audiobook Europes Population by Paul White in Arts-Photography

Review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Scholarly WorkBy J. KingThis volume by Assuncao is truly a scholarly work that would be difficult; indeed tedious; for the typical layperson. However; if you really want to see opposing opinions; substantiated research; and great attention to detail; this is the martial arts (cultural) history text for you. I definitely disagree with some of the authors conclusions but thats OK. He seems to disagree with himself in places also (or at least leave some inquiries open to the reader to resolve.9 of 10 people found the following review helpful. Fascinating history of the art...By David M. CvetMatthias Rouml;hrig Assunccedil;atilde;o draws on historical fact to propose a view of Capoeiras development as a martial art. Through research; and much like many of us; through objective interpretation he ascertains what is reality; and what is fiction. Furthermore; he relates the common myths surrounding Capoeira to the people who need them; and proposes that at times myths are exactly what inspires individuals. He is; however; an advocate of fact; truth; and reality; and this shows in his work.The book is by far the most in depth work on Capoeira written in English to date. (To the best of my knowledge) Its perspective is born of inquisition rather then the "gospel truth" word of mouth tradition so common in Capoeira circles.Bravo !!! I am sincerely touched now that this book has been published; for I myself have been attempting various essays regarding some of the topics explored here. I am glad that the perspective came from a source so well educated; and through such a large spectrum of information. I have received educated reason to back many opinions I have had to date.Salve;Instrutor LoboGuara (Associacao Cordao de Contas do Canada)Paul Bielak and David M. Cvet11 of 14 people found the following review helpful. ElitistBy The SeshThe problem with this book is that He is only using written accounts of Capoeira to validate his views. Many other reviewers mistakenly regard this as "scholarly". It down plays any other perspective about the history; origin; or practice of Capoeira as "questionable" because it was not written about at a certain time.The problem with this attitude is that it leaves Capoeiras definition in the hands of the white slave owners of Brasil who were writing about it. It neglects the fact that just because someone did not write about something it did not happen. Capoeiras origins; as the author acknowledges is from Angola. These people were followers of oral learning not written learning. It is elitist to suggest that the writing (especially when written by outsiders who were also bias slave holders) is more valuable than the oral traditions.Capoeira is African. And most of Africa is oral in traditions of learning and recording...thus it is only fair to acknowlege these oral legacies over the outsiders written response to a martial art he did not understand or respect.