Issued

"Will scare the bejesus out of most of us," says USA Today. In this wake-up call to those who believe racism is no longer a problem in America, Rowan maintains that "the early salvos have been fired in a race war that will worsen." The book examines the current state of race relations in America and the increasing presence of hatred in national politics. Though pessimistic about society's readiness to face the immense challenges necessary to avert a race war, Rowan maintains that war is not inevitable, and offers ways to prevent it. Rowan is a columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times and is the author of several books on race in America.

Religion, Interpretation,and Diversity of Belief
By Terry F. Godlove Jr. '77
Mercer University Press, 1997

Tracing the history of a philosophical construct called "the framework model" from Kant to Durkheim, Godlove argues for its replacement. He maintains that religions are not all-encompassing. They are constrained and constructed by the formal rules that make human experience possible and by the assumptions that, as language users, we all share. Given these common foundations, religious differences are relatively limited and largely theoretical, asserts the author. The book sketches a picture of linguistic interpretation in which our differences, religious or otherwise, occur in the context of a strong shared background. Godlove is associate professor of philosophy and religion at Hofstra University.

Republic of the Dispossessed: The Exceptional Old-European Consensus in America
By Rowland Berthoff '42
University of Missouri Press, 1997

In this collection of essays, Berthoff argues that, contrary to recent mainstream historical interpretation, Americans have long shared a distinctive consensus on social values. This largely middle-class consensus is rooted in the values of the "dispossessed" Europeans who began arriving here in the 17th century, and is based upon a desire to balance personal liberty and communal equality. Berthoff, a Washington University professor emeritus of history, contends that the current emphasis on traditional values stems from America's renewed fear of dispossession. He is the author of several previous works, including An Unsettled People: Social Order and Disorder in American History.

Telling Time: Clocks, Diaries, and English Diurnal Form 1660-1785
By Stuart Sherman '74
University of Chicago Press, 1996

Considering a body of literary prose that has rarely received disciplined critical attention, Sherman positions a varied group of works in relation to their ideas about time. Tracing a long-running, but often ignored, "cultural encounter" between early modern chronometry and important prose genres of the 18th century, he analyzes changes in the content and form of writings that run side-by-side with developments in clock and watch technology from crude machines to exacting chronometers. Sherman is associate professor of English at Washington University.

The Rise and Fall of Gay Culture
By Daniel Harris '80
Hyperion, 1997

"Some of the clearest analysis of gay culture I have ever seen in print," says Gary, Indiana, author of Gone Tomorrow. Harris investigates the artifacts, rituals, and institutions of gay culture, and argues that its assimilation into mainstream society is undermining gay men's sense of themselves as a distinct minority. The Rise and Fall of Gay Culture also raises questions about the fate of racial and cultural diversity in society at large. A Brooklyn-based essayist, Harris writes regularly for Harper's and Salmagundi. This is his first book.

Pioneering Spirits: The Lives and Times of Remarkable Women Artists in Western HistoryBy Abby Remer '82
Davis Publications, 1996

Remer explains women's vast and fascinating artistic heritage from prehistory to the present. Tracing a trail blazed by ancient Greek and Roman female painters, illuminators of sacred medieval manuscripts, and Renaissance heroines, Pioneering Spirits reveals the nearly overwhelming obstacles women have had to overcome in order to contribute to Western art. Remer is founder and president of A.R. Arts and Cultural Programs, Inc., in New York City.

The Buddhist Religion: A Historical Introduction
By Richard H. Robinson, Willard Johnson '61, Sandra Wawrytko, Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Geoffrey DeGraff) '71
Wadsworth Publishing Company, 1997

Two Oberlin graduates have helped produce a completely revised fourth edition of the classic textbook on the Buddhist religion. Designed for the general-interest of Buddhism's doctrine and effects upon society, along with descriptions of modern religious life in major Buddhist cultures. Johnson is professor of religion at San Diego State University, and Bhikkhu is the abbot of the Meta Forest Monastery.

City Teachers: Teaching and School Reform in Historical Perspective
By Kate Rousmaniere '80
Teachers College Press, 1997

Funded in part by a grant from the Oberlin College Alumni Fellowship, City Teachers relates the experience of New York City teachers as they resisted, undermined, and adapted the school-reform policies of the 1920s. Rousmaniere raises questions about the actual effects of the reforms on teaching, curriculum, and school administration. Supplemented by extensive teacher interviews, the book examines the legacy of teachers' work culture and the effect of working conditions on teaching practices and reform policies. Rousmaniere is assistant professor in the Department of Education Leadership at Miami University in Ohio and was co-editor of Discipline, Moral Regulation, and Schooling: A Social History.

Language in Cognitive Development: The Emergence of the Mediated Mind
By Katherine Nelson '52
Cambridge University Press, 1996

"Sets forth a significant advance in our understanding of how children's thought develops," says Sheldon White of Harvard University, calling this "a book that now defines the cutting edge of our scientific understanding of cognitive development." Nelson presents a theory of cognitive development in infancy and early childhood that emphasizes the role of language while acknowledging the influence of both individuality and social convention. She is distinguished professor of psychology at the Graduate School and University Center of the City of New York.

Restoring Balance to a Mother's Busy Life
By Beth Wilson Saavedra '84
Contemporary Books, Inc., 1996

How can mothers meet their own changing needs while dealing with the day-to-day challenges of childrearing? Saavedra provides relaxation methods and meditations, and covers topics such as quiet moments with the baby, overcoming hurdles to sex, reclaiming one's body, and finding sources of support. The author, now known as Beth Shannon Wilson, has published two other books on motherhood, Meditations for New Mothers and Meditations for Mothers of Young Children, which have been translated into 10 languages and sold over 400,000 copies.

Criminal Dangerousness and the Risk of Violence
By Alfred B. Heilbrun Jr. '49
University Press of America, 1996

The author's new theoretical model of criminal dangerousness, which focuses on predicting violence, suggests that criminal violence evolves from a combination of deviant social values and cognitive deficits. Heilbrun supports his theory with a program of research and empirical-test data that pays particular attention to the relevance of race, gender, and mental disorder as contributors to criminal violence. Heilbrun is emeritus professor of psychology at Emory University and a consultant to the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles.

In Praise of Our Fathers and Our Mothers:
A Black Family Treasury by Outstanding Authors and Artists
Compiled by Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson '70
Just Us Books, 1997

In this richly illustrated collection, 49 black authors and visual artists share the influence their fathers, mothers, and ancestors have had on their lives. The contributions include poetry, essays, interviews, paintings, and vintage and con-temporary photographs. Hudson and her hus-band founded Just Us Books in 1988, and she has since published numerous children's books, including Bright Eyes, Brown Skin and Hold Christmas in Your Heart.

Toward a Safer Workplace: Reform and Deregulation of Worker's Compensation
By James Chelius and Edward Moscovitch '62
Pioneer Institute for Public Policy Research, 1996

The Massachusetts workers' compensation system underwent major reforms in 1991; Toward a Safer Workplace analyzes their effects and reviews the current system. The reforms were largely successful, say the authors, but some areas still need improvement, such as incentives for safety investments, the benefit structure, and insurance rates. Moscovitch is an independent economist and consultant in Cape Ann, Massachussetts. He has published two other books with the Pioneer Institute.

Dynamic Psychotherapy with the Borderline Patient
By William Goldstein '64
Jason Aronson Publishers, 1996

A guide for therapists treating severe personality disorders, Dynamic Psychotherapy presents a history of the concept of borderline patients and an overview of contemporary disputes regarding their classification, diagnosis, and treatment. Goldstein uses both theoretical discussion and clinical case studies to illustrate various methods of treating borderline patients. The author of Introduction to the Borderline Conditions, Goldstein is professor of clinical psychiatry at Georgetown University School of Medicine and at the George Washington University Medical Center.

Dance Me Along the Path
By Nancy Bailey Miller '67,
Illustrated by Don Doyle
Strathmoor Books, 1997

Many of the settings and subjects in Miller's first collection of poetry are from New England and from Phillips Academy, where she works. Her work has appeared in numerous anthologies, such as Our Mothers Ourselves, A Place of Springs, and While Morning Stars Sang. A teacher of English, Latin, and Suzuki violin, Miller has been a judge of the Lawrence Eagle Poetry contest and is founder of the Arts Workshop for Children. She lives near Boston with her husband and three children.

Interactive Media Essentials for Success
By Brian Blum '83
Ziff Davis Press, 1996

A step-by-step guide through the interactive design, development, and management process. Interactive Media Essentials includes anecdotal "war stories" about the design process, basic design tips, and a complete set of interactive script, flowchart, and project management templates. Blum lives in Israel, where he runs Blum Interactive Media. This is his first book.

Rethinking Writing
By Joanne M. Podis and Leonard A. Podis
Allyn and Bacon, 1996

Oberlin professor of expository writing and English Leonard Podis, and his wife, Joanne, have collaborated to produce this guide to student writing. Rethinking Writing reviews the link between personal and academic writing, outlines the composing process, and provides assistance with traditional college writing assignments. It also addresses the multicultural nature of society and the computer revolution's effect on the writing process. The numerous writing samples are the work of Oberlin students. Podis is director of Oberlin's expository writing program.

Driven by Hope: Men and Meaning and Men at Work: Life Beyond the Office
By James E. Dittes '49
Westminster John Knox Press, 1996

Published simultaneously and meant to com-plement one another, these books invite men to "embrace and celebrate their spiritual and de-cidedly masculine way" in the world. Driven by Hope explores alternatives to the traditional male role. Men at Work teaches the reader to look beyond the "one-sided love affair" with work and suggests ways to recognize unhealthy depen-dencies on work. Both books provide spiritual support for men who are reevaluating life's possibilities. Dittes is professor of pastoral theology and psychology at Yale Divinity School.

Still Can't Keep a Straight Face
By Ellen Orleans '83
Laugh Lines Press, 1996

Author of several lesbian humor books, Lambda Award-winner Ellen Orleans's work has appeared in such diverse publications as Glib, Deneuve, The Washington Post, and Funny Times. Issues she addresses in this collection include gay DNA, sodomy laws, Colorado's infamous Amendment 2, a gay Passover Seder, lesbian literature, her traumatic introduction to public speaking--and, of course, shedding pussycats. Director of the computer lab and writing-proficiency program at the Naropa Institute, Orleans combines tongue-in-cheek-humor with political and social savvy and comes away with an insightful and entertaining view of modern gay life.

Rhythm Reading
By Daniel Kazez '80
W.W. Norton, 1997

The second edition of one of the most widely used rhythm textbooks in the United States, Rhythm Reading begins with the simplest cells and proceeds to lessons useful for even the most advanced student. Identifying a short rhythm pattern that appears frequently in Western music, this textbook offers concise explanations of musical terms, concepts, and performance indications. Kazez is associate professor of music at Wittenburg University.

Jazz piano virtuoso Stanley Cowell '60 opens his new album with a unique version of the Aladdin hit "A Whole New World." The Washington Post says Mandara Blossoms radiates "a sincerity and soulfulness," providing listeners with "plenty to ponder and enjoy." Cowell's work resonates throughout the recording, as six of the eight tracks are his own compositions.

The Pulse of an Irishman
Produced By Steven Stull '83
CRS Barn Studio, 1997

A collection of traditional Irish and Scottish songs arranged by Beethoven, featuring baritone Steve Stull '83 and cellist Laura Kramer '84. All songs are performed in English, as Beethoven intended, and are accompanied by piano, violin, and cello.

Severe Comfort
By Warm Wires
Sugar Fix Recordings, 1996

Brad Pedinoff '88 describes his new band's musical style as "Cuddle-Core influenced by elves and bulldozers... It's rock and roll, anyway." Pedinoff wrote the album's 15 songs with a variety of instrumentation, including violin, cello, clarinet, and Indian tabla and sarangi. The San Francisco-based group is currently touring to promote the recording, which was recently released in Europe on a Dutch label.

Martian Heartache
By Tom Varner '79
Soul Note, 1997

New York City musician Varner plays jazz French horn in this collection of his own compositions. Martian Heartache is his seventh jazz recording.

Chevalier confronts questions of family, superstition, and love in her first novel, which is presently available only in the United Kingdom. [See Class of 1984 notes.]

Indian Wells Valley and Northern Mohave Desert Handbook
Edited by Elsa Walther Pendleton '58
Sea Gull Press, 1996

The sixth edition of this handbook. Surveys California's Indian Wells Valley from pre-history to the present, and includes chapters on sight-seeing and natural history.

World Between: Historical Perspectives on Gender and Class
By Lenore Davidoff '53
Routledge Press, 1995

Explores topics such as the positions of servants and wives in Victorian England, the changing structure of housework, and conceptions of public and private. A research professor at the University of Essex, Davidoff specializes in the historical reexamination of gender.

French Organ Music from the Revolution to Franck and Widor
Edited by Lawrence Archbold
and William J. Peterson '70
University of Rochester Press, 1995

The pieces in this collection "collate and reference the already-rich bibliography on French Romanticism, probe and analyze works and performance practice, and sketch lifelike images of the personalities who made the era," says The American Organist.

Orchestral Music
By David Daniels '55
Scarecrow Press, 1996

The third edition of this standard reference guide for libraries and orchestras.

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