Arts and Literature of Cuba (Exploring Cuba)

To truly understand a nation, one must know a bit about that nations art. What kind or subjects do its leading novelists write about? Which themes preoccupy its major poets? Who are the most popular painters and sculptors, and what do their works depict?

This book examines the major currents in Cuban art and literature, from colonial times to the present. The book also tells the stories of some of the countrys most respected creative talents. These include the poet and patriot Jos Mart, who is beloved as the Apostle of Cuban Independence; the novelist Alejo Carpentier, a major figure in Latin Americas 20th-century literary boom; the painter Amelia Pelez del Casal, a leader of Cubas avant-garde art movement; and Rita Longa, whose iconic sculptures adorn the capital city of Havana.

1Each title in this series includes color photos throughout, and back matter including: an index and further reading lists for books and internet resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities and expand their viewpoints through our content rich non-fiction books.

Wisdom of the Shamans: What the Ancient Masters Can Teach Us about Love and Life

For generation after generation, Toltec shamans have passed down their wisdom through teaching stories. The purpose of these stories is to implant a seed of knowledge in the mind of the listener, where it can ultimately sprout and blossom into a new and better way of life.

In The Wisdom of the Shamans: What the Ancient Masters Can Teach Us About Love and Life, Toltec shaman and master storyteller don Jose Ruiz shares some of the most popular stories from his family’s oral tradition and offers corresponding lessons that illustrate the larger ideas within each story.

Ruiz begins by explaining that contrary to the stereotypical image of “witch doctor,” the ancient shamans were men and women who fulfilled several roles within their communities: philosopher, spiritual guide, medical doctor, psychologist, and friend.

According to Ruiz, their teachings are not primitive or reserved for a chosen few initiates but are instead a powerful series of lessons on love and life that are available to us all. To that aim, he has included exercises, meditations, and shamanic rituals to help you experience the personal transformation these stories offer.

The shamans taught that the truth you seek is inside of you. Let these stories, lessons, and tools be your guide to finding the innate wisdom that lives within.