This book has received an Award of Excellence from the 2001 Southern Books Competition. "You could not find a lovelier title page spread than that in Of Birds and Texas. The sensitive calligraphy and the well-designed two-column text pages support the stunning bird prints." Congratulations to the authors, designer Ellen McKie and the University of Texas Press.

When Of Birds and Texas was first published in 1986 it was quickly deemed the most magnificent book in the history of Texas publishing. Consisting of 40 exquisitely detailed bird portraits and ten Texas landscape scenes, the volume was enhanced with accompanying commentary by the Gentling brothers and a personal essay by John Graves.

Yet the 23" by 29 ½" outsize folio which weighed 46 pounds was beyond the reach and shelf space of many. Thus, it was printed as a limited edition. Now, for the first time, this unparalleled volume is available to a mass audience at an affordable price and manageable size while retaining the original 50 color plates as well as 28 remarques. Retaining the integrity of the original folio, this is truly a work of estimable quality and a collector's item.

In addition, the recent edition offers a new essay by Stuart Gentling, "Of Birds and Texas, Audubon and Us," in which he relates how the brothers' profound respect for the famed ornithologist/artist paved the way for them to create this book, which is inspired by Audubon's work.

The Gentlings are twin brothers, artists, authors, and lecturers based in Fort Worth. Having discovered at an early age the print edition of John James Audubon's Birds of America, they now share a passion for art, world culture and wildlife.

His keen interest in wildlife, particularly birds, led Stuart to learn taxidermy. Both brothers began a serious study of art when they were 14. Their awards are numerous; their paintings may be found in museums and libraries throughout Texas and the United States. This year Scott received a commission to paint a portrait of President George Bush for the Texas State Capitol dome.

Artwork in Of Birds and Texas is created collaboratively by the Gentlings. In the original folio are reproductions of watercolor paintings with the color, blend and atmosphere attributed to Stuart, while the line and small strokes were contributed by Scott.

Getting the first volume published proved to be a formidable task. Plans reached a standstill when it was discovered that the actual production of the folio would cost more than double the estimates. What rescued the project was a lucky find by Stuart in the Philadelphia Print Shop catalog: a listing of Audubon's "The Great Crow Blackbird." The brothers were able to purchase the Audubon for $18,000. After its authentication as an original Audubon, it was sold at Sotheby's for $253,000. Thus, the completion of the original Of Birds and Texas was made possible.

Our loss would be great had this not been so. More than just a work of incredible visual beauty Of Birds and Texas is a joy to read as each color plate is partnered with a bird tale by the Gentlings.

A treasure in itself, the essay by beloved Texas author John Graves is as gracefully written as the classic works for which he is known, From A Limestone Ledge: Some Essays and Other Ruminations About Country Life In Texas, and Goodbye To A River. Once again, Mr. Graves writes with trenchant luminosity.

This landmark volume is dedicated to John James Audubon. It is now recreated for all to enjoy.

- Gail Cooke

'This is the best of the three of Mike Scott's books - the one I would most like to see made in to a movie. It has amazing twists and turns, taking you from the edge of your seat with the fast action and then into gales of laughter at the antics the two brothers get themselves into. This is a delightful read for one of those nights when you want to be taken outside your own world with entertainment that is a fast page turning, rib tickling read. Pure fun.'

The subject matter is very timely. Who would ever expect to find Osama hiding out in an elaborate subterranean gay and lesbian community in the Afghan-Pakistan mountains. This one is a must for the silverscreen.

First of all, the illustrations in this book are priceless! When I first read it to my children, I could barely turn a page without their comments and chuckles about an expression on a character or some other subtle detail they noticed. Secondly, as a home-educating mother, this book is a gold mine of themes: honesty, resourcefulness, spirituality, social skills, death, generosity, and most of all, positive attitude. My children, ages 3 and 5 are a bit young for all it has to offer but they still enjoy it immensely and request it frequently. I would recommend this to any child ages 7 and up. It is a beautiful volume that really makes your children think...and ask questions!

This is a wonderful book about how a life can be changed by an unexpected gift, and how the love of someone can spread to others who are unknown to them. I read this to my little girl, and almost couldn't finish it--I was crying so. It is a very meaningful book, and shows how God's providence can change our lives and the lives of those around us.

I almost forgot about the illustrations! They are vivid, and express the joy of a life that has been changed by love.

I'm sorry, this review is really sappy, but I loved this book!

We used this book as one of our texts while working on my MBA. It is very good, especially for someone who has a technical, non-manufacturing background. I highly recommend it.

This is an excellent introduction to understanding the process and management of transforming inputs into useful outputs. While the subject is technical, the presentation makes it highly accessible. Major topics covered are: the nature of operations; business strategy and global competitiveness; quality management; product/service design; transformation system design; capacity and location planning; schedule management; materials management; supply chain management and just-in-time systems; and project management. Each chapter concludes with cases and questions that are open-ended, an approach to learning that is applied and appropriate for higher levels of learning. Definitions of key terms are embedded in the text. Reviewed by Yvette Borcia, Managing Partner, Stern & Associates, co-author of Stern's Sourcefinder: The Master Directory to HR and Business Management Information & Resources, Stern's CyberSpace SourceFinder, and Stern's Compensation and Benefits SourceFinder.

While the philosophy underlying this work is reminiscent of Thoreau, Sanders writing is much more graceful and his personality more warm and human than the Walden Pond horned frog ever hoped to be. Sanders has a keen eye for the insightful moment and treats himself and his subjects to piercing, yet sympathetic, examinations.

As the daughter of a former U.S. Marine, I wasn't sure I'd like this book. I am pleased to say I not only like it, I fell in love with it. Scott Russell Sanders has more than a way with words, he has a love affair with words. In reading this book, I found a decent man, a thoughtful man of lively intellect. It is a pleasure to be in Mr. Sanders's company even if its only through the medium of the printed word.

I really loved the whole series written by Scott Ciencin. I first read the series of 3 books about ten years ago and recently re-read them. I still love the story and highly recommend all three books.

I think the editorial reveiw on this is right, it is very original. I loved the plot and the charactors. I think this is a well written book and it inspires me to keep on reading!

I was adopted in the 70's when the process was very different from the one described in this book- but as I read Patty's Journey- I felt such a connection that I was often moved to tears. This book is about what it is like to know-and to not know. She reminds us of how adoption was and reminds us of how it is.

I cried and marvelled at the resiliance of a child's spirit. I was touched by the deep loyalty siblings showed for each other. I wanted to tell Patty's adoptive parents to be careful, to nurture the empty places, to fill up the gaps with affection, not to ignore the sadness. I vowed to let my children be who they are, not an image I created of who they should be. I was sensitized to the stigma of not living with a biological family in the '40s. I was touched by the faith and personal strength that sustained Patty. How can we learn from her experiences in a political era that considers rebuilding orphanages? We should read Patty's journey for wisdom.

In People Of The Circle, People Of The Four Directions, Scott McCarthy explores the common spiritual symbols of the Native People of North and South America. Drawing on poetry, stories, ceremonies, and ethnological studies, McCarthy provides examples of the use of circles, the four directions, and the number four (both individually and in combination) as common themes running through all Native American cultures. An invaluable, highly recommended contribution to Native American studies, People Of The Circle, People Of The Four Directions will encourage a sharing and understanding between the different Native American cultures and broader Eurocentric American culture as they interact and sometimes collide.

Within these 685 pages the author presents countless "Ceremonies and Lifeways" of the native peoples of North, Central, and South America as seen through the writings of scholars, ethnologists, teachers, personal observers, and the People themselves. Categorized by cultural area, cross-referenced alphabetically and by tribe, and followed by McCarthy's comments, they illustrate the recurring themes of the circle, the cardinal directions, the number four, and the appearance of these symbols in vastly different times and places.

In the thought-provoking introduction, the conclusion, and extensive list of sources and recommended books, readers are encouraged to explore the sacred ways within their own and other cultures, to enter more deeply into a dialogue and a sharing of this spiritual nourishment to recognize the interconnectedness in all creation, and to be open to the Spirit's activity within it all. A great reference book and source of inspiration.

Printed in June, 1976, Pigeons From Hell is in excellent condition. I intend to continue to preserve it. Actually, the story Pigeons From Hell is but one story amidst a set of Robert E. Howard short stories. My interest was in tracking down the original novel which inspired what most critics seem to maintain as the greatest installment among the 67 Thriller TV show (1960-62) episodes. The purchase was economical, of the highest quality and punctual.

I've been hunting for this book sine it was released in 1988, and I was recently lucky enough to acquire a signed edition of the hardcover. All I can say is that it was worth both the wait and the search.

Pigeons From Hell is adapted from the classic Robert E. Howard short story by artist Scott Hampton. The story is a pretty straightforward southern-gothic ghost tale, with a little gore thrown in for good measure. Howard's prose is some of his best, and Hampton's art is breathtaking. His dark, moody paintings evoke a sense of isolation and terror that had me totally drawn into the story. I couldn't stop reading. The book also contains a foreward by noted horror author Ramsey Campbell. Highly recommended for horror fans!

This is a well written novel. Lazenby knows his subject well. He understand the politics. I had intended to read this on my vacation. I was going to read just the first three pages. I got hooked and finished the book. It may seem hard to believe but this is a very exciting novel about local government. I recommend this book to any that have interest in government, politics, policy-- or just want an interesting novel to read. I hope Lazenby continues to write.

A novel about being a city manager sounded like a formula for pure boredom -- and I have experience as a local elected official and teach public policy. I am glad that I felt "duty bound" to read this book, it is extraordinarily well done. Lazenby masterfully creates a complex, multi-tiered plot involving all of the complexity and many of the issues faced by local governments today. Even a casual reader who simply wants to get a sense of what really happens at City Hall everyday will be well rewarded with both information and entertainment by this book.