Indian Books

This is small but bold little book. The collection of images of matchboxes are colourful, humourous, curious and extremely entertaining. A must have for anyone interested in Indian graphics.

Light of India has great pictures of matchbook artwork. I am inspired by the colors

Warren Dotz's "Light of India: A conflagration of Indian matchbox art" is a fascinating little gift or coffee table book. It starts out exploring the origins of the matchbox industry in India, its practical and cultural place in history. From there it branches into an impressive exploration of the art that adorns Indian matchboxes--starting with those imported from other countries, and progressing through those made in India by Indian artists in later years.

While the images themselves are beautiful and fascinating to look at, every bit as fascinating is the discussion that goes with each section. The images on matchboxes changed with the times, reflecting cultural trends, history, politics, national hopes and fears, and more. What started out for me as a fun look at matchbox art became an engrossing read on Indian cultural heroes, Gandhi's work, religious beliefs and iconography, and even Indian wildlife, foods, and architecture.

It is misleading to promote this book for 9 to 12 year olds! My spouse and I sat down one evening and read the riddles, trying to see which ones we could figure out....much better than spending the evening in front of the tube! The Native riddles get your brain thinking in different directions. Soon I found myself making up my own riddles, using the same sort of "twist" in the descriptions. I plan on getting several friends this thought-provoking, inexpensive book for Christmas, and I'm in my 30's!! I highly recommend it for anyone who is interested in Native culture or who enjoys tricks of the spoken word!

I always trust the work of Bierhorst; he is excellent at making Native American culture accessible without trivializing or idealizing.

In this book, he takes advantage of children's affinity for riddles (not neglecting that adults can enjoy riddles as well). Some of the riddles are unlikely to be solved by a child, but the answers and the riddles themselves give insight into the culture from which they come. Note that the cultural source is always given.

Other riddles are accompanied with pictures that give a hint so that the child can answer some of the riddles - a nice touch to keep the child's interest and confidence.

An example: "Wonder, wonder / Who can she be? / The dark lady on her golden chair." Answer: a pot on the fire (Guarani from Paraguay).

The source of the riddles ("Who the Riddlers Are") is a clever mix of information useful to a child - pronunciation of the tribe's name, a more detailed description of their location, a index to the riddles attributed to them, and the source of the riddles. "Sources" provides a traditional bibliography.

There is a wonderful introduction to riddles and their cultural place - in gambling, dance, initiation rites, within stories etc.

A wonderful addition to a child's multicultural library.

Many references to Alaska and many Alaska native riddles are included. Riddles from South America and Mexico are hardest, because answers aren't familiar things. Black and white illustrations were very good. They gave away the answers to the riddles. I would like to recommend this one to the 2nd through the 12th grade, along with a recommendation that teachers and parents also read along with the younger students.

Princess Mandarava, like all bodhisattvas, had to endure many intense sufferings in samsara (wandering in transmigration) on her way to becoming a Buddha. She was a close disciple of Padmasambhava, the single greatest teacher of Mahayana Buddhism since Shakyamuni Buddha himself, and the single greatest preceptor of Atiyoga since Garab rDorje, the Prahevajra Buddha who received the revelation of Atiyoga from the Vajra-incarnate, pure and total consciousness (bodhicitta) in the highest heavens above. Mandarava's story as told by Padmasambhava is mesmerizing, haunting, beautiful, harrowing and enlightening. As the text states, "Those who know this teaching know they are have found the right path to perfect enlightenment." These words of Padmasambhava will blaze brightly within one's heart from the moment of hearing them up until the indescribable, blissful moment of ecstatic enlightenemt. For this reason, all seekers of truth must learn this teaching.

A great account on the Life of a realized being. Shows how a female can overcome the cultural limitations placed on her and progress on the spiritual path, attain realization and then lead countless beings on that same path. Wonderful.

This book is an excellent insight into the life and times of both Princess Mandharava and the great Guru Padmasambhava, as told by Padmasambhava himself and recorded by his Tibetan consort Yeshe Tsogyal. This book is a terma (a teaching which was written down and then hidden for this present time). Also, it has a blessing prophecy attatched to it, making it very beneficial to read or even be near a copy of this text. The terma itself is very easy to read and follows Mandharava's extrordinary life, in a most interesting progression. It's a very inspiring story!

This book seems to be a wonderful portrayal of a Native American family and community and their culture and history. One point that I appreciate is that the author tried to stay true to the Choctaw cultural activities, arts and lifestyle in the beautiful drawings and text. The author did not meld several different tribal cultures together as a homogenous "Native American culture." The message of the book also helps young readers to respect the sacrifices and values of the tribe, as well as to question the way Euro-Americans treated them in the past. A treasured book.

(I got this book in Dublin, Ireland, recently.)

This is a truly delightful book. The drawings are lovingly created and the story is both touching and well written. What makes it even more compelling is that it is based on a wonderful true act of human generosity over 150 years ago, from one impoverished people to another, who, although worlds apart in both distance and cultures, had a common enemy, in hunger and oppression.

The author travelled to Oklahoma to research the book and has gone to great lengths to ensure the drawings are authentic as well as inspiring. I particularly like the drawings of the great-grandmother and indeed,the clever shadow of the American eagle when Choona raises his arms in the final drawing as well as the subtle, celtic symbols to be found in this same drawing. "The Long March" is a must for the millions of us with Irish-American heritage - every Irish American child should read this book!

In 1847 an impoverished displaced group of Choctaw Indians collected from their meager resources the sum of $170 to send toward food relief for the Irish Potato Famine.

Through the memories of Choona, now known as Tom, who is very, very old, we learn of how he, as a young man, at last learned of that part of his family's history about which no one would speak & yet everyone looked so wounded. The Long March, when his people were forced to walk from Florida to Mississippi all through one fearsome, killing winter.

The Long March is rich in American history & memory. The marvelous drawings create a magically real place. This is a must for anyone who loves looking at other ways to live in community; other ways of teaching the spirit to grow & learning about courage, wisdom & respecting the memories.

An amazing book - to be read & read again & again & the pictures to be studied & dreamed over. Beautifully evocative.

This book is outstanding in both the quality of the recipes and the description of the background behind the recipes. Don't worry about having no connection to Lord Krishna, this book is a must-have for anyone who just wants to make wonderful dishes based on vegetables and legumes.

As an American who's lived in India and is married into an Indian family, I appreciate Indian recipes that actually taste authentic, but also recipes that are clearly written for non-Indian cooks. We don't all have access to an Indian grocery store around the corner. This cookbook often gives ideas for substitutions that are easy to come by, without lessening the quality or impact of the recipe. The recipes also don't assume you know something that possibly every Indian knows, but most non-Indians do not - the author is great at throwing light on different techniques.

As a vegetarian, I find it indispensable for helping me figure out what to do when I open my refrigerator or pantry, find that I have only enough quantities of two random vegetables, I look in the index and BAM! there are 3 recipes using those two random vegetables, and each is fantastic. I can truly say I've never hit a bad recipe in the entire book, and I've tried very many of them. And her notes on each recipe, which follow her travels in India, are fascinating reading. A must have!

I grew up with a lot of Indian cookbooks in the house - none of which ever produced things that tasted like what we got in restaurants. This cookbook is fantastic - not only extremely extensive, but with totally delicious (and familiar) results. I really appreciated learning how to make flavorful charred vegetables (like Baingan Bartha), and having recipes for Lassi and Naan that came out just like I craved. I also appreciated the completeness - there are frequently several methods of preparation offered - for instance, there are instructions for wild yeast, commercial yeast, or sourdough Naan. Some of the recipes are a little on the salty side, but the only total disaster I encountered from this book was something where you steam and chill a cauliflower and then slather it in avocado spread. That was a little weird. That's just my palate, though. The only thing missing is a recipe for chai.

There is probably more about the illegal sale of pre-Columbian art objects than about the Moche.But there is still a good description of the Moche culture,although no maps.It would have been interesting to see a map of where the Moche were in relation to the desert areas the author describes.I remember well when National Geographic did their first article on the Moche tombs of Peru.It left a sinister impression of short,squat,hefty dark fellows decorated with all kinds of splendid gold and finery,presiding over an unknown yet significant number of human sacrifices.Prisoners bound on their way to the temple,with priests drinking goblets of blood,either their own or their victims.And all those spooky looking large crescent moon shaped gold and gilded nose rings.
The author subtly takes some of supposed savagery of the Moche and makes it appear more understandable in relation to alot of these pre-Columbian cultures. For one the crescent moon probably is exactly that seeing that the Moche were more "night sky" people and had a sacred relation to the moon and its phases.I no longer have the mental picture of a grunting bejewelled priest waiting at the top of a pyramid to whack a victim with some strange kind of religious mace. Not that it didn't happen that way,just that it's no longer my main impression ala National Geographic,(which still is a great publication.
The author gives a good description of the tomb robbing industry and how alot of Moche art actually ended up in respected upscale art galleries.He traces them from the hand spade Juan Valdez's who'll work for coffee beans to patrons of the arts who'll spend tens of thousands to get these treasures.The author concludes with a description of how legislation both local and international are trying to put a stop to the looting of a country's heritage and how difficult it is to stop it.Apparently alot of the collectors'of pre-Columbian art believe(and at times it could even be true),that they are in fact the saviours of this art and culture.He even hints that pre-Columbian art junkies will lie,cheat, steal,go into unconquerable debt,or even persuade gently to obtain their Moche fix.Is this a new disease that can be classified with a medical term?There is drama in this book as well,particularly the archaeologist, Dr. Walter Alva's story. Alva's numerous confrontations of tomb robbers and angry townspeople,sprinkled through the book,add excitement that we can all identify with.

I've become a big fan of the author Sidney Kirkpatrick I've read his other books, The Revenge of Thomas Eakins and Edgar Cayce, both of which I thoroughly enjoyed. Then I stumbled across this one and decided to give it a read, and I have to say I love it too! Very insightful and fascinating, I highly recommend it.

My wife and I have personally been to the Sipan Project at Huaca Rajada three times. We feel that this book should be brought back in print right away!! Except for actually going to Peru, there is very few sources of factual information about this amazing find. The richest 'dig' in our part of the world EVER!! (began 1987). A story that will bring tears to your eyes, hope to your heart and is an awesome adventure tale that will keep you up all night. Find it, read it ... help to share and preserve the Ancient Cultures of our mutual past.(my actual rating is 22).

Venerable Master Hsing Yun of the Fo Guang Shan (Buddha's Light Mountain) Buddhist Order, Taiwan has been a Buddhist scholar and writer for more than 55 years. In this concise book on Buddhist basics, he lays out the core teachings of the Buddha extracted from a collection of essays he has written over the years. He also emphasizes Buddhism from a Mahayana perspective as well as an emphasis on "Humanistic Buddhism"- how to put these teachings into real-life practice in today's world.

Lotus in a Stream begins with an overview of how the author came to Buddhism and how he developed his focus both in China and Taiwan. In the next part he illustrates how to study Buddhism in order to develop wisdom through one's own experiences. The Four Noble Truths and the Eight-Fold Path are then explained in a very clear way. He then moves on to explaining the Buddhist concepts of Dependent Origination, The Three Dharma Seals, Emptiness, Mind, Nirvana and The Bodhisattva Life and Humanistic Buddhism. Master Hsing Yun ends this introduction to Buddhism with an overview of the Six Paramitas, in order to summarize how Buddhism can be beneficially used in our lives for both our growth, and the betterment of the world in which we live. All in all, this is the most useful compilation of Buddhism both for the beginner and advanced students I have thus far encountered.

Before I read this book, I thought that I am a good buddhist already, After I read this book, I realize that I know nothing about Buddhishm.

I recommend everyone to read this book in order to find out the true self. This book gives me peace of mind knowing that what I practise now is in accordance to the way it should be.

I like this book a lot because I am most interested in learning the fundamentals of Buddhism, and this book explains these better than any other book I have seen so far. My experience has been that the core ideas of Buddhism are simple, yet not easy to understand or explain well. Master Hsing Yun provides illuminating, yet succinct explanations for exactly the basics I strive to learn. (I am presently still new to studying Buddhism.)

The book devotes about ten pages per topic. My favorite essays are "The Four Noble Truths," "The Noble Eightfold Path," "Karma," "Emptiness," "Nature," and "Mind." The author describes many sides to each concept's meaning. Just when I think I understand something, the author surprises me with yet another way to look at it. For example, Emptiness: it has so many aspects, such as how perceptions are relative, how appearances are false, and how the meanings of words can confine (and the essay mentions more). I find that some aspects are easier to understand than others, but because of how the topics are ordered, they tend to build on each other, so that the more difficult parts (and the seeming contradictions) are not terribly difficult to grasp after all.

Sometimes the book is funny, like when stories are told about ancient masters hitting each other or slandering the Buddha to make a point. One thing I love about the author's style is how he blends in many interesting stories and relevant bits from sutras. He writes, "The beauty of Ch'an stories lies in their capacity to bridge distinctions and contradictions," and that is how he uses them.

I highly recommend Lotus in a Stream. I have met several other people who have read this book, and they all agree that it is very good for beginners.

This book is a companion to Chartrand's excellent work, Ticonderoga 1758. Both cover the French and Indian war battles in its critical year, the year the British took the initiative.

This book comprises of the background of what was to be Britian's main effort in the Seven Year's War, the seige and subjugation of the fortress Louisbourg. It stood as a bulwark to any British advance to Quebec itself, and it's subjugation was long and hard as a seige could be. This book covers the seige itself day by day as it lasted for at least a month, with each passing day worsening the situation for the desperate French.

Regardless of the British victory, the French inflicted more losses on its foe outnumbering them by many times in part due to simple bravery and resiliance, even if they weren't as professional as the British (evidenced by their very lackluster breakout attempts from the city walls). All in all, a very good by for anybody intrested in the French and Indian war, or a very interesting battle in general. Great maps like any good Osprey, excellent illustrations by artist Patrice Courcelle, and a non-biased and interesting account place this amongst the best of Osprey's.

Rene Chartrand has added a volume on the British siege and capture of Fortress Louisbourg in 1758 to complement his earlier volume on the Battle of Ticonderoga. Together, these two Osprey titles add a wealth of new information and perspectives on these critical campaigns of the French and Indian War.

In Louisbourg 1758, Chartrand provides ample details from both the French and British sides, using several previously un-tapped sources. The result is a thorough account of a very professionally-conducted siege. A complete order of battle, including both ground and naval units, is provided. There is also information on the partisan warfare conducted by the displaced Acadians. Information on casualties on both sides is also provided.

The maps and artwork are excellent, although one minor exception is a map that clearly denotes all the major features within Fortress Louisbourg, such as the gates and bastions. The panoramic photos of the reconstructed Fort Louisbourg are excellent and add great value to this volume.

Chartrand focuses heavily on Brigadier General James Wolfe, perhaps somewhat slighting the other British brigadiers, but this is probably necessary due to the restricted size of the volume. All in all, this volume is a welcome addition for anyone interested in Eighteength Century Siege Warfare or the French and Indian War.

This book follows the Osprey Campaign series format. The 96 page book includes plenty of color & b/w photos, maps, diagrams, portraits of key leaders, and both 18th century and modern sketches of soldiers of various French & English units. There is a detailed order of battle of both land and sea units, plus some very nice 3 dimensional maps of the terrain. Particularly enjoyable were the modern recreations of several events by illustrator Patrice Courcelle.

For those unfamiliar with the Osprey Campaign books, the contents include sections dealing with the origins of the campaign, opposing plans, opposing commanders, opposing armies, the camaign, the siege day by day, the aftermath, and the site today. An index, chronology and suggested further reading, are also included.

Rene Chartrand does an excellent job of telling the story in an even-handed way so the reader can appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of both sides of the conflict. There are some very insightful comments and interesting ancedotes on leaders, troops and the times. The book is very readable.

Louisbourg is a National Park which includes an extensive, although not complete, recreation of the famous fortress-city. For those who can not visit, for reenactors, wargamers, and those interested in the F&I War this would be an good book to have.

The drawbacks are few. Namely the 3-dimensional maps might have been "zoomed-in", some photos of the park could have been of higher quality, and more tourist information should have been given. In spite of these minor shortcomings, LOUISBOURG 1758: WOLFE'S FIRST SIEGE is highly recommended.

This is a lovely little story worth reading and sharing. The character who can speak his love only through music touches something deep within the human spirit and human yearning. A sweet romance!

What's great about this book, besides the illustration, is the detailed cultural commentary that describes how the love flute was used in courtship rituals. For older students, this information promotes historical mindedness and provokes meaningful discussion on cultural topics and cultural values. [Note: this courtship section, of course, is probably not appropriate for very young children, so parental guidance / discretion is recommended. For example, the author states, "Courtship was formal and carried out in front of everyone. There was little privacy in a tipi village; inside or outside the tipi, the only privacy was under a blanket, and what other people were polite not to hear or see." It's easy to identify this section of the book, though, because the print is in italics.]

Another great feature of this book is the collection of flute drawings, which generate interest in the personal nature (and design) of the Native American Flute and its special relationships with it owner. This book would make an excellent tie-in to Native American studies---art, music, etc. For people who love and appreciate Native American flute music, this book might make an interesting little friendship gift.

Parents who home school can use this book in concert with other Native American concepts to provide some cultural education / awareness / music studies for their older children. [For more exploration beyond the "love flute" book, you might google Odell Borg of High Spirit flutes. He is an excellent teacher of the Native American flute. His website offers more information about the very real instruments that people do play.]

It has been a while since I have come across a "new" Paul Goble book (meaning one that I have not seen). Usually in one of his illustrated stories taken from the Plains Indian culture you find out the origins of the story and the sources for Goble's attention to detail in his paintings in the back of the book. But for "Love Flute," the explanation comes up front, before the story. This is where we learn that the titular object was the courting flute, used only by men to play love songs, not just when they were courting but to serenade their wives. When a man died, his flute was wrapped with his body. Goble goes into detail regarding the courtship practices (e.g., the young man brings a large blanket so he can wrap himself and the girl he is wooing underneath it and have some relative privacy in the middle of the camp in plain view of everybody).

However, the focus of "Love Flute" is not on such rich details, but rather on telling the story of the first courting flute. As Goble wryly observed, "men have always needed supernatural help to attract, and to keep, the women they love." This particular version of the story of how the love flute was given to the people is based on various myths, but most specifically one from the Santee Dakota. The story is of a shy young man who would rather face enemy warriors in battle or lead the dangerous buffalo hunt than speak to the girl he loved. He knew in his heart that he could never ever tell the young girl all he wanted to say. In despair the young man left the camp one morning and shot an arrow into the air without thinking about what he was doing. To his surprise the air stayed up in the air, pointing in a direction and leading him on at a walking pace. The young man knew that he was being guided by unseen powers and that something wonderful was going to happen (this particular legend is going to make more of an impression on adolescent students rather than the younger ones who would usually be enthralled by a Paul Goble book).

The love flute is the gift of all of the birds and animals, and one of the things Goble does in telling and illustrating this story is to emphasize how the men of the Plains tribes woo women just like the birds and animals. A young man who was courting would be dressed up in his finest clothing, scenting and painting himself, copying the birds and animals. I have always been impressed by Goble's commitment to depicting the clothing and homes of these people, and items such as their flutes, and the fact that he always details his references. At the front of this book he lists the places around the (mostly) Plains states where he found the fifteen different flutes shown (these are pencil and ink drawings that run from the top to the bottom of a page, accompanying the text and colored illustrations, which continue to demonstrate Goble's wonderful stylized interpretation of the artwork of the Plains Indians. Even if you have not seen examples of such historic artwork, you are going to be hooked on what Goble does, which is why it is good that there are so many of his books out there to be enjoyed.

An enchanting tale of wonder and love. It is a beautiful story combining the magic of folklore with the magic of alternate forms of communication. Children love it for the magical content. Adults will love it for the sensitive introduction to Native American myth and legend.

Man of the Shadow is a riviting book that you just don't want to end. The story of Eagle and his denial to fully accept the beliefs of the People is a wake up call for us all. There may be a Trickster out there waiting to fool us all. I thought Eagle and the Old Man were as unlikly to get along as the Head Splitters and the smell cat. It was amazing they wintered together and didn't come to blows. All in all it was a great book and I can't wait to read more of the Spainish Bit Saga.

DR. COLDSMITH IS THE GREATEST IN THIS BOOK HE SHOWS US THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TRICKSTER THE CARING SIDE AS WELL AS THE HUMOROUS SIDE VERY ENJOYABLE READING WELL WORTH THE TIME AND MONEY DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND READ IT IT'LL MAKE YOU A BETTER PERSON

DR. COLDSMITH IS THE GREATEST IN THIS BOOK HE SHOWS US THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TRICKSTER THE CARING SIDE AS WELL AS THE HUMOROUS SIDE VERY ENJOYABLE READING WELL WORTH THE TIME AND MONEY DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND READ IT IT'LL MAKE YOU A BETTER PERSON