James Cowan

In sixteenth-century Venice, in an island monastery, a cloistered monk experiences the adventure of a lifetime--all within the confines of his cell. Part historical fiction, part philosophical mystery, "A Mapmaker's Dream "tells the story of Fra Mauro and his struggle to realize his life's work: to make a perfect map--one that represents the full breadth of Creation. News of Mauro's projects attracts explorers, pilgrims, travelers, and merchants, all eager to contribute their accounts of faraway people and places. As he listens to the tales of the strange and fantastic things they've seen, Mauro comes to regard the world as much more than continents and kingdoms: that it is also made up of a vast and equally real interior landscape of beliefs, aspirations, and dreams. Mauro's map grows and takes shape, becoming both more complete and incomprehensible. In the process, the boundaries of Mauro's world are pushed to the extreme, raising questions about the relationship between representation, imagination, and the nature of reality itself.

Mist swirling over the Port Hills at dawn, the echo of ancient voices carried on the wind-here, the boundary between the seen and unseen feels thin, and the landscape itself seems to remember. Within these pages, readers are invited into a world where ancestral spirits walk alongside mortals, where the oral storytelling traditions of Māori elders bring to life a tapestry of wonder, mischief, and profound wisdom. This volume gathers together a unique collection of indigenous legends from early 20th century New Zealand, capturing the vibrant heart of cultural heritage myths that have shaped the identity of Aotearoa for generations. Rediscovered after decades lost to the public, this book was out of print for decades and is now republished by Alpha Editions. It has been restored for today's and future generations, offering a rare opportunity to experience the richness of Māori mythology stories as they were once shared around firesides and beneath the stars. The tales, drawn from the hills and valleys of Canterbury, illuminate the enduring bonds between people and place, spirit and earth-a living testament to the power of oral tradition. For students of mythology and folklore researchers alike, this edition opens a window onto the beliefs, fears, and hopes of a people whose voices still resonate through the land. More than a simple reissue, this edition is not just a reprint - it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure. Its stories, ranging from the mischievous deeds of fairy folk to the solemn presence of ancestral guardians, enrich the canon of Polynesian mythology books and fairy tales of New Zealand. Whether you are captivated by the mysteries of indigenous legends collection or seeking to deepen your understanding of New Zealand folklore, this beautifully restored volume offers a journey into the soul of a nation-one where history, myth, and landscape are forever entwined.

"Daybreak" by using James Cowan emerges as a literary masterpiece, seamlessly mixing spirituality and cultural exploration. Cowan, a gifted storyteller, weaves a tapestry of profound insights that transcend genres. The book serves as a bridge, connecting readers to the essence of spirituality and fostering a deeper expertise of numerous cultures. In this exceptional paintings, Cowan's creativity and passion shine thru, guiding readers on trips via numerous landscapes and emotions. The narrative unfolds with elegance and ease, making complex non secular standards accessible to a huge target audience. "Daybreak" is greater than a tale; it is a catalyst for empathy, encouraging readers to have interaction with shared human stories and cultural richness. Cowan's writing acts as a conduit for connection, inviting readers to appreciate the beauty of different traditions while spotting the interconnectedness of the human experience. With an unwavering commitment to constructing bridges among individuals and cultures, "Daybreak" stands as a testomony to Cowan's potential to make profound topics approachable. Through this paintings, James Cowan leaves an indelible mark, offering readers a transformative journey that transcends the limits of traditional storytelling and enriches the soul with the know-how of spirituality and cultural variety. --

ONE: Parmenides and his Vision is James Cowan's personal exploration into the thought and writings of the Greek philosopher Parmenides. Cowan recognized this pre-Socratic philosopher as having a unique place within the history of human thought. Parmenides' poem The Way of Truth is shown here to have been the pioneer in the science of metaphysics. James Cowan, like Parmenides before him, is on a quest for truth. The truth can lie at the heart of an ancient poem that speaks about the nature of the mystery into which we are born. In this book, which James Cowan completed shortly before his death, the interior life and the language of pure metaphysics is explored together.ONE: Parmenides and his Vision is a testament to the life and thought of two men at different sides of history. Balgo Hills Publishing has brough this exceptional work to the public for the first time.***** James Cowan is the internationally acclaimed author of many books of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and philosophy. He is a recipient of the Australian Literary Society's Gold Medal for his novel A Mapmaker's Dream, as well as an honorary doctorate in the USA. His work has been translated into seventeen languages. James Cowan passed away in 2018.

This book has been considered important throughout the human history, and so that this work is never forgotten we have made efforts in its preservation by republishing this book in a modern format for present and future generations. This whole book has been reformatted, retyped and designed. These books are not made of scanned copies of their original work and hence the text is clear and readable.