BOOKSHELF
Point of Opinion by H.W. Farewell ’40. This essay collection
demystifies parliamentary procedure based on Farewell’s philosophy
that good procedure is the application of simple courtesy, tact and
common sense to group decision making (Infinity Publishing, $11.95).
Byways by James Laughlin, edited by Peter
Glassgold ’60. Laughlin’s
memoir covers his life during the Civil War years, his attending school
in Switzerland and his time as publisher of Perspectives and founder
of New Directions (New Directions, $35).
Summer Accommodations by Sidney Hart ’60. In his new novel,
Hart — a writer and practicing psychiatrist — chronicles
the adventures of a busboy at a Catskills resort in the summer of 1956
as he earns money for college and searches for love (Atlas Books, $13.95).
A Sail to Great Island by Alan Feldman ’66. This collection
of award-winning poems has three sections: poems about memory, reflections
from family life and global issues (The University of Wisconsin Press,
$14.95).
Chaos, Corruption, Courage and Glory: A Year
in Boxing by Thomas Hauser ’67.
Hauser’s anthology of his recent essays include stories of boxing
luminaries such as Lennox Lewis, Mike Tyson and Bernard Hopkins, among
others, creating a broad record of today’s boxing scene (Sport
Classic Books, $13.95).
Dear Senator: A Memoir by the Daughter of Strom
Thurmond by Essie
Mae Washington-Williams and William Stadiem ’69. With the assistance
of bestselling author Stadiem, the proclaimed illegitimate daughter
of Senator Strom Thurmond reflects on the complicated, yet loving,
private relationship she had with her father (Regan Books, $24.95).
When a Woman Loves a Man by David Lehman ’70. In this collection,
the poet attempts to capture the romance, irony and pathos of love
with subjects ranging from post–9-11 New York to Gertrude Stein
to Buddhism (Scribner, $17).
Welcome to Kiwi: Jaundiced Views of the Mideast
1979–2004 by
Lynn Lindsay ’70. This compilation includes Lindsay’s essays
that confront misconceptions of the “West versus the Rest” ideology
in foreign policy toward the Middle East, covering military, economic,
social and political issues (BooksByBookends, $13).
The Poorhouse: America’s Forgotten Institution by David
Wagner ’72.
Wagner brings to light a forgotten piece of American history, examining
the history, living conditions and faults of the poorhouses created
in the early 1900s to reform poor, deviant citizens into productive
members of society (Rowman & Littlefield, $22.95).
Whiskey Priest by Alexander J. Motyl ’75. Motyl explores themes
of identity, faith and redemption in this novel about a disillusioned
KGB assassin and a U.S. diplomat searching Ukraine to put an end to
an Ivy League professor’s prostitution ring funded with stolen
Russian mafia money (iUniverse, $12.95).
Scenes From an Ordinary Life: Getting Naked
To Explore a Writer’s
Process and Possibilities by Lou Orfanella ’82. The author explains
how writing allows people to find creative and emotional outlets, suggesting
that strong writing comes from repressed emotions and encouraging writers
to “get naked” by deeply exploring their inner selves (Fine
Tooth Press, $13.99).
Fourier Analysis by Eric Stade ’83. A mathematics professor,
Stade presents a thorough approach to the advanced calculus concepts
of Fourier analysis in a reader-friendly and systematic way, including
history and impact on the development of modern mathematical analysis
and today’s applications of the principles (Wiley, $94.95).
Jews and Blacks in the Early Modern World by Jonathan
Schorsch ’86.
Schorsch offers in-depth treatment of Jewish images of and behavior
toward blacks during the period of peak Jewish involvement in Atlantic
slave-holding (Cambridge University Press, $85).
How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets by Garth
Stein ’87.
31-year-old Evan never did much growing up, but the death of his high
school girlfriend forces him to face the darkness of his past as he
tries to reconcile with a 14-year-old son he never knew (Soho Press,
$25).
Femme’s Dictionary by Carol Guess ’90. After completing
several novels, Guess moves into the realm of poetry with this passionate
anthology that illustrates the beauty and hardships of a lesbian lifestyle
(Calyx Books, $13.95).
Jackfish by J Milligan ’92. Described as a “noir story
told in Technicolor,” Jackfish is the tale of a secret agent
from the Lost City of Atlantis learning to make his way in the New
York City streets while completing his mission (Soho Press, $24).
War By Candlelight by Daniel Alarcón ’99. Reflecting
on his past in Peru, Alarcón juxtaposes nine short stories to
explore how war impacts individuals using characters ranging from unremorseful
terrorists to struggling immigrants to a reporter (Harper Collins,
$23.95).
The Philosophical Disenfranchisement of Art by Arthur
C. Danto, Emeritus Johnsonian Professor of Philosophy. The reprint of this influential
study examines the complex relationship between art and philosophy,
exploring such questions as, “Is art only meant for pleasure?” and “Is
art just another form of philosophy?” (Columbia University Press,
$24.50).
Irresistible Empire by Victoria de Grazia, professor
of history. De Grazia offers an account of how the American standard
of living triumphed over the European way of life and attained the
controversial global cultural hegemony that is both its great strength
and key weakness today (Harvard University Press, $29.95).
Columbia College Today features
books by alumni and faculty as well as books about the College
and its people. For inclusion, please send review copies to:
Laura Butchy, Bookshelf Editor
Columbia College Today
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