Book Description

From late 1999 until recently the Welsh national newspaper ran a series of religious articles entitled "In the Pulpit" - written anonymously be a wise man known only as Caradoc. The column was immensely popular, and when it disappeared from the paper's pages, there was a public outcry. Caradoc, with his "wild, mad visions and his raw and clearly passionate relationship with God" attracted not only readers but also video and television producers keen to film this new seer of the South Wales coalfields. This book collects his best articles, introduced by Tom Davies, who recently managed to track him down for a rare interview. ... Read more

Book Description

In this gripping continuation of his classic memoir—The Last Barrier—Reshad Feild tells a haunting and powerful story of his search for love and knowledge. This master storyteller takes us farther on his journey toward truth, from an encounter with a shaman in Mexico to a visit with a wise old man in the Welsh countryside. Reshad weaves into the tale of this odyssey profound reflections on love and death and the invisible web that underlies earthly reality. He also gives us glimpses of love and sex as the ultimate fulfillment of human aspiration.

A story of death, romance, and illumination, The Invisible Way combines a fascinating tale with timeless spiritual wisdom. ... Read more

Book Description

1919. The object of this book is to give English readers the material necessary for a full understanding of one of the greatest and most interesting Italian mystical poets: Jacopone da Todi, the typical singer of the Franciscan movement, the first writer of philosophic religious poetry, and perhaps the most picturesque figure in the history of early Italian literature. ... Read more

Book Description

All of us are psychic! Whether it is a gut feeling, a premonition, a shadow in the hallway, or listening to our spirit guide, we've all had experiences that have touched the part of us that connects to something greater than ourselves. So You Think You Hear Voices and What to Expect When You Start Listening chronicles one person's journey as they learn to tap into the power of the Universe and the struggles they went through toward becoming a channel. Follow along on her life's journey to see that almost anything is possible.

This is not a technical book on learning how to increase your psychic abilities. It is a humorous and honest look at the often confusing and uncertain emotions and experiences that one may encounter during this type of journey.

So...You Think You Hear Voices and What to Expect When You Start Listeningprovides you with an opportunity to better understand your own journey with Light and may open the doorway to your own possibilities - at least a crack. Despite anyone's greatest resistance, as you will see, Spirit gets our attention sooner or later and life is never the same. Enjoy the ride and the read!

Reviews (1)

Enlightening and fun
Well written and a wonderful read. This book made me think about all of the things I had gone through in my life and understand that these experiences weren't bad. I feel like what floated above me like a black cloud all through my life are now clouds with silver linings. I understand that my intuition and feelings are important and shouldn't give me the willies. I'm glad I read this book because it makes me enjoy being me more and gave me some practical information and ideas for cultivating my spirit. ... Read more

Book Description

"The funniest, best, truest (and secretly truest) writing ever done on life in India"-Gary Snyder

"The author_s eye is wide open, and her writing is fresh, funny, and exhilarating."_Peter Matthiessen

"Marilyn Stablein_s wry voice tells how it was, calmly and clearly, unadorned. . . . whether on the ground with sadhus and chapatis or in the sky with diamonds, these wry prose poems evoke a last epiphany of the best of East and West."_Keith Dowman, author of The Power Places of Tibet

In 1965, Stablein drops out of Berkeley and travels to India and Nepal with her lover. Their brief getaway turns into a seven-year stay. "There are times when I ask myself," Stablein writes, "What am I am doing here? My answer: to paint, to study a culture; to uncover its secrets; to listen to the whisperings, the sacred oral traditions; to learn by heart the names and faces of deities so I can capture their images on paper and strive to imbue each image with the greatness of its namesake, its spiritual essence. Art is my muse and practice. The world is my palette, artists my teachers; art lives and breathes in the people I meet."

In the heyday of the _60s Stablein encounters luminaries of the American counterculture like Ram Dass whom she accompanies to interview HH, the Dalai Lama, on the spiritual value of LSD. Later, when the Indian police come to arrest Stablein for having an expired visa, Kalu Rinpoche quips "The Buddha never had visas," and orders her to hide in a closet next to his tantric human bone costumes.

Includes photos and recipes.

Marilyn Stablein, writer, artist, and performer, is the author of seven books and a frequent performer of her work. Her art has been widely exhibited. She lives in the Hudson Valley and co-directs, with her husband, Alternative Books and The Uptown: A Performance Space in Kingston, NY.

Reviews (1)

Kudos for Sleeping in Caves
I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend Sleeping in Caves. The writing is beautiful and sensuous, and reveals exactly enough but never too much. I particularly admire the structure of the book, how it is not chronological and yet the reader can follow the progression of the journey. I loved how each chapter begins with an entry from The Pillow Book of Dreams or the writer's journal. The dreams are a complete delight in themselves.

I gave the book to a friend for her 50th birthday and she read it eagerly. She has been studying Islam and grappling with extreme monotheism. She reports that the book gave her a refreshing vacation and a welcome reminder of the abundance and diversity of deity. ... Read more

Book Description

Contents:Biographical sketches on Raymund Lully: A Problem of Personality; The Illuminated Doctor of Majorca; The Universal Science; The Hermetic Doctor; An Historical Research; The Science of Alchemy; The Mystical Doctor-Cornelius Agrippa:The Agrippa of Legend; The Youthful Magician; "The Occult Philosophy"; Astrology and the Mystery of Numbers; Storm and Stress; Agrippa's Character; In the Depths; The Vanity of Arts and Sciences; Mysticism and the Reformation; Agrippa as Alchemist; Last Days; What Magic Owes to Agrippa-and Theophrastus Paracelsus:Early Life and Travels; Wanderings and Death; As Above, So Below; Doctrine of Signatures; Necromancy; Origin of Diseases; Magic; Alchemy; Astrology; Comparison with Other Mystics; A Christian Occultist. ... Read more

Book Description

Footprints of the Capitol Astrologer, a memoir by Janice A. Stork, is about how powerful people such as former Governors Ronald Reagan and Edmund (Jerry) Brown, Jr., Speaker Willie Brown, Jr., President George Bush, and Congressman Gary Condit relate to each other and to the world, their fights, their wins and losses.It’s about the ups and downs, ins and outs, secrets and lies, of learning, working and surviving life in the California Legislature, as a legislative aide for 32 years and a lifetime astrologer.

Whether in the center of the storm or on the periphery, Stork’s insights into the motives and behavior of Capitol denizens stems from a lifelong study of esoteric philosophy and her own sixth sense, guided in part by her carefully drawn and widely acclaimed horoscopes.

This book is a blend of astrology and politics.It is shocking, heartwarming, and filled with truths that both satisfy and dismay.While the identity of her son’s father, a legislator, remains untold, Stork’s confessions and many other revelations promise a great read. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Footprints of the Capitol Astrologer
Good read. Insightful, I couldn't put it down until I had read it all. Footprints of the Capitol Astrologer, 32 years of interesting stories. Good different. Waiting for the movie. Buy it now and read it, you will be glad you did.
Thank you gene

A book hard to put down!
Well done! The flow of words made the book hard to put down for even a moment......................GOOD BOOK!

A fine Mix
Since time immemorial, politics has been linked to astrology. Even Nancy Reagan consulted the stars to help Ronnie run the US. Now Jan Stork takes us to the state level for a more intimate glance at when high-level politicians want to know. Her consulting work with powerful California leaders gives us all an insight into the behind-the-scenes workings of state government when it comes to consulting the stars in order to get a peek at what the outcome might be on a particular date. It's a fascinating read and teaches as well as informs.

Gripping Memoir About California Politics and Metaphysics
Footprints of the Capitol Astrologer is one of the most gripping books I have ever read. I literally couldn't put it down. Stork helps us to understand the seedy underbelly of the California State Legislature and the nation's capitol, Washington, in a compelling and mind-bending mix of politics and metaphysics. Discovering how these politicans relied on the Capitol Astrologer for both their charts and to keep their dirty secrets was astonishing. How she manages to NOT identify the father of her child is a true credit to her mastery of both discretion and an amazing writing style. A must read!

A spectacular insight into astrology and politics
This book really explores closely the connection between astrology and politics....Great job Ms. Stork.... ... Read more

Book Description

Reincarnation researcher Allen Eastman has written the most compelling account of past lives you will ever read! He recounts five of them in vivid detail:

1. As an American Indian shaman whose spirit guide helps her survive thelargest Pacific Northwest mega-earthquake and tsunami in 500 years;

2. As a Confederate officer in the last desperate battle at Appomattox;

3. As a Lakota warrior fighting Custer face-to-face at the Little Bighorn;

4. As a young colleague of Vincent van Gogh in Bohemian Paris;

5. And lastly, as a Norman soldier in England with William the Conqueror.

In addition, he uncovers some surprising secrets about a number of famous celebrities. Past life details are revealed for Jackie Kennedy, JFK, RFK, Lincoln, Lyndon Johnson, J. Edgar Hoover, John Wilkes Booth, Martin Luther King, Lee Harvey Oswald, Robert E. Lee, Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, and others.

This astonishing work includes more than 250 photos, as well as artwork by Van Gogh, Gauguin, Degas, and Manet. Meticulously researched, these stories reveal secrets from the past that describe what it was really like at these critical moments in history. You get the thoughts, feelings, and intentions of each player in a gripping style, as well as the inside track on what really happened at some of these famous encounters. The truth is indeed far more compelling than fiction! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

"When you're dead, you're NOT really dead!"
KENNY KINGSTON, the "CELEBRITY PSYCHIC" writes: Reincarnation is a subject as highly debated as what political party one belongs to or which religion is better. Some people say, "When you're dead you're dead." Others, myself included, say that passing away is only the beginning and that we spend time on the other side recuperating from, and reevaluating, the life we just lived, before moving on and reincarnating into another life that will teach us new lessons. Each life enhances us in intelligence and spirituality.

My congratulations to Allen Eastman for having brought to the public important elements regarding this (to some) controversial topic, through his book Alive 5 Times.

Allen, Sweet Spirit, while living your previous lives, I believe you indirectly began writing this book. And now, in this lifetime, you are finalizing the project with the book's release.

A Great and Joyous Gift!
LAUREN ZIMMERMAN writes: Your book fell open to the photo of Chief Iron Tail. I can't describe my reaction to what I saw! You see, in 1974, I had a life-after-death experience where a man appeared to me and told me his name was Chief Iron Tail. To see his picture, as he has been appearing to me for so many years, was one of the most astounding validations I have ever had! Thank you for your contribution to my life. You gave me a great and joyous gift through your book.

A GREAT READ!
TONY STUBBS writes: The blend of Allen's historically verifiable experiences and his contemporary insights makes the subject of reincarnation come alive; this has resulted in far more refreshing and readable coverage than other nonfiction accounts I have read. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Very cool
This book is a fictional account of the author's journey into the world of enlightenment. The story literally carries you with her. Filled with Buddhist Magic and Light, this book has my highest recommendation! According to the back of the book, her web site is dharmacenter.com. Very enlightening!

Thought-provoking & inspiring!!!!
Fans of books like "Surfing the Himalayas", "Snowboarding to Nirvana" by Frederick Lenz and "Powerful Mental Development" by Roger Cantu will definitely enjoy this book. It was interesting to get a female's perspective on taking the first steps on the Pathway to Liberation. Very insightful getting the inside track on what it's like being a student of an advanced spiritual teacher. ... Read more

Book Description

A new edition of the groundbreaking spiritual treasure, with a foreword by bestselling author Marianne Williamson .Since its original publication in 1949, In Search of the Miraculous has been hailed as the most valuable and reliable documentation of G. I. Gurdjieff's thoughts and universal view. This historic and influential work is considered by many to be a primer of mystical thought as expressed through the Work, a combination of Eastern philosophies that had for centuries been passed on orally from teacher to student. Gurdjieff's goal, to introduce the Work to the West, attracted many students, among them Ouspensky, an established mathematician, journalist, and, with the publication of In Search of the Miraculous, an eloquent and persuasive proselyte.Ouspensky describes Gurdjieff's teachings in fascinating and accessible detail, providing what has proven to be a stellar introduction to the universal view of both student and teacher. It goes without saying that In Search of the Miraculous has inspired great thinkers and writers of ensuing spiritual movements, including Marianne Williamson, the highly acclaimed author of A Return to Love and Illuminata. In a new and never-before-published foreword, Williamson shares the influence of Ouspensky's book and Gurdjieff's teachings on the New Thought movement and her own life, providing a contemporary look at an already timeless classic. ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Living the question is better than "having" the answer.
An experience of organic change can enter one's presence upon inner recognition (resonance) while reading, since the "Miraculous" is now as it always has been, yet is explained here in concise language representing a living tradition. Not a psychology, a religion, or a science, the in-the-moment practice outlined in text and diagrams, reaches our depths if upon our approach we open our minds, hearts, and the sensation of being in the moment while reading. A book to live by and refer to with renewed attention indefinitely.

Fragments of an Unknown Teaching
Ouspensky named his book 'Fragments of an Unknown Teaching', but when the book was published in 1950, after his own and Gurdjieff's death, the name was changed due to its similarity to 'Fragments of a Faith Forgotten' by G.R.S. Mead.

Gurdjieff's lectures and answers are recorded in the 'Fragments' so exactly that when Madame Ouspensky showed the book to Gurdjieff he said: 'I can hear myself speaking' and gave permission to publish the book, but insisted that his own book 'Beelzebub's Tales' must come out first. 'Beelzebub's Tales' was eventually also published first time in 1950.

The contents of the 'Fragments' were delivered in meetings in Moscow and Petrograd (earlier St. Petersburg, later Leningrad and now again St. Petersburg) in 1915 - 1918, in other words just before, during and just after the October revolution, in conditions G. described as favourable for 'picking up ideas'.

The 'Fragments' has the whole theory of Gurdjieff's teaching, often known as the Fourth Way, and moreover presented in such clear way that the book is easy reading taking into account the difficulty of the subject.

To get to know what Gurdjieff's teaching is can be found out by reading the book. To put it in just a few words is not really possible, but Ouspensky writes about it like this:

"G. began the next talk as follows:
"Man's possibilities are very great. You cannot conceive even a shadow of what man is capable of attaining. But nothing can be attained in sleep. In the consiousness of a sleeping man his illusions, his 'dreams' are mixed with reality. He lives in a subjective world and he can never escape from it. An this is the reason why he can never make use of all the powers he possesses and why he always lives in only a small part of himself."

In Search of the Credulous
I'll offer a short review of this book, all the while cognizant of the fact that, according to Ouspensky, I, along with the other Amazon.com customers who've offered their two cents about this work, are "asleep" and have no real knowledge. Therefore, our opinions of this book are inherently worthless.

First, P.D. Ouspensky's "In Search of the Miraculous," though it is burdened with a cheesy New-Agey title, is, at the very least, a profound work of the imagination in that it synthesizes a panoply of ancient pseudo-sciences into an over-arching structure that is more or less coherent. In this respect, it deeply impresses me every time I read it.

Second, the problem with the magpie system this book outlines (which is an explication of the ideas of G.I. Gurdjieff) is that its ideas about science are totally preposterous.

For example, did you realize that, according to Ouspensky/Gurdjieff, all organic life on earth "feeds the moon"? What this means is that the "electromagnetic" essences of all living things, upon their deaths, flies off to the moon, where it more or less stays forever. The reason this happens is to further the "evolution" of the moon. One day, according to this line of thinking, aeons and aeons hence, the moon will become a planet akin to the earth, whereupon not only will the earth become a "sun," a satellite of the erstwhile moon will also appear.

Did you also know that this school of thought considered the planet Jupiter to be a "sun" for its other moons?

Did you further know that stones can "think" and that the sun is actually "cold."?

I'll be blunt and brief about the point I'm trying to make here: Given the fact that Gurdjieff and Ouspensky were intelligent men (which they unquestionably were), the inclusion of obviously bogus science in their elaborate system must surely have been designed so that anyone trained in the rigorous and systematic skepticism of the traditions of Western science would steer clear away of their organization.

Other than that, before anyone decides to get involved with one of numerous groups currently flying the Gurdjieff/Ouspensky banner, I would strongly advise giving two books a quick read: James Webb's "The Harmonious Circle" (for a bend-over-backwards judicious account of the Gurdjieff/Ouspensky phenomenon, albeit from an outsider's perspective); and parts of Peter Washington's "Madame Blavatsky's Baboon" (for a more skeptical assessment).

The only serious alternative
I encountered "The Search", nearly 30 years ago. I had read about various systems in the months preceding my encounter with this amazing book. After this book, nothing else compared with it. The system of the "Fourth Way", a system of spiritual development, is presented in this book as an account of how Mr. Ouspensky learned the system. Various people have said this book will change your life, which for me was true - however, this system is not for everyone, you really need to be prepared for it - you probably should have searched for a spiritual direction that you felt would give meaning - and been dissatisified.

I would suggest this book to anyone who is looking for a real direction, and who is serious about finding a path that works - that is where people have to be the words - a book is not the answer. Learning to live the principles of "self-remembering" is the start of the real answer.

Buy the book, and if it is not for you, give it to someone who is searching for a real answer to the basic question of "why am I here?".

This book was the start of my path, and I have seen how few can really understand it, so take the plunge and see if you are up to facing "the real world". It will turn what you thought you knew, upside-down.

Expect the unexpected...
This is that once-in-a-lifetime book, the kind you'd like to find in that ancient, out-of-the-way used bookstore that you wish existed. Every chapter in this book, every page, unfolds a new enigma, and Ouspensky writes so well, like a master suspense novelist, that you find yourself drawn to read on no matter how unusual some of the teachings get. Indeed, some of the material in the book seems nonsensical--but if you're patient, the nonsense is immediately followed by a watershed of wisdom, wisdom of a kind I've never read before. Highly rewarding, rich with unique insight, I eagerly recommend this to any seeker of Truth who keeps an open mind. ... Read more

Book Description

Written in an easy to read interview format, FAMOUS WISCONSIN MYSTICS gathers over two dozen astrologers, Tarot readers, palmists, psychics and spiritual healers for discussions on such topics as how they developed their abilities, how messages come to them, how they deal with skeptics, the significance of dreams and the value of psychic telephone hot lines. Foreword by author Craig S. Bell.

FAMOUS WISCONSIN MYSTICS is the fourth book in the Famous Wisconsin Series. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Fun Read. Easy to Navigate.
I'm not that familiar with the topic, so this was a wonderful book to get me acquainted. I liked the tone of the book, particularly because it was not preachy in any way, and the author handled the topic with respect. I'm new at New Age, but not old age. The book was easy to get around in, and I thank the author for bringing it into the world for people like me, who want to continuously learn. She puts everything in question and answer format, and that is extremely helpful. I have now purchased 7 copies for my book club and we had a vibrant discussion on the topics covered.

VERY HELPFUL--I LOVED IT--GREAT READ
This author has done a very nice job in bringing forth what to most people is unfamiliar territory. I have read numerous articles about the book and heard this author on the radio. She apporaches the subject from a compassionate journalistic point of view, and does not pretend to presnt herself in any other way. A very honest read, and I HIGHLY recommend the book, especailly to those who would like a helpful and comforting overview of the topic from various practitioners of mystical arts. As the author recently said on a radio interview, this book is not meant to be a directory, and those who are not portrayed in the book and who are making rather a fuss about it, need to look at their own basic philoshoy of "things happen for a reason." Thus, if a certain psychic happened to be excluded, well...guess what...there was probably a reason for that. Any way, it was a GREAT read, and I am lookiing forward to her next book, Famous Wisconsin Artists and Architects.

a light weight read
I found the book to have all the depth of a Saturday afternoon coffee and gossip woman's group. While amusing it only attempted to skim the top most layer of it's subject. I would save my money and pass by this and future offerings by this author.

COULDN'T PUT THIS BOOK DOWN!!
From Jack...
I was intersted in this topic but also a little cautious about it. I found the book to have a lot of insight into the world of psychics, tarot readers, astrologers, healers, numerologists, etc. It is an incredible read and you won't be able to put it down! Very informative and makes me feel more comfortable with the topic in general. ... Read more

Book Description

An autobiography about a businesswoman who had it all, yetshe wasn't happy and had to know The Answer.She consulted a globe,strapped on a backpack, donned a pair of orange socks and left on aNomadic Goddess journey.She discovered the most amazing, bizarre, andincredibly simple answer to The Big M - The Meaning Of Life.It lookednothing like what she thought it would.She went from being a Yuppie toa Yogi and discovered meditation is for fairly normal people.It can beused in everyday lifeeven business. Orange Socks is about how tobecome king over your mind and claim your right to self-sovereignty. Rich in humour, it also demonstrated an ease and simple honesty intackling topics traditionally seen as deep and mysterious, like "Who Am I?" and "Who Is God?" ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Valerie is really a genuine person
Valerie Simonson is true blue. Her book only give a smattering of her qualities.
I and my departed wife read the origional manuscript before it went to the publisher.
There are a few things that we thought were important in the book that were taken out.
I hope some day Val will add these to another book so that the readers will not feel that there is something missing
My departed wie used to baby sit Valerie, and loved her dearly. When we found out that she was trying to promot her new book I went on line around the world telling people about it, because we new that was a TRUE story and an adventure that only a couragous and desperate woman could do. Valerie is contagious...if you were to ever meet her you would never forget her. She radiates. Keep up the good work Val ....We LOVE you --- Bill and Olive in Mexico,

Orange Socks-How a Yuppie Goes Yogi
The book helped me a lot in my spiritual journey. I would like to write to the author to discuss some details of the book ( it is about Baba, Valerie)

Orange Socks How a Yuppie goes Yogi
This book is not what I expected. I was hoping to learn why Yoga became so important to the author. Rather the book focused on a journey of self discovery. The connection between the two, to me, was tenuous. The concept was interesting but it missed the mark.

The great value of the Raja Yoga disipline.
The book isn't realy about wearing an 0RANGE COLORED pair of Sox, but the value of discovering RAJA YOGA and learning to meditate with it. I was so impressed with the book that I'm now in Calgary and had TEA with valerie last evening. Today she left for INDIA TO THE HEADQUARTERS OF Raja Yoga for their annual conference. Valerie still teaches the disipline here in Calgary as a volunteer. She related that her parents (slowly and reluctantly) took up the practice and it has really transformed their lives as it has hers. ... Read more

Book Description

The Search For Jack London is a first person account of an investigation into a possible past life as Jack London.

As the narrator revisits a Klondike cabin in the winter of 1898 fresh insight was gained into the life and times of Jack London that could only be known by London himself.Seeking clarification the narrator requested a life reading from Anne Puryear, a psychic living in Scottsdale, Arizona.The narrator was informed that in a previous life he'd been Jack London.

Just being told by a psychic source that he had once lived as Jack London wasn't good enough.When he asked for objective proof he was told to seek and he'd discover the truth.Anne gave him three instructions to guide his search.

The first was to seek out a Canadian psychiatrist who was skilled in past life regression.The fifteen hours of hypnotic regression were recorded on what became known as "The Jack London Tapes."

The second was to seek out all the primary sources of Jack London material and to read all the books about Jack London.The narrator went to the Huntington Library in San Marino, California and the Jack London Foundation in Glen Ellen, California in search of primary source materials.

The third was to write a book about his search.

The book has brought extreme reactions of praise and condemnation. Defending the validity of the experiences has proved to be the greatest challenge of the narrator's life.

Reviews (5)

Recommended
Eighty-three years after his death, Jack London's work remains in print throughout the world, and his popularity abroad vastly exceeds the accord he is given in America. Over twenty biographies have been written, yet the man behind the persona perpetuated by the press has remained elusive. Jerome Lofgren, however, brings both London and his wife to life with remarkable perceptiveness and intensity in his novel IN SEARCH OF JACK LONDON.

As Lofgren's personal life disintegrated around him, having come through divorce, bankruptcy and blindness, his spiritual life opened to new possibilities. As his questioned his purpose in life, he began a spiritual journal that led him to conclude that he is Jack London reincarnated.

Lofgren recounts his work with hypnosis, visions and research, drawing a web of intimacy seldom matched by most biographers. Interestingly, Lofgren focuses on the loving relationship between Jack and his second wife, Charmain Kittredge. Most biographers have overlooked the significant role Charmain provided as both a partner to London and a preserver of his work, journals, photographs, and so forth. Further, Lofgren seeks to correct many of the misconceptions of London, often perpetuated by other biographers.

Rather than a typical biographer, Lofgren's goal is to write "about different subjects, different matters, but there will be the essence of the strength from the London lifetime." Indeed, he succeeds in creating a reflective work filled with the emotional insight sadly lacking in most biographies.

Regardless of personal beliefs, this contemplative, thought provoking view of America's most published author will provide unique insight into the life of Jack London.

Quirky, eccentric, problematical... and interesting.
This is a quirky, individualistic, passionately eccentric book in whichfiction, fantasy, and fact are inextricably mixed up. I enjoyed it.

There is no way for me to ask Jack London about the truth of this book,but Jerome V. Lofgren was kind enough to answer some questions I had, andto give me permission to quote them.

(DPBS) "The Search for JackLondon" is told in first person by a narrator who claims to be JackLondon's reincarnation.Is this simply a literary device or (as the blurbmaterial suggests) do you truly believe this?

(JVL) What I personallybelieve is not the issue here..From the onset in my prologue and in thetext itself I put forth that if you believe in reincarnation read it rightfrom the tap.If you don't believe in reincarnation at least accept it asa literary technique to tell a beautiful story (Such as The Star Rover)..This is not a dissertation on reincarnation but an effort to understandJack and Charmian London.

(DPBS) The story is framed by "the annualbanquet celebrating Jack London's birthday... the Jack London Foundationgathered as they had eachyear in the Sonoma Country Club."Is yourdescription of this meetingintended to be: factual? A dramatized versionof real events? Fictional?

(JVL) A dramatized version of real events. However, the actual confrontation with Clarice Stasz took place onSeptember 30, 1987 at a BBQ hosted by Russ and Winnie at their Glen Ellenhome with Earle Labor, Milo Shepherd their spouses and Clarice.It was avery foggy night when Clarice hoved to out of the fog to launch herbroadsides at me.

(DPBS) In the portions of the story which are told inJack London's voice, I can, here and there, pick out actual quotations fromJack London's works (a snippet from "To Build a Fire" firstKlondike episode, a snippet from "The Cruise of the Snark" in thepassage where he meets Ernest Darling, etc.)Are the parts told inLondon's voice _largely_ pastiches of quotations?

(JVL) As Russ Kingmancommented repeatedly, anyone who gets immersed into Jack will encounterthe, "Dreadful Parallels."My question to you is what othervoice would Jack speak in?

(DPBS) The narrator quotes the late RussKingman repeatedly and at length as having very definite opinions onvarious controversial aspects of Jack London's life.Are these actualquotations from Russ Kingman's writings? If not, do you represent them asfactual and as being accurately representative of his views?

These areRuss' actual words.Russ went over this manuscript several times and gavehis approval of my actual representation of him. As Russ commented, "Icome off as a Southern Baptist Preacher, as of course, Iwas."

(DPBS) In places, you mention events in Jack London's lifethat are not well-known to his biographers (his affair with the NativeAmerican woman, Ruth).Are these actually buttressed by material you foundin your researches?

(JVL) Russ asked the same question in the book.AndI answered by pointing out how it came to be in the story.Jack neverwrote of or spoke of that period from January to May when he was alone inthe cabin, "a time when he came to himself."No matter howCharmian tried to weasel it out of him he wouldn't tell. By the way Russwas satisfied with my answer.

(DPBS) Is there a reason why you do notprovide notes or explanations to make it easier for the average reader ofthis "biography" to pick out which things can be consideredrecognized facts, and which are imagined, guessed, dramatized, invented, orreceived via occult methods of communication?

(JVL) This piece waswritten as a historical novel.Irving Stone used this style in his"Sailor on Horseback" without notes or explanations.There areover 20 biographies of Jack London with Stone's the most popular. Most dieda quick death.Why?That puzzled Russ and me.So I set out to write adifferent "biography" where the world, past and present, areviewed through Jack's eyes.Not only is the old Jack revealed more fullybut the present world of the friends of Jack London is revealed so that thegeneral public can visit Glen Ellen and appreciate the Ranch and the JackLondon Foundation.

Quirky, eccentric, problematical... and interesting.
This is a quirky, individualistic, passionately eccentric book in
which fiction, fantasy, and fact are inextricably mixed up. I enjoyed
it.

There is no way for me to ask Jack London about the truth of
this book, but Jerome V. Lofgren was kind enough to answer some
questions I had, and to give me permission to quote them.

(DPBS)
"The Search for Jack London" is told in first person by a
narrator who claims to be Jack London's reincarnation.Is this simply
a literary device or (as the blurb material suggests) do you truly
believe this?

(JVL) What I personally believe is not the issue
here..From the onset in my prologue and in the text itself I put
forth that if you believe in reincarnation read it right from the tap.
If you don't believe in reincarnation at least accept it as a literary
technique to tell a beautiful story (Such as The Star Rover)..This
is not a dissertation on reincarnation but an effort to understand
Jack and Charmian London.

(DPBS) The story is framed by "the
annual banquet celebrating Jack London's birthday... the Jack London
Foundation gathered as they had each year in the Sonoma Country
Club." Is your description of this meeting intended to be:
factual? A dramatized version of real events? Fictional?

(JVL) A
dramatized version of real events.However, the actual confrontation
with Clarice Stasz took place on September 30, 1987 at a BBQ hosted by
Russ and Winnie at their Glen Ellen home with Earle Labor, Milo
Shepherd their spouses and Clarice.It was a very foggy night when
Clarice hoved to out of the fog to launch her broadsides at
me.

(DPBS) In the portions of the story which are told in Jack
London's voice, I can, here and there, pick out actual quotations from
Jack London's works (a snippet from "To Build a Fire" first
Klondike episode, a snippet from "The Cruise of the Snark"
in the passage where he meets Ernest Darling, etc.)Are the parts
told in London's voice _largely_ pastiches of quotations?

(JVL) As
Russ Kingman commented repeatedly, anyone who gets immersed into Jack
will encounter the, "Dreadful Parallels." My question to you
is what other voice would Jack speak in?

(DPBS) The narrator quotes
the late Russ Kingman repeatedly and at length as having very definite
opinions on various controversial aspects of Jack London's life.Are
these actual quotations from Russ Kingman's writings? If not, do you
represent them as factual and as being accurately representative of
his views?

These are Russ' actual words.Russ went over this
manuscript several times and gave his approval of my actual
representation of him. As Russ commented, "I come off as a
Southern Baptist Preacher, as of course, I was."

(DPBS) In
places, you mention events in Jack London's life that are not
well-known to his biographers (his affair with the Native American
woman, Ruth).Are these actually buttressed by material you found in
your researches?

(JVL) Russ asked the same question in the book.
And I answered by pointing out how it came to be in the story.Jack
never wrote of or spoke of that period from January to May when he was
alone in the cabin, "a time when he came to himself." No
matter how Charmian tried to weasel it out of him he wouldn't tell. By
the way Russ was satisfied with my answer.

(DPBS) Is there a reason
why you do not provide notes or explanations to make it easier for the
average reader of this "biography" to pick out which things
can be considered recognized facts, and which are imagined, guessed,
dramatized, invented, or received via occult methods of
communication?

(JVL) This piece was written as a historical novel.
Irving Stone used this style in his "Sailor on Horseback"
without notes or explanations.There are over 20 biographies of Jack
London with Stone's the most popular. Most died a quick death.Why?
That puzzled Russ and me.So I set out to write a different
"biography" where the world, past and present, are viewed
through Jack's eyes.Not only is the old Jack revealed more fully but
the present world of the friends of Jack London is revealed so that
the general public can visit Glen Ellen and appreciate the Ranch and
the Jack London Foundation.
?

There are always two truths to any story
Setting aside all personal beliefs and preconceptions about how life "really is" is a prerequisite for journeying with J. V. Lofgren not only through elliptical parts of his own life, but through the life of thefamous American writer, Jack London.To experience the numerous storiesand people in this book is a unique reading adventure.The twists andturns are fearsome as Lofgren brings himself and Jack London to life withpanache in an eloquent and passionate gallop into strange times and places. Lofgren believes himself to have been Jack London in a previous life andsets out to inform us of his experiences alaong the way. To quoteLofgren, "Whether my soul ever energized the body of Jack London or not isimportant only for my personal understanding.That was then.Now is now. I'm satisfied that my soul once lived a life as Jack London not because ofwhat others have said, but because of my own personal remembrances." This book contains an enormous cast of diverse and strange characters allof whom interact with Lofgren himself and Jack London as Lofgren'sreincarnation.There are spirit people and mediums, professionals of everystripe and color with their own beliefs and conceptions few of which theyare willing to give up in favor of the author's basic contention, "...thatmy soul once lived a life as Jack London."And all, he adds, are"subjective elements for which I cannot provide objective proof." He alsoinsists that this work is not creative fiction or a product of hisimagination. The southwestern writer Carlos Castanada comes to mindwhen reading Lofgren's work with all its psychic nuances and far-flungreachings into the "great unknown."Jack London was born on January 12,1876 in San Francisco at 2 p.m while Lofgren was born November 29, 1933 inIsle, Minnesota at 7:52 p.m, and as we travel through Lofgren's world, itis clearly the journey that matters, not the destination, which isindiscernible.In the end, Lofgren seems to believe, with Carl Jung,"...that there were two truths, scientific and psychic, and the greattragedy of the 20th century was the over-emphasis upon scientific truth andthe supression of psychic truth." As for one character's suggestionthat the book is a "love story," referring to Jack London's relationshipwith his last wife, Charmian, in fact the real love story is betweenLofgren and Jack London and Lofgren and Lofgren, a kind of triangle.Sofly away into this good night if you dare, but expect to meet a few

The Search for Jack London is a feast for readers.
As a playwright and screenwriter, I'm especially fascinated by a novel that presents rich and exciting characters in a situation that's rife with mystery, passion and a compelling plot.Jerome Lofgren has managed totweak this reader's imagination in a way that made it impossible for me toset the book aside, and equally impossible to read it only once.I predictthis story will be given at least one more lifetime in motion picturehouses around the world.Paul Roland, Ashland, Oregon. ... Read more

Book Description

Every night for two years the author's godfather visited another dimension in an active dream state.He claimed it was "another planet," but research suggests a future Earth.Based on actual events with a Foreword by Hesiod (7th-8th century B. C.). ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Spellbinding!
This was a book that you could not put down! I wish I could have the opportunity to meet the "godfather"! The incredible level of detail was astounding. You could truly envision a way of life that was simple, fair, uncomplicated, and fulfilling! A place where this lifestyle existed would be more human than we could possibly imagine. It would benefit a lot of us here on earth to look into a calmer, more humane way of existing. This book made me think and rethink of ways to make the life we have been handed more pleasant. Thank you for enriching my world! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A glimpse of the Truth
I found this book to be very personal, almost as if Cathy was talking to you directly rather than you reading a book. Very refreshing, easy to read and a great lift to sagging spirits. ... Read more