This is Edward Lefevre’s story of the legendary speculator Jesse Livermore - and Reminiscences of a Stock Operator is full of trading wisdom.

Although written 83 years ago, its wisdom and insight are timeless, being often featured as one of the top ten investment books of all time - and this is a book every trader should read.

Jesse Livermore - A Trading Legend

The book follows the exploits of Jesse Livermore and his colorful trading history.

He made and lost tens of millions of dollars, speculating in the stock and commodities markets during the early 1900s.

At one stage, he made $10 million dollars in just one month - imagine what this amount would be worth today!

The Importance of Money Management

Reminiscences of a Stock Operator, though, are not so much lessons in how to make money - but how you should protect what you have.

The book is a witty and entertaining read - but the real value of the book is the insight into a traders mind, and how our emotions cause us to lose more than we should - if we don’t trade with discipline.

As Livermore says:

“Losing money is the least of my troubles. A loss never bothers me after I take it. I forget it overnight. But being wrong - not taking the loss - that is what does the damage to the pocketbook and to the soul.”

Can you associate with that? - I can!

“All stock market mistakes wound you in two tender spots - your pocketbook and your vanity.”

Yes, we all hate taking losses, but at the end of the day, you have to forget your pride - as Livermore says, but you need to keep losses small.

The Myth of Market Timing

Whilst the book is rightly seen as an insight into trader psychology, it also makes an important point in relation to market timing, and trying to PREDICT market turning points.

As Livermore correctly says:

“One of the most helpful things that anybody can learn, is to give up trying to catch the last eighth-or the first. These two are the most expensive eighths in the world. They have cost stock traders, in the aggregate, enough millions of dollars to build a concrete highway across the continent.”

He’s Right!

Many traders make the mistake of trying to predict market turning points - and follow methods such as Gann and Prechter - but the fact is, the best way to make money, is to wait for confirmation - before entering the market.

You miss a bit of the move, but so what? - You will make money overall, as the odds will be in your favor.

Predicting the market, nearly 80 years after Livermore’s death, is still a major mistake traders make today.

A Sad Ending and a Lesson

This book was published seven years before the 1929 Crash.

Although Livermore avoided losses in the crash - he got out before the crash - he made the mistake of going back in too early - and lost heavily.

The market falls of late 1931 and 1932 drove him to bankruptcy - and eventually to suicide. This shows how even great traders like Livermore, could not keep their emotions out of trading - we all know it’s hard to do, but it’s an essential part of trading success.

Reminiscences of a Stock Operator remains one of those books that is a true classic, in the eyes of all who have read it.

If you have not read it, do so - it will bring a smile to your face, and give you trading insights you will remember forever.

New! A valuable FREE Currency Trader CD containing 9 critical trading reports, tips, strategies and speculating info. Visit our web site now and grab your CD http://www.tradercurrencies.com

Any library is characterized by a eminent bookcase.They help the role of holding and protecting volumes and diaries from debris and increasing their life. Bookcases generally have horizontal compartments for keeping publications. Outermost glass doors are a good option to refer and stock books neatly.

What is a barrister bookcase?

A barristers job involves referring several great legal books each day.These volumes are pricy too and required to be kept ready to hand for a quickly consultation.Barrister bookcases are designed with the same purpose of keeping heavy reference manuals for lawyers. Oak and cherry wood is the favoured choice for making these lawyers bookcases in many endings and hues.

How did individuals store volumes when barrister bookcases did not exist?

individuals did not feel the need for a bookcase as books were a rarity. Books utilized to be written by hand in the past. These books were located in boxes by the well-to-do class.This is because books were very costly and only rich families could afford to purchase them and carry them while travelling. Such boxes fulfilled the demand for a bookcase.

Soon lot of religious manuscripts and other such volumes were bought by the wealthy society. These volumes found a place in the closet or on a shelf. these cupboards gave rise to strong bookshelves found Now.

What technique was employed for stashing away books?

The old technique was different than what it is Now. The books would be placed on their sides or with the edge on the head. The volumes employed to be closed with a band made of leather, vellum or sheepskin that carried the title of the book.This band was located on the front edge and therefore the books were placed with their edges facing out.

printing was one conception that created books affordable. Because the titles could be printed behind the book, the edges were not facing outward any more.

Which materials were mainly used?

These barrister bookcases utilised to consist of oak usually. there were other choices of maple, cherry and pine wood if you liked.Custom-built barrister bookcases can be produced in steel too for trimming wood price and lastingness.Some of the oldest bookcases are in England in the Bodleian Library at Oxford University. they were kept in the library in the sixteenth century.

Chippendale and Sheraton were the leading bookcase designers who created the most beautiful bookcases.These bookcases indeed added to the elegance of the room.

Todays Barrister Bookcases.

Isnt it great to walk into the past times of a barrister bookcase, which was once just a bookshelf?

Author: Robert Fate
ISBN: 0977627691

From the first chapter of Baby Shark, Robert Fate delivers all the satisfactions of the traditional crime page-turner, as he exposes to his readers the merciless activities of a gang of vicious brutes.

Our plot unfolds in Henry Chin’s Poolroom where a young woman of seventeen witnesses her father being murdered with a cue stick by a member of a biker’s gang, Henry Chin, the Chinese owner of the hall being badly pummeled, while his son is murdered, several members of the gang being killed, the pool hall being set ablaze and the young woman being beaten, raped and left for dead by four of the gang’s beasts, who manage to escape.

Quite an opening and if you managed to survive all of this, as the woman, Kristin Van Dijk also known as Baby Shark did along with Henry Chin, what would you do? Probably, your first reaction would be to leave it to the law authorities, however, what happens when you discover that there is some rotten business going on with the police, as they don’t seem to be too eager in pursuing the case. What is more, there seems to be a cover up, as some influential person is protecting the gang, known as the Lost Demons, and as a result, the file is conveniently and mysteriously lost.

Kristin and Henry unshakably agree that they must avenge these atrocious crimes and consequently they choose to take the law into their own hands, seeing that, according to Henry, “no police justice. Henry know more ways one skin cat.” Consequently, as Kristin exhibits a great deal of doggedness, she decides that it will be necessary to financially support herself and she calls upon a friend of her late father to teach her to become a pool hustler, something her father pursued before his untimely death. She also engages two instructors, one to show her how to become a sharp shooter and the other to teach her self-defense. Although, Kristin considers herself to be a good person, she has arrived at a place where she could easily justify killing without remorse, notwithstanding that she would be driven to a level of barbarism in the process. To aid them in hunting down the killers and avenge the murders of a father and son, Henry, engages a private detective friend of his, Otis Millett who does a masterful job in coming to their assistance.

Although, Fate inserts several characters into his narrative, they are all well defined. The pace of the story and the chase to track down the killers moves along steadily, picking up in intensity when the author permits his readers to learn more about who is trying to protect the gang and in particular its leader, nicknamed “blue eyes.” Moreover, readers are given a realistic opportunity to solve the mystery along with Kristin and Henry before the rewarding finale. All the clues are on hand and conveyed without the surprising coincidences that sometimes ruin crime novels. This one is a winner!

Norm Goldman is the Editor of the Book Reviewing & Author Interviewing site http://www.bookpleasures.com Bookpleasures.com comprises over 30 international reviewers that come from all walks of life and that review all genre. Norm also offers an Express Review Service. You can find out more about this service by clicking on http://www.bookpleasures.com Norm is ranked among the top 1000 Amazon.com reviewers.

In addition, Norm is the editor of the travel site http://www.sketchandtravel.com Together with his artist wife Lily, the couple blend words with art focusing on romantic destinations.

The second to last book in the Chronicles of Narnia takes Eustace, known to readers of “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” and his classmate Jill on a perilous quest. Prince Rilian, the son of King Caspian, has been missing for years and must be found before the king dies.

As most of the books in the Narnia series, this one also begins and ends in the prosaic world of England, more specifically in a “progressive” school (that the narrator openly derides) attended by Eustace. Eustace has definitely improved after his adventures in Narnia, and while he helps his schoolmate Jill escape from a gang of bullies, the two of them suddenly discover a door that leads into Narnia. The boy and the girl soon become separated, and Jill has to overcome her fears when she encounters a lion, who of course turns out to be Aslan. Aslan sends them to search for Prince Rilian, the only son of the now aged Caspian (as we know from previous books, time flows at a different rate in Narnia) and gives Jill certain instructions and clues, which she unfortunately will not always remember.

During their journey, the two are accompanied by another of Lewis’ memorable and odd characters, Puddleglum the Marshwiggle, who despite his innate pessimism turns out to be a true friend. They encounter the mysterious Lady of the Green Kirtle who directs them to the City of Giants. Let it just be mentioned that they are supposed to play a rather peculiar role at a great feast there…

In the last chapters of this heavily allegorical book, the protagonists descend into an underworld, meet Prince Rilian who has been obviously bewitched and have to overcome the danger of materialism when they are pressured to deny the existence of Aslan and the “overworld”. Only then can they reascend into Narnia.

“The Silver Chair” is not one of the best books in the Chronicles of Narnia. Readers of the other volumes will find certain events rather predictable. Eustace and Jill never become the rounded characters that Peter, Edmund, Susan and Lucy were. Only the strange Marshwiggle shows some of Lewis’ old creativity in creating odd and memorable creatures.

Pamela Bruce lives in Austin, TX. She is the owner of Love Beads Unlimited and sells the sterling silver and Swarovski crystal bead jewelry she designs and creates both in her Etsy shop (http://lovebeadsunlimited.etsy.com) and on her website (built with Netscape Composer) at http://www.lovebeadsunlimited.com, where you can also download the free e-book “A Consumer’s Guide to Buying Bead Jewelry Online”.

Living with What Remains
By Judith D. Dupree
Quiddity Press (2004)
Reviewed by Cherie Burbach for Reader Views (3/06)

“Living With What Remains” speaks of a message of hope in a world so
often filled with struggle. The work consists of three sections of all free-
verse poetry, the presence of God and faith visible throughout. I found
the later poems of the book to be suggestive of the Psalms - calling out
to God in desperation and lament. In poems such as “Epiphany” we are
reminded that nature’s knowledge of God and His power is equivalent to
our own, perhaps more so - the tone reminding me of Mary Oliver’s
work from time to time.

In “Wind & Light & Sparrows” we get a sense of light through the
darkest times, that even when the world seems bleakest we can cling to
faith to see us through:

“The earth will turn
will bow before the shadowed dark
and shrug me on…
but I am not undone,
not chilled to hope.”

I was charmed by “And He Turns,” and the reminder of how awkwardly
we sometimes summons God, and the majestic way He responds:

“God looks over His shoulder
and He sees us in our waiting
sees us hem-and-hawing,
standing there,
needing Him, not wanting
to disturb Him.”

And then:

“He turns, the way
He taught the earth
to balance on its axis;

He turns like the eager
flex of sun come forth to
cover us each morning”

The poem “Blessing” offers a delightfully simple picture of God’s grace
broken up by hours, days, years, the world, and finally, the kingdom. It
sums up our short lives on earth and how quickly they will pass before
we are transported to God’s kingdom, where our new life of forever will
begin.

I especially enjoyed “Building The House” and its sweet nod to Habitat
for Humanity, as well as “These Things,” in its reminder of the true
meaning of our lives here on earth:

“We must weigh our lonely evidence
of grief against the quiet summary
of Hope -
and push beyond”

Appropriately rounding out the book is the poem, “Long Walk Home,”
which reminds us of the world to come, when we are finished with this
short life and enter Heaven with “arms full of dreams both lived and
shriveled.” The poem paints a beautiful picture of the majesty and
importance of God:

“He comes.
He simply steps from nothing
into everything
and everywhere
and all that was and is
and never came to be.”

Cherie Burbach is a reviewer for Reader Views
http://www.readerviews.com

J. J. recently published a novel that has a very interesting plot to it. It’s a pleasure to talk to him. Welcome to Reader Views.

Juanita: You have penned a compelling and intriguing novel, what inspired you to write “Truth Told”?

J.J. Nash: My simple want to tell a story and create a forum for discussion inspired “Truth Told.” I wanted to share my opinions of Truth, whether it was correct or not. As a life-long learner, I constantly read. I’m not someone who talks a lot; therefore, the only avenue I have to voice my opinion is through written words. All of my stories are inspired from my reading. It is my way of continuing the conversation of the previous author, and inserting my views on a particular subject or theory.

Juanita: The premise of your book comes from Plato’s “Apology”. Please elaborate on this.

J.J.: The “Apology” gives us the details of the trial of Socrates, who was put to death because he refused to stop educating the youth of Athens. Socrates, like my main character Vaughn, never apologized for what he did. Actually, he told the rulers of Athens that if they let him go he would continue doing just what was being accused of doing. Vaughn, the main character of “Truth Told,” never apologizes for his actions, and contends that he was totally justified through Truth.

Alice Walker said the only perfect book published was the Bible, and the rest of us practice the craft of writing; trying to write our own perfect book. When I practice writing, I am practicing to join “The Great Conversation.” “The Great Conversation,” as described by scholar/philosopher Mortimer Adler, is a continuing conversation written through time where writers build upon the premises of other great writers, answering the questions the others have presented. Therefore, in my writing I like to take other major works of literature, and try to answer the philosophical questions that have been presented.

“Truth Told” is based on Plato’s “Apology.” My upcoming title, “On A Pedestal,” tries to answer questions of love presented in Plato’s “Symposium.” I’m even working on a work that incorporates, Machiavelli’s “The Prince,” and “The Lost Books of the Bible.” It is my goal that soon, we will have an African-American’s voice inside “The Great Conversation.”

Juanita: Who are the characters in the book and are they inspired or reminiscent of anyone in your life?

J.J.: Vaughn Lee Robinson, was originally the main character in “Truth Told.” His character was formed from my thoughts about Socrates. Socrates declared that the more he learned, the more he realized that he knew nothing at all. Vaughn makes a statement in the book that he doesn’t know the truth, but he believes that he can recognize the truth when it comes along. Vaughn’s character is totally fictious growing from a base which is Socrates. The other characters in the book are based from concepts about Truth itself. I wanted to place an individual from every thought of truth in the book. For example, Trina, Vaughn’s niece, has no clue what Truth is, or what it means. It is her job in the book to find Truth. Ann, Trina’s mentor, and Carlos, Vaughn’s cell-mate, live by her/his own truth. What is relative for them, is true for them, whether it is someone else’s truth or not. Vaughn and Keith (Trina’s life-long friend) live by a concept of truth that is true for all, whether that thought does them good or not.

Juanita: What is the underlying message you would like “Truth Told” to convey to your readers?

J.J.: With hopes “Truth Told” would change the way we look at ourselves causing mankind to start living for truth. It is imperative that we not allow society to define how we are supposed to live. In addition, it is vital that we cease to look for other people’s approval. We should live for what is right.

Keith is a character in “Truth Told.” Keith works a simple job that only pays enough for him to sustain his level of life, and he’s fine with that. But Keith has a talent for singing Country and Western music. Keith loves singing; therefore, he doesn’t care if society says that African-Americans are not supposed to sing, or like, country music. He sings because he feels that is what God put him on Earth to do. To further that thought, he feels uncomfortable accepting money for singing. Why? Because, in his mind, that is what he’s suppose to do, as prescribed by God. Whether he gets paid or not he’s still going to sing.

To bring greater understanding to this character let us take the example of a preacher. If a preacher is called by God to preach the Word of God, why should that preacher receive huge amounts of money to do what God told him to do? Why should a preacher get paid enough money to buy a Rolls Royce and a million dollar home, while his parishioners don’t have enough money to adequately provide for their families? If we didn’t pay the preacher so much money would they still preach? That is what God commanded them to do. Pasterhood is their mission; whether we pay them or not. Socrates didn’t receive huge amounts of money to educate the youth of Athens. Jesus didn’t receive any money to spread the doctrine of his Father. If we live in Truth, we don’t need payment, or huge amounts of it, for the Truth we are suppose to spread.

Juanita: J.J., you have had quite a life journey so far. You were a Marine, joined the Navy, graduated from the University of Florida with a BA in Public Relations, then went on to receive your MA in Education from the University of Phoenix, and are a schoolteacher in Florida. How has your life experiences contributed to the depth of content in your novel?

J.J.: God, my lovely wife, and children along with my educational and occupational experiences have contributed everything to my writing. Traveling and reading have taught me that the world in which I lived in was only a small part of a bigger existence that we all share.

We should have as many experiences in life as possible. For example, I’m a mediocre educator, but what I teach my students transcends English and social studies. Today’s global society is about survival and advancement. I use every experience that I’ve had in life to give the youth the tools that they need. I’m highly effective in that task with my students because I have failed in so many things I have attempted in life myself. I’ve failed classes in junior high, I’ve failed classes in high-school, I even flunked out of college in my first attempt. Therefore, through my experiences I have become what many of my students claim me to be “the best teacher they ever had.” I don’t know if that’s true, but I try to teach them through my experiences without holding back any of the details, no matter how much I would love to keep them hidden in my past.

Juanita: You have mentioned that you have overcome adversity and many failures in your life. Do you feel this has led you to write a novel with such a strong underlying theme?

J.J.: Yes, and it will keep me writing fiction and nonfiction that stimulates the growth of the mind. I want to write using philosophy as the premise in all of my work. I want to bring the pains and views that I’ve experienced to the consciousness of all readers, all people. Even more, I believe that African-Americans have been intellectually dormant for too long. We had/have brilliant scholars in our community, but as a whole we have been trained that African-Americans have no worth or history that is relevant to mankind and today’s world. This is evident in numerous American History school curriculums. We have been told that we do not have a voice, that we are incapable of producing intellectual thought. Civilization began in Africa. Africans held the first civilizations for 4000 years in the Nile Valley before being conquered by the barbarian European nations. African-Americans, are just reawakening our glory. We are not a people who need to be constantly entertained. We are a people who can write and believe in our own history.

Juanita: Well J.J., you are a shining example of someone who definitely can write. Your inspiration to the African American community is invaluable. Have you always wanted to write a novel? What led you to becoming a full-time writer at this point in your life?

J.J.: I have always been a writer. I’ve been writing since before I started grade school. I won my first writing contest in the fourth grade. It’s time for me to fulfill my destiny. I have to write. I consider myself a true life long learner. I read books in every genre, on every subject. When I find something that I never noticed before in someone’s book, I can’t wait to tell someone about it. My wife constantly reminds me that like a pastor’s mission is to preach and bring lost souls to God, it is my mission to tell/create stories that engage readers in a world that is very realistic yet sometimes beyond belief.

Juanita: J.J., you have six children ranging in ages from three to nineteen. How have you found the time to write and what do they think of Dad’s new book?

J.J.: My wife and children are my life. Anyone who knows me knows that I let them spell out the words that make up the pages in my book of life. It is my love for them that keeps me writing, because I know that through writing, one day, I will be able to provide for their future. What do they think about the book? I don’t know, I think they are more in awe that it actually exists. That I could create something that the world has the opportunity to read. It has given them the hope that they need to pursue their goals in life.

Juanita: Thank you J.J., any parting thoughts, and when can your readers expect your next book?

J.J.: “On A Pedestal” is the next book and will be available through iUniverse ` around the end of May or early June. I will like to take the time to thank you for this interview and opportunity to share my world with an even bigger world. Peace.

Juanita Watson is Assistant Editor for Reader Views
http://www.readerviews.com

For anyone who has any interest in energy, its cost, future and the political debate over this precious resource- The Bottomless Well is a must read. This book is an intriguing insight to the other side of what most of us have been led to believe on the environmentalist monopoly of the subject. The Bottomless Well makes the case that most of the things we think we know are mostly myths- because we really don’t understand what the essence of energy is in the first place. The book demonstrates how a better understanding of energy will radically change our views and policies on a number of very controversial issues. The Bottomless Well also explains why demand for energy will only continue to increase, why most of what we believe is “energy waste” actually proves out to be a benefit for all; why more efficient vehicles, engines, and light bulbs will never lower demand, and why the earth’s energy supply is actually infinite.

The Bottomless Well goes on to point out that that the cost of energy has increasingly less and less to do with the actual cost of fuel. With roughly five percent of the world’s population, America consumes over 25 percent of the world’s natural gas, 43 percent of its motor gasoline, 25 percent of its crude petroleum, 23 percent of its coal, and 26 percent of its total electricity production. But the book points out that most our energy consumption isn’t for locomotion, lighting, or cooling. What we use energy for, mainly, is to extract, refine, process, and purify energy into ever higher states of efficiency. The more efficient our technology, the more energy we actually consume; not save, because the cost to reward ratio is so positive for the consumers of this highly refined energy. The book also point out that the competitive advantage in manufacturing will soon be shifting decisively back toward the U.S.: the human demand for energy will only continue to grow and is indeed insatiable; raw fuels sources are not running out; and America’s relentless pursuit of high-grade energy does not add chaos to the global environment but rather restores it to order. Indeed, expanding energy supplies mean higher productivity, more jobs, and a growing GDP. Across the board- energy isn’t the problem, energy is the solution.

While the conventional wisdom holds that energy consumption is the problem and certainly some would disagree from an environmental impact concerning (at lest fossil fuel) energy consumption, The Bottomless Well argues that from an environmental perspective it also makes sense to use energy in an ever more efficient state. For example America, unlike most of the poor developing countries, is a net carbon sink. That is, despite all the pollution produced in America, there is more CO2 PPM upwind of America on the Pacific side then there is downstream of it over the Atlantic. This fact is undisputed, but although the book does offer some anecdotal reasons why this might be the case there is no definitive evidence to explain this unexpected phenomenon.

I would strongly recommend The Bottomless Well to anyone, no matter where they might stand on the issues of energy, the environment or politics. The book breaks the mold on many of our conventional views of energy, how we use it and why. At very least The Bottomless Well opens the door to another school of thought, not to mention a healthy debate about energy policy and our future.

John is the founder of several successful Internet technology companies including the Book Price Comparison website CompareBook.com. As a pragmatist of the world around him, he is both a critic and crusader on international politics and energy policy as it relates to our security and our impact on the global environment.

Visit CompareBook.com to read reviews, find similar titles, and search for the lowest possible price for The Bottomless Well and other great books.

There may be criticism of reporting from Iraq and Afghanistan but what about reporting of wars very much nearer the “West”? If “The Dream of the Decade” is anything to go by, European populations were poorly served by their journalists.

While the quartet “The Dream of the Decade” treats various issues in its four novels, the final one included in the volume “Good Morning, Britain” suggests war-reporting is not very professional at all. The book has already been praised by the publishers of Martin Amis, Salman Rushdie and Ian McEwan.

“Good Morning, Britain” traces the entrance of an ingénue youngster, whose path from the North of England to London is described in the previous novel of the quartet, “A Taste of Money”, into an establishment television station. Whilst producers back in the world’s media capitals take a lot of the blame, this book shifts “Broadcast News”-style fiction to even darker levels than those found in the seminal film about TV journalism, Network by Alan J. Pakula.

With each turn, we see the incompetence but, it is Yugoslavia where an estimated 250,000 people lost their lives, that the protagonist finds himself surrounded by carelessness, ahistoricism and downright amateurism albeit attempting to be mitigated by foolish courage.

Here’s an excerpt:

“He was keen to research the history of Yugoslavia but soon realised from the thickness of recent histories that he would have no time. Most of his preparation concerned how to get there. The easiest way, so his computer said, was to get a flight with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees which had a base in Ancona, on the Adriatic coast of Italy. The RAF, German and Belgian air forces were based there, in an operation run by the British. As he sat with the printout, he sometimes looked at the pile of video rushes that he was to log and code as a squeamishness test. The rushes had just been fed in on the “bird”, or satellite, and he had to check which images were suitable for Britain’s evening meal viewing.
The notes on Yugoslavia would at first be over-simple and then impossible. To Jonathan, the sentence “UNPROFOR cards are essential as usual but CANNOT be issued in Ancona, only in Zagreb or Belgrade” meant as little as the reasons for the war itself. Quickly, he scanned which Alitalia flights flew from Rome and Milan to Ancona. Then he looked at the possibility of travelling from Split on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The Split-Rome flight could then take him to Ancona via Rome but he was told he must bear in mind that because of NATO “air movements” the advertised flight duration of one hour was now double that.

Any time Jonathan wanted to devote to understanding the actual conflict was now wholly shelved in favour of travel arrangements. Another way to Sarajevo, he discovered, was to go to the UNHCR office located in a cargo-warehouse next door to Ancona’s customs office. Because the sentry on the gate was likely to be a British soldier, Corporation staff would be well directed, so his printout said.”

Selected Quotes

“I can still feel the force of it, as a passing gale” Christopher MacLehose, Collins Harvill.

“I admired it, particularly the pace and atmosphere.” Christopher Sinclair-Stevenson, Sinclair Stevenson Ltd.

“He captures the atmosphere of the late 80s.” Dan Franklin, Martin Secker and Warburg.

“Interesting and involving.” Laura Longrigg, William Heinemann Ltd.

Book details

Title:The Dream of the Decade

Subtitle:The London Novels

Author:Afshin Rattansi

ISBN:1-4196-1686-2

LCCN:20059093841

Edward Victor is a London-based agent.
http://www.zen13743.zen.co.uk/html

Although the book is considered fiction, Shaila portrays each woman “like it really is” living in a South Asian country where societal rules prevail. In one of the stories she talks about
matriarchal control over the daughter-in-law where the daughter-in-law is expected to do all the work, where the daughter-in-law is not able to eat rice because money is short but she has
to cook it for her husband because he is the only one that can embellish in the luxury of eating rice. In another narrative, Shaila tells us how the bride, who is not able to produce a male offspring within a short time of an arranged marriage, is ostracized and blamed.

Life for many women, especially in the rural areas, becomes an
existence that many of us in the Western world cannot relate
to. Yet, deep inside these women clash with the realities of their existence and the knowing that things are different outside their realities, often yearning for a different way of life but being trapped within their culture.

Shaila writes each story with passion and soul, drawing the
reader deep into the feelings of the women. Reading Beyond the
Cayenne Wall gave me an insight and understanding that
regardless of where women live, they have the same feelings
that I would have if in the same situation. After reading each
story, I found myself contemplating and comparing my life to
theirs, being grateful for my freedom.

Irene Watson is the Publishing Editor of Reader Views, a book review service that specializes in book reviews, for readers, by readers. http://www.readerviews.com

The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes, and of Malta known as the Knights of St. John, or the Knights of Malta, is the oldest order of chivalry in existence, dating back to the eleventh century. The Knights of St. John came to Malta in 1530 after accepting the offer made to them by Charles V. They brought with them an international body of men from Catholic Europe with a strong tradition in government, accompanied by a sound source of income and a wealth of experience in architecture. For a large number of years Malta flourished under the rule of the Knights of St. John and it is on the Maltese islands that the Knights have left their most notable legacy reflected in the beautiful architecture of the palaces in Valletta and in Birgu, and Forts of St. Angelo, St. Elmo, Ricasoli, Manoel and Tigne; and a number of churches, most notably St. John’s Conventual Church. Two of Miranda Publishers’ books Legacy in Stone and Sovereign Palaces give a pictorial review of the heritage left by the Knights of St. John.

Malta is a veritable treasure-house of architectural interest. The Maltese have, since the beginning, always been incessant builders, but there is a special period in Malta’s history that has particularly left its mark on its architectural wealth. During their first years in Malta, the Knights of St John strengthened the existing meagre fortifications and built new ones in expectation of an attack from the Turks. A year after the Great Siege in 1565, from which the Order with the help of the Maltese emerged victorious, the first stone of Valletta was laid. The Order employed the best architects from Malta and other European countries and for more than two and a half centuries of continuous building and re-building, they succeeded in giving Valletta its unique character. In the early 17th century, the building movement moved out into the country, and here again the Knights vied with one another to build churches, country-houses and magnificent villas with exquisite laid-out gardens. The architectural legacy the Knights left in Malta remains an everlasting monument to the artistic acumen of the noblest chivalric Order of all times. This comprehensive photographic study celebrates the rich honey colour of the soft yet resilient limestone that distinguishes local architecture, and reveals the Baroque splendours of the period. It also documents the finest and best preserved fortifications in Europe.

Legacy in Stone is hard-bound with leather spine, and presented in a handmade sturdy slipcase. The text is in English with Italian and Maltese translations.

Miranda Publishers is at the forefront in the publication of large format Maltese books about Malta’s cultural and historical heritage. For more details or to purchase any of our books visit http://www.mirandabooks.com