H. Marshall Gardiner was the premier post card producer of his time. From 1910-1940, Gardiner captured just about everything there was to see on Nantucket. In this book, the reader gets not only photographs of Gardiner's Nantucket post cards but a bit of insight as to how the photographer worked and perhaps a bit of what he was thinking. The attention to quality and detail is never compromised. The author, Gardiner's daughter, has also given the reader some indepth personal accounts about the photographer and how his work was produced. His choice of using the famed Detroit Publishing Company prior to it's going out of business during the depression, was perhaps his best decision as an artist. H. Marshall Gardiner post cards are still highly sought after and his cards remain in collections throughout the world. This is a highly recommended book especially for charting your collection! I use my Gardiner book everyday as a reference guide and tutorial for my own large, growing collection. I have but one complaint with this book and it is the fact that while almost all of his work is detailed, it does not represent the entire collection once available. See me at eBay under the seller name: congercorner. I specialize in vintage, original H. Marshall Gardiner Nantucket post cards. Start or add to your collection today!

if you collect H. marshall Gardiner post cards this is the book to get.

In his "History of the Conquest of Mexico" and it's companion volume, the "History of the Conquest of Peru", William Prescott achieves the remarkable feat of portraying the action and adventures of the Spanish cavaliers in a highly readable format for those with little prior knowledge of the Conquests. The subject matter for these books is basically the clash of cultures that occurred between the Old World (in the form of Catholic Spain) and the New (in the form of the Aztecs in Mexico and the Incas in Peru). It is interesting to note that these books were written by in the early 19th century by a partially sighted American author who had never visited the countries but who had access to all available historical documents. The style of writing is such that the reader is never overwhelmed by detail and is continually impressed by the heroic feats of the Spanish and at the same time shocked by their cruelty to the indigenous poeples.

In the "History of the Conquest of Mexico", Prescott provides an excellent acount of the origin and nature of Mexican civilization at the time of the conquest, describing how the Aztecs dominated the many races of Mexico with savage brutality, indulging in regular human sacrifices. He then goes on to describe the key player in this adventure, Hernando Cortes, and how he and a small party of cavaliers overcame overwhelming odds to defeat the armies of the Aztecs. While it is impossible not to admire the genius of Cortes, the reader is left in no doubt that the Spaniards were motivated by the promise of Aztec gold and not by the desire to "spread the word of God to the heathen". However, Prescott excuses the means by which Cortes overthrew the Aztec empire as it put an end to the Aztec practice of human sacrifice. In the second book, "History of the Conquest of Peru", Prescott finds no excuse for the manner in which Pizarro and Almagro conquered the relatively peaceful empire of the Incas. As with the first book, an interesting description of the Inca way of life precedes the action. While equally enthralling as the conquest of Mexico, Pizzaro accomplished the overthrow of the Incas by brute force, without the finesse of Cortes. The second half of this book deals with the remarkable events which followed the conquest; the two civil wars and their resolution by Pedro de la Gasca on behalf of the Spanish crown. It is difficult to find fault with Prescott's scientific approach to his writings; all of the events are backed up by references to documents written at the time of, or shortly after the conquests and these are given as valuable footnotes on each page. In addition, at the end of some of the chapters, Prescott writes short essays about his sources, describing which are trustworthy and which are prejudiced. If there were to be a fault with Prescott's approach, then it would his sympathy with the Catholic church during the years of the Conquest and his excusing of the Spanish atrocities as a means of spreading Christianity. But then we should bear in mind that Prescott was writing in the 1840s and was obviously a serious Christian. A second problem is that some of the footnotes are left in their original text, i.e. Spanish, Latin or sometimes Greek which presents problems to non-polyglots. The publishers have obviously not thought to translate these. In conclusion, these two books are essential reading for anyone interested in the empires of the Aztecs and Incas, and their overthrow by the Spanish Conquestadors. I have not read any other books on the subject which compare to Prescott's masterpieces.

Prescott shows why Cortes stands beside Alexander the III as a leader of epic campaigns; and he knows that, as with Alexander, there is more substance to the story than more 'pure-bred' academic historians will allow. This book also, obliquely, sheds light on U.S. American history in ways the reader may not expect from the title. Prescott does for America south of the Rio Grande what Francis Parkman (another great, unknown American historian) does for the northern forests. The works of both are treasures to be mined.

The book is a very thorough examination of the genus magnolia, both species and hybrids, with chapters on history, cultivation, propagation, pests and an excellent section on which species and hybrids to choose for your garden.

While not for the casual gardener, I found much to recommend to any serious gardener considering an ornamental tree.

This is no doubt the authoriative text on the subject and a very interesting read.

Gardeners interested in an in-depth coverage of magnolia hybrids, species, and their care will find this offers all the detail they require, charting the magnolia's culture, characteristics, and history. Magnolias isn't for the casual gardener, but for those devoted to the magnolia in particular and horticulture in general: a recommended pick for any serious horticultural library.

The book is like taking a college course. The author is very good at explaining the information. He uses examples for most of the material. After reading the book I felt like I could someday reach financial serenity.

Outstanding primer for both the new investor and the more experienced investor interested in improving her/his investing savvy.

First, this book illustrates rather convincingly, how investing just a moderate amount of money consistently over a period of time, can build personal wealth beyond most people's highest expectations. Makes it clear that there are no "guaranteed, get rich quick approaches" but that by being patient and investing in any of a broad range of solid investments...."financial serenity" is definitely within reach.

Then, this book explains the basics of personal financial management; including life insurance, real estate, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, REITs, futures, annuities, 401k plans, IRAs and tips to help determine which is right for you. This explanation of the basics, provides a framework which can be used to help individuals determine which investment vehicles fit their personal financial profile/style, and how they can take the first steps in building a personal financial plan which can secure their future.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in improving their financial position in life. It is written by one of the world's leading financial management experts in terms that anyone, from any walk of life/profession can easily understand.

Excellent book. Unfortunately it is brief, I wish it were 2 or 3 volumes. The information presented has been prepared by masters in their field. This book will have you researching more on the topics covered, because the topics are short yet powerful enough for you to want to know more.

The book also has short subjects on each of the British class of ship, but oddly one of the major classes is absent.

This may first appear to be nothing but one of those historical 'picture books' and it is profusely illustrated, but it is much more than that. Well-research, historically correct text, and well-organized, it is one of the best books on the topic on the market today.

Robert Gardiner continues his study of naval warfare in the age of sail with this excellent study, covering the war at sea, the war on the lakes, privateers, and the arsoniistic adventures of the British Admirals, Cockburn and Cochrane, up and down the Chesapeake and the eastern seaboard of the United States, although this last is somewhat played down.

The early American frigate victories, the frantic shipbuilding and fighting on the Great Lakes, the sloop duels in the open sea, Porter's adventures in the pacific aboard the USS Essex, Lawrence losing the USS Chesapeake to HMS Shannon, while uttering the famous, 'Don't give up the ship!' which Perry later uses as his battle cry at the victory on Lake Erie, the famous and profitable voyages of the American privateer Prince de Neuchatel (a superb model of which is in the Smithsonian, by the way), all are thoroughly and colorfully covered in this must have volume on a little studied war.

It is in larger than normal format, and looks something like a coffee table book, but don't be fooled. The narrative is exciting, facts not commonly in evidence are chronicled here, and the illustrations are superb. This is a must buy and a must have.

Emily Gardiner Neal is not a household name today. The healing ministry of which she was a part has been eclipsed by various movements not as traditional in the Episcopal Church. Though of the same denomination as the better-known Agnes Sanford, she was much more traditional in her approach to healing, emphasizing the role of the church and its healing ministry. In favor of the church's current romance with abortion and gays, her work and others like it have faded. Still, for those who are interested in God's healing, there is a great deal upon which to ponder.

Emily Gardiner neal was a skeptic in the early 1950'sand a professional journalist. Strongly affected by witnessing a healing service, she felt compelled to investigate the phenomenon. She began to talk with those who were healed, their pastors, their families, and their physician. In the process, she began honestly to face her own apprehension, subsequently writing A Reporter Finds God Through Spiritual Healing. Her journey of faith and her particiaption in the healing ministry of the church for the next thirty years are recorded in her additional six books - all out of print. An anthology of those books has been skillfully written by Anne Cassel to share the essence of her timeless stories and her extensive research. The book, formerly titled Celebration of Healing, is scripturally sound. The Episcopal Healing Ministry Foundation had sponsored the reprint of this work entitled, The Reluctant Healer.

I have, since first reading this book a few years ago, made an effort to add it to the libraries of all my friends whenever a holiday occurs. It is a book that I reread whenever I want to be stimulated. The opening essay, "The Sense of Reality", is a masterful study of historical thinking. Berlin is able to pick apart massive themes and shape them to his interests. There is a good reason that he has been labeled by many as one of the greatest essayists of all time; this collection certainly rivals "The Hedgehog and the Fox".

All of Isaiah Berlin's books are good. But this one is his best.

"The Sense of Reality" is a collection of nine brilliant essays on "ideas and their history." Each essay is a powerhouse of intellectual electricity!

In a style that is stimulating, compelling--and, in the end, irresistible--Berlin writes about ideas with all the nervous energy of an enthusiast.

Yet he is clear to the end. He is a great explainer. He distinguishes one thing from another. He takes on the knots, unties them, and lets go of the rope.

The effect on the reader is one of exhilarating liberation. One can breathe a little freer. At the same time, one must breathe a little harder. Up here, at high altitude, in the Sierras of the cerebellum, the air is crisp as paper. And our guide, our cicerone, our Isaiah, keeps us skipping--at a dizzying pace!--from mountaintop to mountaintop.

As the pages turn, they envelop the reader in a whirlpool of words that round up the ideas--only to plunge them into a deep sea of profound thought. Once again, we gasp for air.

Indeed, it seems that, wherever Berlin takes us--the mountains, seas, skies, stars of the mind--we are left dazzled, breathless, tottering on the edge of horizons that become elastic, expansive, infinite . . .

In the title essay, Berlin writes of the "disturbing experience," the "electric shock," of "genuinely profound insight"--which he likens to the touching of nerves deeply embedded in our most private thoughts and basic beliefs.

This is not Science. This is the Humanities. Not the mechanics of Newton. But the Pensees of Pascal. Not knowledge. But knowing that "there is too much we do not know, but dimly surmise."

Very well. But what does Berlin mean by the "sense of reality"? In his essay "Political Judgement," he drops a few more clues. It is "a sense of direct acquaintance with the texture of life." Or: "natural wisdom, imaginative understanding, insight, perceptiveness, and...intuition." Or: "practical wisdom,...a sense of what will 'work' and what will not. It is a capacity...for synthesis rather than analysis, for knowledge in the sense in which trainers know their animals, or parents their children, or conductors their orchestras, as opposed to that in which chemists know the contents of their test tubes, or mathematicians know the rules that their symbols obey."

Outside the sphere of science--i.e., in real life (personal and political)--the scientific method fails. But a "sense of reality" can work. Really? Why? How can that be? Perhaps it is because a "sense of reality" allows one to grope, feel, touch, grasp...the important things in life..., which slip through the fingers of science.

The search for truth, or for what works, whether by scientific method, or by a "sense of reality," is one thing. But will is another. Will asserts and expresses not truth but self.

According to Berlin, will manifests itself individually in Romanticism ("The Romantic Revolution") and collectively in Nationalism ("Kant as an Unfamiliar Source of Nationalism").

Berlin tsks the enlightened rationalists for failing to anticipate the rise of nationalism. But who can foresee the unpredictable? Who can see the invisible? Will is wind--a forceful, violent, overpowering impulse that cannot be grasped.

Will without strength, however, is of no effect. The strong devour the weak. This truism is so obvious that it is almost always overlooked. But Berlin does not overlook it. He brings it to light. You can feel the fire in his essay on Indian Nationalism ("Rabindranath Tagore and the Consciousness of Nationality"). And these flames from the east are reflected in the west by writers such as Machiavelli, de Maistre, de Sade, Nietzsche, and other "irrationalists" who see sharp teeth glistening behind big smiles.

Being strong of will, but weak of strength, I am drawn to Berlin's discussion of the disgusting emotions: shame, humiliation, degradation, frustrated desire, and a desperate need for recognition. Berlin holds up the mirror, and I see myself--my own desperate need for recognition compelling me to write this review!

Regardless, I read Berlin not to gain knowledge, but to hone my wits--and sharpen my teeth! The important thing is not to remember what he wrote, but to profit from reading him. And the profit I get from reading Berlin is this: I look deeper, see clearer, and believe less.

I come away from this book with a keener "sense of reality"--and a more open sense of wonder. Wonder! Not at the glittering galaxies of human achievement. But at the void, the abyss, the infinite space of the unknowable . . .

In the final analysis, there is no final analysis. Berlin does not wrap up, tie down, nail shut. Rather, he picks locks, pries open, leaves ajar...

There is no "closure"--i.e., no death--in these pages. Reading them, one gets the feeling that Berlin likes his human beings free and alive. And that puts him at odds with those deadly human engineers who like cadavers and control.

The premise that Gardiner and Pohlman speak of in their collaborative effort Value Driven Management is that the most valuable resource in the new economy is neither technology or information, but rather human attention. Managers and professionals of all types should be thinking about how their own attention is best allocated and how to harness the attention of their colleagues, customers and business partners. The key markets in the future will be those in which attention is bought and sold. It's an attention economy and those who succeed in it will be those who know how to manage attention. Using what the co-authors call "value drivers", the reader is given a guided tour of what the future may hold for the world of business for those managers who define, prioritize and give a support system that promotes achievement. Clarity is one of several key words used throughout the book. With clarity comes success and many companies have had some success using pieces of this concept, but the authors stress the fact that any business that intends to stay in business will have to grasp this concept and make it a ongoing part of their organizational life. "Value Driven Management "implies that plans, decisions, actions and rewards are all governed by a value focus" which is illustrated throughout the book. Without short-term wins, too many employees give up or actively join the resistance. Innovation is not flash of genius; it is hard work; building strong customer relationships begins with smarter employees, clients and partners. Value Driven Management is a must read for managers, real world warriors, business students as well as extremely potent motivational force for anyone. In these turbulent times, an organization's ability to survive will depend upon on a number of factors illustrated throughout VDM. Any manager would be wise to heed its message.

Whether managing a brick-and-mortar or click-and-mortar business, Pohlman's Value Driven Management is de rigueur for today's managers. The key to his theory is not repeating the past management gurus. In his book, he, too, has added value over time to the foundations on which yesterday's management strategies were founded. Pohlman's secret? Adding a component of long-term vision. His "Value over Time for Organizational Success" adds a new dimension to value driven management.

His successes in both academia and the business world are the test of his pedagogy. The proof is in the pudding, as they say.

This book is highly recommended for all levels of students of business: undergraduates, graduates, and real-world warriors.

As a mother of two, and child psychologist, I highly recommend this book. My 3 year old daughter loves it. The first time I read it to her, she laughed uproariously while also seeming somewhat shocked. Basically, the book normalizes the experience of a kid's anger, making it safe, o.k., and offering a positive way to picture calming down. I think my daughter feels less guilty about getting angry, and realizes other kids feel the same way sometimes. Now she reads the book outloud (having basically memorized it) and uses lots of animated voices and gestures.
A total hit for us!

I read this book to my 4-year-old son who was absolutely riveted by it. He asked me to read it to him time and again. It's the first book he learned to "read" (the way 4-year-olds read -- he memorized it and then read it aloud). He then brought it to nursery school and read it to his class.

What a great read. You will love the insight into the Christian's soul. I'm buying many copies for my friends! You should too!

A very good book for any Christian. Very, very true and moving. Everybody should get it.