This is a great book about two very important figures in the War Between the States. It is a great introduction to this very important campaign. Dr. McWhiney is a wonderful writer and an important scholar.

This book is a wonderful look at the two icons of the Civil War in battle. Magnificent!

If these delectable guides' plentiful pix don't get you drooling to explore, you need to get your salivary glands checked. The text is also noteworthy. (NY Daily News)

One of the best travel book series, with attention to detail, plus numerous color photographs and fine maps. Lots of instructions regarding practical travel matters. (Travel Books Review)

This book is a must-read for any fan of EastEnders. Author Kate Lock has true empathy, not only for Grant Mitchell but for all the other characters, and covers an amazing amount of ground. The only thing that was hard to get used to is that, because of the amount of time spanned, the non-Grant story lines are often summarized in a few paragraphs (e.g., events like Eddie Royle's murder and Michelle Fowler's decision to leave Walford). But this allows Lock to explore Grant, Phil, Sharon, Peggy, Kathy, and Tiffany in detail. The book also helped explain a few things that took place before I started watching the series. And because my PBS station in the Washington, D.C. area is about three years behind England in airing EastEnders, it's also possible to see where the show will go from here.

Now that Ross Kemp (Grant) has left the show, I hope Lock writes a sequel that ties things up -- I'd be the first to buy a copy!

The book was GREAT! It filled in many of the missing years I missed since GRANTS appearance on the show in the yearly 1990's. It takes you through all the significant events in his life which shapes his character. The author was true to the original text of this show, I was watching these episodes simaltaneosly with reading the novel. The writing was easy to follow. After reading this, I understand Grant's character. In many instances a viewer underestimates a character by there actions. In this book, Lock makes it apparent as to what Grant really feels and the nature of his actions. EXCELLENT, WELL DONE!

Collaboratively written by professional non-profit organization fundraiser Harry A. Freedman and Florida-based journalist Karen Feldman, The Business Of Special Events: Fundraising Strategies For Changing Times is a step-by-step guidebook that effectively instructs the reader in every step of organizing a successful fundraising effort in today's technological era. Individual chapters specifically address how to create a balanced budget; secure corporate sponsorship; maintain accurate records; get serviceable publicity; provide food, beverages, and entertainment at fundraising gatherings; and more. A wealth of practical tips, tricks, and techniques make The Business Of Special Events a top-notch and highly recommended resource.

I purchased this book several years ago and I still refer to it whenever I am planning a special event. Freedman & Feldman provide a guide that literally lays the groundwork for conducting a successful special event (I hope that is not a Kent Dove title). Every subject from selecting the right event to post-event evaluation is covered in this resource.

Great pains are taken to illustrate the areas discussed and tips abound throught the book. I found the samples of event materials particularly useful in gaining an understanding of some of the principles that are illustrated.

The Business of Special Events is a must have edition to your library. A great resource for volunteers, chairpersons, staff and Board. I completly agree with George R. Reis, Editor, Fundraising Management when he says "When other writers discuss special events, they often quote Harry Freedman. This book is the final word on the subject."

Kim Grant has undoubtedly composed quite a thorough and resourceful guide to Cape Cod! This book covers all the towns along the Cape as well as the two islands - Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. One will find information about sightseeing, shopping, dining, activities, etc.

I picked this book instead of Frommer's or any of the other travel books because Grant made it quite clear that she personally went to each and every place that is in this book - so she didn't merely compile the listings of businesses along the Cape, she went and saw them each with her own eyes. Hence, the book has more of a personal touch to it. It is quite evident that Grant spent a great deal of time putting together the valuable information which comes in pretty handy for those touring the Cape.

An excellent resource indeed!! All people who travel the Cape, regardless of the degree of knowledge you possess (or don't possess) of the Cape, have this book with you!

As a lover of the Cape; I enjoy finding new places to explore when I go there. This book has given me that and more. Ms Grant (no relation to me) gives a very personal look at places to see, places to eat, and places not to miss. I couldn't put it down. I found things in this book that I've never seen on the Cape before and I've been going there for over 20 years. Ms Grant gave very easy to read, accuarte details, phone numbers, websites and names. I've found in each area of the Cape she gives a brief, yet thorough description of stores, specialty shops, restaurants, ice cream shops. She has also included Museums, Courthouses, even Cemeteries. Also included is Medical Information. Motels, Hotels, Bed n Breakfasts, Cottages. Tennis, Golf and Miniture Golf Courses. Times, places. When they open in the spring, if they're open all year round, when they close in the fall. There was a great little specialty shop that I visit each time I visit the Cape. It wasn't in the book. So I emailed her and told her. She visited there, as did her mother and it was in the next edition she published.

Book Review:

Capital Campaigns: Strategies That Work
By: Andrea Kihlstedt and Catherine P. Schwartz
Edited by: James P. Gelatt
Aspen Publishers, Inc. Gaithersburg, Maryland 1997

Reviewed by: Norman Olshansky: President
NFP Consulting Resources, Inc.
...

What a surprise! With over 30 years of non profit fundraising, leadership and capital campaign consulting experience, I expected to gain little from this "how to" book which I was given to review. Boy, was I wrong.

Step by step, the authors outline and expand upon the key elements of a capital campaign; from determining whether or not your organization is ready for a campaign, to the best ways to celebrate and evaluate its conclusion.

I appreciated the amount of detail the authors included and their emphasis on organization, planning, leadership involvement and communications. They explore the basic process and then give in depth coverage of each step. In addition to sharing their own personal knowledge and expertise, they gathered much of their material by interviewing friends and clients who also had extensive capital campaign experience. They made the book more interesting, and dramatized the points they wanted to make, by the inclusion of short vignettes and quotes by volunteer and professionals, from actual campaign experiences.

Among the important subjects covered by the book are: how to select and use consultants, building the case for support, conducting a feasibility study, creating a campaign management plan, prospecting and prospect research, team building and leadership development, techniques of solicitation, campaign materials and public relations, events, thank yous, recognition, and much more. They even have a trouble shooting guide which focuses on what to do when things go wrong.

I highly recommend this handbook for volunteer leadership and staff alike (whatever their level of previous experience) who are considering a capital campaign. It is a book that should also be part of the libraries of campaign consultants. I have to admit that I picked up several great new ideas and techniques from reading the book.

Keep in mind that this is a "how to" book and will continue to be of value as a reference tool. The table of contents and index are complete and excellent in their detail.

I felt the authors could have put more emphasis on and expand the section on feasibility studies, or as I like to call them, pre-campaign assessments. Too many organizations try to avoid this important process thinking that they already know they need to know. They feel the pre-campaign study will take unnecessary time and resources. A good study not only sets the stage for a successful capital campaign and determines a realistic goal, but also provides invaluable information about the way the organization is perceived in the community, potential for major support, and extent to which leadership and staff are ready or capable to do what is necessary for success.

Organizational culture, leadership styles, personality management and what is often referred to as organizational politics are other areas which I felt deserved expanded coverage by the authors. Human factors, organizational history, and communication styles are all addressed in the book but are not given as extensive or in depth presentation as is warranted.

In summary, this book not only meets, but exceeds its very appropriate title: Capital Campaigns-Strategies that Work.

What a surprise! With over 30 years of non profit fundraising, leadership and capital campaign consulting experience, I expected to gain little from this how to book which I was given to review. Boy, was I wrong.

Step by step, the authors outline and expand upon the key elements of a capital campaign; from determining whether or not your organization is ready for a campaign, to the best ways to celebrate and evaluate its conclusion.

I appreciated the amount of detail the authors included and their emphasis on organization, planning, leadership involvement and communications. They explore the basic process and then give in depth coverage of each step. In addition to sharing their own personal knowledge and expertise, they gathered much of their material by interviewing friends and clients who also had extensive capital campaign experience. They made the book more interesting, and dramatized the points they wanted to make, by the inclusion of short vignettes and quotes by volunteer and professionals, from actual campaign experiences.

Among the important subjects covered by the book are: how to select and use consultants, building the case for support, conducting a feasibility study, creating a campaign management plan, prospecting and prospect research, team building and leadership development, techniques of solicitation, campaign materials and public relations, events, thank yous, recognition, and much more. They even have a trouble shooting guide which focuses on what to do when things go wrong.

I highly recommend this handbook for volunteer leadership and staff alike (whatever their level of previous experience) who are considering a capital campaign. It is a book that should also be part of the libraries of campaign consultants. I have to admit that I picked up several great new ideas and techniques from reading the book.

Keep in mind that this is a how to book and will continue to be of value as a reference tool. The table of contents and index are complete and excellent in their detail.

I felt the authors could have put more emphasis on and expand the section on feasibility studies, or as I like to call them, pre-campaign assessments. Too many organizations try to avoid this important process thinking that they already know they need to know. They feel the pre-campaign study will take unnecessary time and resources. A good study not only sets the stage for a successful capital campaign and determines a realistic goal, but also provides invaluable information about the way the organization is perceived in the community, potential for major support, and extent to which leadership and staff are ready or capable to do what is necessary for success.

Organizational culture, leadership styles, personality management and what is often referred to as organizational politics are other areas which I felt deserved expanded coverage by the authors. Human factors, organizational history, and communication styles are all addressed in the book but are not given as extensive or in depth presentation as is warranted.

In summary, this book not only meets, but exceeds its very appropriate title: Capital Campaigns-Strategies that Work.

A creative and cleverly designed story with an interesting narrative perspective. It reads well, and makes you stop and think about yourself at times. Very interesting. Very worthwhile read. This author really knows his breakfast cereals!

Funny. Intelligent. Provocative. Exciting. Fresh.
A breath-taking achievement for a first-time author. I can't wait to see what the author will write next. I'm a fan, and it really made me think about the world around us.

This book is like nothing I have ever read before. Interesting, challenging and entertaining. Author has your attention from page one.

The reviewers might consider it didactic, but my kids loved the story! I also enjoyed reading it to them. And I think they took an important lesson from it!

A picture is worth thousand words. Reading the story can choke up the maturest of woman. But when you see the pictures next to the paragraphs, you could just stare at the images and truly feel you were there even if you never had an experience like this

I already have the Chicken Soup for Little Souls Gift Collection. I bought several gift collections and gave them as Christmas Gifts last year and plan to do the same this year! The entire Chicken Soup for the Soul series is so uplifting and heartwarming. Each story touches your heart like no other. Whenever I'm feeling down, I pick up a Chicken Soup for the Soul book and start reading. I recommend it for all ages, young and for the young-at-heart!

All of the books that I have read are very good. I am just a mother and a student, but every book has gave me the courage and strenght to deal with everyday situations differently. When you stop to realize that someone out there has life problems just the same as you do, your day seem not as lonley. I have only read CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOULS, and CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE WOMANS SOUL. But they have really inspired me a greatly.

In this book, the astute historical mind of Michael Grant focuses on 37 of the most pivotal and influential Greeks of the classical age. The book starts with the heroes of the Persian War (Miltiades, Themosticles, Pausanias, etc) and ends at the very border of the rise of Macedon and the beginning of the Hellenic age (Aristotle, Demosthenes).

In between, Grant offers us a comprehensive look at personages who filled in all of the occupations that were of the utmost importance to the ancient Greeks. These include military leaders (Miltiades, Themostocles, Cimon, Epaminondas, Pausanias, Lysander, etc), orators / politicians (Pericles, Pindar, Dionysius I, Archytas, Demosthenes, etc), philosophers (Parmenides, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle), playwrights (AEschylus, Sophocles, Euripedes, Aristophanes), historians (Herodotus, Thucydides) and architects / artisians (Polygnotus, Polyclitus, Ictinus, Phidias, etc).

In all of these mini-biographies, Grant maintains his usual standard of excellence in pointing out the most salient aspects of their historical importance and sundry accomplishments. Grant is spectacular in demonstrating his immense erudition and knowledge of the ancient world.

One of the nice features of this books is its format: it is composed of 37 seperate essays, + a number of appendices on various topics. Therefore, you can read an essay & then let the book sit for weeks or months w/out sacrificing anything. So, that makes it a great book to have "at the ready" in places where you may need to kill some time by having a book in-hand.

I would highly recommend this book for people who have an interest in ancient Greece, but do not @ present know too much about it. This book is an excellent introduction to that epoch. For the classical scholar / student, this book is an absolutely indispensable reference.

Through focusing on 37 historical personages who have largely defined classical Greek civilization, Michael Grant has created an ideal introduction on the subject for the uninitiated. The book is informative, easy to absorb and extremely readable. If you harbor any interest regarding Ancient Greece and don't know where to begin, this is an ideal spot.