Joy Kogawa's novel, Obasan, deals with a very painful chapter in Canadian-Japanese history. But more than that, it reveals very much about Japanese tradition and culture through the eyes of one woman. Kogawa's portrayal of a people's plight through this novel demonstrates her understanding of this historical reality. Her narrative is profound and enables the reader to not only experience the Japanese Canadian's reality during the Second World War, but to also see how tradition lives on throughout the ages. 3.5 pgs. 0 f/c. 1b.
Pages: 3.5
Bibliography: 1 source(s) listed
Filename: 2694 Book Review Obasan.doc
Price: US$31.32
37.2727 A Critical Book Review of The Culture of Civil War in Kyoto.
The following is a critical review of Berry's (1994) work on culture during the Kyoto Civil War. This review will begin with a general summary and overview of the history and problems identified with Berry, and in turn, proceed to examining her central thesis that can be said in brief. Berry argues that the essentially 'feudal' culture was caught within a period of social, economic, and political growth. The conflict or clash between the progress which was happening around and within Kyoto, over and against a patriarchal and feudal system, effectively prevented a more 'rational' or 'less chaotic' adaptation to the changes, and second, this culture prevented (Shogun) any other alternative means for resolving the conflicts in question. Thus, the focus in the above sense will be directed at understanding those elements within culture that can be said to be the cause of inertia. Finally, this paper will close with a critical discussion of the 'form' and 'scholarly precision' of Berry's work, and it will be argued that this is a highly readable and comprehensive work. 5 pgs. 0 f/c. 1b.
Pages: 5
Bibliography: 1 source(s) listed
Filename: 2727 Book Review Kyoto.doc
Price: US$44.75
38.2744 How Castiglione's Humanism Influences His Ideas.
This paper is a book report of Baldesar Castiglione's book, The Book of the Courtier. Castiglione's humanism profoundly influences his idea, especially about what constitutes the perfect courtier. Indeed, it is clear that Castiglione perceives the importance of man turning toward himself for his own decisions, and of increasing his questioning of authority in all aspects of life. Castaglione clearly struggles with the question of whether or not society should have a certain goal toward which aspiring people should direct their efforts. In life, Castiglione reveals, there must be a certain emphasis on measuring our accomplishments with those of other people. This is important in order for humans to be able to excel in life, and for them not to remain puppets of some religious institution. 6.5 pgs. 3 f/c. 1b.
Pages: 6.5
Bibliography: 1 source(s) listed
Filename: 2744 Book of Courtier.doc
Price: US$58.18
39.2753 Book Review of Canadian Families: Diversity, Conflict and Change.
The authors examine the many themes and conflicts that surround the discussion of the family today. They reveal how the definition of "family" that the social elites construct is very different from what reality actually is. They show how economic realities, violence within the home, and discrimination on all levels, affect families in all walks of life. The authors do an excellent job in demonstrating how the division between men's and women's tasks have significantly changed since capitalism has become embedded within the society. 8.5 pgs. 10 f/c. 7b.
Pages: 8.5
Bibliography: 7 source(s) listed
Filename: 2753 Review Canadian Families.doc
Price: US$76.07
40.2791 The Appeal of Thai Cuisine.
In recent years, the popularity of Thai cuisine has soared in North America. This paper will consider Thai cuisine, its historical context, and its unique appeal. This paper will provide the reader with an indication as to the diversity of this popular cuisine. 3.5 pgs. 7 f/c. 2b.
Pages: 3.5
Bibliography: 2 source(s) listed
Filename: 2791 Appeal Thai Cuisine.doc
Price: US$31.32
41.2832 Book Review: Michael Grant's Cleopatra.
Michael Grant's Cleopatra is an interesting read both in terms of subject matter and style. Cleopatra was a powerful woman who, while reigning in Alexandria, Egypt, had affairs with Julius Caesar and Marc Antony. Traditional history has tended to superficially dismiss her as a powerful seductress. While Grant's book is written in an academic style, it helps debunk the common misperception regarding Cleopatra and demonstrates that she was a skilled administrator who attempted to salvage Egypt from Roman domination. 4.5 pgs. 0 f/c. 1b.
Pages: 4.5
Bibliography: 1 source(s) listed
Filename: 2832 Book Review Cleopatra.doc
Price: US$40.28
42.2814 Book Review: Defining Visions.
Mary Ann Watson appears to argue that television has not only been a reflection of reality, but that it has also socially constructed it. Indeed, we see a history of television since 1945 and we examine how television has had a profound effect on American culture. The book explores the link between television and American Culture. 5 pgs. 8 f/c. 1b.
