I still have not really made up my mind about Andrew Johnson. Although I continue to think he has to be on everyone's list of five worst presidents and his culpability in his impeachment stems mainly from the man's stubbornness, there was some notion of principle in Johnson's character that was of value. In this juvenile biography of Andrew Johnson for the Encyclopedia of Presidents author Zachary Kent begins with the key example of Johnson's principles, when he became the only Southern member of the United States Senate not to resign when the South seceded, declaring, "I am a Union Man."

Kent looks at how Johnson rose from poverty as an illiterate tailor to become a U.S. Senator and war Governor of Tennessee before Abraham Lincoln picked him as his running mate in the 1864 election. Lincoln was a Republican and Johnson a Democrat, and so they ran on the Union ticket. However, when Lincoln was assassinated Johnson became President. Kent details how Johnson used executive powers in an effort to restore peace, only to be confronted by the radical Republican's anti-southern agenda when Congress reconvened. An entire chapter is devoted to Johnson's impeachment and his brief return to the U.S. Senate shortly before he died.

Certainly this volume gets well beyond what little would be found in standard American history textbooks regarding the antagonism between Johnson and the radical Republicans. Students assigned to do a report on Andrew Johnson would find this to be an informative volume. It is illustrated with historic photographs and etchings, and several wickedly caustic editorial cartoons, most of which attack Johnson and his administration. However, when the Alaska Purchase is described as "Johnson's polar bear garden" as well as "Seward's Folly," you do get an indication for how much Andrew Johnson has been erased from American history.

Archæology constitutes a meticulous study of ancient artifacts and residues from periods in human history remote to the modern world. This field of anthropology is marked by differences in emphasis, depending on the region under excavation. In the southern Levant, such focus generally accentuates what has been termed "biblical archæology", designed to augment historical understanding of the scriptures, both the Hebrew Canon and the New Testament. Aside from difficulties inherent in synthsizing descriptions written or edited centuries after the events narrated, often with religious revelations overriding historical "accuracy" (a concept whose importance has been presumed only relatively recently), archæology--being predominantly a material discipline--can interpret only what is physically observable in the present.

Recent decades have witnessed profound changes in archæology, expanding beyond the evidence of technological advancement--from Paleolithic hunter-gatherers to Neolithic agriculturists to the Bronze and Iron ages--as well as political demarcations--Canaanite city states, Isrælite monarchies, hegemonies under Persian, Roman or Ottoman rule. Social archæology--intended to examine the culture of the region in question--is the theme in _The_Archæology_of_Society_in_the_Holy_Land_, edited by Thomas E. Levy, professor of Judaic Studies at the University of California, San Diego. The articles cover a wide chronology from the early Paleolithic age to the modern era in terms of material culture, as well as flora, fauna, climate, economy, and manufacture. To preclude an overly narrow focus on Biblical periods, the thirty authors devote over a third of the book to the premetal times. Most of the dates are given in BCE and CE (which I do not appreciate, preferring the more traditional BC and AD), except the prehistoric periods which are rendered BP [before present]. The text is profusely illustrated, not only with photographs of pottery and plaques, but replete with detailed diagrams of excavated sites and shaded relief maps depicting these locations. This collective endeavor has been dedicated to the spirit of Fernand Braudel, the French historian who developed the theory of longue durée or long duration undercurrents which (allegedly) act independently of individual activities for any given span. Although this suggests a somewhat Tolstoyan conceit, the analysis presented renders support to people being influenced by the conditions in which they live.

_The_Archæology_of_Society_ begins with a preface describing its interdisciplinary approach weaving anthropology (the study of culture), history (textual criticism of ancient records), geoscience (including climatology and geology), archeometry (artifacts dating, materials identification), and environmental archæology (encompassing botany and zoology). The six parts that follow are further subdivided chronologically into 32 chapters. The climate in this constrained territory ranges from Mediterranean to arid. Many areas have limited or uncertain rainfall, and thus subsistence agriculture becomes precarious on such marginal land during drought without supplementing harvests by herding goats, sheep and/or cattle. On the eastern side of the Jordan River, Moab and Edom showed greater reliance on animal husbandry than the wetter regions further north. The variation in the land's topological environment is exhibited by the diversity of flora: 2682 plant species in 29,600 square kilometers as compared to a slightly lesser number on the California coastal region within more than double the area. Also, since the southern Levant stands at the crossroads between Egypt and Mesopotamia, the region serves as a convenient invasion route, with the inhabitants and political systems frequently becoming collateral casualties. These episodes serve to amalgamate societies with cultural cross-fertilization, in the aftermath of the initial destruction.

While many archæological publications on the holy land have concentrated on political and/or religious history of Israel, _The_Archæology_of_Society_ discusses the culture and demographics of the inhabitants. One of the most notable observations in this volume is the catastrophic decline in material living conditions with corresponding population reductions and health deterioration (based on tooth wear and skeletal hypoplastia), particularly in the desert borders at the end of particular eras, either due to dramatic changes in climate or sociological factors such as military incursion. The impact of these conditions appears to be especially pronounced at the collapse of the Chalcolithic (~3500 BCE), the end of the middle Bronze Age (~1500 BCE), the beginning of the Iron Age (~1200 BCE), and the end of the Byzantine period (638 CE)--followed by very gradual and intermittent recovery. And while no explicit means of invasion for the Israelites has been discovered--unlike the Philistines who apparently came by sea and left pottery--the archæological impression from these tribes is implied by a rapid decrease in the percentage of swine bones found in the highlands through the middle to late Bronze Ages.

Many chapters report social stratification, for different societies are often characterizable by the different quality and type of items associated with various members in the community. Although such economic differentiation arose in the grave-goods monopoly of the middle Bronze Age élite (who were buried with ceremonial daggers and axes, in contrast to spears for the common man), the political dimension of this stratification developed later as a defensive measure from the need by a central state (such as the Davidic suzerainty) for professional armies and economic specialization. Despite this, tribalism con-tinued in areas of marginal interest to the capitals. The excavated remains from the Iron Age suggest that the regimes had little direct impact on inhabitants outside the court, but probably received their principal revenue from maintaining protection against banditry for passage across the highways--a neglected function during the Roman occupation which contributed to the poverty and unrest during their administration. While the prophet Jeremiah condemned the extravagance of the wealthy, archæology reveals less material distinction between households towards the end of Judah's autonomy than from subsequent periods of foreign oppression. Agrarian cultures, valuing continuity, frequently oppose incursion by disruptive economic influence from alien invaders. In the case of the Israelites, this resistance was brought against the Greeks during the Macdonian rule. Such attitudes can be exacerbated if natives are forced into the corvée by their masters as unwilling contributors to the new order, as with Herod's construction at Cæsaria, or from the income-redistributionist taxation imposed by the Romans.

Unlike other related books that cover ancient Israel, _The_Archæology_of_Society_ eschews quoting the historical or prophetic books in the scriptures, even in chapters where the Isrælite and Judaic kingdoms are discussed. This partially reflects a current perception that the scriptures represent a redacted account of the past interpreted in the light of ethical or religious precepts. The few exceptions which cite the Old Testament include references to Jeroboam's temple at Dan in 1 Kn 12:29-30, Sheshak's invasion to identify the earliest verified biblical date of 925 BCE in 1 Kn 14:25-26, Omri's purchase of Samaria in 1 Kn 16:24, and Mesha's raids commemorated by the Moab stele in 2 Kn 3:4-27. Josephus is cited more often, at least with regard to his accounts from the Roman pe-riod of the first century CE in which he wrote.

While _The_Archæology_of_Society_ is not intended for casual reading at the beach, the book is a valuable contribution to the historical and cultural background in the region where Judaism and Christianity were founded.

Lovely Kate Bowdrey never really noticed the quiet, unassuming boy in high school. Nor did she suspect Dixon Bell's depth of emotion. So when he quietly disappeared from the small town of New Skye, North Carolina, Kate did not really notice. Dixon returns years later for the girl he left behind when he learns of her divorce from J.T. Larue. Kate had adopted J.T.'s son and daughter, loving them as her own. J.T. seemed to have no compunction about leaving his family to go live with a sexy bimbo.

Divorces are not final for a year after separation in North Carolina, and Kate has no intentions of dating again. But Dixon's quiet perusal awakens needs and desires she has almost forgotten. Too bad living in a small town means living under a microscope of gossip and innuendo. Worse, real estate developer J.T. has set sight on Dixon's ancestral home Magnolia House as the sight of his next project, and will stop at nothing to take the property or bring trouble to Dixon those people he cares for.

Author Lynnette Kent pens a richly lyrical novel in THE BALLAD OF DIXON BELL. This second novel in the At the Carolina Diner series continues savoring the ambiance of a small town, even as a family finds healing and love finds a second chance. Kate struggles with family obligations and the scrutiny of a small town while Dixon gently courts her heart. Readers might recall her son's prank of setting of fireworks in public in the previous novel, and will chuckle at his return. But teens are not ideal characters and seem to find a way to land themselves in a passel of trouble as they struggle with relationships and growing up. Kent handles racial challenges with grace and power, lending the secondary plot unexpected punch. In additon, Miss Daisy, Dixon's grandmother, adds lovely sparkling energy with her part-I want a grandmother like her. A memorable read, THE BALLAD OF DIXON BELL comes highly recommended.

This book has just about everything a beginner need to become familiar with the hobby of model railroading. It has everything from choosing the correct scale and gague, to how to maintain a well-tuned railroad, to the scenery of your layout. I am sure that as I grow in the hobby, this book will be used time and again as a wonderful quick reference of how to do just about everything in the hobby.

The Battle of Chancellorsville at the beginning of May in 1863 was the most spectacular victory achieved by Robert E. Lee's Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, but it also is considered to have been the most costly. The evening before the first day of the battle with Joe Hooker's Union Army of the Potomac, Lees's cavalry reported the west end of the Union defensive line was unprotected. Lee gave Stonewall Jackson the task of planning the attack. Jackson's bold strategy was to take his entire corps of 26,000 troops on a flanking maneuver that toke them twelve miles through the woods. Although this meant splitting apart an army that was already badly outnumbered, Lee agreed. The Rebel troops attacked at dinnertime and sent the Federal troops fleeing into the Wilderness. However, while continuing to press his troops on past nightfall, Jackson was mortally wounded by his own troops. Meanwhile, Hooker was literally knocked senseless when a wooden column fell on him after a cannon shell exploded. The Confederates could not press their advantage and Hooker's army retreated.

Zachary Kent provides a basic context for this particular battle, explaining the foundation of the Civil War and the previous engagement between the two armies at the Battle of Fredericksburg. The rest of the war is covered in the last two paragraphs of the book and fails to point out how Jackson's death affected the performance of the Confederate army at Gettysburg; most historians agree that Jackson would have taken the high ground at Gettysburg which might have changed the outcome of not only that battle but the war. Consequently, the significance of this battle is not really made clear. This juvenile history is illustrated with etchings, paintings and photographs from the period. The maps provided of the battle are extremely simplistic and do little to aid a young reader's understanding of how the battle played out. Other books in the Cornerstones of Freedom series are devoted to the battles of Bull Run and Shiloh, as well as other Civil War topics from the Emancipation Proclamation to Lincoln's assassination. This series remains an ideal first choice for students and teachers to turn to when they want to get beyond the sparse details provided in an American History textbook.

If the thought of reading the Olde English version of Beuwulf scares you, don't despair. Professor Tharaud's version, written for English as a Second Language classes, works just as well for those of us for whom it is the first language. In addition, it has the good sense to use Rockwell Kent's classic illustrations. An important book, beautifully illustrated, at a fine price. Who can ask for anything more?

I tried out several translations of Beowulf and this one seems the easiest to understand. Even so it would have helped if the translation had more notes accompanying it.

Bodywork Basics is an easy to read reference for a variety of kinds of bodywork. It includes sections on western, eastern, and combination styles. Each section gives a brief description, history, and ways to try it at home if possible. I found it to be a nice introduction to things I had heard of but didn't know much about, and some things that were completely new to me. I also liked the other resources section at the end of the chapters which list a way to get in touch with practioners and further reading for things I want to learn more about. Overall, a fun, simple introduction, written so anyone can understand it.

This book came out in the mid 60's and has the basic academic argument against civil rights and legal remedies to segregation that prevailed among the intellectual right wing political commentators. (commentators that were more right wing than average) It is a trip down memory lane to hear all these positions that have totally disappeared. Behind the careful argument of the author, you can sense the white arrogance and fear of an emerging multi-racial society. I wonder what the author, Mr. Steffgen, would have to say today. To somebody who wasn't around and didn't experience the civil rights movement's early days, you would find historical interest in these arguments.

Klich's The book of Beth is an exceptional story of a german junkie. Unlike other biographical text of this nature Klinch uses photography to bring home the emotion of her tale. His work as a photographer is exceptional and this book demonstrates that.