Maldwyn Jones' book manages to pack almost 400 years of American history in to just over 600 pages. His account is concisely written and provides for an easy read, encompassing a sweeping range of topics - politics, economics, social conditions, religion, and culture. Beginning from the earliest settlements from the Old World and tracing the evolution of a unique and diversified nation, Jones' organization is infallible, his attention to detail superb, and his conclusions sound. It is a very fair representation of American History, presenting all the relevant arguments to any issue and is a book where one can open to any page and become instantly enveloped. It is simply one of the best books on the topic I have ever read.

My 3yo daughter loves this book and can almost recite it off by heart. It has a great rollicking pace and really, detailed funny illustrations. We also like the way the illustrations curl around the page. I am sorry to hear that these books are out of print in the US. They are essential reading for children in Australia and very universally appealing, I would think.

"The line is doomed/the land is dead/Till castle falls and white rules red"

This verse haunts young Kate Langford, who has returned to her family's ancestral estate of Lissamor... she is also getting the uneasy feeling that another girl is on the estate... but who? Then she learns that other child... is a ghost!

This book is the collaborative effort of Irish writers Sybil Allen & Roma Tomelty.

An okay read for children old enough for Harry Potter, but too young for "Wuthering Heights."

This truly remarkable book is unique in several important ways. In the first instance it deals with the music and lyrics of these extraordinary songs in ways that reflect the author's extensive experience as a musician and as a writer on musical subjects, drawing upon his eclectic background to present fresh ideas that illuminate and inform. In the words of Henry Martin, jazz authority and expert on popular music of the golden era: "In this highly accessible book, Allen Forte delights us with unique, thought-provoking insights into some of the great songs from the '20s, '30s, and '40s."

The book comes fully equipped to provide the reader with everything needed to acquire a very close familiarity with the major attributes of this beautiful repertoire of popular song, including simple musical notation or "lead sheets" of all the songs (a basic knowledge of music notation is needed, and Chapter 1 fills that gap, if required), perceptive discussions of lyrics as they relate to the melodies, harmonies, and rhythms of the songs, and, as a special and unique innovation, a compact disc that provides the reader with easy access to the music. Moreover, background material places each song in its historical-social context. Implicitly, for each song, the author answers the question: "Why has this song withstood the test of time to become a classic?"

The writing style is informal, bright, and often humorous, without in any way "writing down" to the audience. It is a pleasure to read. The text and the accompanying compact disc, which includes recordings especially made for this volume, are beautifully matched. And the performances by baritone Richard Lalli and pianist Gary Chapman are superb. On two of the tracks we also hear the author as arranger and pianist, testifying to his close connection to this music as a performer.

Accessible, intelligent, and highly enjoyable, this book and recording will make delightful additions to the libraries of a broad range of readers/listeners -- from those who are already familiar with this repertoire and who seek an enriched understanding of the songs and their contexts, to those who may be hearing and learning of these alluring works for the very first time.

I am a recent transplant to Nashville (yeah, I play the guitar) and I was eager to read about the literary history of Nashville. There is so much more to the history of this city than Garth Brooks and Vandy fever. The editor has done a great job in seeking out "high" and "low"--the Fugitives to John Berendt--to present a well-balanced picture of this city. Funny, serious, old, and new--this is probably the defiitive history of Nash Vegas' literary scene.

This is an all around excellent book, whether as a gift to a loved one, or a simple nightstand accessory to ponder before bed. I was immediately captured by the author's ingenius yet simple answer to every universally asked "big" question. I loved the fact that the Bible was quoted to support many of the answers, and also memorable quotes by other people were tucked here and there as well. The author gives credit where credit is due to biblical principals, and I even enjoyed the simple artwork adorning the pages. My boss showed me the book initially, and I loved it so much that I had to search the internet for a copy of my own! A must have for any eclectic reader.

Don't be put off by the fact this book was written a few years ago, it's still quite newsworthy. I've been gardening for many years -- everything from a two-acre spread to a small urban garden but I never had to "think small" until I moved to the big city. This book has proved very helpful for resizing thoughts.

In "The Little Bulbs," Miss Lawrence covers everything from miniature daffodils to sqill, from crocuses to irises. Did you know there were miniature irises? Most if not all of the bulbs she describes are still around, and many more varieties exist besides, but this book will get you started and keep you going awhile. I haven't found anything newer with better practical knowledge.

Even if you own an estate, this book can help you. Miss Lawrence has a nice section on container planting which the British have done for years, and we are just beginning to do really well. Remember, bulbs exist for every climate. You can grow the tropical kind in-doors in colder areas (amaryllids), and grow those that require cold outside if you have freezing weather in winter. I like this book so much, I am ordered the hardcover to replace my old paperback which I'm giving to my daughter who is just beginning to garden.

If you have ever wondered why everything in American Business history hapened at once, you must read this book. Allen takes us thru the history of an era where circunstances, capital and talent were present in many persons in the same country.
This book is a bible for businessmen.
It is the best history book i have read in a long long time. It reads like a novel, If you can't read it then youre too busy to learn where youre going.

It might be a lot deeper than you think. Woody Allen is a fantastic artist and this book explores the artistic side of his movies. The meaning behind what you see on the screen and hear from the characters.

For example, do you think Allen's first film "Take the Money and Run" was just a silly spoof? Yacowar would have us believe differently. Right from the name of the main character, there is meaning. Quoting from the book: "The film pretends to be a documentary about the criminal hero, Virgil Starkwell (Allen). His Christian name evokes Allen's familiar associations with virginity and bookishness; his surname alludes to Charles Starkweather, a famous marauder of the later 1950s." And that's only the beginning, we learn that the movie is full meanings and messages that we may have never thought of.

That's what this book did for me and why I enjoyed it so much. It is very thought provoking. Of course, I kind of feel like Allen may have been answering this kind of examination of his movies in "Stardust Memories" when someone asks him, "What were trying to say in this picture?" Woody's answer, "I was just trying to be funny." You can decide for yourself.

As a fan of Say's book "Grandfather's Journey", I am surprised that it took me so long to dip into Say's other wonderful books! "The Lost Lake" is a heartwarming tale of a father/son camping trip. Along the way the pair discover new things, both in nature and in one another. Say's well written story makes each of the son's emotions distinct and identifiable to readers of all ages: boredom, anticipation, excitement, disappointment, exhaustion and contentment. This book is an excellent read for children in the third grade and older. I plan to read it aloud to my fourth grade students to start an expedition-style math unit. I am certain it will become a popular book on our classroom book shelf!