James J Raciti

Reflections Beyond is a wide-ranging collection of poetry and prose based on the personal experiences and observations of the author from his self-appointed perch as octogenarian. Some Reflections may challenge the reader to take instant action; others may create barriers to immediate understanding. Sharply opinionated, the author takes several caustic political jabs at national contemporary adversaries while maintaining poetic restraint. However, his views of America's Founding Fathers throw a realistic light on their legacy. He invites us to join him at dinner with James Michener and his surprising philosophy on young writers. Elsewhere, the author speaks of a shoe problem involving astronaut Neil Armstrong during a press conference in Heidelberg, Germany and relates an animated discussion during a plane flight with James Dickey to be a University of Maryland European Division commencement speaker. The author as a young man speaks of being robbed in a Paris bistro; is served absinthe in Amsterdam and frightfully watches as his legs detach themselves. He recounts his arbitrary arrest in Ethiopia for purchasing an antique battle sword from a street vendor without being given a receipt for it. Years later in Germany, the author helps a friend to move out of a house that Albert Speer owned and reclaimed following his release from Spandau Prison and its surprising resolution. The introspective side of the author is evident in his expressions of lost love and the death of his older brother. Vulnerability and sadness come with Reflections on his memories of his years living in Spain.

Five hundred and thirty-eight questions and their answers about the State of Florida from its origins to the present day cover such subjects as the Native Americans, the Spanish explorers, wars for dominance, the history of religion, politics, population, resources, wildlife and remarkable people that lent their imagination, hard work and dedication to the state.This book was written with various readers in mind. Floridians will find this an easy-to-read review of historical events, and other useful information about their state. Then there are those visitors to Florida who may want to get an overall grasp on how the state grew from its origins in the fifteen hundreds to the present day. Many may want to compare Florida's development with those of other states that grew under the Spanish domination. Those who know quite a bit about Florida may wish to test their knowledge and score their correct answers. Others may find that short bits of information can more easily be absorbed than pages upon pages of data. "Ask About Florida" makes this easy for everyone.JAMES J. RACITI divides his time between Santa Fe, New Mexico and his home in Tallahassee, Florida. Although a native of Pennsylvania, Dr. Raciti spent most of his adult life in Europe as an educator. His books on poetry are "Charles" and "Dabs of Myself." His theatrical writings include "The Song of Roland" and "Invitation at Dawn: Ernest Hemingway." His novels are "Au Revoir a la France," "Giacomo" and "Legacy of War." Sunstone Press has published "Pulling No Ponchos" and "Old Santa Fe."

This brief review of the history of Santa Fe is designed to give visitors and residents alike an overview of the important events that created what we now call, "The City Different." For more than four hundred years, New Mexico has been a crossroad of religious and cultural influences. Santa Fe, as its capital, has not always grown painlessly but often as a result of revolt, bloodshed and war. The years are marked with brilliant surges of insight and compassion but also with intrigue, cruelty and the ever-present conflict between Church and State. The author traces the legacy the Spanish settlers enjoyed from the native populations, as well as that contributed by the conquerors to their new homeland. He emphasizes the development of religious and educational institutions, the constant struggle with the elements of nature and the hostile Indian tribes, the unique role New Mexico played in the Civil War and New Mexico's arduous quest for statehood.James Raciti divides his time between Santa Fe and his home in Florida. Although a native of Pennsylvania, Dr. Raciti spent most of his adult life in Europe as an educator..

This brief review of the history of Santa Fe is designed to give visitors and residents alike an overview of the important events that created what we now call, "The City Different." For more than four hundred years, New Mexico has been a crossroad of religious and cultural influences. Santa Fe, as its capital, has not always grown painlessly but often as a result of revolt, bloodshed and war. The years are marked with brilliant surges of insight and compassion but also with intrigue, cruelty and the ever-present conflict between Church and State. The author traces the legacy the Spanish settlers enjoyed from the native populations, as well as that contributed by the conquerors to their new homeland. He emphasizes the development of religious and educational institutions, the constant struggle with the elements of nature and the hostile Indian tribes, the unique role New Mexico played in the Civil War and New Mexico's arduous quest for statehood.