Making Callaloo: 25 Years of Black Literature

Book Description

This important book collects a wide range of fiction and poetry that first appeared in the pages of Callaloo, the premier literary journal devoted to African-diaspora literature and to Black literary and cultural studies. Founded twenty-five years ago-and still edited-by Charles Henry Rowell (Texas Aamp;M University, College Station), Callaloo is both national and international in terms of scope and readership. It is also, as Henry Louis Gates, Jr., observed, "without doubt, the most elegantly edited journal of African and African-American literature [of] today." This anthology, ideally suited for all readers studying modern Black literature, includes the work of Ralph Ellison, Alice Walker, Rita Dove, Yusef Komunyakaa, Lucille Clifton, Terry McMillan, Ai, Nathaniel Mackey, John Edgar Wideman, Michael S. Harper, Charles Johnson, Thylias Moss, and many other disntinguished authors.

Customer Reviews:

A Tasty Stew.......2004-09-22

CALLALOO is to be congratulated. Its tiny beginning, practically a mimeo magazine, blossomed into the most important journal of African-American writing ever published, and 25 years later it is still going strong, although perhaps it's not quite as exciting as it once was. The anthology, unfortunately, doesn't give you a good picture of what the magazine is like, by eliminating all traces of its critical edge, its portfolio of visual artists, and any sampling of the drama, which right now is its strong point, all serve to remove some of the "ingredients" to the "Callaloo" which makes it such a tasty stew.

Nevertheless in the poetry and fiction departments, which are all that are represented in this anthology, Rowell has selected some classic tales and poems, including Ralph Ellison and Alice Walker. We don't get much of a sense of progression, however, because Rowell has unaccountably ordered his contributors by alphabetical order rather than chronology, so we have no sense of Harryette Mullen growing out of Sonia Sanchez or whoever, indeed it's pretty much the reverse. That caveat aside, the book is exemplary in every way.

Making a Mark on Literature.......2002-05-22

On the dinner table, Callaloo is a stew rich in spices that is made from the leaves of the African dasheen plant. On the bookshelf, Callaloo is a literary journal that has highlighted work from the African Diaspora for the past 25 years. Edited by Charles Henry Rowell, it has provided the literary community with the profound authorship of its contributers. Making Callaloo, a compilation, celebrates these 25 years by showcasing some of the best pieces of prose and poetry that have appeared in the journal during this time.

Included in the compilation are works by talented authors such as Ralph Ellison, Helen Elaine Lee, Percival Everett, Leon Forrest, and Terry McMillan. One of the works of short fiction that I thought was particulary compelling is Octavia Butler's "The Morning and the Evening and the Night." In this short story Butler tells the tale of a diseased group of people, known as "the DGD's". The existence of the DGD's is heartwrenching, and the story lingers long after the last word has been digested.

The poetic voices of Alice Walker, Cyrus Cassells, Rita Dove, and Sonia Sanchez are heard loud and clear in Making Callaloo. Cassells' piece "Sally Hemmings to Thomas Jefferson" paints a vivid picture of the taboo love the two struggled with. Cassels' verse is deep and rhythmic, digging a virtual trench, penetrating the readers' very being.

Just like the Caribbean stew callaloo satiates the body's hunger, Making Callaloo is a collection of work and authors that enriches the mind and spirit. This is art. This is literature. This is Callaloo.

Book Description

Average customer rating:

Making Callaloo : 25 Years of Black Literature
Editor-Charles Henry Rowell
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OTF5LG

Average customer rating:

Making Callaloo : 25 Years of Black Literature
Charles Henry (editor) Rowell
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OT401M

Book Description

This quick and ready reference thoroughly defines thousands of words associated with wearing apparel and spans nearly 2,000 years of fashion history. From abacot, hacketon, helm, jipocoat, and jump, to xainture, ysgyn, zatayn, and zibelline, this unique and comprehensive book is profusely illustrated with over 1,300 detailed line drawings of subjects.

Illustrated Dictionary of Historic Costume from the First Century BC

Average customer rating:

Illustrated Dictionary of Historic Costume from the First Century BC
James Robinson Planche
Manufacturer: Publisher Unknown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000UYFEGQ

Average customer rating:

Illustrated Dictionary of Historic Costume from the First Century BC
James Robinson Planche
Manufacturer: 2002
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000TAF4YI

Average customer rating:

Illustrated Dictionary of Historic Costume from the First Century BC

Manufacturer: 2002
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000ICCYZE

Customer Reviews:

Rouge's Curse.......2001-08-01

I, too was confused by the way this book jumps out of continuity with the others. It takes place after the Battle for the Palace Shards. And that is a stroy not told for a least a few more books after Rogue's Curse. I don't know why they decided to do that, it doesn't make any sense. However, it is a very compelling story, and it shed a new light on the often misunderstood character of Rayek. I did miss the other elves while reading it, though. I look forward to getting back to their story in future volumes. I recomend getting it, but not until it's chronlogicaly nesescary by story, not by number. Don't make the mistake I did by reading it too soon, it will give future plotlines away!

Just your average reader.......2001-04-21

I just finished Dreamtime and was looking forward to continuing on with Cutter and his Tribe. Unfortunately, that was not to be. I started Rogue's Curse and cannot finish it. It feels completely out of sequence, which it is and gives away things in Reunion, which I haven't read yet.

If you buy this book, read it at the end of Reunion or not at all. I'll keep my copy rather than return it just to have a complete set of books, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

Not to shabby.......2000-08-25

For the numerous years I've been reading Elfquest, Rayek has been one of my least favorite characters. But being the EQ fanatic I am I had to get it. When they first brought it out in this graphic novel version I thought that it was the same as the hardback Rogue's Challenge that was released a few years back due to the same cover. To my happiness it wasn't. It was a totally different novel and compilations of stories. By the time I finished reading this I had a totally different view on Rayek and not only LIKED his character but felt sorry for him in a lot of ways. A definate need to read if the Elfquest characters have made it into your life.

Through the future, darkly: Rayek's long journey.......2000-06-12

Rayek, long the most pivotal - and controversial - character in the world of Elfquest, was made the focus of his own EQ series, "Rogue's Curse", between 1996 and 1998. Book 9 collects most of the episodes from the series (except those from issues 28-30 of the EQ magazine, which largely covered earlier plot material) and adds the considerable bonus of a RC short story that previously appeared only once, in the magazine _Frank Frazetta Fantasy Illustrated_.

The present volume actually contains not one story but several shorter ones; all, however, deal with the travels of Rayek - now the "jailer" of the deceased Winnowill's malevolent spirit - and his friend Ekuar, as they make their way into a future increasingly dominated by humans. The stage is set by the opening chapter, one of two drawn by Wendy Pini, which explains the numerous torments Rayek must undergo to keep his ex-lover in check, and to prevent her from lashing out at the outer world. This is followed by three single-chapter stories taking place a few decades later; these are drawn by Delfin Barral, artist for the "Rebels" series (Books 13 and 13a), and are executed in a heavily inked, "contrast-y" style far from the classic Pini technique, but quite appropriate to the moody tone of these tales.

Following these, however, come the greater part of the book: three mini-series both written and drawn by Brandon McKinney, principal artist for the "Shards" series (Books 12 and 12a). Set in various cities fully four centuries after the earlier chapters, this trio of tales presents the elfin protagonists in an entirely new - and attractive - light. Rayek's often heroic efforts, both to control Winnowill and to save his friends from her wrath, are accompanied by the transformation of the character of Ekuar: still gentle and humorous, but also quick-witted, resourceful and prepared to do anything to protect his friend. Not for nothing, indeed, does Rayek remark that his aged mentor has, in his way, grown younger with time!

McKinney's accompanying artwork is rendered in the same naturalistic style seen in his earlier work - a far cry from the hyper-realism of the preceding stories. The inking does lose some of its impact for being in black-and-white (here the fine coloring work of Suzanne Dechnik in "Shards" is missed) but remains technically proficient and, very importantly, consistent.

The last chapter, really a postscript, is entirely the work of Wendy Pini and was originally presented in color. This is a much darker and more frightening tale than the others, particularly as it demonstrates the limits on which an elf like Rayek can be accepted and understood in what has become a human-dominated world. Not surprisingly, Wendy's graphics here are the best by far in the series.

"Rogue's Curse" is among the last Elfquest stories to be created, and might not be considered by some to be a "classic" example of its genre. Yet it marries interesting art to excellent, often moving storytelling; the interested reader will be rewarded.

A good graphic novel, but only peripherally Elfquest.......2000-06-02

This is an enjoyable graphic novel. The art is beautiful, as opposed to the horrible scribbles in some of the other non-Pini EQ books, and the plot is engaging, if occasionally somewhat undeveloped. However, EQ fans should be warned that this book has far more humans in it than it does elves. The Wolfriders do not appear, and the time period is comparatively modern -- pistols and steam power have been invented. Winnowill is now a sort of sadistic "soul vampire", which is not how I interpreted her character in the original books; she has lost some subtlety. Since the connection with nature that the Wolfriders and Go-Backs have is my favorite thing about EQ, I found Rogue's Curse slightly disappointing. Still, it's worth a read.

Book Description

A Hilarious “Quizography” on the Dumbfounding Life of George W. Bush

Pop Quiz

George W. Bush is:

(A) the greatest American statesman since Abraham Lincoln.

(B) a champion of the underdog and a thorn in the side of the wealthy.

(C) articulate, thoughtful, and judicious—a very, very wise man.

(D) linguistically challenged (“I know how hard it is to put food on your family”), proudly ignorant (he actually boasts about not reading newspapers), and inexplicably addicted to nicknaming (aide Karl Rove is “Turd Blossom”)—in short, the least qualified, most polarizing figure ever to be appointed President of the United States, and the only White House occupant to have once been videotaped picking his nose.

If you answered D, this book is for you. In The George W. Bush Quiz Book, New Yorker humorist and bestselling author of The Clothes Have No Emperor, Paul Slansky, brings you a comical compendium of quizzes filled with hundreds of questions and answers on the personal and political life of George W. The result is a crash course in everything Dubya.

Thoroughly researched and devastatingly funny, now there’s finally a quiz George W. Bush should be able to ace (pass).

Customer Reviews:

hilarious!.......2007-01-17

I didn't even buy this for myself--I got it for a friend as a gift. But I couldn't help but thumb through a few pages before wrapping it up and it's hilarious! It's full of truthful information concerning that wonderful president of ours and Dick Cheney. It also has questions about what reporters and journalists have said about George Dub-ya. I highly recommend this book, it's very funny and factual!!!

Hysterical and Terrifying.......2004-08-19

A sample question from the book:

5) What did George W. Bush say was the difference between Americans and terrorists?

A) "They're evil, we're good."

B) "They're ugly, we're pretty."

C) "You can't really simplify it like that.There are just too many factors to be considered, too many different things that happen in people's lives for me to be so presumptuous as to make some sweeping generalization."

D) "They hate things, we love things."

ANSWER: D. To put it in context: "See, we love - we love freedom. That's what they didn't understand. They hate things; we love things. They act out of hatred; we don't seek revenge, we seek justice out of love."

It's embarrassing that this man is our President. BTW, the author has a web site called stampoutbush.com.

Haw haw haw.......2004-06-22

This book is as funny as it is terrifying. Can you believe this man is running America? Can you believe this man declares war? Can you believe this man considers himself a torch of hope for the world's oppressed? For those who think that the end of the world has come fear not. The Book of Revelation in the BIble clearly states that the anti-Christ will be a 'handsome and well spoken man'. At least we're somewhat safe for now.

Though this book can be a bit cumbersome, (you have to turn the book upside-down after each question to read the correct answer) the answers will ASTOUND you. Read what came from Bush's own lips as he answered questions about Vietnam, his military service, and his many failed business ventures. But the one question that is truly sad and heartbreaking is as follows. It was asked by a grade school girl...

Q. Mr. Bush, what was your favorite book when you were a child?

A. I don't remember any books in particular.

Sleep well America.

shocking, hysterical, truth stranger than fiction.......2004-06-08

This book, with humor and wit, has a way of ripping the lid off a man who has lead the country into great despair. I wish this were published before he took office and handed to every church group, every republican gathering, maybe he wouldn't have been elected. Oh yeah, I forgot.. HE WASN'T. It's also great to read in jolts, like morning coffee. I bought ten copies and am giving them to all my friends.

Buy this book.......2004-06-04

The George W Bush Quiz Book is a savagely funny biography of the man some people recognize as the president. The quiz format makes it palatable and participatory, while the unpleasant truths that are revealed drive home the message that we each need to do everything we can to get this smug ignoramus out of office. If a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, this book is a Weapon of Mass Destruction against bully-boy Bush and his gang. Buy many copies of this book and give to everyone -- it's as good as donating to Kerry, but there's no legal limit.

Book Description

One of the most dynamic figures of the entertainment industry, Fred Astaire's career spanned most of the twentieth century. For some, he brings to mind the world of Broadway. For others, he represents the golden age of the movie musical, particularly because of his eleven-film collaboration with Ginger Rogers. Virtually all of his fans will long remember his effortlessly graceful dance routines. International dance giants have credited his work with inspiring their careers and giving them a model of excellence. His innovations as a choreographer, dance director, and creator of musical sequences forever changed the presentation of dance on film. Though he was always in the public spotlight, he treasured his family and cherished his privacy. For a star of such stature, he was remarkably free from scandal. This reference book is a complete guide to his life and career. The volume begins with a biography that traces his life from his birth in Omaha in 1899, to his professional debut in 1905, to his Broadway and Hollywood careers, to his death in 1987. A chronology then highlights the chief events of his life. The chapters that follow provide detailed information for his work on stage, film, radio, and television. Each chapter includes entries for individual performances, with entries providing cast and credit information, plot synopses, critical commentary, and excerpts from reviews. The volume also lists his recordings, unfulfilled projects, and other information. An extensive annotated bibliography concludes the work.

Customer Reviews:

Regarding Photos.......2007-05-19

The format is easy to follow and it does contain some pieces of information that I haven't been able to find elsewhere. It appears that none of the people who gave reviews mentioned anything about the photos in this book. In all fairness to the buying public I think it should be mentioned that the photos are dark and some are so dark you can't make out facial features to know who is in the photo. If you are a strong Fred Astaire fan you will want this book but do not count on any of the photos when making your decision to purchase this book.

Essential reading for the true Fred fanatic.......2003-01-22

This book is a treasure house of information, packed with tidbits and anecdotes that will have you reading for hours when you only meant to look up just that one bit of info. The author pulls it off with style in a readable format that makes fascinating going out of what could have been just a laundry list of dates. His passion for the subject, and joy in sharing it, shines through on every page. I was intially put off by the high price myself until I had a chance to look at a copy, and I realized that it was worth every penny, not to mention every minute of painstaking research that went into it.

Essential reading for the true Fred fanatic.......2003-01-22

The Best of All the Astaire Books.......2002-07-25

This book was recommended to me by Fred Astaire's daughter, who described it as "wonderful." I found it to be all of that and more. The author knew Mr. Astaire personally and made extensive use of the Astaires' papers (both Fred's and and his sister's) that are preserved at Boston University. The book covers the full gamut of Astaire's life and career, including vaudeville, stage, films, radio, recordings, and television. Insightful and meticulously researched, this is a "must have" for any admirer of the man who has been described as "the greatest musical perfomer in the history of motion pictures" and "the premier American dancer of the Twentieth Century."

A must for Astaire fans!.......2001-07-30

Let me start off by saying that this book is for serious Astaire fans only. If you have seen only one movie of Fred's, enjoyed it and wish to know more about the man, I suggest "Steps In Time". However, if you've seen most of his movies, listened to his music, watched his tv shows, and still want to know more than this book is invaluable. Billman covers all aspects of Fred's work. Each chapter is devoted to a different facet of Fred's career: filmography, radio, television, discography, etc. While giving the facts, Billman also mentions interesting anecdotes about Astaire that give you a glimpse at his character. Its definitely not "clinical" by just saying "Fred did this movie this year with this costar and this director". He does give that information but also mentions any difficulties with dances, how certain things were done, any problems with costars. He also includes a short biography of Fred, short because chances are if you're reading the book in the first place you're already familiar with Fred's life. I've found myself using it several times to check dates, supporting actors, and as a sort of checklist for my Fred collection. I highly recommend it even if it is rather expensive.

Average customer rating:
The New York Times More Crosswords for Your Bedside: 75 Soothing, Easy Puzzles

Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Crosswords | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Crosswords | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

The New York Times A Cup of Tea Crosswords: 75 Light and Easy Puzzles (New York Times Crossword Puzzle)

The New York Times Crosswords for Stress Relief: Light and Easy Puzzles (New York Times Crossword Puzzles)

New York Times Crosswords for Your Coffee Break: Light and Easy Puzzles

The New York Times Planes, Trains, and Crosswords: 75 Easy Puzzles for the Road

The New York Times Crosswords for Your Breakfast Table: Light and Easy Puzzles (New York Times Crossword Puzzles)

ASIN: 0312336128
Release Date: 2004-09-23

Book Description

Whether you like to do your crosswords sitting up in bed in the morning with the scent of fresh coffee wafting through the air, or to enjoy them as you relax in the evening, this new collection of light and easy puzzles from The New York Times and popular editor Will Shortz will fit the bill. So why not make some space on your nightstand and settle in for some serious puzzling fun?

Average customer rating:

grab it now!

Good book, lousy title

Another important book on the role of intuition in decision making

The Power of Intuition: How to Use Your Gut Feelings to Make Better Decisions at Work
Gary Klein
Manufacturer: Currency
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Decision-Making & Problem Solving | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Sources of Power: How People Make Decisions

Working Minds: A Practitioner's Guide to Cognitive Task Analysis (Bradford Books)

Simple Heuristics That Make Us Smart

Intuition: Its Powers and Perils (Yale Nota Bene)

Strangers to Ourselves: Discovering the Adaptive Unconscious

ASIN: 0385502893
Release Date: 2004-06-01

Book Description

At times in our careers, we've all been aware of a "gut feeling" guiding our decisions. Too often, we dismiss these feelings as "hunches" and therefore untrustworthy. But renowned researcher Gary Klein reveals that, in fact, 90 percent of the critical decisions we make is based on our intuition. In his new book, THE POWER OF INTUITION, Klein shows that intuition, far from being an innate "sixth sense," is a learnable--and essential--skill.

Based on interviews with senior executives who make important judgments swiftly, as well as firefighters, emergency medical staff, soldiers, and others who often face decisions with immediate life-and-death implications, Klein demonstrates that the expertise to recognize patterns and other cues that enable us--intuitively--to make the right decisions--is a natural extension of experience.

Through a three-tiered process called the "Exceleration Program," Klein provides readers with the tools they need to build the intuitive skills that will help them make tough choices, spot potential problems, manage uncertainty, and size up situations quickly. Klein also shows how to communicate such decisions more effectively, coach others in the art of intuition, and recognize and defend against an overdependence on information technology.

The first book to demystify the role of intuition in decision making, THE POWER OF INTUITION is essential reading for those who wish to develop their intuition skills, wherever they are in the organizational hierarchy.

Customer Reviews:

grab it now!.......2007-08-28

One of the best books about decision making. Very insightful! Especially for those managers who used too much metrics ONLY for their daily works.

Good book, lousy title.......2007-06-11

The title is this book's worst feature - Klein re-branded the book and in so doing went from a strong if dry original title ("Intuition at Work") to the more sensationalistic one that drops him through the very trap door he seeks to avoid: making it sound as if "intuition" is just some kind of macho-mystical "gut feeling", rather than a mental process that runs parallel to conscious rational thought and that, if harnessed appropriately, can add enormous value to decision-making.

The book itself is a moderately well-designed program for applying the insights Klein shared in Sources of Power. Although it's full of problems (see below), I've never read anything like it, and the valuable bits are exceptionally valuable: strong, pragmatic, grounded advice on how to make the wispy world of intuition and "hunches" clear, concrete and useful.

Among the book's problems is that it doesn't know whether it wants to be a truly hands-on how-to manual - in which case it would have needed to be simplified and more action-oriented - or a research-driven exposition on how intuition can be used in the workplace - in which case the occasional how-to content is a jarring departure from the more illuminating case studies and research findings.

If you want to better understand and harness a whole hidden world of deeply insightful thinking - your and your colleagues' intuitions - there probably isn't a better book out there.

I just wish there was.

Another important book on the role of intuition in decision making.......2006-04-20

Klein does another excellent job in his continuing exposition of the importance of the role of intuition in practical,everyday decision making at home, on the job,under stressful conditions, as well as areas like economics.This statement sums up the book:"You will learn how to use your intuition to handle ambiguity in Chapter 8,How to Manage Uncertainty"(Klein,p.19;see also pp.119-120 for his emphasis on the role of confidence when faced by ambiguous or uncertain situations).The major criticism I have is that the earlier work in this area done by J M Keynes,Frank Knight and D Ellsberg is not mentioned anywhere in the book.Klein needs to incorporate this work into the corpus of his research,even if only for historical purposes.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books