The author of this book (Asser) was a contemporary of King Alfred's and was brought to Wessex (Alfred's kingdom) in the ninth century as part of Alfred's plan to improve education and culture in Anglo-Saxon England. The text is highly readable and gives students an eyewitness account of Alfred's kingship: military successes and failures (esp. fighting the Vikings), advancement of English culture and education, consolidation of the seven kingdoms, and cultivation of Christian kingship in the Early Middle Ages. This kind of book is especially fun for students to read as it shows us "real history," including things such as Alfred's 20-year fight with some sort of intestinal disorder. We see Alfred as a man, not just an aloof, wooden figure that died long ago. This edition also includes maps, geneological charts of the Carolingian (i.e., "French") kings and the English kings up to Alfred, and a 29-page introduction by Simon Keynes and Michael Lapidge, which provides excellent background on the period in which Alfred and Asser lived. Also included are excerpts from the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, which was begun in Alfred's reign, extracts of Alfred's own writings and translations, and miscellaneous primary sources such as letters, books, and documents of the era. These items make good backgrounding for teachers. When this biography is read together with the Arthurian legend, it helps students to compare the real and the ideal kings of the Middle Ages.

This book will be of especial help to young readers. I do, however have one quibble, and that is that the great writer Alice Walker has challenged white male prejudice so effectively that it is regrettable that there is not more discussion of this in the text. As a white radical feminist who sides with African-American women in their struggle against oppression, I am grateful that books like this are written.

I really enjoyed reading this book.I gave it 5 stars for a reason. Girls that are into exciting and scary books should read it. I loved this book so much that I read it in 2 days!!! It is a really good book.

This book is about a girl who must try and free her friend that is a wizard. he has been captured by powerful sorceror. can she and balin get out of the grimrock castle?

What a great teaching tool for any educator! Dick King-Smith does a wonderful job of combining facts about pigs with their "personality", wrapping it all into one enjoyable reading experience. I can't wait to share it with the students at our school.

Peter Brears intersperses a thorough examination of Henry VIII's kitchens at Hampton Court with recipes drawn from period sources.

The palace kitchens at Hampton Court were a large-scale industrial enterprise that fed 600-1200 people every day - everyone from the lowliest servant to the King himself. The author does a grand job of describing how the system procured, stored, and prepared immense amounts of raw materials each day.

Interspersed with the description are recipes drawn from contemporary sources that are similiar to what might have been served at the palace. The author also covers Tudor table manners, etiquette, and the ceremony involved in feeding the monarch.

A great book for any Elvis fan! Has tons of memorabilia photos

I have had this book for many years and it is a great book for those who have wolfdogs aka wolf hybrids. Very balanced in perception the world of wolfdogs. Michael Belshaw writes from personal life with these amazing animal companions. Events and things you need to know. The great depth of affection these animals have and the antics that make you laugh. this is an awesome book, out of print and hard to find but worth the effort just as these wonderful creatures are worth.

Altoona Baboona's auntie is lonely in North Saskatoona. So Altoona and her friends board their trusty balloon and fly up for a visit. The North is cold and snowy, and poor Auntie yearns for someplace warm. As the foursome trek, ski, ice fish, sled-dog, and float, do they notice the change in climate? Children will love 'getting' the joke on Altoona, long before she figures it out herself. Bynum's playful illustrations, done in friendly watercolors, pulls readers into Altoona's whimsical world. Lots of fun wordplay, and a text that is just the right length for younger children, complete the perfect package of a picturebook!

Wow! I've read this book a few times now, and it amazes me each time. I get so excited that I want to go out and change the world! I've told all my friends to buy it.
It has all kinds of stories about how ordinary people have influenced the course of history. It teaches you how to use your own influence for positive good. After reading this book, I started to look at all my own actions and relationships in a new light. I never realized how much influence I have on the course of my own life and on others' lives. It really makes you feel empowered. This would be a great book for anyone who needs a "jumpstart" in their life. It will help you to see and value your own unique contributions to the world. Read it and see if it doesn't make you want to go out and change the world!