I have visited this beautiful village in northern Tunisia with a copy of this book as my guide. It contains over 250 illustrations, all of which are obviously the result of the on-site investigation by the students and their professor who resided in the village for over two months in 1975 . The quality of black and white photos is poor because the book is copied from a microfilm -- a common problem with most Books on Demand and dissertations from University Microfilms International. However the drawings, comprising one third of the illustrations, are very clear and the photos are adequate to discern the images they contain. The book's strength is in the technique used for documenting: 1) The spatial structure and built form qualities such as street typologies. Those are supported by detailed examination of seven streets and access ways, including the variety of entrances, stairs, walls, and treatment of wall corners facing streets; 2) Symbolic cultural elements which are evident at different levels of the village environment; and door and window types including analysis of their decorative features. In addition, examples of tile work used on wall surfaces within courtyards are drawn to scale; 3) Materials used for construction and building techniques are fully explored and supported by clear and valuable drawings; 4) For the first time, to my knowledge, the village center was measured and drawn accurately including the mosque and its immediate environs which includes the famous Cafe des Nattes -- a major attraction located at the heart of the village for locals and visitors; and, 5) Five houses were studied and measured and their plans, sections, and photos are included. One of the most valuable parts of this book is in the Conclusions. An attempt is made there to articulate the reasons for the high qualities of the built form and environment which the village is well known for. Ninety two patterns were identified in the village from those documented in Christopher Alexander's book (A Pattern Language,1977), so that the intangible aspects of the reasons for the high quality there can be studied and appreciated by those who have, and those who have not visited the village.

While most states of the Middle East region have pursued policies that more or less approached the prescriptions of the Modernization type meta-theories, there has been the general perception, from within and without, that the region as a whole has failed to live up to the promise of social and economic welfare that modern development was supposed to generate. The political advancement of the Region toward more pluralistic or democratic forms of government that was supposed to proceed as the inevitable result of economic and industrial transformation has been even more disappointing and lagged far below material achievements. In The State and Social Transformation in Tunisia and Libya 1830-1980 Lisa Anderson has rejected the mainstream meta-theoretical approaches to the study of the nature of development in the Middle East. Through a process of historical analysis of the socio-economic mechanisms that have characterized the nature of Libya and Tunisia's different paths of social and political transformation, Anderson has emphasized the study of state formation processes and the particular nature of a peripheral's state integration in the world capitalist system.Anderson has challenged both of the principal development meta-theories that became popular in the decades after WWII. She has contested Modernization theory's interpretation of development moving in a linear pattern through predictable stages to inevitably culminate in the establishment of a democratic capitalist state modeled on the pattern of the West. She has noted that development is not achieved without cost and that social conflict is a necessary outcome as the State balances its monopoly of authority as it coerces and encourages different social and economic actors to achieve a relative degree of stability and equity. In order to achieve this and promote a real degree of social transformation an efficient bureaucracy and public administration are crucial. Accordingly, her study has shown the contrasting development patterns of Libya and Tunisia. In the former, Anderson has stressed the persistence of kinship based societal relations and null bureaucratic development during the period of Italian colonization and the perpetuation of this pattern after independence. Oil rents made it possible for the Libyan administration to rely almost exclusively on its distributive capacity to prevent the establishment of efficient institutional and bureaucratic machinery; consequently, society and political development have not progressed toward the formation of a modern state in the Weberian sense.

This book is perfect for those who want detail, but not to the extreme. In an attempt to get a better understanding of Hannibal the author goes for his own trek across the alps (albiet he is driving and has no elephants). It is not a long read and is very well written. Ideal for those who need an introduction to Hannibal.

Very good first hand account of Hannibal's journey. Well written, detailed, and packed with info. Great Read.

I read this book a few years ago and what I liked about it most was the authors ability to catch the reader in the momentum of the events that are taking place. Only the heartless are not hoping even in the face of this tragedy that Hannibal will win through and not be defeated. Also because the author is not writing what is to be a scholarly work he speculates in a manner which is very enjoyable making the book more readable. If you have never read anything about Hannibal but have always been interested I highly recommend this book.

Written by John Henry Newman in 1855, Callista is a fictional tale of life in the early Christian church. One of only two novels from his pen, this tale is set in northern Africa, near Carthage, about the year 250 AD, during the reign of the Emperor Decius. The talented and lovely young greek native Callista, along with her brother Aristo ply their handicraft in the shop of Jucundus, in the small provincial town of Sicca, by finishing and decorating the pagan images of gods, idols, charms and other items of superstition. Jucundus, appreciating her many talents, attempts to play the matchmaker between her and his poor befuddled nephew Agellius. This nephew, much to his continued dismay and consternation seems to be obsessed with the notion of Christianity, and worse, considers himself to be of their number. As the story unfolds, we become aware of the strange status Christians held in the Roman World. Rather than being hated for their zeal toward God, they are thought to be atheists, anarchists and traitors. Callista, though not a Christian, feels the emptiness and insufficiency of the Roman, and even the Greek world of morality and philosophy, and never did believe in their gods. Agellius, with much internal turmoil, because Callista is not Christian, wishes to propose marriage. But these are troubled times, natural disasters, Imperial edicts, demonic possessions and the breakdown of civil order bring this story to an exciting conclusion. Obviously Newman wishes to use this story as a sort of parable, while at the same time painting a picture for us of what the early Christian church was actually like. And while he may succeed in this aim, some may think the story occasionally bogs down in pedantics. For this reason I gave the story 4, rather than 5 stars.

John Henry Newman's CALLISTA, especially as introduced in this fine year 2000 edition by Alan G. Hill, stands on its own merits as a rollicking good love story, almost gothic in its plague of locusts, demonic possession of the young North African Juba, realistic depiction of mob violence, state torture and intolerance of the rising Christian religion whose adherents refused in the year 250 to worship the persecuting emperor Decius.

It is the story of a beautiful 17-year old Greek orphan who finds work as an artisan in Roman Africa, mainly fashioning statues and other adornments of various pagan cults. The evils of third century Roman imperial life depress her. She is tempted by the beauty of Christianity as hinted to her years ago by a Christian slave. Later she is wooed by the Christian Agellius who gives her another slant into his religion--though he fails to persuade Callista to marry him. Finally, Saint Cyprian, bishop of Carthage and the Gospel of Luke which he persuades her to read in a prison where she languishes falsely accused of being a Christian, tip the scales. She is baptized, confirmed and takes the Eucharist in one ceremony in prison. Shortly thereafter she is brutally martyred. The story stands on its own feet. It is a great read independently of any external impact or uses.

But CALLISTA is also, in my opinion, the most illuminating first book which any serious or prospective student of ALL the works of John Henry Newman should read (or now re-read). For CALLISTA opens the door to Newman's spiritual autobiography of conversion, APOLOGIA PRO VITA SUA. It also adumbrates DEVELOPMENT OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE, RISE AND PROGRESS OF UNIVERSITIES, his sermons and Newman's many musings on the echo of God's voice definitively heard in conscience. And what CALLISTA does not lead into, Newman's earlier novel LOSS AND GAIN most certainly does lead into: ARIANS OF THE FOURTH CENTURY, THE IDEA OF A UNIVERSITY, A GRAMMAR OF ASSENT and literally every serious thing the great Cardinal ever penned. Fortunately, the best edition of LOSS AND GAIN is by Alan G. Hill who gives us the best CALLISTA as well.

CALLISTA, perhaps the greatest of "Christian Romances," indeed deserves to be read both internally for itself and also externally as a first step into the huge ocean of Newman's essays, poems (e.g. "Lead Kindly Light"), sermons, histories, satires, educational theory, philosophy, theology and more than 20,000 letters. CALLISTA, set in Africa, paradoxically invites readers to step into the almost as little known spiritual world of 19th Century England, one of the most creative times and places the world has yet known.

-OOO-

This author certainly knows the subject matter of this work and offers much in the way of descriptive background and recipes.

A favorite from the book is the Kesksou Bil Djedg (Chicken couscous) a staple dish of Algeria. It is so good and healthy with vegiies and all the spices of this region.

Included also are the typical fare of the area, tagines, and bastilla.

I prefer Wolfert's works on this fare.

I consult this book after just about every trip to the farmer's market. It's an excellent source of fairly exotic, easy to prepare dishes, almost every one of which turning out a great success. Several lamb stews, one with dried prunes and raisins, another with parsley and fennel, kumin-seasoned carrots, couscous with chickpeas and onions and stuffed cornish hens with apricots, almonds and honey have all received rave reviews at our table. No recipes are overly elaborate, the problem is, to not become overly enthusiastic and try to cook up a whole chapter at a time.

While the insight that this book provides is indeed interesting and worth reading, the overall format of the book is a burden. As most students of Crowley's literature know, his work isn't often spelled out for you line for line; here in his personal diaries, the editor tries to do just that. It gets to the point where you can find the same definition footnoted TWICE on the same page! I think this book would be much more useful about 60 pages shorter, with only the original text, maybe a footnote here or there, and the appendices are nice. It is very interesting to parallel the content here with other workings of his career at the time, it's just a chore to find your way around the book easily.

While this book is useful, both as a psychological survey and as a guide for astologial planning, its over all feel is one of pure tedium. Gone is Crowley's deft use of the English language. The editing is slight, to preserve the content of writing not intended for publication. These diaries reflect what was actually the downward slope of Crowley's life. The Abbey at Cefalu is dissolving. His relationship with the most intense Scarlet Woman has gone sour. Crowley's physical health has gone down hill as well. We learn more about the Mega Therion's bowel movements, lung problems, and drug addiction than we ever wanted to know. The tone of the diaries is one of depression and struggle. There's even a contemplation of sucide. Perhaps those pencil pushers of the occult world, the Gematriasts, will find Crowley's endless calculations interesting. For those of of not so inclined, they are laborious reading. They do, however, show Crowley's fantastic ability to relate everything to the Law of Thelema. The intepretations of the I Ching are also interesting, and give us an idea of how Crowley's inner senses worked. This volume is only recomended for people seriously interested in Crowley as a person, as well as the Mega Therion, Bophomet, ect ad nauseum.

If you interested in Aleister Crowley's works you will Love this book!Yes it has lots of foot notes but very interesting ones.Crowley speaks of his life on a day by day basis yes some days may have been a bit of a drag for him but he actually puts it all it writing.Its good for those who want to know more about his thoughts and perceptions on different types of magick and simple things in general.I would buy it if I were you.I got it for Christmas and am very HAPPY with it.

When I like Lyn Hamilton's books - and I liked Xibalba and Moche a lot, I like them because there is fascinating archeology and myth to be learned while journeying to interesting places with a cast of characters, appealing and formidable. This one had too many characters, none of whom were likable or frightening, and very little about the art or mythic history of the Carthaginians. I'm looking forward to her next one, but I'd give this a pass.

I enjoyed this book, the first I have read by Lyn Hamilton. It was well-plotted with enough red herrings to keep it interesting. Lyn Hamilton is a refreshing author who invests time and energy writing the story, rather than creating a lightweight piece that panders to the dumbing down of readers.

Through a quirky set of circumstances, Lara McClintoch finds herself in a partnership with her ex-husband Clive Swain. Clive has grandiose ideas, but expects everyone else to do the work to make them happen. Lara put up with Clive because her best friend is involved with him. She reluctantly agrees to his latest scheme to draw attention to their antique business starting with her acting as a tour guide to the ancient and mysterious North African country of Tunisia.

Lara plans to purchase artifacts and furnishings for a client while guiding her charges. The trip starts off on the right foot. Everyone seems congenial and friendly towards one another. However, over time Lara notices strange happenings amidst the people on the tour. The weirdness turns sinister when guests die in what seems like accidents until finally a clear- cut murder occurs. The local police insist everyone remain in country while they investigate all the deaths. Unable to idly sit by, Lara decides to take matters into her own hands and begins her own investigation.

The exotic world of Northern Africa comes vividly alive within THE AFRICAN QUEST so much so that the audience will believe they accompany Lara on tour. The characters are fully developed, especially the heroine and the who-done-it is engaging. However, what makes Lyn Hamilton's novel worth reading is the varying perspectives of Tunisia seen through the eyes of the tourists, Lara, and the locals, which adds much color to a strong amateur sleuth tale.

Harriet Klausner

"Pillar of Salt" is a remarkable autobiographical novel about coming of age in the Jewish ghetto of Tunis during the 1930s and 1940s. Besides providing an enjoyable narrative, Memmi conveys a vivid picture of the impact of French colonialism on Tunisian society in general and on Tunisian Jews in particular. It is a study of multiple alienation, at once from traditional Jewish culture, Tunisian Muslim culture, and French culture. Memmi's work also sheds light on the little known story of the Holocaust in Axis-occupied Tunisia as well as the growth of zionism among North African Jews.

This book is a must read for anyone interested in French colonialism, North Africa, and modern Jewish history. It is also simply a good read.

Clancy-Smith brings to life North African history in this brilliantly written piece that is not over-burdened with statistics but instead conveys the intricacies of the Arab culture and leaves no surprise in the reader's mind as to why the Algerians did not want to be ruled by the French, men of a completly different culture.

My only regret in giving this book is a 10 is that I wish it would have dealt more with the colonial experience in Algiers, Oran and Constantine and with the life of the pied noirs. However, doing this most likely was not the intent of the author, therefore I cannot downgrade the book too much