I wasn't looking to study a huge encyclopedia type book, but I did want to know more about the plants I encounter on St. Thomas. This book was the perfect introduction providing not only visual references, but also practical information on where certain species are likely to be found, i.e. road sides, beaches, etc. Now that I have read through it, I find the need for a more thorough book, however this was the perfect start - just what I was hoping for.

Bali flits in and out of the Western imagination: Conradian tropic kingdoms, National Geographic star attraction, Mead-Covarrubias-Belo-Geertz himself, tourist paradise (ever-fading). What is Bali all about besides emerald rice terraces, bare breasted beauties, cheap surfing holidays, and tremendously elaborate ceremonies featuring gamelan orchestras and graceful dancers ? Bali is indeed a mystery. If you approach NEGARA with the desire to learn more about this marvelous Indonesian island, you may go away disappointed. There are no Balinese voices in the book; modern Bali is hardly discussed.

NEGARA is an important book, but for those who specialize in the study of Southeast Asian kingdoms, for those who would like to question the standard Western method of studying political power, and for those interested in 19th century Balinese history as interpreted by America's foremost anthropologist, who is rather more known for creative (I'm with him) interpretations than for intensive field work. Geertz' work is going to last a very long time---something that can hardly be said about most anthropological writing. The reason is that he constantly sees things in a different way and can express his vision very clearly. His other books on Indonesia, for example "The Religion of Java", "Islam Observed", "Pedlars and Princes" and "Agricultural Involution" have all been classics for years. His article on the Balinese cockfight is one of the most seminal anthropological pieces ever written.

The Balinese state did not specialize in tyranny, conquest or effective administration. Its emphasis was on "spectacle, toward ceremony, toward the public dramatization of the ruling obsessions of Balinese culture: social inequality and status pride. It was a theatre state..." All the elaborate productions created were "not means to political ends: they wre the ends themselves, they were what the state was for......Power served pomp, not pomp power." (p.13) Geertz spends most of the 136 page book proving this point. [There are also 120 pages of notes.] There are detailed discussions of descent groups, client relationships, three major varieties of village organization aimed at administration, irrigation, and worship, and the connection between court and village. Then follows the scrutiny of ritual, ceremony, and symbols in Geertz' inimitable style. The point must be taken: Balinese society was one of unending rivalry for prestige among very-established levels of hierarchy which were, nonetheless, extremely fluid. The endless reiteration in symbolic, ceremonial terms of a fixed set of relations made up the Balinese theater state.

NEGARA, not a new book, is by now established as a classic text in Anthropology courses, in Religious Studies, Political Science, and Southeast Asian Studies in universities around the world. It portrays a political system that did not conform to the usual Western idea of what political power is all about. Geertz writes that he wanted to write a poetics of power, not a mechanics. He was successful. Readers may wonder if the ability to command and use resources like land, water, timber, or the sea, if the ability to control labor, even if indirectly, if the ability to control power, even if sporadic, do not underlie theater productions in a more definite way. But I think they will have to admit that NEGARA is a powerful politico-historical description that, for once, does not try to twist and mold the data to fit a traditional Western description of a political system. Symbolic action is not at all limited to Indonesian islands. Somebody may yet write a description of the USA as a "Theater State" albeit a very different one from old Bali. NEGARA contains many challenges. It is a great book.

This map has Bali on one side and Lombok on the other. Both sides contain detail boxes of major cities. A map of the Gili Islands is also included.

The maps show both topography and roads. Major attractions are also included on the map. The map is in english.

Researched and written by local correspondents, Nelles Guides are updated on a regular basis to provide only the very latest information. A well-rounded introduction delves into the culture and history of of all the Greek Islands, tempting you to explore. The "What to See & Do" section covers everything from sightseeing, driving tours and adventurous excursions, museums and galleries. You'll find detailed entries for restaurants, shopping, entertainment, festivals and more. All accommodations are categorized by price level, making it easy for you to select a place that suits your budget. Practical travel issues - health concerns, currency, transportation, climate & clothing, visa requirements - are also given.

Illustrated with over 160 color photos and maps. Fully indexed.

"Recommended.... convenient, very informative and easy to use. Each page features full-color pictures. [Nelles Guides] are helpful for homework assignments and background information." Library Journal.

Ideal for planing your trip to New England area. You will have several routs to explore this part of the country. Tips, Maps and Photographs that give you a very good picture of your trip. This will help you to don't miss any of the important places of the road.

i think that it was a great book since i live in new endland it was kinda scarry

this book of poetry is amazing! It's so sad to think that the revolution these poets died for was destroyed by US imperialism. These poems remind us of the real lifes and hopes of ordinary Nicaraguans before and during the Sandanista liberation.

Continuing the 'Tarragon Island' series, Nikki Tate again writes about Heather Blake's life as a young writer on British Columbia's Gulf Islands. Nikki Tate especially handles emotions and characters well. These features make her books fun to read and very realistic. I can't wait to see what's next in this great series, which I love especially for I love writing as well and can relate to a lot of feelings with writing.

Julian Thompson is described as the "man of the match"by Jenkins and Hastings.This was so true,as commander of 3 commando brigade he was the tactician that made the british victory happen,this book is a must read for all soldiers everywhere.Get the details of the amazing feat that was the greatest air/sea battle since WW2.

As a child I read it for the first time and it left such a lasting impression on me that I am dearly in search of an original. Why you may ask? Well each child is equiped with a flight full fantasy and this book answers each of the instincts inherent at a young age, adventure, romance and a great story.