2 comments about On Horseback through Asia Minor.

1. Who in their right mind would voluntarily undertake an expedition on horseback thru Asia Minor in winter...Frederick Burnaby did in the year 1876, a time of intrigue in the Ottoman Empire and Russia where the forces that shaped WWI and 20th century alliances took root. This is an opportunity to travel back into time and traverse Asia Minor prior to the invention of the automobile. You will meet people from all classes and cultures; Turkish, Kurdish, Armenian, Persian and more. Burnaby tells of his trip with dry humor and with a suprisingly enlightened view of women, considering the times. This is a good read and worth the price of the book. For adventure travelers with time and money on their hands, retracing Burnaby's route on horseback would be a challenge even today.



2. This book is a joy for the armchair traveler. It takes you back to a place and a time, to a Turkish winter in the waning days of the Ottoman Empire. Burnaby's style is immediate, and compellingly readable. He lets you feel the mud, the cold, the mood of the times -- and the exotic east. It's great stuff. Crossing Anatolia by horseback in the winter, trying to track down rumors then circulating in Europe of anti-Armenian sentiment among the Turks, Burnaby finds the rumors to be baseless. But through every step of his wild goose chase, while we follow him through village after village, Burnaby describes in colorful detail the environment, and the people he meets. The first three-quarters of this book read like fiction, like a good, rollicking adventure story. It doesn't have a crisis near the end, like an adventure novel would, but Burnaby's story is all the better for being true.

No comments about Spectrum Guide to Jordan (Spectrum Guides).

3 comments about A Lateral View: Essays on Culture and Style in Contemporary Japan.

1. Anyone interested in Japan, the arts, cultural criticism or the art of the essay should read this book. Donald Richie is the preeminent Japan scholar of our time, beloved in Japan and honored in the rest of the world. Time Magazine has called him "the dean of arts critics in Japan."

   But forget the cliche of Japanese temples and cherry blossoms... Richie isn't one of those old-fashioned Western Japanophiles nostalgic for some ancient version of "the Far East." He's interested in Japan here & now. Better yet, he's a fabulous writer--lucid, precise, irreverent, and never jaded.

   These essays are a great way to "get to know" Donald Richie--you get his essays on everything from Tokyo Disneyland to traditional Noh theatre, from contemporary Japanese film to tattoos. My personal favorite is the disturbing but amazing essay on Japanese "eroduction."

   And if you're a film buff, Richie is also the man who introduced modern Japanese film--Kurosawa, Ozu--to the West. Look for his perceptive essays about these artists. (Did you know he was the film curator at the NYC MOMA?)

   This is a must-read and a great way to introduce yourself to Donald Richie's work and to Japan!




2. This is a good collection of short essays under the umbrella term `Japan`, but divided into handy categories such as Cinema, Tokyo and Popular culture. As the title suggests, these are often from a `lateral` viewpoint. The author doesn`t just tell you that the average family home is small and (relatively) uncomfortable to live in, he theorizes on the reason why this is, in this case (apart from the obvious space constraints in urban Japan) Richie argues that traditionally, the man of the house has many different `homes`, the office, the bar, the apartment etc and therefore doesn`t place so much importance on the Western concept of 'home'. The book does shed light on a lot of questions that those who live in Japan, or even those who just visit, may be wondering about. Such as, why do most Japanese TV news shows have an anchorman who is invariably supported by a `yes-woman`, and why do `yes-people` appear in small boxes at the top corner of the screen nodding to indicate agreement when agreement is needed and vice-versa. The only drawback to this collection is that some of the essays are old, with the latest being written in about 1989, so you`re not going to get any post-bubble commentary and the essays on `popular-culture` may be a little redundant now. There is also an essay written in the 1970`s on the problems of putting Japanese script onto paper with a typewriter and wondering what the future holds with the possibilities of the personal computer. However, the rest is a wonderful introduction to thinking about Japan differently, and while sometimes a little critical, shows a true love for the place.



3. Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (2/07)
   
   This is an excellent collection of short essays that share Japan's culture and bits of Donald Richie with the reader. I've always enjoyed Japanese Gardens and immediately delved into the essays on that topic. "You must truly observe. Go to the garden and look at the rock, the tree. Ah, nature, you say and turn - then stop. You have just observed that rock and tree have been placed there, by the hand of man, the Japanese hand. A new thought occurs: Nature does not happen; it is wrought. A new rule offers itself: Nothing is natural until it has been so created." "The garden is not natural until everything in it has been shifted. And flowers are not natural either until so arranged to be. God, man, earth--these are the traditional strata in the flower arrangement, but it is man that is operative, acting as the medium through which earth and heaven meet."
   
   Richie thoroughly discusses hand gestures. The meaning of a hand gesture in one country may not be the meaning of it in another country. We all use gestures when we speak but we don't necessarily interpret the gestures of another culture correctly. A smile in Japan may not necessarily mean happiness.
   
   In Japan if you see a person wearing a shirt that says Cocoa Cola it means he loves that drink. The person with a university shirt on wants to attend that university. The person wearing Army Surplus is not making a statement. In the US wearing these same items would be "expressing an ironic scorn for the qualities they presumably inculcated. Wearing surplus U.S. army gear meant you were anti-Vietnam-War and hence anti Army."
   
   If you are interested in the cultural and arts in Japan you will find this book fascinating. Some of the essays seem to have a little age on them. Richie admits, "What was true up to 1962 is not necessarily true up to 1989. Japan is fast changing, and some of the things one thought most Japanese are no longer apparent." I believe this book speaks much of who Richie is. Richie is the "acknowledged Western expert on Japan." I highly recommend "A Lateral View" to those interested in Japan and other cultures.

No comments about Wallpaper City Guide: St. Petersburg.

1 comments about A Kite's Eye View: India: Between Earth and Sky.

1. I visited Rajasthan 2 years ago and I was amazed by the Palaces and Monuments and I found there.
   This book opens your eyes in a perspective hard to match: a kite's view of the best places in Jodhpur, Jaipur, Udaipur, Delhi... A book for "India lovers" who are passioned for photography.
   Highly Recommended.

1 comments about The Warlord's Messengers (Warlords).

1. Kids ages 5-8 will relish The Warlord's Messengers, the sixth in the 'warlord's Series' which uses fiction and art to introduce math concepts to kids. Each math adventure is set in ancient China and invites kids to use math skills to solve the dilemma. Here a warlord's presence is requested at the emperor's banquet in two weeks - but he's sixteen days away by horseback - can he reach the event in time? An excellent math puzzle evolves.

2 comments about India Holy Song.

1. All I can say is, WOW.

   This book is a breathtaking spectacle of color, textures, emotions, and INTELLIGENCE. What I mean is, this just isn't a book of random photographs...these are exquisitely beautiful, intelligent photographs. The fact that the pictures have been taken in India makes it more exotic and adds a bit of spice to the already obvious mysticism.

   I can't say I'm a professional at photograpgy, but even i can see the classiness of this piece of art. If you love photos, exotic cultures, or even a bit of sensitivity in photographs, this book is definitely a recommended buy.

   Signing off,

   Secret Agent Booker




2. I'm very glad I purchased this beautiful book. The pictures inside are breathtaking and show the true essence of India: its colour, its poverty and that joy of life so typical of this wonderful country.

   My congrats to the author.

5 comments about Saving the Savior : Did Christ Survive the Crucifixion?.

1. Jesus Christ died for all humankind's sins. Jesus, therefore, died for Mr. Abubakr Ben Ishmael Salahuddin and for all who read this sadly misinformed book. Please keep in mind that Jewish scholars close to the period of Jesus' death and resurrection refer specifically to these two events (His death and resurrection). See especially the writing of Josephus. Over 500 people witnessed Jesus in His resurrected body as told to us by Paul. Jesus Himself told us that He would suffer, die, and on the third day rise again. History and Jesus' own words tell of this life-changing set of events. Even today, people who witness Jesus' Passion through film are moved deeply. Why is Mel Gibson's extraordinary movie, The Passion of the Christ, having such an impact on people wordlwide? Are all of these people duped?? Why do so many people see such power in this film? Why does this little book by Mr.Salahuddin leave the reader with no inspiration whatsoever? The reader should note that Mr. Salahuddin's heresy is an ancient one, having emerged in the Islamic community at about 700 A.D. The attempt to sway people from the truth did not work then. It will not work now. Why? Jesus' love, even for Mr. Salahuddin, is just too powerful and too everlasting.



2. [If Amazon will please allow me, before I review the book: One reviewer here commented on Mr. Salahuddin's writing style. Everyone who I've talked to who has read the book has stated that the strength of the book lies in its easy reading, as well as the abundance of information presented.

   [The writer gives a hint on page xxxi of the Preface, stating that one Dr. Deardorff advised him to write the material in a way that was accessible to most people. That he draws from other sources is a strength, not a weakness, in my opinion. I am now aware of things I didn't know before, and without my having to have previously read 900 other books on the subject. Now to the review].

   I was fortunate to have viewed Richard Denton's August, 2003 BBC television documentary, "Did Jesus Die?". When I picked up Saving the Savior, I went, "Yea!" It was all there, and had BEEN there a few years before Denton produced the documentary. [Like, PBS, where ARE you?!]

   Saving the Savior does it right--slowly. Salahuddin begins with an introduction that summarizes the tenents of Christianity, as well as its source books, both Canonical and non-Canonical, including Gnostic and other works. This is important, because he does not simply assume that most people understand Christianity. This gives the book broad appeal, educates the non-Christian and sets the stage for his presentation of the Jesus-in-India theory.

   He then outlines the various debates within, and without, Christianity regarding the historical Jesus. Then, for those of us who ask, "Well...so what?" he places the subject within an historical context, examining both Western and Eastern philosophy and religion--in detail--beginning on page 76 and ending on page 115. Stunning!!

   As I read the book, it was clear [well, this is my guess, anyway] that the writer intentionally started slowly, and built up momentum gradually. So that by the time you got through Chapter 9 (also entitled Saving the Savior), you were like, "Whoa!!" Then the subject like, just sticks there--right in your gut, and you can't let it go.

   There are numerous photographs, and the Sanskrit, Persian, Tibetan and other documents--presented in their original script, but also the translations--gives authenticity to the book, as those documents actually mention the life of Jesus in India [Why don't we read about that in history classes? Don't answer].

   The only drawback of the book is that it's not 400 pages longer! One serious drawback, in my opinion, is the title of the book. It's a turn-off for non-Christians, especially atheists and agnostics. Obviously the author probably enjoyed the play on words: "Saving the Savior." But he should have thought twice, I think. Certainly other titles could have been chosen

   Jesus is the "savior" in Christian eyes, not non-Christians. He chose a title that might turn people off. And this is bad, because the book is so good that it would be a shame if non-Christians were turned off by the title, and decided not to read it--big mistake. It certainly is not a Christian book, that's for sure.

   Nevertheless, it does the job, BIG time. This is not a book to read--it is a book to study!




3. The author and most of the readers are missing the boat.
   
   "Jesus Christ" was never a real person. He is a mythological character, invented in the 2nd Century by members of secret societies and mystery schools that stretched from Egypt to China, practicing a mythological-religious tradition that had existed for thousands of years. This is what accounts for the widespread myth of Jesus in the ancient world, plus remarkable similarities between the life and teachings of Jesus, Buddha, and many other Pagan gods.
   
   If you want the TRUTH, read "The Christ Conspiracy" and "Suns of God", by Acharya S. Ignore any book that takes a life history of "Jesus Christ" as reality. He did not live in India. He did not live in the Middle East. He lives only in MYTHOLOGY!



4. Truth is that I did not read this book, since I did not want to waste my time. You get similar information all over internet these days. Whenever you "study" a so called "research book", you should look at the author, affiliations and intentions. Looking at the author's other published works, I could see where this is all originating from. I will wait for a more neutral "expert" on this subject.



5. (Note: Rather than use the European name "Jesus", I will use Issa, as he was called in India, and Y'shua, as he was called in Judea).
   
   I was interested in this book because I was already inclined toward the ideas that Issa/Y'shua spent time in India and that he survived the crucifixion. Surprisingly, I seem to be the only reviewer who welcomes the author's evidence of these points, but is displeased with his slant.
   
   Much of this book is about Islam, which was founded 600+ years after the time of Issa/Y'shua, and is therefore not relevant to the history being studied. The author's imposition of Islamic thought clouds the facts being presented.
   
   The author attempts to examine Buddhism, which Issa was said to have studied in India. He aligns Islam with "eastern religions" (without mentioning Hinduism) rather than Christianity. But Buddhists essentially strive for spiritual enlightenment, while Christians and Muslims primarily worship God. Y'shua's closest associates in Judea were the Essene Nazirenes, who were more enlightenment oriented than others in Judea at the time. A philosophic connection between Buddhism and the Nazirenes would have been a more relevant line of research.
   
   There is a quote from "the last survivor of a long line of the hereditary attendants of the tomb", saying that the body in the tomb was that of Issa. Fine, but why is that the only quote from that person? Who were these attendants? Were they descendants of Issa? Were they assigned by Issa to maintain the tomb per his instructions? And why did they leave it? It is mentioned a few times in this book that a mysterious aroma used to emanate from a hole at the tomb. When did it stop? Were the hereditary attendants asked about it? I wonder why this information wasn't included.
   
   In another context, there is mention of a blood line in India, but the theory is that Issa/Y'shua was celibate throughout his youth, and in his old age sired children with a servant. This is hard to believe. If he had taken an Indian wife on his first trip to India, this would add another dimension to our understanding of why he might have returned to India later. Limited accounts of his first trip say he didn't, but it might have been kept secret if she were of a lower caste (thus described as a servant). In this book, the only question asked of a descendant is about written documentation of the marriage. I would like to have known about the beliefs and family lore of the descendants.
   
   Issa's philosophy, teachings, and wishes regarding maintenance of his tomb, are all brushed aside. But opinions of Muslims are discussed at length. It seems the purpose of this book is less to reveal the truth about Issa/Y'shua than to claim his legacy for Islam.

2 comments about Still Clueless In Tokyo: Another Sketchbook Of Weird And Wonderful Things In Japan.

1. Still Clueless in Tokyo continues to delight while sharing knowledge about a wide variety of common things found in Japanese Culture. Keeps you laughing while you learn.



2. Artist Betty Reynolds entertains us while she enlarges our understanding of what is foreign to our own culture. Some may think it is more a preparation for a trivia game but it is written/painted with great delight and should be received the same way. "STILL CLUELESS . . ." is brilliant. Be sure to add it to your book shelves; it works magic on a gloomy day.
   
   The watercolors are as amusing as they are bright. Reynolds, an acclaimed family flag-designer, takes the reader 'every-which-way' - - what may at first seem strange is shown to make sense: foods (gingko nuts are grilled - and delicious); holidays - including religious observances; seasons; advertising & vending machines; and a double-page spread about "the talented & terrifying toilets" mentioned by others . . .
   
   The New Year celebrations seem more interesting than ours in the U.S., or perhaps they are more age-friendly? And what country could match "Harikayo," a ceremony for retiring broken or crooked needles by burying them in tofu? I will now cultivate my "morning faces" (Morning Glories) as I say a prayer of Thanksgiving that my toilet is low-tech & doesn't require Japanese language skills to operate - or something similar to a TV control. Betty Reynold's sketchbook is about as opposite as you can get from the sumi-e of mcHAIKU's previous review (# 0806908335) but they each give delight.

No comments about Lingolook JAPAN (Lingolook Flashcards for Foreign Travel) (Japanese Edition).