And the Winner Is...DIVINE ESSENCE John-Roger's book Divine Essence wins Benjamin Franklin Award by Nathaniel Sharratt, photos by Nathaniel Vincent Dupont accepts Benjamin Franklin award on behalf of Mandeville Press Date: May 31st, 2001 Time: Close to 8PM Setting: Chicago Hilton and Tower’s ballroom Players: John-Roger and his book, “Divine Essence” Vincent Dupont Stede Barber Angel Gibson Marilyn Dupont Nathaniel Sharratt David Sand, in Ojai, wondering Background: The Benjamin Franklin Awards are sponsored by Publishers Marketing Association (PMA), and celebrate excellence in editorial and design for titles published in 2000. The awards are open to all, meaning that the big publishing houses (Random House, Warner Books, etc) compete alongside small independent presses (such as Mandeville Press). Judges for the Benjamin Franklin Awards come from all areas of the industry: major newspaper and trade media reviewers, bookstore and library buyers and reviewers, non-competing publishers, artists and writers who serve the industry. Occurrence: My legs squirmed under the table and the temperature in the room seemed to keep rising. Hearing the names of the winners being announced for each category, our name and category seemed as distant as my home in California. The nervous anticipation was barely tolerable though I knew it was just a matter of time… The time did finally arrive, and on the oversized screen they displayed the old and the revised editions of “Divine Essence” and its two competitors (Canoeing and Camping: Beyond the Basics, The Globe Pequot Press; The Route 66 Cookbook, Council Oak Books). “Finally.” I thought. The screen went black… The opening of the envelope echoed through the microphone, while under my breath, just below the hearing level of others, I cheered for J-R’s book, “C’mon. C’mon!” “And the winner of this year’s Benjamin Franklin award for Most Improved Redesign: DIVINE ESSENCE by John-Roger, published by Mandeville Press.” “Ouuuuu!” cooed Angel. Vincent shot out of his seat and was half way to the stage before Stede recovered from the shock. Marilyn was steadily holding the video camera, capturing the moment in its fullness. As for myself, I threw my arms into the air as if I had just won the Olympic gold! Vincent gave the acceptance speech with Angel and Stede at his side. I took some photos while my hands shook with excitement. After the award, we called J-R to tell him the good news, to which he replied, “Tell everyone in our group that dinner is on me tonight!” And what a night it was! For more information about the book "Divine Essence", visit the Mandeville Press web site at www.mandevillepress.org To purchase the book "Divine Essence" online, click here. Cover designer, David Sand Stede Barber & Vincent Dupont receive award Vincent Dupont gives acceptance speech on behalf of Mandeville Press Mandeville Press team (left to right): Angel Gibson, Nathaniel Sharratt, Stede Barber, Vincent Dupont, Marilyn Dupont

Mandeville Press Wins the Ben Franklin Award for Best Designed and Effective Website Marie Leighton, photos by Doug Gibson From the Folks at Mandeville Press -- Blessings Stories Mandeville Press staff Mandeville Press Shines at the LA Times Festival of Books with a Special Appearance by John Morton Marie Leighton, photos by Peter Leighton Learn and Let Go: You Are the Blessings Webcast, Part II Terilee Wunderman, photos by Alexandra DeFurio And the Winner Is...DIVINE ESSENCE Nathaniel Sharratt, photos by Nathaniel A Lovely Book Launch for John Morton's New Book "You Are the Blessings" Penelope Bright, photos by David Sand A Perfect Debut: The New “You Are the Blessings” Webcast Series Terilee Wunderman, photos by David Sand Believe In Yourself Reprinted from the El Paso Times John-Roger Awarded Peace Maker of the Year World Art Expressions To Afghanistan and Back: Author John Morton Reports on First-Hand Experiences with Relief Efforts in Afghanistan, Pakistan Mandeville Press staff Dr. John-Roger & Dr. Pauli Sanderson Launch Their New Book "When Are You Coming Home?" To A Standing-Room-Only Crowd in Los Angeles Penelope Bright, photos by David Sand "The Rest of Your Life" Book Launch with Drs. John-Roger and Paul Kaye at Barnes & Noble at the Grove in Los Angeles Ania Sara, photos by David Sand