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The modem Brazilian short story begins with the mature work of Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis (1839-1908), acclaimed almost unanimously as Brazil's greatest writer. Collectively, these nineteen stories are representative of Machado's unique style and world view, and this translation doubles the number of his stories previously available in English.

The stories in this volume reflect Machado's post-1880 emphasis on social satire and experimentation in psychological realism. If he had continued to produce the moralistic love stories and parlor intrigues of his earlier fiction, Machado's legacy would have been an entertaining but inconsequent body of work. However, by 1880 he had begun a devastating satirical assault on society through his fiction. In spite of his ruthlessness, Machado does at times reveal an ironic sympathy for his characters. He is not indifferent to human conflict but uses humor and irony to stress the absurdity of these conflicts, acted out against the backdrop of an indifferent universe. Such a spectacle creates a sense of helplessness that can only inspire wistful amusement.

In his technical mastery of the short story. Machado was decades ahead of his contemporaries and can still be considered more modern than most of the modernists themselves. That his stories elicit such strong and diverse reactions today is a tribute to their richness, complexity, and significance.

Customer Reviews (1)

All of Twain's humor but without the anger
Machado de Assis was a literary master, and it comes through in this collection of tales."The Devil's Church" has a biting wit every good as Mark Twain's, and without the tinge of religious hatred that Twain exhibited in his later writings."The Hidden Reason" is probably the finest short story ever printed; it easily surpasses the best American short stories, and is a cut about the English and French.Read this book! ... Read more

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The Lone Star State has been described as the place where the Godly could battle the devil on his own ground. Circuit riders and other early preachers confronted dangerous outlaws, warring Indians, wild animals, and Texas unpredictable weather. ... Read more

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Pistol Packin' Preachers
Outstanding history of relegion being brought to Texas.The hardships, difficulties, dangers and frustrations are presented in an interesting and informative way.It really makes you appreciate the freedom to worship we now enjoy. These stories of those who brought the gospel to Texas cover the whole State during those early years of settlement...from pre-independence to early 1900's.Very enjoyable reading! A must read for lovers of TEXAS.

now this is interesting history
it's not a Hollywood twist to some boring local facts... it's true versions of popularly known men and events.I'm not through reading this book yet, but it's hard to put down, once I pick it up.Trying to read it thru the Holidays is quite a task with all that's going on and all the responsibilies this time of year... but like I said, I can't put it down.
The best thing about this book, is that everyting in it is True... man those surely were the Wild times of the West... good thing some brave men had God on their side to make it thru... The Wild West was not won with a gun alone... but by faithful followers of the Bible... just how the Eastern side of our Country was founded back in 1776 ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

Absolutely Great Stories
It makes you wonder how the Southern Confederacy managed to lose the war having such stalwart spiritual guidance.

To those interested in the Great War I also heartily endorse Col. Thomason's book called "Fix Bayonets".

In an interesting twist the books were both written and illustrated by the author.

"Lone Star Preacher"
"Lone Star Preacher": Being a Chronicle of the Acts of Praxiteles Swan, M.E. Church South Sometime Captain, 5th Texas Regiment Confederate States Prov. (Currently available on Amazon.com)

This onewas written by none other than Capt. John W. Thomason USMC (author of"Fix Bayonets"). The story is a compilation of a number of shortstories written for the Saturday Evening Post back in the 20s and 30s."Praxiteles Baby" (actually a thinly disguised story ofThomason's Grandfather) is a transplanted Virginian who is a Hell Fire andBrimstone Preacher in Texas at the beginning of hostilities. His wife (alsoa firey Southern lady) is depicted reading "Uncle Tom's Cabin" byfirelight and casting the volume into the fire muttering about that"Stowe Hussy"...Praxiteles seeing that his flock will needguidance in the coming hostilities, joins up with the 5th Texas as aChaplain to see to their spiritual needs. After the first battle, he isfound in the woods with a clubbed musket dripping with some sort of graymatter and is made a Captain of the 5th Texas by a general who sees hisactions. The rest of the book is an entertaining and in many ways factualstory of the Southern Texans in the late War of Northern Aggression.Thomason's narrative style is much like his graphic descriptions of theMarines in Belleau Wood and is definitely worth the read. An extremelytalented artist, he illustrates his own books. Examples of Thomason's WWIsketches can be found illustrating the Poem "Rifles" in the RiflePoetry section of this site - I got permission from the Marine CorpsAssociation to use his sketches - great stuff!

Thomason is a greathistorian (specializing it the Civil War) and has written very entertainingbiographies on such as JEB Stuart. You can no doubt tell he is a man ofSouthern extraction and sympathies. I had a copy many years ago and loanedit to one of our chaplains and never got it back! Hee, hee... it's thatgood! I didn't know it was still in publication, but stumbled across itwhile surfing Amazon...

If you like stories about patriotic "SkyPilots", this one is for you! ... Read more

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A motley story of currents and cross currents, successes and failures. Opposing forces play an important role in the final shape of any destiny. And so it is with the churches in Texas. Debates, projects, issues and campaigns- they all contribute to the present day condition of the church. ... Read more

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Need a recipe that'll be the pride of the potluck, or just something new and quick? Dona Mularkey and Dolores Runyon sifted through generations of recipes from family, friends and fellow congregants to put together this collection of nostalgic dishes for all courses and situations. From Devil Made Me Do It Eggs, Angel Biscuits and Diet Dr Pepper Salad, to Garden of Eatin' Lasagna, true Southern Fried Chicken and dozens of delicious desserts, they're all presented in an easy-to-follow manner. We've flagged last-minute 'crisis' recipes and slow-cooker candidates, too. As award-winning food editor Amy Culbertson points out in her introduction, you'll find a wealth of ideas for family and holiday gatherings, church suppers and socials, potlucks and picnics and office parties. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Pot-luck recipes
I need to buy another book since I've drooled all over this one!Haven't tried them all yet but they all sound delicious so I'm ready for the next pot-luck event! ... Read more