Building the Japanese House Today

Book Description

Built like a piece of fine furniture, the traditional Japanese house is universally admired for its clean lines, intricate joinery, and unparalleled woodworking. Focusing primarily on a new guesthouse in California, this elegant volume shows how a classic Japanese house can be built to offer the warmth and comfort that modern homemakers require.

Len Brackett, rigorously trained as a temple carpenter in Kyoto, has spent decades adapting the ancient Japanese design aesthetic to Western needs. Here he demonstrates step-by-step how both the traditional live-on-the-floor house, as well as models that accommodate furniture, can be constructed to provide such modern essentials as central heating, insulation, computerized lighting systems, and the latest electronics. This practical and inspiring guide-with gorgeous, clear photos and diagrams-is an indispensable resource for those who'd like to live in a Japanese home, for professionals who want to build them, and for any reader who delights in Japan's age-old aesthetic traditions.

Customer Reviews:

A knowledgeable and "user-friendly" study of domestic Japanese architecture.......2006-09-08

Superbly illustrated with photography from Aya Brackett, Building The Japanese House Today by Peggy Landers and Len Brackett is an outstanding collection of beautiful and decorative architectural designs drawn from the Japanese traditional and contemporary architectural ideas and ideals. Deftly co-authored to provide a wealth of usable and informed perspectives, Building The Japanese House Today offers such particulars as preliminary design decisions for building a Japanese home; design directions based on living with or without furniture a chart showing the relative proportions of components of the traditional house; lumber selection, drying and milling; design and construction of a Japanese bath; technical drawings showing how to make traditional architecture conform to western building codes; sources and contacts for materials and craftsmen; and twenty pages of professional plans and diagrams to guide readers through the simple and elegant procedures of construction. A core addition to any professional or academic library Architectural Studies reference collection, Building The Japanese House Today is very highly recommended for non-specialist general readers searching for a knowledgeable and "user-friendly" study of domestic Japanese architecture.

Informative Guide! (Adds a touch of logistical reality to creating a dream home).......2006-02-26

For anyone who has dreamed of building a Japanese style house, this book is a must! The book takes you through the construction of a building from start to finish. All the things the customers and builders had to consider in construction. (From design, to permits, to materials,to assembly and finally finishing) This is a good way to get an idea of what building a traditional or westernized version of a Japanese house would entail, in terms of time and resources. It would also provide a neat book for house design to see the way traditional Japanese design styles have been incorporated to fit into American style homes.

One of the authors, Len Brackett, is the owner of East Wind which does Traditional Japanese Architecture and Woodworking. The beautiful woodwork this company does is extraordinary!! Len spent more than 5 years in Japan as a temple carpentry apprentice. The book also included an interesting chapter describing him time there. For more information on East Wind, (and to get a better idea of what the book describes) try visiting their website eastwindinc.com

Average customer rating:

One of the best,,,,if you can find it!
Sweet Superflat Style

Hot Banana Fudge
Aya Takano
Manufacturer: Hiropon Factory,Japan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Drop Dead Cute

ASIN: 4939148017

Customer Reviews:

One of the best,,,,if you can find it!.......2005-12-17

I had seen this book a few years ago, but unfortunately did not buy it at that time. I recently found it on a Japanese website, and snatched it up (2 days after posting, it was sold out). Aya Takano is one of the best female "Superflat" artists. Unlike her male counterparts, she uses a more feminine approach in her art. Comparing her to Murakami and others is futile; she lends a unique aspect to superflat art, and this book is definitely one of the best.

Sweet Superflat Style.......2005-02-09

Aya Takano is part of Takashi Murakami's "Hiropon Factory" ground zero for the new "Superflat" style, coined by Murakami. Superflat is basically Pop art which uses Japanese pop culture imagery. More broadly it encompasses tradtional Asian compositions and subject matter, science fiction, anime, and manga. Murakami has written a couple books outlining the manifesto of the movement which explain it better than I can. In my opinion, Takano has surpassed her patron in that she continues to play on pop culture without losing luscious texture and subtly satirical subjects captured in Roald Dahl contours and fantasy. Takano's work is a rollercoater ride of juicy color, fluid figure drawing and delicate sci-fi twists, worth every penny!

Average customer rating:

Brilliant work!
Laugh out loud funny! A side of Africa that is rarely seen.

AYA
Marguerite Abouet
Manufacturer: Drawn and Quarterly
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1894937902
Release Date: 2007-02-20

Book Description

“That’s what I wanted to show in Aya: an Africa without the . . . war and famine, an Africa that endures despite everything because, as we say back home, life goes on.” —Marguerite Abouet

Ivory Coast, 1978. Family and friends gather at Aya’s house every evening to watch the country’s first television ad campaign promoting the fortifying effects of Solibra, “the strong man’s beer.” It’s a golden time, and the nation, too—an oasis of affluence and stability in West Africa—seems fueled by something wondrous.

Who’s to know that the Ivorian miracle is nearing its end? In the sun-warmed streets of working-class Yopougon, aka Yop City, holidays are around the corner, the open-air bars and discos are starting to fill up, and trouble of a different kind is about to raise eyebrows. At night, an empty table in the market square under the stars is all the privacy young lovers can hope for, and what happens there is soon everybody’s business.

Aya tells the story of its nineteen-year-old heroine, the studious and clear-sighted Aya, her easygoing friends Adjoua and Bintou, and their meddling relatives and neighbors. It’s a breezy and wryly funny account of the desire for joy and freedom, and of the simple pleasures and private troubles of everyday life in Yop City. An unpretentious and gently humorous story of an Africa we rarely see–spirited, hopeful, and resilient—Aya won the 2006 award for Best First Album at the Angoulême International Comics Festival. Clément Oubrerie’s warm colors and energetic, playful lines connect expressively with Marguerite Abouet’s vibrant writing.

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant work!.......2007-08-29

This is on par with Wil Eisner, Alison Bechdel and Art Spiegelman.. a wonderful, honest look at growing up in Cote d' Ivoire. Wonderfully refreshing in it's detail, art, and topic. A must have for graphic novel fans!

Laugh out loud funny! A side of Africa that is rarely seen. .......2007-07-01

Americans have so many stereotypes of Africa. This tale will both enlighten and entertain beyond expectations! You will be overjoyed with its humor, wit, and playfulness!

The artists depictions are unique. He is able to perfectly blend images into this excellent story!

While it may not take long to read at 100 pages, it will bring a smile to your face for days! ( the punchline ending alone had me laughing out loud! )

The world is blessed by AYA's publishing! I hope this dynamic duo has the opportunity to repeat their success!

Average customer rating:

Full Series Review. No Spoilers.
i luv this book
A Great Manga
Beginning to a Gritty Manga
Creepy...

Ceres Celestial Legend: Vol. 1: Aya

Manufacturer: VIZ Media LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1569319804

Book Description

It's the funeral-like atmosphere that tips off the twins: things are not what they seem at their birthday party. That, and the fact that their birthday present turns out to be a mummified hand. Soon Grandfather Mikage pronounces Aki the heir to the Mikage fortune, declaring that Aya must die. But Aya has allies in Yuhi, the athletic cook and martial artist, and in the attractive, mysterious Toya.

Customer Reviews:

Full Series Review. No Spoilers. .......2007-03-24

I started out thinking I might buy this series. Then I changed my mind, but thought I might buy the volumes my library was missing and donate them. Then I decided it wasn't worth the bother to do even that. If you are a sucker for Gothic horror, or for twins, or for Gothic horror about twins, well . . . run out and buy TOKYO BABYLON or LEGAL DRUG right away. But feel free to get CERES VOL. 1 from your library. You will be one seriously happy camper for a few brief shining moments. The story begins with a teenaged brother and sister, Aki and Aya, who are about to turn sixteen, and whose inexplicably nervous and jumpy parents insist on taking them to their grandfather's gigantic mansion to "celebrate". I will say no more.

The problem comes AFTER Book 1, when the utterly cool premise has been established and one has to slog through the rest of the story. First problem: EVERYTHING falls a distant second to Aya's self-absorbed quest for love. In one early scene, ten innocent people are horribly burned in a fire. A whole three panels after witnessing this, our heroine whines "There's a fire burning in my heart too" because some guy is not paying her enough attention. It's enough to make one barf up blood. The problem is not just that she's self-centered, mind you, it's that the universe really DOES revolve around her. Strangers have nothing better to do than devote themselves body and soul to her protection. Men prettier than she is fall madly in love with her despite her lack of manners, morals, or intellect. And the INTERESTING villains who are trying to murder her for SENSIBLE reasons give way to idiot villains obsessed with getting into her panties.

Another reviewer mentioned that the heroine was not a good role model for teen girls. It is true that she makes a lot of bad choices, is completely dependent on male approval, and falls flat on her back the moment any guy (except one) kisses her. But considering her traumatic situation, her behavior is understandable enough. It is a far bigger problem that almost every female character in the story, major and minor, is exactly same way, COMPLETELY emotionally dependent on some guy, and thoroughly convinced that life isn't worth living without him - no matter what a jerk he is, or how (potentially) cool she is. The author combines this obsequious over-dependence on males with an obnoxious passive-aggressive hostility towards them, with the unhappy result that no character, male or female, is permitted to become self-actualized or interesting, despite oodles of potential all around.

I have nothing against the possession/reincarnation parts of the plot, but I wish they had not been used to avoid real drama or moral conflict. Certain characters are faced with terrible moral choices, but Yuu prefers to have them turn possessed rather than think about or face them. The hook of CERES for me was this self-perpetuating cycle of evil passed down from generation to generation, and the Catch-22 of characters compelled to perpetuate this evil, or let themselves be destroyed by it. Yuu didn't find this as interesting as I did, so we get villains trying to create Master Races, panty shots, bit characters splattering themselves all over the pavement, and teenagers whining about who likes who best. The real horror and potential of Yuu's premise is avoided.

It was an okay read, the art is good, and there was one character I actually liked. It's just that it could have been so much better if it had focused on its original premise and its original villains with their original motives. When it remembers that it is supposed to be Gothic Horror, it certainly has its moments (Volume 5). But it's not nearly as good as it could have been.

i luv this book.......2006-07-18

i luv this book so much and i tell everyone thats into manga just as much as i can about it...it is my favorite book out of every book i have ever read and ive read at least 30 different manga's by now...i really really suggest anyone in the world to buy this book...you won't regret it. i also have other series of this book, the other volumes i want them all....that is how much i luv it....................................thanx........luv, me

A Great Manga.......2006-05-30

In the first volume of Ceres we are introduced to Aya Mikage, an average teenage girl whose life is about to be turned upside down. On her 16th birthday her family gives her, and her twin brother, Aki, a test. They are shown a mumified hand. When Aya sees it she has a violent reaction, her brother has a reaction too, only his is different. We find out that Aya is the reincarnation of Ceres, a tennyo, or celestial maiden. The only problem is Ceres is out for revenge against the Mikages for keeping her from ascending to heaven, and the Mikages want to kill Aya to prevent Ceres from returning to her home.

Mayhem insues.

If you like scifi, chances are you'll love this manga. But it is for a slightly older audience, it has themes of incest, nudity, and death.

Beginning to a Gritty Manga.......2005-11-30

Although Ceres Celestial Legend is a shoujo manga, it has enough sex, murder, betrayal, revenge, and blood to be a horror manga. There is some humor, but overall, the story is kind of depressing. Aya, the main character, is not very sympathetic. She is promiscuous, wild, rough, and really only cares about her twin brother, Aki. That sounds nice, but they are way too close; and as the story develops, there is an incestuous twist. I really enjoy the art of Yuu Watase, but I cannot bring myself to care about Aya. She seems to suck everyone in around her, but really lacks any sweetness or morals.

Yuu Watase has a great imagination. The plot is clever: what if the legends of celestial maidens who had their robes stolen as they were bathing were not just a fairy tale? What if goddesses really did marry mortal men? And what if their descendants carried the "celestial gene?"

The story is about sixteen year-old Aya and Aki, who are betrayed in a terrible way by their family on their sixteenth birthday because they are connected with the Celestial Legend Ceres. In a short time, Aya has lost everything, and is fleeing for her life. She convienently finds a mysterious woman and her brother-in-law who are willing to help her. There is another mysterious man who is employed by her family (who is trying to kill her) but who - predictably - falls in lust with Aya. Like I said, Aya is quite a little ho for age sixteen. Not a great example for girls. For teens, I instead recommend Alice 19th, also by Watase.

Creepy..........2005-06-30

This series is so creepy! It's not scream your head off scary (more of a spine-tingler), but I mean, just the prospect of your family wanting to kill you is a given heart-pounder.I like Yu Watase's manga because no matter how sewrious the atmosphere is, you can laugh at the hilairious expressions of the characters. Plus, the boys in Yu Watase's manga are always super hot...like Yuhi and Toya, for example. I may be crazy, but I think that Yuhi is a bit cuter than Toya...I like his hair.(shut up brain, shut up.) Anyway, this is a good series. I like it better than FUshigi Yugi or Alice 19th. i highly reccomend it.

Japanese Experience: Inevitable, The (In the Floating World: Slash with a Knife, 1999)

Average customer rating:

A Japanese Arts Favourite
Surely one must pay attention...
Peter Max carves out a space?
well worth it.
A book that is great to look at but to read....

Japanese Experience: Inevitable, The (In the Floating World: Slash with a Knife, 1999)
Gregor Jansen , Takashi Murakami , Jun Hasegawa , Hiropon , Shintaro Miyake , Aya Takano , and Yoshitomo Nara
Manufacturer: Hatje Cantz Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 3775712542
Release Date: 2003-03-02

Book Description

At first sight, it appears brand new, pure Tokyo pop. But The Japanese Experience: Inevitable reveals far more than the successful cloning of morphed manga motifs onto stretched canvas and museum walls. It represents eight positions in contemporary Japanese art and scrutinizes their complex visual vocabulary, noting references to Japanese and Western art traditions as frequently as the borrowing of mass culture motifs from the realms of manga and anime. Takashi Murakami's MR. DOB questions the place of contemporary art in our global society; Aya Takano's glowing watercolors combine Japanese sensitivity, issues of female identity, and sci-fi; Masahiko Kuwahara's mutant animals provide shades of softness and mysterious openness, and Yoshitomo Nara's reworking of historical Japanese woodcuts disturbs the floating world. Not only are the artists' visual repertoires new and surprising, but their creative methods and strategies help conquer a public that is mostly untouched by contemporary art. Published in association with the Ursula Blickle Foundation.

Customer Reviews:

A Japanese Arts Favourite.......2006-06-14

Not only the selection of artists and artist's work is good but the stories they tell about each of them is between the finest you can find. The writer makes it easy to understand the artist's mind in very few words. I'm sorry I didn't go to the exibition that generated this catalog.

Surely one must pay attention..........2005-04-30

This is a fantastic catalogue of an important exhibition held in Kraichtal, Germany in 2002. The curator was Margrit Brehm. So, do not be mislead: this is not a Murakami-curated exhibition, unlike the current Japan Society show entitled "Little Boy." (This book does contain works by Murakami and others of the Kaikai Kiki alongside other important contemporary figures).
Also important to note is that as this is a catalogue of an important art event, it contains several essays on topics relevant to the Japanese Neo Pop movement. It is not necessary that one fully comprehend these essays in order to enjoy the artwork reproduced here. However, these essays are very valuable for anyone interested in placing these works in a historical context.

Peter Max carves out a space?.......2005-04-08

HMMMMMMM? where is Tenmyouya Hisashi's masterful work that actually engages what is going on in Japanese culture. Why Murakami's pandering to the west when the JApanese clearly do not buy into his cheapened schemes? This is a great book to peruse if you are hell-bent on finding insipid mis-information about Japanese culture. with flights being ~$500 from NYC (round-trip) go see for yourself that his strategy preys on western ignorance and is really a self-exoticized version of what is not really happening in Japan. If you like this book you must surely beleive everything Geroge Jr. says about the links of WMD and Al Queda in Irak :P hahahahaahha

well worth it........2005-02-16

i bought this book pretty much sight unseen (it was wrapped in plastic), and for a not so thrifty price. that said, i do not regret that decision at all. this is a great informative book, and i think it handles the distinction between "high art" and "pop culture" quite well. i wish more american artists would follow this lead, basing great works of beauty on comics and tv. highly recommended.

A book that is great to look at but to read...........2003-09-09

The artists featured in "The Japanese Experience: Inevitable" are artists that I have come to enjoy from seeing their art in magazines such as "Giant Robot" and other publications. As a purveyor of art in Europe and especially in Asia, the art presented in this book is quite amazing. The book features fine artists in Japan and the copy is featured in English and Jerman.

As much as I enjoyed looking at the book, reading the book is a different story. As much as I enjoy cultural literacy and learning new words, upon reading this book, I felt that Gregor Janse may be a bit too cerebral in the words and the way he writes.

The book, while informative, reads like one of those cerebral college books that you just don't want to read. I own so many art books and this book has to be one of the most cerebral and for me that's fine but for others...

By the cover alone, this book is going to attract anime fans and fans of Japanese pop culture but is this book targeting them or the art afficionado?

Book Description

As Renji and Kaito continue to make their rounds on Earth, they arrive on an island where they happen upon the princess Shalala, who has found herself caught in an amorous arrangement--she has been made the island king's fiancÃ© because of the superstitious lore that says they must be wed! Shalala goes into hiding, and confides in Renji that everyone must find that special someone to love--which Kaito reminds Renji is forbidden for angels to do. But how can something feel so right...and be so wrong?!

Average customer rating:

A review for volume 8
I love this series.
A must Read!!!!
Good series... however
MUST READ

Girl Got Game, Vol. 8
Shizuru Seino
Manufacturer: TokyoPop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1591829879

Book Description

Just when Chiharu has decided he doesn't hate Kyo all that much and they can be friends, he accidentally touches her breast. Kyo, afraid she might be found out, makes a hurried excuse and comes up with a plan to make herself seem more masculine.

Customer Reviews:

A review for volume 8 .......2005-05-10

{Note: I put this review on the page for Volume 8 of Girl Got Game, but for some reason Amazon has put this review under other volumes.}

Here's the summary given by Tokyopop (the summary Amazon has written is for a different volume):

"The perfect combination for love: magical mushrooms and steamy hot springs! Imai decides that the basketball team should go on a mushroom gathering trip to the hot springs. During the trip Kensuke tells an annoyed Chiharu that he's asked Kyo to go steady with him. To spice things up, Kyo and Chiharu mistakenly eat some mushrooms, which make them behave in rather uncharacteristic ways - like confessing their love for each other! Is it love brewing or are the mushrooms doing the talking?"

This volume was as hilarious as the others. Between the hijinx and misunderstandings this book had me cracking up all the way through. And what's great about this volume is that we finally get to see a progression in Chiharu and Kyo's relationship.

Just as the summary said, these two end up in a pretty close encounter when they eat some bad mushrooms on a school trip. But just when you think those two might finally go somewhere, Kyo and Kenseke end up in a pretty "interesting" position . . . one you just have to see. But not to worry, this just helps to set the stage for some honesty in feelings between Kyo and Chiharu.

I would highly recommend getting this volume . . . as a matter of fact I would highly recommend getting the entire series. It is just sooo funny. It will have you rolling on the floor in fits of laughter.

I love this series........2004-12-19

Shizaru Seino has created an awesome series. She acts like she knows so much about basket ball, yet in an interview with Seino from volume 2, she doesn't even know how to play basketball. If I had a conversation with her, I'd tell her she should play basketball, considering I've played basketball for years.

In the last book, a new character, Kensuke Yura, appears. He's very smart and has played basketball before, yet he hasn't shown up for practice for such a long time. But Kyo convinces him to come back. At Kyo and Yura's first practice together, Kyo finds out that Yura doesn't really have a good relationship with the other players.

Then an accidental encounter leads up to a big misunderstanding involving...Chiharu, the guy who is ticked off everyday about something different. But something happens that totally leaves Kyo in the dust.

What is it? Read the book and find out ^_^.

A must Read!!!!.......2004-12-09

This is one story you wouldnt want to miss!!! A story of a girl that got enrolled into a cool school by her father.. its almost perfect, or so she thought.. Until she found out that she got enrolled as a "BOY". Follow how is she going to resolve her predicament, specially when she starts to like a boy, who is by the way her roommate and also a teammate in basketball. What is she going to do??

This Manga, is soo funny that is addicting. Full of Lovable Characters, crazy antics and will just keep you asking for more!!!!

You havent read this yet, piece of advice!! A MUST READER!!

Good series... however.......2004-06-23

The review format is out of whack. I've seen stuff for Volume 2 marked under the section for Vol 4 or 8. This says it is Volume 10, but likely this very review title is wrong. If this is Volume 10, Volume 10 is the last of the series. The situation with her is resolved finally with her recently being discovered to be female. Is she allowed to stay, and will she find the boy of her dreams? You'll have to find out, I haven't read it either.

MUST READ.......2004-06-10

For all shoujo anime/manga fans out there, this is a must read! Of course, that's only my opinion. I really liked this series and I have already finished reading all of it in Chinese. Also, go read Fruits Basket and HANA-KIMI!!!!

Average customer rating:

A bit formulatic . . . (Is that spelled right?)

Soul Rescue Volume 1
Aya Kanno
Manufacturer: TokyoPop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1598166727
Release Date: 2006-11-28

Book Description

When Angels are supposed to epitomize all that is perfect in love and mercy...where does a rogue angel fit into it all?! Renji is one of heaven's most powerful but overly violent angels. As punishment for going too far in the last great battle against the demons, Renji is banished to Earth... His mission? Saving 10,000 souls! But for an angel who's never known anything outside of fighting, there maybe nothing in Heaven or Hell that can help him...Where badboy angels must learn to love humanity, it's all in the Soul Rescue!

Customer Reviews:

A bit formulatic . . . (Is that spelled right?).......2007-06-13

Well, I was browsing the shelves one day and I came across this book. Being a huge fantasy fan I gave it a shot.

The plot is a bit formulatic. The main character is a rogue angel who is kicked out of heaven until he can save 10,000 souls. A fact that runs contrary to his combative nature. He is given a watchdog as a sidekick. (And thus the two main characters are born see front cover) Since this is only (?) a two volumn series I can't see how the author wraps it up unless it is an incomplete series. Basically this is a typical he can save anyone type of plot line.

As for the art it is clean and nice but nothing notable. Angels are pictured as futuristic army men in white complete with helmuts. God is also pictured in a similar mannor - a fact that I disliked. At least in Angel Sanctuary Kaori was smart enough not to actually draw God which made the work feel more real. Devils look like street punks with black wings and one devil look like he hasn't slept in a year with such large black lines under his eyes. Perhaps the only really entertaining thing here is that the main character, an angel, is heavily tattooed. It's just too funny.

All this said, the book was still entertaining and fun as a quick read. It is not a great must have work, but for something a little silly and ligth hearted it is perfect.

Seikai Trilogy, The Volume 1: Crest Of The Stars (Seikai Trilogy)

Average customer rating:

Best. Manga. Ever.
Great Anime!!!
Great manga

Seikai Trilogy, The Volume 1: Crest Of The Stars (Seikai Trilogy)
Aya Yoshinaga , and Hiroyuki Morioka
Manufacturer: TokyoPop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1591828570

Book Description

After his home world is ruthlessly taken over by the Abh—a space-faring race that has conquered many worlds—a boy named Jinto begins an unforgettable journey that stretches the boundaries of the final frontier. With a beautiful princess at his side, he will attempt to unlock the secret behind Abh domination and discover that all's fair in love and interplanetary war.

Customer Reviews:

Best. Manga. Ever........2005-01-21

I am a huge fan of manga and anime, and this by far the best, along with the rest in the series. Anyone who likes manga or star wars will love this!

(Im to lazy to type more. :p)

Great Anime!!!.......2004-07-26

This is another awesome book put out by Tokyo Pop! The panels are open and clear so you don't have to go over the book trying to figure out the story, though the characters sometimes use words in another language and it's annoying going back and forth to the Dictionary in the back but that doesn't take away from the great work of Toshihiro Ono, Aya Yoshinaga and the original story writer Hiroyuki Morioka!

Great manga.......2004-06-21

I just got this manga, and I must say, I really loved it. I am a huge fan of the anime and I found this to be a must-have companion. The only drawback is that Banner of the Stars won't be released until August 3. Oh well.

To the Desert and Back: The Story of the Most Dramatic Business Transformation on Record

Average customer rating:

An engaging narrative
To the future and beyond...
Required Reading for Leaders

To the Desert and Back: The Story of the Most Dramatic Business Transformation on Record
Philip H. Mirvis , Karen Ayas , and George Roth
Manufacturer: Jossey-Bass
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0787966770

Book Description

Dove, Lipton, Knorr, Ben & Jerry's, and Slim*Fast are a few of the brands that are part of the $66 billion global empire known as Unilever. When the story opens, one of its divisions is in deep trouble— declining volume, eroding margins, critical quality problems— and is close to being sold off. Then Tex Gunning, its visionary new division chairman, takes the stage, an expanding circle of young leaders takes charge, and once-skeptical workers embrace a challenging message of growth. The result? The division grows by double digits, year in and year out, and energizes Unilever's path to thrive around the globe.

To the Desert and Back tells the inside story of the transformation in the words of the people in all quarters of the company who made it happen. It documents five years of personal soul-searching, teamwork, companywide learning conferences, memorable journeys to the mountains and desert, and inspired promotions that show how these efforts produced a remarkable top-to-bottom turnaround. This story delivers authentic and convincing proof that a revitalized business is about personal growth.

The lessons learned from this dramatic business turnaround provide unexpected insights and encouraging inspiration for other companies and leaders ready to embark on their own remarkable journey of transformation, growth, and success.

Customer Reviews:

An engaging narrative.......2005-02-08

Most books on change management describe concepts and principles with some examples. This one went several steps further and provided me with a story that was rich in details and lessons learned. I could appreciate the nuisance and subtleties involved in change and transformation because of the fineness with which the business case was narrated. The authors should be commended for unraveling for the benefit of both business and non-business readers what goes on at the top management and various levels in a mammoth organization as it tries to change with the times.

To the future and beyond..........2003-07-10

In you are interested in linking innovative methods and models to bottom-line results, seeing the view of an organiziation's story as it unfolds and with the perspective of time, experiencing the transformation from those who lived it, or just a good read; then TO THE DESERT AND BACK is for you.

I don't think it is exaggerating to say the organization time and again was faced with its very survival. And each time it set the goal higher and invented the means to accomplish it.

It is a tribute to the importance of leadership, vision, creativity, and participation. While not many organizations may have the resources to play out the metaphor on such a grand scale, every leader and organization can take away the impetus to aim high, think big, and see beyond.

Required Reading for Leaders.......2003-06-14

Mirvis, Ayas, and Roth make an exciting story accessible to a wide range of readers. Not only are the lessons of this story applicable to the business world, they carry over to relationships of all kinds. The dramatic story of Unilever's turn-around had this reader turning the pages. It is rare to come across a book with the potential to have such a far-reaching impact on organizations and the people in them. "To the Desert and Back" ought to be required reading for leaders young and old.

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