Procyon's Promise

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Quite a Good Yarn

An enjoyable sequel

Procyon's Promise
Michael Mccollum
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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Life Probe

The Sails of Tau Ceti

Gibraltar Earth

A Greater Infinity

Gibraltar Sun (Gibraltar Stars, Volume 2)

ASIN: 0345302966
Release Date: 1985-07-12

Book Description

Trade paperback version of science fiction novel. Originally published by Del Rey. Book is large format, printed on bright white paper, perfect bound, with full color, plastic laminated covers. Books are autographed by the author.

Customer Reviews:

Quite a Good Yarn.......2007-08-12

An ancient race has been civilized for hundreds of thousands of years. They have made all sorts of advancements but one secret eludes them. That is the secret to Faster than Light travel. As they become aware that there star is ending its time on the main sequence and will die, they become more and more concerned with finding FTL. They hit upon a scheme to send out probes to every star they can reach willing to trade their considerable knowledge for that of FTL.

One of these probes comes to Earth. Earth is not really it's goal but it has detected a hint that the goal may be found at Procyon and it needs fuel. Even so, Earth officialdom is eager to take part in the promised bounty. Not everyone is happy, though. Some fear that the new knowledge will affect their income and power and the probe is severely damaged in a battle, losing all knowledge of its Makers but not of its mission. The victors, aghast at what has happened, agree to outfit an expedition to Procyon. It departs and then fails to return on schedule.

Human beings, being what they are, soon forget their promise, at least on Earth. Those dispatched to Procyon, however, do not forget. After many trials, the find the secret and return to Earth in an FTL ship expecting Earth to help get the FTL information back to the original Makers. Their obligation to fulfilling the promise is almost a religious devotion. Earth thinks otherwise but eventually, after much coercion, signs on to the deal and the stage is set for a grand exploration of the Universe.

This is a highly readable story, engaging in its characters and sometimes painful in its frank evaluation of human tendencies. It is well written, enjoyable throughout and comes to an unexpected conclusion. What more could a SciFi junkie ask for?

An enjoyable sequel.......1999-12-13

The continuation of the intriguing story "Life Probe", although set a few hundred years after the fact. "Procyon's Promise" is fast paced and manages not to insult the readers intelligence, yet gives enough scientific reasoning behind quantum mechanics for even a novice in the field of mathematics to grasp his meanings. Although definitely not the `great American novel' this book is witty, intelligent, all encompassing, and reasonably toned down. I must confess I liked the book enough that I sat down for 5 hours and read strait through it.

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Procyon's Promise
Michael McCollum
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000S9IVQ8

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PROCYON'S PROMISE -- BARGAIN BOOK
MICHAEL MCCOLLUM
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000RRKWR2

Book Description

Raven, the trickster, wants to give people the gift of light. But can he find out where Sky Chief keeps it? And if he does, will he be able to escape without being discovered? His dream seems impossible, but if anyone can find a way to bring light to the world, wise and clever Raven can!

Customer Reviews:

Raven -Great childrens book.......2007-06-26

A classic Native American tale with brightly colored pictures.I have searched for this book for several years to replace an old worn copy.
I was very excited to find it through Amazon.

Raven.......2005-03-25

Raven the trickser wants to give people the gift of light.
Raven gives light but you have to read the book to find out what else happens.

glorious, sumptuous and respectful.......2003-07-12

I get antsy when Native American themes and stories appear in children's books. Too often they reek of cultural misappropriation.

But this beautiful book--gorgeous watercolor backgrounds to the Northwest Native American-style imagery--feels respectful, and does a great telling of a favorite Tlingit Haida tale of how light came into the world.

The illustration of the morphing of the Sky Chief's spoiled grandson back into Raven is particularly effective.And when Raven fills the sky with the sun in his beak, it's very easy to buy into this story as a valid creation myth.

I've now bought three copies of this book for various pre-schoolers I know, and all my grown-up friensd who've seen this book have fallen in love with it, too. This is a definite winner, bound to become as classic in its own way as Robert McCloskey's ``Blueberries for Sal.''

They ask to listen to it again and again!.......2000-01-03

The children in my Pre-K class cannot get enough of this book. The magic of the illustrations and the text has them mesmerized. Many times, when we have finished reading the story, they want to here it again!

Beautiful Illustrations.......1999-07-01

This is a wonderful book! My daughter and I really enjoyed the way that this tale was re-told and the illustrations were beautiful!

Jabut¡ the Tortoise: A Trickster Tale from the Amazon

Average customer rating:

An accidental discovery
ok
Can the Vulture get the better of Jabuti the Tortoise? No.
Marvelous artwork enhances this trickster tale

Jabut¡ the Tortoise: A Trickster Tale from the Amazon
Gerald McDermott
Manufacturer: Harcourt Children's Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0152004963

Amazon.com

Another installment in Gerald McDermott's wise and whimsical trickster series, Jabutí the Tortoise tells the tale of the Amazon jungle's shiny-shelled mischief-maker. Although Jabutí doesn't come across as the most clever trickster around in this particular retelling (he's duped by that crabby old Vulture and ends up getting bailed out by the King of Heaven), the colorful pipe-player and his songs are clearly well loved. Well, by everybody but his victims, that is: "Jaguar could remember when Jabutí tricked him into chasing his own tail," and "Tapir could remember when Jabutí tricked him into a tug-of-war with Whale." But we do get to learn how Tortoise's shell became cracked, and why Toucan, Macaw, and Hummingbird boast such brilliant colors.

Not the most notable entry in this region-by-region series, but beautiful and boldly colored nonetheless. Kids who aren't immediately hooked by Jabutí's story will likely still get drawn in by McDermott's vibrant colors and straightforward compositions of simply shaped jungle creatures set against a bright pink dawn. (Ages 4 to 8) Paul Hughes

Book Description

Of all the animals in the rain forest, Jabutí was the favorite. His shell was smooth and shiny, and the songs he played on his flute were sweet.
But his music was a reminder, too, of the mischievous pranks Jabutí sometimes played. His song reminded Tapir of being tricked, Jaguar of being fooled, and time and again it reminded Vulture that he had no song at all. When a concert takes place in heaven, Vulture offers to fly Jabutí there . . . all the while plotting a trick of his own.
For nearly three decades, Gerald McDermott has been making myths new again for readers of all ages, using language as vibrant and colorful as his bold illustrations. This newest addition to his award-winning trickster series--his first book in nearly half a decade--is an unusual tale of a trickster’s fall from grace, and of how creation can sometimes come from chaos.

Customer Reviews:

An accidental discovery.......2007-08-05

The only reason we read this book is because my girl liked the colors and the turtle on the cover.

At first I didn't think much of the story but it grew on me.

Jabuti is a gifted flute player who has a penchant for playing pranks. He tricked Jaguar into chasing his tale, he tricked lizard into giving him a ride on his back and he tricked Tapir into having a tug-of-war with an orca.

His music is well loved especially by the birds who will sing with him. Well except Vulture who can not sing and is jealous of Jabuti.

One day the birds are summoned by the King of Heaven to sing, rejoice and receive his blessing. Jabuti sees the birds fly and wants to go and play as well. Vulture sees his chance for revenge. He offers to fly Jabuti and when they are high enough Vulture suddenly flips and Jabuti falls and crashes below breaking his shell.

The King of Heaven spots Vulture and asks where is Jabuti. Vulture does not reply. The rest of the birds are sent to find jabuti.

Toucan, Macaw and Hummingbird find him and patch his shell.

Jabuti plays them a thank you song and as a reward; Toucan gets a red and yellow beak, Macaw gets orange feathers, and Hummingbid gets an emerald green belly.

Jabuti goes on playing in the Jungle where the animals likes his music; except of course Vulture who still can not sing.

As I mentioned this story grew on me but my daughter liked it outright. She especially likes the illustrations and will not say no for it to be a bedtime story.

ok.......2007-03-28

Jabuti is a talented tortoise. He lives in the Amazon rain forest. He can play his flute well but brags too much to his fellow animals. There is a concert in heaven and vulture offers to fly Jabuti there. Find out how the vulture gets revenge!

Can the Vulture get the better of Jabuti the Tortoise? No........2004-06-03

I have been tracking down trickster tales from around the world and it is always fascinating to see what animals in different cultures are seen as the sources of mischievous pranks. "Jabuti the Tortoise: A Trickster Tale from the Amazon" is about the central figure in the tribal lore of the Amazon rain forest. He might have short legs and be slow, but he is portrayed in stories as being virtually invincible because he is so clever he is able to outwit his larger foes. Of course, the tales about Jabuti are really about the follies of human beings.

In this story retold and illustrated by Gerald McDermott all of the creatures of the rain forest listen to the songs that Jabuti plays on his flute. But for some of the animals Jabuti's song sounds sour because they recall the prank that Jabuti played on them in the past. My one complaint about this story is that I get the feeling that McDermott is referring to real trickster tales about Jabuti in these passing references and I would really like to hear how Jabuti got the Jaguar to chase his own tail and the rest of these tales.

The point of this particular story is that there was one animal who was jealous of Jabuti, and that was the Vulture. Looking for an opportunity to eat the little tortoise the Vulture gets his opportunity when all the birds of the air were invited to sing for the King of Heaven at a festival. Jabuti wanted to go and play his flute as well and Vulture sees his chance to get the better of the tortoise. Actually, this story is about the trickster, but except for the flashbacks of the first section it is really about the attempt of the Vulture to trick the trickster.

As is often the case with many of these ancient myths and fables, there is a practical side to the story in that it explains why something in nature is the way that it is. As always, McDermott provides brightly colored illustrations (in which the backgrounds are always pink). Other trickster tales by McDermott include "Zomo the Rabbit" A Trickster Tale from West Africa," "Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest," and "Coyote: A Trickster Tale from the American Southwest," all of which serve as fitting introductions to the universal character of the trickster.

Marvelous artwork enhances this trickster tale.......2002-05-28

"Jabuti the Tortoise: A Trickster Tale from the Amazon" is told and illustrated by Gerald McDermott. It opens with the title character playing his flute. Jabuti wants to play his instrument at a festival for the King of Heaven, but another creature's jealousy leads to conflict.

The fun story is brought to life by McDermott's superb artwork. His brightly colored illustrations have a highly stylized, almost surreal quality that I found very engaging. I loved the pictures of Jabuti, as well as those of the birds, trees, flowers, jaguar, and tapir. Dominated by bright pink and shades of green, the pictures really excite the eye. A charming book.

Average customer rating:

Trickster Tales

deliciously wicked X-rated stories

He is alway up to no good!

An excellent book

American Indian Trickster Tales (Myths and Legends)

Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Folklore & Mythology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
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Native American Studies | Special Groups | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
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American Indian Myths and Legends (Pantheon Fairy Tale and Folklore Library)

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Native American Stories (Myths and Legends)

Spirits of the Earth: A Guide to Native American Nature Symbols, Stories, and Ceremonies

The Trickster: A Study in American Indian Mythology

ASIN: 0140277714

Book Description

The authors of the magnificent American Indian Myths and Legends have once again combined their talents as eminent anthropologist and master storyteller/artist to produce a rich and ribald sequel featuring the myriad tricksters of Southwestern and other Native American oral traditions. From the rascally and irascible Coyote, master thief and insatiable lover of the Southwest, to Iktomi, the shapeshifting Lakota spiderman; from Veeho, the Cheyenne daredevil, to Glooscap of the Passamaquoddy; here in one volume are over one hundred tales from sixty tribes, many recorded from living storytellers. American Indian Trickster Tales--with over 150 lively and characteristic illustrations--can be read aloud and enjoyed by readers of every age, and will entrance folklorists, anthropologists, lovers of Native American literature, and fans of both Joseph Campbell and the Brothers Grimm.

Customer Reviews:

Trickster Tales.......2006-11-26

American Indian Trickster Tales is a great way to spend the time, be it on a train, boat or jet. Myths and legends about the Coyote, the Spider-Man, the Raven and Master Rabbit. Shape shifters, fill of greed and cunning, this characters are always getting into trouble. The stories are sometimes funny, sometimes gross and sometimes a tad kinky, but they are old as the first humans to come to America and play an important part of Indian culture, past and present. But NOT for kids.

deliciously wicked X-rated stories.......2005-02-25

North American Indian literature apparently stands alone in its willingness to publicly integrate the profane into the oral storytelling tradition. These stories--some already familiar to me through my former readings in American Indian mythology, most new--are captivating and clever. They are notable purely as art literature, apparently serving no etiologic purpose. If you enjoy these stories, take a look at the Winnebago trickster cycle as narrated in Paul Radin's "The Trickster." Radin's wacky character, by way of his X-rated adventures, ends up establishing much of the Winnebago cosmos.

He is alway up to no good!.......1999-12-03

This is a well written group of trickster tales. It gives us a glimpse of what the Native Americans used to teach their children. The Trickster Tales gives the average person the ability to enjoy a piece of Native American culture. Pick up this book and you will read about a trickster tale lesson!

An excellent book.......1999-04-08

For many years the "Trickster" and it's charecteristic was unknown to me. I heard this name everywhere when it came to native american studies, but I never knew how important is to get to know my own Trickster. this book help us all to find that within us.

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Nez Perce Coyote Tales: The Myth Cycle
Deward E. Walker , and Daniel N. Matthews
Manufacturer: University of Oklahoma Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Folklore & Mythology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0806130326

The Trickster: A Study in American Indian Mythology

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Used but new(ish)
Good myth but bad commentaries
Coyote on the couch
Try to cut the essays a little slack

The Trickster: A Study in American Indian Mythology
Paul Radin
Manufacturer: Greenwood Press Reprint
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0837121124

Book Description

Anthropological and psychological analysis by Radin Kereny and Jung of the voraciously uninhibited episodes of the Winnebego Trickster cycle.

Customer Reviews:

Used but new(ish).......2007-09-14

Bought used for a very good price. Book in excellent condition. Came in mail in a matter of a few days.

Good myth but bad commentaries.......2004-04-28

The Trickster myth is hilarious and it shows how myths can shape people's psyches. The commentaries are somewhat disappointing, though. You must have a big interest in the subject to enjoy this book.

Coyote on the couch.......2000-06-13

Although occasionally dry, the connection between myth and psych is touched on here - distinguishing this material from more conventional anthologies of Coyote/Trickster legends. I might suggest the more readable Joseph Campbell, and indeed there's a bit of a connection between the two writers, and Carl Jung.

There's new material here, even if a little too intellectual for some. Some of the legends were new to me, and the valuable tidbits made it worth wading through. Jung's contribution is unique. In summary: It's a slower read, but worth the effort.

Try to cut the essays a little slack.......2000-05-20

The introduction and other essays in this book suffer greatly from 'primitive peoples' syndrome (it was written a few decades ago). Ignore this: the best part of the book is the middle, where a Winnebago trickster story plus a few others are included, supposedly in full. If you believe Radin's description of collecting the myths (got them from an informant, translated by two more informants and 'tidied up' by him), then they seem to be pretty much OK.. certainly nothing obvious has been left out, as self-mutilation, genitals, and jolly exploits with faeces are still in there. Draw your own conclusions.

How Rabbit Tricked Otter: And Other Cherokee Trickster Stories (Parabola Storytime Series)

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How Rabbit Tricked Otter: And Other Cherokee Trickster Stories (Parabola Storytime Series)
Gayle Ross , and Murv Jacob
Manufacturer: Harpercollins Childrens Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Fairy Tales | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0060212853

Book Description

The Parabola Storytime series is a collection of stories and myths by the leading storytellers of Native American tribes. Originally produced by Parabola magazine in audio format, many of these stories appear here in written form for the first time, with the permission of tribal elders, and are enhanced by artwork authentic to the tradition. These stories evoke the beauty, wisdom, and living spirit of surviving oral traditions.

This collection of 15 Cherokee tales introduces the trickster-hero Rabbit, the most important character portrayed in the animal stories of the Cherokee culture. The surefooted messenger who carries important news to his animal friends near and far, Rabbit is charming and mischievous—he tricks others and is often tricked himself. Sometimes he wins and sometimes he loses; sometimes he is lazy and mean, sometimes kind and caring—but somehow Rabbit always survives. This replaces 0060212853.

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Omaha Tribal Myths and Tricksters Tales
Roger L. Welsch
Manufacturer: Swallow Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Folklore & Mythology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Trickster Lives: Culture and Myth in American Fiction

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Trickster Lives: Culture and Myth in American Fiction

Manufacturer: Univ of Georgia Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Classics | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Fairy Tales | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

At once criminal and savior, clown and creator, antagonist and mediator, the character of trickster has made frequent appearances in works by writers the world over. As Margaret Atwood observed, trickster gods "stand where the door swings open on its hinges and the horizon expands; they operate where things are joined together and, thus, can also fall apart." A shaping force in American literature, trickster has appeared in such characters as Huckleberry Finn, Rinehart, Sula, and Nanapush. Usually a figure both culturally specific and transcendent, trickster leads the way to the unconscious, the concealed, and the seemingly unattainable.

Trickster Lives offers thirteen new and challenging interpretations of trickster in American writing, including essays on works by African American, Native American, Pacific Rim, and Latino writers, as well as an examination of trickster politics. This innovative collection of work conveys the trickster's unmistakable imprint on the modern world.

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THE TRICKSTER - A Study in American Indian Mythology: The Winnebago Trickster Cycle; Winnebago Hare Cycle; Summary of the Assiniboine Trickster Myth; Summary of the Tlingit Trickster Myth; Winnebago History and Culture; Mythology and Literary Tradition
Paul (introduction by Stanley Diamond) (commentaries by Karl Kerenyi and C. G. Jung) Radin
Manufacturer: Schocken Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GVZ6GQ

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