1 comments about Soldiers of Light.

1. Bergner tells the story of his involvement as a journalist with the war in Sierra Leone. He illustrates aspects of the conflict by telling the stories of some of those whom it affected, from the kind hearted mercenary to the man who has had both of his arms amputated by drugged out rebel soldiers. One suspects there may have been a little authorial licence perhaps in combining the stories of a many to create a symbol of universal sufferings, but despite this, the book is hugely successful in examining the causes of the conflict there and the stumbling blocks in the way of peace and the rebuilding of the country.
   
   Bergner writes beautifully and his turn of phrase and description often stop one as one reads.
   
   What lifts this book above the pack, however is Bergner's consistently self critical examination of his relationship with Sierra Leone and his motivations for being there. He is intensely aware of the thin line between reportage and voyeurism.

No comments about The Yoruba-Speaking Peoples of the Slave Coast of West Africa: Their Religion, Manners, Customs, Laws, Language, etc. With an Appendix Containing a Comparison ... of the Tshi, Gã, Ewe, and Yoruba Languages.

No comments about Don't Africa Me: "Their" geo-branding war, "Our" trade, tourism wounds, and Winning like China.

2 comments about Living in Tuscany (Living In . . .).

1. I found this book very dark and unimpressive. The pictures tended to be grainy and dark, some even out of focus. Having just returned from Tuscany I know the country abounds with spectacular photographic opportunities - unfortunately that is not represented in this book.



2. This is not just a book of Tuscan countryside photographs. This is an all around useful tool to help the reader learn about various regions of Tuscany and what they are known for. While there may be other books with more stunning photographs that does not invalidate that these photos too reflect the region. The book is helpful for a new traveller to the region and provides a small list of resources at the end of the book. I actually think it is better than some other books on Tuscany that I have seen. Overall I would describe this book as helpful but perhaps a seasoned traveller to the area would want a more in depth and detailed work. Still I give it 3 stars.

3 comments about Brother in the Bush: An African American's Search for Self in East Africa.

1. A compeling story that allows one to get a glimpse into the life of a black man. While I was initially shocked at the feelings of hostility and anger expressed in the book, I came to understand that I was getting a glimpse of what it was like to walk in another man's - a black man's - shoes. The author also paints a vivid portrait of Africa. All in all an eye opening read.



2. Dr. Slaughter was genius in his delivery of his thoughts, emotions, and actions as he gives you a look thoruygh his eyes on the African American's experience in Africa. He also breaks out the box in his interaction with his "Brothers" of Africa, and presents the Africans with honesty. He expresses is inner feelings of lost, anger,love and fullfillment.



3. If you appreciate books that enlighten, educate, and excite all of the fives senses, then Brother in the Bush is for you. Slaughter's well crafted words--so descriptive, compelling, and refreshingly candid--dance across the pages, happily carrying the reader with them to the very last page. His handling of issues of race, East Africa, and his family is done so with respect, confidence, and wit. I am a voracious reader and this is by far one of the most gratifying reads that I have had this year. I can't wait to hear more from this brilliant and talented writer.

5 comments about Africa.

1. Oh, what a stinker of a book! Luckily, I got it as a present and didn't squander my valuable cash. This is a classic example of the worst stereotypes of Africa. Africa is a desert. Africa is full of Animals. Africa is deadly. Africans run around naked. Heck, Ritts' presentation of Africans is EXACTLY THE SAME as his presentation of animals. Whether accidental or intentional, it is insulting all the same. SHAME SHAME SHAME.

   Strangly, I have found this to be a USEFUL book. I use it as an example during my lecture on "Stereotypical Images of Africa" in my African History Class. Without this redeeming feature, I would probably use it as a backstop on the rifle range.




2. its a sensual and magical collection of photos. they are beautifully shot, creatively composed, and wonderfully printed. no, it does not tell the whole story of a vast continent--but don't require it to! this isn't photojournalism, and isn't trying to be.
   it is a powerful view of a particular landscape (kenya) and certain individuals of the maasai. you've never seen nakedness look so natural on someone--a wonderful reflection on being human, rather than any comment on race or tribe. lighten up, and let yourself enjoy it!



3. 
   Read the reviews trashing this book and you will see they are not based on how well this book accomplishes what it purports to do, but on a distaste for stereotyping all of Africa with the tribal images presented. But unless this book claims to depict all of Africa--which it doesn't--that complaint is entirely another subject. I suppose a title of, say, "Tribal Africa" might be more descriptive than just "Africa," but surely we are all smarter than that. The book is obviously about the one slice of Africa it depicts.
   
   Those who for some reason are embarrassed by tribal Africa (apparently it's the nudity) don't seem to want anybody else to see any pictures of it, no matter how well done the presentation. It is as if they feel some kind of personal shame. But why?
   
   Even one of the editorial reviews takes a jab, in an otherwise glowing review, saying: "...despite the fact that it is a wildly ahistorical album that revives troubling old National Geographic stereotypes." In other words, presumably, even though it depicts nudity. But how is that "wildly ahistorical"? What is "troubling" about the old N.G. photos? In spite of modernity's fast encroachment, vast areas of tribal life do still exist in Africa (I go there, I see it); so one has to ask those who get so embarrassed, is it okay to photograph with style anything else in the world, or any other people in the world, except Africans?
   
   Beautiful books exist on American Indian culture today, and there are "glamorous" books on cowboys of the past; but no one would suggest these stereotype all Americans as Indians or cowboys. So why do people do it with books on Africa, even to the point of saying they are a lie? It's crazy!
   
   As a photographer and a collector of coffee-table books on Africa, I value--not denigrate--this book by the late, great Herb Ritts for the very fact that it is different. And it is the best I've seen in the style Ritts chose. The pictures are not only extra large, but in high resolution with great clarity--some are just plain breathtaking. Personally, I'd have preferred the book to stick with either people or animals (people!), but the land is shared by both, and maybe that was a point Ritts intended to make. I'm shorting the book one star because I thought the composition and subject matter of the animal pictures didn't always match the high quality and wonderful composition of the people pictures (one of which now hangs on my wall after I purchased a second copy of the book for that purpose). No doubt the animal subjects were more difficult to manage!



4. If you want to buy somone somthing they would want, but would not normaly buy for them selves this is it. Makes a beautiful gift.



5. The reviews trashing this book are completely misplaced. Is this a history book? No. Is this book an attempt to show the peoples and cultures of all of Africa's (over 50, depending on source) countries? NO.
   What this book IS is a view of one of the most gorgeous locations on earth through the eyes of a man with a camera. Yes, there are tribes in Africa (as well as many other parts of the world). So what? Who said there's anything wrong with that? Other reviews have lamented the inclusion of animals in the book. Why? Is it not a fact that Africa contains a [now] rare and precious abundance of biodiversity? Please! This book is not political, all the haters should stop trying to make it such.
   
   The images are fantastic, each one exudes a clear and simple beauty. Get it!

1 comments about Blue Guide Morocco, Fourth Edition (Blue Guides).

1. You won't find the latest Casa Blanca club or Ouerzazate-Marrakech bus schedules in it, but you can't beat the Blue Guide for concise historical background and comment on art and architechture. In places where this really matters, like Volubilis, Moulay Idriss, and Fes, it surpasses more mainstream guide books. Pen-and-ink sketches replace glossy photos, giving the book the feel of a war correspondent's diary (or the Wall Street Journal?). ...

1 comments about New Guinea Ceremonies (Photography).

1. The photography in this book is spectacular. Gillison spent years getting to know the Gimi people of PNG and it shows in the photography. Subjects are casual and acting normally; you won't find photos like this by any photographer briefly (read less than a couple years) visiting PNG. This book is a window into the lives and ceremonies of PNG people that few outsiders are fortunate enough to see and even fewer talented photogaphers capture. This is not the standard travelogue with snapshots,

   The text is equally exceptional. Gillison obviously knows his subjects and writes crisply and to the point. The text matches the art for giving the reader an insight to the lives of Gimi people-- a group of people with fascinating traditions, ceremonies, and culture. Gillison has witnessed the staggering transition that the Gimi are going through as the 20th century world intrudes in their rainforest and garden paradise. It gives the reader a different perspective from which to examine our own culture and traditions.

   The price is a bargain. 168 pages, almost every one with at least one well-reproduced color photo. This could be a "coffee-table" art book selling for 4-5 times the price. I collect books on New Guinea and live in the country. This is one of the best books for my shelf in many years.

No comments about Travels in Western Africa in 1845 and 1846.

No comments about Hippos in the Night: Autobiographical Adventures in Africa.