Appearance
One River Many Wells
I had a difficult time getting started in this book. I'd picked it up and put it down several times. But once into it, it was a pleasant surprise. I read about spiritual matters and paths of every religion and each reading talks of it's own spicific area of knowledge and experience. But Matthew Fox picks a subject and covers it from all angles, Jewish, Catholic, Islamic, Hindu, Buddist, Native American, African American, even the Celtic and the Goddess. It's a great book and a great read. And then you know why you like to study them all.
One River Many Wells
Book arrived as advertised. No problems, happy customer. Will consider using this vendor again if it has what I'm looking for.
One River Many Wells
One River, Many Wells is a book that made me think outside the box. It is a liberal view of religion and is well written. Some would see it as too liberal but I feel it forces us to see other religions in a respectful way. WCS
One River Many Wells
It's hard to tell where Matthew Fox is and where he is going. His books have been a trail of hit and, mostly miss, wanderings.He recognizes a common source for spiritual reality. And yet he pushes an ecumenical (and even New-Age) agenda to try and mold all existing beliefs into a vision that it cannot be. 'Only if the religions of the world would stand together...' These religions are organizations with their own agendas and systems. Perhaps Fox should listen to the Dali Lami who said that ultimately there is no reconciliation between the *religions* of Buddhism and Christianity. There may be one spirit, but not a single religion or even meaningful coordination of them. (Vivikenanda says that would be very boring.)Mysticism is the root of all real spiritual experience and Fox knows this. But each religion is an outgrowth (and hence not true development) of the founder who had the mystical experience. The goal of any true (spiritual) path is personal experience. Fox keeps attempting to join all religions (forms) into a great ecumenical mandala and this cannot be done. Personal experience is always unique. It is wisdom that we can see from other beliefs. But Fox keeps on pushing in yet another book.To be perfectly clear, his inclusion of various spiritual and mystical source in this book is commendable. Everyone else is realizing wisdom of many sources so why not M.Fox. However his approach is always one of 'Look how great what I am saying is'. He claims great visions and breakthroughs for humanity if we will just believe what he is saying. Check his past books. He always does this.The inclusion and recognition of various sources does not, in his writings, yield meaningful synthesis. This is because there is no coherent meaning to be achieved through shallow or 'deep' ecumenism (joining of outward forms). Neither by dancing, or having estatic sex, or by bringing in ethics or spirituality to work (all themes of his). Neither volumes of writing nor diversity of inputs has meaning on its own. There is no substantial vision presented in his works that rises above religion (form) and beyond his own (elevated) concepts of how things should be. His previous books have not resulted in major changes to society and it does not appear this one will have much effect either.
The most of John Held, Jr
As an illustrator, I can't even begin to properly pay homage to one of my great heros, John Held, Jr. His was some of the most beautiful, harmonious work of a true golden age of illustration - the 1920's wouldn't have been quite so giddy were it not for him. He enhanced the age, and continues to celebrate it, years after his death.From sheiks, flappers, collegiates and flivvers to breathtaking watercolors of the Manhattan skyline, this wonderful volume has it all - full-page prints of Held, Jr.'s work, brilliantly loyal to the original colors and gradations, shine in full glory. From the 1890's through the early 1940's, a wide range of his styles and capabilities are documented. Woodcuts are in plentiful supply, as well - it's just all here, plain and simple.As well, Held, Jr.'s life story is briefly told, along with a charming introduction by Marc Connelly. The latter allows the reader some humorous insight to Held, Jr.'s character - the two, along with several other aspiring artists and writers, shared what amounted to a flophouse flat, and the tales of their efforts toward success are amusing to say the least.For the most part, this book is a visual journey, which makes it so wonderful. A great companion would be Shelley Armitage's biography - her book is far more informative, forgoing extensive illustration in favor of telling the artist's life story. But if you're looking to just sit back and be enthralled by Held, Jr.'s work, this book is the way to go. Now that I finally have a copy, you can bet that I'll never, ever part with it.
The most of John Held, Jr
Hardback with dustjacket, cloth over boards with a sewn binding, dustjacket. Stephen Greene Press, Brattleboro, 1972.144 pp, principally illustrations, about half in color and half in b&w.;Table of ContentsIntroduction by Marc Connelly p. 7John Held Jr. A Portrait, p. 12The Rise of the Mormon Kid by Carl Weinhardt, p. 13John Held Jr.: His Art, p. 13