Catalogue


Book Description




A Guide to Greek Traditions and Customs in America


Book Description

"A clear and comprehensive guide to the religious and secular life of the Greek-American community," including naming a baby, planning a baptism, observing name days, baking communion bread, buying popular Greek music, what to say (in Greek) on special occasions, and much more.




Guide to Reprints


Book Description




The Invention of Tradition


Book Description

This book explores examples of this process of invention and addresses the complex interaction of past and present in a fascinating study of ritual and symbolism.







The Jewish Wedding Now


Book Description

Newly revised and updated, the definitive guide to planning a Jewish wedding, written by bestselling novelist Anita Diamant—author of The Red Tent and The Boston Girl—and one of the most respected writers of guides to contemporary Jewish life. This complete, easy-to-use guide explains everything you need to know to plan your own Jewish wedding in today’s ever-changing world where the very definition of what constitutes a Jewish wedding is up for discussion. With enthusiasm and flair, Anita Diamant provides choices for every stage of a wedding—including celebrations before and after the ceremony itself—providing both traditional and contemporary options. She explains the Jewish tradition of love and marriage with references drawn from Biblical, Talmudic, and mystical texts and stories. She guides you step by step through planning the ceremony and the party that follows—from finding a rabbi and wording the invitation to organizing a processional and hiring a caterer. Samples of wedding invitations and ketubot (marriage contracts) are provided for inspiration and guidance, as well as poems that can be incorporated into the wedding ceremony or party and a variety of translations of traditional texts. “There is no such thing as a generic Jewish wedding,” writes Anita Diamant, “no matter what the rabbi tells you, no matter what the caterer tells you, no matter what your mother tells you.” Complete, authoritative, and indispensable, The Jewish Wedding Now provides personalized options—some new, some old—to create a wedding that combines spiritual meaning and joyous celebration and reflects your individual values and beliefs.




The Ultimate SF Collection: 150 Classics


Book Description

The Ultimate SF Collection: 150 Classics is an unparalleled compilation that traverses the broad spectrum of science fiction, showcasing the rich diversity and profound depth of this genre. From the proto-science fiction elements of Mary Shelley's groundbreaking work to the complex social commentaries of H.G. Wells, and the pioneering space operas of E.E. Smith, this anthology celebrates the multifaceted nature of science fiction. It navigates through various literary styles, from adventure-laden narratives and speculative technological wonders to dystopian visions and philosophical explorations, offering readers a comprehensive journey through the evolution of the genre. Standout pieces include timeless classics that have become cornerstones of science fiction, reflective of the era's technological aspirations and societal fears. The contributing authors and editors, a constellation of literary luminaries, bring together an extraordinary range of perspectives, each infusing the collection with unique insights grounded in their distinct historical and cultural contexts. Authors like Jules Verne and H.G. Wells are credited with the genesis of speculative fiction, while pioneers like Mary Shelley and Edgar Allan Poe introduced elements that would define the genre. This anthology not only highlights seminal works that contributed to the development of science fiction but also aligns with various literary movements, from Romanticism to Modernism, enriching the readers' understanding of its thematic diversity. The Ultimate SF Collection: 150 Classics offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the expansive universe of science fiction. It is an essential read for aficionados and newcomers alike, providing a broad compilation that celebrates the genre's ability to question the known and imagine the unknown. This anthology encourages readers to explore the depths of human imagination, the ethical dilemmas of science and technology, and the endless possibilities of alternative realities. It is an invitation to traverse time, space, and dimension through a literary lens, fostering a deeper appreciation of the genre's contribution to culture and society.




Hindu Manners, Customs and Ceremonies


Book Description

For 30 years the author, a French missionary, lived among the Hindus, adopting their dress and customs and studying their social and religious institutions. The English government found this account of the results of his observations valuable enough to translate and publish it for the use of officials and oriental students.




Jewish Weddings


Book Description

There is nothing more daunting to a newly engaged couple than planning their wedding. For Jewish couples, balancing religious and aesthetic needs can be especially tricky. Rita Milos Brownstein provides inspiration and practical advice in Jewish Weddings, a lavishly illustrated guide to creating a wedding that both honors Jewish culture, ritual, and tradition and reflects the lives and personalities of the bride and groom. Beginning with a brief history of the Jewish wedding (including wonderful stories of barshert, couples whose love was clearly meant to be), Brownstein guides the bride and groom through the pleasures of the engagement party and Jewish bridal shower to choosing a ketubah (marriage contract), wedding ring, and invitations. She describes traditional Jewish customs and rituals, then suggests ways to personalize the chuppah, or wedding canopy; music; wedding programs; and even the chairs. Brownstein includes the joyous times after the wedding and gives the new couple tips on how to create a Jewish home and original ideas for thank-you notes. Of course, Brownstein doesn't forget about food, with menu suggestions for an engagement party and a bridal shower tea party, as well as for the wedding reception and Sheva Brachas, the traditional week of festive meals following the wedding. Delicious, mouth-watering recipes for Salmon Roll with Dill Sauce, Green Bean Bundles, Potato and Leek Soup, and Poached Pears will please even the most finicky couple. Brownstein supplies tips on how to keep a kosher kitchen as well. The book also offers glimpses of seven real-life Jewish weddings. From a jubilant outdoor celebration in San Diego, California; a dazzling New York City affair; a classic Hasidic wedding in Hartford, Connecticut; to an elegant affair in Palm Beach, Florida, these stories will inspire any bride and groom in planning their own wedding, no matter where they live. Illustrated with more than 200 gorgeous color and black-and-white photographs, Jewish Weddings is an indispensable book for any Jewish couple.




The Emergence of Islam


Book Description

"Now in an updated, second edition, Gabriel Said Reynolds tells the story of Islam in this brief illustrated survey, beginning with Muhammad's early life and rise to power, then tracing the origins and development of the Quran juxtaposed with biblical literature, and concluding with an overview of modern and fundamentalist narratives of the origin of Islam. Reynolds offers a fascinating look at the structure and meaning of the Qur'an, revealing the ways in which biblical language is used to advance the Qur'an's religious meaning. Reynolds' analysis identifies the motives that shaped each narrative Islamic, Jewish, and Christian. The book's conclusion yields a rich understanding of diverse interpretations of Islam's emergence, suggesting that its emergence is itself ever-developing"--Publisher description.