No metropolis has been more loved or more hated. To its official boosters; “Los Angeles brings it all together.†To detractors; LA is a sunlit mortuary where “you can rot without feeling it.†To Mike Davis; the author of this fiercely elegant and wide- ranging work of social history; Los Angeles is both utopia and dystopia; a place where the last Joshua trees are being plowed under to make room for model communities in the desert; where the rich have hired their own police to fend off street gangs; as well as armed Beirut militias. In City of Quartz; Davis reconstructs LA’s shadow history and dissects its ethereal economy. He tells us who has the power and how they hold on to it. He gives us a city of Dickensian extremes; Pynchonesque conspiracies; and a desperation straight out of Nathaniel Westa city in which we may glimpse our own future mirrored with terrifying clarity.In this new edition; Davis provides a dazzling update on the city’s current status.
#4722291 in Books 2001-03-29Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 #File Name: 1841811092144 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. very nice read if u understand the scripturesBy ShopTill I Dropi bought this some years ago and wow this is great. i still have it and i read it all.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. This is an excellent book and an excellent purchase.By Clovis HonoreMost of the books on "Egypt" have been written from the perspective of the outsider looking upon the "object" of Egypt. Dr. Seleem appears to have an understanding of the culture and spirituality of the ancient "Egyptians" that speaks from the perspective of the subject - the native. This book I bought was in excellent condition and was delivered on time as promised.13 of 14 people found the following review helpful. The Journey of the Soul - a matter of life and deathBy Norman GrossmanDon't be put off by the title! The real title of `The Egyptian Book of the Dead'; is actually `The Book of Coming Forth by the Light of Day'; which describes how the soul travels through this world; the netherworld; and the spiritual realm and is therefore very relevant to the living person. This ancient text is said to be the only record of the two-fold mystery - the mystery of life and death and is meant to be read and re-enacted by the living to help them on this journey.In reality; therefore; the book of the dead is the Egyptian book of life - life now; life hereafter and life everlasting. Dr Seleem explains that a human being needs a map in order to travel both in this lifetime and beyond: `How can you travel in life after death without knowing the way? The roads; ways; gates; hours; laws and guardians of life after death are explained in detail in the Book of the Dead and even though a copy is buried with the deceased; it is better to learn this divine knowledge by heart and live it in this lifetime.'Dr Seleem has produced a magnificent book; beautifully illustrated with many stunning illustrations from a 19th century edition of the papyrus. As a background to his translation; he has incorporated an impressive and revelatory account of the Egyptian religion; philosophy and mythology which he studied for over 25 years; which for itself; is a sufficient reason to buy the book. He has worked with the original texts and incorporated the symbolic meaning which they contain; often missed by earlier authors. It will serve scholars; people fascinated by this most ancient of traditions and anyone seeking to understand the mystery of life and death and the journey of the soul.
