El Paso Norte Press | Special Edition Books

Devil’s Dictionary Complete and Unabridged

Shawn Conners — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:03:50 +0000

The Devil's Dictionary, ISBN: 1934255297

ELPN Press and Special Edition Books are pleased to announce the publication of The Devil’s Dictionary of Ambrose Bierce – Complete and Unabridged – Special Edition, available for pre-order on Amazon.

Herein are contained the sardonic definitions published by Ambrose Bierce as The Cynic’s Word Book in 1906; augmented, edited and republished by the illustrious author in 1911 as The Devil’s Dictionary. Unlike other editions which modify, tone down and make moronic additions to Bierce’s original Devil’s Dictionary, presented here are the complete contents of the 1911 edition without deletions, modifications or embellishments, of any kind, which might diminish the impact of the original politically incorrect collection; hence, the redundant descriptive addition to the title as “Complete and Unabridged” which would surely have caused the author to go ballistic if he were still alive.

Ambrose Bierce was an extraordinary individual: a veteran of the American Civil War, renowned writer, political pundit, social commentator and, in many ways, a philosopher who was ahead of his time. His mysterious disappearance, in 1914 during the Mexican Revolution, was the subject of the movie: Old Gringo. Shortly before he vanished, he wrote to a friend: “Good-bye – if you hear of my being stood up against a Mexican stone wall and shot to rags please know that I think that is a pretty good way to depart this life. It beats old age, disease, or falling down the cellar stairs. To be a Gringo in Mexico – ah, that is euthanasia”.

His own definition of a cynic suited him well: “CYNIC, n. A blackguard whose faulty vision sees things as they are, not as they ought to be. Hence the custom among the Scythians of plucking out a cynic’s eyes to improve his vision.”

ELPNPress to publish Biographies of Immortals: Kindle and Paperback

Shawn Conners — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:02:16 +0000

Biographies of Immortals - Special Edition

This special edition brings together three classic works by Western scholars of ancient Chinese texts. The men were family friends and colleagues, and were all living in Shanghai during the late 19th century. Much of their combined transcription became shaped into the book we know today as the “Tao Te Ching.”

Biographies of Immortals – Legends of China is available for immediate Kindle download on Amazon, and will be available in paperback on February 20th, 2010.

“China and the Manchus” by Herbert Giles is a series of legends and recollections from ancient China, ordered by chronology. Herbert Giles is also known for creating the first Chinese-English Dictionary and helping to develop the system of Chinese translation now known as the “Wade-Giles Romanization System.”

“Leaves from My Chinese Scrapbook” by Frederic Balfour is a collection of stories, legends and anecdotes by a British expatriate scholar, who was working for local Chinese newspapers such as “Celestial Empire” and contributing travel articles to “Harpers Magazine”. Many of these stories are taken from the source scrolls Balfour used to write the ground-breaking “Taoist Texts” in 1884.

“Biographies of Immortals” by Lionel Giles is the first partial Western translation of the ancient Chinese book of “Liexian Zhuan,” containing mythic heroes from Chinese history, including the “Eight Immortals of China.” Lionel Giles, the son of Herbert Giles, is also known for his original translation of Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” as well as “The Analects” of Confucius.

Excerpt from “Biographies of Immortals: Legends of China – Special Edition”.
Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Lao Tzu was a native of Ch’en.

His surname was Li (Plum), his personal name was Erh and his “style” was Po-yang. His mother gave birth to him while leaning against a plum tree. He was able to speak as soon as he was born, and pointing to the plum tree said: “I take my surname from this tree.” Though born in the Yin period, he became Palace Secretary under the Chou dynasty. He made a practice of nourishing his vital essence, his great aim being to absorb strength without dissipating any. In due course he was made Custodian of the Archives, a post which he held for more than eighty years–the Shih Chi says, for over two hundred years. His contemporaries called him the Noble Recluse, and his posthumous title was Tan (Flat-eared). When , Confucius came to Chou and visited Lao Tzu, he recognized him as an inspired sage and took him as his Master.

Later on, when the virtue of Chou had fallen into decay, he mounted a chariot drawn by a black ox and departed for the land of Ta Ch’in. When he passed through the Western Barrier, the Warden of the Pass, Yin Hsi, received him with honor, knowing that he was a saintly man, and persuaded him to write a treatise, which was no other than the Tao Te Ching in two parts, one roll to each.

Confucius paid a visit to the Chou State in order to question Lao Tzu on matters of ceremonial. The latter replied, saying: “Those about whom you speak are men whose bones have all turned to dust, and whose words alone survive. Now, when the princely man finds his opportunity, he rides in a State chariot; if he fails to find his opportunity, he goes on foot in humble guise. I have heard it said that a clever merchant, though possessed of great hoards of wealth, will act as though his coffers were empty; and that the princely man, though of perfect moral excellence, maintains the air of a simpleton. Abandon your arrogant ways and countless desires, your suave demeanor and unbridled ambition, for they do not promote your welfare. That is all I have to say to you.”

Confucius went away, and said to his disciples: “I understand how birds can fly, how fishes can swim, and how four-footed beasts can run. Those that run can be snared, those that swim may be caught with hook and line, those that fly may be shot with arrows. But when it Comes to the dragon, I am unable to conceive how he can soar into the sky riding upon the wind and clouds. To-day I have seen Lao Tzu, and can only liken him to a dragon.”

ELPN Press publishes Hammer of Thor on Kindle

Shawn Conners — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:20:41 +0000

Hammer of Thor

El Paso Norte Press announced the publication of Hammer of Thor: Norse Mythology and Legends – Special Edition on the Kindle ebook platform.

Many of these wonderful Norse stories were originally compiled by H.A. Guerber in “Myths of the Norsemen” in 1909. Borrowing from this and other classic sources, Hammer of Thor contains more than two dozen bold and exciting myths and legends from Norse mythology.

This special edition begins with the Norse legend of creation and ends with a comparison to Greek mythology. In between, hundreds of larger than life heroes jump out of the pages to boast of their glorious adventures and achievements.

Roam the great hall of Valhalla in the realm of Asgard, in the company of the greatest heroes to ever populate the heavens. Follow the mighty Thor as he smites his enemies with his wondrous hammer. Bow to King Odin, the wise and feared leader of the Norse gods, and skulk along darkened passages with Loki, the most mischievous of the gods.

Fully indexed for easy Kindle searching, this special edition is perfect for new readers, and for those anxious to revisit some old friends.

Index of Stories
1. The Beginning
2. Odin
3. Frigga
4. Thor
5. Tyr
6. Bragi
7. Idun
8. Niörd
9. Frey
10. Freya
11. Uller
12. Forseti
13. Heimdall
14. Hermod
15. Vidar
16. Vali
17. The Norns
18. The Valkyrs
19. Hel
20. Ægir
21. Balder
22. Loki
23. The Giants
24. The Dwarfs
25. The Elves
26. The Sigurd Saga
27. The Frithiof Saga
28. The Twilight of the Gods
29. Greek and Northern Mythologies—A Comparison

ELPNPress publishes Illustrated Samurai Series on Kindle

Shawn Conners — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:30:19 +0000

The Illustrated Kindle Samurai Series ISBN 1934255017

El Paso Norte Press announced the publication of The Illustrated Kindle Samurai Series: The Book of Five Rings; Hagakure – The Way of the Samurai & Bushido – The Soul of Japan.

This kindle ebook brings together three of the most important books that deal with the Samurai path and philosophy into one volume, along with black and white illustrations of legendary swords, Ronin and battles. It contains:

The Book of Five Rings which was written by Miyamoto Musashi, a Samurai of legendary renown, about 1645 AD. It is a masterpiece of simple exposition written by a master swordsman, who, near the end of his spectacular life, tried earnestly to explain the essentials of individual combat and the essence of being a Samurai. His book is widely considered to a cornerstone of the philosophy of Bushido.

Hagakure – The Way of the Samurai, which means: “Hidden by Leaves”, that was composed from dialogs by the famous Samurai, Yamamoto Tsunetomo, by a scribe, Tashiro Tsuramoto, about 1716 AD. It explains the major ideas and philosophy that are essential to the “way of the Samurai”, by which is meant the “way of dying”. It contains numerous tales of various Samurai and their deeds which illustrate their philosophy and practice.

Bushido – The Soul of Japan by Inazo Nitobe which was first published 1899. It is an extremely literate presentation by a Japanese intellectual who wished to present Japan and its fundamental philosophy in a way that could be understood by Westerners. It describes how the Shinto Religion and Buddhism are the underpinnings of the essentially militaristic view of honor and life that are inherent in Bushido, the Samurai code.

ELPNPress releases The Red Book of Guerrilla Warfare

Shawn Conners — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 02:00:38 +0000

ISBN 1934255270

This special edition contains the two most important essays by Mao on guerrilla warfare tactics in a new, completely uncensored format.

As a revolutionary leader, Mao Zedong laid the economic, technological and cultural foundations of modern China, transforming the country from an agrarian society into a major world power.

“Time Magazine” voted Mao Zedong as one of the 100 most influential figures of the last century. He has often been described as both “brilliant and ruthless.” His essays are described as “propaganda,” and have historically been viewed as “subversive” and “revolutionary.” They contain some of the most practical and controversial warfare theory ever presented in essay form.

This special edition contains the translations completed for the US Military’s internal library of Cold War era propaganda; presented in a new, completely uncensored format. “The Red Book of Guerrilla Warfare” contains:

1) “On Guerrilla Warfare”
2) “Problems of Strategy in Guerrilla War against Japan”

Sun Tzu and The Army of Concubines

Shawn Conners — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 03:10:37 +0000

Excerpted from The Art of War by Sun Tzu - Special Edition

According to the 2nd century BC biography written by Sima Qian, Sun Tzu was born in Qi during the Spring and Autumn Period of China (722–481 BC), and became a heroic general for the king of Wu, Helü. Historians place the writing of the text in the Warring States Period (476–221 BC), based on its description of warfare. The period was a time of constant conflict between seven nations (Zhao, Qi, Qin, Chu, Han, Wei and Yan) seeking to control all of China.

It is said that the king of Wu tested Sun Tzu’s skills in military tactics by commanding him to train several hundred concubines into soldiers. Sun Tzu divided them into two companies, and placed one of the King’s favorite concubines at the head of each. He then bade them all take spears in their hands, and addressed them thus: “I presume you know the difference between front and back, right hand and left hand?” The girls replied: Yes. Sun Tzu went on: “When I say “Eyes front,” you must look straight ahead. When I say “Left turn,” you must face towards your left hand.

When I say “Right turn,” you must face towards your right hand. When I say “About turn,” you must face right round towards your back.” Again the girls assented. The words of command having been thus explained, he set up the halberds and battle-axes in order to begin the drill. Then, to the sound of drums, he gave the order “Right turn.” But the girls only burst out laughing. Sun Tzu said: “If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, then the general is to blame.” So he started drilling them again, and this time gave the order “Left turn,” whereupon the girls once more burst into fits of laughter. Sun Tzu: “If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, the general is to blame. But if his orders ARE clear, and the soldiers nevertheless disobey, then it is the fault of their officers.” So saying, he ordered the leaders of the two companies to be beheaded.

Now the king of Wu was watching the scene from the top of a raised pavilion; and when he saw that his favorite concubines were about to be executed, he was greatly alarmed and hurriedly sent down the following message: “We are now quite satisfied as to our general’s ability to handle troops. If We are bereft of these two concubines, our meat and drink will lose their savor. It is our wish that they shall not be beheaded.” Sun Tzu replied: “Having once received His Majesty’s commission to be the general of his forces, there are certain commands of His Majesty which, acting in that capacity, I am unable to accept.”

Accordingly, he had the two leaders beheaded, and straightway installed the pair next in order as leaders in their place. When this had been done, the drum was sounded for the drill once more; and the girls went through all the evolutions, turning to the right or to the left, marching ahead or wheeling back, kneeling or standing, with perfect accuracy and precision, not venturing to utter a sound. Then Sun Tzu sent a messenger to the King saying: “Your soldiers, Sire, are now properly drilled and disciplined, and ready for your majesty’s inspection. They can be put to any use that their sovereign may desire; bid them go through fire and water, and they will not disobey.”

But the King replied: “Let our general cease drilling and return to camp. As for us, We have no wish to come down and inspect the troops.” Thereupon Sun Tzu said: “The King is only fond of words, and cannot translate them into deeds.” After that, Ho Lu saw that Sun Tzu was one who knew how to handle an army, and finally appointed him general.

In the early 1970s, scholars uncovered a collection of ancient texts written on unusually well-preserved bamboo slips. Among them were Sun Tzu’s The Art of War and Sun Bin’s Military Methods. Although Han dynasty bibliographies noted the latter publication as extant and written by a descendant of Sun Tzu, it has since been lost. Sun Bin’s treatise is the only known additional text from the ancient period bearing a close association with Sun Tzu.

The Art of War or The Heart of War?

Shawn Conners — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 09:07:31 +0000

ISBN: 1934255122

Translations can be a tricky thing. Especially if you are translating the oldest book on military strategy still in existence.

Lionel Giles is famous for his translation of The Art of War, as are James Clavell and Samuel B. Griffth. Still, many scholars despair of ever having a truly accurate translation of any of the historical Chinese texts, due to the changing nature of language patterns over the centuries, which complicate translation and transliteration.

In this article, the author explores some various nuances that have been lost in many of the accepted translations of The Art of War, (excerpts from The Art of War by Sun Tzu – Special Edition):

The title given to the text has been translated into English as the Art of War. Looking at the individual words or ideograms we see a much more complicated meaning of the original title then the English title suggests. The ideogram for war as it is used in the title can also be translated into the English words: Combat, Maneuver, Weapon, and Conflict.

The meaning of conflict from the western viewpoint has negative connotations. Conflict can also though be a good thing. If I have the choice of going to a party or out with some friends then I am in conflict. Conflict in ideas’ leads to growth and change. We in the West tend to separate the negative and positive types of conflict into two meanings on subjective criteria based on the emotive social misconception that conflict is bad therefor good conflict is something else. Both types of conflict negative and positive are represented in the Chinese definition of conflict as defined in the text title, leading to different interpretations than one in the West would initially expect.

This difference in the Western definition of conflict can be summed up by Cognitive Dissonance Theory, which states that when we are psychologically aroused by a new perception that conflicts with previously stored ideas or does not fit into a preexisting “World View” then the individual will alter their perception and sometimes alter it to incorporate the new perception into their store of knowledge.

This process of comparing previously stored knowledge is influenced by our culture. The process of socialization where parents and society instill cultural values to their children is how a culture continues through the generations but what if these values or knowledge are a matter of perspective? If you are raised to believe a pink pixie created the world and everyone in the culture agrees, chances are that without outside influence you will believe the same thing.

Also the different connotations of words can lead to break away words with different connotations and meanings. In the case of conflict in the West we may say “I am making a decision, I’m not in conflict” but they are the same thing. When dealing with another culture we have to be aware of the full extent and meaning of the word and not just its translation.

Spiritual values can also be incorporated into the translated word. Chinese ideograms are often made up of sub components e.g. the ideogram for to listen includes the ideograms for hearing and also heart. In the Western translation this aspect of heart has been left out. This leads to the argument translation verses transliteration. This is what has happened with The Art of War as with all East- West translation to varying degrees. (Excerpt from Dean McNichol) Read More of This Article