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Conservative talk radio host, lawyer, and frequent National Review contributor Mark R. Levin comes out firing against the United States Supreme Court in Men in Black, accusing the institution of corrupting the ideals of America's founding fathers. The court, in Levin's estimation, pursues an ideology-based activist agenda that oversteps its authority within the government. Levin examines several decisions in the court's history to illustrate his point, beginning with the landmark Marbury v. Madison case, wherein the court granted itself the power to declare acts of the other branches of government unconstitutional. He devotes later chapters to other key cases culminating in modern issues such as same-sex marriage and the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform bill. Like effective attorneys do, Levin packs in copious research material and delivers his points with tremendous vigor, excoriating the justices for instances where he feels strict constit utional constructivism gave way to biased interpretation. But Levin's definition of "activism" seems inconsistent. In the case of McCain-Feingold, the court declined to rule on a bill already passed by congress and signed by the president, but Levin, who thinks the bill violates the First Amendment, still accuses them of activism even when they were actually passive. To his talk-radio listeners, Levin's hard-charging style and dire warnings of the court's direction will strike a resonant tone of alarm, though the hyperbole may be a bit off-putting to the uninitiated. As an attack on the vagaries of decisions rendered by the Supreme Court and on some current justices, Men in Black scores points and will likely lead sympathetic juries to conviction. --John Moe
Book Description
Mark Levin throws the book at our own judicial system--in particular, American judges who ignore the Constitution and dismantle the rights of American citizens in everyday court proceedings. He shares jaw-dropping examples of judicial power grabs and liberal power plays by judges.
Customer Reviews:
Are we simply sheep being led astray?.......2007-09-19
The first thing I would suggest doing before reading this book or any other political book is to actually read the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights. It can be found for free on the internet.
When discussing one of my favorite issues of our time, the interaction of government and religion, invariably the phrase of "Separation of Church and State" is put forth. My simple retort is to then challenge the individual to find that phrase in the U.S. Constitution. It's my belief that if you asked the entire population of the United States, 80 - 90% of the people would say that phrase could be found in the Constitution. But alas, those words can be found nowhere in the Constitution or the first amendment specifically. It isn't all that surprising that people hold that belief based on the fact that the phrase is uttered ad nauseam through the media, politicians and judges. This simple fact alone leads me to suggest actually reading the entire document before moving on to books regarding the Constitution.
The above being said, whether you are a middle of the roader, left wing loony or a right wing nut job like me I think Mr. Levin's Men in Black is a valuable read. It gives accounts on how the judiciary has usurped power that isn't specifically given it in the Constitution.
For people that applaud judicial activism such as Roe v. Wade, rulings against religious activities, etc. they should take pause and consider that someday the result may be widespread judicial activism from the right. Neither being a good thing. Legislating belongs in Congress where politicians are accountable to the people by election. To me Mr. Levin shows the danger of when judges take power not given them in the Constitution and use it to get their personally desired results enacted.
The book is specifically broken out in chapters that discuss specific topics, such as role of religion, rights to privacy, social policy enacted from the bench as well as several others. While I felt the arguments could have at times been better developed, I do believe this is a valuable book to read to gain a better understanding of our current judiciary climate and how we got to this stage.
Tyranny from the Bench by the Elite Radical Left .......2007-09-13
The constitution, federal law, and American culture dictate in the most extreme manner that the power of the government belongs to the people through their elected ombudsmen in Congress.
The US Supreme Court took it upon themselves to state what the law says, and where the power is to be held, which is not what the founders or the constitution clearly states. In fact it is up to the court to police themselves and define where their power is and where it is not, just look at Marbury vs. Madison.
The power of government belongs to the citizens of the United States through the honestly elected congressionals, not to a bunch of elitist left wing thugs who have the OVER privilege to sit on the bench and decide how we the people should live.
Court decisions like Roe vs. Wade were completely unconstitutional where the court erroneously cited the right to privacy where the Constitution itself says nothing about abortion and thus the document left the issue and other social issues to be independently decided by state governments and state voters, not some liberal elitist thugs in Washington.
American power belongs to the people themselves through direct voter participation, elected congressional figures, and the honorably elected executive in the White House when it comes to issues of Terrorism and national emergency in the 21st century.
Issues such as Miranda rights, Map Verses Ohio, Roe vs. Wade, and other unjust rulings should be decided by state voters, state legislatures, and sovereign state governments not a bunch of elites in the Federal government.
The states have a large amount of power, and should have that power over numerous social and legal issues; Federal power is granted through the consent of the states, not the other way around.
The jaws of the American Supreme Court must be defanged, their power must be checked, and judges on all levels of the law should be held accountable to the people.
The law serves the people, the people do not serve the left wing elitist snobs who took it upon themselves to declair that they are the law.
America must remain democratic, constitutionally republican, and free for all time.
God bless the USA.
Finally the TRUE story of what has been going on in the Supreme Court.......2007-08-28
I was shocked to read the real story of what has been going on in the Supreme Court all these years. Thanks to Mark Levin to bring it out in the open.
This made the best sellers list?.......2007-08-19
Wow. I guess the way to the best sellers list is to: 1. ignore logical consistency; 2. ignore competing arguments; 3. distort history; 4. bash your opponents with heat, but no light. What a formula. For those interested in a serious work about the same themes, take a look at Kermit Roosevelt's book on Judicial Activism.
Supreme Court is SUPREME POWER....scary...........2007-05-31
The antics of the Supreme Court (Supreme God ?) were quite eye opening, and who better to tell the story.....
Our population needs to start marching in front of the court building and making our opinions known.
This book points out the problems when people are appointed for life and then have NO ACCOUNTABILITY.
The detail about the cases cited and researched is amazing....the facts are scary, but important for everyone in America to understand that the Court can and does regularly take away in some way every liberty we think we posess.
A must reading......I highly recommend it.
Book Description
In this "honest and searching look at the perils of growing up a black male in urban America" (San Francisco Chronicle), Washington Post reporter Nathan McCall tells the story of his passage from the street and the prison yard to the newsroom of one of America's most prestigious papers. "A stirring tale of transformation."--Henry Louis Gates, Jr., The New Yorker.
Customer Reviews:
Good book that tells it like it is.......2006-06-25
Follow the life of Nathan Mc Call in this book, see how America works through his eyes. This book was thought provoking, eye opening and sad.
You feel for Nathan and what he goes through but you don't really end up liking who he is as a person. This book allows you to see what it is like growing up as a black male in America.
Education, jail, work, crime, children, friendships with white people. This book is open and honest and I recommend it to anyone who wants to begin to try and understand and see what it is like growing up as a black male.
It certainly opened my eyes!
Walking in other shoes.......2006-06-20
This book hurts to read. So much pain in so many lives. But what McCall does is put you in his shoes--this is no easy task for someone who is both white and female. It opens a huge door of understanding. It is not a book for the immature or the fearful. I read some of these reviews and wondered, "What book did they read?" Definately not light reading. Powerful, frightening, enlightening. Needs to be read.
The reality in the race relationships in the United States .......2006-04-25
I have read this book over and over and I still find parallels in the life of Nathan McCall and my own life. Mc Call calls it as it is, the society that we live in is not leveled and only one group that gets all the privileges. That there is no recognition that the success of the whites was made on the backs of African Americans that worked for free, and gave that wealth that even today whites get to enjoy. To many people who think that racism is a thing of the past this book is a revelation and goes deeply into the inherit truths of racism and its consequences. Many people think that black teenagers are "ready" for a life of crime, but the truth is that a hypocritical racist society has designated a path for those teenagers, to see a prove of this just look at school systems in white and black neighborhoods. It is like we are living under two separate states, same flag, same country but different standards of living and I'm not talking about 1862 or 1963, I'm talking about 2006. This book is very powerful with a strong sad message.
Suburban Shakedown.......2006-01-21
Nathan McCall shares his personal story as a "wild child" of color, becoming a man in a racially prejudices country; his crimes and imprisonment, gang warfare, street smarts and wisdom, and finding his way to truth and sanity.
Not diminishing responsibility for his own life choices, McCall's story is very real and honest. It challenges America's institutional establishments of prejudice and cruelty, illustrating the imbalances in a white dominated world.
I loved it!
Straight with no chaser..........2005-10-04
It's kind of funny to see some people's response in the reviews already present. Did McCall hurt your feelings or tell you something you didn't want to hear? For those who can take their liquor I highly recommend this book. It should be read by people of all colors, without prejudice. If nothing else at least recognize that it can assist youths in trying to find direction in the violent world we live in today.
Thank you Mr. McCall.
Peace be with you...
Customer Reviews:
Like Plays of Old.......2007-05-21
This play is very accessible to the reader accustomed to reading prose. Contemporary situations are embellished to make this play a work of art.
A Piece of Garbage.......2007-04-17
This book was assigned to me as college reading and all I can say is that I am offended with the language and feel verbally abused by the content. The author is abusing the audience. I have friends whom are gay and they never talk like the trash that represnt them in this book, they hold themselves to a higher level and have class. The author creates gay hatred instead of encouraging people to embrace the gay culture. This book makes you think gays have no sense and that they are wierd instead of just average people. I believe the author has hurt the gay community more then he has helped.
The 'Angels' have come!.......2004-12-17
This remarkable play writen by the best playwrite since Shakespeare has achived not only rocking your mind with it's beautiful prose, language, and story, but also has gained the title of the most wonderufl play in modern liturature (counting plays). Its star-stricken plot will not make you put it down! It is truly wonderful.
The 'Angels' have come!.......2004-12-17
This remarkable play writen by the best playwrite since Shakespeare has achived not only rocking your mind with it's beautiful prose, language, and story, but also has gained the title of the most wonderufl play in modern liturature (counting plays). Its star-stricken plot will not make you put it down! It is truly wonderful.
I love this book!.......2004-04-16
I'm a college student majoring in Theater Design. I had to read this play for one of my classes my freshman year. So I sat down expecting to plod through a story that I'd never read again. Boy was I shocked! I loved it! I couldn't put it down until I'd read the last page, and then I got right online and ordered the sequel. Honestly, I'm not as big a fan of the second book. I haven't read it in a while, but from what I remember it's more offensive, and honestly, a little more like smut. There's an angel with 7 vaginas and it has sex with one of the characters...one of the gay characters..go figure. The second book also seems to take more pot shots at God, which I didn't appreciate as a Christian. Anyway. This is a review of the first book, not the second. (just reminding myself!) I have 7 big bookcases of books at my parents' house, plus my dad is a librarian, so I do a LOT of reading. This book is ALWAYS one of the few "Chosen" books that I take to college with me to keep in my dorm. And just as a side note, I'm not gay, so this book is NOT just for gay people like some of the people whom I've talked to seem to think. BUY IT! You'll be enlightened and inspired to think.
Customer Reviews:
A Must Read For All Educators And Parents!.......2007-09-07
This book, along with Jawanzaa Kunjufu's books, is a must read for all educators. If you want to make a positive change in the lives of African American males, it is important to understand the "powers" that are in place that hinders the growth of not just our African American boys, but all of our children, because without the positive influences/gifts of these young boys, everyone will suffer.
TRUTH.......2007-08-13
As an educator, I can whole-heartedly agree! Thank you for putting this into print. PLease seek 60 Minute & 20/20 for an audience. Give them the direction to investigate & and PLEASE follow through! I am buying this book & referring it to all of my co-workers. Ouch!
Thank you for enlighening me .......2007-06-10
This book is very informative about our african american boys and men. I'm a single parent with a 17yr old (son), and have gone through half of the problems that is going on in the school system. advicing my son that he needs medication for his behavior program, through the special education program etc. It is something that every african american parent should pick up and read.
Blessings
Kill Them Before They Grow: The Misdiagnosis of African American Boys in America's Classrooms.......2007-02-16
This book is right on target. The more I read, the more I could identify with Michael Porter's words.
Thanks you - Mr. Porter for putting in plain text the Truth.......2006-11-20
It sometimes appears hopeless, that people will view the truth for what it is and not be hampered or biased based on what side of the fence one finds himself/herself on (be it racial or social economic). As I read Porter's book, I found myself and my own personal experience within the American Public School system. I can only thank Mr. Porter for daring to put into text such an ugly truth that really needs to be addressed, diagnosed and dealt with by all (especially those who are victimized by that truth).
Book Description
White Men Can't Hump is a book of hope. The hope is that one day Black Men in America will no longer be viewed as unintelligent, unattractive, undesirable, uncivilized, and just plain old worthless. White Men Can't Hump will address why Black Men in America are perceived in such a negative way, and will also explore the origins of this negativity. White Men Can't Hump will also explore how this negativity has been spread for the last four centuries (a la stereotypes), and why this negativity has been spread (a la "Fear of the Black Penis"). Several of these so-called negative Stereotypes will be closely examined and shown in a new light. White Men Can't Hump will ask why two well known Stereotypes that have been historically assigned to Black Men, are only considered negative when applied to Black Men. Most men desire a large Penis and an elevated sexual prowess, but all across America (in offices, bars and locker rooms) the Black Penis and Black Prowess are routinely the Punch Line to jokes. White Men Can't Hump will ask why, and will also ask a question that will create a debate for the ages: "Who's better in bed, Black Men or White Men?" White Men Can't Hump will take you the reader on an educational and enlightening journey through America's past and present with the hope of changing America's future. So sit back and enjoy or cuss, agree or disagree, and most importantly think with an open mind. Because whether you like it or not, White Men Can't Hump tells the story of who all of us are, where we've come from, and where we're going. White Men Can't Hump is divided into two VOLUMES. VOLUME I focuses on how Sex has historically affected Race relations in America, and VOLUME II focuses on how Race has affected Sex relations in America. Don't be confused by the similar titles because both VOLUMES pack a different Sexual, Racial, Political, and Social punch. For more information feel free to visit: www.whitemencanthump.com Enjoy the ride my friend.
Customer Reviews:
A powerful learning experience.......2007-06-09
Well! I just finished both volumes and found the book raw, bold and powerful. It also was humorous at times (I too, was laughing out loud at Volume II) but it taught me so much of what I didn't know.
I was fortunate enough to meet Todd and his brother Chris at Book Expo America and enjoyed our time together very much.
In my humble opinion, the book is extremely important for all of us. Todd's salient lesson is an uplifting one to black men and women, a wake-up call to those of the white race and a healing one to all in the human race. His "warnings" and discussion of the African's role in the slave trade in the beginning of Volume I pulls one right into the book and then his frank explanation of the core of resentment between races becomes clear. He then chronicles the brainwashing of the American public as well as what black men have had to endure including saddening lynching descriptions. He also comments on pop culture in a very succinct way. His comments are the opposite of wishy-washy!
I wrote a book about a white artist who fell in love with the Black culture and I'm happy to report that there are black angels and beautiful, elegant black women as well as dignified black men in his art. He saw their beauty back in the mid-twentieth century while racism was all around him.
Upon researching turn of the 20th century art for a new project, I came across newspapers from the 1890s-1900s which consistently would have an article about a "negro" attacking someone. Oddly enough, it could be a newspaper from a small town in Virginia and the article would be about an incident in Albuquerque - sometimes on the front page! I found it appalling and part of the brainwashing that Todd writes about.
This book will promote much lively discussion among all races, and it concludes with a positive message - something we all desperately need today. It's also perfect for a library book group - especially a multicultural one - providing the members aren't prudes. Congratulations to Todd and Chris! It was a great, informative read.
Hope of a new generation.......2007-05-18
The author's knowlege and wisdom are being passed on to the reader with candor in a way that's easy to read, but sometimes hard to swallow. I only hope that this book becomes necessary reading for the youth of today (black and white alike) so that they may grow, and not allow themselves to become what society expects out of them.
A must read.......2007-05-13
WMCH Volume II is as good as volume I. I think both books are a must read for everyone who cares about race relations. Volume I is a history lesson touching on history not taught in schools and events not covered by the media. Volume II takes a humorous look at race stereo types and leaves you saying "Hmmm he has appoint".
I feel like I was looking at life with blinders on. I think both books would be excellent for book clubs to read and discus and even used in schools (Under 18yr should be at the discretion of the parents). I loved both books and highly recommend both.
*GYRL6*.......2007-01-11
I read White Men Can't Hump VOLUME I last month and I truly enjoyed every single page of it, but after reading VOLUME II I'm stunned there's no public discussion about either book. I enjoyed VOLUME II a little more because there's more humor and it appeals more to my generation (X). I caught myself laughing/screaming out loud countless times. VOLUME I is a history lesson that evokes raw emotion from the reader, and psychologically breaks you down and challenges you. If you can make it thru the chapter Lynching Psychology 101 without shedding a tear, you're not human. I can't wait to read both of them again, back-to-back, as intended. I consider both of these books social masterpieces because they expose what's at the heart of America's racial tensions like no other books I've ever read. This guy used the Republican formula of taking a person or legislation and putting a face or label on it. He re-defines racism and put a face on it, thus making it a tangible living and breathing element. He used the same spin tactics that Rove and the G.O.P. use, but he used it to describe America's ills. Terms like Limpbaugh Syndrome and Small-Poleons Complex are hilarious on the surface, but when he applies these terms that he created (in order to re-define certain kinds of bigotry) you'll find yourself enlightened and amazed. He spins all of the buffoonery about black male sexuality into a premise that is not very funny when he finishes. No Black Man has ever had the courage to say- If these things you've said about us for centuries are true, then we must be better in the bedroom than you. That may sound silly on the surface, but when that premise is posed to those who enjoy the bufoonery, it immediately changes the tone of the debate. Those well-known stereotypes are funny when portrayed negatively or comedically, but when he converts them to real-life bedroom activity it erases the smiles off of certain faces. If this book finds its way into the mainstream, a certain segment of our population will no longer find VH1's ridiculous Flavor of Love so humorous. I can't recommend these two books enough. Enlightenment meets Enjoyment!!!
Book Description
When we first met him in Rabbit, Run (1960), the book that established John Updike as a major novelist, Harry (Rabbit) Angstrom is playing basketball with some boys in an alley in Pennsylvania during the tail end of the Eisenhower era, reliving for a moment his past as a star high school athlete. Athleticism of a different sort is on display throughout these four magnificent novels—the athleticism of an imagination possessed of the ability to lay bare, with a seemingly effortless animal grace, the enchantments and disenchantments of life.
Updike revisited his hero toward the end of each of the following decades in the second half of this American century; and in each of the subsequent novels, as Rabbit, his wife, Janice, his son, Nelson, and the people around them grow, these characters take on the lineaments of our common existence. In prose that is one of the glories of contemporary literature, Updike has chronicled the frustrations and ambiguous triumphs, the longuers, the loves and frenzies, the betrayals and reconciliations of our era. He has given us our representative American story.
Customer Reviews:
"Reduxing Rabbit".......2007-07-31
Like other readers I read the Rabbit novels as they were first published. I won't dwell on the story lines and spoil your reading. They are poignant, crisply written stories well worth reading and rereading, with Updike's poetic touch on the narrative and excellent dialogue. I first read the books as sheer entertainment, and indeed these books will entertain you, even as they jog your senses with the saga of their tragic anti-hero. On rereading the novels the entertainment was still there, but I focused on deeper meaning. The Rabbit novels inimitably get you thinking about yourself and whether you learned from mistakes, yours or others. The delight about any novel and these in particular is that you can pause, ponder, rewind, or fast forward if you are bored. I was never bored with these books. And whatever your age, neither will you.
When a novel becomes a friend.......2007-04-23
There is always that sad feeling at the end of a great character-based novel. It's as if you just got to know and love someone and they vanish. This series is spectacular for so many reasons, but I particularly love how well I know Rabbit by now (I'm in the 3rd book), as if he were a friend of many years. Updike does an impressive job of weaving details throughout the entire series that makes the reader understand, and believe.
a labor of love..........2006-08-31
as a primarily non-fiction reader, i was drawn to the rabbit series by the NYT list of top fiction novels of all time.. I decided to give Mr. Updike a try, and lugged around this behemoth of a series!
updike's novels are interesting especially when you consider the historical context of the times in which they were written. for example, his references to sex and overt sexual language were highly controversil at the time of his writing.
Reading the series allows you a seat of the passenger train of the 60s, 70s, and 80s, each which their overriding "isms". An enjoyable read.
I did it!.......2006-01-02
I have to admit it: finishing this 1500 page tome, which consist of the four Harry (Rabbit) Angstrom novels, each longer than the one before it ("Rabbit Run," "Rabbit Redux," "Rabbit is Rich," and "Rabbit at Rest"), gave me a sense of accomplishment. Updike is a truly great writer, but his prose can be ponderous at times, particularly in "Rabbit Run." Some of these characters, including Rabbit himself, can be quite frustrating, especially over the course of four books.
Updike's placement as one of the greatest American writers of the last half of the twentieth century, stems from, I believe, his descriptive abilities, whether it be describing the flora in a garden, typical patter on a golf course, sexual scenes, or an angioplasty procedure. The books are spaced ten years apart in time, and Updike does a nice job setting each in the context of its time, although I'm not so sure these novels work as a "time capsule" in that the characters are only peripherally involved in, or concerned with, the seminal events of those eras. Most of the characters don't really change all that much, with the notable exception of Janice, Rabbit's wife, whose character blossoms with each consecutive book. Rabbit, himself, always remains sex and death obsessed, understandably more of the latter as he grows older. He does grow on the reader, though, even after making one poor choice after another. In "Rabbit at Rest," we finally see Rabbit have a relationship based on pure love: that with his grand-daughter Judy.
If you're interested, I reviewed each book separately on this web-site, giving "Rabbit Run" three stars, and the other three books four stars. I believe that consolidating all four into a single volume was worthwhile, since there are so many references to past incidents of which which the reader would not be aware, unless s/he has read the prior Rabbit novel(s). Based on the events that are recalled, sometimes it seemed as if Rabbit has spent his life in a cave, only to emerge every ten years for a few months to experience some traumatic event chronicled in the four books that comprise this series.
Updike's introduction is very interesting, in that he's surprisingly revealing about his sources and inspiration. He even provides self-critique and analysis, which is quite rare amongst authors of this caliber.
Writing that constantly amazes.......2005-07-08
I am new to Updike, just finished the 4 Rabbit novels. I was astonished at the writing in these books. The ability to describe common scenes of ordinary life, the continual observations that ring true and make you nod your head while reading put John Updike above any other author I've read.
In my opinion, the best of the Rabbit novels are the first and last. Rabbit Redux was a letdown and the story was not very believable. A couple of things worth mentioning - these novels have a lot of profanity and a lot of explicit, even kinky sex scenes - adultery, swinging, it's all there. Some folks may be offended, despite the great writing.
One thing that took some getting used to - the author often makes very interesting, profound, humorous comments where it's not easily identifiable as coming from the author/narrator or the character. These observations/asides are what really makes the books so terrific. Rabbit himself is a pretty dull guy and it's Updike's genius that makes his story so compelling. There's a line toward the end of the last book that seems to sum up Rabbit as a man. This comment is obviously from the narrator: The smell of good advice always makes Rabbit want to run the other way.
Book Description
The major works of Emerson's most productive period in their entirety: "Nature: Addresses and Lectures," "Essays: First and Second Series," "Representative Men," "English Traits," and "The Conduct of Life."
Customer Reviews:
The philosopher of America.......2006-12-06
It is wonderful to have all of Emerson's essays in one volume. Like his great pupil and friend Thoreau , Emerson is a poetic thinker of the highest order. His essays are filled with aphoristic gems . They contain not simply thoughts on different subjects but an organic and coherent way of seeing and understanding the world. They are the work of a genuine American philosophical voice.
There is so much to read here that it is difficult to know where to begin, though I have an especial feeling for 'Representative Men' with its exaltation of great individual human beings .Because he is so poetic and because his writing is so dense with meaning it does not always make for easy reading. But it is firm in principle and great in suggestiveness.
The way to understand where Whitman and in a sense even William James are coming from is to read this work.
Powerful and stirring prose that still ring in the American spirit.......2006-10-26
I cannot think of another writer whose prose reads with as much poetic power as Emerson. The poetic aspect comes from the richness of meaning that continue to manifest as one lingers and thinks about the words Emerson writes rather than anything contrived or artsy. He created many powerful sentences and phrases that still live in the American spirit, and yet, for all the ringing words we love and hold close there are many thoughts and arguments that many people, including myself, find difficult to accept on any level other than being by Emerson.
For all that we love in Self-Reliance and The American Scholar, we still have to deal with his mystic essay on the Over-soul. Many conservative Christians have problems with his Transcendentalist views of religion and Christ. Reading his thoughts on "The Lord's Supper" might be interesting simply because it is Emerson. However, most orthodox believers will not come close to being convinced and today's non-believers will find it difficult to work up the energy to try and figure out what the fuss is about.
His famous essays collected under the title of Nature are fascinating and poetic views of the natural world. At least they seem that way to our more technical age. We see his Enlightenment confidence in reason and man's ability to discover the mechanisms of the Universe. While our science is remains rational, it is not quite so confident that everything can be easily discovered. We have found that for every depth we sound we discover that the bottom is only apparent. Things are deeper and stranger than the thinkers of Emerson's time ever dreamed.
This volume collects his essays and lectures into more than 1,100 pages of fascinating and wonderful reading. His poems and translations are collected into a separate volume also offered through the wonderful Library of America (don't hesitate to support them). The volume opens with a collection called "Nature; Addresses, and Lectures" and contains the eight chapters of Nature plus the four addresses The American Scholar, An Address to the Senior Class of Divinity College from 1838, Literary Ethics, and The Method of Nature. It also has five lectures: Man the Reformer, Introductory Lecture on the Times, The Conservative, The Transcendentalist, and The Young American.
There are then two collections of essays that contain famous titles such as History, Self-Reliance, The Over-Soul, The Poet, Manners, and Nature [yeah, I know it can get confusing]. This is followed by a collection called Representative Men. The seven chapters here are wonderful, but I cannot imagine anything like them being written today. The first chapter is titled "Uses of Great Men". I think I can here the deconstructionists swallowing their tongues. Then follows a chapter each for Plato the Philosopher, Swedenborg the Mystic [millions ask, WHO?], Montaigne the Skeptic, Shakespeare the poet, Napoleon the Man of the World, and Goethe the Writer.
The last two collections contain a number of short papers on English Traits and The Conduct of life. All interesting and full of Emersonian insight and beauty of language. The volume concludes with a Chronology of Emerson's life, notes on the texts, other notes, and an alphabetical index of titles (which is particularly useful given the re-use and similarity of some of these titles).
A Life Companion.......2006-09-01
I think it is probably safe to assert that to read Emerson is to be forever indebted to him. His wording, his clearness of thought, his determination, his warmth... He has all the qualities one could ask for in a writer, and all one could ask for in a mentor. Nietzsche held Emerson's books the closest, and said they were above his praise; Borges added: "Whitman and Poe have overshadowed Emerson's glory, as inventors, as founders of cults; line by line, they are inferior to him." James, the very Whitman, Proust, Frost, have all also praised him sincerely. Judging from other reviews, the love for Emerson hasn't diminished, more than a century after his passing.
For those who are not familiar with his works, it should be noted that Emerson is, without a doubt, a very unique writer. I was surprised when I realized that there is more poetry in his philosophy than in most verse books, yet he is always lucid; and that his poems, although hued by an impressive depth of thought, remain always passionate. He was renown as a brilliant lecturer, and his essays have all the force and immediacy of the oral form. Few people are so rich in memorable aphorisms - one finds a treasure of a quote in every sentence: "A drop is a small ocean"; "We are not built like a ship to be tossed, but like a house to stand"; "Whoso be a man, must be a non conformist"; "Punishment is a fruit that unsuspected ripens within the pleasure which concealed it"...
This was one of the first books the Library of America ever published, and with good reason: Emerson's writings are a Library of America on their own. This volume contains most of his major works, with the usual LOA excellency: beautiful green-cloth binding, a silk-ribbon marker, clear, acid-free, bible-thin paper, a short chronology, and a few useful notes. (No introduction of any kind, also as usual.) In short: a must buy, whether you are new to Emerson or not. My only complain is that this represents only about a half of his actual output, leaving out such important pieces as "The Lord's Supper", "The Fugitive Slave Law", the books Society and Solitude and Letters and Social Aims, his writings on Thoreau, Carlyle, Lincoln, and John Brown, and many other pieces just as revealing as the ones included here - not even counting the 15 volumes worth of journals he wrote throughout his life.
The fact that it's been more than a decade since the publication of the slight Complete Poems and Translations makes me fear LOA has neglected one of America's most beloved authors by giving priority to comparatively minor releases -like those on journalism and film criticism. Why can't Emerson get the same deserved treatment as Henry James, who by the way has now over 12 well-earned LOA volumes published? Just one more book would make this the definite edition of RWE's works; as it is, the huge and expensive Centenary Edition remains untouched as the most comprehensive one available. Furthermore, the "Uncollected Prose" section is no longer included; I can only hope it means they are saving it for a future volume. (It's been 15 years since they took it out, so I'm not holding my breath.)
Those looking for a cheaper introduction should probably check out the excellent Modern Library's The Essential Writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson, which besides a very generous collection of essays has a nice introduction, a selection of poems, and a few important pieces not included here.
To put it simply, if you have any interest in philosophy, literature, poetry, religion, or life, read Emerson. You may not be convinced by his arguments, but there's no point in nodding your way through a book. What remains after you finish reading it is what counts, and few writers can be found whose works are as pervasive and fondly remembered as Emerson's are.
Brilliant.......2006-02-26
Ralph Waldo Emerson was and is by far one of the most brilliant writers of American Literature. His writings are his collection of thoughts...both wise, and complicated. As if he is writing his deep most private thoughts into a diary meant to be read. You read his essays and lectures, and just feel as if you have just been exposed to something different in your life.
However, don't just take my word for it. After all, I am only sixteen years old. But this book is brilliant.
A genius who also had a conscience!.......2006-01-23
Ralph Waldo Emerson is considered by many to be one of America's greatest essayists. He also wrote poetry and the words in these essays read like poetry. It is hard to believe that that these essays were compiled and written down in the mid 1840's. The message that each one delivers is as fresh and real today as it was when Emerson said the words initially. We must remember that Emerson was very much a man of his time. His America was ready for an emphasis on individualism, and that is what he promotes in this essays. That may be why these messages have endured for so long. I found some very profound thoughts written in these essays, and the one that I think that I identified with the most were his essays on Art and on Character. I found myself nodding my head numerous times as I read these beautiful words. I certainly recommend that thee essays be read; if for no other reason than for the very beautiful usage of words.
Book Description
What's evil to one person may be a virtue to another. White Men Can't Hump is going to open America's Racial and Sexual Pandora's Box. This will allow you the reader to decide what is evil and what is not evil. In America what is considered a virtue when applied to White Men, is usually considered evil when applied to Black Men. White Men Can't Hump will ask why, and will give possible answers. White Men Can't Hump is a book for all Races, creeds, colors and genders; so please sit down and take some time to get to know it. After all, isn't that what we do when we meet someone different for the first time? What W.M.C.H. will do is help people discuss the uncomfortable subject of Race by combining Race with a subject that people Love to discuss, Sex. My first hope is that by combining the two subjects' people will see each of them in a new light, and therefore see each other in a new light.
Customer Reviews:
(RAW Rating: 3.5) - What is your legacy?.......2007-08-04
Todd Wooten intends to open America's Racial and Sexual Pandora's box, and give readers the opportunity to determine what is evil and what is not. He adamantly alludes to the assumption that things considered a virtue when applied to white men are usually considered an evil when applied to Black men.
The basic premise of this book is that racism against Black men emanates from "Fear of the Black penis." Some of the evidence the author provides is overwhelming. He details many indisputable facts: the lynching of Black Men in the early 1900's, and the castration ritual that usually accompanied these murders, the anti-miscegenation laws, the case of the Scottsboro Boys, the Tuskegee Experiment, and more. He voices how Hollywood still neuters Black men and exploits Black women. He highlights the disparity in how the media, as well as the criminal justice system, portray Black males versus white males. Wooten hopes the day will come when Black men in America will no longer be viewed as unintelligent, unattractive, undesirable, uncivilized, and worthless.
Because of the overt title, many people will overlook this book, and will undoubtedly miss a very important message. WHITE MEN CAN'T HUMP is full of hidden truths and substantiated statistics, but also shares Wooten's distinct opinions. It took courage to publicly speak about the volatile topics that were addressed. A thought provoking read, which asks questions that will create heated debates, and will make people aware of racial surroundings.
WISDOM AND HUMOR ON RACE AND SEX.......2007-07-02
Reading this book feels like a great, deep conversation over dinner with a dear friend. This book is a consummate critical analysis of bigotry and bias in all arenas. Wooten's hilarious sense of humor balances the sting of his profound wisdom and righteous rage.
Wooten's humor is evident upon every page. Read this amusing, intellectual, and wonderful book today. I love this author. His style and tone are revolutionary!
See more on this masterful book at:
www.geocities.com/ambwww
Relevant and Interesting.......2007-06-04
Mr. Wooten has done the impossible. He has presented a taboo topic with humor and intelligence. After reading countless books with no substance and incredible humor (or vice versa), I was both impressed and relieved to read this book. The information presented is fascinating, factual and funny. As we all know, this is rare in any book that discusses race in America. Thank God we finally have a book like this. I was so tired of reading dry, textbook like volumes on American race relations. Mr. Wooten is a breath of fresh air.
Don't Judge A Book By The Cover.......2007-05-16
It's apparent why the author has chosen to place this saying on every single page of both volumes. These books are packed with historical, financial and social facts of how we live in this country. To be honest I was a little reluctant when a friend asked me to visit the author's website; I thought it may be just another "one of those books", but after visiting the site I immediately ordered it. This is by far one of the most interesting reads I have run across in years! The detail and time it must have taken in writing these books can only be commended, but the books are outstanding. These books in my opinion are a must read!!
very thought provoking.......2007-05-14
I just finished the book and very much enjoyed it, The Author did a lot of research, with the history and the subject matter. I have personally experenced some of what the Author was talking about. If a person did not read the whole book,(both) from cover to cover then I could see a person having the wrong ideal about this book, being strictly a racist book but it's not. People have to walk in another mans foot steps to understand this book. It's a rare thing for a white person to be in the minority and loose that comfort zone. Afican Americans live the life of being uncomfortable on a dailey basis, a real christian try,s not to judge a man by his skin color but by his charicter. Try to get to know someone who do not look like you. Try it you might like it.
The book delves into the differeces that Whites have versus Blacks, just the simple thing of what a white man vs a Black man likes in a women. The stereo types that both races use on one another and about other races.
Read the Book and then make a decision about what point that Author is trying to make.
R.L.J.
Book Description
Long before Civil Rights, the Tuskegee Airmen fought for equality. First they integrated the Armed Forces, then a whole nation and did it with competency, skill, valor, and courage in combating the enemy abroad and racism at home. Because they stood tall, African Americans and fellow Americans are the better for it. The book of over 500 pages also contains about 100 photos, an appendix full of documents, and an Index of 25 pages.
Customer Reviews:
Valuable Material, Lousy Presentation.......2002-10-31
The World War II exploits of the 332nd Fighter Group--the first all-black unit in the US Army Air Forces--is a fascinating story on several levels. The pilots of the 332nd fought long and hard in the skies over North Africa, Italy, and Central Europe. They racked up an impressive record of enemy aircraft shot down, ground targets destroyed and--on the bomber-escort missions they often flew--friendly planes brought home safely. They also paved the way for the integration of the armed forces, and of American society generally, by showing that blacks could handle the stress of battle and the demands of high-performance airplanes just as well as whites. In a world where many (most?) whites saw blacks as innately inferior, the Tuskegee Airmen proved otherwise.
This book is a dense, detailed, information-packed history of the 332nd during and immediately after the war. It's a valuable source on a vital topic, and I'm glad it's out there.
That doesn't, however, make it a great book.
The style, for close to 400 pages, is choppy and unpolished with only a vague suggestion of a strong narrative line. Context is spotty at best, and technical terms sometimes go unexplained. The typography is idiosyncratic, and the inexplicable rendering of nicknames in italics and ranks, abbreviated, in ALL CAPS is distracting in a book where names come thick and fast. The type face itself is ugly, and the reproduction of many of the pictures is substandard. The index consists almost solely of personal names, which makes it intensely frustrating to use if you're not already intimately familiar with the story. To look up an incident in which two members of the 332nd sank a German destroyer, you have to know what their names were . . . no entry for "destroyer," or "strafing," or "naval vessels."
If there were other books out there that provide the sheer volume of facts about the subject that this one does, I'd give it about a star-and-a-half. There aren't, but there ought to be. The 332nd was noted for its professionalism; it deserves a more professionally-done history. Until that book gets written, though, this one (flaws and all) is essential.
Most enjoyable and most interesting!.......2000-02-14
In baseball, Jackie Robinson's impact can never be overstated. What he did for the game is immeasurable. In the world of aviation African Americans owe a debt of thanks to a group of men called "The Tuskegee Airmen". Their contributions to aviation are just as immeasurable.
Francis takes the reader back to the time when blacks in the army were living under Order 9981 from President Truman. Francis's gives you the triumphs and failures and brings it to life through each page. This read was truly remarkable.
This is the second book I have read on the Tuskegee Airmen, the first being a biography of Charles F. McGee, and for the second time I was moved by how this group of Officers and enlisted personnel worked through segregation to ensure the civil rights of those to follow.
Army life today, and the African American who serve with honor, can thank the men of this book for what they have. This nation owes a debt of thanks that can never be expressed enough. I am truly thankful to have had the opportunity to read this wonderful book.
Average customer rating:
- The Steinbeck Centennial Collection
- well...
- Awesome collection
- A wonderful collection
- The Pearl
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The Steinbeck Centennial Collection: The Grapes of Wrath, Of Mice and Men, East of Eden, The Pearl, Cannery Row, Travels With Charley, In Search of America (Boxed Set)
John Steinbeck
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
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 Steinbeck, John
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ASIN: 0147716756 |
Book Description
The Steinbeck Centennial Collection: The Grapes of Wrath, Of Mice and Men, East of Eden, The Pearl, Cannery Row, Travels With Charley In Search of America (Boxed Set) Description: No writer is more quintessentially American than John Steinbeck. Born in 1902 in Salinas, California, Steinbeck attended Stanford University before working at a series of mostly blue-collar jobs and embarking on his literary career. Profoundly committed to social progress, he used his writing to raise issues of labor exploitation and the plight of the common man, penning some of the greatest American novels of the twentieth century and winning such prestigious awards as the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. He received the Nobel Prize in 1962, "for his realistic and imaginative writings, combining as they do sympathetic humour and keen social perception." Today, more than thirty years after his death, he remains one of America's greatest writers and cultural figures.
The boxed set, containing deluxe trade paperback editions with french flaps, is being released in honor of the Steinbeck centennial being celebrated throughout 2002. Penguin Putnam Inc, in partnership with the Steinbeck Foundation and the Great Books Foundation is sponsoring numerous events throught the year.
Customer Reviews:
The Steinbeck Centennial Collection.......2006-11-03
I purchased it to replace volumes
"borrowed" over the years and read all again, some for the first time in decades. They haven't changed and they never disappoint.
This would be a perfect gift for a young reader just beginning to build their adult collection.
well..........2006-07-04
excellent excellent EXCELLENT! what a set! my only problem is that penguin continues to ignore the fact that they should be printing on acid-free paper!! i don't get this? such a leading company, with amazing products, yet, how long will these books actually last before they start to deteriorate?
m. bailey
Awesome collection.......2005-10-25
I just moved to Salinas, CA when I ordered this set. I had never read John Steinbeck before, and thought this was a good time to start. Wow was I in for a treat! Phenomenal poetic language, incredible story lines, wonderful location descriptions. How exciting it is to read such stories taking place in the very settings I'm exploring now! I recommend this to others who haven't ever been here either, you may just find yourself with another destination on your "places to go list."
A wonderful collection.......2004-02-17
I just finished
<
> in my reading class,we even had discussed the similarities between Lennie and Forest Gump,and the differences between Steibeck's concise style and Hemingway's typical terseness.Afterward,I ordered
<
>,checked
<
>from my high school liabary.And now,you got a chance to read all of his masterpieces in the same time.I respectfully recommanded you to looked at Steinbeck's novels based upon Salina Valley,CA,his hometown,a heavenly countryside throughout the spiritial world of the master writter.I think Steinbeck's distinguishment is that he reflected two worlds in a character,both historically and mentally.Of course,he had written an epic with roustic American speciality.
The Pearl.......2003-01-04
There was a poor family in La Paz, in a small village. Kino and Juana had a son name Coyotito.
One day, Coyotito was pinched by a scorpion, but his parents did not have enough money to pay for the medication. They unexpectily found a big pearl from the sea, so they decided to sell it and use the money to save Coyotito. Unfortunately, no one was willing to pay a decent price for the pearl. Since the price offer in the village was not enough to pay for the medication, the couple then decide to go to the capital and hoped to find a better buyer who was willing to offer a better price. Although the parent knew better that there would be many obstacles and problem throughout the journey, their love for their son gave them bravery motivation to move on.
The story is very interesting, but the topic is not my favorite. The story is described in detail and it gives me many images as I read on. Therefore, I would give this ***.
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