This is a most impressive book on the African Elephant, with page after page of fabulous photos of these mighty beasts. It would make a great coffee table book just for the pictures but it is much more than that.

The main focus is on preservation of the species in the face of shrinking habitats and the poaching for ivory that continues today. The efforts of 16 African wildlife preserves and parks are fully described here.

Each region is profiled with information on its elephants and several photos of the elephants specific to that area. The mature huge tuskers of Kruger National Park are truly awesome.

There is also plenty of information on elephant history, physiology and social interaction. This is a beautiful and significant book on the life and challenges facing the African Elephant.

This is a wonderful book for anyone interested in African elephants. It combines outstanding photographs with interesting and entertaining text.

This book moved me beyond what feelings I have ever known. I learned a great deal of facts from this book and hope to share them with others. I urge other readers to cherish this book...as I do.

The photography and the text of this book has been described in other reviews, but I want to add that this is now one of the most beautiful books that I own. The typesetting is flawless, the paper is of a much higher weight than I have seen in other monographs, and, of course, the reproductions are class. These points are magnified by the sheer size of the book-- check the dimensions given in the details above. The book is a work of art.

This book clearly deserves many more than five stars. It is one of the most remarkable expressions about and by an artist in any genre that I have ever seen.

Before going further, let me caution those who are offended by all forms of nudity that this book contains many female nudes. These are all tastefully done, and will not offend those who look with a desire to see the essence of beauty.

Alfred Stieglitz was a seminal figure in 20th century art. One of the foremost photographers in the century, he also helped other photographers define what the aesthetic means in photography. He also was a champion for many of the best known photographers, and seriously boosted their careers. In painting, he was an early advocate of important 20th century artists like Arthur Dove and Georgia O'Keeffe. In addition, he published two influential journals about photography, and exhibited art in his famous gallery in New York. Clearly, though, photography was his first love. "I have all but killed myself for Photography."

This book focuses on his central vision of photography ("search for objective truth and pure form") which increasingly was about "antiphotographs" or images that move beyond simple representation. This concept is examined both in 73 of his best images and through numerous excerpts from his voluminous writings on the subject (over 200 essays).

This book is based on the famous 1983 show of Stieglitz's work, and has been reproduced with amazing care and quality. The images are produced in tritone to give more texture and detail. The paper is of archival quality. Most people's diplomas are not on paper this good or this thick. There is a luxurious feeling to just hold the pages.

The 73 images were selected by Ms. O'Keeffe, Juan Hamilton (her friend and assistant), and curator Sarah Grenough from approximately 1600 images in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Ms. Grenough selected the writings to be used, and wrote the wonderful introduction.

From looking at these remarkable images, I came away with the impression that Stieglitz was at his best (for my taste) when he was doing portraits, abstractions, and cityscapes. Those subjects seemed to allow him to strip away the unessential better than the others he used. My favorite images in the book are:

Sun Rays -- Paula, Berlin, 1889

From the Back-Window -- 291, 1915 Self-Portrait, 1907

Marie Rapp, 1916

Arthur G. Dove, 1911-1912

Charles Demuth, 1915

Hodge Kirnon, 1917

Marcel Duchamp, 1923

Georgia O'Keeffe, 1918 (3)

Margaret Treadwell, 1921

Waldo Frank, 1920

Dancing Trees, 1922

Music -- A Sequence of Ten Cloud Photographs, VIII, 1922

Equivalent, 1931

His writings are as rewarding as his photographs. I was particularly interested in his ideas about how humans make progress. "Progress has been accomplished only by reason of the fanatical enthusiasm of the revolutionist . . . ." "Experts . . . are the result of hard work."

After you have finished enjoying this astonishingly revealing volume, I suggest that you think about how you like to express truth and beauty in your life. How can you be more direct and simple in this expression?

Be sure to live a life of "constant experimenting" like Stieglitz did!

This is far more than a picture book; it contains 73 high-quality plates and its real treasures can be found is the twenty page introduction and the fifty pages of selections from his writings about his work and views on photography. As a full time artist, I found this book to be both rich and inspiring. If you have lost sight of why you shoot pictures, try this as a reminder of clearer moments.

His friend from Costa Verde needs Matts help. Instead of asking nicely he trys the wrong way. Another great Matt Helm book.

I HAVE ENJOYED READING ALL OF THE AUTHORS BOOKS, INCLUDING ALL OF THE "MATT HELM" SERIES!!!!

When they kidnap Matt's girl to make him perform an assassination for them, Matt refuses and they kill his girl. This is an action they learn to regret as Matt takes his vengeance in this action packed book. This is another great book by the master of mystery, Donald Hamilton.

The latest in the "True-to-Life from Hamilton High" series, Marilyn Reynolds' Baby Help is a novel of the nightmare of teen domestic abuse. A young mother doesn't see herself as battered because her boyfriend "only" hits her when he's been drinking... until he starts behaving abusively toward her daughter. That's when she realizes it's time to get out of the relationship - but after she reaches a shelter for battered women, she has second thoughts about leaving, which place her and her daughter's life in mortal jeopardy. Baby Help is a powerfully written fictional treatment of a very real and dangerous issue facing teens today.

I first read Marilyn Reynolds' books when I was working with her son, Matt, at Alhambra High School. I was very impressed with how insightful her writing is. Baby help is no acception. I now recommend her books to my high school students and they all say the same thing - "I couldn't put it down." These books even appeal to reluctant readers because they are so well written. Everyone should read these books!

I read this book and I think that girls in this situation can really relate, but I also think that this book would be good for anyone. I couldn't put this book down!

If I were forced to choose only one resource to help me as I teach kids how to go about choosing, learning and telling a story, this would be it. The authors have extensive experience helping thousands of children to tell stories through their school residencies. Many ideas and activities are spelled out to help teachers or coaches prepare students for the often scary task of getting in front of the audience and telling a tale. A variety of methods for story-learning are detailed, allowing for the variety of learning styles encountered in a classroom. Many ideas for ways to use storytelling in school, from a school festival to an inter-generational fair, are suggested.

Especially enjoyable are the many real-life story maps, quotes and photos of kids involved in this rewarding activity. An anthology of twenty-five stories for kids to tell is included to get your student tellers started.

We do not give kids enough opportunities to get up in front of a group and share something they love. Storytelling bridges so many of these gaps, and even the shyest kids often discover a new-found love when given the chance to tell a story. If you are at all considering having kids tell stories, get this book. It will convince you that you are making the right choice, and give you the tools to carry out your ideas.

(Gwyn is a professional storyteller who has coached many middle school students in the telling of their first story).

I am a curriculum project manager at Houston ISD. I have been researching material for a Story-teller program we are starting this summer and... this is the best!

As a classroom storyteller, I have found this teacher's guide and collection of tellable stories to be extremely useful, clear, and reliable. The experience and common sense of the authors provide teachers with a valuable resource for storytelling. You will use this book again and again.

This book was very well written. Once I picked it up I had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. The characters are complex you feel like you know them and hate to see them make mistakes. Very Very good book. Can't wait for the next one from this author.

I REALLY ENJOYED READING THE BOOK. THE CHARECTERS WERE VERY REALLISTIC AND THE STORY LINE WAS INTERESTING, IT WAS HARD TO PUT THE BOOK DOWN, I COULDNT WAIT TO FIND OUT SANDRAS CHOICE. SHE HAD TO MAKE DESCIONS THAT AFFECTED NOT ONLY HER LIFE BUT THOSE OF HER CHILDREN. HER WEAVING OF NEW ORLEONS GAVE THE STORY WONDERFUL COLOR. I UNDERSTAND WHY ROMANTIC TIMES GAVE THE NOVEL FOUR STARS. I LOOK FORWARD TO MS.HAMILTONS NEXT BOOK.

THIS IS EXCELLENT BOOK, I READ IT COVER TO COVER. I LOVED THE CHARECTERS IN THE BOOK, THEY WERE VERY REALISTIC. THE PLOT HELD MY ATTENTION, AND THE SETTING-NEW ORLEANS, GAVE THE NOVEL WONDERFUL COLOR. THIS BOOK IS A GREAT CHRISTMAS PRESENT.

The majority of the pictures -while they are soft focused - at least they are well lit and exposed. It does not include any of his irritating lifestyles of the Eurotrash rich pictures, nor does it include his flower pictures. Technically "Blooming Minayo" is probably the best book he has done but this one is earlier work with his earlier obsession for European teenaged girls.

Absolutely yummy!!
The photos of these girls are exceptionally beautiful.

What is there not to like about David Hamilton's photography? "The Best of..." doesn't begin to cover the breadth of his art, but is an excellent taste of his work. It captures the beauty of nature, youth, maturity, eroticism, sensuality, thought,humor, curiosity, tranquility through the eyes of his lenses, and his own stylistic interpretation. "The Best of...." is, in a phrase, relaxation for the eyes.

I had never read a mystry before and I must say I was quite surprised, I liked it! It was quite fun to read! I very much enjoyed the author's style. I suppose now, I will have to read her other books. If I found one fault, and it may be just me, I felt the author was rather abrupt in her introduction of new characters - I had trouble tracking them. Other than that, all was well and I would highly recommend this book. I do hope we get more from Ms Hamilton (after, of course, I read her first ones. Thank you for writing this story.

Its been a long time since I read a book I couldn't put down. The Etruscan Chimera is an intricate, well woven tapestry, whose beauty isn't revealed until the very end. A true delight for the mystery lover.

McClintoch & Swain is an antiques store in Toronto, Canada run by two ex spouses, Lara McClintoch and Clive McSwain. Since Clive spends more than he should on items for the store, Lara is the one who goes on the buying trips locally and abroad. In Rome, Lara is brought to meet Crawford Lake, a reclusive mega-billionaire who hasn't been seen in public for over fifteen years.

Crawford is an art collector and whenever he is interested in purchasing an item, the owner marks up the price. To prevent this, he uses intermediaries and Lara is the one chosen to purchase a piece of Etruscan art from a Mr. Goddard in Vichy, France. A flattered Lara agrees to take on the job for a generous fee but before her quest is concluded, three men are murdered. Lara inadvertently becomes a smuggler and an innocent bystander winds up in jail for its theft.

Lyn Hamilton is a very creative and colorful writer who always manages to bring the past to life in her archeological mysteries. Her latest work, THE ETRUSCAN CHIMERA is a conspiracy buff's delight. The supporting cast have schemes within plots that Lara innocently and unwilling participates in them. This is one mystery that will take a genius to solve.

Harriet Klausner

Griefwork is James Hamilton-Paterson's third novel. It is more carefully crafted than Gerontius and Ghosts of Manila, more serious than The Bell-Boy and more meditative than any of his other works.

Griefwork is set in the time period immediately following World War II and encompasses a lyrical and detailed character study of Leon, a brilliant, eccentric, self-taught curator of Palm House, a large greenhouse in the botanical gardens of the capital city of an unnamed Northern European country. Leon struggled against near-impossible odds to preserve Palm House throughout the Nazi occupation of the city and is now engaged in a battle against city authorities who would like to close the garden and develop the land on which it sits.

Hamilton-Paterson tells the story of Leon's life in flashbacks, slowly exposing the loss that serves as its defining factor and catalyst for his now slowly encroaching insanity. The son of a North Sea fisherman, Leon is irrevocably changed when, as a teenager, he spends a summer as an assistant to a visiting naturalist, one who recognizes Leon's talents and encourages him to make full use of them.

More importantly, Leon becomes obsessed with Cou Min, the young daughter of the scientist's Asian servant. Even though he never again sees her, her loss affects Leon so deeply that it becomes the backdrop of his life; the reason for all he does thereafter.

Leon's obsession is complicated by the events of WWII when he rescues a young gypsy from a Fascist mob and enters into a strange and haunting relationship with a beautiful Asian princess who wants to hire him to create a botanical garden in her own country and who may or may not be interested in him personally. This lyrically meditative story slowly spins a web that eventually catches everyone involved in ultimate disaster.

The book is not without its own stylistic devices, however, and some of them border on the pretentious. Leon is so attuned to the plants in Palm House that, at times, he can even hear them speak to him, just as they speak to the reader in a pseudo-Greek chorus at the end of each chapter. This can be disconcerting at first, especially as the plants are possessed of some of the wittiest dialogue in the book, certainly more so than Leon, whose grimness is unrelieved.

Hamilton-Paterson, however, is a master at writing about the natural world, so this particular stylistic device eventually works and we are keenly aware of Leon's frustrations in evoking a "natural" world that can only exist under the protective barrier of glass.

In a world where popular fiction is usually fast-paced and brutal and literary fiction cool, ironic and postmodern, Hamilton-Paterson can be seen as an anomaly or as a phenomenon. A private man, fifty-something, and with no institutional affiliations, he may be seen by some as far too artistic for his own good. Defying the brand-name classification many publishers demand of today's novelists, all of Hamilton-Paterson's novels, despite a similarity of style and theme, are wildly different books.

Readers who are intelligent enough, or lucky enough, to discover this wonderfully versatile author however, will find themselves richly rewarded. For James Hamilton-Paterson is a wonderfully versatile author and a passionate writer. His narratives are richly imagined, his themes odd and knotty but filled with subtle and compassionate characters we come to care about deeply. And, as always, he tells his stories in gorgeous, haunting and wonderfully precise prose. Who could ask for anything more?

Griefwork is James Hamilton-Paterson's third novel. It is more carefully crafted than Gerontius and Ghosts of Manila, more serious than The Bell-Boy and more meditative than any of his other works.

Griefwork is set in the time period immediately following World War II and encompasses a lyrical and detailed character study of Leon, a brilliant, eccentric, self-taught curator of Palm House, a large greenhouse in the botanical gardens of the capital city of an unnamed Northern European country. Leon struggled against near-impossible odds to preserve Palm House throughout the Nazi occupation of the city and is now engaged in a battle against city authorities who would like to close the garden and develop the land on which it sits.

Hamilton-Paterson tells the story of Leon's life in flashbacks, slowly exposing the loss that serves as its defining factor and catalyst for his now slowly encroaching insanity. The son of a North Sea fisherman, Leon is irrevocably changed when, as a teenager, he spends a summer as an assistant to a visiting naturalist, one who recognizes Leon's talents and encourages him to make full use of them.

More importantly, Leon becomes obsessed with Cou Min, the young daughter of the scientist's Asian servant. Even though he never again sees her, her loss affects Leon so deeply that it becomes the backdrop of his life; the reason for all he does thereafter.

Leon's obsession is complicated by the events of WWII when he rescues a young gypsy from a Fascist mob and enters into a strange and haunting relationship with a beautiful Asian princess who wants to hire him to create a botanical garden in her own country and who may or may not be interested in him personally. This lyrically meditative story slowly spins a web that eventually catches everyone involved in ultimate disaster.

The book is not without its own stylistic devices, however, and some of them border on the pretentious. Leon is so attuned to the plants in Palm House that, at times, he can even hear them speak to him, just as they speak to the reader in a pseudo-Greek chorus at the end of each chapter. This can be disconcerting at first, especially as the plants are possessed of some of the wittiest dialogue in the book, certainly more so than Leon, whose grimness is unrelieved.

Hamilton-Paterson, however, is a master at writing about the natural world, so this particular stylistic device eventually works and we are keenly aware of Leon's frustrations in evoking a "natural" world that can only exist under the protective barrier of glass.

In a world where popular fiction is usually fast-paced and brutal and literary fiction cool, ironic and postmodern, Hamilton-Paterson can be seen as an anomaly or as a phenomenon. A private man, fifty-something, and with no institutional affiliations, he may be seen by some as far too artistic for his own good. Defying the brand-name classification many publishers demand of today's novelists, all of Hamilton-Paterson's novels, despite a similarity of style and theme, are wildly different books.

Readers who are intelligent enough, or lucky enough, to discover this wonderfully versatile author however, will find themselves richly rewarded. For James Hamilton-Paterson is a wonderfully versatile author and a passionate writer. His narratives are richly imagined, his themes odd and knotty but filled with subtle and compassionate characters we come to care about deeply. And, as always, he tells his stories in gorgeous, haunting and wonderfully precise prose. Who could ask for anything more?

In a haunting, complex book, James Hamilton-Paterson brings the reader into an enclosed world under glass--a hothouse filled with tropical plants. This warm, steamy world exists in juxtaposition to the cold climate of Germany outside its glass walls. Inside is a man who also lives an unreal life, spellbound by the strange plants and trees which become his whole world. Sometimes he hears them speak "We happen to be particularly sensitive to cold. Our lives hang on a few degrees which isn't true of humans. But they have their own problems, our gardener especially. It's to do with their hearts, I think." As World War II rumbles into life Leon, who is the curator of the hothouse, manages to keep it running. He is 'the genie in this enchanted forest'. Interwoven is the story of his young love affair and his friendships with a princess from a warm foreign land, and an abandoned gypsy boy. Hamilton-Paterson's prose is lyrical, it sings. Griefwork is a powerful book, an unforgettable story of fantasy, love and loss

Alexander Hamilton is one of the most important, most misunderstood and most under studied Americans ever. He is the central figure in establishing the Federal Bank, as different as it is today from what it was then. He is responsible for the majority of the Federalist Papers, the most important documents produced in support of the Federal Constitutuon and the heated debates it entailed. But another thing most people don't know is that he is an American Revolution hero, serving, with distinction under Geroge Washington, receiving his highest praise and becoming his right hand man. He is the most elegant and gifted of writers. To understand his beginnings, read Alexander Hamilton: American by Richard Brookheiser, and understand the humble beginnings he was born into, working as a store clerk in the West Indies, educating himself in America and turning himself into one of the Americans who has a true grasp on the English language. His politics aside, he was a brilliant man. He was a gentleman and he was honest. He was a mna full of pride and great courage. He refused to let himself be bad mouthed, accepting Aronn Burr's duel, but he refused to fire at his opponent, instead firing into the air. A very honourable end to a great American. His writing are essntial to understand his life and his mind, his political orientation and lifelong goals. Not only that, but this is great literature. This receives my highest recommendation.

With this volume, the Library of America continues its project presenting the best of American culture and thought in an accessible way.

The subject of this volume is Alexander Hamilton. Although John Adams has frequently been regarded as the least understood of the Founders, Hamilton has his own plausible claim to this honor. History has not treated Hamilton kindly. He has certain obvious flaws in terms of arrogance,temper, and judgment.These flaws are amply revealed in this collection of writings. Hamilton, nevertheless, has much to teach us about government and about our country. This collection of his writings is a treasure.

At the outset, I was reluctant to begin a project of reading this volume through in its entirety. As my reading progressed, I couldn't put the volume down.

The book covers all phases of Hamilton's political and personal life, from its beginnings in what is now the U.S. Virgin Islands to his death at age 49 in the notorious duel with Aaron Burr. The heart of the book begins with Hamilton's role in the Constitutional Convention, in which he advocated for a strong Federal government and, in particular for a strong Executive. The book continues with Hamilton's 51 contributions to "The Federalist" in which he explained the Constitution to the people of the State of New York in terms which remain a seminal exposition of the basic governing document of the United States. Again the focus is on the need for a strong central government with a will and ability to act for the public good.

Hamilton was the first Secretary of the Treasury. This book gives us long selections from his work in which he advocated forcefully for having the Federal government pay the Revolutionary War Debt, for founding the Bank of the United States, and in promoting industry in the fledgling United States. These works divided Hamilton from Jefferson and Madison and became the basis of partisan politics in the United States.
In defending the constitutionality of the National Bank from attacks from Jefferson and Madison, Hamilton set the foundation for an expansive view of the power of the Federal government under the constitution. This view was controversial in its time and remains so. Hamilton's position, however, has largely come to prevail over the years and is an important basis for our governmental structure as it has developed over time.

The book includes Hamilton's public confession of an adulterous affair, his criticism of John Adams which divided and doomed the Federalist party, and Hamilton's own political career, and documents regarding Hamilton's fatal duel with Aaron Burr.

There is much to be learned from this book. Hamilton was a paradoxical figure both behind and ahead of his time. This is a valuable work for understanding our country. Kudos to the Library of America for allowing us to learn.

With this volume, Alexander Hamilton assumes his rightful place in the ranks of the Library of America -- not only as a key historical figure in the founding of the Republic, but as a master of political argument and writing. With care and sensitivity, Prof. Joanne B. Freeman of Yale University has assembled the best and most comprehensive one-volume Hamilton collection ever assembled -- but she has done something even more important: She has presented us with a thorough, judicious, and enlightening documentary life of Hamilton. This book will be indispensable to anyone who wants to understand the origins of the Constitution, of the American economy, and of the nation's political system and public life. It also will be indispensable to anyone who wants to understand Alexander Hamilton as a political, constitutional, and economic thinker, as a key shaper of American government and public policy, and as a human being.

-- R. B. Bernstein, Adjunct Professor of Law, New York Law School