BOOK REVIEW - Art and Spiritual Transformation
Mike
Inner Traditions ISBN: 978-0-59477-281-8 382 pages Paperback
$24.95 (U.S.)
The author’s doctoral thesis, updated and slightly expanded, deals
with art forms from the 1940s and ‘50s. It refers to other times and
forms, but is most concentrated on the Modern and Post-Modern
Movements.
Quite honestly, I had a great deal of difficulty getting into this
book and persevered only because I have a self-imposed sense of duty
to review every book I request. I would certainly never consider
myself an art critic as, for me, art is simply something to be enjoyed
– not analyzed.
Dr. Eversole brings an extensive knowledge not only of the field of
art, but also of metaphysical thought and authors. I was quite
impressed by the range of authorities cited and the relationships
established among the various philosophies, art movements, and other
areas discussed.
While I would not recommend this book for the casual reader, I can see
its usefulness for those studying philosophical movements of the mid-
to late-20th century.
The deeper into the book I delved, the more I realized that I was
hopelessly out of my depth on one level (that of art criticism and
interpretation) while I was easily able to relate to the mythic and
metaphysical references and through that to appreciate the majority of
what the author had to say.
Ultimately, I am glad I added this book to my library, even if I am
sure that it will not be one of the more frequently used books in it.
It serves a useful purpose, and opened my eyes to a host of new
possibilities.
Evergreen
> Art and Spiritual Transformation by Finley Eversole, Ph.D. =A9 2009
> Inner Traditions ISBN: 978-0-59477-281-8 382 pages Paperback
> $24.95 (U.S.)
>
> with art forms from the 1940s and =9150s. It refers to other times and
> forms, but is most concentrated on the Modern and Post-Modern
> Movements.
>
> Quite honestly, I had a great deal of difficulty getting into this
> book and persevered only because I have a self-imposed sense of duty
> to review every book I request.
> I would certainly never consider
> myself an art critic as, for me, art is simply something to be enjoyed
> not analyzed.
>
Now there's an absurd statement. A "review" is a critical article and
criticism, good or bad, requires analysis.
Here we have him denying that he does the only thing we know
that he does.
I wonder how much the publishers pay him to spam the usenet with
his reviews.
I can't tell you how many would-be magicians I've encountered
who have shelves full of books like the ones this fellow pushes.
They read and read and jabber on the Internet and never get
anyplace. It's like they were trying to learn how to play the
piano by reading books and talking about it.
Of course, the biggest problem is that they are reading the
books and websites created by, and talking with people on the forums,
who don't have any magickal skills.
Which is like taking piano lessons from someone who can't play
the piano.
[delete]
Sid
--
Sidney Lambe
Wiccan Priest and Apprentice Magician
http://tinyurl.com/7vs9zb
usenet4444 (at) gmail (dot) com
Mike
> usenet4444 (at) gmail (dot) com- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
I'm sorry if my reviews don't suit you, but I don't expect everyone to
like them ot agree with them
You know, over the years I have been accused of being a shill for
various publishers (notably Llewellyn). I have stated before, and
repeat it here, that the only "payment" I receive for these reviews
consists of copies of the book(s) at no cost to me, and the occasional
kind note from someone who lets me know that I've helped them.
I have also been told, from time to time, that I should restrict my
reviews to subjects with which I am familiar. I have tried to put
myself in the shoes of the "average" reader who thinks they might be
interested in a particular topic. Once in a while I stumble...I
request a book and find out that I'm not that interested in the
topic. Even in such a situation I try to, at the very least,offer
anyn impressions I have gained from reading it. That's why there are
occasional very short reviews with little depth.
In the event that I find a book is worthless (and let's face it, even
the worst b****s*** can at least show you what not to deal with) I
will say so. Granted that doesn't happen often, but it has happened.
ALL of my reviews are available at http://www20.brinkster.com/gleasonreview/.
Evergreen
> On Jul 1, 4:55=A0pm, Evergreen <sidneyla...@nospam.invalid> wrote:
>> Mike <gleason.m...@comcast.net> wrote:
>=A02009
>> > Inner Traditions =A0ISBN: =A0978-0-59477-281-8 =A0382 pages Paperback
>> > $24.95 =A0(U.S.)
>>
>> > The author=3D92s doctoral thesis, updated and slightly expanded, deals
>> > with art forms from the 1940s and =3D9150s. It refers to other times an=
> d
>> > forms, but is most concentrated on the Modern and Post-Modern
>> > Movements.
>>
>> > Quite honestly, I had a great deal of difficulty getting into this
>> > book and persevered only because I have a self-imposed sense of duty
>> > I would certainly never consider
>> > myself an art critic as, for me, art is simply something to be enjoyed
>> > not analyzed.
>>
>> Now there's an absurd statement. A "review" is a critical article and
>> criticism, good or bad, requires analysis.
>>
>> Here we have him denying that he does the only thing we know
>> that he does.
>>
>> I wonder how much the publishers pay him to spam the usenet with
>> his reviews.
>>
>> I can't tell you how many would-be magicians I've encountered
>> who have shelves full of books like the ones this fellow pushes.
>> They read and read and jabber on the Internet and never get
>> anyplace. It's like they were trying to learn how to play the
>> piano by reading books and talking about it.
>>
>> Of course, the biggest problem is that they are reading the
>> books and websites created by, and talking with people on the forums,
>> who don't have any magickal skills.
>>
>> Which is like taking piano lessons from someone who can't play
>> the piano.
>>
>> [delete]
>
> like them ot agree with them
You miss my point: The books you review are all about, directly or
indirectly, the psuedo-esoteric, faux magickal lore that dominates
the 'neo-pagan' subculture. It is romantic, superstitious, and useless
garbage suitable only for people who want to play the role of wizards
and witches in movies and on stage or to write fantasy novels or
join role-playing clubs like Wicca.
The 'neo-pagan' world is full of people who can dress up like
magicians and talk like magicians and perform what seem to be
magickal rituals (if your basic education on the subject comes
from fantasy fiction or Disney) but can't do anything the average
person can't do, otherwise. Their 'magick' doesn't work outside
of fiction.
>
> You know, over the years I have been accused of being a shill for
> various publishers (notably Llewellyn). I have stated before, and
> repeat it here,
> that the only "payment" I receive for these reviews
> consists of copies of the book(s) at no cost to me,
Considering the cost of books these days, that would be a tidy
sum in total.
Thank you for admitting that you are indeed a shill, though not
a very good one, considering that you could obviously charge more.
(I as assuming that you are telling the truth, which is probably foolish,)
[delete]
Just because someone publishes a book doesn't mean that it's worth
reading or reviewing.
Tamerin
>
> - Show quoted text
Just ignore the Sidiot
He is just a little baby looking for attention, I read your reviews
and occasionally i may even pick up one of the books based on them.
Rev. Edward C. Sott (ATC/COM)
Evergreen
> On Jul 2, 11:56=A0am, Mike <gleason.m...@comcast.net> wrote:
>> On Jul 1, 4:55=A0pm, Evergreen <sidneyla...@nospam.invalid> wrote:
[delete]
>
>
> Just ignore the Sidiot
>
> He is just a little baby looking for attention, I read your reviews
> and occasionally i may even pick up one of the books based on them.
>
> Rev. Edward C. Sott (ATC/COM)
>
Another cheap, cowardly, backstabbing attack from the "Reverend".
He hates me because I have asked him to demonstrate at least
one of the magickal skills he wants people to believe he
has, that he strongly implies that he has in some of his posts.
Here is a post of his, supposedly autobiographical, though I don't
think a rational person can trust a so-called "Reverend" who behaves
like a stinking troll and can't demonstrate any magickal skills
after 30 years of practicing the Craft, which is suppoed to be magick:
quote:
I normally dont post here, but instead read most of the post, be it as
they may be amusing at best, especially the troll war between you and
Sid. however this is one time I'm actually going to post a response.
The biggest percentage of the topics in here have demonstrated to me a
complete and utter lack save a few posters of the understanding of the
practices of NeoPaganism/Paganism/Wicca rather instead, have displayed
a mockery of what the "Craft" practices truly are.
In the last 30 years of my "Craft" practices I have seen both the good
and the bad parts of the Neo-Pagan Movement rear it's head.
I initially started my spiritual practice in the Craft as an
Alexandrian Wiccan, having been raised in a coven tradition from the
age of 8 by my step-mother who was a head of an Alexandrian Coven in
California. However as the years went by and my own personal journey
progressed I began to develop a more personal relationship with myself
and my spirituality which led me to a more Ecclectic path.
I eventually found my own covenstead back in the 1980's and in 1994
began the Pagan's Rights Coalition/United Pagan Charities Cooperative
(PRC/UPCC) while working with The Licorice Unicorn Covens and the
Church of Mercahvah. Of course for most of you this was before the
internet was even the internet. After the death of Dr. Jeanne Re
Montandon who was the head of the LUC, I continued her work on my own
with the help of and the forming of The Guardians of the Blue Flame
Covenstead. This was round 1996. Here now it's 2009 and I'm looking
at most of this dribble with still a bit of distress.
In 2001 I joined the Southern Delta Church of Wicca (SDCW) which is
also an Aquarian Tabernacle Church (ATC) affiliate and was ordained at
this point as an ATC minister. Now anyone who has any true knowledge
of Wicca will realize that the ATC is one of the most recognized
Wiccan/Pagan churches around.
Well currently I'm still head of the Pagan's Rights Coalition, I still
work closely with other Pagan Rights and Pagan Covens, (utilizing the
term pagan here as a loose term), and I decided to take this test for
the Shits and Giggles aspect of it.
Well it turns out it describes my current path and practices pretty
accurately. I was described as a Shamanic Pagan.
Continue bashing each other because I love a good laugh.
Rev. Edward C. Sott (ATC/COM) CEO/DIR of Operations (PRCUPCC)
/endquote
http://groups.google.com/group/alt.religion.wicca/msg/73546f026e465121
He's your typical 'neo-pagan' phony, a dressup witch who clothes
himself in psuedo-esoteric jargon and can't make a bird fly
with magick.
All show and no go.