Book Description
Douglas Gresham claims that Jack Lewis was the finest man and the best Christian he has ever known. Of course, Jack to Douglas is C. S. Lewis to the rest of the world. The informal address Gresham uses to refer to the great writer is indicative of the intimacy he shared with Lewis for a dozen years, living in England as Lewis's stepson.
Jack's Life is an affectionate account of days now long gone. It is a personal memoir of a man who touched many in the classroom, even more with his pen, and made a significant, lasting, and eternal impression on one young man. Douglas Gresham is uniquely qualified to offer such an extraordinary portrait.
Customer Reviews:
Hmmmm.......2007-01-30
This book is written as if the reader is a child (Douglas Gresham is constantly defining terms he uses as he writes). I really wanted to like the book and find it helpful insight into the life of C.S. Lewis but it wasn't.
Mayra Calvani -- TCM REVIEWS.......2006-12-03
For those interested in a light yet informative biography of famous Irish author C.S Lewis, this may well be the perfect book. Written by Lewis' stepson, this is a piece of work that will delight not only young adults, but adults as well.
Gresham recounts Lewis' life from birth to death with obvious love, care and admiration, creating a touching portrayal of the gifted man who invented such unforgettable children's fantasy works such as The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.
Lewis was a highly intelligent, funny, compassionate and courageous man who suffered all throughout his life and whose mind and health were deeply influenced by major painful episodes, especially by World War I, when, like many other English young men of his time, he fought in the trenches and saw many of his friends get killed. He keenly pondered the reason for so much pain in the world, and this showed in his writing.
The book is full of interesting information--how Lewis used walking for inspiration, his full transformation from Atheism to Christianity, his friendship with Tolkien and other famous authors, his education at Oxford, the "club" he created, called The Inklings, which came to be an elite group of gifted literary and philosophical minds. There are several other biographies about Lewis, but while those others concentrate mostly on Lewis' work, this one concentrates on the man himself.
This particular edition comes with an exclusive author interview on DVD, the perfect complement to the book.
Now that the motion picture of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe is soon to be released for Christmas, this timely work will make a worthy, beautiful gift for Lewis' fans. Highly recommended.
Life from an inside view.......2006-09-14
Reviewed by Beverly Pechin for Reader Views (8/06)
"Jack's Life" is truly an inside look at the life and times of famous author, C. S. Lewis from a perspective nobody else could give you but his own step-son, Douglas. First glance at the book and it's elegant cover tells you immediately that not only was there a lot of thought and care put into the making of this book, but no scrimping on presenting the reader with a wonderful personal view of Lewis' life was ever even an option. An exquisite hard cover book with a detailed embossed cover to protect this cherished book is only the beginning of the author's way of expressing the care taken. At a mere list price of under $20 the elegant hard cover book not only offers some great reading material, but a bonus DVD that adds yet another touch of class to the experience.
Even the most well read of biography lovers has not been given a chance like this to see the inside life of the world renowned C.S. Lewis. Focusing not as much on his writings and his thoughts as a writer, but more on his every day life and hardships that helped to create the man he was. A wonderful look at what later became known as the true "home" of Lewis; Douglas fondly remembers the stories told by so many others regarding the beginning of the love/hate relationship Lewis came to have with his beautiful Estate. With so much work needing to be done, Lewis was remembered not only as an extremely hard worker, but a determined man with so much character that he took on the extended family of a friend who died at war while serving with Lewis. Submitting to a life of poverty at times, simply to take care of them all! This alone shows the intense character of the beloved author and, after reading the life Lewis accepted as his own to simply fulfill the obligation of a pact he shared with his close friend, brings one to realize that this is a man of integrity.
The author shares everything from the relationships Lewis had with the "inherited" family, the mother and sister of a friend and fellow soldier in war, to the often shaky relationship he had with his own father; the touching love and relationship he shared with his brother, Warnie; and later the loving and tender relationship he shared with Douglas himself. Touching ever so briefly on the friends and acquaintances with whom he also shared numerous conversations and intricate details of the books he wrote, the author shows the inside influences of other famous authors, such as J.R. Tolkien, and some not-so-famous people that met together in a group weekly for intellectual discussions. This small group of intellectual geniuses and intimate friends became known as "The Inklings" and provided Lewis with many intense conversations and criticisms that influenced nearly all of his writings.
"Jack's Life" is simply one of the best biographies I've read in ages and shares intimate details and touching antics of Lewis' life that no other author could share accurately. Seeing the loving relationship and utter admiration that Douglas Grisham had for his step-father gives the reader a feeling of truly knowing the inside workings of an intriguing man. Sometimes humorous, always intimate and completely touching, this is one biography that will not only leave you smiling from the knowledge shared but remembering to add on the many other books of C.S. Lewis that you may not have read yet, simply to experience the man you've learned about all over again.
An Enjoyable Read.......2006-09-11
I just finished reading the book and was not the least disappointed, as were some of the readers who provided reviews here. I had read Gresham's earlier book about Lewis, and I did discover some new things about Lewis in his latest effort. As one who treasures the great writings of C.S. Lewis, I found that new information about his life welcome. The money I spent on the book was a good investment for me, and I just ordered another copy as a gift for a friend. I have no quibble, as some do, about Gresham's writing, but I have a big problem with the copy editing. I encountered at least a half dozen typographical errors, and someone at the publishing house should be fired.
Disappointing..........2006-08-15
Did I expect too much? I anticipated so much more from Douglas Gresham. Was he writing for children? Even children deserve to be treated as if they could understand words of more than one sylable. Presumably many people who would be interested in reading about C. S. Lewis have some knowledge of the man, this particular book was entirely too condescending. Who needs to have definitions of simple words explained?
In addition, there was almost nothing new in this description of Lewis. I hardly categorize it as "biography"; more an effort to sell yet another book given the hype over recent notice of Lewis' works. I could not recommend it in good conscience.
Voracious Reader
Book Description
As I walked away from New Buildings, I found the man that Lewis had called “Tollers” sitting on one of the stone steps in front of the arcade.
“How did you get on?” he asked.
“I think rather well. I think he will be a most interesting tutor to have.”
“Interesting? Yes, he’s certainly that,” said the man, who I later learned was J. R. R. Tolkien. “You’ll never get to the bottom of him.”
Over the next twenty-nine years, author George Sayer’s first impression about C. S. Lewis proved true. He was interesting; but he was more than just that. He was a devout Christian, gifted literary scholar, best-selling author, and brilliant apologist. Sayer draws from a variety of sources, including his close friendship with Lewis and the million-word diary of Lewis’s brother, to paint a portrait of the man whose friends knew as Jack.
Offering glimpses into Lewis’s extraordinary relationships and experiences, Jack details the great scholar’s life at the Kilns; days at Magdalen College; meetings with the Inklings; marriage to Joy Davidman Gresham; and the creative process that produced such world-famous works as the classic Chronicles of Narnia,
Mere Christianity, and
The Screwtape Letters.
This book is an intimate account of the man who helped—and through his works, continues to help—generations hear and understand the heart of Christianity.
Customer Reviews:
The Tao of Lewis........2006-08-05
C. S. Lewis is one of the most well known Christians in modern history. I've read a couple of books about his relationship with Joy Davidman, so I figured it was time to check out a biography that spotlighted Mr. Lewis' entire life. "Jack" (Lewis' nickname) had the most accolades, so after warming up with the lighter fare of "Jack's Life" by his stepson, I dove into this book.
George Sayer is a former student of Mr. Lewis', and he delivers a fascinating portrait of his mentor from birth to death. He also provides context by detailing the national background, family life, and period of history that shaped Jack. In addition, Mr. Sayer discusses a number of Jack's books, the creative process he used, and how the public initially received them (including book reviewers). Despite his distinguished academic credentials, the author writes in a manner accessible to the layman reader. I never felt bogged down, or condescended to, by his writing style.
Some have accused the author of sugarcoating C. S. Lewis' life. Yes, Mr. Sayer wrote as a friend, and therefore wasn't out to write a sordid expose. But neither does he claim that Jack peed rosewater. For example, I had no idea that Mr. Lewis struggled with sadomasochistic fantasies and masturbation as a young man. He also smoked and drank quite heavily, habits that many churches don't hold in high esteem. In addition, the author doesn't shy away from discussing some of the charges against Mr. Lewis' character, such as the possibility of a homosexual relationship with his lifelong friend Arthur, and whether or not he and Mrs. Moore were lovers. I'm not sure what kind of dirt would erase the charge of whitewashing, but I felt that Mr. Sayer made Jack appear pretty down-to-earth. That is, except for Jack's statement that sexual fantasy can be "fairly easily overcome with prayer and fasting (p. 415)." The "fairly easily" part is a bit much for me to swallow (or perhaps a bit too convicting for comfort).
Along those lines, I was intrigued, and a bit confused, by one aspect of Mr. Lewis' character: his distain for introspection and fantasizing. Jack considered heroic and romantic fantasy to be counterproductive, because in his eyes their self-centered focus prevented one from obtaining renown and love in real life. He even wrote a poem, "Dymer," that illustrated the dangers of forsaking reality for a dream world. As for introspection, he felt it was a danger to one's mental health. However, many of his works prompt readers toward both pitfalls. I couldn't help being somewhat introspective after reading "The Great Divorce" and "The Screwtape Letters." And who hasn't fantasized about charging into battle at Aslan's side while immersed in the Chronicles of Narnia? Of all Lewis' views, this is the one I'd like to investigate further because of my own disposition towards navel-gazing and daydreaming. Jack's views on the consequences of these actions are especially relevant in an age where pornography is a mouse click away, and one can live life vicariously through reality shows and online computer games.
An unexpected result of reading this book was that I gained a greater interest in the life of Jack's older brother Warren. Both "Jack's Life" and "Jack" paint Warren as a tragic figure who did not live up to his potential. Yes, he was a raging alcoholic whose ambition did not equal Jack's. But considering that Warren served as an army officer in both World Wars, had a number of books published, and helped organize his brother's chaotic schedule, I can't help feeling that both authors were a bit hard on him. Perhaps he could've done better, but he also might've turned out a lot worse. I've always had a soft spot for the underdog.
At any rate, I came away from "Jack" with more respect for C. S. Lewis as a person and a Christian. He's more accessible to me now, and I have a better appreciation for his ideas. And the insights into his character have challenged me to examine and evaluate my own shortcomings. I recommend that you read this book in conjunction with "C.S. Lewis & Francis Schaeffer: Lessons for a New Century from the Most Influential Apologists of Our Time," by Scott R. Burson and Jerry L. Walls. It provides a portrait of Lewis' doctrinal positions that might surprise you (as it did me).
His Legacy For Children Everywhere........2005-10-03
This is a fitting tribute to the life, works and last days of an author who changed many lives through his writings. His MERE CHRISTIANITY reached out to non-Christians and showed them the way to a better life. But, I think he will best be remembered for the magical world of Narnia he created for children. He'd been born Clive Staples Lewis on November 29, 1898. In 1998, a series of special commemorative stamps was issued, "Magical World," featuring THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE. In about two and a half months, the eagerly awaited movie, 'Narnia,' will be in the Regal theaters nationwide and will gather more fans for Jack (C.S.) Lewis.
A musical portrait of his life toured Britain during 1998. Even Hamley's. England's toy shop, hosted a special one-hundredth birthday party in honor of this prodigious writer. It is sad that only fifty people attended his funeral toward the end of November, 1963. On his tombstone is engraved "Men ust endure their going hence" which had been on the Shakespeare Calendar the day his mother died. At a little past 5:30 p.m. on the day John F. Kennedy was assassinated, Jack gave up the ghost after two or three years of terrible pain from prostate cancer. So, in the passing of C. S. Lewis, all the world's eyes were on their television sets watching the events in Dallas, Texas, play out as Oswald purportedly killed the United States president.
Autumn had always been Jack's favorite season so it is fitting that he ends his life in happiness. October's bright blue sky, even in England of 1960, was lovely as were the beeches which were in their "full glory of gold, russet, and amber." Keats called autumn "the close-bosomed friend of the maturing sun." That year, the hawthorne bushes were full of crimson haws, and the wild roses were loaded with hips. He came to Cambridge in 1962 to lecture and to finish his last book THE DISCARDED IMAGE. He was in the autmn of his life but he was enjoying an Indian Summer. He'd just finished SURPRISED BY JOY and his book A GRIEF OBSERVED after she died. Yes, he loved the American woman who entered his life so unexpectedly. He also wrote letters of encouragement for some time to an other American woman.
His enduring legacy is the gift his readers receive, that 'sliver of wonder,' which enables them to see beyond the imaginary world to the living God. The lion in the 'Narnia' books was made to appear as Christ-like as he could manage. April is probably the best loved month in Western Europe, as it is here in Knoxville, Tennessee, our beautiful "Dogwood" celebration. Shakespear wrote of "proud-pied April, dressed in all its trim." In April, there is a revitalization of the earth as the birds sing their joyous songs for all to hear. The forget-me-nots are in bloom, and spring green covers the fields. My favorite time of year is the Spring with all of the pastel colors and the feel of life returning after a long winter's sleep.
He was the precursor to all of the inspiration and self-help books which now abound. He had divine inspiration at times, but he was also human. A man with feelings and empathy toward others.
Wonderfully Written.......2005-08-02
I have often expressed my love of biographies. I consider them to be among the most helpful of resources in helping equip Christians in their lifelong quest for Christ-likeness. We can learn much from the examples of those who have run the race before us. We can learn from what God taught them, learn from their triumphs and learn from the times they were defeated. I have a passion for biographies. I also have a passion for the English language. I love to see how we can use the language to craft works of art. I cannot express myself in the fine arts - music and art are both disciplines that escape me. But I consider myself a wordsmith-in-training. These two loves come together in Jack, a biography of C.S. Lewis written by a veritable master of the English language.
George Sayer had what was probably a unique privilege - he met C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien at the same time. He studied English under the tutelage of both of these men while at Oxford University. He became friends with Lewis, growing closer as they grew older. As a friend he provides a unique perspective on what is surely a unique individual.
I have never had the interest in and respect for C.S. Lewis that so many Christians afford him. Perhaps it is that I tend to see in black and white. Lewis exemplified some of the best and yet some of the worst in his understanding of Christianity. It seems that for every major doctrine he so brilliantly defended, there was another that he denied. For every brilliant insight there is a terrible oversight.
Jack provides a glimpse into Lewis' life. This, combined with penetrating analysis from one who knew him well, makes this biography not only fascinating, but very credible. Sayer covers all of the foundational parts of Lewis' life - the death of his mother, his education, his infatuation with Mrs. Moore and his conversion to Christianity. The author looks also at most of Lewis' major writings. Having spent so much time with his subject, Sayer is even able to describe an average day in the life of C.S. Lewis - just the type of detail that is interesting, but is absent from most biographies.
The detail, while interesting and often even necessary, is sometimes almost uncomfortable. Sayers goes so far as to detail Lewis' personal struggles with masturbation and fantasy as a youth, and his later fascination with his wife's body. Yet he does this not merely for the sake of being explicit, but always to help us better understand Lewis. He seeks to help the reader understand Lewis not just as an author, but as a person. He wants to show Lewis in the good times as well as the bad. He seeks to show Lewis as he really was.
Thoroughly-researched and exquisitely-written, this is a brilliant biography of a figure whose importance to Christianity seems to be growing, even forty years after his death. With a major movie series coming to theatres beginning this year, we will surely hear a lot more about Lewis than ever before. While many biographies have been written about him, I would have trouble believing any could be better than this. No matter your opinion of the man himself, Jack, as a book, is a gem; a jewel; an absolute triumph.
Best biography of C. S. Lewis.......2004-08-19
At one time I had read most of the biographies out there on C. S. Lewis. This one is by far the best. Sayer had a long friendship with Lewis and tells what he knows about Lewis and does not theorize about what he does not know. The reader feels the warmth and respect Sayer has for Lewis and also the puzzlement one has with close friends whose strange behaviors in the past are not fully explained.
Sayer addresses the C. S. Lewis's friendship with Tolkien, Dyson and other Inklings. Sayer does a good job of relating Lewis's conversion to Christianity. Sayer explains the arguments and personal struggles that surrounded the conversion. Sayer writes about Joy and Mrs. Moore, which gives a more fuller and more generous picture of both women than some other biographies. Sayer has the background for literary criticism and writes about Lewis's poetry, the Chronicles of Narnia and most of his other writings.
The style of the writing is easy to read and accessible. It is a very enjoyable read.
The Definitive Biography on Lewis.......2004-01-17
I first read this work in the early nineties and thought it was good. I recently re-read it and realize, it is not merely good, it is great. Sayer has, without a doubt, written the definitive biography on the 20th century's greatest thinker.
The book brings the reader on an intimate journey through the life of Lewis, often times with stunning detail. From Lewis' parents and his childhood, his education, teaching career, and friendships, to his life at the Kilns, the meetings (as well as the people) in and with the Inklings (a particular favorite section of mine), and his life work, marriage to Joy and how he carried on without Joy.
Sayer also details how Lewis actually created certain works such as his Narnia series. Also, his radio broadcasts are detailed as well as his lectures given to the public. Moreover, he details several of Lewis' close friends (mainly from the Inklings) who read his manuscripts and offered certain advice. Sayer describes those who inspired Lewis when he read (e.g. George MacDonald, William Morris, etc.) and those who helped Lewis throughout his writing career.
Who else could possibly tell the story of Lewis' life than one of his colleagues. Sayer knew Lewis and had developed a strong friendship with Lewis through education and through participating in several meetings with the Inklings.
If you want to know more about Lewis not only on an intellectual level but a deeper personal level as well (i.e. really get the know the man Lewis), then you will need no other biography besides this one. I highly recommend this work.
Average customer rating:
- Oral History At Its Best!
- Great Insight into a terrible war
- The way History should be told...
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THIN RED LINE: The Eyewitness History of the Crimean War
Julian Spilsbury
Manufacturer: Weidenfeld and Nicolson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0297846256 |
Book Description
The Crimean War was the first 'modern' war for the British forces: journalists reported home via the telegraph, a device that also tempted the government to micromanage the war from the comfort of Whitehall. It is most famous for the charge of the Light Brigade, celebrated in poetry and film as a classic British military disaster.
It also gave us 'The Thin Red Line', when a handful of British infantry saw off a horde of Russian cavalry. It was the first war in which ordinary British soldiers recorded their experiences - and Julian Spilsbury brings their story to life, together with the very different world of their officers and assorted mistresses. The army in the Crimea was a microcosm of Victorian society with all its strengths and weaknesses.
Customer Reviews:
Oral History At Its Best!.......2007-07-30
To qualify my comments, I'm a career infantry officer in the US Army. I have studied military history for over 40 years and have done my fair share of writing for a periodical relating to the American Civil War. The amount of fine literature that was "required" reading by my commanders and schools in my career numbers into the hundreds. Add to that books of my own choice (probably a thousand or more) and it's safe to say that I'm hard to please. That said, I can say without question that Julian Spilsbury's "The Thin Red Line" is the finest piece of literature I've ever read, not just those relating to military history, but all (surpasses Bruce Catton, Douglas S. Freeman, John Keegan, etc). It's certainly obvious that Spilsbury has walked the ground in the Crimea and that brings a special touch to his work. His ability to relate this war to other eras is especially interesting. He clearly has a "soldier's" heart and insight for what he writes about, something only a fellow soldier can really appreciate. I read it non-stop while on a much-earned vacation and found myself re-reading most every page, wishing to absorb how he shared / said what he did (poetic would be an understatement). This book is timeless and I would love to see him do another on the era. While focusing on British forces, he does not short-change the efforts of the French or Russians, which is appreciated. Were I commanding men and women in the military today, I would require this book of all officers and would include it as a discussion topic. My only compliant, and it's a minor one, is I wish he'd had more maps (those used are excellent) showing in more detail some of the action he describes. I'd have also wished for more art work. Both of these of course run up the price of a book, something he may have been considering when limiting both. Regardless, I now intend to track down some books related to the actual photographs, drawings and heroic paintings from this war. And how I wish someone in Hollywood would read it and make it into a film (could easily surpass "Zulu" and others of its type). Mel Gibson ("Braveheart", "We Were Soldiers", and "The Patriot") could do wonders with it!!
Great Insight into a terrible war.......2007-03-10
Anyone who is a fan of Heroism and the ideas of duty, honor and country will love the journey we take with these British troops from the battle at the river Alma, to Balaklava, to Inkermann. Spilsbury does an incredible job compiling research and creating a book that is streamlined, easy to read, and enjoyable.
The Crimean War deserves attention from all history enthusiasts. Tennyson, James Jones and W.H. Campbell have all made famous reference to this conflict, and yet very few understand the context in which they referred. This Book by Mr. Spilsbury can change all that.
The way History should be told..........2006-06-29
I found this book to be written in style that truly brought this war to life. Mr. Spilsbury has woven the words of the participants in the struggle in with the historical facts as we know them in an entertainingly seamless way. He made you care about the participants in the drama and want to learn more about the subject. My only regret was that the book ends abruptly and you never find out what happens to most of the players.
Book Description
Anyone can rant against the current state of American democracy. Anyone can talk trash about politicians, or bemoan the apathy of the electorate. How to Get Stupid White Men Out of Office is a guide to getting off one's cynical duff and actually effecting positive change through the electoral process. Editor William Upski Wimsatt created the League of Youth Voters, a political action committee designed to raise awareness amongst younger demographics and support candidates on a country-, state-, and city-wide basis. This book tells the stories of how of these marginalized voters — such as gays, punks, blacks, and Latinos — organized to make the winning difference in contested legislative and electoral races across the country. To prepare readers for the 2004 elections, this book lists potentially close races, provides maps of key swing states and districts, lists 800 people under 35 in office, and examines youth voter turnout and impact.
Customer Reviews:
Bad Stuff.......2007-04-19
A great resource for the growing population for "White men haters"in our society.It`s time us white men took a stand against you! This book should be burned.
Appeals to the baser elements of society.......2006-11-23
It is amazing to me that the very people who scream "RACIST,RACIST" at anyone who diasgrees with them are the very ones who come up with a (racist) book such as this!
The rabble in our society delight, it seems, in trying to smear and blaspheme the very people who built this country: WHITE MALES!
These neo-pagans hate White males because we stand for the basic principles they are opposed to, namely, Christianity and its value system.
We forgive them, and hope that someday they see the error of their ways, before their self-destructive behavior and hate-based radicalism destroys them.
Thanks for reading, and God Bless!
1-Star, 1-Sentence Reviews Made By Folks Only Reading Book's Title!.......2006-08-22
I'm a non-stupid White Guy. The title is not racist. It states a simple fact - the vast majority of real political and economic power is currently held in the hand's of Stupid White Men! This is certainly the case currently in the United States. The truth is not racist, but reality. I also personally know plenty of wannabes!
The book is not condescending or useless. It inspires! It motivates! The Green Party Mayor of New Paltz, New York was arrested for officially marrying Gay couples. Senator Paul Wellstone of Minnesota was a vocal critic of the much more popular FIRST Gulf War. The first President Bush cursed him! Tammy Baldwin was elected as the nation's first openly gay, non-incumbent member of Congress, despite coming from a culturally conservative state.
The book is rich in brave progressive people of all races, colors, genders and sexual preferences. And not all white men are stupid, as the book plainly shows!
Racist.......2005-02-01
Far better sources found in any number of books that don't resort to racisim. Save your money and time.
Hope!.......2004-07-10
As a cynical old curmudgeon who finds fault in fellow humans more often than praise, I am humbled and inspired by these creatively energized folks. Their success stories and positive attitudes remind me of a long-ago time-the sixties, when the organizing and action sometimes resulted in social change. Maybe this book won't change the November election, but it could. Even though this little primer in voter activism could have written by The League of Women Voters or included as a chapter in every United States high school government book, its message is now conveyed in a language and style that can connect with those who will determine the future of this country. The "can do" attitudes, organizing skill, and creativity recounted here are the key to waking up a tired, disillusioned, and disheartened electorate. These ideas turned into action can prove that democracy works.
Book Description
Shows the psychological roots of our ecological crisis.
Customer Reviews:
Visionary.......2007-05-01
Fisher's book is reclaiming the basis of authentic healing outside of a profession still mired in the dark ages. I think one of the great problems with psychotherapy generally is that those attracked to the field are driven by hidden archetypal forces guiding their own dysfunctions. In other words, I never met a psychotherapist who also happens to be a healer and the same is true (if not more so) for social workers.
This book casts a wide net, finding itself in confluence with other Radical Psychologists/Psychotherapists who recognize the limits of the profession and actually negatively critique it.
Fisher's approach is integral in scope and practice. Andy not only provides an impressive history of those radical thinkers within psychology, he demonstrates the scope of the dysfunction clearly. Furthermore, this new wave of psychology seeks to reintroduce the human mind with its own matrix of well being. Namely, the power of nature to heal the fragmentation. When we consider that everything the human psyche encounters is somehow mediated by technology - or put differently - everything we see, hear, touch, is somehow associated with a pathology driven by a technological superstructure defining human life in a way that our primal instincts never intended.
The empowerment found in disconnecting from the technological pathos, and reintroducing ourselves back into nature, can not only evoke healing in our mind and bodies, but may assist our planet in healing itself. This may be the most important message within the book.
A New Direction in Psychology.......2004-09-13
Radical Ecopsychology is a thoughtful and sophisticated discussion of a new direction which the science of psychology might take; it raises important issues, and I think everyone in the field would benefit from reading it. The reader from Berkeley touched on what is probably the central issue, with the (incorrect) observation that the book "...suffers from the naivite of believing that Cartesian dualism can be resolved with a simple reference to an 'embodied self'". In fact, Andy Fisher draws on the work of philosopher Gene Gendlin, who actually has shown a way in which philosophy can appeal to experience and Cartesian dualism can be resolved. Of course, this sounds impossible. Many (like the reviewer from Berkeley) will reject such a claim a priori, much like the Aristotelian astronomers who refused to look through Galilleo's telescope. But this new direction is important, and open-minded people will want to explore it.
Important addition to Ecopsychology.......2003-10-14
An excellent overview of ecopsychology. A bit philosophical with lots of academic language, but its well worth the work of reading. It contains a lot of radical ideas. This is an important addition to the growing body of text about ecopsychology.
Eco-literati wannabe.......2003-07-15
This book is basically just a collection of eco-literati quotes. It proves only one thing: people will try to buy themselves into any club with hyper-flattery. Unless you really think you have to, don't bother to read this book. It contains virtually nothing new. And contrary to David Abram's endorsement, it is neither poetic nor profound. The author spends more than half of the book explaining why and how he wants to talk about Radical Ecopsychology (as if that were a valid concept to begin with) and then spends the rest of the book apologetically emphasizing that he can only vaguely indicate what Radical Ecopsychology would look like, if he were really writing about it. Then there's a little eco-polemic thrown in for good measure.
The only interesting idea that I could glean from the book at all is simply that our alienation from nature has an impact on our "mental health". It seems to be an attempt to define psychologically "normal" in terms of ecology. But like all of psychology, the thesis suffers from the problem of validating the concept of "normal". In this case, you would have to clearly define what you mean by "natural" - no lighter a task. While the thesis might be interesting, it is hardly profound and I doubt that it merits a whole book, let alone an entire new academic field - not to mention that academics will never make a substantial contribution to saving the environment anyway. Quibbling about theories is not going to stop the corporations from decimating the biosphere!
The book also suffers from the naivite of believing that Cartesian dualism can be resolved with a simple reference to an "embodied self". While this may make for sellable (to the David Abram fan-club) popular writing, it will hardly satisfy those looking for a philosophically viable answer. It will also ever remain another attempt to preach to the choir. Another volume to put on the shelf and ignore.
In the end, I can only see this as another pseudo-academic initiation rite - another wannabe trying to establish a publishing career (and enhance his therapeutic practice). As one who cares more about the environment than the need for personal promotion, I hope not many trees are wasted with editions of this book.
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Journal of Phenomenological Psychology, published by Brill Academic Publishers, Inc. on March 22, 2003. The length of the article is 1813 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Fisher, A. (2002). Radical Ecopsychology: Psychology in the Service of Life.(Book Review)
Author: Mufid James Hannush
Publication:
Journal of Phenomenological Psychology (Refereed)
Date: March 22, 2003
Publisher: Brill Academic Publishers, Inc.
Volume: 34
Issue: 1
Page: 127(5)
Article Type: Book Review
Distributed by Thomson Gale
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