Notice that all the reviewers here live near the Chesapeake Bay. This bay will interest and speak to all those that have an interest in a society and environment almost gone. A super read, intimate in detail and beautiful in imagery.

Tom Horton's great gift as a writer is his ability to conjure up the natural world in words. His memoir of his family's time on Smith Island is his best work yet. Note I said yet. A book by Tom Horton is always a cause for rejoicing. His environmental writing is up there with Aldo Leopold and Barry Lopez.

An avid reader of publications like National Geographic, I found this book to be a very enjoyable and accurate depiction of an area that receives too little attention. The only thing that could improve this story would be full color photographs illustrating the brilliant sunsets, changes in water color, the wildlife and the characters that are detailed throughout. This book sparked such an interest in the area that my family currently is searching for a new home on the Crisfield side of the Bay. We appreciated the pace of life and the simplicity that have caused the locals to resist change and embrace their past. Many thanks to the author for clueing us in.

This book is a collection of political columns, written mostly for the Baltimore Sun, that H.L. Mencken penned in the early twentieth century. In virtually every piece, Mencken advances the view that politicians are third-rate men, devoid of convictions, willing to follow any platform that will make them electable. The only politicians Mencken likes are those that he believes have spine. He detests politicians that waver, particularly those that try to sit on both sides of the fence on the abolition issue.
Mencken is at his best when he covers presidential campaigns, as he does in many columns in this collection. He revels in the empty rhetoric he hears, and describes the bilge to the reader in truculent and uncompromising language. The whole art of politics, to him, is circus-like. The pols are clowns and their election speeches are the main act.
Anyone looking for sober commentary should look elsewhere. But anyone looking for extremely witty, well-written and combative columns should pick up this collection. There is probably no better example of attack-dog journalism out there, nor is there likely a more entertaining way to get a quick history lesson on the important political figures and issues of the early twentieth century. Enjoy!

If you are looking for a book on H.L. Mencken, I would highly recommend "On Politics." This book highlights Mencken at his most acidic through his constant verbal jabs at the "holy" Woodrow Wilson, "Silent" Cal, the "royalist" Hoover, Roosevelt Minor and the stupidity of Warren Harding.(Note: Take a look at what Mencken writes about Harding's mangling of the english language and then compare it to what some modern columnists write about George W's handling of the language. It is truly scary how history repeats itself.)

Besides being an utterly hilarious look at the aforementioned presidents and American society in general, this book is quite eye-opening in terms of showing Mencken's political leanings. I always thought that Mencken was a pure liberatarian with his constant attacks on the New Deal and FDR. Actually, Mencken somewhat liked FDR up until he was elected. Mencken also sides with progressive politicians such as Robert M. LaFollete and expresses sympathy (or as much "sympathy" as the great misanthrope can express) for jailed socialist leader Eugene Debs. Nevertheless, all of the aforementioned people also receive Mencken verbal lashings.

I would highly recommend this book for anyone interested in early 20th century American politics or for anyone with a slightly cynical bent. On days when you feel slightly misanthropic and (mad) at the world, read "On Politics" and you feel much, much better.

Favorite Mencken Quote: "All artists are idiots."

Buy everything you can find that was written by H. L Mencken, this collection is no exception. Mencken was one of the most influential and popular men of letters in America. He covered the Scopes Monkey Trial as a reporter for the Baltimore Sun, and was editor of two literary magazines: Smart Set and the American Mercury. His popularity waned for a variety of reasons. While he teased presidents Harding, Coolidge and Hoover, he gave no quarter when it came to FDR, referring to him "Dr. Roosevelt" and "Roosevelt minor." He had little use for the New Deal. "The New Deal began, like the Salvation Army, by promising to save humanity. It ended, again like the Salvation Army, by running flop-houses and disturbing the peace." This and his pro-German attitudes didn't go over too well in the depression and war years. But over the last twenty or thirty years Mencken has enjoyed a resurgence or interest and popularity. As a journalist, a wit and a social critic he has no peer today.

Fraser Smith's account of Schaefer and the period of Baltimore history during which he 'reigned', sparkles with vitality and rings with truth. A must-read for anyone interested in Baltimore or Schaefer!

Having lived nearly my entire life under Schaefer's management, first as Mayor, then as Governor, I wanted to read about his personal qualities that made him such a success. This books explains that, as well as the many undercover forces as well. The only element missing is a discussion of why many of his successes were not enough to save the city from its current decline.

If you are interested in the politics of American cities this marvelous biography of the four-term mayor of Baltimore should be on the top of your reading list. C. Fraser Smith, a veteran reporter for the Baltimore Sun, has used the life of William Donald Schaefer -- a lackluster ward politician who surprised almost everyone by becoming one of America's most successful big city mayors -- as a vehicle for examining the inner workings of Baltimore during the last half century. In doing so he opens up a window through which to view and better understand every American city. With a sharp eye for detail and a knack for compelling narrative, Smith guides us through the morass of city politics, introducing us up-close-and-personal to an array of interesting characters who, at one time or another, performed on center stage with Schaefer. They include members of the mayor's staff, party godfathers, business leaders, neighborhood activists, obscure but powerful civil servants, black political leaders, and owners of sports teams, to cite a few. In his ability to employ ordinary citizens to tell a city's story, one is reminded immediately of J. Anthony Lukas' Common Ground, the Pulitzer-prize winning dissection of Boston. The reader senses that Smith, as a reporter on city and state beats, knew personally and had earned the trust of most of the key players he interviewed. They felt comfortable revealing to him the most intimate stories and opinions.

Yet despite all its attention to the political context, the book stays true throughout to its basic purpose of creating a rich, reliable biography of a remarkable public servant. It will be as valuable to scholars of urban America as it will be enjoyable to persons wanting simply to immerse themselves in big city lore.

Just like previous reviewers, I agree that this book is a fine addition to the on-going series about the Military Campaigns of the Civil War. This installment about the Battle of Antietam is particularly strong because of the quality of scholarship included and the distinguished group of historians that Gallagher gathered for this edition.

Each author includes an interesting essay that details a specific aspect of the battle. Some examples of topics that are covered include: the supply challenge the Confederacy faced, how new Union recruits reacted to the carnage of Antietam, the role Confederate artillery played, and why McClellan failed to pursue Lee after the battle. I found that every essay presented a compelling argument and really offer the reader a detailed analysis that you will not find in other books about the battle.

As always, this type of book is not aimed at telling the history of what happened at Antietam. If you are looking for a general narrative of the battle - this is not the right book. On the other hand, it is designed for those who are somewhat familiar with the battle and are looking for the most current research from a find group of historians. I highly recommend the book for people who fall into this category. It will greatly enhance your understanding of key aspects that affected the battle which has been the bloodiest day in US military history.

Similar to past works of Gallagher's, this book contains invididual chapters written by popular Civil War historians keying in on battle concerns, myths, strategies and political concepts during the campaign. I really enjoyed reading William Blair's chapter on how Marylanders caught in the middle of political unrest viewed the campaign and Lee's invasion. Brooks Simpson's chapter on how the Army of the Potomac was McClellan's bodyguard according to Lincoln really made me understand the political frustrations the Lincoln party had in regards to McClellan's slow moving and cautious approach to battle. Keith Bohannon's view on Confederate logistical problems was very informative and really brought forth information as to Lee's reasons for invading the north and also his retreat.

These chapters are just some of the great amount of information brought together in a very fine book. I would recommend this book to someone who has already read a book on the battle itself before reading this one. This book contains some fighting information but isn't one for coverage on the entire battle. It is one for understanding political unrest, commander motivations, strategies and little unknown and sometimes unclear myths that surround the entire campaign in September 1862. 5 STARS!!!

Once again, Gary W. Gallagher has compiled a wonderful collection of essays in this latest volume of the Military Campaigns of the Civil War Series. Each chapter or essay focuses on a different aspect of the campaign and is written by a different author. This allows for a new perspective on the campaign with each chapter. Among the topics covered by the various essayists are Confederate perception of Antietam as a victory or defeat, Confederate logistics, Confederate artillery, the use of the Antietam battlefield as a classroom for military leaders in the 20th century, the impact of new recruits on the Army of Potomac's effectiveness, and the experiences of individual units.

All of the essays are well-written and contain wonderful insights into their selected aspects of the campaign. Due to the focus of the series on military events, other important issues related to Antietam are only briefly mentioned. Most notably, issues related to emancipation and foreign intervention are mentioned in passing. This, however, is a result of the decision by the editor and the press (University of North Carolina Press) to focus on military aspects. Despite this weakness, I would highly recommend this and all other books in the Military Campaigns of the Civil War series to anyone with an interest in the Civil War.

What a fun and funny novel. Filled with wonderfully quirky small-town characters...I really loved the "singing sheriff" as well as the wonderful romance. I hope more is on the way!

"Drive Time" is a short, spritely novel that reflects the roller coaster world of small town radio. The reason this book was totally absorbing for me to read is that, like the author, my husband and I have extensive experience with this side of the broadcasting business...and in the same time period. The characters are not charicatures, but real people with wonderful quirks and a broad range of emotions and behaviors. We have known adventures and people just like these! The story doesn't bog down with heavy insider technical lingo which helps every reader follow the story and yet learn some of the nuances of the business and the leaps and bounds of technical changes that have came along as the story unfolds. My only disappointment with the novel is that it could have been even more descriptive and longer. Perhaps the author will bring us "Drive On" as a sequel that will be as poignant and hillarious.

Petrina Aubol's "Drive Time" has it all. This book is interesting, funny, adventurous, and romantic. The quick witted charcters help move the story along as the strong-willed Marissa fights for her independence. In her struggles, Marissa finds her true love who helps her through it all and eventually ushers in her ultimate triumph. A great lesson is given at the ending, as Marissa gives in to the desires of her audience.

I feel most fortunate to have read such an amazing novel. I also feel sorry for anyone who passes up the opportunity to read such an hysterical yet deeply moving story about a woman who reaches for more and has a good time doing it.

Reading a Lisa Samson book is like diving into a refreshing literary river--clear, clean prose that carries you along in waters delightful and deep, funny and profound. Women's Intuition is no exception. I am not usually a "women's fiction" reader, but I read Samson because I love good writing, and find she transcends the same old-same old. Join the delight. Discover Lisa Samson for yourself. -- James Scott Bell

Lisa Samson has succesfully created a work of fiction that will touch every facet of your life. She weaves a tale with love, laughter, fear, and joy that anyone would love to wrap themselves up in. Brew a pot of coffee and enter Lark Summerville's complicated life. You won't want to go back home.

This book came recommended by a good friend, one who knows I don't usually like books with "Christian" themes. However, Women's Intuition quickly won me over. It's an awesome read--I loved it and was sad to finish the book. The characters are quirky, funny, honest and compelling. They struggle with fear and with how to have faith in the midst of painful circumstances. The writing is lively and reminds me of Elizabeth Berg or Anne Lamott. I've already recommended this book to three of my friends! Lisa Samson is an up and coming author and I can't wait to read her next book.

I had no idea H. L. Mencken wrote a book until I stumbled upon this treatise (shows you how much I know). Needless to say, I snatched it up in a heartbeat. The book is, unsurprisingly, a literary delight. I was, however, struck at how calm the tone was compared to the acid sarcasm in his dispatches from the Scopes trial. I have to confess, I enjoyed the peacable Mencken more, not that the old trouble-maker doesn't peek through once in a while to give us a good laugh. There is, for instance, a little passage about a "rough Christian country." But I won't give it away - read it for yourself!

In 'Sleeping With Extra-Terrestrials,' Wendy Kaminer wrote that nobody writes like Mencken anymore. She's right, and her advice reminds us that it is always a joy to read such dense, intelligent prose, almost without regard to the subject matter.

In "Treatise on the Gods," Mr. Mencken offers a simple account for the rise of religion that is not founded on much more than his own imagination. But it is as defensible as anything written by anthropologists, and is certainly several orders of magnitude more sensible than taking the stories at face value. For the sort of "true believers" that Mencken would casually dismiss as the "vast herd of humanity," this book will be an affront and an insult. But to cowboys riding that herd, it's a delight.

Who says comparative religion has to be dull? Mencken is on his best behavior here, but his characteristic flash and dazzle light up the book. As "The American Language", reflects Mencken's enduring interest in words, so this book reflects his fascination for religion in all it's varieties from high-toned to gaudy. While innumerable histories of religion have appeared before and since, probably none are so gracefully written and engaging. Even the pious will enjoy it. As for the "admittedly damned" (HLM's phrase), they will enjoy it all the more.

Although I live in Charleston WV, I find myself going to hike in Maryland a lot, and this book is the best of the guides I've found. You can tell by the descriptions that the author has actually hiked all of the places he sends you to (the book cover says he uses a surveyor's measure wheel to get accurate distances). When I'm alone, I look for some of the more rugged hikes he describes; when with family we look for some of the easy 1-2 hour trips.
What I really like is the book provides a lot of background information on the area you will be hiking in--history, plants, animals, and not just telling where they are but lots of tidbits about plant and animal life.
Get this book and you will find some great places to enjoy the outdoors and the reasons as to why you are enjoying it so much.

I live in neighboring wv and am happy to finally see a good guide to MD. I travel there often and was becoming frustrated about not being able to find good hiking information. This book is it--better than any other I've used and full of wonderful background information on the places it directs you to. Hikes range from easy jaunts suitable for families with children to some good overnighters.

What a great book. I've lived next door to Maryland all of my life and never realized all of the wonderful outdoor opportunities it has. This book brought me to many different places, from beach walks to mountain treks, from isolated locales to hidden spots near Baltimore and DC. What I really liked, though, is that it is much more than a "here's a hike and here's how to get to it" book. The author provides dozens of bits of inofrmation on the human and natural history of the areas you hike through--and does it in an entertaining and enjoyable style of writing. Thanks to him, I now have a complete year's worth of hikes to look forward to.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a very warm and tender true story about all the cats and other animals that live on Mr. Caras's farm. I can hardly wait to read another of his many books.

Roger Caras, a very talented writer and animal lover, takes us on a tour of Thistle Hill, his farm in Northern Maryland. Anyone who loves cats, dogs and other animals will love this book. Its gentle humor and compassion are quite absorbing. I must confess to a certain amount of jealousy, though--I would love to have a home like Thistle Hill Farm!

This is an outstanding, well written, entertaining book. Cat and animal lovers should all enjoy it. The book has a beautifully illustrated cover and nice pictures inside of various animals. The book covers not only various adventures of different animals but also shows their intelligence and emotional natures. Roger Caras, the author, writes in a clever, down-home, folksy way. The author also shows his deep caring, respect, and understanding for his many 4-legged friends.

My vet loaned me her copy. I like it so well I plan to buy my own copy and also one for a friend. I look forward to reading other books by Roger Caras. He has written over 60. Nancy Allen, Ada, Oklahoma

This is one of my favorite books ever. Really. I moved to the D.C. area with my lab three years ago, and while we were used to having dozens of places to go for various reasons or times, I didn't know where to begin to find good places to take her around our new home. This book was a godsend for finding fun places to go, especially because I found the reviews to give a me a very accurate idea of what sort of place we were going, including what sort of "feel" it might have for dog-friendliness. Some of the features of the book I have found extremely helpful are:

* Birds-eye maps showing where the reviewed locations are in the counties covered (perfect for finding a park near odd places that I might run errands)
* How strict the leash law is followed (this is a biggie for me -- while the authors point out excellent reasons to use the leash, they very helpfully suggest where we can get away without it)
* Rough idea how crowded the area in question might be, and how easy or difficult to get to (varies of course by time of day and season)
* Whether there's a place for doggie swimming

In my area (Sterling/Ashburn, VA) I've found the book to be amazingly comprehensive for my local and outlying areas, and find that the park descriptions have always given me a pretty accurate idea what to expect. The book covers a wide enough range (including some pseudo-local vacation destinations) that I've used it on countless occasions to find nice stopover while on short trips outside my "home turf". Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys finding varied places to visit with their pups.

I bought this book when it first came out for a friend of mine who was moving to Baltimore with her dog. Two years later, I borrowed it from her when I discovered I was moving to D.C. I found it enormously usefull for choosing a dog-friendly neighborhood with good access to parks. The authors understand the basic qualities of a good dog park: safety, space, a group of 'regular' neighborhood go-ers, and access to a good espresso bar for weekend dog walking. Overall, the writers do an excelent job.

I have only a few complaints. One - due to the impossibility of visiting every park in this populous region more than once, I've found that the park's ratings can heavily reflect the day and time of the visit -- not necessarily what the park is like on a typical weekday at 6pm. Also, some park ratings reflect a nice place to go with a small dog on a leash, you won't necessarily have the same experience with your massive Great Dane tugging at every new smell. The writers also disapprove of dogs being off-leash, and rate more lowly some parks that are true jems for those of us with larger dogs that require more exercise.

Overall, a great guide, and certainly unique. A must for all dog owners in this area, particularly if you moving to this region.

I highly recommend this book to dog owners who love to take their little four-legged friend(s) everywhere. It is well organized and the writing style used is perfect for dog lovers.

It covers almost all the parks in the Washington D.C., Virginia and Baltimore. Have you ever looked up a park on a map and it looked huge and perfect for your dog, and when you got there, you and your dog were very disappointing with the park? Well, the review for each park is quite accurate. With this book on hand, you can look up a park and find out if it is suitable for your dog before driving there. It covers important information that a dog owner needs to know about the park/area - such as the poop scoop law and the leash law.

It also contains information (ie. hotel, restaurant, pet stores, etc...) that is very useful for dog owners who like to take their pooches on vacation with them.

Embedded into the book, you will find dog adoption information. The book encourages suggestions from readers. I've already written to the publisher suggesting to include information on various rescue organizations and local animal shelters - a way to help promote pet rescue/adoption.