Desiderata, that world-famous poem that begins, 'Go placidly amid the noise and haste', must be one of the best-loved poems in the English language, revered by many as the ideal philosophy of life. Few people realise that it was written in 1927 by the Indiana poet Max Ehrmann who died in 1945 and whose work, until the 1960s, was largely forgotten. This beautiful little book brings together more of the writings of this remarkable man, revealing a love of the world and a concern for its social problems that mark him as one of the greatest spokesmen of the twentieth century. Ehrmann was not afraid to express his thoughts about the evils and scandals he saw around him, and in his quest for contentment he turned to nature and the eternal passage of the seasons: his philosophical thoughts are a search for social truth and peace. Readers will find in his poems much that has relevance today. Through Ehrmann we are led to look again at our twenty-first century values and to turn for truth and reality to the essence of beauty and goodness that lies all around us, if we can but open our eyes to see.

Written 75 years ago, Desiderata achieved fame as the anthem of the sixties' hippie-dom - the subject of many millions of posters and handbills - and famously narrated by Les Crane in his 1971 song version of the poem. Over the years Desiderata has provided a kind and gentle philosophy, a refreshing perspective on life's bigger picture. This new presentation of the prose poem will bring it to the attention of a new generation. The origins of Desiderata were, for many years, shrouded in mystery. Once thought to have originated from St. Paul's Church in Baltimore, Maryland in the seventeenth century it was later discovered that American poet Max Ehrmann had written it in 1927. Presented in a refreshingly modern design, Desiderata will appeal to a younger generation looking to find the meaning of life, and to baby-boomers who'll recall Desiderata from their youth.

Man’s best friend has always been a source of comfort and calm for owners--and that makes the combination of dogs and Desiderata such a superb match. Each phrase in the poem receives just the right accompanying image: a black Lab resting quietly on the beach illustrates "and remember what peace there may be in silence.” A cute mutt with its face cocked to the side--as if concentrating on a conversation--demonstrates what it means to "listen to others.” A pair consisting of one large and one small doggie reveals the truth that: "For always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.” Every dog lover will be charmed.

The inspirational words of Ehrmann's timeless poem, written in 1927, are paired with Tauss's lyrical, full-color photos that illustrate the poem's wisdom and affirmation of life.

Each line of the poem Desiderata is accompanied by a color photograph of a horse or horses on opposite page.

What could be more placid amid noise and haste than a cat staring quietly out into a dramatic skyscape, her soft fur reflecting the light? Or more peaceful than sleeping kittens cuddled up together in a pile? Does anything illustrate the idea of "being on good terms with all persons” more than a sweet, small feline sitting atop a large, calm dog? From photos of a meowing kitty ("speak your truth quietly and clearly”) to another happily licking her paw ("beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself”), this Desiderata will charm every cat lover and provide spiritual sustenance, too.

Overwhelmed by electronic gadgets? Buried under an avalanche of e-mails? Juggling too many tasks and responsibilities? Desperately in need of a deep breath and a time-out? For all of us who answer yes to any of these questions, help is on the way. Getting to the heart of our hassled and over-scheduled existence, Christine Louise Hohlbaum cheerfully investigates 101 ways to increase our quality of life and productivity by reevaluating how we perceive and use time. Everyone has their own personal bank account of time, and while we cannot control time itself, we can manage the activities with which we fill the time we have available to us. The Power of Slow gives readers practical, concise directions to change the relationship they have with time and debunks the myths of multitasking, speed, and urgency as the only ways to efficiency. Tips include: · When working on a project on your computer, close all the windows, with the exception of the one you need to do your job. · Learn to say no in a polite and constructive way to favors, invitations, and requests. · Manage your own expectations, as well as those of others, by clearly stating what is possible in the time frame given. · Declare gadget-free zones (both geographical and temporal) to really enjoy your leisure time. · Know when your plate is full. · Make commitments to difficult tasks in five-minute increments and gradually increase the increments. · Save your most favorite or the easiest tasks for last to avoid procrastination. The Power of Slow will help readers identify areas in need of improvement and show them how to become more efficient and less frazzled at work and at home---and live a better, more balanced life.