Those of us who live outside of North America may well be surprised to read of the momentous class battles which saw hundreds of thousands of working people give their support to Socialist ideas

Eugene V. Debs was one of the very best products of American Labor movement. He was one of the millions of workers engaged in mass struggles for the most basic of rights waged during the late 1800's and early 1900's.

Two decades as a union fighter led Debs to adopt revolutionary socialist conclusions. He did so while in Chicago's Woodstock Jail, a few months before his 40th birthday.

For the remaining thirty years of his life Debs devoted himself to convincing working people in the US that the road to their emancipation was through the overthrow of American capitalism.

Through the selection of Debs speeches and writings put together in Eugene V. Debs Speaks you see where the class battles are at their hottest, there is Debs; writing, speaking and even using his election campaigns to aid the workers involved in struggle.

Debs delivers the cold hard truth about American capitalism and it's institutions. Much in the same way as another working class leader who made his mark some 40 years later - Malcolm X.

Eugene Victor Debs was sentenced to ten years in prison for the anti-imperialist speech he gave in Canton, Ohio in 1918. It is a fire-breathing speech full of love for the oppressed and hatred of the imperialist oppressor. After you buy this book, read this speech first. It tells you about the U.S. rulers today-and their wars. The speeches in this well-rounded book (with a superb introduction by James P. Cannon), provide socialist answers to the big questions workers face today, as well as yesterday. His writings on the capitalist prison system are especially relevant. Debs, who spent four years behind bars himself, salutes the humanity of his fellow prisoners and points to the real criminal-"Capitalism is inherently a criminal system for it is based upon the robbery of the working class and cornerstoned in its slavery." Not much question about what he would think about U.S. wars and the anti-working class measures involved in Homeland Security. Like Malcolm X, Debs shows that the U.S. working class can indeed produce great leaders.

A refreshing collection of Debs' speeches and writings. Debs was a railroad worker and union official, imprisoned for his role in the 1894 Pullman strike. He became a socialist in prison, was several times the Socialist Party's candidate for president, and became the a symbol of labor and Marxism for a generation.

"What's the matter with Chicago?' is a lively examination of the how capitalism affects human life. Other items discuss the labor movement of his time, the early American Federation of Labor and the Industrial Workers of the World. His 1918 Canton Ohio speech, recorded by a police spy stenographer, blasted the First World War as imperialist, hailed the Russian revolution, and landed Debs a ten-year sentence in federal prison.

This great book has taught me the value of being yourself and how TO land that perfect job. Matching your "I will" to your competitors "IQ" is a task that is sure to lean future employers into your direction. This book not only gives you step-by-step instructions to follow when getting ready for an interview, but also how to write a resume, and possible interview questions that you will be asked but more importantly, those that you should ask! Also, this book shows you competitive ways to overpower the competition in job interviews, to set yourself apart from the rest of the pack including those with more experience, qualifications, etc. You too can land that perfect job with a little help from James and his book. I used James techniques to help me to be elected to an elite board of directors that normally takes 2-3 generations to be involved with, but I did it in less than 6 years. I have also used these techniques to help me be awarded thousands of dollars in college scholarships, just by following a few simple tasks. This book is awesome, not to mention Jame's motivational speaking events. James is a talented individual and he is putting his talent to work in today's society. He will stop short of nothing to achieve his goal and he will help you to accomplish YOUR goals. This book is a must for anyone looking to land their dream job, not just college students. An enthusiastic TWO-THUMBS UP!!

James Malinchak has put together a great source of information for anyone on the search for a career. The inspirational quotes were especially helpful to me every day. Malinchak's use of his own personal experiences makes every page very accessible to readers. I love this book!

This book should be read by all college students preparing to enter the real world. It will give you strategies that will help you land the job of your dreams. The book is easy to read and the author does a great job of relating to students.

una espléndida selcción de "bocadillos " mentales y culturales

Y TE DIVIERTES...
Muy interesante y lo puedes ir leyendo como se te antoje...SON PUROS PARRAFITOS CORTOS !

If you do, don't miss this book
If you don't, learn to love it in this book

Germs, Biological Warfare, Vaccinations: What You Need To Know by health and fitness expert Gary Null (with the assistance of James Feast, editor of the "Journal of the History of Philosophy") offers the basic and readily accessible information about drug-resistant germs, biological warfare, natural ways to boost one's own immune system, and much, much more. A very practical and informative health guide, as well as a useful primer for protecting oneself against biological pathogens, Germs, Biological Warfare, Vaccinations is a timely, authoritative, and invaluable informational resource for non-specialist general readers in these troubled and troubling times.

If you read any of my past reviews on Gary's books, you'd see that I have been very critical of his approach. He always backs off when he writes a book, and never gives the kind of in depth information he always does on his radio show. I've always wondered why..

However, with this new book, Gary delivers in a huge way. He tells it like it is, and has finally written a book that is as hard hitting and cutting edge as his radio show is.

This book covers everything from the history of biological warfare, vaccines, conventional BW treatments, alternative treatments, how to detoxify, de-acidify, how to manage stress, and much more. Very dynamic delivery, and very well written. Excellent job, Gary.

Gary Null has done it again in his timely new book, "Germs, Biological Warfare, Vaccinations." As the looming war with Iraq approaches, Americans more than ever have to be prepared to deal with potential biohazards and terrorist threats. In this terrific, informative book, Mr. Null, with the assistance of James Feast, provides a detailed, yet gripping review of the history of biological warfare and what societies have done to defend themselves. To fully understand the nature of biological threats - both natural and manmade - Gary takes the reader on a tour of the most important biological hazards and how, without protection, they can wreak incredible havoc on society. All of the important hazards are described, from Small Pox and Anthrax to Botulism, the Plague, and Yellow Fever. Their histories are discussed in detail, as well as ways, if any, to protect against them. All of the CDC Class A biohazards, as well as others, are fully described, such as Lassa Fever, Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers, Tularemia, and Bunyaviridae. The history of these viruses and their destruction of human societies is discussed. The book also documents the history, particularly in the twentieth century, of the development of germ warfare, the accidents with it, and the attempts and failures to control it.

The book deals in great detail with various controversial and competing theories about the use and abuse of vaccinations against such biohazards as smallpox. The author makes a good case for examining much more closely the risks and overuse of vaccinations in certain cases. The book provides compelling evidence as to the dangers of overvaccination--for instance harmful side effects and the distortion of the body's natural immune system--and calls for a more reasoned and scientific approach to studying the effectiveness of vaccinations in general. It seems as though in some cases, such as polio (where the illness has been wiped out) and Hepatitis B, it is time to really re-think our national policy of coerced vaccinations, especially where the risks of harmful side effects may outweigh questionable benefits. Gary shows the checkered history of the development and growth of massive compulsory vaccinations in America and how it is supported and maintained by powerful business interests in the pharmaceutical industry.

Through a series of interwoven subthemes, involving the life of French scientist and theologian Blaise Pascal and American Revolutionary Benjamin Rush, Gary explores how new paradigms are created and phase shifts occur through history. Gary's thesis is that the medical establishment is on the cusp of such a paradigm shift, as it moves from the established modalities of merely treating disease to promoting proven holistic ways of living healthy and building our immune systems so that disease is never allowed to establish a foothold in the first place. Gary likens this change in American health to the type of fundamental change described by Thomas Kuhn in his seminal philosophical treatise, "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions". As one of the leading advocates of public health in America, Gary is uniquely poised to assist in ushering in this revolutionary approach to leading more healthy, vital and robust lives.

Finally, Gary provides valuable information about what we can actually do to prepare for a potential bioterrorist attack. Initially, Gary says that we should strengthen our immune systems by detoxifying our bodies, eliminating risk items such as sugar and caffeine, eating healthy, nutritious foods such as organic fruits and vegetables, drinking plenty of pure water, getting adequate exercise every day, and forming other important healthy habits. This is based on Gary's proven philosophy, that a strengthened, hardy immune system is one of the best ways to ward off even the most potentially deadly virus. Other protective measures include certain practices of cleanliness, avoiding contact between your hands and mouth, and certain special formulations of vitamins, herbs, and supplements that can be helpful in building the body's natural immunity in the event of an attack. Specific formulas of natural herbal and supplemental remedies to respond to and repel attacks of viruses, such as anthrax, are also provided. Gary also discusses traditional "Western Medicine" responses to viral attacks and their various efficacies. Armed with the tremendous knowledge provided by Gary in this very important book, one feels well equipped to respond in the best possible way to a bioterrorist attack. This is an excellent book, and it is must reading for anyone living in America at these potentially perilous times.

David
New York, New York

Reading Daddy Was A Number Runner for the second time as an adult was like visiting an old friend. I first read the novel when I was in junior high and the only thing I remembered from it was this freaky movie theater scene. That and the fact that it was good. Now that I am grown, I took a lot more away from it this time.

Francie is twelve and growing up in 1930's Harlem. She has two older brothers who have totally different aspirations in life. One wants to be a hoodlum and the other wants to quit school to become an undertaker. Her father, a number runner of course, is too proud to go onto public assistance and that causes a lot of turmoil between her parents. She has a best friend that likes to beat her up most of the time. Old white men try to feel her up whenever they get a chance. Francie really endures a lot for a person her age. If you are into period novels, this is a must read because it gives insight in a generation we know nothing about.

From beginning to end, the book was enjoyable. Brutally honest and very mature, but an excellent read. Many times hit close to home, others were a learning experience (like the use of rags, the electric hair on juveniles, etc.) It was a quick read that I didn't want to finish!

Daddy Was A Number Runner provides a horrific historical and sociological picture of Harlem during the 1930's post-Renaissance era. The reader travels throughout the daily trials and tribulations of Francie Coffin, an adolescent girl living with her brothers, mother and father, who is a number runner.

Statistically we know of the crime, deviance, poverty, fatherless homes and emerging welfare system but what we do not read about is the human elements; the feelings involved. Through Francie's own words and her dreams we are able to feel and capture Francie's plight. While Francie appears to be somewhat naïve she is also able to navigate the streets and people within Harlem. Francie serves as an errand girl for her father, gets into scuffles with her friend and is a victim of molestation. On the positive side she is an obedient daughter and sister, attends school and she loves to read. For Francie, reading and attending movies at the theater is her salvation from the madness.

The book goes one step further to examine Black and Jewish relationships. These relationships are presented in the form of tenant/landlord, student/teacher, customer/business owner and domestic/employer and in each, the black characters appear to be the victims. While not harboring resentment towards Jews as a group, the characters demonstrate a dislike towards the individual because in each example the Black character is shown to be subservient towards the Jewish character for survival.

The characters portrayed are captivating and one of the books largest strengths is the ability of Meriwether to show some positive aspects of the inhabitants. Through all of this despair we find love, kindness and support of family and neighbors, male pride, the importance of education, and compassion. The word community resonates throughout this story and the women are the backbone of this community.

There is no happily ever after and everything is not neatly fixed at the conclusion for there is no conclusion. What we have is Francie's acceptance of her life and her community but also her ability to still dream of a different life. Meriwether has provided the reader with an assessment in the life of a small community but does not place blame on one entity. We, the reader, are able to empathize because Daddy Was A Number Runner offers a lesson in history that is relevant today. This is a story of family and the survival of it.

The book was a well needed rest from the Epic level adventures the author has been giving
us for quite some time now.

Believe me, I'm not complaining about the sheer magnitude of the adventures that the
Cerberus Exiles have been facing as of late, quite the contrary. They need a rest,
a break from saving not only humanity, but the world, and, in the case of the Dragon
King's, the whole solar system.

As people have come to expect with the series, the book is about change, and quite

significant changes at that, which will be mentioned below.

The novel begins in the Australian Outback, at a base that has been constructed inside
a powerful natural energy location, that has been worshipped by the Aboriginals since time
immorial. The aboriginals are not at all pleased with the intrusion, and make their displeasure
known to Sam's forces.

Kane and Grant are testing out the air to surface capabilities of the Manta craft, which they
have taken from the moonbase. They attack AREA 51, and end up destroying a number of
Magistrates. They're quite happy with the way the craft perform.

It is here that Grant informs Kane that he's leaving, to go to New Edo to be with the woman
who's captured his heart. This is just the first of the major changes occuring in the
series.

Cerberus is changing as well. Survivors from the moonbase are starting to trickle back Earth,
and are taking up residence in the redoubt. For the first time in years, new personnel are

walking the halls of the base. Kane and Grant, especially Kane, is something of a legend
amoung the newcomers, not only because of saving the entire Solar system, but
the fact that he went toe to toe with Maccan and not only survived, but defeated the
last Danaan.

Things are tense between Kane and Quavell. He uses any excuse that he can to stay away
from her.

Grant brings Shizuka with him back to Cerberus, to meet with the personel, yet another
change taking place.

The original idea was to return to the moonbase to get the medical equipment they needed
to help Quavell during her pregnancy, and this leads not only to her kidnapping, but it also
incapacitates both Kane and Grant, leaving the rescue mission up to Brigid, Domi and
Shizuka.

Despite the tension between Domi and Shizuka, they travel to the Outback, using
Lakesh's Phase Transducer. During the voyage, they encounter the Dreamtime, and
when they awaken, they're guests of the Aboriginals, who attacked Sam's base.

While she is captive, a great deal is learned about Quavell, and the hybrids as well,
including the fact that Quavell had a human lover before Kane, and the other humans
who were forced into 'service' at Cobalts demand.

With their help, they are able to infiltrate the facility, locate and rescue Quavell.

As I mentioned earlier, there are a significant number of changes to the series, many of
which are going to have long term effects as the series goes on.

Keep the changes coming, all that can happen is more and more readers get attracted to the series, as long as they're done properly, and the time is taken to introduce said changes, without just throwing them at the readers with little to no explination!

First, I don't think there was any way Mark Ellis could have topped himself after the epic two-parter, the Dragon Kings. Far Empire is a break from the frantic action and mighty revelations of the two previous books.

But a lot of stuff still goes on in this book starting with the cover...it's beautiful! I was very impressed since we finally get to see what Domi looks like after all these years!

The cover fits in with the very erotic overtones of the story itself. We get see Kane and Grant in action in the Manta ships taken from the moon base, we see the three main women characters of the series take center stage, kicking [behind] and taking names--

AND we finally find out what happened to Baron Cobalt whose fate has been a mystery for nearly two years! Not to mention that a couple of new female characters are introduced, both of them as different from one another as can be.

I really enjoyed the sequences set in Australia with the aborgines and their beliefs in "Dreamtime." I'd like to see another adventure set there.

I'm such a fan of the series and the characters just visiting with the heroes makes up for any lack of pointless gunfights and bloodshed.

I have to admit I don't usually read books like this since I prefer fantasy and some sci-fi. But the cover grabbed me and the contents held me. This was a very engaging, sexy romp with good solid characterization.

If Far Empire is an indicator of what the Outlanders series as a whole is like, then I'll be a regular reader.

This book gave me a few problems. Let me start off that I find the work of Mr Krenov to be some of the finest in the world of cabinetmaking. The trick is that this book spent a lot of time going over material that has been done other places better. The sections on shop tools, sharpening and how to do dovetails did not add much to the book and has been covered better in many other books. The section that talked about handmade planes was an interesting read, and in my opinion could have been expanded to give much more. The high points of the book are the "Details of Cabinetmaking" section and an earlier section that goes over the aesthetics of wood grain in the context of design. This gets you into the head of Mr Krenov a bit. The problem is that it is all too short. I think this book could have cut out a lot of stuff and expanded its section of the design and construction much more. Even though I kind of sound negative, I like the book for what it is and find it helpful when I design and put together a cabinet.

One of America's premier furniture masters who has influenced and created a craftsmans foundation for more than one generation. What else is there to say, you want to work wood then here's the place to start. Fine Furniture starts in the spirit and mind, moves thru the hands and body to be executed by the hands thru machinery and tools, contrary to popular belief not vice versa. As someone once stated to me "we don't want teach the worship of wood" to which I reply "then use plastic". If you worship wood, and would like to gain a more intimate knowledge of same, then buy this book.

Other recommended Master Craftsmen in the same vein are:

Sam Maloof
Franz Klaus
George Nakashima
Tage Frid

Uma vida viveu no medo, e`uma metade da vida viveu.

Krenov's famous cabinetmaking techniques layed bare, July 8, 1998
Reviewer: A reader from Toronto
This, Krenov's second book (1976), is the book that they still want you to have when you show up at the College of the Redwoods for Krenov's course. The book is devided into three parts: wood, tools and the shop, and cabinetmaking techniques. It sets out his techniques for mortice and tenon joints, dovetails, HANDPLANE CONSTRUCTION, and much more. The handplane section was so influential that several courses are taught on this subject alone, accross the country.

This book is indispensible for the serious woodworker. That said it is just a little dated since obviously a lot has changed in twenty plus years. Krenov labours close to the soul of cabinetaking, however, and a lot less has changed there than elsewhere. An obvious change is that Krenov's essential few power tools are now much cheaper to buy than they then were. But modern workers will probably assume that he now sharpens his tools with waterstones. Not so! As he recently revealed in a national magazine, and his reasoning is as sound as ever.

At a deeper level perhaps, the craft has become dominated by projects and production on the one hand, and arty self-congratulatory stuff on the other. In the old days there was another path, that of extrodinary quality and technical virtuosity. Few follow this path today due to cost, a skills shortage, and some lessened desire to have furniture which belongs in the boudoir of the Sun King. Krenov is one of the few who has written about another way: A sensitivity to wood, tools, and one's own heart.

This book is the most how-to of his essential trilogy. If that turns you on, try the Impractical Cabinetaker next, lots more "project" tips. If you like his philosophy of craft try The Cabinetaker's Notebook.

Mentioned above is the idea that the instruction on dovetailing has been covered better elsewhere. It is true that there are some funky tactics that were necesary 20 years ago, that aren't with the explosion of great hand tools today. On the other hand while there are tons of instructions on how to hack out some dovetails, there aren't many from the perspective of folks who join hardwoods like Pear and Ebony, and then sell the results for 20K. These metal hard woods demand a different approach than for pine boxes, and you won't find that information in many other texts.

Deaf Like Me is a story of 2 young parents struggling to raise their deaf daughter, Lynn, in a hearing world. Written by Thomas Spradley, Lynn's father, the book begins before Lynn was born with her mother's fear of rubella. The book takes you through the fear and waiting for the pregnancy and the eventual realization of Lynn's deafness. The story is written in a simple, straightforward manner, yet conveys the emotions of the new parents. The descriptions Thomas gives are often lacking in vibrancy and inventive vocabulary, but at the same time he conveys honest, true-to-life emotion.
The first 80% of the book is focused on the Spradley's attempts to raise Lynn to succeed in the hearing world. Thomas agonizingly describes the auditory training and constant schooling that he and his wife give Lynn, only to have her barely speaking 4 words at the age of 5. The constant movement of the family portrays varying experiences that Lynn and her parents go through as they try to teach her lip-reading and speech. It is not until the last 2 chapters that the Spradleys finally realize that communication with their daughter is more important than their dreams for her success as a 'normal' hearing person and begin teaching her sign. These last two chapters show Lynn's character developing its own independent personality. Lynn also begins to explore a new deaf culture that neither her nor her parents have any experience.
My fault with the book as that I feel it ends just as the story becomes interesting. The eighteen chapters of oralism, which are shocking and disturbing, are painful lesson in futility. An impatient reader would most certainly give up on the book after the seemingly thousands of failed attempts at oralism. The dedicated reader however, is rewarded with touching moments of a family that finds its 'normalcy' through the common language of sign.

Tell-alls by parents of disabled kids is a genre now, but when Deaf Like Me first was published, it was an unusual book for the market. The story is of the Spradley family, and daughter Lynn, who is one of many children born Deaf in the US in the late sixties and early seventies, the result of an epidemic of Rubella (German Measles).

At the time Lynn's deafness was diagnosed, the common wisdom among hearing professionals was that children born deaf should not be exposed to any kind of sign language, and instead should receive intensive tutoring, even as infants, in speaking and speechreading. Although the tide would turn soon, the Spradleys had no way of anticipating that; they embarked on an odyssey of trying to teach Lynn to speak, and with a hearing aid, and by watching intently, to appear to listen as a hearing child.

After many years of pouring words into Lynn, with the promise from the experts that one day Lynn would finally pour the words back out, the Spradleys are frustrated with not being able to talk to their daughter. Lynn is several years old, and becoming a discipline problem.

Then one day, the Spradleys meet a five year old, signing Deaf child, a child who not only communicates with her parents, but makes jokes. The Spradleys are forced to reconsider years of expert advice balanced against one little girl who can talk to her parents, where their daughter cannot.

How the Spradleys learn to stand on their own, and disregard the experts, even in the face of some heavy censure, is the story of heroism. This is a book to own, because you will want to return to it again and again.

This is an amazing story of a family who strugles when they realize that their little girl is deaf. The story they tell is so true of so many hearing parents of deaf children (90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents). I am a student at Northern Illinois Universtiy and am studying to become a teacher for deaf children. The whole time that I read this book I just kept saying to myself. LET HER SIGN!!! They it made me laugh when all the parents came together and started to talk about the behavior problems their children had. I sat back and said to myself.."do you think it is because they can't communicate what they want and are frustrated?" This is a must read for any parent of a deaf baby!!!!

I felt like I was reading a grownup version of a Dr. Seusse book... The story was good, but for me there was too much silliness. In fact, I kept expecting ryhmes. If the silliness was removed and a little more hard details added, it would be a fine book. But, I do not think that this is what the author intended.

This is a light hearted look at fantasy/fiction. Easy to read, hard to get lost. Possibly even a fun/funny book...

I am not normally a fantasy reader, but this book has had so many good reviews that I decided to give it a try.

Reading this book has a wonderful effect on a person, and every one I have ever reccomended to was so grateful after reading it. It is charming, lyrical, and full of whimsey... yet it is an adventure first and foremost. Blaycock has a writing style that makes the words sound delicious in your mind, as each carefully chosen word fits together like a song. He is also at his humerous best here, and will have you chuckling along. That is when your mouth is not watering for the food that he describes here as an intregal part of the adventure. He makes the character a part of you by making it very real and not sparing the details that somehow make you experiance the book with all of your senses. That is if you like the sound smell and feel of warm crackly fires on cold nights, hand ground coffee roasted on the fire, cheese from the Master Cheeser, dark nutty beer, thick dark fresh bread, reading books for hours and hours, and the scent of pipe tobacco as much as this character does.

As has been mentioned before, the whimsy and fancy of this book should have made it a classic. However, it has been overlooked and nearly forgotten.

As a tale for adults, it stands up well with passages that stimulate the imagination. As a tale for children, it overflows with silliness and fun, but also includes a few moral lessons on the value of work and importance of keeping your word. It is an ideal book for an adult to read to a child. The end veers off into a scene of near Lovecraftian nature, disturbing and frightening in an oddly amusing way. However, the tone quickly returns to light fantasy, and the characters all return home, happier, wiser, and richer. In all, one of my all-time favorite books.

This is the first book which i read on Sufism and it taught me alot not just about this topic but as well as about life in general. The book teaches you how u can live a quality life. It defines sufism very well and then goes on with each chapter focusing on a different topic like love, prayer etc. Anyone interested in reading something quality rules of life must read this book.

The Sufi practitioner is a mystic. Sufi practices are the mystical practices of Islam. Many of those whom Islam heralds as saints and sages were Sufi masters. For nearly 1500 years, Sufi practices have co-existed with a diversity of other practices and cultures in which Islam has survived and thrived.

'According to many Sufis, the essential truths of Sufism exist in all religions. The foundation for all mysticism includes the outer forms of religious practice, plus a life based on moral and ethical principles. The roots of the tree of religion are founded in religious law.... The branches of the tree are mysticism.... The fruit of the tree is the Truth, or God.'

Edited by James Fadiman and Robert Frager, this book reaches from the very beginnings of Sufi practice to the present, and pulls together materials that are luminous and spirit-provoking, from prayers that have survived a millennium to contemporary poetry. Writers such as Ibn al-Arabi, Ahmad al-Ghazzali, Hafiz, Rumi and Attar fill this book with an enchanting sense of a divine presence in the curiously distant yet all-to-present reality.

Many of the teachings of Sufi are very basic and practical, much moreso than one would think a mystical framework would be. And yet, God is practical in many ways. God particularly expects those with wisdom to impart the wisdom, and this is best done practically for many hearers. Action is the final essential component of wisdom.

The task of the Sufi is to recognise the Truth, to learn and remember it, and secondly, to help others to the Truth as well. As the task evolves, it becomes one process, which infiltrates daily life, worship, and all of existence. Nothing is apart from God. The Sufi strives to recognise this wholeness.

'Oh heart, sit with someone
who knows the heart;
God under the tree
which has fresh blossoms.'
- Rumi

For many of the Sufi, the path to Truth is the path of Love. 'Whatever we wish to know well, we must love.' Yet, there is resistance and fear in this love. Love can transform us, make us unrecognisable even to ourselves, and this is worrisome. Yet God will always know who we are.

Sufi literature also has a humourous aspect to it; the Hodja stories of Turkish collections is illustrated here. These are interesting, because they always illumine more upon closer examination.

'I can see in the dark,' boasted Hodja one day while sitting in a tea shop.
'If that's true,' said his friends, 'why do we sometimes see you carrying a light at night?'
'Well,' he replied, 'I only use that lamp to prevent other people from bumping into me.'

Ultimately the goal of all mystical practice, and perhaps most especially the Sufi, is the experience of knowing God. The paths to God are as numerous as the seekers, the Sufi believe, which is why the path through other religious faith is not discounted. Through prayer, remembrance and service, the Sufi comes to know God, and join with God.

One day a man asked a sheikh how to reach God. 'The ways to God,' the sheikh replied, 'are as many as there are created beings. But the shortest and easiest is to serve others, not to bother others, and to make others happy.' - Abu Sa'id

The call of God is powerful, and Sufi practice is one of the most powerful responses to this call in the world. Sufi are an impatient lot, who long to see God now. May your journey be enlightened by walking some of their paths.

.....to Islamic Mysticism. I first became interested in Sufism when a friend told me she had been following the Sufi path for many years. She is a person who has faced very serious challenges in her life (which I greatly admire) and I wanted to know how she had done so with such poise and equanimity. The answer for her was Sufism.

This book does an excellent job of explaining the Sufi path. Prior to reading this book I knew literally nothing about the subject. Now I understand Sufism to be a deeply personal path and one that is based on love of God, a dedication to service, a search for spiritual knowledge, and uncovering one's pure self. The wisdom of Sufism is learned through art, prayer, poetry, stories, readings and rituals, all of which is guided by a Sufi teacher.

The history of Sufism is traced in this book and the beliefs and path of the faith are thoroughly explained. Discussed are: Sufism's four great books (Jesus' Gospels, the Quran, Moses' Torah and David's Psalms), the Five Pillars of Islam, the four stages of Sufi practice, transforming the self, the importance of a Sufi teacher and much more. After reading this book I feel I have a sound knowledge of the basics of this faith and an understanding of why my friend has found such peace in following it. I highly recommend this book to anyone wishing to learn about Sufism or who is on a spiritual path that is open to new discoveries.