In this second of three planned volumes, Dick Davis continues in his effort to provide a fairly broad translation of the Shahnameh. He effectively utilizes the prosimetrum form, a mixture of verse and prose (naqqali in Farsi), where verse is used to accentuate periods of heightened tension.

In addition to being a fine literary accomplishement, this series of volumes is quite beautiful and heavily illustrated throughout with reprints from 16th and 17th century manuscripts. The books are very sturdy and make for excellent display.

I recently saw this book as well as the first volume in the planned three-volume set in the Bay Area in connection with an exhibit of art work from various Shahnameh manuscripts currently on display. In all fairness to the publisher and the author , it should be stated that this is a magnificently illustrated art book, not simply a text. The full-color enlargement pictures of miniature fragments from medieval Persian manuscipts are breathtakingly beautiful, and the high price no doubt reflects the fact that this book was a masterpiece and very expensive to produce. It is exquisitely produced and for those who can afford it well worth the cost. The rest of us should urge our public libraries to acquire it as it gives an in depth knowledge of this ancient history which very few of us are even aware of. This book would surely be a collectors prized possession.

This book was awarded a well-deserved Parkman for the quality of its scholarship. This is the best book on the early years of FDR. It follows his childhood and explores the relationships with the key people in his life: the formidable Sara Delano Roosevelt, his marriage to Eleanor, and his political education from Louis Howe.

This book also has a great deal to say about polio and how FDR and each of these people responded. This is not "Sunrise at Campabello, although it is clear that polio did make Roosevelt into the person who was able to become the greatest president of the 20th century.

I can't wait to read the other books in this serial biography. Davis rarely overtells or undertells details of FDR's early years. The book moves quickly, and leaves an insatiable desire to read the next installation - if you can find it.

Some people claim that Arthur Schlesinger wrote the definative history of the New Deal and FDR back in the 1950s. These same people probably are unfamiliar with this wonderful book by Kenneth Davis.

This is not just a history of the period of 1933-37, but an extended mediatation on how we are a nation are going to respond to the changes brought about by industrialization.

Do not be put off by this last statement because Davis is an excellent writer, historian and philosopher. The best part of this book deals with how social security came to be shaped in the form that it finally was. How all manner of elements came together for the legislation to be written. It is just remarkable.

Davis is evenhanded in this book and in the series as a whole. He identifies FDR's triumphs but at the same time is willing to be critical when he feels the actions warrent it.

Davis and his series have been recognized repeatedly although I believe that they probably were not given the praise that this series deserved. They are simply the best thing to be written on FDR by a historian.

I bought this book on a flyer in 1987, read it once and put it on the shelf. During a televised Clinton address from the Oval Office, I noticed on the credenza behind him "FDR: The New Deal Years" in its distinctive silver and red jacket. Well, if its good enough for the White House...so I read it again, and now understand why it stood on the President's desk. It's an outstanding work of narrative history. Volume one was awarded the Francis Parkman Prize, but this is clearly the next best in Davis's monumental five volumes on FDR and his times. It is a lively depiction of the New Deal and its famous characters, including Louis Howe, Harry Hopkins, the Brain Trust, Eleanor and Sara Delano all orbiting around the Sun King FDR. It is also an excellent analysis of how outright revolution was avoided and our capitalist system preserved in the darkest hours. But most of all it is an enjoyably facinating portrait of the man who everyone wanted to be near but almost no one, not even Eleanor, really knew.

How many times do we encounter lonely sad eyed looks and worn out begging hands without even giving a thought to this? How many times do we put aside stories about starving sick kids with a sigh of hopelessness and put on sympathy? Tom Davis's book can't leave anyone sitting/standing on the same spot he/she was before. Filled with moving life "cut outs", portraits, examples, urging and thought-provoking, the book helps to discover/rediscover simple Biblical truths and Christian life essence that we tend to forget, ignore or just bury under a string of excuses, fears, words and everyday worries. It urges us to open our eyes, stretch out our hands, step out of our fenced in "cosmoses" into the suffering and hurting world - the Fields of the Fatherless. The author doesn't just give us the invitation but provides a "map" on how to walk through those fields, step by step planting new seeds of hope, making a difference and ultimately discovering an indescribable joy and fulfillment that can only come from pleasing the heart of God Himself.

It's obvious that Tom Davis knows the plight of the fatherless. He takes you on a journey to where the "least of these" live and invites you to a place where you will be changed. I read his book in one sitting. In 15 years of Christian life I knew nothing of orphans nor cared to know about their plight. Not only do I now care, but I have asked God to use me...to join Him in the fields of the fatherless. I thank God for Tom's ministry...and for his invitation to finally understand "pure and undefiled religion." (James 1:27) It's the most exciting thing that has happened in my Christian walk!

"The Fighting Men of the Civil War" is one of the "Rebels and Yankees" trilogy put together by William C. Davis and Technical Advisor Russ Pritchard. As with all of these volumes, the text is okay but it is the illustrations that make this book a necessary part of any Civil War collection. There are dozens of historical photographs, most of which you have probably never seen before, along with color artwork by Jeff Burn that illustrate the difference between the uniform of a private in the Washington Light Infantry and the 56th US Colored Infantry, or an Army of the Tennessee "Bummer." But the real gems in this book are the contemporary photographs of artifacts and collections that make looking through this book like touring a museum. There are displays of Confederate Prisoner of War handicrafts, Union cavalry carbines, Southern banknotes and Union Musical equipment. In this book you will find pictures of things you have read about from the Civil War but never seen. These books are extremely useful for anyone writing about the war as either history or fiction and trying to get the details right.

An unrivalled source of information on the uniforms, insignia and appearance of the civil war fighting men. the Fighting Men of the Civil War covers subjects as diverse as the drill movements, the life at sea,Zouaves,Black troops,weaponry and many more. Each page is fully illustrated,includes more that 100 photographs and diagrams, as well as alot of pages of full colour artwork that provide the precise level of detail demanded by the enthusiast or any historians. Hundreds of photos of real items use in the civil war make this book one of the most enduring and popular military publications ever produced. Willian C Davis, has produce accessible reference resource for military history enthusiasts of all

This book should be One of the handiest one-volume sources of information ever assembled: serious, and surprisingly hard to find, information on the nation and its people is interspersed with the many colorful characters and incidents so often associated with this dramatic conflict.

Key interests and user groups;Artists and illustrators, Collectors, Costumiers, Historians, Historical societies and interest groups, Modellers, Re-enactors, Restorers, Special interest groups, Wargamers, Schools, Educational Establishments.

In a breezy, readable style reminiscent of James Burke's Connections, the author tells the story of the harnessing of electricity, from Benjamin Franklin's kite to Guglielmo Marconi and the beginnings of radio. Playing no national favorites, the book debunks some popular myths about Morse and Edison, and places developments in Britain and Europe in context with those in America.
Morse and the development of landline telegraphy have their own 52-page chapter, and the story of Cyrus Field and the Atlantic Cable occupies a further 49 pages. Covering all aspects of the history of electricity, Fleet Fire is an entertaining and informative study. The book has endnotes, a bibliography, and, appropriately, a web-page listing of related material.

This is an eye-opening book, not only wonderfully entertaining but filled with fascinating details of one of the most important periods in scientific discovery. And much of it took place right here in America. This is a cast of characters you never knew but whose achievements we benefit from daily. I couldn't put it down. Much of the time as I turned the pages I kept thinking that with all the useless television we face daily and wondering why someone didn't think about telling these stories before since this book provides wonderful insights into these great modern scientific explorers, their inventions and their times. Hopefully, the talented and very humorous Mr. Davis has plans underway to write more books on the history of invention since this must-read leaves you wanting the history to go on and on like a great novel.

This is one of the most powerful books I've ever read. As a mother, one of my greatest fears is loosing my child and I thank God every day for his safety.

This book brought a face to the tragedy and sorrow of the loss of a child. I am grateful for that insight. I am also grateful for the advice given to friends of those who have lost children. One of the hardest things to do is to find the right words to tell a friend that you are sorry and grieving with them. This book helped me with to find ways to do that.

Thank you Kellie for sharing such personal grief with us. You are a very special person. Your book is fantastic!

(...) I was completely unprepared for the wrenching and profound experience of reading of this woman and her husband's travails. My never having been a parent in no way lessened the sense of tragedy and clutching grief that gripped me as I read this book. The fact that Kellie was able to share with others how she approached each stage of her attempts to deal with her loss and to return to some semblance of a normal life, as well as to suggest how the trauma might be alleviated some by using her journal prompts, was a brilliant way for Kellie to share this experience and help give closure not only to herself, but to others who may have similar experiences. Her book fills a void the awareness of which is known only by those who have been through the horrible loss of a child by whatever means and it would surely be a beacon for coping for any who have lost a loved one through senseless and abrupt death.

Excellent choices. Highly recommended for your Womens Studies research or just for a pleasure read. I particularly love "The Yellow Wallpaper." A fascinating look in the shackled mind of stifled feminine creativity.

This book is inspirational as well as educational by transitioning between Romanticism and Realism. The work challenges the reader to decide whether it refers simply to the prospect of salvation for a man convicted of stealing. Also questions are raised that is it possible that through the naturalistic view that Hugh's theft he can be excused by his unfortunate environment and heredity. Davis is an insightful and thoughtful writer, and this book represents that.

This is my favorite cookbook, and I have lots. The recipes are fast, easy, and taste out of this world. Being from New Orleans, and having tasted some of the best food in the world, Frank's recipes yield the best results I've ever had. This is a book everyone should have among their collection.

I have all of Frank Davis's Cookbooks and watch him everyweek on a local TV morning show. His recipes are precise and easy to follow and the results are magnificent. All his cookbooks have typical New Orleans food and he even tells you what is good to accompany main dishes.

This book will answer your questions regarding the end-time and the rapture of the church. This book is very informitive.

This book will solve a lot of unanswered questions regarding things that are written in the Bible, and what is taught in church. While reading, be sure to follow each referance noted, it will bring greater understanding of the events in the Bible.