deserves only a 4. It is poorly printed and the type is quite small. I prefer the Rough Guide Dictionary Phrasebook, and plan to order another one of that book.

This is the first and only English translation of Martin Del Rio's famous treatise "Disquisitionum Magicarum Libre Sex", a voluminous and comprehensive analysis of the occult, first printed in 1599. Del Rio (1551-1608) was a Jesuit priest and scholar who felt that Christianity was threatened by heresy from witches, alchemists, and sorcerers and wrote his encyclopedic tome as not only a thorough discussion on the various aspects of the occult, but as a practical guide for inquisitors and secular authorities to investigate, convict, and punish witches, sorcerers, and occultists in general. In a time when the Catholic Church was besieged on all sides by the perceived heresy of the Reformation, it is clear why Del Rio wrote this long account. The witchhunting craze was at its peak in Del Rio's time, and the populous was ripe with fear and superstition. The Church was struggling with it's own Counter-Reformation and looked to purge the church, and it's followers, of any lingering traces of paganism and non-orthodox elements. It is interesting to see to what lengths Del Rio goes to defend the sacred rituals of the Catholic Mass amid accusations by the Protestants that the very core of Catholicism was tainted by magic and paganism. He carefully sets out what constitutes what is Godly and divine in origin, and what is clearly diabolical and heretical in nature. This book was considered one of the definitive works on witchcraft and the occult for over 150 years and was used by ecclesiastical and secular courts to convict suspected witches. Del Rio himself takes his place next to other well-known anti-witch writers of his time such as Jean Bodin, Nicolas Remy, and Francesco Maria Guazzo. The book itself provides an interesting insight into the mind of the 16th century man amid the constant fear of Satan and his minions.

The author is an academic anthropologist. The book is a survey of a lot of information, but some emphases seem unusual. For example, there is quite a bit of speculation about what languages were spoken by prehistoric "pueblo" people but almost no information about the pueblo revolt of 1680. Details of that revolt are easily found in other books, but it was surprising to find so little about such an important event here. In contrast, there is a chapter on the Spanish conquest of Mexico. I found that material interesting, but it wasn't clear how that level of detail related to the author's main story. The author says almost nothing about the exploitation of the Pueblo people by the Church, government, and landowners before the revolt. He states that the Spanish were benevolent compared to the English in New England, but without any justification for this statement. There is an extensive list of references for readers who want to learn more. The book could also use some editing; some text is repeated in a later chapter.

"Rio Del Norte" is a very good summary and (partial) reinterpretation of the archeology and culture history of the US Southwest into the early historical period. "Southwest" is in quotation marks because during the early historical period it was Mexico's "Northwest;" but it has always belonged to the indigenous peoples who still live there. Apart from this misnomer, the perspective is not notably Anglocentric, and in fact, the work is exceptional in giving due consideration to the concerns of the Indians of the region. This is most noticeable in Riley's discussion of EL Turco ("The Turk"), a Plains Indian captive at Pecos Pueblo who led Coronado onto the Great Plains in the early 1540s. Typically portrayed as a lying traitor by the Spaniards, Riley shows him---convincingly, in my view---as an early exemplar of Pan-Indian consciousness who developed an (abortive) strategy to thwart the Spaniards' pursuit of wealth and power. In this way Riley restores historical and rational agency to this enigmatic figure, and also other indigenous historical actors from the region.

This book rates 4 stars because the level of specialized detail, especially on environment and economy, will deter some readers. But I have happily quarried it for lecture material, and both students and laypersons who appreciate clearly-written scholarship will benefit from reading it.

I bought this book while vacationing in New Mexico and found it an excellent companion to my visits to archaeological sites such as Quarai, Abo, and Gran Quivara. These former Pueblo Indian farming communities are located in the middle of nowhere and the fact they were able to exist -- and apparently thrive -- in a hostile, desert environment adds to their appeal and mystery. Riley has turned out a competent, readable survey of the Indians of the Rio Grande in pre- and early-historical times. In the first half of the book he gives a thorough account of all aspects of Pueblo Indian culture: history, language, agriculture, religion, technology, trade, etc. The second half is devoted to their contacts with Coronado and the other early Spanish explorers and settlers. He presents in brief form a lot of information, but most of what he says is jargon-free and comprehensible to non-archaeologists and non-specialists. I liked the book and it will stay on my shelves as a ready reference to the Pueblo Indians.

Henrie O receives a frantic transatlantic call from her dear friend who cannot contact her granddaughter Iris in San Antonio. Henrie is visiting her daughter in Texas and agrees to drive to San Antonio to try to find the missing girl. When she does, she becomes acquainted with the Garza family who owns the store where Iris has been working. She is convinced that someone in the family is connected with the disappearance. Soon there is a murder and a theft to add to the intrigue. Henrie O does some behind-the-scenes investigating in order to piece the puzzle together. The setting of the River Walk is a brilliant one and Hart's descriptions of San Antonio are vibrant and very accurate. There are a few unlikely scenarios, such as a thief letting Henrie O take a very valuable valise full of goods, and the way Henrie O decides to trap the murderer in the end, but this still remains a good read for Hart fans.

Carolyn Hart's "Death on the River Walk" is a thoroughly absorbing mystery offering tantalizing glimpses of San Antonio's River Walk. Among Ms. Hart's many strengths as a writer is the ability to make her readers part of the scene. One sees "sunlight striking through shifting cottonwood leaves, making filagree patterns on ... stone walks", one feels "soft, moist night air", and taste buds go into overdrive when she describes scrumptious dishes such as nachos with shrimp and black beans, or chalupas topped with a meat-and corn mixture ... Henrie O, a refreshingly mature heroine with a refreshingly contemporary outlook, is asked to look into the disppearance of her best friend's granddaughter. The trail leads her to Tesoros (Treasures), a River Walk gallery dealing primarily in Mexican art and antiquities. Ms. Hart shines in her knowledge and description of pieces such as pulque pitchers, Tlaquepaque style glazed pottery, Talavera tiles and Oaxacan carved, wooden animals. The Garza family, who has owned and run Tesoros for forty years, has an unassailable reputation in the art world. Why, then, are there hints of discord among its members? Is there a connection with the family to the theft of gold antiquities stolen from Mexico City's National Museum of Anthropology? "Death on the River Walk" is tightly plotted, beautifully written, and a credit to this award winning author.

Carolyn Hart has delivered another fun addition to her Henrie O series. Ms. Hart has developed a wonderful character in her protagonist. There is something warm and inviting with Henrie O, kind of like a grandmother. The author has also developed her to be smart, brave and very observant. This makes for a very enjoyable series. Unlike Ms. Hart's Death of Demand series, this one is a bit more on the serious side, but not so much so that there is not funny moments. Also, Henrie gets to travel around to different locations. With this Ms. Hart adds the pleasure of regional interest into the story. This book is located in San Antonio, so the reader get all kinds of interesting facts about that great city and it's culture. Believe it or not, San Antonio has more going for it than the Alamo! Add all this together with Ms. Hart's good solid writing and the reader can be guaranteed a good and fun mystery. I would recommend any of Carolyn Hart's books to any one who enjoys a good mystery.

The characters are wishy-washy & boring. The story doesn't flow very well... kinda had to force myself through the part that I did read.

One day, I'll force myself to finish it.

One day.

Es una linda historia, auque por un momento se pasa por una parte retorica, el fin vale la pena.
Es la historia de un amor perdido y recuperado, un amor que no se apaga, pase lo que pase...es el sentimiento de amar y aunque los personages no son muy jovenes, es increible saber que el amor puede y perdura..y que a pesar de todo el amor hace sufrir....

Este libro a mi me pareció excelente, ya que en el puedes encontrar los miedos y circunstancias que en ocasiones te limitan para amar. Es una hermosa historia de amor, llena de búsqueda para la aceptación del amor y el vencimiento a los temores personales.

Unfortunately this work contains numerous errors. A few examples:

--The Indian tribe described for the mission was a minority group there--the tribe that made up the majority is not even mentioned;

--The local Indians did not hunt buffalo from horses, as depicted in a drawing; and

--The local Indians did not make clay bowls, as a caption indicates.

These are serious, fundamental omissions and errors. Accordingly, I cannot recommend this book.

I am doing my mission report on the Carmel Mission and this really helped. The book tells you everything you need to know on the mission. In the back of the book there are a couple pages to show you how to make a model of the mission, there is even a page on inportant dates,a glossary,a pronunciation guide, a page on resources and an index!