Brendan Simms' "The Impact of Napoleon" is one of the best historical texts I have ever read. The author presents a cogent and persuasive argument that Prussian foreign policy from 1797-1806 was not influenced in any major way by domestic politics, correcting a mistake that German historians have been making since they began writing on the subject. He shows that there was no "Pro-French" lobby in the court, and that the ministers changed policies to suit the wishes of the king. Simms shows how foreign policy was firmly in the hands of the King, Frederick William III, and the ultimate decision rested with him. Simms shows how the Prussian system of government (put in place by Frederick the Great) led to disaster in the hands of a weak and timid king, when confronted by Napoleon.

The book is broken up into a section on the Prussian system, and to a section on how the system and the individuals in it reacted to events. There is an epilogue explaining how the horrible defeat at Jena led to a reevaluation of the system and its reform in favor of a more professional and independent governmental system and foreign ministry. For anyone who is interested in Napoleonic diplomatic history or in German history this is a must-have book.

This is a great book about the Haitian Revolution it is different essay about this revolution impact on other nations in the Atlantic World. It not only gives various historians thoughts and ideas but a more rounder view of what this revolution really did for the atlantic world.

Alexander Thomas wrote about three towns in upstate New York, which has been having pretty bad economic problems. What makes this book worth reading is that he shows how what's happening today developed from the end of world war II. He talks about Utica and the urban renewal programs, the highways, the effect of companies moving out, and how the state of the city today is really the product of fifty years of events. Then he shows how small towns like Cooperstown and Hartwick have suffered the same trends but, because theyre small towns, they experienced them differently. Everybody interested in upstate New York needs to read this book! Anybody interested in social change needs to read it too.

This book shares the light, color, and poetry of Mexico with its readers. The photographer's passion for his subjects comes through with every photo. It is also an interesting view into the unique Mexican history of fiestas; the context of the traditions within daily life is very intriguing. I would highly recommend this book to those interested in either Mexico or color photography. It is a beautiful and sensitive work.

This book collects most of the written material available and includes actual person-to-person contact to document the Primitive Baptist Universalist church in Central Appalachia. Well-researched and well-written, this book describes a religious group that is remarkable for its openness and extreme forgiveness in a region traditionally viewed as fundamentalist, crude, and harsh. Readers must wade through excessive detail at times but if they persevere, the detail helps to color in the shades of this unique group.

This is a wonderful book of photographs of the flora, fauna, people and places that make these parts of Central America some of the most beautiful places on earth. From the smallest of the Mayan children to the massive volcanic mountains and the magnificent scenery of Lake Atitlan - you will want to visit them through these photos again and again

This is a fascinating book about women in prison and the different world they inhabit. Author Barbara Owen, a criminologist and experienced prison researcher, used a quasi-ethnographic method to study a large prison for women -- in her words, she did a lot of "hanging around." While doing so she talked in great depth to both inmates and prison staff, and we learn a lot from those conversations and her insightful analyses of them.

This book helps us to understand the lives of women inmates and what led them to prison. Many suffered abuse and trauma of various kinds, and most would be considered "marginalized" women in society. Owen explores the contexts of the choices the women made as each progressed down her "pathway to prison." The author illuminates how the prison experience is much different for women than for men prisoners. While men often "do time" on their own, women emphasize relationships, both with other inmates as well as with family members left behind. A prison for women is much safer than one for men. Most women inmates seek a useful way to structure their lives in prison and prepare for a better future, though some do not. Those who want to continue the way of life that led them to crime and prison become involved "in the mix", prison slang for the negative side of the culture and activities there.

If the reader is interested in why women get involved in crime (much less so than men, by the way) and what happens in a prison for women, this highly readable book is for you.

This family oriented historical is set in Puerto Rico amongst 4th grade girlfriends. A well read perspective on cliques, class division and affluent society in another country! An excellent book and will be of interest to the 5th through the 8th grades, including parents and teachers. Highly recommended reading.

You'll enjoy this book even if you don't live in Indiana -- and you'll definitely enjoy it if you do. Packed with the odd and unusual, this book was filled with surprises even for me, and I've lived in Indiana for almost 20 years. Strange things you'll see along the road, folks who collect or build wierd stuff, bizarre legends and history... Dick Wolfsie explains them all with both wit and respect, and turns in a first-rate book that you should have with you on any daytrip you take around the Hoosier state.

This is a fabulous book that truly depicts the down home feel of Indiana. As a life-long resident, I am able to reflect on the many places I have visited throughout the years. The photography was beautiful and made me proud of my midwest heritage. I first purchased this book for my daughter to take to her host family in Germany and have now purchased it for myself and for gifts.