Over two hundred invitations, dance cards and admit cards are assembled here in a coverage of the art work associated with the Mardi Gras which began in the 1870s and was marked by pageants and private balls. While Mardi Gras Treasures is a specialty collection of interest to those researching New Orleans collectibles and Mardi Gras collectibles in particular, many a reader will delight in these full-page illustrations.

Whether your interest is socio-cultural, historical or purely aesthetic, you will treasure Henri Schindler's latest passport to the "Golden Age" of the New Orleans Carnival celebration. Schindler, who is himself a treasure-trove of information on this subject, has put together a most interesting documentary providing an in-depth discussion of the historical roots of the pre-Lenten festival against a background of the artists, illustrators and patrons who gave the "Golden Age" its particular look and ambience. The quality of the color reproductions of the invitations that make up a major part of the book is most impressive. The color and clarity of these (mostly) art nouveau works comes across on each page, leaving the reader with the feeling that he or she has truly been a part of this romantic era.

The daring actress Isabel Leon knows all the roles, but she's never known true friendship until she buys a hotel in Cantrell, Montana, and determines to settle down. Captain Dawson Mandera irritates and frustrates her, but she's intrigued by his past and his big brood of kids. Isabel is finally offered the role she's always dreamed of, but will her own past make her ineligible? A page turner.

This is an adventure-filled book that will pick you up off your seat, and leave you wanting more when it's done

Many books have profiled Parrish's art; Maxfield Parrish and the Illustrators of the Golden Age reproduces 70 works of Parrish and other illustrators of his times, using the archives of the Americana Illustrators Gallery and other resources to present works by a range of painters. Chapters provide plenty of text history of the works of these illustrators and their related styles. Highly recommended, this goes beyond most singular Parrish focuses.

In concise but informative prose, Margaret Wagner illuminatesnot just the work of the timelessly popular Maxfield Parrish, but sheplaces him firmly within the context of his time. Ms. Wagner accomplishes this by introducing readers to some of Parrish's lesser known contemporaries (though the book has a rich selection of his work too) and by not falling prey to histrionically trumpeting his "greatness." Parrish's fans might even learn something from this book.

Really related to this heroine and her struggles to choose between her photographer career and freedom and ride off into the sunset with a handsome drover. His open personality and simple ways sneak past her defenses and force her to consider giving up all she came West to find. It's a fight between her will and God's as she faces a number of enemies too. The ending was right, but want more in this series!

This book is full of hilarious dialogue, real life experiences of people assuming things before they happen and a great love story where the boy does not get the girl. A fun read, but most important is the dialogue between the main character and God. Thanks, Mr. Bly, for a great book and one that does not end in the normal way.

All the paper models are expertly designed. They go together perfectly, even if you aren't big on following directions. Pieces are printed on both sides so you can't make a mistake. Tabs fit perfectly into slots, score lines make folding a breeze and the finished buildings look pretty cool. Rest assured, there's no running water and it's a bit hard to get fire insurance on paper houses. You'll still be living better than your mouse. A fun gift and the houses come out looking quite swank!

Very clever idea. Excellent graphics and easy-to-follow directions. Makes a great gift for that special computer person. And, for all the Dave Barry fans, this is just not a "guy thing." It's a definite buy

This book was beneficial and entertaining for both my son and daughter. The neat sounds and pictures really helped the kids learn their letters. Since my kids enjoyed it so much, we got one for our nephew too.

This is a fantastic product because it looks and sounds like a toy. It has push buttons with bright interesting pictures that allow the child to choose which letter he wants to hear about. The two year old for whom I bought it was able to tell me every letter I pointed to on the book after only having the product for ONE Day!!

This is wonderful for teaching ABC's and the fact that Big Bird from Sesame Street is the voice only adds to the fun. I would recommend this book for anyone with a preschooler. It's a great learning tool.

This is a marvelous little book. It was the first book my daughter loved when she was a tiny baby (around 8 months), who couldn't yet talk but could thrust the book at me to read it again and again and again. The rhymes are simple, but give a creative reader opportunities to imitate the animal sounds (meow, meow...bow wow wow, etc.), so the book is both a nice introduction to the fun of language and an early education in animal sounds. Every time one of my friends has a baby, I look for a copy, to share the fun. The book should be brought back into print.

This book is simple with realistic pictures of the animals that make the sounds and ends with a loving, " And Mommy says, "I love you." My oldest daughter loves this book and is actually leaning on me for a hug before I even get to the last page. We've read it so much we have worn out the cover.

Ever since I first checked this book out of the local library, it has fascinated me. But why? Why do these cheesy stories of silly ghosts and monsters make my skin crawl? Why can I not read this after dark? I'm not certain, but stories of Charman, the lizard people, and the Billiwack Monster got under my skin years ago, and I just had to own this one.
Serious investigators of the paranormal can leave this one on the shelf, but anyone who happens to read a few of the stories will have no choice but to purchase one for themselves. I did.
This is the book that inspired my first Legend Trip (to the mysterious Walls of Oakland) back when I was a teenager (so long ago) and I haven't stopped since.
This is loads of great, silly fun!

This book is a fascinating read for anyone who has any interest in strange places and eerie phenomena. It is replete with information concerning the strange goings on which have transpired in the Golden State. Topics include the ghost who haunts Nob Hill, The Forest of Disappearing Children, and the Bigfoot who has been seen in Humboldt County. The author also includes a bibliography which enables one to do even more research and find articles in both academic and popular press journals which corroborate Marinacci's findings and claims. This is a very interesting and well-written work.

Unlike the infamous ballet, the true tale of the Nutcracker Prince is a disturbing, allogorical tale about the cruelties of mankind. It is very harsh and sinister, yet at the same time is is a fantastical story that keeps you turning the next page. It is a bit wordy and you must remember this was written during German Romanticism which explains a lot for the style and content. It is both a children's bedtime story and a story for adults looking for something deep and meaningful. Hoffmann is just a genius and I wish for his works to become more well known.

"The Nutcracker was a great book. E.T.A. Hoffman had the right idea in mind when he wrote this short story. The plot was exciting. Marie and the Nutcrarker were the main charecters."

A wonderful story of relationships: significant others, familial, and community.

A moving story of advenure, hardship, learning and sharing. I was very moved by this touching story of love and sharing.

A delightful series of stories told by a husband and wife team who have made searching for gold in Alaska's wilderness their life's work. It is humorous,sad, thought provoking,and LIFE. A true love story. The authors share their triumphs as well as their failures on their journey to the Eldorado Gold Mine. It is a light and enjoyable read.