For anyone studying Native American history and lore, this book is an important resource. It at once explains, expands and corrects the many misconceptions and inaccuracies in Neihardt's "Black Elk Speaks" and provides a new perspective on Black Elk's, the person's, life. Rice debunks many of the myths created by Neihardt, and puts Black Elk's words back into their proper perspective.

Anyone who seriously intends to discover Bl;ack Elk and his meanings must read this book. After you do, you might understand part of the reason Native People dislike the pseudo-spiritual "new age" importance so many misguided folks place on the fictional poetry of John Neihardt.

This book of collected prayers in the Reformed tradition is one which will prove inspirational to all who read it. The editors have searched the past 500 years to bring meaningful and fresh-sounding prayers of great people to us today. Many of the prayers of old, as well as those of more modern day, speak directly to us late 20th Century Reformed Christians.

Although the book's cover gives the impression that BOY CRAZY is a romance novel aimed at the young-adult female audience, this book, like all Ms. Rice's books, can be enjoyed by young readers (male and female) as well as older readers. This is the first book in a two-book series. The second book, equally wonderful, is called SPRING BREAK. (I am sorry that both books are out of print.)

Be sure to read Bebe Faas Rice's other fine novels, which include THE YEAR THE WOLVES CAME, THE LISTENERS, AND MUSIC FROM THE DEAD.

I had the pleasure of meeting Clark Brady last year and given the previlege of reading the compedium. I was very impressed and jealous (just kidding) as I am an aspiring writer myself and have yet to find my niche. What that we could all have the determination to compile the info required for this work. Hopefully the author will continue and possibly give us new works on such contemporary works as Indiana Jones?

Glenn

New Orleans

This latest fifth edition provides a fine compendium of business statistics in this country, from key features of the 1999 revision of the GDP accounts to over a hundred data tables presenting years of annual data and monthly historical statistics. An excellent addition to any corporate research department or serious college-level business reference book collection.

Having been raised in Southern Louisiana, and having to raise my own child in Oklahoma, I love reading this book to my 2 year old son. It brings back memories of home, of my grandparents sitting around the kitchen table, sipping chickory coffee and trading gossip in the old language. Wonderful peek into the old language of Louisiana, which is quickly being lost.

A fascinating and easy introduction to the patois of L'arcady French of Louisiana. It is interesting, informative of some culture - and should be read out loud for full enjoyment!

Sir Richard Burton was a true legend -- he spoke more than 25 languages, travelled to all sorts of remote places, and had a fascinating life. If you enjoy armchair travel books, this one if for you. Rice travelled extensively in the 10 years it took him to research Burton's life. Burton has many "firsts" to his name: the first European to look for the source of the Nile, the first to discover Lake Tanganyika, the first to disguise himself and visit Medina and Mecca, and the list goes on. If not for Burton, we would not have the Kama Sutra nor the tales from Arabian Nights. You can just see Burton in his tent in Africa translating and keeping diary notes. This is one of the most interesting biographies I have ever read. A true adventurer.

I'm a classical musician and, of course, love beauty. I don't understand anything of Arquitecture but I admire it. I believe that Carlos Jimenez is one of the most perssonal, creative, simple and richely complex artists that I know (unfortunately not in person). And that book reflexed this things, if we can see.

Changing Politics of Canadian Social Policy is an amazing book. It incudes current, informative facts that surround the reader with a true feeling for Canada's social policies. After reading this phenomonal book, one will feel a better understanding of Canadian government and the people behind it.

Do you like to solve or enjoy chess problems? There are plentyof books for you giving you great puzzles and problems related tochess. And this is one of the best. Do you want to take chess problems a bit more seriously than mere puzzles or brainteasers? Do you want to learn about various themes in chess problems with great examples? Do you want to understand the chess problem columns in various chess magazines? Do you want to REALY enjoy chess problems? Do you want to compose chess problems? Do you want to learn about selfmates, helpmates and fairy chess? If the answer to any of these questions is "Yes", this is the best book for you. The author, a well-known chess problem composer, has done an excellent work in discussing various themes and making chess problem solving a great pleasure. Warning: This book WILL NOT improve your chess playing skills!