A stratagem is a strategic plan that contains a trap or a ruse for the enemy.The Thirty-six Stratagems was a unique collection of the most cunning and subtle stratagems in the Chinese culture. Since there are hundreds of philosophical aphorisms and heroic exploits in Chinese history, and many of them have heavy content of strategic measures, obviously the number of stratagems is more than thirty-six.

A systematic classification of these stratagems based on basic behaviors can give more perspective to these strategic acts. The authors have identified twenty-eight basic behaviors in these stratagems, and forty-two stratagems to illustrate these behaviors as a way of thinking. For each stratagem, its theme, its source, a few illustrations from stories or events of Chinese origin or from other countries, and comments are presented. In the last chapter, the Sun Tze's teachings in The Art of War that might have indirectly influenced the stratagems are summarized.

The book talks about Berci's high-school years and developing sexuality, then later, his job on a stud farm and his relationship with horses. In 1956, during the Hungarian Revolution, he escaped to Canada. He continued his work with horses, mingling with the "super-rich" in New York and environs. After returning to Montreal, Berci found new employment.

He married, and worked in medical research for 34 years. At the same time, Berci ran a hippie commune/children's horseback riding camp for several years.

Berci's wife, a mystic, died in a car accident when she was 28. They had two children, forcing Berci to become their "mother." Berci's rotten second marriage ended with his breaking his back and writing his first memoir, The Posthumous Memoirs of a Sex-Maniac, and a divorce.

Berci and his current wife, Jo-Anne, became a disciple of Osho (Rajneesh). He went to India and twice to Rajneeshuram in Oregon to see the Master.

Sixty-two years, and assuredly, none of it boring. In short: a story of one persons' evolution: from ape to man, or should I say, tantrika.

The poems of Old Rocks, New Streams represent a concise and vivid new interpretation of the I Ching, probably the world's oldest book. These accessible poems are like extended haiku, which elegantly capture the essential meaning of each hexagram. Graceful photographs by the author enhance this work.

"The I Ching has served as a source of divination for the Chinese for more than 3000 years," notes author Ellery Littleton. "It has evolved into a unique and classic book of Chinese wisdom and tradition, the common source for both Confucianism and Taoism."

Old Rocks, New Streams gives the I Ching yet another form in this group of poems that are faithful to the traditional elements of these ancient philosophies, such as the paramount importance of family, the cyclical nature of life, and certain key symbolic elements of nature such as earth, thunder, fire, water, and mountain.

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