The book, translated letters from a grandmother in Prague to her son in the USA, reveals the changing lives of Jews in Prague, under Hitler. From living a prosperous, upper middle-class, secure life Mamina slowly looses everything precious to her as more and more laws are enacted against Jews. I owned this book for two years before I had the courage to open it, but I feel well rewarded in reading it. I was inspired by Mamina's and her daughter's courage in dealing with every day indignities, and moved by the cheerful portrayal of their lives to Mamina's son in the USA. He figured out in 1939 that he needed to leave Czechoslovakia with his family, while Mamina was unable to make the decision to leave everything she knew and loved. Reading this book, I get a better sense of why more Jews didn't escape Hitler.

"A Thousand Kisses", is a tribute to both a woman and millions like her who were the victims of the Nazis of World War II. I have read dozens of books about the inhuman events of this period in history, and they have primarily been by historians or reporters who have recorded what took place. There have also been books that have been the stories as told by a survivor, and now there is this work. Ms. Renata Polt has translated and collected the letters of her Grandmother, (Mamina), into a collection that becomes not only a diary of personal events, but also for the actions that continually stripped away virtually everything that makes a day worth rising for. Even the act of persevering day after day while everything and everyone you care for is taken from you, is eventually taken from these victims. These letters tell such a story, and they do so eloquently and with dignity.

The letters cover the years and partial years of 1939 to 1942. The correspondence begins when family are separated, and comes to a close when one side cannot correspond with itself. In addition to the letters are very helpful footnotes that not only explain the hidden meaning of some words, but the events that were taking place as they were written. This period when humanity sought its furthest depths is never easy to read about. This particular format is much more personal and involving.

The dignity that Mamina maintains from beginning, through countless disappoints, frauds, and changes they would drive many insane, is little short of remarkable. There is no question that as the persecution she suffers as the years pass, and the fate she knows awaits her closes in, her fear can be read within her words. This was clearly an educated, articulate woman, who in spite of the horror she faced, and the pain of the separation from her children and grandchildren never sought to burden them. She never wrote in a manner to frighten those who read her letters, and when she decided to emigrate, she never quit despite a system that was designed not to allow her to travel, but to methodically steal everything from her.

Her things may have been taken, and her home may have been lost. It is also true that she was separated from her family and learned of the great progress of her children and grandchildren first in Cuba then America. As their lives became progressively improved and safer, her existence was diminished. Nevertheless you are left with the feeling that when events became their darkest, this woman never succumbed, she never gave in, and she never gave the monsters the satisfaction. A remarkable woman.

a book for adults and children. adults, the text and pictures in the book will take your breath away. i believe this was the last book edited by jacqueline kennedy onassis, and there is a little thank you to her in it. a perfect testament to a fey - in the nicest sense -- lady. it is ethereal and draws you in with a calming influence. absolutely wonderful. buy it for yourself or anyone who thinks about long ago with fond memories.

This dark and intricately illustrated book is simply excellent. The art work in it is fantastic and it gives a magically haunting overview of growing up in Prague. It has a magic cat with glowing eyes that walks the young traveler through the streets of his homeland. The drawings are rich with story and intricate with legend. It is an intense book, and some of the legends are dark and spooky. I wouldn't recommend it for children under the age of six, but for children who are just awakening to legend, history, and fairy tale, this is a must. I personally think it is a must for adults as well - I keep my copy on the coffee table because, really, the art as well as the story is of that caliber and it makes a great coversation piece. The book also has a fascinating development story, as well. Peter Sis was apparently encouraged and motivated by Jackie Onasis, working at Double Day at the time, to produce this wonderful book for his young daughter. Sis wanted to produce a piece for his daughter so that she would always know where her daddy came from. Jackie O. helped make Sis' dream a reality. It really is a fine piece of art, history, and story.

I'm a German and got this book as a gift - and it hit the spot. Contains lots of photos and all texts side by side in English and German. Would be great for anyone learning the language as well as for anyone who wants a concise and fun to read history of the new Germany. Not a pocketbook, though - a large, stable shelf is recommended.

This books is an easy read - not dry or scholarly - which provides for the reader a tremendous insight into what the authors call the 'banalities,' or "confused jumble of present-day Russian 'views'," which are epitomized by the persona of Vladimir Zhirinovsky. It helps explain Russia's self-perception as a major player / power in the international arena. The book is concise, and consists of a lot of direct quotes by Zhirinovsky, plus explanatory text by the authors which put Zhirinovsky and these Russian 'banalities' into a historical context. Although it was written in 1994 when Zhirinovsky was a major political player and rival of Yeltsin, and although Zhirinovsky is a diminished but still potent force in Russian politics; the book's real value is in its insight into the subtexts of the Russian character.

Even for those (unlike myself) who are not particularly interested in the character of this Russian 'demagogue,' the raison d'etre of this book is to elucidate: "... the body of such shared traditions and experience, reduced to the lowest common denominator, that is, 'matters of common knowledge' that thinking people may be ashamed to voice or think unnecessary to mention." (p. x from the preface). This is what Zhirinovsky does for Russians. The real value of this book is bringing Russian 'matters of common knowledge' to light for the Western reader. I have never found a book that could accomplish this so poignantly and in such an entertaining fashion. I have lived in Russia associating with Russians in typical Russian fashion for seven years. During more candid moments I have heard many friends echoing certain of Zhirinovsky's sentiments. Although these are people that call Zhirinovsky a 'clown' and do not support him, most admit that he is a master at reflecting the Russian collective consciousness.

It is a 'must-read' for anyone interested in what is really going on (but not expressed) inside the hearts and minds of many average Russians.

This was a wonderful book! Fresh, fast-paced, fascinating and immensely funny. The author was Maggie Thatcher's man in Moscow, he has an intimate knowledge of the Russian people and a great deal of experience in-country. His English humor (humour?) makes this book not just a chronicle of events, but a real gem. Examples...when visiting Kiev, he is invited to visit the musuem of UFO's which includes an exhibit of foot long iron bar munching rats from outer space, Ambasador Braithwaite dryly comments that although he would love to attend, he just can't seem to fit it into his schedule. When Moscow Radio plays excerpts from Pushkin in the throes of the 1991 aborted coup, he comments--who else but the Russians would air poetry at such a time? About half the length of Jack Matlock's epic "Anatomy on an Empire", (his colleague and apparent twin in the minds of the Russian people) Braithwaite's book is more accesible, and given in a lively style. While I do not agree 100% with all of his analysis, I do find this a supberb book and a must have for anyone who wants a Westerner's guide to understanding Russia.

This is a first rate book that examines and traces the art of northeastern Zaire. Focusing on the Mangbetu people and their art before and after the coming of the european, it is a fascinating examination of traditional styles and designs. Many fine examples of art from this region include, utilitarian objects such as harps, knifes, pots, bowls, various textiles, bark boxes and stools. The color photographs are from The American Museum of Natural History's collection, with the text provided by the museum's curator Enid Schildkrout. I am sorry to see that this book is out-of-stock at present. I would strongly advise anyone wanting an excellent book about art from this region to track it down.

I recently was engaged in a major research project focusing on the foreign policy orientation of Iran. This book proved to be an invaluable tool. If you are interested in Iranian economics, domestic politics or Iran's geopolitical orientation, then I whole heartedly suggest this book. A must read to understand the Middle East as a whole.

I have always been Paton's admire. His tool of words in acting against the injustices that took part in South Africa, draw me closer to his books.

Finally, someone decides to honor this unbeleagured figure. Our white captain!

This book makes a great companion to Anatol Lieven's recent book on Chechnya. Though not as analytical as Lieven's book, "Allah's Mountain's" is well-written and enjoyable to read. This is one of the only books I have found with any significant information whatsoever on Chechnya's neighbor, Ingushetia.

Probably the best account of its subject matter out there.