With masterpieces such as "Airships" and "Ray" under his belt, this one-volume collection of Barry Hannah's two 90s novels comes as somewhat of a disappointment. Barry Hannah is no doubt one of the most gifted and interesting writers in contemporary America, but in the 1990s his best work has to be found in short story collections like "Bats Out of Hell" and "High Lonesome".

"Boomerang" is an obviously autobiographical story, and unlike what you might expect, it is not that exciting. Like "Ray", Hannah's best novel, "Boomerang" consists of small vignettes and lacks a plot. The only thing that holds it together and which makes it interesting to read is the language. There are moment of hilarious and tragic insight in this story of friends and lovers; the one that still stands out to me after two years is the passage about a friend who dies on the golf course: "Maybe he knew he was going to end up on the fairway, on the practice tee. Maybe he was playing for little Jeff his son, and for my son, Po, and for me, and for JoElla his wife - to go away with your sport shoes on, trying to get the ball to go into the sky and hit God's dumb foot" (52). In "Boomerang" the language is there, but the story is not.

"Never Die" takes place in the dying Old West. Rarely has Hannah displayed a set of more bizarre and grotesque characters, but unfortunately the story, and interest for it, gets lost in this postmodern puzzle of honor and revenge. It is not a bad novel, but knowing that Hannah can do (and has done) so much better, it seems only halfway done.

After the Civil War, a politically active judge arouses the anger of the KKK and is led off to jail on trumped up charges. His family, sensing danger, follows him there in hopes of preventing violance. A mob breaks into the jail, and kills the judge, his daughter, and his son. This is a true story of Mississippi during reconstruction and is sometimes assigned as college course-work to help paint a picture of the times. The book focuses on corruption, racism, and the political sea-change from the "North-friendly" Republican party to the more "South-friendly" Democratic party. There were newspaper articles about the incident, and the book includes copies of letters sent to the grieving family from around the country. The book also lists names of those that participated in the massacre.

The author, an excellent historian (check out his other books) couldn't seem to make up his mind whether this was to be a coffee table book filled with pictures (which are first rate) or a serious history of an epic, if largely unremembered, event that had significant impact on our society. As a result, this book doesn't quite make it as either. Still, it is interesting and provocative. It just but pales in comparison to Rising Tide, a magnificent work.

The author writes, with a typical southern style, about life in a small southern town. The author illustrates a life in the "new south" that seems more akin to the "old south". Is the author another Faulkner...not yet. The author does exhibit a knack for characterizations.

It was informative. I felt like there was too much about certain topics. I did enjoy reading it.

Only a fraction of this book is about St. Louis hauntings. Everything but the kitchen sink is pulled in--including St. Louis caves--and everything, but everything, in this book has been published elsewhere and in many cases in more detail. I keep buying Troy Taylor's books because they always sound so interesting. Then I get them and find they only deal partially with the promised subject as they wander through all sorts of other territory. This man's standards for facts versus fancy are nearly nonexistent, too, and he could use a strong editor to get his copy tight and focused. Not to bash him--he does select wonderful topics and is a great conversationalist in print. And there is a lot interesting to find in his books. He needs to ask more of himself and give us loyal readers better quality. I'll give him this--he's got my number and I'll bet you anything I'll also buy whatever his next book is. And be disappointed again.

Leppart's fist novel, Headwaters (Galde Press, 1998), gives thereader much to think about. The main character, Amjad, is a physicianfrom Iran who becomes a terrorist following the death of his family during the Gulf War. The book allows the reader to join Amjad in his journey to seek revenge on the U.S. The simplicity of his plan and the vulnerability of our country to terrorist attack, in this case, at a nuclear waste plant on Prairie Island, keeps the reader anxiously awaiting the next page.

Mr. Leppart gives insight into the emotions of the Iraquis we bombed in the Gulf War, the Indians who live on the Prairie Island Reservation and the public servants sent to defend our citizens against terrorist attack.

With the exception of a rather "spicy" chapter that reads like a step by step sex manual, the book matures into a well written piece, that leaves you with food for thought for many a day.

Although currently out of print, anyone with an intrigue for the old river boats will find this book resourceful. While primally a comprehensive history of the river system in the Central United States readers will find the text enjoyable and exciting. It is similar to a good novel, once started, you just can't put down until finished.

The more than 900 illustrations enhance the value of this wonderful volume. Even if you are not a heavy reader, you will certainly enjoy the numerous black and white pictures.

Perhaps a little light on statistical data, but generally very all-inclusive of the subject matter. Easy reading for any age (sixth grade or beyond)

Since this book is not presently in-print you may want to check Amazon's zShops to see if you can pick up a copy from one of the used sellers.

The book is ok, mostly two line entries. The title is misleading. It only has entries for south of clinton and Mostly Natchez and the surrounding counties. No central or North Mississippi counties.

I was disappointed that the accomplishments and contributions of French, Spanish, Swedish, German, etc., ethnic groups to the Mississippi story was not told. I think the book gave excellent coverage of the contributions of the black ethnic groups that I was unaware. Is this a 'politically correct' version of the Mississippi story?