As a member of the audience at many of the 'gigs' compiled here, I know first-hand of their accuracy,(a rarity in the field)......................... A question to anyone out there who may know: This book was updated every two years for ten years, ending with this edition; might there be any plans to note the many changes in these bios over the past twelve years?................ Even considering the age of this edition, there is nothing that comes close to its accuracy and completeness.

Sheldon Harris" Who's Who in Blues is a remarkable feat of diligent research. Too often what is marketed as an encyclopedia fails to deliver, and experts can list almost as many people who have been left out of its pages as those who made it in as entries. Not only will you be likely to find an entry for your favorite but obscure bluesman or blueswoman, you will likely be pleased at the amount of information provided. And there is not musical prejudice or snobbery here; the traditional bluesmen share space with the Blues Queens of vaudeville and the latecomers who put the soul in Rhythm & Blues. The amount of information provided varies with each performer. The more obscure blues performers left little record, but what could be found is doubtless within the covers of the Who's Who in Blues. Legends like Bessie Smith, Ethel Waters, Louis Armstrong, etc. have their careers detailed year by year with places and dates played that you are unlikely to find anywhere else. Also included are snippets of critical comments, songs with which the performers were identified, and citations of other performers who were influences to them. - Frank Cullen Artistic Director American Vaudeville Museum, Inc.

I want to correct the reference in the review to Harvard Skull and Bones to Yale Skull and Bones. Thank you, Carter Rila

Having met one of the authors of this work while mining some of the same sources in the files of the National Archives, I can say that I appreciate the shrewd and incisive way they have pulled together diverse sources from many depositories to cover some of the more obscure facets of the "Border Days". The books is an omnium gatherum of a number of articles published in various scholarly journals known mostly to specialists in the period. Much of the detail of the gun running and undercover operations was gleaned from files of the Customs, the Immigration, the Army, the Bureau of Investigation, and the State Department.
Of all the tales that needed to be told is the discovery of the famous saddlebags lost by the Villista forces during the Columbus Raid in March 1916, which raid triggered the Punitive Expedition commanded by John J. Pershing and indirectly led to Pershing's eventual field command in France of the American Expeditionary Force.
Later in June 1916 the entire National Guard of the United States was called up for border service. Thus again contributing to the US successful intervention in WW I. And the Army gained experience in motor transport and management. All of this has led to a current appreciation that Pancho Villa, in a moment of desperation, indirectly had a major impact on the defeat of the Central Powers.
The other major revelation herein, and the only story included which made the national papers, particularly USA Today, is the discussion of the carrying off of Pancho Villa's skull in the mid 20s, and the supposed deposition of that object in the clubhouse of the famous Yale University Skull and Bones secret society. (Some of the most prominent members of the society have been the George Bushes, father and son.) But the secret of Villa's cranium has yet to be confirmed.:) After all, that is the purpose of a secret society -- to keep secrets. So, if you have a scholarly interest or just a curiousity about the more obscure aspects of the border running days, this book is your meat. A husky meal of research and well written as well.

I was given this book for Christmas and I was reluctant to read it. I dont really watch the news and I am not a religous person. As I started to pick through it I realized the book was about much more than that. It was personal and honest and touching. I thought for a long time that people in front of the camera- be it a movie or TV or news weren't "real", with "real" problems, they were charmed in some way. Harris Faulkner gave me a glimps into her life and just how real she is. Thank you.

This book is a must read. It isn't preachy like the title made it sound. It is a very chilling account of how one woman lived through being stalked. This is the first book I've read in years and read it from cover to cover in one evening.

My six-year old son laughed out loud when he read this very funny book. It had an interesting and amusing plot about a good King and his family, and some nasty bad knights out to cause trouble. The book also has the little fact boxes on some pages which contain information about coats of arms, suits of armor, etc. I think any 6 or 7 year-old child would love this book. It's the best Dorling Kindersley Level 2 book of all.

I have two Lego fans in my house. This book with its level 3 rating is great for early readers. It is a "take to school for reading time" favorite.

This was 63 pages of pure adventure. We thought we were geting a 30 page book and we were so delighted to see 63. The story was great and that monkey was his usual fun loving self. A great adventure and very informative at the same time. Our children didn't even realize that they were learning, while enjoying this book. Great pictures and the hieroglyphics table was a bit hit! We definitely recommend this one!

How can we begin to explain how fascinated we were with this adventure. The Egyptian pyramids alone is worth the reading. But the extensive background research material that the authors included, and the hireoglyphic alphabet table and a decoder is beyond exceptional. The resources for further knowledge about this region of the world had me in awe, and I've ventured through the pyramids before. The story line was something right out of a movie. The ancient map, the missing treasure, the bad guys, the chase, all made for an exciting read. We truly enjoyed the illustrations, and phototgraphs. If you need an instant vacation, pick up a copy of this book. While it may be written for children by children, it is sophisticated story telling, that any age will enjoy and this was only volume 1. We can't wait for volume 2 and 3. A Great Read!

I found this collection of guitar pieces for Bach quite eloquent. Mr. Harris presents a well-organized collection that I found easy to follow. His textual analysis preceeding the sheets offers expert guidelines for playing Bach on guitar--something many classical musicians may never have considered. In reality, I'm just putting in a good word for my brother. This book genuinely expands the cannonical concept of the classical guitar.

bach and the guitaar are made for eachother. even though he didn't write anything for guitar, it just fits

Closed Curtain: Lives Of De Wallen by journalists Bruce Harris and Michelle Bird is a cold, hard, and close look at the sex trade in the Red-Light District of Amsterdam. Families, prostitutes, gays, drugs, and police are all part of the complex fabric that is Amsterdam's most infamous neighborhood. Illustrated with black and white photographs and sketches, Closed Curtain is an eye-opening examination of a stringent subject, and leaves almost nothing to speculation. This "red-light district" expose is explores the historical connections between feminism and sex workers' rights, as well as historical and contemporary attitudes of the Dutch towards homosexuality. Highly recommended for students of international studies with respect to the economics of the adult sex industry and the politics of human sexuality.

As a visitor, tourist and occasional resident of Amsterdam I have visited, gawked at and passed the time of day in the infamous Red Light District of "de Wallen" of Amsterdam. Mr Harris and Ms Bird have captured in print and image what is one of the most intriguing and bizzare neighborhoods ever to be found.

The book is an easy read both in content and style. The sights, sounds, and occasionally the smells of de Wallen emanate through every page. Mr Harris creates a strong factual and personal picture of a vibrant neighborhood often overlooked as little more than a seedy underside of life. Ms. Bird's sketches, paintings and photos contrasts the dark desperation and sadness of life behind the windows to the street carnival of lights and action.

As a practical tourist guide it covers all the essentials. There are accurate reviews of bars, clubs, casinos, eateries and coffeeshops catering to all tastes and persuasions. The addition by Mr Harris of the political and historical realities that have created de Wallen make this more than a travel guide; it is like living a bit of the life.

Charles Calhoun's MAINE is a departure from most travel guides. Rather than just pages and pages of lists of motels, restaurants, and things to see, Calhoun focuses on the state's people (past and present), natural history, and state-of-mind. Instead of simply an address and phone number for the famous L. L. Bean's (outdoor outfitters, for example, Calhoun gives us several pages, including the story of the founder of the company.

The book opens with a chapter entitled "Learning Maine" and is organized geographically into nine main sections which cover the entire state. The final chapter, "Practical Information" gives all the usual, plus "A Dozen Fun Places to Eat" and antiquarian booksellers. Scattered throughout the book are literary excerpts and topical essays by authors such as May Sarton, John McPhee, and Longfellow. There are maps, reproductions of period art, and plenty of gorgeous color photos. Whether the reader is planning a trip to Maine or merely wishes an intriguing armchair journey, this guide is a must.

Kimberly Borrowdale, Under the Covers Book Reviews

An excellent book to take along with you during your travels to Maine. The photos in this book are simply beautiful! The photographer, Thomas Mark Szelog actually lives in the lighthouse on the cover!! I was lucky enough to meet him and he was kind enough to show me some of his photgraphs. Absolutely beautiful work. This is a great book and I highly recommend it when you travel down east!

Part of a multi-volume set. Would recommend the whole set to anyone embarking on serious study of scripture. Excellent way to see the variations in the different families of ancient texts. The Harmony of the Gospels is a valuable resource. The commentary is both scholarly and practical, without denominational bias. At one point in time World Library Press was working on an Old Testament version as well.

The Complete Biblical Library combines every type ofconventional Bible study tool into a single source. The New Testamentset is 17 volumes, consisting of 9 Study Bibles (containing 70 English translations, verse-by-verse commentary, and a 5-line Greek Interlinear; 6 Greek-English Dictionaries (containing a concordance and word study on all 5457 Greek words); an Index/Greek Grammar volume and a Harmony of the Gospels. The 22 volume Old Testament set consists of 15 Study Bibles and 7 Hebrew-English Dictionaries. Published by World Library Press, Inc., Springfield, Missouri.

Chris Harris does a great job in giving you hints and ideas on being safer in todays crazy world. He gives great statistics on the different crimes to give you some perspective on the real problems.

The book has some useful imformation for everyone in the family. As one reads it, some if it might sound obvious and stupid, but I'm sure we forget it every once in a while. The book tells you how to protect yourself almost everywhere you can think of and many ideas on how to just stay out of trouble.

As the other readers have said, the book does offer enough common sence ideas and techniques that: IT CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE!!
Chris shows you various techniques that are easy to learn and that everyone should know. His info that states that at some point you might have to be prepared to get hurt in order to save your life hits right to the point. Other books are usually not that blunt and thus leave out the most important fact. If you are going to be killed it is better to do something and get hurt instead if it lets you get away. This is a book that everyone should read. If required just hand the pertinent sections to different members of the family...

This a book everyone should own. Chris Harris is a wonderful talker who will guide you to being more safer in today's world in a fun way. He is a certified self-defense expert who knows what he is talking about because he has done ALL the research to prove it. Learn all the scary statistics there are about violent crime. THE CRIME STATS WILL SHOCK & STUN YOU AND THEY ARE ALL TRUE! For example: 1.The U.S. has the largest homicide rate in the world, 64 murders happen each day in this country. 2.To top it off, 50% of all homicides are random acts of violence (in which the criminal and the victim don't know each other at all).

It contains a plethora of information on the subject of self-defense. This book teaches you how to protect yourself on the street, on the subway and bus, on the internet, in the workplace, on the telephone, on a date, etc. It actually tells you who the people committing crimes are (you will be surprised,trust me) and why they do it and what to do in order to survive when you encounter them. The book is that straightforward!!!!!

This comprehensive book contains info on every aspect of self-defense you can possibly think of. Did you know that if you live in the U.S., you live in the most dangerous country in the world. (Believe it or not,the U.S. has the highest crime rates in the world.) This book is something everyone has to own. IT CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE!!! (The statemnt I just made is very serious and true.) Best of all, you will learn Chris Harris' uniqe and devastating fighting system which is extremely easy for anyone to learn (in seconds) and use in a violent confrontation with a criminal. (His system cuts out all the unneeded garbage and only teaches what works 100% of the time.) Everyone should know this system. Chris Harris takes a practical and objective look at all the martial arts out there and he talks about all the possible weapons you can use to defend yourself with very thoroughly.

You will learn the "FOUR STEPS TO SURVIVAL" AND THE "GOLDEN RULES OF SURVIVAL" which will keep anyone virtually safe from the criminal element, where the most dangerous places and cities are, and the tricks used by pickpockets and con artists, how to deal with stalkers, carjackers, & muggers, and a whole lot more. This is the best self-defense book I have ever read in my entire life and I have read many of them. This is the only book you will ever need. If you are interested in protecting yorself against the criminal element and staying safe in today's society then YOU NEED TO GET THIS BOOK PRONTO!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry, this review may seem kind of long, but that is because the book is that great and I think everyone has to have it! I ONLY typed this review in such an extended manner so someone might be interested in purchasing it and save their own life and not become another statistic, I can't stress this enough. Remember, if you don't like the book then you can return it.