History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Average customer rating:

Truly a book for all readers!
BEAUTIFUL!!!
Disappointment

Gardens of Persia
Penelope Hobhouse , and Erica Hunningher
Manufacturer: Kales Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0967007666

Book Description

A distinguished chronicle of the Persian garden that explores its profound spiritual, historical, and virtually unacknowledged influence on the development of Western garden design in the 21st century

Gardens of Persia demonstrates world-renowned author Penelope Hobhouse's rare ability to combine meticulous research and a practical knowledge of gardens and plants with a love of garden history and travel. By telling the story of the development of gardens throughout the Persian culture's 5,000-year-old history, she imparts a passionate view of the Persian paradise garden as a model for today's gardeners.

Buildings, water, and plants combine to give the gardens of Persia a beautiful spiritual quality that has served to inspire garden design across time and diverse cultures. Indeed, Ms. Hobhouse begins with the oldest living garden, Pasargadae, created by Cyrus the Great in 550 BC. It represented paradise on earth and spawned other gardens to be seen as settings for sacred contemplation and spiritual nourishment. In later centuries, these gardens evolved further around the world as representations for romance, power, prestige, and symbols of the afterlife.

Gardens of Persia is beautifully illustrated with Jerry Harpur's specially commissioned photographs of Persian gardens as well as with similarly inspired ones from around the world, and with lovely images of sumptuous carpets and Persian miniatures.

Customer Reviews:

Truly a book for all readers!.......2005-06-30

This book comes close to being all things to all readers. And if you don't feel like reading, you can simply enjoy the generous spread of illustrations -- maps, drawings and diagrams, beautifully reproduced Persian miniatures and above all the superb photographs by Jerry Harpur, a longtime specialist in capturing gardens and plants all over the world on film.

This is much more than a picture book: the name guarantees a literate and enlightening read. This book is not about gardening in the usual sense of how to grow certain plants in particular places at specific seasons: it covers the role of gardens in the social history of thousands of years of culture. But if you have a bare terrace or balcony, you will still find more than a little incidental inspiration in these pages. This book is a vast work of research, but it remains on a human level.

Armchair travelers will enjoy the rare opportunity to learn more about what is perhaps one of today's least known cultural regions. Even philosophers will find food for thought in some of the quotations from Persian and Western writers: "The real gardens and flowers are within, they are in man's heart, not outside." (Rumi The Masnavi Book IV)

BEAUTIFUL!!!.......2005-06-30

Once again Penelope Hobhouse combines her peerless practical knowledge of plants with a passion for research and a love of garden history. In Gardens of Persia, she follows their evolution, from attempts to embody a vision of paradise to contemporary expressions of wealth and power. In all these spaces, with their distinctive template combining subtropical plants, buildings, and water, she finds that initial and powerful spiritual impulse always present, even where the imperatives of the world seem, on the surface, to be the motivation. The book is a beautiful production, with 150 specially commissioned photographs by Jerry Harpur, and a wealth of archival images and plans.

Disappointment.......2004-06-04

What a disappointment. Beautiful pictures of archaeological sites, architectural elements, desert scenery; pretty Persian miniatures, nice diagrams and drawings BUT where are the gardens? Oh, maybe after page 100 or so we start to see photos that actually look like the garden was the main focus of the picture. That's what I get for ordering books sight unseen, huh. I gave it a 2 because it was nice for what it was and because I lived in Iran in the late 70s and there were some nostalgic moments in it for me.

Sultan Ibrahim Mirza's Haft Awrang: A Princely Manuscript from Sixteenth-Century Iran

Average customer rating:

of turk art

Sultan Ibrahim Mirza's Haft Awrang: A Princely Manuscript from Sixteenth-Century Iran
Marianna Shreve Simpson
Manufacturer: Yale University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0300068026

Customer Reviews:

of turk art.......1999-02-10

I'm student and I have very intrese for the ottoman art for islamic. the miniature of this kultur ýs very nice.

Lonely Planet Farsi (Persian) Phrasebook

Average customer rating:

surprisingly good
Excellent value and quite unpretentious
Lonely Planet Farsi (Persian) Phrasebook
Handy Travel Farsi Book
VERY INFORMATIVE AND EDUCATING.....the language of Iran

Lonely Planet Farsi (Persian) Phrasebook
Yavar Dehghani
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0864425813

Book Description

From mystics to musems, barbers to bazaars, and art to archaeology, jump into the event with this phrasebook.

extensive food section
transliterations throughout for easy pronunciation
concise grammar section geared towards immediate and practical use
insider tips on culture and social etiquette
comprehensive two-way dictionary

Customer Reviews:

surprisingly good.......2007-05-10

Although this is a mini-sized paperback that could easily fit into your shirt pocket, it's remarkably useful.

Each page typically has three columns: the leftmost is the English, the middle is the Farsi in romanized letters, and the right column is the Farsi in Arabic script. But it's not merely a phrasebook: there are paragraphs scattered throughout to relieve the monotony.

For example, there are many, many notes on culture and linguistic usage. Considering how much information this book contains, it's astonishing it's so small. If the pages were made bigger, it could conceivably serve serve as a freshman-level text!

Really after studying from this I was impressed by how handy I became in Farsi, although in all honesty this is likely ascribable neither to my perspicacity nor the boon of this volume, but simply to the fact that Farsi is Indo-European, and so much of its grammar and sensibilities are readily apprehended by a Westerner.

But this book was a major help. When I reflect on how little it cost me versus how much use I got out of it, Lonely Planet's "Farsi Phrasebook" may have been one of the most profitable purchases of my life.

Excellent value and quite unpretentious.......2007-01-10

An excellent little work, mainly through the obvious teamwork of author and editors in producing it to what must be a proven template by this publisher. I find I get endless and informative entertainment just by dipping into it. And you can do this on day one of learning Farsi, and just as enjoyably and profitably once your studies have advanced. Even the short dictionary section is very good. This is one Farsi language resource book that won't disappoint you.

Lonely Planet Farsi (Persian) Phrasebook .......2006-11-10

A little bit of everything Persian. This would be a good suppliment to any language learning program and a "must have" for the person traveling to any of the Persian (Farsi) speaking countries. A very interesting compact book snd an excellent value.

Handy Travel Farsi Book.......2006-03-15

this was invaluable for my last trip to Iran... small, easy to use.

VERY INFORMATIVE AND EDUCATING.....the language of Iran.......2005-02-21

What a good move I made by purchasing this book FROM Amazon!!!
I will be traveling out to the Middle East this year and have been trying to catch up with my Persian language, better known as Farsi. I have been receiving some tutoring, which was very well received, but this book has put me right on to where I want to be.
You will find this Persian phrasebook suitable for travelers with all those important questions you will need to ask at the airport, in the market when purchasing items, finding your way around, almost anything for that matter. I highly recommend this book to those traveling to the East and please keep it on you for easy reference. It is such a handy book and can fit right into the smallest pocket book or jeans pocket. Well done!!!
SUGAR-CANE 20-2-05

Peerless Images: Persian Painting and Its Sources

Average customer rating:

wonder

Peerless Images: Persian Painting and Its Sources
Eleanor Sims
Manufacturer: Yale University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0300090382

Book Description

This magnificent book is the first survey of the figural arts of the Iranian world from prehistoric times to the early twentieth century ever to consider themes, rather than styles. Analyzing primarily painting -- in manuscripts and albums, on walls and on lacquered, painted pen boxes and caskets -- but also the related arts of sculpture, ceramics, and metalwork, the author finds that the underlying themes depicted on them through the ages are remarkably consistent.

Eleanor Sims demonstrates that all these arts display similar concerns: kingship and legitimacy; the righteous exercise of princely power and the defense of national territory; and the performance of rituals and the religious duties called for by the paramount cult of the day. She describes a variety of superb works of art inside and outside these categories, noting not only how they illustrate archetypal themes but also what it is about them that is unique. She also discusses the ways that Iranian art both influenced and was influenced by invaders and neighboring lands.

Boris I. Marshak discusses pre-Islamic and also Central Asian art, in particular the earliest Iranian wall paintings and their pictorial parallels in rock carvings and metalwork, and the richly painted temples and houses of Panjikent. Ernst J. Grube considers religious imagery, and provides an informative bibliography.

Customer Reviews:

wonder.......2007-07-18

this is the most wonderful story of the Persian painting, including references, both pictorial and textual, to pre-Islamic greater Persia.
The images are of great quality, listed in contextual order, from everyday life to mythology and literature.
Printing quality is great and colors are nicely reproduced.
In sum a must for anyone seeking a concise yet scholarly account of the history of Persian miniature. Chapeau bas to Mr Marshak, the author, and company.

Persian Grammar: For Reference and Revision

Average customer rating:

very over whelming
Excellent Learning Aid
Accessible persian grammar writing with suggestions
This should be your first book
You can start here and work SLOWLY forward on your own

Persian Grammar: For Reference and Revision
John Mace
Manufacturer: RoutledgeCurzon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0700716955

Book Description

This is a clear and user-friendly guide to Persian grammar, both of the written and spoken languages, especially useful for those in the early stages of studying the Persian language. It serves as a revision and reference book that can be used to support any Persian course book. The script is taught step-by-step. It uses the official reformed spelling, and gives attention to handwriting, educated standard and educated colloquial pronunciation, and the important polite forms. The grammar is explained in lay terms with copious examples, all shown both in Persian script and in Roman transliteration. The grammatical themes are grouped logically, and there are cross-references, appendices and a subject index to facilitate the search for the right form.

Customer Reviews:

very over whelming.......2007-08-27

okay
this book has a CD at the back and that helps
ALOT with pronouncing
unless you have someone close to you that speaks
farsi you deffinetaly need to hear the way words are said properly.

This books teaches you
english - farsi (written in the arabic characters)
NO INBERTWEEN
so there is no translating of the farsi

its a great way to learn the alphabet
but very very over whelming

My persian friends think its easier to learn this way,
without translating the farsi

Excellent Learning Aid.......2007-08-17

This is one of the best texts available for Persian grammar,and quite inexpensive for the content (now that it is in paperback). All example sentences appear with translations, and perhaps 95% of them also with transliterations. Stress is unmarked except in certain examples, but there is a thorough chapter devoted to the stress rules. This is not a text which is divided into lessons, and it uses a minimal amount of vocabulary in the examples (there are no excercises or readings). However, the topics do procede in a logical fashion, with the script and pronunciation chapters in the beginning, and with syntax and formal/arabic constructions towards the end. There is an index and an excellent internal reference system, but no glossaries (as it is not a lesson-text).

I should also add that Mace takes great pains to explain grammatical concepts with little linguistic (read: normal) terminology. Personally, I had expected the book to use accepted linguistic terms for everything. The only section of the work in which this decision proves problematic, though, is in pronunciation, which is very vague and English-comparative. One would expect a more appropriate treatment from a Routledge Publishing grammar.

Lastly, Mace makes amends for many of the outdated forms in his "lesson" book which he wrote for the TY series, this time pointing out forms that are outdated and ones which are standard literary. Where differences between literary and accepted colloquial occur, mixed examples are given from the start. I have not found the same frequency of errors and typos, either.

In summation:
-clear, large-type examples in script/transliteration/translation
-includes a section on Persian handwritten styles
-several lovely photographs included with captions (also translated)
-irregular verb forms treated in an appendix
-layman's terminology
-very easy (if idiosyncratic) reference system between sections of the grammar

Accessible persian grammar writing with suggestions.......2007-03-05

This is a helpful grammar book that provides simple explanations of essential topics for beginning to low intermediate Persian learners. I highly recommend it as the one grammar book to buy at the start of your Persian language learning journey. For the next edition or for other new Persian language resources, here are my wishes: 1) Put all Persian writing in 14pt(#1 problem-we can't read the small type), 2) Make the reference book a combination work/reference book with space next to the Persian writing examples for us to practice our writing (give us a model to copy from until we become confident on our own) 3) Put some exercises in the book and again plenty of space for us to practice the writing 4) Give us the answers for the exercises with rules or explanations 5) Give us more lists of verbs and conjugation, compound verbs, auxilliary verbs 6) Keep going-please write a higher level book. Don't stop at one, give us another higher level AND another book that provides ADDITIONAL practice at the same lower level. 7) Please make the learning process more modern and interesting for this language. The old school style of teaching and learning Persian alienates many of those who are interested in the culture. Modern ESL materials can offer ideas.

I can't wait for someone who really loves this language to take this challenge to improve the materials available for students (Mace seems like a writer who could do this!) As well there needs to be complimentary books for Persian educators who will be able to better understand their learners and provide a positive learning experience in the classroom and not so reliant on copying, translations and dictation-as important as they are. Thanks.

This should be your first book.......2007-02-08

Definitely the best introductory Farsi book I have seen. The easiest to work through, although I believe it is absolutely necessary to be painstaking about finishing each and every one of the numerous exercises provided. It is very nice to have a key provided for each lesson (this is the major downfall of Thackston's book, be nazer-e-man). Some errors, but not sufficient to hinder the learner.

You can start here and work SLOWLY forward on your own.......2007-01-31

This excellent book does not pretend to be a course book, but it is so inclusive that a student who has learned HOW to study a language can progress with this alone. It has taken me 6 months to reach p. 100, working daily and exactingly, and the progress began to show when I got into the long (56 pp.) chapter on verbs--of course, the backbone of any language.

Like some other reviewers here, I started elsewhere. I tried first to learn from hearing tapes and talking to Iranian merchants in my neighborhood. It was not satisfactory, because no two sets of CDs used quite the same pronunciation, and no two Iranians (none trained to teach) transliterated the same way into English. So, I needed to know how to write down what I was hearing in Farsi. And I looked long and hard at what I was seeing here on Amazon (and seeing reviewed) before choosing this one.

Like a couple other reviewers of the book, I must admit that my 2-3 months of other approaches certainly prepared me to appreciate and work with this book. And since I had a background in learning language structure from Latin, I knew I could learn this way. No, the book won't give you scintillating conversation, and in fact, I let the speaking go until recently, because I still have huge gaps in vocabulary. But that can be remedied from lists and conversation, whereas the structure of the language can't be grasped without serious study.

Farsi is a language of great flexibility and subtilty, and this book does full justice to it. I am just under half-way through, but I'm generally able to write (without looking) the Farsi script for the sentences given, tripping up only on the Arabic-derived letters. I also activated my Farsi keyboard (Windows XP) about two weeks ago, and I'm now reviewing from the beginning and making notes in Farsi. I can't quite reproduce the signs taken from Arabic except to copy and paste the free-standing ones from the Arabic keyboard. And there are too many choices of Arabic! (I have used Iraqi.) And that, I might add, is a plus with learning Farsi--being able to read a certain amount of Arabic.

On again listening to the Pimsleur Persian CDs which come with no text or transliteration, I now know what I am hearing and can write it down in Farsi. No small achievement I feel in 10 months. I am also aware of the vast difference in language that occurs in the Iranian diaspora, mainly depending on how long the speaker has been here (US) and the level of education s/he acquired in Iran.

There have been a couple typos in Pace--discerned from their variation from the usual, such as "cand" misspelled in Farsi as "camd" in the middle of p. 100! A very small issue, however, given the overall quality of the book.

Before buying Pace, I tried working with the Lonely Planet phrase book and CD and found them unworkable for me. Print too small, many typos, inconsistent transliteration, etc. Also, the Gidgety female voice in English and the coarse male voice in Farsi were a turn-off after a few hours listening.

Average customer rating:

Good but dated
Not the best choice
Good, but Thackston is better.
Delivers more than what one usually finds out there

Elementary Persian Grammar
L. P. Elwell-Sutton
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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An Introduction to Persian

ASIN: 052109206X

Book Description

Mr Elwell-Stutton's book provides a simple grammatical framework for contemporary written Persian. it is based on the characteristic idiom and phraseology of the language as it is used in newspapers, magazines and novels.

Customer Reviews:

Good but dated.......2001-02-24

While I agree with the majority of reviewers below that Wheeler Thackston's "An Introduction to Persian" is generally easier, and, for the student of the modern language, far far more up-to-date in idiom and vocabulary, Elwell-Sutton (which was the recommended reference book on my course when I studied Persian at Durham in 1999-2000) has two things at least to recommend it: it has a KEY TO THE EXERCISES included and has the best introduction to Persian handwriting I've seen in a textbook. I'd recommend it to the academic student of literary Persian.

Not the best choice.......2000-09-12

While more accessable than the frustratingly over-detailed Lambton, this book still focuses too much on archaic rules of grammar, often presented in an unintelligable manner. The reading excercises are outdated ie "His August Imperial Majesty opened..." and contain vocabulary which is questionably useful for the beginner. Because it is attempting to equip the reader to deal with classical as well as modern texts, much of the grammatical information and vocabulary is not necessary for active use, although this is not made clear and many modern usesages are overlooked or mentioned only in passing. Thackston is the book to use for the beginner who whishes to make quick and satisfying progress in the language and perhaps Lambton for those who want an obscure reference grammar. This book, unfortunately serves neither purpose adequately.

Good, but Thackston is better........2000-08-15

Elwell-Sutton's work was a standard for many years, but it suffers the ills of most Persian grammars in English: too little of everything. Too little explanation, especially of syntax, too little reading, too few exercises and no sound recordings. The paucity of syntactical explanation, e.g. the use of verb tenses, leaves holes in the student's understanding of how Persian grammar works.

Wheeler Thackston's "An Introduction to Persian" has remedied all of these deficiencies and provides specific explanations and exercises for syntactical problems. The nine accompanying tape cassettes (available from a book dealer or from the publisher) reproduce all Persian that appears in the book and gives pauses for repetition--except for the twenty-five pages of Persian readings, which are read aloud at normal speed.

Delivers more than what one usually finds out there.......1999-02-28

I've generally been disappointed with many of the Persian language tutorials. Most have been little more than phrase books which teach little about grammar or about writing the language. Thankfully, this book provides a very good foundation in Farsi. I would recommend it as a must-have supplemental text. For the next stage, look up the texts by A.K.S. Lambton (Persian Vocabulary, and Persian Grammar).

Persian Designs and Motifs for Artists and Craftsmen (Dover Pictorial Archive Series)

Average customer rating:

Good inspiration for the working artist
fascinating
Good for Understanding Basic Motifs
great if you're going to make a persian rug

Persian Designs and Motifs for Artists and Craftsmen (Dover Pictorial Archive Series)
Ali Dowlatshahi
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0486238156

Book Description

Outstanding collection of 400 motifs of rich Persian tradition, ready to use in many areas of design. The motifs include floral designs, geometrics, arabesques, mythical creatures, rosettes, paisley patterns, palmettes, medallions, border and marginal decorations, scrolls, curves, and hunting scenes.

Customer Reviews:

Good inspiration for the working artist.......2007-04-01

This is a good source for artistic inspiration - I am a henna artist and most of the designs are easily adaptable into body art (for those of intermediate to advanced drawing skills). The only critiques I have are the lack of specific dates/origins of the designs and the lack of translations of arabic script. Given its nature as a general overview with hand-rendered drawings, it is a good resource to build your own artwork from, not to use as a historical reference book.

fascinating .......2006-03-17

terrific, i am enjoing every minute of looking in this wonderfull book

Good for Understanding Basic Motifs.......2005-08-29

The book is in black and white and is a rendering of motifs by Mr. Dowlatshahi. It is not a historical text or a book of pictures of Persian designs. It is his rendering of those designs. It is good for the purpose for which it was created: the use of Persian motifs in designing fabrics, textiles, etc...

great if you're going to make a persian rug.......2002-09-30

This book is perfect if your planning to make a nice rug. We bought it for henna designs. The patterns in this book are not good for mehndi. Nice designs though!

Persian Rugs and Carpets: The Fabric of Life

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Persian Rugs and Carpets: The Fabric of Life
Essie Sakhai
Manufacturer: Antique Collectors Club Dist A/C
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 185149507X

Book Description

Persian Rugs displays the vast range and quality of carpets woven in Persia from about 1850 to 1980 . It includes a discussion of rugs woven in countries or areas adjacent to Persia itself, particularly those rugs which either fell or fall into the Persian geographical or cultural orbit, Caucasian wavings, Turkish and Hereke silk rugs

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Short and Sweet
Opinion never constitutes reality!
So what?
The Gulf War Did Not Take Place.
Pure sociological poetry

The Gulf War Did Not Take Place
Jean Baudrillard
Manufacturer: Indiana University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0253210038

Customer Reviews:

Short and Sweet.......2007-02-15

This book basically describes how the first Iraq war differed from traditional wars of the past. It is not for everyone, Baudrillard has the unfortunate position of being too loose with ideas to be taken very seriously by 'real' academics while at the same time writing in a style that is not easily accessible to a popular audience. His thesis is that the 'war' was primarily a media event that was useful in different ways to both sides of the conflict. He does not dispute that violence and suffering took place, but suggests that the event was not a war as was defined in the past by Clausewitz. Any review that states he is trying to 'hide' the essential suffering of those at the ground of the event is just wrong. There is nothing in the book that questions or calls into doubt the experiences of soldiers or civilians; at the same time it does not dwell upon them.

Opinion never constitutes reality!.......2006-03-16

My! And yes of course he must be right! It never ceases to amaze me how 'self aggrandized' intellectuals can sit back (in the relative safety of their ivory towers) and tell themselves 'stories' generated from their own imaginations, conclusions or biases. Unfortunately they often portray these self conjured stories or opinions as reality. Equally amusing is that there are always those (safely out of harms way as well) who are quick to conclude that the opinions of someone with 'credentials' are indeed actual fact, and that of course, the U.S. Government in particular, is corrupt. After all, we all need a good `hate target' to satisfy our own needs of self righteousness. So we might as well pick the biggest target we can find, right? As someone who has been involved in the global intelligence equation for a number of years, I would conclude that any rational human being capable of thought, would agree that "All Governments" on this planet are corrupt . . . without exception. That corruption would be most readily recognized as self-serving agendas of leaders, want-to-be's, and in many cases the religious power mongers, and even the people, for power, wealth, control, fame, notoriety, etc. etc.. (Sound anything like real life?) Any way, I still applaud the writer in his ability to make a few bucks on his `fantasy' work, and it is very well written.

So what?.......2004-04-29

Yeah, so there was a lot of tv coverage of the Gulf War. Yeah, so some people confuse the tv coverage with what actually went on to the point where the real war is irrelevant. Yeah, so there is a level on which there is a war for public opinion, a purely media war. Beaudrillard says all of this in the tortured language of continental philosophy. Since I love continental philosophy, I appreciate the points he makes about images and simulacra. But he offers not the slightest recognition of the fact that the war DID take place, people, animals, and buildings were destroyed, money and years of work erased, longlasting suffering and illness a legacy among all countries involved . And for that reason, this book made me VERY angry.

The Gulf War Did Not Take Place........2001-07-27

No one can lack commonsense as much as an intellectual, especially a leftist one, and perhaps most of all a renowned French professor of sociology. To show his brilliance, Baudrillard takes a perfectly obvious fact and devotes a book to proving it wrong. In saying that the Kuwait war "did not take place," he means that the fighting was so lopsided, it did not constitute a war. Brushing aside American fears of heavy casualties, he deems that the war "was won in advance." It was, in his view, "a shameful and pointless hoax, a programmed and melodramatic version of what was the drama of war." From the American point of view, he claims, "no accidents occurred in this war, everything unfolded according to a programmatic order." In all, the events of early 1991 stood in relation to war as computer erotics do to actual sex.

Baudrillard's exceedingly slight essay (a compilation of three articles published in the newspaper Libération) ceaselessly hammers away at these themes. He stands midway between the United States and Iraq, faulting each of these main actors about equally. For him, it is all aesthetics and ideology; the deeply important human, economic, and strategic issues raised by the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait disappear under the weight of his relentless abstraction. Thus unconnected from reality, Baudrillard mangles everything from the French president's name to the number of traffic fatalities in the United States. The result is a book of profound error and transcendent stupidity, the most inane ever reviewed in these pages.

Middle East Quarterly, March 1996

Pure sociological poetry.......2000-11-05

A brilliant response to the mediated non-event of the Gulf War - a must read for anyone with lingering illusions on the nature of war in the unipolar post-Cold War world in which media war has eclipsed war itself and Clauswitz's definition fails to find resonance

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