Highly recommended, especially as an introduction to her work
346839
"Gethsemane" is a lovely piece, well crafted and with a plot that goes from playful borderline erotic across to gothic horror seamlessly.  Donald does not telegraph her plot twists while still allowing a sense of foreboding and impending doom to creep up on the reader.  Highly recommended, especially as an introduction to her work.  Good stuff.
3577073
I learned of this title from a book about Georgia O'Keeffe's personal library (The Book Room: Georgia O'Keeffe's Library at Abiquiu by Ruth Fine, Elizabeth Glassman, Juan Hamilton. Grolier Club, 1997 -&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Book-Room-Georgia-OKeeffes-Library/dp/1605830100/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Book Room Georgia OKeeffes Library</a>&nbsp;According to Ruth Fine et al., O'Keeffe owned the 1943 edition of this essay (originally published in 1911). Her copy indicated it was well-read and included areas with extensive mark-ups (by G.O.)

Fine's volume also mentions Binyon's Asian art theory book, Painting in the Far East (1908).

I'm happy to see it in circulation and look forward to reading it. (Adding to my wish list!) Giving it four stars since I haven't actually read it yet, but I expect that it will be valuable reading based on O'Keeffe's use of it in her own studies. (I may change that after I read it- hopefully to five stars.)
4396711
Other reviews have done a great job describing the content of the book, so I'll stick to my impressions as a reader. This was throughly and really exhaustively researched, and really a credit to Natalie Dykstra as a historian. The scope of her sources are really shown here, particularly the extent to which Dykstra was able to use primary sources such as family journals and letters. She is a very careful writer as well, being extremely careful in the way that she presents the fiction of the time that Clover Adams might have been reflected in -- both her husband, Henry Adams's novels, as well as the work of Clover's friend Henry James. These portions are thorough, but Dykstra is careful to avoid reading into the fiction too far, which is very pleasant for the reader.

It's amazing the extent to which Dykstra is able to use this portrait of Clover to also give a wonderful insight into the day-to-day lives of women of her class and background, from the Boston of her youth to her years in Washington. There's incredible detail here, and a really rich portrait of living at that time.

The portions of the book that examine Clover's photographic work are very very good, and very interesting in their insights. This is where Dykstra seemed to be at her best in capturing the thoughts and personality of Clover, particularly impressive given that this was the period in Clover's life where she began becoming more elusive, withdrawn, and began her sad path toward her eventual suicide. Very nicely done. Dykstra is also thoughtful in her lack of scapegoating, with a good amount of care taken.

Where the book struggles a little is before Clover's discovery of her own artistry, when sometimes Dykstra can delve a little too far into the minutiae of name-dropping every moderately historically significant person that Clover came into contact with. Worthwhile perhaps, but the book drags slightly at times, and I think it would've taken a little more authorial sparkle than Dykstra has at her disposal to balance out these moments. But it's not enough to make you put down the book, and the introduced mystery of Clover's suicide at the beginning is enough to push through some of the moments that drag.
1785482
I found my copy of this at a Barnes & Noble bookstore bargain buy rack while I was in the checkout line. it a nice little book that give review of her history from her creator and the main writers of her book to the George Perez era. and how she has changed through each artist. it divides each chapter into different aspects of what makes her unique. one chapter is devoted for example by how her gadgets/weapons have evolved through the years, another chapter delves into how her femininity had to adjust through real life attitudes at the time. another one talks about her relationships with men and colleges and villains.  it is quiet easy to read and can be finished in one reading if you want. the chapters however could have been more detailed and at times they would end abruptly. they have plenty of pictures of her throughout the book and sometimes they add pages from some of her comics books throughout the years - almost like your getting a free comic book within the book itself. the art is beautiful and it is an overall delightful book that I recommend you get in addition to other "Biography" books about her to get the overall picture of her history.
1870164
The other reviewer ("Sadly Disappointed") may not have read the introduction of the book, otherwise they would have seen that Sandra Schneiders discusses the postive and negative aspects of many forms of the feminism movement. In fact, she refers to the movement in the plural of "feminisms", point out that there is not one form of feminism that currently exists within society and societies.

The first chapter of the book is a cogent summary of feminism, beginning with the late 19th century European feminisms, though our own modern day expressions thereof. She then offers her reflections which lead a person to examine which feminist expressions best suit the issues that we are facing in our own day, ending with practical examples of real life situations.

The book is a great resource for those who are trying to attain a working understanding of current feminist expression and movements within society and, especially, how it relates to religious identities.

No one author can be taken as the sole voice or summary of an entire thinking, and I am sure the author would dislike being assumed to be such, but as an introductory text, "Beyond Patching" is excellent.
2608112
met the author a few years ago and have admired her work since...great to see so many samples of her art in this book
1291099
I picked up this book after being thoroughly impressed by Sarah Bakewell's book on Montaigne. She weaves an artful thread through the lives and words of the key existentialists (including both their influences and followers) using a deft, insightful, and engaging language. As with Bakewell's work on Montaigne, her ability to present (with a combination of interpreting and revealing) the context, content, and character of these thoroughly individual, and individualist, thinkers is enviable, and makes for an absolutely enjoyable reading experience. I highly recommend this book, and anything else she writes.
2410109
The stories of the two vastly differenct families that represent the disparities in the rapidly modernizing English society--Intellect vs. materialism, idealism vs. pragmatism, art/literature vs. buiness/wealth, and the issues about genders, relationships/marriages, death, fate, and social/economic classes.  Yet the inquiries, raised by the Schlegels sisters, particularly by the more pensive one of the two, margaret, and the manner and eloquence in which she asks these questions deeply moved me both intellectually and emotionally as well.  I think that she asks all the fundamental questions that are still relevant to all the thinking persons in our time, and her desire of "connecting" resonates throughout the book. The writing is beautiful, funny, and poignant. This is absolutely a lovely, lovely book.
3744704
This is a brilliant , exciting, wise  and insightful book work, with rich, deep subtle and nuanced transdisciplinary scholarship. While relatively brief at 178 pages, it is  comprehensive, densely concentrated, with  much  detail and breadth and a lucid,  readable fluent style.
I liked the way that Nicholson with her  profound grasp of Wilbers Integral Theory, which in many ways  structured and informed her approach, was able to  extend and enhance it,  with the best of current feminist thinking and research. This book is highly recommended for the reader who is interested in  exploring how Wilbers Integral Theory and contemporary feminism mutually enrich each other and contribute to a fuller vision for the future evolutionary development  of men and women together.
As a man reading this book,  it was an education  in comprehensive  feminist scholarship, which has helped me to understand women a little better, which hopefully will improve my relationships, empathy and communication with them. It will be  a very useful resource to which I will return, to better absorb some if its insights and perspectives. I was left with the conviction that Nicholson is a credible, balanced, integrated, compassionate and reliable guide through  this, at times unfamiliar,  territory.
The book starts with Joseph Campbells heros journey, which she critiques for its emphasis on the males journey, while leaving out that of women. Her book develops a narrative of the heroine as one of a growing relationship with and as the divine. She goes on to  delineate the three waves of feminism each with their valuable contributions and limitations.
Using mainly Wilbers developmental framework,  she outlines  the  stages from magic, mythic,  rational and integral, as relating and applying  to women,  with much more emphasis and  comprehensive scholarship,  than Wilber has provided, correcting his deficiencies and elucidating some blind spots. I was unfamiliar with much of this, although a keen Wilber student.
I was pleased to see that she situated some of the prominent woman saints and mystics, eg Rabia,  Mirabai, St Clare,, Julian of Norwich and Saint Theresa of Avila, withihn this evolutionary journey, as they struggled within societal, gendered limitations to follow their callings,, opening the way for other women to follow.
The most interesting chapter for me was the penultimate one on divine horizons, womens path to the unitive, using Cook-Greuters  and Wades research and conceptuality of the higher unitive stages of spiritual and integrated development.
I like the way she concludes on a hopeful note  , that male and female perspectives may be able to be brought together , in an integral union , while respecting the particularities , differences and partialities of each. She envisages that a sacred, intersubjective  marriage between  men and women is possible as women gain their subjectivity,  with an appreciation of  divine women of the past and the potentiality of womens archetype of the Self for future development. She sees her book as  a contribution to an open, ongoing conversation honouring the journey of women as heroine. I learnt much from this book.
Her 35 page bibliography is an indication of her range and depth of her scholarship across many fields.  My only, minor, quibble is with the skimpy index, eg with no mention by name of the women mystics she honours in the test.
My thanks for an excellent book. John ONeill
295993
SALLY RIDE: A PHOTOBIOGRAPHY OF AMERICAS PIONEERING WOMAN IN SPACE by Tam OShaughnessy tells the inspiring story of a scientist and astronaut who advocated for space exploration and science education.

Written by Sallys long-time partner Tam OShaughnessys, this visually-rich photobiography is filled with personal photographs and artifacts including school papers, ticket stubs, letters, and receipts that provide intimate insights into the life of this very private person. What makes this work particularly appealing and unique is the way the author weaves in her own thoughts and memories of Sally throughout the narrative.

Although Sally Ride was best known as a space shuttle astronaut, this middle-grade biography explores the entire life of this famous woman. Unlike most works of nonfiction, this book doesnt start with a Table of Contents. Instead, it begins with a prologue sharing the story of how Sally and Tam met. The book is divided into sections focusing on Sallys early childhood, her tween and teen years, her college years, her time as an astronaut, and her life as an advocate for science education. The book concludes with a cast of characters, timeline, and index.

Librarians will find this to be a popular biography. Its easy-to-read and highly illustrated making it particularly useful for reluctant readers. Unlike many biographies that examine a famous person at a distance, this book provides a very personal look at this private person. The author does a stellar job addressing Sallys love-life using an age-appropriate approach. Although Sally will likely be known for her ground-breaking firsts as both a female and lesbian astronaut, the book focuses on her life rather than these labels.

It can be difficult to find engaging biographies for the middle grades. Look for this work of nonfiction on the best of 2015 lists!

Published by Roaring Brook Press an imprint of Macmillan on October 6, 2015.
4238500
This is a wonderful introduction to Acker...to all the major themes, motifs and techniques she would continue to explore through the rest of her life.  I've had trouble with her work in the past, but these 3 short novels  pulled me into her mindset enough to get a handle on what she is about and  made me want to re-read her later work. These works are highly  experimental, using a fractured collage technique and jarring jump-cuts to  new points of view, so they are not for the relaxing subway ride home.  Also contains a high exploration of gender roles, sexual identity, sexual  deviancy that is touching and thoughtful, but may insult or frighten more  conservative readers.
1687183
Not as well known among the "casual-interest" art crowd, Brion Gysin is extremely important to contemporary art. He inspired artists, poets and musicians, and his work - which is diverse, radical and defies categorization - includes paintings, drawings, photo-collages, installations, poetry and sound experiments.  It's detailed for the first time in this book, which is a great introduction to the artist- at least it was for me.

The volume offers an up-close look at Gysin's works, through both a historical and contemporary eye, with special attention placed on his inventions. Of special note are a cut-up collage novel, The Third Mind (1965) that he created with William Burroughs, and the Dreamachine he made with Ian Sommerville. The latter, created in 1961, is a kinetic sculpture designed to induce visions by playing flickering light on the closed eyes of the viewer, and something I found to be fascinating. There are excellent illustrations of his works throughout, but perhaps as exciting is the text, photo essays and comments from contemporary artists, which capture and portray a remarkable man who many describe as an "artistic visionary."
4220617
What this book is not:  An illustrated history of design, designers, or of Sister Parish herself.  What this book is:  An intriguing and engaging collection of insights by many of the major designers of our time.  It was surprisingly hard to put down because of its gossipy side notes and because the contributors' personalities come through so strongly as they opine on different topics.  The watercolors are beautiful but there are not as many illustrations as I would like to see especially on the tricky topics of lighting and kitchens.  If you read it and don't look at your home space differently, then you missed the point.  It's more useful and more timely than Alexandra Stoddard's "Creating a Beautiful Home." The diverse points of view help identify the most common themes-- be useful, be comfortable, and be beautiful-- all at once.  Rooms should be for real living.
2845602
I too was drawn to "A Short History of Women" because of the breathlessly rave review by Leah Hager Cohen in the NY Times, so my expectations were high. This, despite the fact that I find these sort of multigenerational "women's" stories tend to be pretentious and off-putting (aka Michael Cunningham, who this book is unfavourably compared to by other reviewers). Walbert's prose is straightforward, finely detailed-- and cool to the touch, so much so that I was ready to give up after the first couple of chapters. I am glad that I didn't. The stories become richer as the book goes on, more intimate and funny. I haven't come across an author since Alice Munro who has me both wincing, almost weeping, and then laughing at her descriptions of the lives of women at different phases of their lives, often colliding.
One of the most critical reviews I read of "A Short History of Women" on amazon seems to expect a more ra-ra celebratory tone because of some of the triumphs of the women's movement and its positive effects on women's lives.
This is not an earnest inspirational text, but rather, a series of portraits of women who are frustrating, ambitious, charming, selfish, intelligent, and sometimes, scared. Their motives can seem mysterious to the reader and even to the character herself. Meanwhile,  Walbert frames the individual narratives within the larger issues that the various "waves" of the women's movement have faced. And in her creation of both relatable and complex characters, Walbert shows that not all women ride the waves of feminist liberation with grand poetic style. Many of us are thrashing about, trying to make sense of the push and pull of friendship, love-ship, motherhood, and desire for independence.
4282920
I have heard her read, and think the pleasure I get from the poems is a reflection of the many engaging parts of her life. Some of the poems describe difficult or worse situations in her life, and the sense of self and strength I find is what impresses me. The temperament and individuality of the cast of characters is both curious and entertaining. A pleasurable read.
2407205
Mariann Burke's book Reimagining Mary is profound.  She develops the theme of the Annunciation through exploring varieties of ways it has been depicted in great art, especially, though not only, Fra Angelico, and she does so in a way that will be illuminating for readers.  She links understandings of Mary, and especially of the Annunciation, with mythic experience that goes well beyond Christianity, and in this way she opens up possibilities of what Mary can mean for many people and many cultures.  Her inclusion of multiple pieces of art and her commentaries on these pieces make the art, the artists, and the Marian themes being explored come alive.  Her analysis according to Jungian themes also brings valuable insights, leading readers to awareness of Mary's significance that goes beyond the solely intellectual.

Burke leads the reader on a learning journey by describing her own explorations and greater awareness as these have evolved over several decades of serious research and deep contemplation.  She teaches us how to "look" at great art and shows us how much more can be seen in it if we appreciate the deep human archetypal experiences to which it is linked.  She is humble in her writing; truthful about her experiences, her limits and her questions in ways that validate and stimulate readers' own explorations.

The book includes wry humor throughout.  It is also very convincing, especially when she describes insights about proper (and improper) roles of women in organized religion that of necessity flow from her studies.  This is a very valuable book to read and then to continue to reflect on.
2731782
This excellent work sold out its first printing at University of Delaware Press and is now in its second printing-- perhaps because it offers something quite unusual: a perceptive and thought-provoking discussion, deeply informed and yet accessible to any interested reader, of, as the subtitle tells us, "British and German Writers and Activists" of World Wars I and II.  Most of the writers included are women, but the inclusion of some male poets as well adds to the perspective of the discussion, and works well within the author's thesis.  To quote from Professor Byles' concluding chapter, "this book is not so much about the historical-social period of the two world wars as it is about the literature of these wars and the interweaving of the connections--the similarities and the differences-- between the works of the two eras.  In particular, I have been concerned with the poetry that articulates the perspectives on the historical, social and cultural realities of these tragic years in Europe in the first half of the twentieth century.  For it is above all in reading the poetry of these two wars that as women and men we come to understand and respond to the horror of war as the most terrifying of human acitivies."  Earlier, she remarks that "it is one of the arguments of this book that the underrepresentation of international women in political life and in positions of power contributed to the climate of opoinion that resulted in two devastating world wars that killed millions."  This work, by focusing particularly on the voices of women poets and activists, provides an opportunity for them to be heard again, and through its anti-war perspective provides incentive for greater representation and activism in the future.  The book consists of an introduction, five chapters, and a conclusion.  The chapters are: 1) Women's Experience of World War I: Britain and Germany; 2) British Women Poets and Soldier Poets of World War I; 3) Women between the World Wars, 1918-1939; 4) Women's Experience of World War II: Britain and Germany; 5) British Women and Men Poets of World War II.  WAR, WOMEN AND POETRY, 1914-1945 is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the history of the two world wars, in the intertextuality of poetry from opposing sides in war, in women's history, in peace studies, in poetry itself. It would be an excellent addition to college, secondary school, and public libraries.  Dr. Joan Montgomery Byles is a poet herself, and a noted Shakespeare scholar, whose love of poetry is combined with her astute understanding of history.  I approached this book through my perspective as a professor of English and of Women's Studies, but also from that of a woman who is horrified by war and interested in peace studies, and I recommend it highly.