The Columbia Guide to American Indian Literatures of the United States Since 1945

Book Description

The Columbia Guide to American Indian Literatures of the United States Since 1945 is the first major volume of its kind to focus on Native literatures in a postcolonial context. Written by a team of noted Native and non-Native scholars, these essays consider the complex social and political influences that have shaped American Indian literatures in the second half of the twentieth century, with particular emphasis on core themes of identity, sovereignty, and land.

In his essay comprising part I of the volume, Eric Cheyfitz argues persuasively for the necessary conjunction of Indian literatures and federal Indian law from Apess to Alexie. Part II is a comprehensive survey of five genres of literature: fiction (Arnold Krupat and Michael Elliott), poetry (Kimberly Blaeser), drama (Shari Huhndorf), nonfiction (David Murray), and autobiography (Kendall Johnson), and discusses the work of Vine Deloria Jr., N. Scott Momaday, Joy Harjo, Simon Ortiz, Louise Erdrich, Leslie Marmon Silko, Gerald Vizenor, Jimmy Santiago Baca, and Sherman Alexie, among many others. Drawing on historical and theoretical frameworks, the contributors examine how American Indian writers and critics have responded to major developments in American Indian life and how recent trends in Native writing build upon and integrate traditional modes of storytelling.

Sure to be considered a groundbreaking contribution to the field, The Columbia Guide to American Indian Literatures of the United States Since 1945 offers both a rich critique of history and a wealth of new information and insight.

Customer Reviews:

We've Been At War Since 1941.......2007-02-14

This book is a series of essays on the history of 'The Long War.' This war began in about 1941 and has continued with more or less shooting ever since. It has been marked, as have all wars, with instances of incompetence, poor judgment, a callow unwillingness to face the facts, ignorance, prejudice, and irrational hysteria.

Each essay is independent and covers the personal interests/expertise of the writer. Through them all, however, a common theme emerges that the war making institutions, be they in the defense community, defense industries, or intelligence agencies have not performed to the standard that one would hope.

This book is a history. The authors are primarily history professors at U.S. universities. Unfortunately being historians, the authors do not make many projections of the future. Perhaps though, this is impossible, and 'The Long War' will continue forever. It certainly seems that it's current incarnation of 'The War on Terror' seems to have no foreseeable end. Yesterday even the Democratic candidates were talking of bombing Pakistan and even threatening to use nuclear weapons.

North American Art Since 1900 (International Encyclopedia of Art Series)

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North American Art Since 1900 (International Encyclopedia of Art Series)
C. M. E. P. Turner
Manufacturer: Facts on File
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | History & Criticism | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Art | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books

Children's | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0816033285

Book Description

Full of ideas for fashion design—but not confident when it comes to drawing figures? This wide range of templates will help: they include figures in movement from a variety of angles, different body views and poses, and lots more. Photocopy them, enlarge them, or use them as a guide.

Customer Reviews:

Ugly drawings, useless "templates"; try another book.......2007-05-21

While the tutorials on proportion are somewhat helpful, the drawings, unfortunately, are ugly. The poses lack the edgy and modern look found in other books and among top design houses; they are stiff, and the drape of the fabric is all wrong: it is generalized, and the way it is drawn not only adds nothing to the garment. The folds make it impossible to tell the weight and type of fabric, and in many cases, are not in accordance with the fit or how any fabric would behave.

The details are inconsistent. Some faces are attractive, others unsightly, poorly drawn; some figures have decent poses with some interest, most of the others perch themselves awkwardly on the page, slouching over and oddly angled. As for the idea of using templates to trace, there is nothing in the adult figure section worth tracing, nor is the layout really meant for this, contrary to the title

The section on drawing children in better than the other parts of the book, as are the renderings. They actually manage to capture much of that cheery childhood feel, the cute faces and expressions, and some playful gestures.

Overall, I do not recommend this book, especially when there are so many others that feature great drawings, have helpful tutorials, and generally provide the reader with a solid foundation on fashion design. The Best book on fashion illustration is "Fashion Sketchbook" by Bina Abling. It may cost much more, but it is worth it. If that's too much, keep looking around--this book was a waste of money, and I would not recommend it.

Deceptive title.......2007-04-19

If you are hoping to use these templates to draw over for your portfolio, this is NOT the book. If you want a better idea on how to illustrate for your portfolio, this IS the book. This book goes in more depth on fashion illustration than any other book I own. It should be called "Fashion Illustration for Dummies" Great Book!

Figure Templates for Fashion Illustration.......2001-10-01

This book promises more than it delivers. The basic templates are useful, but in all other aspects this book is lacking.
The written information is scant and repeated - very superfluous. Mr Ireland's style is very outdated and uninspiring for those hoping to make a career out of fashion - in any form. I would recommend this book only as a basic early tool for novices hoping to improve their figure construction.
For inspiration I recommend Laird Borelli's FASHION ILLUSTRATION NOW.

great for copying.......2001-08-08

this isn't the 'how to draw the fashion model' book you wish taught you everything you ever needed to know. However, its good to have around when you just need to pump an idea out. It has women, men, and children.

Figure Templates For Fashion Illustration.......2000-10-16

This book is an excellent resource at a resonable price. It is more than a primer. I'd recommend it to anyone, experienced or novice, who designs/illustrates fashion.

Book Description

Feminist film theory has been one of the, if not the, most important strands within film theory. Shohini Chaudhuri's book will focus on the work of three leading feminist film theorists - Laura Mulvey, Kaja Silverman and Teresa De Lauretis, whose working (in keeping with the format for generic RCT volumes) represents key schools of thought or emphases within feminist film theory. Key ideas explored through a discussion of the work of these three thinkers include the male gaze, the female voice, technologies of gender, fantasy and body horror, and masculinity in crisis.

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A fine chess book on the Sveshnikov Sicilian

Essential Reading for Sveshnikov Players

What this book is about

A very good book

The best sveshnikov sicilian book so far

The Complete Sveshnikov Sicilian
Yuri Yakovich
Manufacturer: Gambit Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Chess | Board Games | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1901983714

Book Description

The Sveshnikov Variation is one of the most uncompromising lines of the Sicilian Defence. Black accepts an apparently loose pawn-structure in return for a great deal of piece activity. Decades of experience have shown that it is far from easy for White to neutralize Black's active play, and the Sveshnikov is now firmly established as a favourite weapon for players who wish to win games as Black. Leading grandmasters who have relied on the Sveshnikov include John Nunn, Michal Krasenkow, Joel Lautier, Miguel Illescas, Alexei Shirov, Peter Leko and, most notably, BGN World Champion Vladimir Kramnik.

Customer Reviews:

A fine chess book on the Sveshnikov Sicilian.......2005-12-12

This is a very good book on the Sveshnikov variation of the Sicilian Defence. In this defence, Black plays ...e5, weakening her d6 pawn and her d5 square, but by doing so gets more time to develop her pieces. And for those who want to turn the tables on White, this is a perfect variation for Black if she likes launching King-side attacks!

While this book does describe the Sveshnikov from both sides of the table, it does have more of a focus on Black than I'd like. You see, I do not play the Sveshnikov for Black. Instead, I play it for White, sacrificing a piece on move 11, which gives me some tactical threats, as well as a strategic threat to Queen my a-pawn.

Well, what advice does this book have on how to play White?

1 e4 c5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 d4 cxd4 4 Nxd4 Nf6 5 Nc3 e5 6 Ndb5 d6 (6...h6?! 7 Nd6+) 7 Bg5 a6 (7...Be6? 8 Nd5) 8 Na3 (This looks ugly positionally, but it's best) 8...b5! (The Sveshnikov; 8...Be6 9 Nc4 Rc8 10 Nd5 Bxd5 11 Bxf6 is Bird's variation) 9 Bxf6 (Yakovich has over 75 pages on 9 Nd5, but he thinks 9 Bxf6 is best for White here, and I certainly agree) 9...gxf6 (9...Qxf6 10 Nd5 Qd8 11 c4) 10 Nd5 f5 (obviously not 10 ...Ne7 11 Nf6 mate. 10...Bg7 11 Bd3 Ne7 12 Nxe7 Qxe7 13 c4 f5 14 0-0 0-0 is the Novosibirsk variation, and Yakovich recommends 15 Qf3 or 15 Qh5 for White here).

White now has a bunch of options, which the book devotes 96 pages to. 11 Bxb5, 11 exf5, and 11 Bd3 are the most popular. The author considers 11 Bd3 the most natural move, but does say that 11 Bxb5 is good too, and I now think that 11 Bxb5 is the best try for White. After 11 Bxb5 axb5 12 Nxb5 Ra7, Yakovich advises 13 Nxa7 Nxa7 14 exf5 Nb5 15 a4. But Black generally plays 12...Ra4, giving White the choice of 13 Nbc7+ (which seems okay) or 13 b4 (which may be better).

After 13 b4, Yakovich explains that Black can try for an immediate draw with 13...Qh4 14 0-0 Rg8 15 c3 f4 16 Qxa4 Rxg2+ 17 Kxg2 Qg4+. That's fine if White wants a draw, but I wish Yakovich had given some advice here in case White wants more than this. He does mention 16 Nf6+ (instead of 16 Qxa4), but I feel that Black has at least a draw here. In 2002, as the author says, Shirov tried 15 f4 Kd8 16 c3 Ra6 17 a4 fxe4 against Kasparov. Kasparov won easily after that. But I think White ought to look for something better than this! In my next skittles game in this line, maybe I'll try something like 15 f4 Kd8 16 c3 Ra6 17 exf5, with the idea of answering 17...Bxf5 with 18 Ne3 Bd7 19 Nxd6 Bxd6 20 Qxd6. Wish me luck!

Of course, Black may not be satisfied with a draw in the position after 13...Qh4. Yakovich tells us what Black can do instead, namely 13 ...Rxb4 14 Nbc7+ Kd7 15 0-0 Rb7 (15...Rg8 16 Qh5 is unclear) 16 Qh5 Ne7 17 Qxf7 Rxc7 18 Nb6+ Kc6 19 Rab1. Here, the author indicates that White is doing fine after 19...Ba6 20 Qb3, so he has two possible recommendations for Black, 19...Ra7 and 19...Kb7. Um, if anyone tries 19...Ra7 against me, they'll be in for a shock: 20 Qc4+ Kb7 21 Nd7+ Qb6 22 Rxb6+ Ka8 23 Rb8 mate. That leaves 19...Kb7. Once again, I wish Yakovich had given us some more advice here. White could try putting both Rooks and maybe the Queen on that b-file, or try 20 Nd5+ Ka7 21 Nxc7, or both, and my wild guess is that White ought to be able to get at least a draw that way. By the way, this whole line can lead to an endgame where White has, say, a Queen and 5 pawns against a Rook, Bishop, Knight, and 3 pawns, so if you want to get into all this, learn that endgame!

As a Candidate Master, I played a Sveshnikov game with White against a Master. But I played 11 Nxb5 (which Yakovich says loses for White) instead of 11 Bxb5. One problem is that one is left with a Bishop, which doesn't cooperate as well with one's Queen as a Knight.

My game went 11 Nxb5?! axb5 12 Bxb5 Bd7 (12...Bb7 is probably better) 13 exf5 Bg7. My strategic threat is to Queen my a-pawn, and I now think White's best chance is 14 0-0 0-0 15 c3. Then my threat of a4 is real (if 15...Rb8 16 a4). I'm also threatening to play Nb6 or Nc7 if Black moves his Queen away.

However, not liking 14 0-0 Nd4, I played 14 a4? Nd4 15 Bxd7+ Qxd7 16 c3 Qxf5? (After 16...Ra5?! 17 Ne3 Nxf5 18 Qg4 Nxe3 19 Qxg7 Nxg2+ 20 Qxg2 Rxa4, White is okay. But 16...Qb7 17 Ne3 0-0 18 0-0 Nb3 is better for Black. Even here, I might have survived with a line such as 19 Ra3 Rfb8 20 Qg4 Kh8 21 Rd1. Black's actual move simply loses, so I said a silent prayer of thanks to Caissa and castled.) 17 0-0 e4 (I expected 17...Ne6 18 a5, but Black figured that this was hopeless and chose to try a desperate cheapo.) 18 Ne3 (I feared that 18 Nc7+ would get me mated, so I settled for something that I was sure would win.) 18...Qc5 19 cxd4 Bxd4 20 Qg4 Kf8 21 Rac1 Qa7? (makes it even easier for me) 22 Rc8+ Rxc8 23 Qxc8+ Kg7 24 Qg4+ Kf8 25 Rc1 Black Resigns

I highly recommend this book.

Essential Reading for Sveshnikov Players.......2005-06-06

I have nearly every Sveshnikov book written in English as well as some software programs that cover it. If you play the Sveshnikov you must have this book. It is better than all the rest, including Sveshnikov's original work. The author plays the Sveshnikov, he covers all the variations with his own new ideas revealed and gives verbal explanations for players new to the Sveshnikov, or to give the reader a deeper understanding. When I first saw it I immediately bought it at full price plus sales tax. I can't think of any other chess book in the last 5 years that got me so excited. If you are below 1800 USCF the opening is probably too difficult for you to play, but it leads to entertaining and instructive play. Yakovich has written the definitive work for years to come! All chess books should be so well done. Bravo Grand Master!

What this book is about.......2005-04-13

Let me describe what this book is and isnt.

This book is an examination of practicaly every possible variation that can occur in the sveshnikov. Yuri then gives very accurate assesments of moves which are based on his experience playing this opening for many years. The analysis is dead on, I havent found any mistakes and I have looked.

This book is not a book where you can get ideas about where to search for an advantage against the sveshnikov. Its clear Yuri believes black is fine in every single main line. It is moderatly verbose for a chess book.

Conclusion: This book is the authority on the sveshnikov hands down.

A very good book.......2003-07-14

This is a very good book, written by a GM who has played the defence for years. Compared to Aagaard's work on the Sveshnikov, Yakovich provides more variations and obviously knows a great deal more about this variation of the Sicilian than does Aagaard. On the other hand the latter does a better job explaining basic ideas for white and black.
Excellent books on openings use that opening as a medium to teach about chess in general. The Sveshnikov variation is a fascinating learning tool because of the tension between pawn-structure and dynamic piece-play. Yakovich does not discuss this much and four stars is therefore enough.
If you are a medium rated player (above at least 1800) who have not played this variation before - buy Aagard first, then Yakovich.

The best sveshnikov sicilian book so far.......2003-06-27

Since sveshnikov sicilian wass played by Kasparov, Kramnik, Leko and other players in high-level tournaments, Its popularity has raised the number of book titles based on this sharp opening. People like me are beginning to get bored with the same type of presentation in these books over the past few years.
Fortunately, this book is a bit different. The author managed to present the point of each variation in a comprehensive manner, suitable for intermediate and advanced players. You will see a lot of helpful comments in this book explaining black's problems in most of variations. He is not shy of his opinion either. He boldly stated the positional 9.Nd5 could not present a significant advantage for white compared with the 9.Bxf6 variation. A statement which I tend to agree with him. The discussion on piece sacrifice variations show that white's chance is not worse, a fact that is not often mentioned in other sveshnikov sicilian books.
On the negative side, Some critical variations are not lengthy enough, the author seems to concentrate on popular variations. It may not be the book for beginners to play sveshnikov sicilian, but it is recommended for those who want to study it further with some basic knowledges.

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A `Must--Have' For Facilitators, Project Leaders, and Decision-Makers

An excellent book about facilitating

Most Recommended

Doing is believing

Don't Look Any Further; Best Facilitation Book Ever

Facilitator's Guide to Participatory Decision-Making (Jossey-Bass Business & Management)
Sam Kaner , Lenny Lind , Catherine Toldi , Sarah Fisk , and Duane Berger
Manufacturer: Jossey-Bass
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Human Resources & Personnel Management | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Decision-Making & Problem Solving | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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The Skilled Facilitator Fieldbook: Tips, Tools, and Tested Methods for Consultants, Facilitators, Managers, Trainers, and Coaches (Jossey Bass Business and Management Series)

The Skilled Facilitator

ASIN: 0787982660

Book Description

"The best book on collaboration ever written!"
—Diane Flannery, founding CEO, Juma Ventures

And now this classic book is even better—much better. Completely revised and updated, the second edition is loaded with new tools and techniques.

Two powerful new chapters on agenda design
A full section devoted to reaching closure
More than twice as many tools for handling difficult dynamics
70 brand-new pages and over 100 pages significantly improved

Customer Reviews:

A `Must--Have' For Facilitators, Project Leaders, and Decision-Makers.......2007-08-29

Regardless of your role, after reading The Facilitator's Guide your perspective on how to get the most out of group participation will be changed forever. Never again do you have to walk into a meeting unsure of what will be accomplished or whether the outcomes will be met. Using the tools provided (i.e. creating effective agendas, chartwriting, building sustainable agreements, and meeting closure), along with understanding how to apply the principles and values of participatory decision-making (i.e. full participation, mutual understanding, inclusive solutions, and shared responsibility) will completely energize both you and those you are working with. The material within this book is foundational to my own consulting practice, and clients rave about its usefulness, ease-of-understanding, and immediate application to their current situation. Regardless of what group dynamic you are dealing with, this book offers solid, effective, and transforming methods to re-vitalize the situation. After reading this book, words such as collaboration and partnering will take on new meaning in actionable ways. I cannot recommend this book highly enough to those within organizations wanting to more effectively involve and engage their employees.

Katherine A. Hart, EdD, Principal Consultant of KA Hart & Associates, BAodn Board Member, and ODN member

An excellent book about facilitating.......2007-06-28

I am a project manager that works closely with various stakeholders for solutions to business solutions and IT solutions. Many times I found it extremely hard to have people focus on needs instead of their wants. By using the different methods alternatively, it is relatively easy for me to explore what people's interests are, instead of what they want.

Most Recommended.......2007-06-18

I am a long-time facilitator and author of a popular ebook on group decision-making, and I can tell you honestly that I have been a fan of Kaner's work for many years. This book remains on my 'most recommended' list.

Doing is believing.......2007-05-17

The Team that created Facilitator's Guide to Participatory Decision-Making has brilliantly found ways for meeting participants to DO more and better in meetings with real, workable outcomes. When you see many graphic models of the steps you're taking, it all becomes crystal clear. While all tools are valuable, their "Groan Zone" is the prize. Carol Schneider, President, ValidVoices, LLC, Westport, CT

Don't Look Any Further; Best Facilitation Book Ever.......2007-04-05

I first found Sam Kaner's Facilitator's Guide to Participatory Decision Making after a lengthy search through countless books on facilitation techniques; it was like finding an oasis in the midst of a desert. It brought a sense of realism to the discussion I had been seeking. I shared it with my staff and we successfully applied many of its concepts and tools within an engineering environment more comfortable with solutions than with collaborative and sustainable agreements. The Gradients of Agreement template alone was worth the price of the book. The 2nd edition brings more information, strategies, tools and discussion within the same realistic, clear and immeasurably helpful format as found within the 1st edition. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to professional facilitators, supervisors, managers and team leaders; virtually anyone participating in or responsible for leading discussions with groups of people.

Average customer rating:

Recommendations were correct
My Core Facilitation Book
Ideal for teaching others how to facilitate a meeting
Good for more than just participatory decision-making
Great book!

Facilitator's Guide to Participatory Decision-Making
Sam Kaner , Lenny Lind , Catherine Toldi , Sarah Fisk , and Duane Berger
Manufacturer: New Society Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Decision-Making & Problem Solving | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0865713472

Customer Reviews:

Recommendations were correct.......2006-07-13

After reading how many experienced facilitators recommended this book, I decided to give it a try. They were right; it is excellent. I am extremely pleased and expect to use this well planned and organized book as my first resource when looking for exercises for the groups I am facilitating.

My Core Facilitation Book.......2006-01-24

If you have only one facilitation book in your library, choose this one. Kaner and friends distill the fundamental issues of group facilitation, present it in clear language and bring it to life with simple, effective illustrations. I've used this book with colleagues who don't speak English using the images alone. I have bought and given it away countless times.

Ideal for teaching others how to facilitate a meeting.......2005-10-12

I've been facilitating meetings for years, and gained an intuitive wisdom about how to best do so. This book breaks down common practices in to useful tables, charts and definitions, making it easy to explain to others how and why I manage meetings the way I do. I also learned things from the book that will improve my own facilitation, so it has great info not only for beginners but also for veteran facilitators.

Good for more than just participatory decision-making.......2003-05-06

I love this book!

Although it's focus is specifically on facilitating participatory decision making, it is an excellent resource for all who facilitate or teach. I particularly like the concrete suggestions on how to navigate a whole-room discussion (stacking, mirroring, paraphrasing, etc.).

However, my favorite part of this book is a beautifully done 3-page section describing common difficult situations - someone is making jokes in the back, your audience is falling asleep, one person won't shut up. The book goes on to detail the ways that facilitators usually deal with these problems, every one of them a power play of some sort, and offers suggestion for BETTER ways to handle the situation. As a trainer myself, I rely heavily on this book when I conduct "train the trainers" sessions.

Especially for those who train around sensitive or controversial issues, this information is invalauable. Thanks for writing this book!

Great book!.......2001-11-14

Although I had never facilitated a meeting before, this book provided me with plenty of good practical ideas and just the right amount of theory to help me successfully facilitate a major brainstorming meeting. I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs to get up to speed quickly on the subject of facilitation.

Average customer rating:

Facilitator's Guide to Participatory Decision-Making
Sam Kaner , and Lenny Lind
Manufacturer: New Society Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Theory | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0865713103

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