The first historical study of the medicinal mani pill and its profound spiritual significance in Tibetan religion and cultureThe maṇi pill is one of the most popular relic traditions in Tibetan Buddhism. Treasured around the globe, maṇi pills are small edible pellets formed from mixing the powdered bodily remains of buddhas and bodhisattvas with ingredients used in Tibetan medicine and sanctified through a tantric liturgy. Maṇi pills are today predominantly produce...

**An epic comedy about the quest for transcendence in an anything-but-transcendent America, set amid the gorgeous landscapes of the American west: A “spiritual journey” full of “fun, joy, love, courage and compassion” (**Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Powers) from the author of the perennial cult bestsellers The River Why and The Brothers K.A random bolt from a DC-8 falls from the sky, killing a child and throwing the faith...

A NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOKOnce in a great while a writer comes along who can truly capture the drama and passion of the life of a family. David James Duncan, author of the novel The River Why and the collection River Teeth, is just such a writer. And in The Brothers K he tells a story both striking and in its originality and poignant in its universality.This touching, uplifting novel spans decades of loyalty, anger, re...

The classic novel of fly fishing and spirituality republished with a new Afterword by the author.Since its publication in 1983, The River Why has become a classic. David James Duncan's sweeping novel is a coming-of-age comedy about love, nature, and the quest for self-discovery, written in a voice as distinct and powerful as any in American letters.Gus Orviston is a young fly fisherman who leaves behind his comically schizoid family to find his own...

A look back at the many women who become followers of Charles Manson during his Helter Skelter siege in California in the 60s & 70s. All were hippie girls who became loyal to the maniac who told them to kill for him...Among those featured here are the stripper Susan Atkins, a sweet-voiced stripper whose looks belied a devil within. Leslie Van Houten who was an educated young woman that became a murderous animal under Manson's control. Patricia Krenwinkel and Squeaky Fromme, who were mental...

In his passionate, luminous novels, David James Duncan has won the devotion of countless critics and readers, earning comparisons to Harper Lee, Tom Robbins, and J.D. Salinger, to name just a few. Now Duncan distills his remarkable powers of observation into this unique collection of short stories and essays.At the heart of Duncan's tales are characters undergoing the complex and violent process of transformation, with results both painful and wondrous. Equally affecting are his no...

"Cassell's Natural History, Vol. 1" is a comprehensive exploration of the natural world, showcasing the intricate relationships between various species and their environments. The book is a collaborative effort by notable contributors such as W. S. Dallas, P. Martin Duncan, and James Murie, who bring their expertise in natural history to the forefront. This volume serves as an educational resource, filled with detailed illustrations and descriptions that captivate the reader's imagination ...

"Foreign Butterflies" by James Duncan is a captivating exploration of identity and belonging, set against the backdrop of a vibrant, multicultural society. The narrative follows the journey of its protagonist as they navigate the complexities of life in a foreign land, encountering diverse characters who challenge their perceptions and beliefs. Through rich, descriptive prose, Duncan paints a vivid picture of the struggles and triumphs faced by those who seek to find their place in a world...

In "Foreign Butterflies," James Duncan embarks on a poignant exploration of cultural identity, migration, and the sense of belonging. Through his rich and evocative prose, the novel melds lyrical storytelling with a keen psychological insight, positioning itself within the contemporary landscape of post-colonial literature. Duncan unveils the hidden layers of his characters' lives, each burdened by their personal histories yet striving for connection in a foreign land, grappling with the a...

Mina: cold, beautiful, complex, mysterious...Sienna: warm, stunning, uncomplicated, stable...Two women...total opposites...one drawn to the other by loneliness and desperation...Their lives will change forever...but at what cost?Praise for Duncan James:'Delivers a riveting page-turner!''Great imagination...''Very entertaining!'

In "Foreign Butterflies," James Duncan presents a compelling narrative that intricately weaves together themes of identity, migration, and the complexities of cultural assimilation. Utilizing a rich, evocative prose style, he navigates the lives of characters who find themselves in foreign lands, grappling with their pasts while attempting to forge new futures. The book's literary context rests in contemporary explorations of globalization, offering a poignant reflection on the fragility a...

Ecotourism Belize describes the spectacular wildlife, nature and landscapes of Belize ... and the practicalities to help you explore.• A photographic identification guide covers 55 iconic Belize animals, including birds and mammals.• Maps, GPS coordinates, self-guided activities, bird lists, detailed walking-routes and more contribute to detailed descriptions of 35 ecotourism destinations across the country.• Transp...