Confucius not only said interesting things, he sang them and accompanied himself on a kind of zither. The Smithsonian Institution’s Arthur M. Sackler Gallery has frequent shows of musical instruments from Confucius’ time, 2,500 years ago. A collection of his lyrics (there are no melodies preserved)  is one of the first pieces [...]]]>

Playing a traditional zither

Confucius not only said interesting things, he sang them and accompanied himself on a kind of zither. The Smithsonian Institution’s Arthur M. Sackler Gallery has frequent shows of musical instruments from Confucius’ time, 2,500 years ago. A collection of his lyrics (there are no melodies preserved)  is one of the first pieces of Chinese literature handed down through the centuries.

“It is said that Confucius accompanied himself on a ‘qin’ while singing the odes of the Shi Jing, or the ‘Classic of Poetry,’” says cellist Yo-Yo Ma in a guide to the exhibit. “We don’t know what Confucius’ qin may have looked like, but in popular accounts of his life, the image of the philosopher-musician became firmly established.” The qin is a kind of zither. Today’s Chinese musicians still use one kind. Ma is an American of Chinese ancestry, one of today’s leading cellists playing classical western music.

Jenny F. So, the Sackler’s curator of ancient Chinese art, said in an interview that some of the “odes” were just folk songs. Confucius reportedly made a practice of dancing with his disciples every day. In his time, music was considered of great social significance, linking rulers to subjects, parents to children. “It is by poetry that one’s mind is aroused; it is by ceremony that one’s character is regulated; it is by music that one becomes accomplished,” he said.

Most of the instruments on display come from a tomb of the Marquis Yi, found by Chinese soldiers in 1977 when they were leveling a hill as a site for a factory. The instruments are borrowed from a museum in Hubei, China. So said this is the first time they have been displayed in a musical context.

Confucius had definite ideas about what music ought to be. “Get rid of the tunes of Zheng,” he is quoted as saying. “The tunes of Zheng are lascivious.” The Zheng area lies just to the south of Lu, Confucius’ home state. A later chronicler, who So says may have been using his imagination some, told of a Chinese king who was fond of licentious music. “He assembled a large company of musicians and actors at the Shaqiu garden,” says the account, “filling a pond with wine and hanging up meats to make a forest. He caused men and women to disrobe and pursue each other through this scenery, as part of a drinking feast lasting long into the night.”

A costumed musician, Mei Min Su of the local Chinese Music Society, played more recent Chinese music for visitors before the official opening, on a zither like one from Confucius’ time. The marquis apparently had two sets of musicians: one for public ceremonials, which emphasized percussion instruments, and a smaller, more intimate one with strings. Chinese authorities considered his ceremonial set of 65 huge bronze bells too precious to leave the country. Inscriptions on them identify the notes they produce on the Chinese five-tone scale. So far as scholars can find, it took nearly another thousand years before actual tunes were written out, Su said. In one chamber of the tomb archaeologists found an elaborately lacquered double coffin with the body of a middle-aged man, presumably the marquis. Eight smaller coffins contained the skeletons of eight young women.

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 [...]]]>

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.

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 [...]]]>

Hammer of Thor ISBN 1934255335

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

The Monster & Other Stories was published by Stephen Crane in 1899 to outstanding critical praise. Although not his final work, it would be the last collection of short fiction to be published by Stephen Crane before he became gravely ill. Originally published as a novella in Harper’s [...]]]>

The Monster & Other Stories by Stephen Crane

The Monster & Other Stories was published by Stephen Crane in 1899 to outstanding critical praise. Although not his final work, it would be the last collection of short fiction to be published by Stephen Crane before he became gravely ill. Originally published as a novella in Harper’s Magazine, “The Monster” drew immediate and fiery attention, due to Stephen Crane’s unflinching stare into the face of race and societal relations in New York during the turn of the twentieth century.

The story sets its focus on Henry Johnson, an African American coachman living in a small harbor town, who becomes horribly disfigured while rushing into a blazing fire to save the son of his employer, the town’s physician, Dr. Trescott.

Although beloved by his employer, the people in the small port town begin to view Henry as a monster, unable to separate his physical deformities from his heroic actions. Henry too, must struggle with the terrifying physical persona he is forced to endure for the rest of his life. Race and societal relations become tense as the story unfolds.

Also included in this special edition are the critically acclaimed stories: His New Mittens, and The Blue Hotel.

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 [...]]]>

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.”

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” [...]]]>

Red Book of Guerrilla Warfare 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”