Douglas MacGowan's book, Murder in Victorian Scotland..., depicts Madeline Smith's life and trial with a clarity and focus that allow the reader a glimpse into a bygone era. Using historical references and letters saved by the deceased to build the world of Madeline Smith and Emile L'Angelier, MacGowan takes his reader into the lives of these two figures in context of 18th century Scotland and allow them to come to their own conclusion regarding the historic trial and its rather odd verdict of "Not Proven". Overall, a fascinating look at another life, time, and judicial system.

Most mystery buffs relish the challenge of piecing together the clues and figuring out "who done it" before the author discloses the guilty party(ies). A smug satisfaction settles in after the reader wades through a complex set of circumstances and successfully solves the puzzle. Of course, the fiction author always reveals the answers by the last page. Not so in the true crime story related in "Murder in Victorian Scotland : The Trial of Madeleine Smith." We know that Emile died of arsenic poisoning, and that his secret lover Madeleine was tried for his murder, then released with the unusual verdict of "Not Proven." However, author Douglas MacGowan won't give us much more than that. His clever, 'diarist' style of chronologically detailing the available facts and surviving evidence puts readers smack in the middle of this intriguing story -- to decide for themselves what really happened.

Those who usually avoid non-fiction will likely find the saga of Madeleine and Emile as riveting as a blood and guts novel -- pondering clues and re-reading pages in an attempt to fit together pieces of the puzzle. Madeleine's letters to Emile offer a fascinating study in human psychology, through both her emotional missives to her lover, and his apparent responses which are implied in her references. Other characters are woven in, making us wonder if there is more to this tale than just an inappropriate love affair gone wrong. We get to glimpse a time and society where morals, laws and investigative tools were much different from those of today. Yet, it all boils down in the end to -- an upper class young woman carries on a passionate and secret love affair with a common man, who ends up dead by poison just as the woman plans to wed another of her own class. A timeless scenario. And, one that presents more questions than answers.

This book provides a rare chance for the reader to "rewrite" history with his/her own verdict...and to wonder about the author's own conclusion. Did she do it? Or not? Puzzling. Thought-provoking. Challenging. Terrific! A must read for historians AND mystery lovers!

In what was called "The Trial of the Century" in 1857, a young lady named Madeleine Smith was accused of poisoning a lover of a lower class so that she could marry a man her family deemed more suitable.

The subject of this case does not seem to inspire moderation of views, as earlier works seem to be nakedly pro or anti Smith. Unlike previous works on the case (and many books of this genre), the author resists the temptation to take a stand on the innocence or guilt of the accused. Perhaps MacGowan has enough faith in his readers intelligence to allow them to come to their own conclusions.

People who want to read a murder mystery in which the answers are handed to them at the end might want to read an Agatha Christie novel instead. Those that don't mind thinking for themselves, and getting a glimpse of the culture and justice system of the Victorian age will enjoy this book.

We checked this book out from the library again and again. We loved it. There are seven very 'American' children in our family, and we ate or drank every recipe we tried from this cookbook.
The illustrations and descriptions were delightful. The recipes were tasty and appealing to all literary-minded children who have been permitted or encouraged from babyhood to have adventurous palates.
Several recipes have been oft requested birthday favorites.

Yummy. Wish it were still in print.

I LOVE the Chronicles of Narnia, even as a "grown-up".So I jumped at the chance to learn how to make foods described in the books.

The book is supposedly aimed at kids. I will say though, that the taste of the foods is really more adult (or English). They taste great, don't get me wrong, but kids (unless they are really excited about the recipies being Narnian) will likely think them wierd. I made the Tea Cakes with Lemon Curd Filling for a friend's kid's Communion Party, and all the adults raved--but the kids wouldn't even go near them. (Incidentally, the Tea Cakes are DELICIOUS. A wonderful treat).

A note of advice, you will need stuff like double boilers and parchment paper for some of the recipies. Plus you will have to make some trips to specialty food stores. However, most of the stuff is middling easy to make.

Overall, this is a wonderful book. I am so glad I have it. The recipies are very tasty, and the book itself provides a wonderful cornicopia of foods and ideas that Americans are not very familiar with.

Having a 7-year old boy who loves The Chronicles of Narnia, this book really caught my eye. He has pored over it, and we have already made two of the recipes: Lucy's Roast Apples and Marmalade Roll. They both turned out very well, and were quite popular with the whole family.

This book has approximately 68 recipes divided into categories such as Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner, Dessert, and Drinks.

In my opinion, the mark of a good cookbook is the percentage of recipes that one would actually make. In this cookbook, there is a high percentage of the recipes that I would try.

Each recipe has a bit of commentary from Douglas Gresham, Lewis' stepson, and a quote from one of the books that lists the dish the recipe is for. The commentary is interesting and informative. There is also a foreward written by Gresham. At the end of the book are some menu ideas so that you can have a Narnian dinner party with your friends.

While reading this book I experienced one of those "light bulb" moments that Oprah is always talking about. Douglas' realization of the single key element which allowed the white man to enslave the black man .... ignorance. During the time of slavery in this country it was illegal to teach slaves to read. When Douglas realizes this - that only by keeping the black man illiterate, is the white man able to keep him in chains, he teachs himself to read - and he manages to free himself.

Every young person, regardless of race, should read this book and realize how an education will change their lives.

This is a short book of a little over a hundred pages. You can read it in a couple of hours. It was first published in 1845 and is the early life of its author.

The book was written against the debates that raged in America over slavery. The writer an escaped slave lectured for some years against slavery on speaking tours. Advocates of slavery suggested that he was a fraud and to intelligent to be a slave. The book was written to prove the truth of his claims and background.

Douglas appears to have been the result of a liaison between his master and his mother. No one knows for sure as his father never acknowledged him. One realizes how evil the institution of slavery is that it could so warp the feelings of a natural father so as to allow a son to live the life as a slave.

The institution was clearly a degrading one. In one house Douglas was fed by cooked corn being dumped on the ground, he and other slaves would have to scoop it up with simple utensils and eat it. Clothing was rationed so that each slave would be given a pair of pants and two shirts a year. Children were only given shirts. One of the cruelest aspects of slavery was that slaves were prohibited from education. It was thought education would be at variance with their state and lead to rebellion.

Douglas describes how the institution could lead to random cruelty. One master is described as shooting a slave who refused to obey an instruction. He did so as a calculated act to ensure that in the future he would be obeyed. Although killing slaves was against the law he committed the act only in the presence of other slaves who were not permitted to give evidence in law courts.

Douglas was placed in a household in which a woman taught him how to read. The women's husband found out and the lessons stopped. Never the less it seemed to be the start of Douglas's refusal to accept his status. Somewhat later Douglas was put into the care of a notorious pastor. The pastor had a reputation as a slave breaker. After considerable humiliation Douglas confronted the pastor and rebelled against his authority. It was normal in such circumstances for people to be publicly flogged. The pastor however refused to have Douglas flogged. Not because of any religious feeling but over a concern that if a slave in his care was seen to beyond his control then his living as a slave breaker would be at an end. Douglas decided after this that he would try to escape to the north. After some initial failures he escaped and became one of the leading spokesmen against slavery.

The book was written at a time when large numbers of Americans argued strongly that slavery was a benevolent institution aimed at providing a benefit to the "uncivilized Africans." It is hard now to believe that such a debate would have taken place.

Good book, boring at times, but really puts you in the life of a slave.

I'm a sucker for coming of age stories, where the main character (usually a young boy) steps out of childhood to enter manhood through a series of traumatic events that will leave him changed forever. This is exactly what happens to Beau in Douglas Clegg's brilliantly imaginative Neverland, a book that will leave you breathless and in complete awe.

Beau, his parents, his infant brother and his twin sisters leave for their annual summer trip down to the family island, where they will stay with Beau's aunt and her family and his grandmother for the following month. When he arrives, his cousin Sumter is already waiting for him. Sumter is a strange boy who has discovered something magical and yet terrifying in the old shack behind the house. A crate with something - or someone - trapped inside. Something that calls itself Lucy.

Soon enough, Beau finds himself trapped in a nightmare he can't get himself out of. They nickname the shack Neverland, the place where imagination runs free, a place where pain and sadness does not exist. But Neverland grows to be an entity of its own, and it wants something more than mere company. It wants blood.

Douglas Clegg's imgination is amazing, and he puts it to full use in this book. The things we used to dream as children - both good dreams and nightmares - come alive in this book. You soon find yourself trapped in playground from hell, where there are very few rules.

Beau will have to face his own personal demons as he will be pushed to the very limits of sanity by Sumter and Neverland. The last 150 pages of the book are a real roller coster ride, where everything goes to hell, and where Clegg really shows how great and brilliant his imagination truly is.

Not only is Neverland a great horror novel, it is one you won't soon forget. Douglas Clegg is the master of suspense, no dout about it. So do yourself a favor and pick on of his book up. I promise, you won't be disappointed.

Clegg does it again. He is one of the most consistently effective horror writers I have ever read. In Never Land, we meet cousins Beau and Sumter summering at their grandmother's home on Gull Island. While the grown-ups drink and fight amongst themselves, the kids explore the island in search of adventure. Unfortunately, Sumter isn't exactly the most mentally healthy child, and he drags his cousins into some bizarre, frightening and dangerous games in his secret hideaway called Neverland. Communicating with another world, Sumter calls forth evil forces that threaten to destroy the family and the island. In the process, family secrets are dragged into the open, and Beau finds himself as the single person who may be able to save his family. Clegg has a knack for creating believable child characters who act in ways and say things that you would expect from a child. I absolutely could not put this book down until I finished it. It's creepy, suspenseful, and wickedly fun to read. Do what you must to track down these out-of-print Clegg novels; you won't be disappointed.

Clegg certainly knows the innocence of child's mind and also the dark fantasies they all possesse at one point too. This book was definitely the best I've read in a long time. Clegg's best.

In the 1970s this text became a classic on the subject of nonparametric methods. It was written for practitioners and students. It is introductory and comprehensive. It describes the methods accurately but does not cover the theory. Later Randles and Wolfe wrote a companion book covering the theory. This revision is much larger and covers the many advances over the past 20 years. It covers bootstrap methods as well. Also computational advances are discussed.

Conover's "Practical Nonparametric Statistics" is another fine book for practitioners. I also recommend Lehmann's book on nonparametrics. It was published in 1975 and is not easy to find these days.

This is an excellent book on a somewhat underutilized group of statistical techniques. It could be used for a course in nonparametric statistics at the graduate level in Psychology or the social sciences, although I don't think the whole book could be covered in a semester.

It is perhaps more valuable as a reference for the practicing data analyst. Because of the format, it is relatively easy to find a procedure that does what you want. There are 11 chapters, the first of which is an introduction, and the others each cover one type of problem (e.g. the one-sample location problem). Within each chapter are a variety of procedures, each of which is discussed in the same format: Procedure, large-sample approximation, ties, example, comments, properties and problems.

In addition, there are close to 200 pages of tables, many of which I haven't seen elsewhere.

Overall, highly recommended for anyone who needs to use or teach these techniques.

I found this book to be very helpful and it required minimal interpretation from academia to understand. More so for the practicioner than the theoretician.

"One Book Rightly Divided" by Douglas Stauffer is outstanding in every sense. The layout, print, diagrams and cover are impeccable. The book feels good, and is easy to read and handle. However, it is the contents and the text that lift "One Book Rightly Divided" into a class of its own - light-years ahead of any similar work.

This is the quintessential book on "right division" and dispensationalism. Every Pastor, preacher, minister and Bible College lecturer NEEDS this book. Sadly, much of the material in its pages will be unknown to those who are entrusted with "feeding the flock" and teaching the word. However, "One Book Rightly Divided" will ensure that ignorance or lack of understanding of "right division" are no longer excusable for the Christian, be he teacher, pupil or just and ordinary church member.

Dr Stauffer gently and patiently takes the reader on a Bible "journey" that progressively builds an understanding of hitherto much-neglected Bible doctrine. At the end of the journey, the reader can only step back and and say "What a wonderful God we have, what an awesome Bible He has preserved for us - and thank you Dr Stauffer for taking me on such an exciting journey."

Dr Dennis Spackman Medical Practitioner, church founder, Bible teacher. Auckland, New Zealand

Found this book very enlighting. The King James Bible is clearly understood when you know where it's coming from, the time lines put all the events in proper perspective. Brother Stauffers' book is loaded with Bible references which show evidence to the truth contained there. Mr. Stauffer certainly knows his subject completely, which leaves the reader amazed at the facts from his indepth research,and without any doubts. This book is exciting to read as the information unfolds and the truth blossoms clear.

As a dedicated Bible reader, I must say that Dr. Stauffer has helped raise the fog from my eyes. Any person that studies the Bible can tell you that if you apply every verse (by itself) to your life, you will be schizophrenic in a sense. I have discovered now, what parts of the Bible apply to me today. Dr. Stauffer does not reduce the importance of any verse of the Bible, but merely clarifies which of the gospels apply to modern man. I encourage any person to study this book. I would nearly say that if they did not realize what I have realized, I would give them a refund myself. God has clearly used Dr. Stauffer by blessing him with this knowledge.

The Open Road is for everyone looking to take the big cities stress away... I got a copy from my brother and read it as fast as him... Couldn't stop!! It is wonderful!! Full of exciting situations, it makes you want to go backpacking in search of your place in the world. Anyone seeking for a positive change of life, anyone bored of working in a dead-end job, any nature lover, everybody should read this book. I like very much reading about expeditions and outdoor life, and I have read a lot. But this book has taken from very deep inside of me the feeling that there is a better life waiting for me, for everybody who really wants to improve his life. It is not a book about mysthic and religion. It is a book about true and joyfull life. So, take my advice and read it... You won't be disappointed!!

In life there are farmers and explorers. The farmerscrops the fields that others have found. The explorersopen new horizons to the future, working alone and often against convention. Douglas McKinley has written about the explorers. He has written about people who are willing to turn their backs on material objects and daily routines, in order to probe the soul of life. Another bonus is that Open Road has the best surfing prose I have ever read. It is a must-read book for everyone's Christmas stocking

This is a novel that comes alive as you follow the adventures of a young man backpacking around the Rocky Mountains and the midwest in search of himself. Filled with irony and surprises and subtle humor, The Open Road is one of the few books I've read that you gain something from. An excellent novel.

...life forms are required to use a seldom-exercised ability called "imagination" which, with effort, allows the user to paint a mental tapestry that is superior in many respects to any computer generated image or subjective image of perfection.

(takes a breath)

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy goes on a bit about the relative superiority of radio as a medium that stimulates the pleasure centers of the brain, but it also notes several references to various works that endure in a medium regarded as deader than the telegraph.

The Hitchhiker's Guide is not only proof that radio is still a viable medium for drama, but that Douglas Adams is a genius. The show, scripted week-by-week by DNA and Geoffrey Perkins was easily translated to books and television with minimal edits. Yes, the second series is a bit off the ultimate track, but it is quite original and the foot notes from Douglas and Perkins are very insightful. These footnotes exist as a log of what took place when it all began and, sadly, as the only memoir to them.

If you can find it, get it.

As a longtime fan of Adam's Sci-Fi Comedy series, I was delighted to discover this book. It was a lot of fun to read, and offered much insight into the process behind the Original Hitchhiker's Guide Radio Show. And there are a few scenes that never made it to the novels. Douglas Adams is funny in any form, and this was no exception.

It's a shame that this book sems to be so hard to find. I was actually introduced to the Hitchhiker stories through the radio show (the audio recordings of which are probably even harder to find), which was a marvel of storytelling and sound effects when it came out (it still is, of course). Ultimately, the script book is a much better read if you have heard the original radio series, but even if you haven't, check it out (if you can). The scripts are written in true Douglas Adams style, with directions written in there that often don't have to do with the show itself (such as Adams' long description of the Bugblatter Beast of Traal), and it may be your only chance to learn about the Haggunenonns, the super-evolutionary race of aliens originally put in place of the rock group Disaster Area during the black stuntship scene. Be warned, however, since the series was written episodically, meaning that Adams never had any grand scheme for the show, and just wrote it as he went along (explains a lot, doesn't it?). You may think that the plot of the Restaurant at the End of the Universe was convoluted, but I thought it made perfect sense in comparison to the plot of the two radio series. Either way, it's a crazy ride, and worth every minute spent trying to make sense of it. If you consider yourself a HHG fan, then take it upon yourself to listen to the original radio series, and then read the scripts (which clarify it a good deal). Just make sure that you know where your towel is first.

Looking through this book is a magnificent journey through the beauty of California's magnificent Central Coast. Photographer Douglas Steakley has captured this beauty in an amazing way. I would strongly encourage locals, visitors, and those unable to visit this area to buy this book. This is not an ordinary photo book that you flip through in a few minutes! Although I am fortunate enough to live in this wonderful area I spent quite a bit of time looking at each page absorbing the fantastic photography Mr. Steakley has to offer. The poetry by Ric Masten and foreword by Jane Smiley were also delightful to read and are an important part of this beautiful book.

Over 20 years ago, I visited the Monterey Peninsula: I recall the splendor of land meeting sea, the power of the ocean and the majesty of the hillside. The images of the region remained dormant in my mind until revived by "Pacific Light." "Pacific Light" is a photography book that does not allow closure; it whispers and radiates to our senses to be viewed again and again. Essentially, it is not another table book: It demands one's focus and attention like an exceptional masterpiece. One is inspired by the pictures and poetry of the Monterey Peninsula, an area that explodes with natural beauty and color on every page. Laser sharp, technically and artistically captivating images charm the eye then the brain. Every photo tells a story about the land, its people, the light, the poet and the photographer. I delighted in the lush green landscapes with shades of emerald rivaling Ireland, rolling hills with a dusting of snow reminiscent of Eastern Washington and the ethereal splendor of Pfeiffer Beach that fittingly covers the dust jacket. Mr. Steakley shows us the unparalleled beauty of China Cove beach, brilliant in a warm Caribbean like light, the majesty of Garrapata Beach at sunset, and the breathtaking vista of a waterfall at McWay Creek. The photographs validate a dedicated and talented photographer who comprehends the area and is aware of its moods, artistry and verse. I applaud the photography of Doug Steakley and the poetry of Ric Masten whose synergy is palpable in this well designed book. I recommend this book to anyone who has visited the area or who savors a magnificent hardback of landscape photography and poetry.

Over 20 years ago, I visited the Monterey Peninsula: I recall the splendor of land meeting sea, the power of the ocean and the majesty of the hillside. The images of the region remained dormant in my mind until revived by "Pacific Light." "Pacific Light" is a photography book that does not allow closure; it whispers and radiates to our senses to be viewed again and again. Essentially, it is not another table book: It demands one's focus and attention like an exceptional masterpiece. One is inspired by the pictures and poetry of the Monterey Peninsula, an area that explodes with natural beauty and color on every page. Laser sharp, technically and artistically captivating images charm the eye then the brain. Every photo tells a story about the land, its people, the light, the poet and the photographer. I delighted in the lush green landscapes with shades of emerald rivaling Ireland, rolling hills with a dusting of snow reminiscent of Eastern Washington and the ethereal splendor of Pfeiffer Beach that fittingly covers the dust jacket. Mr. Steakley shows us the unparalleled beauty of China Cove beach, brilliant in a warm Caribbean like light, the majesty of Garrapata Beach at sunset, and the breathtaking vista of a waterfall at McWay Creek. The photographs validate a dedicated and talented photographer who comprehends the area and is aware of its moods, artistry and verse. I applaud the photography of Doug Steakley and the poetry of Ric Masten whose synergy is palpable in this well designed book. I recommend this book to anyone who has visited the area or who savors a magnificent hardback of landscape photography and poetry.

Wow. I've read a bunch of books in this area and, having read this one, I wish I had just read this one first and saved myself a lot of time. This book presents a thorough yet accessible view of Palestinian society at the time of Jesus, covering the major social structures in the areas of family, politics, economy, and religion. For me, the book's key feature was its wonderfully clear organization, but I also appreciated the concise writing and illuminating examples. I was also impressed by the authors' affirmative efforts to point those interested in further information and research in the right direction, including reference to a website building on their work. A wonderful overview and fine piece of work.

I used this text for the first time with my students in the Fall semester of 1999. Not only did I enjoy reading the text, but the students found it to be accessable and understandable. The ancient world came alive, not only for me, but also for my students. A great introduction to the ancient cultural surroundings of the New Testament.

This book is an excellent and extremely readable guide to the culture of 1st century Palestine. It clarifies the context in which Jesus conducted his ministry, identifying the dominant power structures which contrasted to his own kingdom "community."

The book approaches its subject from a sociological perspective, identifying the dynamics within four social domains -- kinship, politics, economics and religion. These categories made the subject matter come alive. The content was more readable and relevant than any previous book on 1st century Palestine culture I had read.

The book's usefulness is enhanced by the charts generously interspersed throughout the text. Occasional comparisons between the ancient world and modern society helped to clarify key points. Each chapter also contained a brief section entitled "Applying the Perspectives," which posed pertinent and thought-provoking questions about the implications of the content -- how it provides insight into interpretation of one of Jesus' teachings and how that insight might be applied to our own day and time.

Dr. Hanson and Dr. Oakman should be applauded for making such rich content accessible and understandable to today's reading audience. This book would be valuable to a wide variety of readers -- it is challenging enough for seminary students and pastors but free of the academic gobbledygook that could make it intimidating or "not worth the time" for "non-professionals." As a lay person who seeks a deeper understanding of the Jesus story and how it applies to contemporary issues, I am grateful for this excellent resource.