Book Description
The fourth book of the trilogy, "Strange Dreams", appears to have been completed on the artist's birthday in September, 1996, but that's only because you can do what you'd like with time when you're printing books yourself. To be honest, he was actually trapped in Paris with an ear infection on his birthday. The books were safely boxed and sitting here at StoryPeople, waiting for his return.
"I'd always planned on doing a trilogy", he says, "but I didn't figure out that meant I'd have to stop at three. So, I've developed a more relaxed attitude towards trilogies than people have been used to in the past..." The ninety, or so, stories in this book include some of his favorites, including 'Simple Rules' and 'Hindsight' ("I didn't listen to her beacuse she was my mother & wouldn't know anything until I was much older").
Book Description
Adventurers are among the world's most celebrated heroes, but cross a line and potential glory can become derision, madness and death.
· Explores the darker psychological drama behind the exploits of eleven adventurers, famous and lesser-known
· Written by a practicing clinical psychologist
· Accounts include heretofore unpublished information provided by archival witnesses, friends, and family
Every culture, in every era, has its adventure myths: The golden hero willing to walk through fire elevates us all beyond our fears and limits. But more often than readily seen, there are darker reasons for dangerous pursuits. Where falls the line between adventure and madness? Geoff Powter, a practicing clinical psychologist, looks into the stories of eleven troubled adventurers, divided into three categories: The Burdened, The Bent, and The Lost.
Polar explorer Robert Falcon Scott has been called a "willing martyr" ready to die for the mystical deliverance of adventure.
Meriwether Lewis, convinced that he had failed to achieve the objectives set by mentor and father figure, Thomas Jefferson, died by his own hand.
Maurice Wilson's plan for climbing Everest included deliberately crashing his plane as high as possible on the mountain.
Jean Batten was a remarkably driven early aviator whose clothes and make-up were always more perfect than her flying technique.
Polar balloonist Solomon Andrée was certain that his rigorous understanding of scientific principles would overcome any challenge posed by nature or equipment failure.
Aleister Crowley, a brilliant mountaineer who founded the Golden Dawn cult, was labeled pathologically, and even fatally, arrogant.
In each of these stories, darkness of some kind—ambition, ego, a thirst for redemption, the need to please others—carried these characters in a perilous direction. In the end, understanding these difficult but utterly human stories helps us comprehend the deepest purpose and allure of adventure, and, ultimately, to more honestly measure ourselves.
Customer Reviews:
Psychological probe meets adventure story.......2007-03-12
The history of adventure and adventure travel has many stories and heroes: so how is the search for adventure defined, and what makes seekers distinct? STRANGE AND DANGEROUS DREAMS: THE FINE LINE BETWEEN ADVENTURE AND MADNESS covers the lives of eleven selected adventurers, some well known and some more obscure, covering two centuries. Chapters categorize these explorers by the emotional turmoil that drove them out into the world - and their common connection is that each has been called 'mad'. Psychological probe meets adventure story in a collection highly recommended for general library acquisition.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
A Great Mix of History and Psychology, and Historical Psychology.......2007-02-18
From the perspective of someone who has a terrible mind for history (the kind of person who forgets about most historical figures soon after learning about them), I found this collection of histories to be surprisingly memorable and genuinely interesting. Author Geoff Powter does a great job of choosing some historical figures we have all heard of (like Meriwether Lewis) and throwing in several we haven't (like Solomon Andree). Each adventurer's life is covered relatively thoroughly from birth to death, but at a pace that keeps each segment interestng. With journalistic accuracy (and impartiality), Powter presents several sides to the most crucial or questionable events of each character's strange and/or dangerous path.
Although it's true that many of the author-imposed categories for these troubled adventurers could be switched or overlapped, I don't think that takes away at all from the telling of the stories themselves. They all struck me as fascinating and quite worthy of being included in this volume.
I found Strange and Dangerous Dreams to be an engrossing read when I had the time (sometimes I would read through three segments in a sitting) and at other times, a very easy book to pick up and put down at will. The organization of the book into differently-themed chapters and larger sections made each individual story more of a complete unit, and therefore easier to read in shorter sittings. Either way, if you're a history buff or a psychology enthusiast, this is a fascinating and informative read- no matter how much time you have on your hands. I highly recommend it.
Very Interesting Read.......2007-02-04
Given the cover graphic and book title this is not a book that I would normally have picked up and started to look at. However, after reading through it I find that it would have been my loss. The author points out that there is often a fine line between the quest for adventure and madness. To make his point he examines the lives and dreams of several adventurers and how something in their character caused them to cross that line into madness or at least come very close to it. Some of the adventurers examined include Meriwether Lewis, Robert Scott, Donald Crowhurst, Jean Batten, and Aleister Crowley. This is a really interesting account of each of these people and an insight into their personal lives. Strange and Dangerous Dreams is a recommended read for people with a passion for adventure and history.
It is a thin line........2006-11-21
The real key to this book is in its sub-title. The author is a psychologist and a veteran of thirteen climbing expeditions to the Himalaya. Perhaps he, himself, is his first patient as he examines what makes people take on dangerous hobies, sports, or jobs. He is examining 'the fine line' that marks the difference between striving for your best and carrying it so far that it becomes maddness or even suicidal.
We all know people who have trouble because of 'an old football injury,' or bone spur's from throwing a baseball to many times, or hearing loss from loud music. Where does the thrill of the sport cross over?
It's a most interesting book, but as with the case of most psychological analysis, it doesn't give really a solid answer. It's easy to say this is an example of a person gone too far, and the other end of the scale is also easy to see. But inbetween?
strangely dissapointed.......2006-10-31
A great and exciting topic but the book was very unexciting and seemed superficial--the three categories---lost, bend, burdened--totally arbitrary. Many of the subjects could have easily been mixed and matched in any of the other categories.
The author often gives a rather long general overview of his analysis of the particular individal without thorough biographical data. The subjects/individuals are covered in approximately 12 to 20 pages. I would have appreciated more biographical facts and/or some type of clinical anaylsis rather than the superficially "psychology" presented--the writing reminds me of a bookstore cafe--the combination usually results in mediocre books coupled with mediocre coffee. Here we have a mediocre book about adventurers coupled with mediocre psychology.
Maybe he should have justed written about several mountain climbers and their dangerous dreams rather than race through so many different subjects. I was hoping for something more indepth--the book could easily have been 400 pages longer if the subjects were as fascinating as they initially seemed to be. I was ready for a roller coaster ride and I got putt-putt golf instead.
Product Description
Discover how spiritual mysteries can enrich your life. A pioneer of biblical dream interpretation, John Paul Jackson guides you through the supernatural realm that coexists and interacts with us. This eye-opening beginner's overview will help you discover patterns and rhythms of God's nighttime metaphor that will enhance your spiritual journey. Explore the keys to remembering your dreams! Unravel the difference between God speaking and God making Himself known to us.
Reflect on biblical imagery contained in dreams.
Discover how to change the outcome of a dream.
Learn why you can't correctly interpret a dream with a secular dream dictionary.
Customer Reviews:
More hype than help.......2007-02-08
I watched Mr. Jackson on Sid Roth's show and expected much more information than the mere generalizations I heard on the cds. I guess I wanted more definitive answers and more insight into the dream world than what Mr. Jackson included in the offer. There was a lot about him and his dreams, but surely there were a lot more meatier details he could've put into the time he had on the recording. I didn't really have any interest in hearing him describe additional products he was passing out to the audience, which went into details about what colors mean in dreams, etc. I wanted THAT information on the product I had already purchased. I wanted insight, not an infomercial. Very basic. Too basic for my $20.
Book Description
Arguably no other author has inspired more musicians than has Howard Phillips Lovecraft. Here, for the first time, is a book documenting the music inspired by the works of this literary genius, with insights provided by the artists. The book features a foreword by H. P. Lovecraft expert S. T. Joshi and cover artwork by Joseph Vargo.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent for Lovecraft or music lovers alike.......2006-10-28
The Strange Sound of Cthulhu starts with an introduction to Lovecraft's life. This provides good background for readers who are there for the musical aspect and unfamiliar with his writing. It is strait-forward, giving just the information needed to understand how he could still have an impact on music today, almost seventy years after his death.
The rest of the book is broken down into the musical genres he inspired. From psychedelic rock to country, groups little heard of all the way to big names, such as Black Sabbath and Metallica, have attributed some of their inspiration to Lovecraft.
Hill analyzes the songs--and even group names--that have roots in the literature of Lovecraft. The book compares lyrics with Lovecraft prose, and touches on music rumored to have Lovecraft ties. He gives details of each song, and in many cases, interviews with the artists behind the music. They discuss how their music ties in with Lovecraft, how they were introduced to his writing, and even their favorite Lovecraft tale.
Though the idea of seeing the music described in words may sound dull to some, Joshi was correct in the forward when he said, "Gary has that rarest of skills among music critics: the ability to describe a song, whether vocal or instrumental, in such a way that readers seem to hear it running through their heads."
Though Hill claims that the book is in no way exhaustive on the subject, it is as close to being exhaustive as it can get. It is designed to snare the readers that are there for the music to start reading Lovecraft, and the readers there for Lovecraft to look out for the music. I found myself getting out my old music to listen for what Hill describes.
Book Description
Strange & Prophetic Dreams of the Indian People. This is a touching story of a great grandmother instilling the Indian spirit in her great grandson. It gives guidelines for a glorious future: 'We have had enough now of talk. Let there be deeds.'
Customer Reviews:
Dated.......2007-10-04
Warriors of the Rainbow: Strange and Prophetic Dreams of the Indians
by William Willoya, Vinson Brown . 1962
This book shows its age, very dated material and not coherent.
Tries hard to blend Christianity, Buddhism, Dreams and Native Folklore; the end result is an unpalatable mess. The Buddhist prophesy of Matreya is still 2400 years away... so author/s could be a-waiting for a long time. Hard to believe authors that scatter sources and paste Christian passages ad hock. ** 2 Stars.
Black Elk Speaks is so much better.
When Lionel Little eagle says it's Life Changing, he's right.......2007-06-25
This book is the center of a very personal story. I read it and found it remarkable in its philosophy, the way it examines Indigenous religions without lending itself to New Age or Plastic Shaman nonsense. Vinson Brown had an accurate and insightful comprehension of the theology of the holy men he lived with, such as Frank Fools Crow and others. At times in his life, Indian holy people would set their own pipes aside at ceremonies when Vinson's was unbundled, in reverent deference to his authenticity. I found myself urgently wanting to know more. Years ago, I did something bizarre--I called the publisher and asked how to speak with Vinson Brown. I was told that he had passed away about a week or so earlier. I was discouraged until they told me that his son-in-law, a wonderful Miq'mak Indian man, was tyhere and would I like to speak with him? That man was Lionel Pinn Little Eagle, and he became one of my dearest friends. I illustrated Lionel's book, Greengrass Pipe Dancers, and Lionel was one of my groomsmen and conducted the sweatlodge ceremony for me before my wedding 11 years ago.
I realize people are unlikely to find these details helpful in a book review, but it's seldom tjhat I am able to review a book in such a way that goes beyond an assessment of its scholarship and content, and remark on the personal impact it's had. Vinson Brown was on to something.
Life changing Book.......2007-03-11
Warriors of the Rainbow takes the reader on a wodnerful, deeply spiritual journey of learning and mystery. It touches on a wide varity of topics but is highlighted by some remarkable prophecy from a number of significant relgious leaders. It has obiviously been well-researched by Mr. Brown. This book should be on the shelf of any person who has ever ask themself, "What is this all about and how will it turn out"?
I highly recommend this book.
Must read.......2001-03-06
This is a book of stories and visions. It is a book of life and true spirituality and freedom. Anyone who considers themself to be one with the world or wishes to become so should read this book.
Average customer rating:
- Hard lessons learned in a timely release
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The Wizard of Sun City: The Strange True Story of Charles Hatfield, the Rainmaker Who Drowned a City's Dreams
Garry Jenkins
Manufacturer: Thunder's Mouth Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 General
| Historical
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
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General
| 20th Century
| United States
| Americas
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| Books
General
| United States
| Americas
| History
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General
| State & Local
| United States
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California
| State & Local
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West
| State & Local
| United States
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Natural Disasters
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ASIN: 1560256753 |
Book Description
The story of the West is in many ways the story of the quest for water. Faced with widespread droughts in the late nineteenth century, serious minded men became convinced that artificial rain would be the next great scientific breakthrough. Professional rainmaking companies sprang up, and cities and towns began hiring rainmakers to “milk the skies.” Most were glorified confidence men, but one—Charles Hatfield— appeared to be the real thing. He erected enormous towers and burned a secret mixture of chemicals atop them, and more often than not, the skies obeyed. Before long his work was celebrated—and his secret sought—on four continents.
Hatfield’s career reached its zenith in January 1916, when he was hired to create rain by the booming city of San Diego. Within a month, the city suffered the worst floods in its history, with dozens of deaths and damages in excess of $4 million.
Filled with firsthand research and the flair of a thriller, The Wizard of Sun City is a biography of a visionary scientist, a chronicle of a virtually unknown subculture, and ultimately the story of the tumultuous events of January 1916 that gave Charles Hatfield a reputation as the West’s most controversial rain wizard.
Customer Reviews:
Hard lessons learned in a timely release.......2006-03-23
The cover of this book, line drawings of flood victims anxiously retreating in the advance of a wall of water, foretell the ultimate result of the efforts of professional rainmakers Paul and Charles Hatfield. What lies between the covers is a very fascinating tale, almost an inversion of the Pied Piper saga, in a time when faith in near-science and pseudo meterology was not only believed, but (at least for a bit) sanctioned by the powers that be. This story provides a cautionary tale for those self-styled business folk who unfortunately believe a man's word is his bond, and a handshake forms an unbreakable contract.
Author Jenkins recreates the time and the mood of Southern California in the early 1900's and recreates an atmosphere of a blossoming community pinning its hopes on a sophisticated businessman with a simple proposition: Hatfield will fill a resevoir to its 15 BILLION gallon capacity for $10,000, or San Diego owes him nothing. Surely a sucker's bet, since annual rainfall for the area is less than a foot, Hatfield is given tacit approval to proceed with his venture.
The results far exceeded the imaginations of all parties involved, and the aftermath surely challenges one's belief in pseudo science and the unpredictability of the atmosphere.
The book's release date of July 2005 (a mere month or so prior to Hurricane Katrina) is almost eerie in its timing, in describing a cataclysm seemingly unimaginable for a town with a bright future and numerous prospects.
I'd highly recommend this book to fans of the turn of the last century, to municipal engineers and officials, to weather spotters and emergency planners, or even to just plain folk who like an enjoyable tale that still has a few surprises and twists to keep things interesting. Happy Reading!
Average customer rating:
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Strange Unsolved Mysteries: Monsters, Strange Dreams and UFOs
Phyllis Raybin Emert
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Teens
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Similar Items:
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Ghosts, Hauntings, and Mysterious Happenings (Strange Unsolved Mysteries)
ASIN: 0812594258 |
Customer Reviews:
Bigfoot.......2000-05-06
I first read this book in '91, I was in 4th grade and it scared the heck out of me. I still like this book, and pick it up about every year, and it is where I first learned about bigfoot and others. This book has stories on UFOs, The Mothman, all kinds of true stories of creatures that are unknown on this earth and also Aliens and UFOs.
Average customer rating:
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How Am I to Be Heard?: Letters of Lillian Smith (Gender and American Culture)
Lillian Smith
Manufacturer: The University of North Carolina Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Authors
| Arts & Literature
| Biographies & Memoirs
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Similar Items:
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Strange Fruit
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Killers of the Dream
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Lillian Smith: A Southerner Confronting the South : A Biography (Southern Biography Series)
ASIN: 0807845809
Release Date: 1996-02-14 |
Book Description
This compelling volume offers the first full portrait of the life and work of writer Lillian Smith (1897-1966), the foremost southern white liberal of the mid-twentieth century. Smith devoted her life to lifting the veil of southern self-deception about race, class, gender, and sexuality. Her books, essays, and especially her letters explored the ways in which the South's attitudes and institutions perpetuated a dehumanizing experience for all its people—white and black, male and female, rich and poor. Her best-known books are Strange Fruit (1944), a bestselling interracial love story that brought her international acclaim; and Killers of the Dream (1949), an autobiographical critique of southern race relations that angered many southerners, including powerful moderates. Subsequently, Smith was effectively silenced as a writer.
Rose Gladney has selected 145 of Smith's 1500 extant letters for this volume. Arranged chronologically and annotated, they present a complete picture of Smith as a committed artist and reveal the burden of her struggles as a woman, including her lesbian relationship with Paula Snelling. Gladney argues that this triple isolation—as woman, lesbian, and artist—from mainstream southern culture permitted Smith to see and to expose southern prejudices with absolute clarity.
Average customer rating:
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The House In The Tree & The Strange Doll (Enid Blyton Two By Two Stories)
Enid Blyton
Manufacturer: Mercury Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Bedtime & Dreaming
| Baby-3
| Children's Books
| Subjects
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General
| Ages 4-8
| Children's Books
| Subjects
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General
| Literature
| Children's Books
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General
| Education
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ASIN: 1904668372 |
Book Description
Charming stories about animals, fairies, toys, pixies and children, these Enid Blyton classics are sure to become a favorite in everyone's home and library. Just the right length for reading at bedtime or quiet moment, each book contains two stories in an attractive and child-friendly padded hardcover volume. The stories are filled with magic and adventure to capture the imagination of young and old alike.
Books:
- Talking Business: Making Communication Work
- Tapestry
- Test of the Twins (Dragonlance Legends, Vol. 3)
- That's Not My Monster... (Touchy-Feely Board Books)
- The Christian and the Pharisee: Two Outspoken Religious Leaders Debate the Road to Heaven
- The Complete Stories of Robert Louis Stevenson: Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Nineteen Other Tales (Modern Library Classics)
- The Dead of Winter: How Battlefield Investigators, WWII Veterans, and Forensic Scientists Solved the Mystery of the Bulge's Lost Soldiers
- The Draco Tavern
- The Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells: The Ultimate Reference Book for the Magical Arts
- The Foretelling
Books Index
Books Home
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- History: Fiction or Science
- Collectivism after Modernism: The Art of Social Imagination after 1945
- East of the Sun and West of the Moon
- Heart-Shaped Box: A Novel
- Introduction to Semimicro Qualitative Analysis
- History: Fiction or Science
- Conceptual Art and Painting: Further Essays on Art & Language
- Birdwatching with American Women A Selection of Nature Writings
- Dave Sanders: Columbine Teacher, Coach, Hero
Mostly True Collected Stories & Drawings
Hearing Voices - Collected Stories & Drawings
Going Somewhere Soon: Collected Stories & Drawings
Still Mostly True: Collected Stories & Drawings
Trusting Soul : Collected Stories & Drawings
