First I would like to thank Amazon for making this fine book so easy to obtain. There are countless thousands of descendants of these, strong, courageous people that now live throughout the world. my son among them, being on a temporary assigment in Turkey. Many thousands more know little of the history of our people. This book should have a particular appeal to these folk. Perhaps by the reading of Mr. Howards book some will be induced to further study and research. It is a benifit to all that seek the true history of our country. These folk were a monolithic type, what happened to one could be an indicator of what happened to the society in the whole. My families have ties to several of those mentioned in this book. As an example, my grandfather was the first cousin to the wife of Louis Riel. My great grandmother was the god child of, Marie Anne Gaboury, the first white woman in the northwest. My fathers mother was baptized by, Father Lestanc. These people are mentioned in this well written book. Thank you, Melvin Beaudry Lynnwood, Washington.

The amazing story of the Metis people whose French ancestors first colonized and controlled most of North America. Louis Riel should have been a National Hero for all Canadians since without him most of the land west of Ontario would have fallen in US hands.

This book is riveting and should be required reading for history majors.

A century ago, North America almost had a fourth nation, Assiniboia. That would-be nation's leader, a poet, religious zealot and one-time schoolteacher named Louis Riel, once was considered a traitor ro Canada but now is being revered and "rehabilitated" as one of the founders of the Dominion of Canada. Riel was "drafted" as leader of the Metis, "mixed blood" children of the fur trade, when Canada was reneging on its promises to these people who carried on the cultures of both European and indigenous ancentry. (Today, Celtic and French folklorists visit Metis in Western Canada and Montana to record unblemished versions of tradition folk music long dead in their original mother countries.) Howard, a legend in Montana journalism and history himself, penned his masterpiece in "Strange Empire." He gets down to the basics of the struggle for Western North America and some of the more haunting passages deal with the pyschlogical effects of such white man's diseases as smallpox and alchohol and their role in subjugating the natives a century or so ago. Riel was hanged for his insurgence, but had he been more decisive in battle, the maps -- and language patterns -- of much of North America would be much different.

This book is a soft-cover collection of superb photographs in B&W. It is large, some 12"x9", giving plenty of space for large detailed prints.

It's difficult to find words enough to praise this collection of Roffman's work. His models are simply magical (well all but one!), and their sensitivity, shyness and youth simply flood from the page to your eye and then to your brain.

I suspect that many guys will simply absorb themselves in the pictures and wish they could dive in and hug many of these boys - and boys most of them are. No hardened, pumped-up, muscle-Marys here; simply a collection of great boy-next-door types.

Tha accompanying text gives context to the models and the photographs; Roffman says that he loves Brian, the first profile portrait we see. Well, so do I! He just too perfect and is, for me, the very best of what is a superb collection of pretty boys.

Highly recommended for its soul, its insight, its quality, and for its presentation of first-class eye candy.

Tales is a powerful book both in words and pictures in which Roffman sensuously catures twelve of the most beautiful young men in the world. By telling us his realtionship with each Roffman then completes the story in his photography allowing us not only to see these boys' outside beauty but also that which lies within. A masterpiece.

Howard Roffman relates his encounters with his models through his pictures. The viewer senses the affection between Roffman and his models. Romantically and in a world of dreams, he allows us a glimpse of this world and puts us all under his spell.

This a book that really epitomizes clear writing is a function of clear thinking. The first part of the book deals with the process of writing a first draft. I really liked how it laid out the stages and what was the objectives of each stage with being a cookbook. The last parts deal with reasoning for discovery and then presentation. Can be a quick read, but if you take your time and asborb the steps and the thinking behind, you will be a much better writer.

So you've opened a new file and are staring at a blank screen. Now what?

Howard and Barton, two Harvard researchers in education, argue in Ch. 1, "Writing Is Thinking," that writing is about generating ideas, not just communicating them, and that writer's block comes from preoccupation with the "performance" aspect of writing (and also from the myth that you need to wait for flashes of insight from a fickle "muse").

Ch. 2, "From First to Last Draft," explains a process that puts concerns about performance at the very end, where they belong: (1) Record every thought you have on your topic--half-formed thoughts, confused thoughts, silly thoughts, sentences, phrases, lists, feelings, questions--quickly, with no concern about clear formulation, aiming for quantity, not quality. (2) Go over these notes and give topical labels to large and small chunks of text. (3) Retype your notes (don't cut 'n' paste), grouping sections by topic. While this step is fairly simple and mechanical, you'll inevitably do a bit of rethinking, ammending, and revising along the way, but without stirring up performance anxiety. (4) Rearrange the topics into a sensible sequence. (5) NOW work on performance issues.

The remaining chapters are about organizing ideas into an essay format, making an argument, and grammar and punctuation. These chapters may be helpful too, but I haven't read them. I think the real gift of this book is not so much that it helps you write well but that it helps you write instead of not writing.

The process works. I can vouch for it. I'm hyper-perfectionistic, but with the help of this book and Anne Lamott's "Bird by Bird," I wrote a book without ever getting paralyzed in front of a blank screen. (Now I just hope it'll work as well for my dissertation . . . )

V.A. Howard and J.H. Barton, are two Harvard University researchers in education. They explore writing as a way of shaping thought and tackle the problem of writers block. I just came across this book in my Harvard Philosophy of Education class taught by Professor V. A. Howard; his course was as delightful and inspiring as his book! This is a MUST for any writers book shelf.

I can't praise enough this book. The First section explain the Basic about Storytelling, the Second section expose The Screenwriting Tools, the Third Section from the page 100 to the end provide an Analyses of 16 Films using the following tools/elements:

Protagonist and Objective, Conflict, Obstacles, Premise and Opening, Main tension, Culmination and Resolution, Theme, Unity, Exposition, Characterization, Development of the History, Dramatic Irony, Preparation and Aftermath, Planting and Payoff, Plausibility, Action and Activity, Dialogue, Visuals, Dramatic Scenes.

My conclusions:
1) The information is clear and concise explaining the essential elements of a script
2) The Analyses Section provides examples in depth
3) The book is cheap

Is a favorite between my 12 books about Writing, you can't go wrong with this bok even if you are a Pro because the analyses of the films provide you a comparative of the central principles of a good movie.

Forget all of the other books out there...or, buy the other books, but make this one first on your list. Howard and Mabley are both accomplished professional writers and they know their tools of the craft, which they now share with you. This book succeeds immensely simply because it lists the elements of a screenplay and tells how each is best used and why. It has all of the basic elements: Dialogue, Dramatic Irony, etc. But ever heard of "Preparation and Aftermath", "Future and Advertising", "Planting and Payoff", or "Plausibility"? If not, then learn how to include them in YOUR screenplay to make it better, more exciting, and more fulfilling in a dramatic and universal way. Absolutely the best book on screenwriting. Period. Buy it now. I have read it a countless number of times and each time I learn something new or it spurs my imagination to create something new in the world of my screenplay. Please do yourself a favor and get a hold of this book. A masterpiece of screenplay instruction.

"Tools" is written by an intellectual with many years under his belt. He starts from the bottom up, and teaches you writing from the most basic levels to the most complex of ideas. This book not only improves your screenwriting skills by leaps and bounds, but enriches your movie-going experience.

Uncle Wiggily and his Friends by Howard R. Garis was one of the first books I remember reading (or having read to me). Uncle Wiggily Longears is a "rabbit gentleman." He has a kind heart, goes on interesting adventures and teaches children life lessons.

I have the 1955 edition, complete with a green cloth cover. I will never part with it, even though it has scribble marks in it. It is in fact the copy I had when I was about seven years old and has been to Africa and back.

My favorite story is "Uncle Wiggly and the Apple Dumpling." While I had never tasted one as a child, I sure wanted to! It looked delicious. It is no wonder I was intrigued when one of my mother's friends made such a dessert. Years later I wrote to her and requested the recipe. I also love the little poems at the end of each story.

If you are looking for a book with old-fashioned warmth, line drawings, full-page color pictures and animals that take on human personalities, this is a book you will treasure.

This is a wonderful book appropriate for all children. I have the 1986 printing indicating copyrights of 1939 and 1955 by The Platt & Munk Co., Inc. a division of Grosset & Dunlap (ISBN 0-448-40504-0). Many color and B & W drawings are presented in a detailed style common for the period. A typical page is half text and half art. There are simple rhymes accompanying each story. My children enjoy the stories which include tales about helping neighbors in a variety of needs, e.g. being snowbound,or cold. Uncle Wiggily and the Apple Dumpling is a favorite story of my family. The sled and canoe tales are also popular. There are 8 stories in all. The artwork is by George Carlson. This book ought to be reprinted. - Cedric Richeson

Uncle Wiggly stories were read to me as a pre-school and early grades bed-time routine. Anticipating the next adventure is a fond memory. The problem-solving and very proper bunny gentleman gives a life's lesson that there are clever and common sense approaches to problems that suddenly arise, and that there are continuous problems that surprise our lives. We are now reading these stories to our 4.5 year old (for the last year) and she brings me the books every night. I'm Professor of Biochemistry at LSU.

I grew up with my Dad reading Uncle Wiggily stories to me and my two sisters almost every night. This is a memory that I treasure forever. The stories in this book are very heartwarming and teach life lessons. This was my favorite book growing up and I distinctly remember begging for just one more story before I had to go to bed! I highly recommend this as a bedtime story book!

This distinguished bunny gentleman and his affection for children, his vital imagination and his enthusiasm for living are utterly captivating to kids. At least they were for mine. Now that my little 5-year-old girl and I have exhausted the stories in print, she begs me make up new ones every Saturday morning. Her favorites so far: 'Uncle Wiggly and the Statue That Came Alive,' and 'Uncle Wiggly and the Pirate Raccoons' (neither of which is available in print, since, as I indicated, I made them up). Suffice to say that the Wiggly sensibility is unremittingly positive. Its prime tenets: Generosity and self-sacrifice; solving problems through innovative thinking; underscoring the dignity of each individual; believing only the *best* about everyone (including the Harum Scarum Bear), and going through the day with a mischievous smile and a bounce in one's step. By the way, the bunny gentleman's full name -- which you will also not find in any of the books -- is 'Hieronymo Falstaff Wiggleston Longears.' And, as you might gather, he's become a beloved member of our family.

This is a precious collection of stories, in chapter form detailing adventures of Uncle Wiggily, the bunny rabbit gentleman, who understands people talk, and dedicates his life to helping other animals and children. When I started reading this book to my six year old, it took a couple of stories for him to become involved in the book. After that, he loved the stories, and begged for a new one each night. These stories are set in such an innocent time, that is requires adjustment from most children initially to get involved, compared to the books and television shows that are currently available. The book provides imaginative stories that promote virtuous behavior. While each story addresses a different plot, each involves some of the same characters. I would highly recommend this book as a permanent addition to your children's library. Each of our subsequent children have loved it!

Howard-Brook and Gwyther unpack what Revelation really means. Studying the book in its original context - remember, Revelation was written for the first century, not for us! - the authors still connect the concerns of John of Patmos' day to our own. They see Revelation's message of faithful resistance to the surrounding patriotic culture and how John warned the early Christians to resist it and preach the good news instead. And they uncover what the "beast" really is in modern society. A thoughtful and passionate understanding of this fantastic book's true message to both its time and our own.

Wes Howard-Brook and Anthony Gwyther have written an excellent commentary on Revelation. Like most mainstream scholars they believe that John of Patmos was writing about the Roman empire of his day. What I found especially unique about this book, was its very fascinating account of the imperial court and imperial worship. The authors make a very good case that Revelation's message to its Asian Minor audience was not to compromise with the deadly - both to soul and body - Roman imperial culture.

Furthermore, the authors also discuss applications of Revelation to current social justice issues. I really learned a lot form this book. I also used Unveiling Empire to teach an adult education class at my church. The class seemed fairly well received, and part of the reason was due to this book.

Every truly great read has an exciting ending. The last chapter is where it all comes together.

Yet most who daily read the most popular book in the world, have never comprehended the last chapter, the Book of Revelation.

"Becoming Empire" identifies hundreds of 'hyper-links' in the text of Revelation to the preceding books of holy scriptures. The veil lifts, and the reader begins to see and hear not fictions of starwars, but God moving through history and pointing to the here and now.

Today is the battle, and God's children are in the front lines. The whole Bible, understood, is their map to victory.

As a Claims Director with many years of experience in the business, this is the first time I have a experienced such an excellent claims processing manual. It is well organized and extremely easy to utilize. I have found myself and my staff using this book more often than any other reference material presently available. The author has skillfully gathered all of the pertinent information required in claims adjudication and has successfully wrapped it all together in one book. It is about time there is a book available with such complete information.

I have been in business for 35 years and have been looking for a book like this. Ordinarily one would have to go thru multiple pieces of reference material in order to process a claim. With this book it is like having everything within one volumn. It is the closest thing I know of to a Rosetta stone.

A User's Guide to Medical Claims Processing is the best reference manual I've ever used. In claims processing, we often find ourselves searching through numerous books for guidelines on subjects like anesthesia or surgery. A User's Guide combines information on the most commonly asked questions all in one book. No more libraries needed to find an answer! Every claims department should have this manual.

Mr. Howard and his sidekick Kate provide an introduction to HTML unlike any I've seen. Through common sense examples and real world techniques that will have the reader coding pages in hours instead of days, they use the Teacher/Student metaphor to guide the reader through the lessons. Mr. Howard never talks down to the reader or assumes too much, and the casual, conversational banter between he and Kate fosters a comfortable environment for learning about HTML. Highly recommended!

Mr. Howard outdid himself with this one. I cant say that I've ever read a better text on the subject of HTML. THe approach is subtle yet engaging on the most intellectual levels.

This book is a conversation between two users (one novice, one expert) and this gives us a great perspective. Howard proves that programmers shouldn't be writing books anymore than mechanics should be selling cars. There's only room for one more HTML book and this is it.

Robert Westbrook has very strong character studies in this latest episode of his Howard Moon Deer series. The story unfolds well, and the readers are actually placed in the situations as they happen by use of vivid descriptions and good use of conversation between characters. The few short-comings are in the form of inconsistent evidentiary findings and unlikely behavior of certain characters. However, this does not detract significantly from a book that is interesting and moves along at an adequate pace. It is also a accurate window to the geography, politics, society and mentality of small town, northern New Mexico.

I loved this book. It is a good regional murder mystery, but it is more than that. It is social satire: Lexus-driving yuppie men gather in the mountains around the campfire on the weekends to beat drums and search for their inner child, all the while conspiring to enrich themselves at the expense of the townspeople. It is a couple of love stories: about the hero whose girlfriend has inexplicably disappeared, and about the irascible blind detective and his loving wife of many years who help him find her. And it is above all a very funny book that exposes the hypocrisy of politicians and the rich. While he is compared to Tony Hillerman, I think Westbrook is more like Florida's Carl Hiaasen and Randy Wayne White although not nearly as insanely inventive -- which can be a relief.

Robert Westbrook shows his talent and his literary roots in his new mystery series. Also author of Intimate Lies, Westbrook knows the Southwest first-hand. He draws you into the outsider viewpoint and tells an intriguing story. The Warrior Circle mystery illuminates the dark places of men's emotions and greed that drive them to evil deeds.