Product Description
Four major women's autobiographies of the twentieth century are discussed together here for the first time. ValÉrie BaisnÉe reinterprets the autobiographical writing of Simone De Beauvoir, Maya Angelou, Janet Frame and Marguerite Duras, finding some striking similarities in these women's resistance to a conservative order. Deploying a variety of theoretical approaches, from linguistic to Marxist, BaisnÉe endeavours to break the restrictive patterns of author-centred studies, to go beyond simple oppositions between "truth" and "fiction", and to dispense with the facile interpretation of these texts as confessional.
For ValÉrie BaisnÉe, "Autobiography is meant to represent not the true but the official version of a life, signed by the author herself and revered as hagiography by the public. ... Instead of analysing women's autobiographies as confessional, it is possible to see this mode of discourse as a means to counteract the effect of exposure of women's private lives. By revealing their past, however painful it may be, the four autobiographers studied in this book also enhance their present strength, and therefore underline the political nature of the autobiography."
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Maya Angelou's vivid account of her childhood set in the American South in the 1930s where she had to face racism, injustice and abuse. But her courage and dignity will move everyone who reads this book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Remarkable woman
For all this woman had to endure as a child, she is an elegant woman and eloquent speaker. ... Read more

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MIKALE LIVES IN OAHU—one of the beautiful Hawaiian islands, surrounded by water. He also happens to be afraid of the ocean! Luckily, his uncle and a little pet fish teach Mikale something about having confidence in your abilities. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A True Modern Classic
Maya Angelou's extraordinary biographies, including "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," were already part of college English and Humanities courses when former President Bill Clinton tagged her to write "On the Pulse of Morning" for his January 20, 1993 inauguration ceremony. Despite debates regarding whether Angelou is a better prose writer than she is a poet, her inauguration poem is among only a very few, penned by modern poets, that can claim the status of "modern classic." The poet's recital of the work is powerfully majestic and beautifully inspiring.

Aberjhani
author of "I Made My Boy Out of Poetry"
"Encyclopedia of the Harlem Renaissance"
and "Visions of a Skylark Dressed in Black"

order shipment and arrival condition
The item was received within the time specifications; and was received in excellent conidtion.

inspiring and eloquently beautiful
on the pulse of morning ... Read more

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Another remarkable collection of poetry from one of America's masters of the medium. The first part gathers together poems of love and nostalgic memory, while Part II portrays confrontations inherent in a racist society. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Inspirational
All of Maya Angelou's poems are self explanitory. She is the biggest inspiration in my life. I am 16years old and I can relate to all the things she went through in her life. I read her poetry and it gives me courage to go on and keeps me to believe in myself. She has the most encouraging words. Her books and poetry has helped me to amount to things in my life that I never thought that I could do. That is why she is my FAVORITE author. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Lessons from West-African women in beauty and dignity
Margaret Courtney-Clarke takes you into the compounds and into the dwellings of African village women. The colors and forms are exquisite. The book is beautifully produced with images that bleed to the edge of the page. The subjects are depicted in naturalistic settings and Courtney-Clarke has the technical skill to capture close-ups and groups of women equally well. The book serves as a textbook of healthy human structure and movement and is all the more valuable because the way of life it depicts and the body language that goes with that way of life are becoming increasingly rare. Very highly recommended.

This book is a must for African art and ethnology buffs.
The most striking feature of AFRICAN CANVAS is the close up detail andlarge pictures of exterior and interior West African mud house design. Some pottery design is also featured.Colors are mostly earth tonedbecause natural pigments are used.A close-up and personal look at thisbeautiful art form, and a good resource for folks interested in ethnologyand in African design. ... Read more

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IZAK LOVES REINDEER. Which is good, since he comes from a family of reindeer herders and even has a pet reindeer, named Totti! It is up to Izak to teach his little brother all about responsibility. ... Read more

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* An anthology of writings by some of the most influential women in history on the often misunderstood and misrepresented female drug experience.* With great honesty, bravery, and frankness, women from diverse backgrounds write about their drug experiences.

Women have been experimenting with drugs since prehistoric times, and yet published accounts of their views on the drug experience have been relegated to either antiseptic sociological studies or sensationalized stories splashed across the tabloids. The media has given us an enduring, but inaccurate, stereotype of a female drug user: passive, addicted, exploited, degraded, promiscuous. But the selections in this anthology--penned by such famous names as Billie Holiday, Anais Nin, Maya Angelou, and Carrie Fisher--show us that the real experiences of women are anything but stereotypical.

Sisters of the Extreme provides us with writings by women from diverse occupations and backgrounds, from prostitute to physician, who through their use of drugs dared cross the boundaries set by society--often doing so with the hope of expanding themselves and their vision of the world. Whether with LSD, peyote, cocaine, heroine, MDMA, or marijuana, these women have sought to reach, through their experimentation, other levels of consciousness. Sometimes their quests have brought unexpected rewards, other times great suffering and misfortune. But wherever their trips have left them, these women have lived courageously--if sometimes dangerously--and written about their journeys eloquently. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

SISTERS Give The Wildest Ride
Being on the fringe of consensual reality and yet being able to take some notes of the journeys beyond, is an awesome gift.The stories in SISTERS OF THE EXTREME are such gifts of the God-Us. I have the original SHAMAN WOMAN, MAINLINE LADY and went through my contribution, line for line, and the only difference noted was my photo had shrunk in this new, revised edition.(This is consistent as now, being in my fifties, I notice that I am shrinking some also.)The tone not only is consistent from the first edition but vividly expansive.(I was somewhat embarrassed being in the first edition, with the stereotypic cover -- yet in this new volume, I am honored not only for the outrageous company kept and new sisters included but engaging graphics.)

As the God-Us dances about the universe, skirt swirling the galaxies, being on the fringes gives the wildest ride.This book is a travelogue by explorers of multi-dimensional realities written in white ink, from the heart of our Sisters-in-the-Clan-of-Encouragement:this book is a major herstoric contribution to the sext of human consciousness.

Jeannine Parvati (Baker) Author HYGIEIA: A WOMAN'S HERBAL

A fine survey of women whose lives were changed by drugs.
Sisters Of The Extreme is an informative and engaging presentation of famous female authors who write about the drug experience includes avariety of works from such notables as Bronte, Alcott, Di Prima, and more.Writings from historical works through modern times are gathered in SistersOf The Extreme, a fine survey of the lives and experiences of women whohave had their lives changed by drugs.

Stick with the original. It's better.
Let's get one thing straight right off the bat, Sisters of the Extreme is a "reissue" of 1982's Shaman Woman, Mainline Lady -- cut, streamlined and reformatted beyond all recognition. Evidently, the authorstook the edge off their book for a more "conservative" era --either that, or they assume their reader's minds have been so numbed bydrugs that we NEED heavy edits and People Magazine-inspired"look" to hold our limited attention.

Sure, there are a coupleof new excerpts worth reading (the one from Mary Woronov's "The MolePeople is revealing), but for the most part, Sisters of the Extreme seemsto be pandering to old YUPPIES who need a little stimulation. I swear thatif I read ANYTHING by Carrie Fisher ever again, it will be too soon --enough of the "I went to rehab and got a bad haircut" trip.Getover it.

In the introduction, the authors do say that they edited someexcerpts for space and deleted others all together. When I got out the twoeditions and compared them almost line for line, I discovered a disturbingtrend -- whereas Shaman Woman, Mainline Lady allowed one to take thewritings at face value, Sisters of the Extreme has definite agenda. Sistersof the Extreme doesn't LIKE drugs. It doesn't want ME to like drugs. Itwants me to be TITILATED by the writings. The difference isclear.

Sisters of the Extreme is a product of the times. It's been dumbeddown and punched up. Sure, the authors include a couple of writings on sexmagick and a few counter culture cartoons, but the overall smell ofpolitical correctness is stupifying.

The gist of my review is this: ifdon't already own a copy of Shaman Woman, Mainline Lady, go ahead and buySisters of the Extreme. Then, go on a quest for the Real Thing.

In themeantime, the use bibliography in Sisters of the Extreme to find and readthe original sourced writings. You'll be glad you did. ... Read more

Product Description
Through the lens of his camera, Chester Higgins Jr. looks at eighty thriving African American men and women who are aging with energy, wit, and grace. Alongside each portrait are comments express a collective wisdom about life and aging. The real-life inspiring models in Elder Grace are sure to bring comfort and inspiration to many. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Chester Higgins is a brilliant photographer
It was like watching history -- love, struggle, joy, sorrow, work, pain, and hope captured in a single photo that magically told the individual's life journey -- the backdraft being America during and after legal segregation. Chester Higgins is a brilliant photographer and captured the life story and essence of each individual.Over the years, I have bought three copies and gave them away as gifts. The images are worth sharing and I hope my new copy comes soon.

A treasure
Chester Higgins captures the beauty, strength and courage of the African-American elders he photographs.I am awestruck by the depth he achieves in these portraits. This collection of photos along with tips from the subjects on how to get along in life is truly an inspiring book for anyone interested in viewing a piece of history.

Elder Grace
I had been waiting since May for the release of this book! It is an honorand a privilege to see our elders dipicted with such natural grace &beauty. Chester Higgins is a absolutely centered photographer! He sees withsuch clarity. He captured everyone's beauty, emotion, prowess &coutenance. I walk around with the book to show it to everyone I encounter,especially the elders & the children. Everyones' first expression isAhh! The elders start to reminisce, the rest of us can see how we will growold 'gracefully'! ... Read more

Product Description
Preparing for the California High School Exit Examination: An English Language Arts Study Guide by Jane Hancock, California Department of Education, Edna Saint Vincent Millay, Maya Angelou, CDE Press, Meg Holmberg, Tim Erickson, State of California, Carol Jago, Elizabeth Stage, Harold Asturias, Susan Arnold, Karen Lopez, Sidnie Myrick, Cynthia Oei, Tylene F. Quizon, Anne Gani Sirota, Joyce Tamanaha Ho, Union Label, Photo Disc, Digital Vision, Images 100, Jack O'Connell. Paperback 2004 Printing by CDE Press. First Edition. ISBN 0414332717. EAN 9780414332713. MPN OSP0486812. In English. 148 Pages. Special Limited Edition. ... Read more

Product Description
Paintings, sculptures, mixed media and prints are represented in this impressive collection. Lorna Simpson, Faith Ringgold, Carrie Mae Weems, and Betye Saar represent a few of the highly respected artist in this handsome book. Curators and scholars have contributed insightful texts which reveal the shining history of African-American women in the arts. 70 illustrations, 60 in color.Amazon.com Review
Published to accompany an unprecedented exhibition of works by25 African American women artists, this catalogue is a poignantcelebration of women's artistry. There are 70 illustrations, 60 ofwhich are in full color, featuring paintings, sculptures, prints,fabric, and mixed media works by significant contemporary artists suchas Carrie Mae Weems, Lorna Simpson, Faith Ringgold, and HowardenaPindell. Included are essays by scholars and curators discussing theimpact of African American women on the arts, society, and culture ofthe United States. The insightful foreword is by poet Maya Angelou. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

priceless
I use this book all the time as an artist and a teacher.I wish there were a book for each one of the fantastic artists in the book, but so glad that here is a book about us (Black Women) by us (Black Women).Thereproductions are many and excellent.A great introduction to Black Womendoing art that get exposure on a more national scale ... Read more

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First read by Maya Angelou at the 50th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, this wise and moving poem will inspire readers with its memorable message of hope for humanity. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

a very good book
On Sunday April 12,2002 I saw and heard Dr. Maya Angelou speak. She is an exceptionally well speaker. I loved being able to hear her read her works out loud. Her poem A Brave and Startling Truth is very well written becuase it is written about these times.

Maya's vision
"A Brave and Startling Truth," by Maya Angelou, is a short but powerful book. The book contains the text of a poem which, according to the book cover, was read by Angelou to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations.

This is a humanistic poem in the tradition of Walt Whitman and Pablo Neruda. In her straightforward poetic voice, Angelou articulates a global vision of the frailties and strengths of humanity, and expresses her hope for peace. This small book would make a good gift.

Fascinating and revealing
Maya Angelou's works are compelling as well as they are truthful.This book releases many untold stories of slavery in the old South, and the Africans' strife to overcome racism.I love this book and stronglyrecommend it. ... Read more

Product Description
Maya Angelou's five volumes of autobiography are a testament to the talents and resilience of this extraordinary writer. Loving the world, she also knows its cruelty. As a black woman she has known discrimination and extreme poverty, but also hope, joy, achievement and celebration. In this her third marvellous volume, music and her son are the focus of Maya Angelou's life. She is on the edge of a new world: marriage, show business and a triumphant tour of 'Porgy and Bess'. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Occasionally light in heart, dark in spirit, other times bitter and at all times the prose describes life
This collection of poetry is occasionally light in heart, dark in spirit, other times bitter and at all times the prose describes life. An example of the bitter and dark in spirit is "A Good Woman Feeling Bad"

"The blues may be the life you've led
Or midnight hours in
An empty bed. But persecuting
Blues I've known
Could stalk
Like tigers, break like bone,

Pend like rope in
A gallows tree,
Make me curse
My pedigree,

Bitterness thick on
A rankling tongue,
A psalm to love that's
Left unsung,

Rivers heading north
But ending South,
Funeral music
In a going-home mouth

All riddles are blues,
And all blues are sad,
And I'm only mentioning
Some blues I've had."

This poem is typical of what appears in the book as it easily conjures of imagery of the situation and if you know the history of the black experience in America, then the imagery and references are even stronger.
I enjoyed this book, reading some of the poems twice and getting deeper messages as I read them the second time.

Occasionally light in heart, dark in spirit, other times bitter and at all times the prose describes life
This collection of poetry is occasionally light in heart, dark in spirit, other times bitter and at all times the prose describes life. An example of the bitter and dark in spirit is "A Good Woman Feeling Bad"

"The blues may be the life you've led
Or midnight hours in
An empty bed. But persecuting
Blues I've known
Could stalk
Like tigers, break like bone,

Pend like rope in
A gallows tree,
Make me curse
My pedigree,

Bitterness thick on
A rankling tongue,
A psalm to love that's
Left unsung,

Rivers heading north
But ending South,
Funeral music
In a going-home mouth

All riddles are blues,
And all blues are sad,
And I'm only mentioning
Some blues I've had."

This poem is typical of what appears in the book as it easily conjures of imagery of the situation and if you know the history of the black experience in America, then the imagery and references are even stronger.
I enjoyed this book, reading some of the poems twice and getting deeper messages as I read them the second time.

Occasionally light in heart, dark in spirit, other times bitter and at all times the prose describes life
This collection of poetry is occasionally light in heart, dark in spirit, other times bitter and at all times the prose describes life. An example of the bitter and dark in spirit is "A Good Woman Feeling Bad"

"The blues may be the life you've led
Or midnight hours in
An empty bed. But persecuting
Blues I've known
Could stalk
Like tigers, break like bone,

Pend like rope in
A gallows tree,
Make me curse
My pedigree,

Bitterness thick on
A rankling tongue,
A psalm to love that's
Left unsung,

Rivers heading north
But ending South,
Funeral music
In a going-home mouth

All riddles are blues,
And all blues are sad,
And I'm only mentioning
Some blues I've had."

This poem is typical of what appears in the book as it easily conjures of imagery of the situation and if you know the history of the black experience in America, then the imagery and references are even stronger.
I enjoyed this book, reading some of the poems twice and getting deeper messages as I read them the second time.
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