Book Description
As a writer in Wired magazine puts it, Neil Young is a "folk-country-grunge dinosaur [who has been] reborn (again) as an Internet-friendly, biodiesel-driven, multimedia machine." In Neil Young and the Poetics of Energy, William Echard stages an encounter between Young's challenging and ever-changing work and current theories of musical meaning—an encounter from which both emerge transformed.

Echard roots his discussion in an extensive review of writings from the rock press as well as his own engagement as a fan and critical theorist. How is it that Neil Young is both a perpetual outsider and critic of rock culture, and also one of its most central icons? And what are the unique properties that have lent his work such expressive force? Echard delves into concepts of musical persona, space, and energy, and in the process illuminates the complex interplay between experience, musical sound, social actors, genres, styles, and traditions.

Readers interested primarily in Neil Young, or rock music in general, will find a new way to think and talk about the subject, and readers interested primarily in musical or cultural theory will find a new way to articulate and apply some of the most exciting current perspectives on meaning, music, and subjectivity. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Not rock criticism, but a good academic study of a rock musician
Like Susan Fast's Led Zep book, Echard's book about Neil Young is a book by a college professor that is published by an academic publisher. It's an academic study. There are lots of footnotes.

So I hate to see this book criticized by reviewers for being what it is, an academic study. It is not for everyone. It is not INTENDED for everyone.

Once you realize that it defends highly original ideas about how guitar solos are meaningful artistic gestures, you can appreciate it for what it tries to be (semiotic analysis) and not what you might hope it is (rock criticism). And it's damn fine semiotic analysis.

I don't give it five stars because it doesn't give equal time to all phases of Neil Young's career.

A Fabulous Book
I'm a student at Carleton University in Ottawa Ontario where Dr. Echard teaches and I have to say that this book is an excellent tool for students of musical theory.I understand the reservations that others have for the book's readability as it does convey many of Dr. Echard's more upper level theories about culture and music.But having taken several clases with him I can say that he is an amazing speaker and a well-informed doctoral scholar but he is definately an intellectual and the more elaborate theories will go over the heads of most.I would recommend this book to those who wish to have a greater understanding of cultural theory moreso than those wishing to read a general biography of Neil Young.

If you liked this book, you will also love...
The following titles:

1. MY BATHS IN CALGON
2. HOW TO KEEP YOUR TENURE WITHOUT HAVING TO DO ANYTHING INTELLIGENT
3. TOUCH ME OH SO TENDERLY
4. HOW TO MISEXPRESS THE INEXPRESSIBLE AND GET PAID FOR IT
5. POETRY, FEELINGS, WARMNESS, AND YOU
6. WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR PhD
7. SAY IT LIKE YOU DON'T MEAN IT
8. WHY IT'S BETTER TO BE COOL THAN SMART WHILE ALL THE WHILE IMAGINING THAT YOU'RE BOTH
9. THE SECRET GARDEN
10. THE LONG SUMMER OF PRETENDING TO HAVE FEELINGS
11. 101 WAYS TO BETRAY THAT YOU'RE A GUILTY INTELLECTUAL
12. HOW TO CONFUSE "I LIKE IT" WITH "I SHOULD WRITE ABOUT IT"

Way too in-depth, wordy, and subjective for me....
I bought this book because the title and subject matter appeared to be really interesting. Well, I didn't think about how hard it would be to convey the "meanings" and "energy" of the poetics of Neil Young. I have a Communications Theory degree, and this book is almost worse than some of the textbooks I had to read. It is very well referenced though, so I guess if you felt like looking a bunch of other stuff up just so you could understand what he's talking about, then you might like this one. My guess is that once you understood the syntax the author uses, you'd probably wonder why the hell he took so long to say something simple.My only recommendation of this book would be to someone who is highly educated in musical meanings, theory, etc. and is enough of a Neil Young freak to allow themselves the time to read and understand this stuff. Otherwise, get yourself a Bukowski book so you can actually read and possibly understand the "energy" inherent in good poetry.

briljant
I amhalfway , it's not easy but how the writer goes in depth with
some Neil Youngissues .............it ' s amazing andvery profound !

It'seven more difficultas english is not my mother language!

So i am gonna read it three times atleast!

The book I was waiting for: neil young and the Poetics of Energy !!!
That'sa study , not a book, andI love it !

Enjoy,

Marc ... Read more

Book Description
These very early Latter-day Saint journals yield new information about William E. McLellin, one of the original members of the Quorum of the Twelve and long-time mystery to Mormon historians. Never before have we been able to know so much about the dynamic faith and Christian worship of rank-and file Latter-day Saints in the first six years ofthe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document, covering the life and work of J. William T. Youngs, Jr., is an entry from Contemporary Authors, a reference volume published by Thompson Gale. The length of the entry is 603 words. The page length listed above is based on a typical 300-word page. Although the exact content of each entry from this volume can vary, typical entries include the following information:

• Place and date of birth and death (if deceased)
• Family members
• Education
• Professional associations and honors
• Employment
• Writings, including books and periodicals
• A description of the author's work
• References to further readings about the author

Book Description
If there were an "endangered religions list" the spiritual traditions of Native American nations would be on it. Fortunately, as "Quest for Harmony" makes very clear, not only are Native American spiritual traditions still very much alive, they are in the midst of a dramatic revival.

The four nations on which this richly descriptive and fascinating book focuses---the Lenape (Delaware), Aní-yuní-wiya (Cherokee), Lakota (Sioux), and Diné (Navajo)---bear witness to the reality of Native American culture and its spiritual renewal and continuity amidst change.

Each nation's traditional location and present population, the language, and social organization are described. At least one of the stories of origins of the people is presented. A historical survey of the nation, from the earliest documented times until recent decades is also included.

The heart of each presentation is an introduction to the nation's spiritual worldview and rituals, including cosmology, and gods and spirits. Quest for Harmony is intended for anyone seeking a basic understanding of the cultures and spiritual teachings of Native American nations. It is sympathetic and respectful, presenting the views of Native Americans in their own voice wherever possible. Critical issues common to Native Americas such as the Pannational spiritual movements and the environment are also covered. ... Read more

Book Description
The most trusted name in financial planning helps you secure a sound retirement

Now is the time to plan for the retirement of your dreams. But where do you start? There's no better resource than Ernst & Young's Retirement Planning Guide. Drawing on the experience of the nation's premier tax and financial planners, it gives you a comprehensive set of tools to help you build a healthy nest egg—whether your retirement is just around the corner or years away.

This hands-on guide highlights the key financial issues you need to consider during your preretirement and retirement years, including essential information on the changing rules of the retirement game. From guidance on portfolio diversification and Social Security to 401(k) plans, IRAs, and Keoghs, Ernst & Young's Retirement Planning Guide provides the insight and assistance you need to enjoy a financially secure future.

The latest financial instruments for retirement savings

• Wealth-building techniques to help you retire early
• Unique retirement issues facing executives, the self-employed, women and nontraditional families
• Worksheets, quizzes, and action items, as well as additional resources and Web sites
• Strategies to overcome adverse financial events like corporate downsizing and personal disability
• Practical tips and easy-to-understand charts and tables.

Visit the Ernst & Young Tax and Financial Planning Corner on the World Wide Web! http://www.wiley.com/ey.html. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

The best calculator I've found for financial planning...
Although this book deals with many aspects of retirement and retirement planning, what distinguishes it from the dozens of similar books I have read is a truly outstanding calculator for determining how much money willbe available then and how much needs to be saved or invested to eliminateany shortfall.It includes pensions, social security, and savings andinvestments.It factors in life expectancy, income sources that willautomatically increase with inflation and those that won't, savings andinvestment growth rates, withdrawl rates that must increase withinflation(which--unbelievably--some calculators don't consider).It allowsfor early retirement (that is, it doesn't factor in social security untilit's available).Similarly, it allows for staggered commencement ofretirement income sources (for example, a pension that starts at age 65while you may start social security at age 62).I've not found anothercalculator that does ALL of these things!I couldn't recommend it morehighly.

Excellent, comprehensive, easy to read, useful tips
This guide really lays out, step by step, how to think and act to plan your retirement.I found this a surprisingly quick read, comprehensive, easy to understand and specific -- from spending, lifestyle, insurance,investing issues.The book makes a great gift for friends or parentsbecause too many of us are not paying attention to the easy "ActionItems" that each chapter ends with.Highly recommended!

Excellent pre and post retirement planning information.
This guide provides excellent pre-retirement planning suggestions.Has traps, obstacles and helpers outlined for quick review and advice.Has a number of "tools" in the form of worksheets to assist in planning for both before and after retirement events.Presents a number of post-retirement ideas with several suggestions of how to manage and/or increase your income in retirement.Authors are somewhat short on information for the mid 50's retiree concerning how to access 401k and IRA funds without penalty between 55 and 59 1/2.No info on what forms are needed and where they are available, or what needs to be filed and where.Has one slight reference in the appendix on how to accomplish withdrawals without penalty.Having read a number of retirement planning books available on the bookshelf, I found this volume excels in providing useful information not found in similar guide books. ... Read more

Book Description
An Introduction To The Bible approaches the Bible by considering it from three different 'worlds'--literary, historical, and contemporary worlds. This unique approach underscore the dynamics of each of world and the methods scholars have developed to study them.The authors are especially careful to distinguish the historical and literary worlds for readers new to the discipline. Readers are also encouraged to consider and discuss the contemporary significance of the Bible. ... Read more

Book Description
Wanting to produce a 90-Minute Shakespeare play? This ready-to-use adaptation of one of the Bard's most popular plays, respects the verse and retains all major characters and plotlines. The play has been shortened, but none of Shakespeare's words have been changed. For the Shakespeare purist who loves the language, but desires a shorter running time, these are the scripts to use. The production-tested adaptations are perfect for a variety of groups, including professional theaters using a 90-minute TYA (Theatre-For-Young-Audiences) contract, universities, high schools, and community theaters. Free from side-by-side translations or notes, the scripts are rehearsal ready. The most common comment from audiences who have viewed productions of these adaptations is: "What was cut? It seemed like that was the whole play."

Coming soon: THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, KING LEAR and TWELFTH NIGHT.

DIANE TIMMERMAN, a professional actor and director, is an Associate Professor of Theatre at Butler University where she has directed all five of her Shakespeare adaptations. Acting credits include roles at Chicago's Court Theatre, Dayton's Human Race Theatre Company, the Indiana Repertory and Phoenix Theatres of Indianapolis. Diane has appeared in numerous commercials and films, including The Package with Gene Hackman. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

For a Greater Appreciation of Will
It's like reading the play anew. Even if you're looking to perform or teach the fuller version of R&J get this book. Never has the tragedy sounded so clear--no insult to the bard intended. Lines I never noticed before ring clear, true and beautiful. In fact since using Professor Timmerman's 90-Minute Midsummer Night's Dream for a production, and reading this Romeo and Juliet, I have gained an even greater appreciation for what Shakespeare's audiences reveled in and what great, glorious entertainment he created. So while these 90-Minute Shakespeares are an aid to production at any level, I'm finding them a contribution to scholarship and teaching. ... Read more

Book Description
A fresh and vivid re-imagining of Shakespeare's early years in Stratford and in LondonIt's 1616 and William Shakespeare is back in his native Stratford-Upon-Avon. His extraordinary career as a playwright and poet in London seems like another world. A strange encounter with a witch-like madwoman in his local churchyard fills Will with dread, and sends him reeling back in memory to those darker days in London along the filthy, fevered banks of the Thames-a time when politics, plagiarism, sexual passions, and betrayed friendship conspired to the point of murder.Author Bruce Cook perfectly captures Shakespeare's coming of age in a fresh and vivid way. The actors, teachers, lovers, and fellow writers spring to life in Shakespeare's confessions-especially a talented, twisted, compelling, and dangerous man called Kit Marlowe, who would change Will's life forever.Shakespeare speaks, from first page to last, and tells everything. Literally everything.... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Another smash success by Bruce Cook
I am a fan of Bruce Cook (Bruce Alexander) having read all his titles in the Chico Cervantes and Sir John Fielding series. My copy of Young Will: The Confessions of William Shakespeare arrived this week and I quickly finished it. A timeless tale of adultery, betrayal and murder, Young Will is all the more riveting because the central character is one of the greatest artists of all time. Whether or not you are a Shakespeare fan, you will be informed, entertained and on the edge of your seat as you turn the pages. The story is rich in historical depictions, as are all of the author's works. By beginning the story with "young Will", Cook shares with his readers the backdrop against which Shakespeare honed his craft. I knew Shakespeare by his works, and as a timeless poet and playright. Cook considers life for young Will as he may have struggled with manhood and the enormous difficulties of 17th century London. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Dictionary of IDIOMATIC expressions, nothing more
as above, it serves its purpose if that's what you want

good for intermediate or advanced students
This book is a good source on idioms in Navajo, and it also has lots of example sentences illustrating the idioms (as well as illustrating all sort of other things on the way).This should be quite useful to intermediateand advanced students.

However, this is /not/ for beginning students --they will find this book basically unusable.

I advise beginning studentsto buy Goossen's intro book (/Dine Bizaad/), and to buy one or both of theother big Navajo dictionaries (/Analytical Lexicon of Navajo/ and /TheNavajo Language: A Grammar and Colloquial Dictionary/, both by Young andMorgan). ... Read more