In 1984 Tamarov; then 19; was drafted into the Soviet Army and posted to Afghanistan where he spent 20 months in a minesweeper outfit. Despite heavy operational responsibilities and danger; he managed to take artful photographs which capture the stark landscape; friendly and unfriendly Afghans and the men of his platoon in action and in repose.Photographs depicting the haunted faces of both soldiers and civilians; the country's rugged yet beautiful mountain terrain; and the banality of daily life between missions are interspersed with Tamarov's unsentimental but passionate prose; in which he reveals his growing disorientation and takes to task his government for a campaign that has been widely dubbed "the Soviet Vietnam".Returning home uninjured in 1986; the author subsequently traveled to the United States; met with Vietnam vets and paid his respects at the Wall on the Mall in Washington; D.C.; sharing with his new acquaintances "something which others cannot understand." More than a photographic essay; Afghanistan offerns an stunningly personal view of combat that is rarely seen by most.
#2319864 in Books Blue Dolphin Publishing 1999-10-20Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.62 x 6.00l; 2.24 #File Name: 1577330137712 pages
Review
6 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Explores the common spiritual symbols of the Native PeopleBy Midwest Book ReviewIn People Of The Circle; People Of The Four Directions; Scott McCarthy explores the common spiritual symbols of the Native People of North and South America. Drawing on poetry; stories; ceremonies; and ethnological studies; McCarthy provides examples of the use of circles; the four directions; and the number four (both individually and in combination) as common themes running through all Native American cultures. An invaluable; highly recommended contribution to Native American studies; People Of The Circle; People Of The Four Directions will encourage a sharing and understanding between the different Native American cultures and broader Eurocentric American culture as they interact and sometimes collide.13 of 15 people found the following review helpful. Gathering of Native American Prayers; Rituals; TraditionsBy Sharon HermesWithin these 685 pages the author presents countless "Ceremonies and Lifeways" of the native peoples of North; Central; and South America as seen through the writings of scholars; ethnologists; teachers; personal observers; and the People themselves. Categorized by cultural area; cross-referenced alphabetically and by tribe; and followed by McCarthy's comments; they illustrate the recurring themes of the circle; the cardinal directions; the number four; and the appearance of these symbols in vastly different times and places.In the thought-provoking introduction; the conclusion; and extensive list of sources and recommended books; readers are encouraged to explore the sacred ways within their own and other cultures; to enter more deeply into a dialogue and a sharing of this spiritual nourishment to recognize the interconnectedness in all creation; and to be open to the Spirit's activity within it all. A great reference book and source of inspiration.
