Publisher of Bandanna Books, college texts in the humanities and language fields. Catalog is at www.bandannabooks.com. Latest project: Shakespeare Playbooks for Directors.
The imprint College Editions is a subsidy publishing operation for academic journals in paper or digital format. Phone: 805-899-2145 Address: 1212 Punta Gorda St., #13
Santa Barbara CA 93103
Vasariah Guerrier: The Othello Playbook is already up on Academia.edu.
To actually use it, howe... more Vasariah Guerrier: The Othello Playbook is already up on Academia.edu. To actually use it, however, requires the paper edition, which is available on Amazon.
After he gave up novel-writing, Tolstoy devoted himself to uncovering the root of Christianity, b... more After he gave up novel-writing, Tolstoy devoted himself to uncovering the root of Christianity, by discarding everything except Jesus' teachings. That meant tossing out the miracles, the genealogy, the Resurrection as having no bearing on the actual teaching. Tolstoy distills it to five Commandments of Jesus, including "resist not evil," which became the basis of Gandhi's Satyagraha and Martin Luther King, Jr., in his civil disobedience campaign.
Poetry by the noted scholar Jorge de Sena, eight meditations on the Pacific Coast. Bilingual Port... more Poetry by the noted scholar Jorge de Sena, eight meditations on the Pacific Coast. Bilingual Portuguese/English. Translated by Jonathan Griffin. Reprint
English poetry based on the transcriptions of Nahuatl by Sahagún, on the theme of birthing. After... more English poetry based on the transcriptions of Nahuatl by Sahagún, on the theme of birthing. Afterword by Peter Whigham. Reprint.
Reprint of a 1984 anthology of stories, poems, drawings, photos from both sides of the Berlin Wal... more Reprint of a 1984 anthology of stories, poems, drawings, photos from both sides of the Berlin Wall (five years before it came down). Both East Berlin and West Berlin were thriving artistic communities; both sides lived with heavy ideology leaning into their lives. Bilingual German/English (various translators.
One of a series of eight gendered modern English versions of the I Ching. This volume using "hu"... more One of a series of eight gendered modern English versions of the I Ching. This volume using "hu" (hu-manist pronouns) for the third person unknown or hypothetical.
One of a series of eight gendered modern English versions of the I Ching. This volume using "he"... more One of a series of eight gendered modern English versions of the I Ching. This volume using "he" for the third person unknown or hypothetical.
Vasariah Guerrier: The Othello Playbook is already up on Academia.edu.
To actually use it, howe... more Vasariah Guerrier: The Othello Playbook is already up on Academia.edu. To actually use it, however, requires the paper edition, which is available on Amazon.
After he gave up novel-writing, Tolstoy devoted himself to uncovering the root of Christianity, b... more After he gave up novel-writing, Tolstoy devoted himself to uncovering the root of Christianity, by discarding everything except Jesus' teachings. That meant tossing out the miracles, the genealogy, the Resurrection as having no bearing on the actual teaching. Tolstoy distills it to five Commandments of Jesus, including "resist not evil," which became the basis of Gandhi's Satyagraha and Martin Luther King, Jr., in his civil disobedience campaign.
Poetry by the noted scholar Jorge de Sena, eight meditations on the Pacific Coast. Bilingual Port... more Poetry by the noted scholar Jorge de Sena, eight meditations on the Pacific Coast. Bilingual Portuguese/English. Translated by Jonathan Griffin. Reprint
English poetry based on the transcriptions of Nahuatl by Sahagún, on the theme of birthing. After... more English poetry based on the transcriptions of Nahuatl by Sahagún, on the theme of birthing. Afterword by Peter Whigham. Reprint.
Reprint of a 1984 anthology of stories, poems, drawings, photos from both sides of the Berlin Wal... more Reprint of a 1984 anthology of stories, poems, drawings, photos from both sides of the Berlin Wall (five years before it came down). Both East Berlin and West Berlin were thriving artistic communities; both sides lived with heavy ideology leaning into their lives. Bilingual German/English (various translators.
One of a series of eight gendered modern English versions of the I Ching. This volume using "hu"... more One of a series of eight gendered modern English versions of the I Ching. This volume using "hu" (hu-manist pronouns) for the third person unknown or hypothetical.
One of a series of eight gendered modern English versions of the I Ching. This volume using "he"... more One of a series of eight gendered modern English versions of the I Ching. This volume using "he" for the third person unknown or hypothetical.
One of a series of eight gendered modern English versions of the I Ching. This volume using "he ... more One of a series of eight gendered modern English versions of the I Ching. This volume using "he or she" for the third person unknown or hypothetical.
One of a series of eight gendered modern English versions of the I Ching. This volume using "he/... more One of a series of eight gendered modern English versions of the I Ching. This volume using "he/she" for the third person unknown or hypothetical.
One of a series of eight gendered modern English versions of the I Ching. This volume using "she... more One of a series of eight gendered modern English versions of the I Ching. This volume using "she" for the third person unknown or hypothetical.
One of a series of eight gendered modern English versions of the I Ching. This volume using "one... more One of a series of eight gendered modern English versions of the I Ching. This volume using "one" (impersonal) for the third person unknown or hypothetical.
One of a series of eight gendered modern English versions of the I Ching. This volume using "s/h... more One of a series of eight gendered modern English versions of the I Ching. This volume using "s/he" for the third person unknown or hypothetical.
One of a series of eight gendered modern English versions of the I Ching. This volume using "the... more One of a series of eight gendered modern English versions of the I Ching. This volume using "they" for the third person unknown or hypothetical.
Translated by Sasha Newborn. We have only scraps of Sappho's 16 books. Plato called her the Eight... more Translated by Sasha Newborn. We have only scraps of Sappho's 16 books. Plato called her the Eighth Muse, but the Byzantine Christians found her openness and sexuality to be abhorrent. Sappho created the lyric poetry we know today, and few achieve what she did with few words.
Tolstoy's story is based on a real incident in one of Russia's campaigns of conquest, of a depose... more Tolstoy's story is based on a real incident in one of Russia's campaigns of conquest, of a deposed Chechen leader who escapes to the Russian side, with the objective of enlisting them in a campaign to return him to power. Tolstoy was in the military in that campaign, though he did not personally meet the charismatic Hadji Murad.
A playlet by a Ukrainian activist in the form of an allegory really talking about the domination ... more A playlet by a Ukrainian activist in the form of an allegory really talking about the domination of the Ukraine by Tsarist Russia. This was written over a hundred years ago, but has echoes in today's news.
A selection of poetry from Dante Gabriel Rossetti's translation of Dante Alighieri early in his p... more A selection of poetry from Dante Gabriel Rossetti's translation of Dante Alighieri early in his poetic career, with fifteen of his fellow poets, including Guido Cavalcanti, Giovanni Boccaccio, Giotto di Bondone, Lapo Gianni, Cino da Pistoia, and others. Main theme of the book is love, which at that time was somewhat new as a topic of discussion.
This series of poems by the young Dante centers on his obsession with Beatrice Portinari before a... more This series of poems by the young Dante centers on his obsession with Beatrice Portinari before and after her death. Dante explains the structure of each poem in detail, to show his poetic methods.
Poems written in the Japanese manner of tanka and double tanka, by Hayashi (pen name of Dennis Ho... more Poems written in the Japanese manner of tanka and double tanka, by Hayashi (pen name of Dennis Holt), as an exploration of poetic form. Editor: Sasha Newborn
An allegorical tale, using the story of the Jewish exile in Babylonia to describe the state of Uk... more An allegorical tale, using the story of the Jewish exile in Babylonia to describe the state of Ukraine under Tsarist Russian domination a little over a hundred years ago. "Lesya Ukrainka" was the pen name of a political activist; she was unable to publish her piece in her home town because it was written in Ukrainian; it had to be sent beyond the reach of the Russians to be printed. Editor: Sasha Newborn
Poetry based on the Cretan myths of Ariadne, Theseus, the Minotaur, Minos, Daedalus and Icarus, C... more Poetry based on the Cretan myths of Ariadne, Theseus, the Minotaur, Minos, Daedalus and Icarus, Crete, Poseidon, etc.
Before he was famous as a playwright, Shakespeare was known as a poet. Here he takes a story from... more Before he was famous as a playwright, Shakespeare was known as a poet. Here he takes a story from Ovid, and tells a spectrum of varieties of love in this one story.
After his death, a few poems and fragments were discovered that Blake had obviously been working ... more After his death, a few poems and fragments were discovered that Blake had obviously been working on for a long time, but had decided not to make public during his lifetime. His view of Christianity, as with most of his writings, tend to carry a sting of conviction.
In the very first edition of Leaves of Grass, no author is named, and most poems have no title ot... more In the very first edition of Leaves of Grass, no author is named, and most poems have no title other than "leaves of grass." This self-published book met a querulous public, but became almost a new gospel to some readers. Whitman's rejection of all the European conventions of poetry was thoroughgoing: no rhyme, no meter, no metaphor, no Greek or Roman references. It was distinctly American.
A retitled edition of "Spoon River Anthology," to aptly describe the format—epitaphs written as i... more A retitled edition of "Spoon River Anthology," to aptly describe the format—epitaphs written as if from the persons recently dead (over two hundred of them) from this small town. Each short paragraph encapsulates a life, of regret, or accomplishment, or misunderstanding, or joy, or relief. And yet they are "all, all sleeping, sleeping on the hill," the portrait of small town America. Edited by Sasha Newborn
Edition of this little book, published in 1863 in the midst of the American Civil War, develops t... more Edition of this little book, published in 1863 in the midst of the American Civil War, develops the theme of the meaning of patriotism in a newly founded country. The protagonist, possibly involved in Aaron Burr's apparent attempt at founding a new state, in a burst of youthful pride declares that he does not want to hear the words "United States" again. His wish is granted, and he spends the rest of his days on ships asea. Edited by Sasha Newborn
An edition of Goldsmith's description of the effects of the Industrial Revolution on the lives of... more An edition of Goldsmith's description of the effects of the Industrial Revolution on the lives of rural England, formerly based on cottage industry. The desolation and unstoppable influence of capitalism on the countryside is detailed, in what is lost in the entry into the modern world. Edited by Sasha Newborn
Charles Dickens' classic Christmas story, slightly modernized. In paper (www.createspace.com/4949... more Charles Dickens' classic Christmas story, slightly modernized. In paper (www.createspace.com/4949924) and ebook editions
Another novel by the author of Frankenstein. This story, with a suggested theme of incest, was no... more Another novel by the author of Frankenstein. This story, with a suggested theme of incest, was not allowed to be published at the time by her father, William Godwin, presumably because of public perception that the story line might be drawn from her own life with him. In the gothic strain of emotionality.
Novel split between a Peace Corps Volunteer returning home to find a nation in uproar over the Vi... more Novel split between a Peace Corps Volunteer returning home to find a nation in uproar over the Vietnam War—and stories and drawings of the two years in Tanzania on the African plain, a world away. Amid AWOLs and liberated women, marches and draftcard burnings, he eventually begins to build a new life.
Sci-fi novel set 20 years after settlement on Mars. A journalist visits Mars, gets in danger, beg... more Sci-fi novel set 20 years after settlement on Mars. A journalist visits Mars, gets in danger, begins to understand the several ways that humans cope, battles a cagey politician who is determined to rule the whole planet. Meanwhile uncovering the diary of the first Martian, a human who planned to strand himself alone to prove it could be done.
With art by Diego Marcial Rios. The Murders in the Rue Morgue, The Mystery of Marie Roget, and Th... more With art by Diego Marcial Rios. The Murders in the Rue Morgue, The Mystery of Marie Roget, and The Purloined Letter created the genre that Conan Doyle was to copy and that endures to this day. Poe, however, went on to other literary experiments.
Story of the girlhood and young life, semi-autobiographical, of a precocious girl who decides to ... more Story of the girlhood and young life, semi-autobiographical, of a precocious girl who decides to be a "good villain," since the villains are the ones who actually motivate action. In case after case, she contrives to bring about a change almost without notice. First publication in book form.
Although every Elizabethan actor was male, seven of Shakespeare's plays involve crossdressing, on... more Although every Elizabethan actor was male, seven of Shakespeare's plays involve crossdressing, only two of which are for comic effect (in Taming of the Shrew Induction, and Merry Wives of Windsor). The others, sometimes extended throughout the play, as in As You Like It, are usually women who must travel or take on a male role (as Portia in The Merchant of Venice). Hamlet is included because so many actresses, including Sarah Bernhardt and Sara Siddons, have chosen to play the complex role of Hamlet onstage.
Director's Playbooks are designed as workbooks for actual production of Shakespeare's plays, with... more Director's Playbooks are designed as workbooks for actual production of Shakespeare's plays, with notes for the director on team-building, tips on auditions, entrances and exits. Plus sections for the Costumer, the Set Designer, the Stage Manager, and perhaps most important, the Producer (playbill, budget, promotion campaign). Lots of space for sketching actors' marks, drawing costumes or gestures, scenery, sets. In college or high school or community theater, the Playbook is indispensable for keeping track of all the details of a production.
Director's Playbooks are designed as workbooks for actual production of Shakespeare's plays, with... more Director's Playbooks are designed as workbooks for actual production of Shakespeare's plays, with notes for the director on team-building, tips on auditions, entrances and exits. Plus sections for the Costumer, the Set Designer, the Stage Manager, and perhaps most important, the Producer (playbill, budget, promotion campaign). Lots of space for sketching actors' marks, drawing costumes or gestures, scenery, sets. In college or high school or community theater, the Playbook is indispensable for keeping track of all the details of a production.
Director's Playbooks are designed as workbooks for actual production of Shakespeare's plays, with... more Director's Playbooks are designed as workbooks for actual production of Shakespeare's plays, with notes for the director on team-building, tips on auditions, entrances and exits. Plus sections for the Costumer, the Set Designer, the Stage Manager, and perhaps most important, the Producer (playbill, budget, promotion campaign). Lots of space for sketching actors' marks, drawing costumes or gestures, scenery, sets. In college or high school or community theater, the Playbook is indispensable for keeping track of all the details of a production.
Henry IV, Part One; Henry IV, Part Two; Henry V; and The Merry Wives of Windsor. The first three ... more Henry IV, Part One; Henry IV, Part Two; Henry V; and The Merry Wives of Windsor. The first three are historical plays, with Falstaff attracting the young Prince Hal into scurrilous episodes in the first two, finally to be rejected. Rumor has it that Queen Elizabeth was so taken by the character that she commissioned Shakespeare to write one more play (The Merry Wives of Windsor) featuring the fat knight. Was Falstaff based on the real John Oldcastle? In a further play, a character named Fastolfe is cast away. Sir Toby Belch may have been an early version of Falstaff.
Cymbeline was an ancient king of Britain, involved in cutting ties with the Roman Empire. His dau... more Cymbeline was an ancient king of Britain, involved in cutting ties with the Roman Empire. His daughter leaves home to find her love, the outcast orphan that Cymbeline has banished.
A whimsical play of Falstaff's failed plot to get money from two widows, who connive to get him i... more A whimsical play of Falstaff's failed plot to get money from two widows, who connive to get him into all kinds of trouble.
A personal selection of words that we no longer use; orphan words, unnecessary words. Feel free t... more A personal selection of words that we no longer use; orphan words, unnecessary words. Feel free to disagree—or add your own.
Greek and Latin roots used by medical professionals, but which generally need translation for pat... more Greek and Latin roots used by medical professionals, but which generally need translation for patients.
Five pieces by Mark Twain on the art of telling a story, with some examples. He makes an interest... more Five pieces by Mark Twain on the art of telling a story, with some examples. He makes an interesting distinction between the British approach to a humorous story and the radically different American technique, which he himself, James Whitcomb Riley, Joel Chandler Harris, Washington Irving and others use in their fiction. Edited by Sasha Newborn
Seven pieces by Robert Louis Stevenson on his analysis of how to write. Stevenson delves into the... more Seven pieces by Robert Louis Stevenson on his analysis of how to write. Stevenson delves into the "music" of prose, the moral responsibility of the writer, his sources of inspiration on writing, the new (in his day) school of realism in writing, and several pieces on his most famous books: Treasure Island and The Master of Ballantrae. Editor: Sasha Newborn.
Three essays by Poe on writing: How to Write a Blackwood's Article, The Philosophy of Composition... more Three essays by Poe on writing: How to Write a Blackwood's Article, The Philosophy of Composition, and X-ing a Paragraph. Poe was perhaps the most innovative American writer, most famously for creating the detective genre, and the source of the Sherlock Holmes pattern, according to Arthur Conan Doyle himself.
A re-issue of Ambrose Bierce's list of the most common mistakes in the use of the English languag... more A re-issue of Ambrose Bierce's list of the most common mistakes in the use of the English language. Bierce was a journalist, author of The Devil's Dictionary. This book, Write It Right, is intended to correct colloquialisms.
An analysis of the elements of a play by one of the greatest of storytellers, Richard Francis Bur... more An analysis of the elements of a play by one of the greatest of storytellers, Richard Francis Burton.
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