Editorial Review

What did Jamaican reggae singer Bob Marley and Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia have in common? A love for the Read more

Reviews (9)

VERY INSPIRATIONAL!
This book is an excellent read.I did not want to put down.It explained alot of what I felt was a bit unexplained in the bible. I have not finished the book yet but i Highly recommend it.

Decent Buy
I got this book a while back.It's a very nice book if you have a bad attention span, and you need what your reading to be simple.If your looking for the in depth historical version, then this probably won't be the book for you, but if you're looking for a real good Light reading, then this might be a good purchase.

A must read
The Kebra Negast is a must read for anyone on the path of black consciousness and understanding the truth of our place in the Bible.Reading the Kebra Negast really helped me understand Rastafari, I hate that I completed the book I wanted more.I wished women played a larger role and that the interpretation of doing God's will was a bit less damning like in all religions. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African Religions And Mythologies    2. Comparative Religion    3. Conduct of life    4. Criticism, interpretation, etc    5. Ethnic & Tribal    6. General    7. Kebra nagast    8. Rastafari movement    9. Religion    10. Religion - World Religions    11. Spiritual life    12. Africa    13. Rastafarianism    14. RELIGION-WORLD RELIGIONS    15. Jamaica    16. Marley, Bob   

Reviews (3)

Amazing book
This author knows whats up. Done his soul-searching research on his path. I am only half way through this book, but I had to give it five stars already because it is a revolutionary book. The revelations you will find are infinite. May the healing tao be with you, harvesting healing and peace among all nations. Trust in one love and you can acheive any dream.

If you are starting to feel this philosofy, read it.
This book is full of rasta knowledge. Is a great choice among people, who want to know more about rasta, and a little of black history. The author of this book, explains the beggining of a rastaman, and its way to Zion. This a must buy book, just sit down to read, and enjoy the philosophy of life.

Best book on Rastafari
This is the best book I have read so far. Since it is written by a Rasta,who is also a professor, the book reveals deeper insights into the Rasta experience. I especially liked the chapter on Ancient Mystic Foundations. There is alot of info here which I haven't read anywhere else.The chapters on herbal meditation and the Chakras can help you on your roadto Enlightenment. I would recommend this book to anyone interested inRastafari and to those on the Mystic Path. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography / Religious    2. Religion    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Forsythe, Dennis    5. Rastafari movement    6. Religious    7. Spiritual biography   

Reviews (5)

Dread History
For someone like myself, who knows a little about Rasta, and would like to know more this is a great starting point.
scattered thoughts...
I think a better and more thorough discussion of the rastafarian movement is The Rastafarians by Sr., Leonard E. Barrett. Douglas's thoughts seem to jump around in the book with long lists of individuals whose signifigance and part in the rastafarian movement needs more clarity.

Very informative!
I love this book. It's very insightful and gives a well-rounded historical view of Rastafari. I felt a sense of overstanding of what Rasta elders went through. Naturally, I highly recommend it as an excellent resource. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. History    3. History - General History    4. History / Caribbean & West Indies    5. History: World    6. Religion / Comparative Religion    7. Caribbean & West Indies    8. Jamaica    9. Rastafari movement    10. Religion   

Reviews (5)

Excellent book; one reservation
After spending some time in West Africa where I came across many inspirational Rastas, I came back to America wanting to learn more about this lifestyle.I found Roskind's book to be VERY firsthand and informative; after all, he speaks with dozens of Rastas with a whole range of views on Rastafari and One Love.The book was brilliantly written (with a lot of editing errors, however) and a great read for someone who is a novice to this faith.However, I do have one reservation about the author himself.Throughout the book he and the people he interviews criticize Babylon and all its materialism yet during his many trips to Jamaica he stays at the finest resorts (Babylon), likely owned by white non-Jamaicans (Babylon), and he talks about how he spends days here and there snorkling, laying out, eating, etc. (Babylon).I am not trying to point any fingers, I would just assume that if someone was trying to minimize one's materialistic desires and really experience Rastafari than one would at least stay at less plush resorts - especially when in a developing country.Other than that, an excellent read.

A Beautiful Journey
Explore Jamaica and Rastafari in this wonderfully written book.Meet rightous Rastas and gain an overstanding of One Love.Take a journey to a wonderful land and meet some beautiful people.Give thanks.

Babylon is Falling
If you feel that society has or has not taken a peice of your mind, I would advise you to read this book.I do not feel that it is a book that you can read at once, or once for that matter.I think I am on my third or fourth reread of this book.Roskind takes the power of communication through the Babylon system to prove there is more to what the western world calls life.I picked up the book in a gear issue room from the National Outdoor Leadership School in Conway, WA.I began to read the book outside of civilivation and coming back in to society after reading the tales in Rasta Heart has me looking at the world with a new pair of eyes.As they would say in the book, one love.
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Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Body, Mind & Spirit / Spirituality / General    3. Jamaica    4. Marley, Bob    5. Rastafari movement    6. Rastafarian ethics    7. Religion - World Religions    8. Spirituality    9. Spirituality - General   

Editorial Review

Compassion only occasionally lightens the grim tone of Jamaica Kincaid's searing account of her younger brother Devon's 1996 death from AIDS. As in novels such as Read more

Reviews (33)

Enlightening
I first read Jamaica Kincaid's work in "Talk Stories", and I loved it. Where's the story?
Normally a fan of Jamaica Kincaid, this book was terribly disappointing.Kincaid tells the story of her brother's battle with AIDS . . . well, sort of tells it anyway. A Complicated Work
I'm still thinking through the issues raised in "My Brother" -- and I suspect that it will be one of those books which, though it feels a bit hollow as I read it, will turn out to haunt me in the future.Only time will tell.The most remarkable thing about it, I think, is the way that Kincaid refuses to valorize any of the characters she describes.The incredible ire towards her mother is the only emotion that feels puzzling, given the lack of context for it -- I kept waiting for a revelation there that never came.With this exception, however, Kincaid seems committed to presenting a balanced portrayal:she does not heroize the dead, nor does she portray herself as particularly wise or noble in the face of death.It is this commitment to a human, complex portrayal that makes the description unique.Read more

Subjects:  1. Antigua    2. Antiqua    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Brothers and sisters    5. Death & Dying    6. Family relationships    7. General    8. Novelists, Antiguan    9. Rastafari movement    10. Social Science    11. Sociology    12. Specific Groups - General   

Reviews (6)

EASY RECIPES!
This book delivered on so many levels.It provided me with quick and easy recipes, Best of all it is comletely vegetarian!This book will definately add to my favorite recipes.

great casava
Its a ital cook book, just what i been looking for :) thankyou

Comming from a rasta....
Comming from a Rasta I must admit that it is hard to find books that teach u to cook vegeterian and "ital" all at the same time.All though I already knew how to do both BEFORE I bought the book,It was still a nice gesture to see the recipes ranging from all over the carribean and African Decent.Some of these recepies include but are not limited to peas and rice (made with brown rice),herb dumpling,plenty of different soups, stews, tofu patties, derserts including Ital ice creams (mango, coconut, pawpaw...etc ),Breads made with no added perservaties or dairy products (fully vegeterian),and plenty of fresh fruit drinks as well.Including carrot juice (zion juice), pawpaw, freshly homemade punches, etc....Being a cook myself I must say that i was impressed by the context.These receipies are more or less like Cousines rather then just ordinary Vegeterian food.One can make good use from it. A meal that I have often found most deseriable in the book is the vegeterian stuffed bell peppers taken from the entree catagory,peas and rice/ sweet corn and rice taken from the side dish category, and steamed callaloo taken from the vegetable and side dish category.Having it washed down with some sweet coconut water or some other kind of NATURAL fruit(taken from the juice senction ) or vegetable juice makes a deserible meal that vegeterians, non vegeterians, Rastas, and non Rastas will feel priveledged to have enjoyed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery, Tropical    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Ras Tafari movement    5. Rastafari movement    6. Regional & Ethnic - Caribbean & West Indian    7. Specific Ingredients - Vegetables    8. Vegetarian - General    9. Vegetarian cookery    10. Cookery by ingredient   

Reviews (4)

great
Yes Rasta is the best photography book on Rasta, an extraordinary photo documentary on people never seen before

Regurgitated,voyeuristic and overpriced!
I came across Yes Rasta recently in a Black bookstore while visiting Paris.As an African Jamaican I was immediately attracted to the book based on the title! Dreadlocks, Cultural Roots, And The Healing Of The Nations
I visited Jamaica many times in the fifteen years following my first Negril holiday in 1977. I was in search of Rastafarianism and reggae music. Of the natural mystic blowing through the air.Read more

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies - General    2. Cults    3. Individual Photographer    4. Jamaica    5. Military    6. Photoessays & Documentaries    7. Photography    8. Photojournalism    9. Pictorial works    10. Rastafari movement    11. Religious Cults    12. Photographs: collections   

Reviews (3)

Great pictures
I have the 1979 first edition.The black and white photos are really nice.

Rastafari is about more than just smoking pot...
Synopsis (From the back cover)
jah rastafari
Hey, if your looking for a good discriptive book on the Rastafarianreligon this is for you! The only thing I dint like about the book was thatit was kind of one sideded to the religon.Now I know that religon is atouchy subject for most people but, the other books on rastafari have beenmore welcoming of all types of people.However I would recomend this bookto anyone exploring their inner self! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Caribbean & West Indies - General    3. Ethnic & Tribal    4. Religion / Comparative Religion    5. Sociology    6. Rastafari movement    7. Religion   

Reviews (2)

Selassie I Coronation
All good books can still be improved upon and this is no exception.That doesn't take away from it's value as a collection of photographs of the events surrounding the November 2, 1930 Coronation of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I.
A slim volume
This thinnest of books is nothing more than a handful of poorly captioned photos.Its price is beyond belief considering its paltry contents.Be warned. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Africa - East - Ethiopia    2. Africa - General    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. History    5. History - General History    6. History / Africa    7. Photoessays & Documentaries    8. Religion / Comparative Religion    9. Africa    10. Coronation    11. Ethopia    12. Haile Selassie    13. Pictorial works    14. Rastafari movement    15. Religion   

Subjects:  1. Ethnic & Tribal    2. Religion    3. Religion - World Religions    4. Religion / General    5. Spirituality - General    6. Black studies    7. Ethopia    8. Rastafari movement    9. Sources   

Reviews (11)

Rasta
I really enjoyed this book.What's so amazing about this book is that it is a history text AND totally readable. It goes into depth about various cultural aspects.When you finish reading you will feel you have a very good handle on Rastafarianism.
I found this book helpful
This is the first book I read on Rastafarianism.I chose it because the author is not a Rastafarian, but he is sympathetic to the religion.Consequently, as I had hoped the book was both objective and lacked any persuasive intent.
Jah Rastafari!
Being somewhat familiar with the Rastafari movement already and being somewhat fascinated by the culture I decided to read this book. The book starts out by tracing the history of slavery in Jamaica and outlining the conditions that precipitated a movement such as Rastafarianism which seeks a more equitable and just society. A decent amount is dedicated to Ethiopia and the idea of Ethiopianism where Rastafarians basically view this country in the same way as Zion is viewed by the Jews. Later elaboration explains mythical elements of the religion as well as the symbols, beliefs and rituals of the group such as smoking herb for a deeper understanding of a cosmic consciousness. I especially enjoyed the parts in the book where the author expounded upon the artistic improvements Rastas have made not only in Jamaica but the world over with things such as reggae music. Also kudos to him for talking about Bob Marley because he is a good reason the religion has gained popularity the world over. I won't give this book a 5 of 5 though because I did find the last chapter to be somewhat rambling and some of the ideas in the book are repeated a little bit too much for my taste. I think some people who aren't as interested in the movement as I am would have a little trouble keeping interested the whole way through. All-in-all though I think this is a pretty good read and does a good job explaining the basics of the Rastafarian beliefs and also gives detail about the socio-economic factors that contributed to this voice against colonialism and oppression. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Archaeology / Anthropology    3. Cults    4. Ethnic & Tribal    5. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    6. Jamaica    7. Rastafari movement    8. Religion    9. Rastafarianism    10. Social Science / African-American Studies   

Reviews (8)

origins and framework....but apparent lack of understanding.
Chevannaes provides a very in-depth look at the societal situations that gave rise to Rastafari. While discussing those situations, however, it seems to me that his mind did not come to the same conclusion as the Rastafarians. To write on Rastafari without understanding the mindstate leaves the reader with much to be desired. Read this and understand...
Back in college, I decided that I was going to major in Ethnomusicology, concentrating specifically on Caribbean Rhythm and Culture.While trodding this enlightening path (I grew up in a small, white-bread town on the Connecticut shoreline), I came across this piece of literature.Naturally, I originally checked it out for a research project concerning Rastafari.A few years (and nearly a dozen check-outs) later I have decided that it is time for me to purchase this book.I have read it cover to cover multiple times and never fail to pick up something completely new and exciting in each chapter.It needs to have a home in my permanent collection.The strength of thought and culture displayed within this book, coupled with the sounds of groups like The Abyssinians, Steel Pulse, Gondwana (the one from Chile not Austrailia), and the honorable Bob Marley and the Wailers, have done a great deal to change my life.I HIGHLY reccomend this book for pleasure / research / a deeper look into the world of Rastafari.I have read multiple books either written or edited by Barry Chevannes and this may be the best.It strikes a memorable chord in that it balances readability with a wealth of information.Also, every chapter is nearly a new book in that this volume covers a breadth of Rastafarian topics, from music to I-story to culture to politricks.I hope I enjoys this as much as I do.

Interesting and informative!
I first got interested in Rastafarianism by way of William Gibson, who had several characters who were Dreadlocks. My ignorance of what that was all about was, well, somewhat shocking for me at the time. So, I started poking around. Quite a few years ago, I found Rastafari: Roots and Ideology by Barry Chevannes. It followed me around, unread, in a box for several years. Well, I finally read it this past week. What a shame I waited so long!Read more

Subjects:  1. Dreadlocks    2. Ethnic & Tribal    3. General    4. History    5. Jamaica    6. Kingston    7. Kingston (Jamaica)    8. Rastafari movement    9. Religion    10. Sociology    11. Anthropology    12. Black studies    13. Rastafarianism   

Reviews (4)

Jamaica's underbelly
"If you're looking for an insight to Jamaica's underbelly - poverty, violence, racism and classism, Mutabaruka is one stop shopping.His lyrical beautiful poems reach out and grab you by the ears and take you for a turbulent ride across a sea of hot topics.
A book for all seasons
Mutabaruka is back in a beautiful book with perfect heft. It feels good in the hand. It offers a feast of creole poetry that sings in the mind. It appeals to Jamaica lovers, Rastafarian scholars, libertarians of all kinds looking to share riddim ravings and reasonings. Paul Issa's careful and considerate editing of Muta's powerful songs make the reading easy and the quality paper and print compliment the striking cover and clever dual-design. This book makes a special gift for island lovers and is a tribute to poetry rebels everywhere. Anyone who has heard Muta's voice on these poems will hear them "in your mind, in your mind, in your mind" while looking at them on the page. It's a brilliant translation from dub performance to print where little is lost. Professor Mervyn Morris's two Introductions provide useful context. This double book is a first rate product with authentic appeal for specialist and layperson alike.

The memories of Jamaica
I discovered Mutabaruka when vacationing in Jamaica and was delighted to find this collection of his new and current poems.Every time I read one I feel like I was transported back to that wonderful island and the friendly people. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Poetry / Caribbean & Latin American    2. African American poets    3. Caribbean & Latin American    4. Caribbean poetry (English)    5. Literature    6. Poetry    7. Poetry & poets    8. Rastafari movement    9. Reggae    10. Reggae musicians   

Reviews (1)

Intended for scholars and well-read nonacademics
Chevannes, author of many articles and another book on Rastas, edits and contributes to this volume. His thesis is that Rastafari should be seen simultaeneously as a "continuance of and departure from" Revivalism, an Afro-Carribean folk religion. The other scholars in this text agree with Chevannes, and they probe the relationships of transformation in these and other religious movements. Read more

Subjects:  1. Afro-Caribbean cults    2. Anthropology - Cultural    3. Archaeology / Anthropology    4. Comparative Religion    5. Congresses    6. Rastafari movement    7. Religion    8. Sociology    9. Sociology, Social Studies   

Reviews (4)

A fantastic, factual account on rastafari.
I found this work to be one of the most complete on the study of the the Rastafarian movement.The information is well presented and is cohesive and highly informaive. This work is ideal for the new convert or anyone who wants a thorough examination of the faith. I highly recommend it.

The best of the best
A very large wealth of information on the rastafarian movement. A very scholarly anthology. Read it three times over and learn more each time! Will use for years.

Best complete writing on Rastafari
This is the best book I've read on the subject. It is complete and gives the views of various scholars both Rasta and non-Rasta. I keep it as a resource and have read it 3 times. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Comparative Religion    2. Ethnic & Tribal    3. Ethnic Studies - General    4. General    5. Rastafari movement    6. Religion    7. Religion - World Religions    8. Sociology    9. Black studies    10. Caribbean Sea    11. Cultural studies    12. Rastafarianism   

Reviews (2)

Plantagonet
This is the best book I have ever read in my lifetime concerning biblical prophesy.If half of the things revealed in this book are found to be true, then the only hope for this retched planet and the people occupying it is to have all the leaders of the world, e.g UNITED NATIONS come together and acknowledge that there is a CREATOR who will not allow the devil any more glory.This book is significant of the changing times we are living in.

Rastafari a way of life
This book is a very ecxellent book because it shows how much livity that atrue brethren of this faith lives up.It also shows how ancient this deepAfrakan way of life is, and how naturally and wholistically Rastafari issupposed to live.It eliminates all ism and skism about Rastafari, andmakes one how is seeking and hearing the call want to live clean and letJah works be seen within him/herself.Read more

Subjects:  1. Africa - East - Ethiopia    2. Ethnic & Tribal    3. Religion - World Religions    4. History    5. Rastafari movement   

Reviews (6)

Jah Beauty
This a lovely book to read for anyone interested in RastafarI or a Rastafarian themselves.The pictures only add to the beautiful images that the poems create in the reader's mind.

JAH LOVES, more Itations......
Just wanted to let u know that there are at least to more books in this set, Itation 2+3, i have Book 1, a great read, mainly composedf of poems and spiritual words, has a section on the Arawaks, and loads of beautiful pictures of Jahs Work (Flowers!!) lovely, a must to all Rasta's or anyone interested.<br /> Pete,N.Wales,UK

Goin'Home
Reading the Itations books is always like goin' home, comforting and blessed with words and images of Jah.Like no other book I have ever read, I use quotes from it to help my friends when they are in need of spiritual advice.Give Thanks and Praise to Millard for sharing these works. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Rastafari movement    2. Culture    3. Jamaica    4. Travel    5. Religion    6. Reggae music   

Reviews (2)

Like findin a needle in a haystack
The book is the haystack and the useful content is the needle. most heart cleansed book of our time.
this book leads you into the lifestyle and mind of the rastafari. Clean your heart and allow jah to show the light and salvation. It was the most comprehensive book of our time. If you`ve ever had any questions about the rastafari and Jah works this book is for you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ethnic & Tribal    2. History and criticism    3. Rastafari movement    4. Rastafarian ethics    5. Rastafarian poetry    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Religious Cults    8. Sociology    9. Systems Of Ethics    10. Rastafarianism    11. Religion / General   

Reviews (1)

Dread Rasta
Spectacular book; I read this book back when I was bout ** and it just open my eyes to Dread fe real.Anybody who want to read in depth 'bout rasta shold check this out, anyway you can.True classic. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ethnic & Tribal    2. Literature - Classics / Criticism    3. Rastafari movement   

Reviews (3)

a few informative pictures...
I have to admit I was somewhat dissapointed by this book.I bought it mostly for the pictures but was also interested in seeing the country through a rasta's perspective.The text was somewhat informative but there was really not too unique about the information in there.There are definitely quite a few pictures, however I didnt think any of them were all that spectacular.Despite all this I would still give a lukewarm recommendation due to the fact that it is a book about Ethiopia, which isnt to easy to find.Keep in mind this is just my opinion, others may really enjoy it, I guess it just wasnt geared towards what I was looking for.

A Book for All of JAHs I-dren to read
Neville Garrick should receive praises for dis book.Ihi never see no book that shows de beauty, de glory, and de power of Africa like dis one.I think dat dis book also shows not just dreads but coptic dread, orthodoxdread, etc... I hope unu pick up dis book and marvel in its journey. Praise to the most HIGH.

Routes and Roots
During the course of slavery, Africans throughout the so-called new world found in Ethiopia a symbol of hope, light, and promise.Just over acentury ago, African-Americans, West Indians and continental Africanscelebrated the defeat of Italian would-be colonialists at Adwa.And a fewshort years before the Spanish conflict which heralded the Second WorldWar, African-Americans fought pitched battles in Manhattan againstpro-fascist Italian supporters of Mussolini.South of them, the firstgeneration of Rastafarians joined to celebrate the coronation ofRasTafari as Emperor Haile Selassie I.Read more

Subjects:  1. Christian shrines    2. Description and travel    3. Ethiopia    4. Ethnic & Tribal    5. Garrick, Neville,    6. Photo Essays    7. Photoessays & Documentaries    8. Photography    9. Pictorial works    10. Rastafari movement    11. Subjects & Themes - Travel - World/Africa    12. Travel - World/Africa    13. Garrick, Neville    14. Journeys    15. Photographs: collections