I May Not Get There with You: The True Martin Luther King, Jr

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Provocative preacher-teacher Michael Eric Dyson, known for his hip-hop-style delivery and encyclopedic intellectual powers, heroically tries to update and examine the true legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. for a glib Generation-X world. Calling I May Not Get There with You a work of "biocriticism," Dyson peels away the superficial image of King the man to reveal a complex human being whose work was far from finished or totally understood. "In the last thirty years we have trapped King in romantic images or frozen his legacy in worship," he writes. "I seek to rescue King from his admirers and deliver him from his foes." To that end, Dyson takes aim at neoconservatives like Shelby Steele, who spin King's multiracial dreams into a right-wing call to end affirmative action, and goes after black militants who thought King was "soft" and overlooked the power of his "black radical Christianity." He also criticizes the government's co-opting of King's philosophy in a holiday, as well as what he calls the King family's well-meaning, but destructive, attempts to protect King's legacy. Dyson forces us to accept King for all of his faults--including plagiarism and womanizing--but more importantly allows us to see a real human being who rose to the height of humanity. --Eugene Holley, Jr.

Book Description

A private citizen who transformed the world around him, Martin Luther King, Jr., was arguably the greatest American who ever lived. Now, after more than thirty years, few people understand how truly radical he was. In this groundbreaking examination of the man and his legacy, provocative author, lecturer, and professor Michael Eric Dyson restores King's true vitality and complexity and challenges us to embrace the very contradictions that make King relevant in today's world.

Customer Reviews:

An interesting expose.......2006-08-08

I agree with Dr. King's message of harmony and peace. At the same time I can appreciate Dyson's exposure of aspects of King's personal life that most authors do not address (an obvious exception is "And the Walls Came Tumbling Down"). In a very real sense it leads to questioning Dr. King's sincerity in asking others to value the character of a person and not the color of their skin. Dr. King was an admirable figure in American history; I wouldn't go as far as the author in saying he might be the most important American ever; that's a bit over the top. I've read a lot on the subject; this book is worth reading.

Fascinating.......2004-06-18

I have always been fascinated with Dr. King as one of the most influential leaders of the 20th century. I love the work that Dr. Dyson did in writing this book, because he is authentic in talking about Dr. King the man - strengths, weaknesses and all - while exposing the myths about him. Being African-American, I can understand why many within our community woud want to scold Dr. Dyson for exposing Dr. King's dirty laundry. I, however, consider it not only essential, but relevant that we talk about the true humanity of our leaders (espcially one as esteemed as Dr. King) to avoid the danger of us elevating them as idols. It is a great reminder that God uses people (albeit flawed people) for magnificent works in a fallen world. This is a great book that I highly recommed!!

libelous work written by pseudo-intellectual.......2004-01-26

I picked up this book expecting a fresh approach and analysis of Dr. King apart from the obligatory images we're force-fed each new year. Instead, I was disappointed to find that Michael Eric Dyson made heavy use of speculation with the intent to scandalize more than to inform and enlighten. One such example includes Dyson conveying the idea that Dr. King may have engaged in orgies with many different women along with his right-hand man Ralph Abernathy. He then goes on to infer that there was talk of King and Abernathy engaging in sexual acts with each other! The author had no commentary to either support or dispel this "theory" making Dyson's retelling of the alleged incident totally irresponsible and even libelous. He just dropped the information, true or untrue, in the reader's lap to do with as the reader pleased. To that end, it is my opinion that Dyson's intent in writing this book was in no way honorable or truth-seeking, rather it was a means to convey his baseless ideas to anyone who would listen. I'm reminded of something my grandmother and mother would always say to me, "an empty wagon makes the loudest noise." Michael Eric Dyson makes a lot of noise in this book but totally lacks substance. This was an expensive tabloid.

be ready for analysis, not simply historical biography.......2004-01-20

This book was not what I expected, but enjoyed regardless. I particularly liked his idea of banning the 'I Have a Dream' speech from public media. The stories about his philandering were a bit shocking to me, but I have never read any biography of King before, so I wasn't prepared. The ocassional tangents might irk some, but understand Dyson has to take some risks and expand on ideas to make the book worth his time. Realize the civil right movement is not over. Dialogue needs to continue in written forms such as this book to make progress.
- logan square yuppie

whoa.......2003-12-02

Much is made of dyson's intellectual prowess; this just goes to show you that all things are relative. There are organisms shuffling down the street to whom dyson's intellect would, one assumes, seem impressive. But that don't necessarily make it so. You may, at some point, have heard the term pinhead. The term signifies that the owner of such a head has a tiny little brain, a "peabrain" if you will. This, in a nutshell, is dyson. He meanders around offering weak commentary and observation that appeals chiefly to the MTV and BET crowd. This is to say, he offers nothing of value other than allowing Penn to make their quota. Do yourself a favor and avoid at all costs.

Book Description

In Manchuria, before and during World War II, the Japanese army conducted numerous horrifying scientific experiments upon live human beings, including those relating to bacteriological and chemical warfare. After the war, the Japanese scientists who had been engaged in these activities were granted immunity from the US Army's investigation for war crimes in return for the results of their experiments. Factories of Death details the activities of these scientists and the subsequent US cover-up. It investigates sensitive topics like who knew of the experiments in the upper echelons of the Japanese military and political establishments, the question of whether or not Allied POWs were subjected to such tests, and the nature of the deal that was brokered with US authorities after the war.

Sheldon Harris has based his work on extensive field research in China and previously unavailable records from US governmental agencies and the KGB. This new edition has been completely updated, and contains an entirely new chapter detailing the numerous revelations that have surfaced since the book's initial publication in 1994.

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding Overview of a Dark Chapter in World History.......2006-10-26

You may believe you know all there is to know about the Japanese biological warfare program in WWII, chances are you don't. Sheldon Harris' book lays out all the detail of a massive bio research and employment operation conducted by the Japanese in Manchuria, China during WWII. Good stimulus for thought, particularly about ethics in time of war. Following the war, the American Government, made the conscious decision not to pursue war crime charges against those most responsible for this program in favor of exploiting the intelligence potential of the Japanese research. At the time, tensions were very high with the Soviet Union. The Chemical Warfare Service leadership was directly involved in that decision; you can decide for yourself whether that was the right call. The book bogs down a bit at the end, delving deeply in the U.S. government's investigation of the Japanese efforts, some may find this interesting, others will want to skip lightly through these chapters.

Only 3 Stars.......2006-08-24

I read this book because, frankly, my knowledge of this subject is weak. I know some about the Japanese Unit 731, but not much compared to the reading I have done on the Nazi's similar nefarious efforts.

The book does impart a good amount of information, but is not that well-written. If it were not for some references to 1990's events, I would swear this was a book out of the 1950's. Not that folks did not write great stuff in the 1950's, but the book's organization and style are, well, old-fashioned (??). Its not a good enough book to be 5 stars, and the writing quality takes it down to 3 stars. That said, I would suggest it to readers who have a definite interest in the Japanese BW efforts, and the U.S. giving them a Cold War "pass".

The book raises many questions.......2005-08-31

Dr. Harris' monumental work raises so many questions! Who in KMT China and Yenan, US War Dept, Surgeon General's Office knew what and when? So many "spook" organizations active before, during, after the war in China, Asia, I wish some scholar(s) would complete the picture, especially re Nanking Unit, "field" use of BW, hard-drug industry interconnections, trade between "Free" and "Occupied" China, "Golden Lily". Cross-referencing between Dr. Harris' book, other serious books, certain names keep turning up!

scholarly but lacking analysis.......2004-11-19

Harris' book is a necessary complement to the others which have been written over the years, i.e. it provides solid facts and data that were lacking in the other works. Although as a scientific piece of paper it is excellent, I have been disappointed in the treatment of such a horrible matter in such a scientifically detached way, much like the lukewarm attitude from journalists and reviewers when they talk about the deal made by the allied authorities with these criminals. In fact, they are worse than criminals since they treated their human victims much worse than people treat rats in their labs these days.
The pardon of these brutes and exchange for data on human experimentation was and is a dastardly act that should merit the strongest of condemnation. Saying it was a "Dark chapter in medical history.." simply does not cut it!! May the 10,000 victims of this horrible act eventually find the justice and peace they have waited so long for.

Must-read for WW2 history buffs........2003-03-31

Sheldon Harris, Factories of Death: Japanese Biological Warfare 1932-45 and the American Cover-Up (Second Edition) (Routledge, 2002)

During the time of the Great Depression in America, and up through the end of World War II, the Japanese medical corps, operating through the imperialist Kwantung Army, conducted thousands of biological warfare experiments on live human subjects. These subjects were primarily Chinese peasants convicted of petty crimes, but also included, as WW2 wore on, prisoners of war and non-criminal Chinese. For over forty years, these facts were kept an almost complete secret from the general public; glancing references would surface now and again, or a slick TV documentary would pop up for a British of Korean version of the TV magazines that are those countriesý parallels to something like 20-20 in America. No one treated the subject in depth; no one knew how to get enough proof. Even the Chinese government, when it attempted a full-length film documentary, was unable to come up with enough information (their aborted attempt was made into a fictional film, the notorious Men Behind the Sun).

Then came Williams and Wallace and their book Unit 731. Seven years later, Sheldon Harris expanded greatly on Williams and Wallaceýs knowledge with the definitive text on Unit 731ýs war crimes, Factories of Death. Another seven years has gone by since, and Harris and Routledge have released a second edition of Factories of Death that contains the updated information from documents that have been declassified since. As time goes on, the book gets even more horrifying.

Unlike Williams and Wallace or Hal Gold (whose book Unit 731: Testimony is a brilliant, if anecdotal, complement to this work), Harris keeps his feet rooted firmly on the ground, keeping any conjecture to the most logical conclusions to be drawn from the facts at hand. Gold, for example, speculates in Unit 731: Testimony that both MacArthur and Truman were fully aware of the America cover-up of Unit 731ýs activities; Harris refrains from even hinting at such a thing until all the evidence is completely laid out, and even then, he only glancingly makes reference to then-President Truman at all. Because of this loathness to speculate, when Harris does let the cork out and start ranting (which happens only very briefly, at the end of the penultimate chapter), some of the teeth are taken out of his vituperation; heýs just not willing to go where he needs to go. One might cynically think that the stronger language that haunts the last third of the penultimate chapter is there simply because ranting sells and scholarship doesnýt. (That said, those reviewers who have noted the bookýs dryness are right, to an extent, but anyone who considers this painfully dry should try reading any other book Routledge has ever released. This is a John Grisham novel in comparison, going by readability. I was surprised, and pleased, at how quickly the book flew by, given its imprint.)

That same failing is Harrisý greatest sin here; not one of commission, but of omission. Other books on Unit 731 have raised a number of questioning specters that Harris doesnýt touch on at all, including a few for which there is smoking-gun evidence (use of American biological warfare in North Korea in the 1950s that has Ishii Shiroýs stamp on it, the biological munitions plant at Hiroshima that led to Americaýs bombing of that city in 1945, etc.). It could reasonably be concluded that Harris didnýt think the evidence was sufficient to warrant mentioning them in the text, but even the casual Unit 731 scholar is sure to have heard the allegations; better, if youýre writing the definitive piece of scholarship, to address them rather than leave them
twisting in the wind.

Still, an excellent piece of work, one that history buffs are well advised to seek out. Schoolchildren (for this material is definitely in need of dissemination) could do with an abridged version; those who seek this out because they loved Men Behind the Sun should probably stick with the film unless theyýre used to reading nonfiction. (The notion of Ishii as a two-dimensional villain will be shattered within the first few pages. Prepare yourselves.) ****

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Factories of Death: Japanese Biological Warfare 1932-45 and the American Cover Up. (book reviews): An article from: Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
Karen Freeman
Manufacturer: Educational Foundation for Nuclear Science, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

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ASIN: B00093GZT8
Release Date: 2005-07-28

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, published by Educational Foundation for Nuclear Science, Inc. on January 1, 1995. The length of the article is 1451 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: Factories of Death: Japanese Biological Warfare 1932-45 and the American Cover Up. (book reviews)
Author: Karen Freeman
Publication: Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (Refereed)
Date: January 1, 1995
Publisher: Educational Foundation for Nuclear Science, Inc.
Volume: v51 Issue: n1 Page: p63(2)

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Factories of Death Japanese Biological Warfare 1932-45 and the American Cover-Up

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Factories of Death Japanese Biological Warfare 1932-45 and the American Cover-Up
Harris Sheldon H.
Manufacturer: Routledge
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000UDDRGQ

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Factories of Death: Japanese Biological Warfare, 1932-45, and the American cover-up
Sheldon H. Harris
Manufacturer: Routledge
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000V8ZGBO

Si wang gong chang: Meiguo yan gai de Riben xi jun zhan fan zui = Factories of death : Japanese biological warfare, 1932-45, and the American cover-up

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Si wang gong chang: Meiguo yan gai de Riben xi jun zhan fan zui = Factories of death : Japanese biological warfare, 1932-45, and the American cover-up
Sheldon H Harris
Manufacturer: Xin hua shu dian Shanghai fa xing suo jing xiao
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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ASIN: 7208035520

Book Description

"Policy specialists and academic scholars have long agreed that for U.S. leaders to deal effectively with other actors in the international arena, they need images of their adversaries. Leaders must try to see events, and, indeed, their own behavior, from the perspective of opponents. . . . Faulty images are a source of misperceptions and miscalculations that have often led to major errors in policy, avoidable catastrophes, and missed opportunities. History supplies all too many examples."—from the Foreword

What impels leaders to lead and followers to follow? How did Osama bin Laden, the son of a multibillionaire construction magnate in Saudi Arabia, become the world's number-one terrorist? What are the psychological foundations of man's inhumanity to man, ethnic cleansing, and genocide? Jerrold M. Post contends that such questions can be answered only through an understanding of the psychological foundations of leader personality and political behavior.

Post was founding director of the Center for the Analysis of Personality and Political Behavior for the CIA. He developed the political personality profiles of Menachem Begin and Anwar Sadat for President Jimmy Carter's use at the Camp David talks and initiated the U.S. government's research program on the psychology of political terrorism. He was awarded the Intelligence Medal of Merit in 1979 for his leadership of the center.

In this book, he draws on psychological and personality theories, as well as interviews with individual terrorists and those who have interacted with particular leaders, to discuss a range of issues: the effects of illness and age on a leader's political behavior; narcissism and the relationship between followers and a charismatic leader; the impact of crisis-induced stress on policymakers; the mind of the terrorist, with a consideration of "killing in the name of God"; and the need for enemies and the rise of ethnic conflict and terrorism in the post-Cold War environment. The leaders he discusses include Fidel Castro, Osama bin Laden, Saddam Hussein, Kim Jong Il, and Slobodan Milosevic.

Customer Reviews:

An Excellent Source.......2007-09-27

We are currently using this book as a source for my political psychology class. It has been extremely helpful in understanding the background of some of the "terrorist" leaders in the world. It shows the background of these leaders and that they are not all psychopathic monsters but have some reason to their decisions. This book is a must have for all people hoping to understand the complex situations and people that the United States is involved with.

Political psychology in this political surprising world.......2007-07-30

Dr. Post give a lot of books in one. Terrorism, ethnic violence, political profiles, are addressed brilliantly in an educational way.

Understanding The Enemies of U.S........2005-06-30

Jerrold M. Post discusses and informs on psychological war, concentrating on confirmed enemies of the United States. The power of a charismatic leader derives from his capacity to focus hatred against a single enemy (example: Hitler in the 1930s).

Like Hitler, Fidel Castro is a destructive, charismatic and blames the enemy, takes no personal responsibility for leadership failures. "Combining extreme gradiosity with a paranoid outlook, an absence of conscience, and a willingness to use whatever aggression is necessary in the service of his own needs." The messianic leader's dreams of glory do not mellow with age. As he gets older, achieving those heroic goals takes on an increased urgency.

An interesting fact about this 'man with a mission' (not previously known) is that Osama bin Laden is the son of a multi-billionaire construction magnate in Saudi Arabia. His father started the business with government aid but had ten wives and 50+ children (25 were sons and he was the 13th). Born in 1957, he inherited $57 million at the age of sixteen. He went to university and became a certified civil engineer. After he started the terrorist group, al Qaeda (the Base), he lived in the caves of Afghanistan and called himself 'the warrior king.' He convinced his hundreds of followers that Americans are 'infidels' and should be anniliated. He claims he was the instigator of the 9/11 tragedies.

This indepth study of the the personalities of some other leaders of hate groups in other countries is detailed, and he included a good index. This book will open your eyes to the dangers from many areas the United States' citizens are in at present. They are taught that it is God's will to kill us, just because our country is a superpower. They are galvanized by the power they derive from dying for a just cause and taking hundreds of Americans with them.

Understanding The eaders Shaping Our World Today and Tomorr.......2004-05-10

A rare work combining fascinating historical, political and psychological analyses of leadership and the leaders shaping our world. Dr. Post has the unusual ability to present his deep and important psychological insights in a jargon free style, making this powerful work accessible to both professional and non-professional readers.

Know your enemies as well as your friends.......2004-04-20

I highly recommend Leaders and Their Followers in a Dangerous World. It is an important,informative work - written in a most readable style. Dr.Jerrold Post is a pioneer (arguably,the best) in the field of psychological profiling and the practical application of personality assessment. The reader is presented with both the finished analytical product (the collection of profiles includes Fidel Castro, Saddam Hussein, North Korea's Kim Jong Il) and the tools employed in crafting their images. From Pres. Carter's administration (at the Camp David Summit) to the present, Post's expert ability to assess the motivation and mental makeup of our friends and adversaries has been an effective tool used by key players in Government. Dr. Post served as an expert witness at the trial of the al Qaeda terrorists who were convicted in the bombings of the American Embassies in Tanzania and Kenya. He lays out a good deal of information not widely known about al Qaeda training and its methods. His dispassionate, analytical discussion of Osama bin Laden and his organization is chilling. Dr. Post's work will be read many times over by those who understand the importance of viewing and dealing with conflict by first attempting to see the situation through the eyes and mind of their opponents.

Book Description

FROM THE ICE. . . A mammoth, flash frozen in solid ice 10,000 years ago is brought to the surface by a team of scientists. An act of sabotage frees the giant from its icy tomb and reveals the secret held inside. OUT OF THE MAMMOTH. . . The body of an ancient woman, cloaked in furs, slides out of the mammoth's belly. But it is not the woman that holds the team's attention...it is the object she is clutching...a device created by an advanced civilization. THE HUNT IS ON. . . The device is accidentally activated, summoning forces who seek its destruction. It is the key to mankind's salvation and freedom from the men behind the curtain, pulling the strings and leading humanity towards destruction.

Customer Reviews:

I had such high hopes ..........2007-10-10

I love the authors who recommended this book, so I was so excited when I got it, but I have to agree with some of the other reviewers: the grammar was so awful, it was distracting. The book itself could have used a strong hand in editing it. The plot was thin, the dialogue was unrealistic and stilted, and the characters were flat. I was intrigued by the thought of the mammoth and the excavation, but that was hardly a part of the book. For those looking for fascinating creatures and ancient or scientific discoveries, try Steve Alten or James Rollins. This books reads like a high schooler's screenplay, light on the plot and without realistic dialogue. I saw this author has another book out, and I love the cover, but after recalling this one, I can't in good faith make the purchase.

Nice idea, writing improvement needed.......2007-09-23

While I liked the core idea of this book, that two extra-galactic civilizations are opposing one another to destroy/save worlds, some of the details are inconsistent. Also the writing doesn't do a great job of making the characters realistic and wanders off into "B" movie kind of dialogue, plus they also overreact, one moment they are lucid and even giving orders and then next they are whimpering in fear somewhere, then they snap back to reality. An easy, okay read for the beach for sci-fi fans but not for my "best books" list.

Addicted to Arctic Adventures! Especially this one........2007-08-21

Raising the Past....This book is fantastic! I recommend it to anyone. A fun read with finely tuned details of the arctic and it's conditions. I didn't want the suspence that was killing me to end. Each one of the characters has a vitality all their own. This is a story that makes you think, and crave for a sequel. And hopefully there's a movie in the making! I'm glad I found this book. With the wonderful endorsements made by author James Rollins saying how great this book is...and he's right!
Can't wait for my copy of Antarktos Rising to arrive in the mail. I've found another favorite author!

What Happen's Next.......2007-08-20

Great read. I feel as if I have made a trip to the Artic, even though it has been 90 degrees in my geographical location. I can't believe how authors can come up with such diverse plots and situations. Raising the Past was so good that I couldn't put it down. Thank heavens I have a DVR cause I didn't even turn on the television until I finished it.

Some may complain about grammar and words that were misspelled. But it didn't detract from me being in the Artic, waiting for the next shoe to fall. Write another book, Mr. Robinson. I like your style !!

Mammoth Adventure!.......2007-07-07

The story begins ten thousand years ago, when a canny cavewoman is visited by strangers from another world. She accepts the object they give her, yet at the end of her life she fails to use it as they instructed. Next thing you know, her frozen remains are unwittingly discovered by a modern-day excavation team in search of the woolly mammoth. Tried and tested archaeologists are rocketed into a fight for their lives and ultimately for the whole planet.

Twists and turns of truly "mammoth" proportions follow. The action rarely eases, and new dangers heap up around every corner. The reader is fleeing along with the team, and learns the truth step by shocking step until finally the entirety of the deception is revealed. Nothing is as it seems to be. What if the idea of angels and demons really did come from opposing alien factions, warring for control of the Earth - one race said to be evil and another claiming to be good?

This is a good exercise in mind-expansion, for sure. It's mainstream fiction, although you will also find spiritual aspects - chiefly the significance of free will in the value of human society. Vast quantities of blood and gore, fights to the death, and impossible chase scenes with larger-than-life alien species make this a nail-biting thriller from beginning to end - though not necessarily to be recommended for a weak constitution. It reminded me vaguely of Jurassic Park at times, in a different setting and with different monsters.

"Raising the Past" makes a terrific cross-over effort, in two directions at once. It's ideal to draw an average reader into the science fiction scene, and may also serve as an effective introduction for someone unfamiliar with spiritual genres. It's this mix that brings you to the unique conclusion, amazingly managing to leave the world unshattered at the end. I view it as a considerable bridge-building contribution and an enrichment to the genre scene.

Whales, Ice, and Men: The History of Whaling in the Western Arctic

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Colourful & Precise
An extremely well organized and interesting history.

Whales, Ice, and Men: The History of Whaling in the Western Arctic
John R. Bockstoce
Manufacturer: University of Washington Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Customer Reviews:

Colourful & Precise.......2000-07-16

Comprehensively researched, this book provides a complete history of whaling in Alaska, from its inception to its demise. Whaling was an important part of American history, a unique part that is forever gone, and deserves examination, despite our present sentiments on the subject. Mr. Bockstoce's history is thorough and provides considerable detail, and delves into a wide range of issues, from economic factors to the impact on the Native population. Still, the book is more than history. What makes it fascinating reading are the anecdotes and personal glimpses into the lives of the people who were involved. Whatever else they were, they did not lack for courage and perseverance. It's their stories, funny, strange, gruesome, or just colorful, that make the lost ships and abandoned harbors and history come to life. Overall, an great read for anyone with an interest in a clear and concisely-written history that includes personalities as well as data.

An extremely well organized and interesting history........1998-05-05

This book is the best one I have read about the history of whaling. It gives the reader a perspective that others sometimes do not. It is well illustrated and gives you the feel that you are actually part of the history Mr. Bockstoce is presenting. You understand how and why the Arctic whaling industry thrived and finally met its demise.

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Simply the best read ever
Adventures from another era
Reader from Israel
The inside scoop on whaling

Of Whales and Men
R B Robertson
Manufacturer: Simon Schuster Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0671203517

Customer Reviews:

Simply the best read ever.......2007-07-20

I still can't believe that a book about whaling would be the best read i ever had. Written by a medical doctor, it narrates the daily life on board a whaling ship in the 50's. A way of life and times long gone, but amazingly interesting. Got two copies of it, one to lend to friends, one that will never leave my bedside. A real treasure of a book.

Adventures from another era.......2006-10-11

In the 1960s worked on a Norwegian whaler and later out of Valparaiso in Chile in the fishing grounds described in this book. It is a very good insight into that whole life - a life that is all but gone now. It was tough work and you met real 'characters' and this book gives you a first-hand insight into that life. In today's world where so may people are office-bound it is refreshing to read of such adventurous times. Dr Robertson's writing is a bit formal but it is of the era and overall this book is a great read.

Reader from Israel.......2004-01-06

Very good book , probably one of a kind , recommend highly.

The inside scoop on whaling.......2003-05-02

I highly recommend Dr. Robertson's account of his experiences on a whaling ship. He provides detailed information of not only the whaling process, but also the psyches and personalities of the whalemen. Because this was his first voyage aboard a whaleship, Dr. Robertson takes the view of the novice, asking the whalemen questions that most experienced sailors would not bother inquiring about. He signed on as the ship's doctor, though he was more interested in probing into the psychology of whalemen.In doing this investigation, Dr. Robertson reveals the scientific methods involved in whaling, as well as the lore and superstitions associated with some of the whalers' procedures. He encompasses both the tradition of whaling as well as the advances afforded by modern technology. I'm not sure how outdated this information is, as it was written more then 40 years ago or so, but even still it opened my eyes into what actually goes on on a whaleship. Each chapter was fascinating, filled with the personal stories of the whalemen and insightful tidbits about each whaler's role on the ship. There is a ton of "inside scoop" given to the author from several whalemen approaching him with the introduction, "Here, let me show you somethin', doc." Never boring or mundane, a great read if you're interested in the process of whaling from the eyes of a beginner.

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Fascinating study of whales and the whaling industry

Men and Whales
Richard Ellis
Manufacturer: The Lyons Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Book of Whales

ASIN: 1558216960

Amazon.com

The shadowy figure of Leviathan has haunted the dreams of humans for millennia, figuring in the folklore, literature, and religion of many cultures. Richard Ellis, a noted marine artist and the author of many popular books on oceanographic topics, here offers an in-depth but readily accessible study of the human quest to understand whales--a quest that often found expression in hunting them. The whale road led the ancient Basques, Ellis writes, to cross the Atlantic 500 years before Columbus; it spawned a great New England-based industry that helped the United States to become a seagoing power in the 19th century (and that produced one of America's greatest novels, Herman Melville's Moby-Dick); and it ultimately led to conflicts between nations, as some industrial powers sought to protect the great marine mammals while others continued to hunt them nearly to extinction. Ellis's book is among the finest in the library devoted to cetaceans; he packs an astonishing array of folklore, anthropology, history, and science into these 500 richly illustrated pages (and the photographs and drawings alone are worth the book's price). Noting with regret that "most of the accumulated knowledge of the animals has come from those who have killed them," Ellis overlooks nothing that even remotely touches upon these giants of the deep, and the well-written story that emerges is full of respect and affection for humans and whales alike. --Gregory McNamee

Book Description

In Men and Whales, acclaimed marine writer and artist Richard Ellis presents the powerful, fascinating story of one of our most significant and complex relationships with nature. Tracking whaling from neolithic hunts to the world ban on commercial whaling - with fascinating natural and cultural history throughout - Ellis has given us the most comprehensive volume yet written on the subject. (9 X 11, 560 pages, b&w photos, maps, illustrations, charts)

Customer Reviews:

Fascinating study of whales and the whaling industry.......1999-01-23

For nature lovers, the descriptions of whaling practices may be difficult and painful to read. But, if you are intersted in maritime history, this book has a whole lot to offer. Ellis has several 'interludes' throughout the book that describe life aboard a whaling ship in addition to some amazing stories of shipwrecks and mutiny on the high seas. One would think that the whaling industry had hit it's peak in the late 19th and early 20th century. But the sad truth is that it wasn't until the mid 20th century that whaling hit it's peak. The later chapters in the book describe the 'modern' whaling practices. These chapters tell the saddest tales of men and whales. The pictures of 'factory' ships used for whaling clearly illustrate the brutality and butchery of the modern whaling industry. It is profoundly sad to think that the brunt of the human attack on whales occured so recently. Several times, Ellis mentions that certain populations of whales may be depleted to such an extent that they may never recover. But, he leaves us with hope at the end of the book with a good discussion on the international moratorium on whaling.

Average customer rating:

Dance the River Whale
Ron Mercier
Manufacturer: Deerbridge Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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Accessories:

ASIN: 0966852702

Book Description

When twenty-four-year-old Tom Tetreault becomes consumed with a self-destructive hate for his grandfather, a near-death experience introduces him to invisible forces that enable him not only to recover his own life, but to help his grandfather die as he had seldom lived- in peace.

The intermediary between Tom and those forces for life is a spirit guide called the Dark Woman, modeled after the wise woman of the Iroquois nations. From a small Massachusetts fishing town, through New Hampshire and Vermont, to the banks of the St. Lawrence River in Canada, she accompanies him on an extraordinary journey of forgiveness and reconciliation.

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