This is a study of ancient Maori musical tradition and knowledge, and an exploration of the impact of European music on this tradition. It draws on diverse written and oral sources, and includes some 1300 recorded songs, interviews with singers and numerous eyewitness accounts. McLean went all over New Zealand with a Grundig tape recorder in the 1950s and recorded over 800 tribal songs. He seems to have spent the next 40 years analysing those tapes and building on the knowledge he gained. There are lots of interesting anecdotes as well as musicological information. It is well illustrated with many musical examples. 480 pages. Mervyn McLean was until recently an associate professor of Ethnomusicology and head of the Archive of Maori and Pacific Music at the University of Auckland, New Zealand

This is not a glamorous, yuppie-audienced "Bella Tuscany." It is not a me-too account of Italy from an yet-another-New-World Italian's eyes.

It's wonderful account of a relationship between a daughter and father, and Old and New World, and a people with its extended "family." It is written totally from the heart and sings of a place and time so unnoticed it now demands attention. Yes, my roots are from the same village, and Ms. Coletta has found a way to write that speaks for and to many of us descended from those brave immigrants who left Italy with nothing, and built something in the New World. She speaks of this town and its people as if they moved her arm and pen themselves.

It is charmingly brief, a short story more than a novel, yet encapsules a soul that is indeed different. This town has its own dialect, and mannerisms different from surrounding parts of Lazio. There are enough happy and sad moments to take the readers heart and make them feel the change of emotion in one sitting, like an amusement park ride.

Read it, and pass it on. If you've never been to the place where "there's nothing to do but always something to eat," then don't knock it because you're just not able to grasp it all.

When I read Nervous People for a Russian Lit class I was overwhelmed by the absurd humor. There hasn't been a funnier, politically poignant and appealing satirist since Lewis Carrol or Jonathan Swift.

Zoschenko etches out distinct parts of the Soviet landscape with hilarious spoofs, ridiculous characters and dark conclusions; Gogol would be proud.

Despite the passing of time and demise of the Soviet Union the humor still survives. What's poking fun at Russians can easily be translated to the same for American government and bureaucracy.

Admittedly this isn't for everyone. It's not all-age-encompassing like "Alice in Wonderland" or as current as PJ O'Rouke. Nevertheless it's worth a read for young and old adults.

This collection of essays provides a clear, thorough and very readable introduction to contemporary British politics. It explains why Labour (aka "New Labour") won the biggest majority in the British House of Commons since 1945, and offers some excellent insights into both the immediate future of the Conservative Party and the longterm development of British democracy.

Moncure has done an excellent job with this series and also her series on the letters of the alphabet. I wish I had enough money to buy both complete sets. I am a teacher, on a teacher's salary so I can't afford to buy either series. LOL
The reason that I am buying this book is because it is a prize for a book report contest that our classroom completed. I asked all of my 2nd graders to read a book of their choice, write, and present a book report to the class. The students voted on the best report and presentation. There was a tie vote so we had 2 winners. The prize was any book of their choice. One of the students chose Moncure's Valentine book. The student loves it because it has a nice story and so many different ideas about things to make for Valentine's Day.
So thanks Ms. Moncure for your wonderful books!!

The book covers the entire history of the P&LE railroad from it's birth in 1879 up to 1979 when the author wrote the book. The amout of local history along with the railroads history is priceless. For any fan of the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie this is a must get book if you can find one. The book is also filled with photos from the begining up to 1979 along with detailed maps, car and locomotive history for the railroad. This is truly an outstanding book on the "Little Giant" The Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad.

Play Mas'! A Carnival ABC is a delightful and informative introduction to the tradition of Carnival. Vibrant pictures by Ras Stone showcase Dirk McLean's evocative language capturing the spirit of this event, held all over the world at different times of the year. Carnival is rooted in the French tradition of the Masquerade (Mas'), but has been transformed by African, East Indian, and Spanish influences showcased is in such events as Mardi Gras in New Orleans and Caribana in Toronto. Play Mas'! A Carnival ABC introduces the rich language, traditions, food, costumes, music, and festival events in an alliterative text. To add to a young reader's enjoyment, there is a hidden letter embedded in each brightly color, boldly designed scene.

Listening to Max McLean read the bible every morning on Christian Radio(105.7 KHCB Houston) is a true blessing.

I have been a biography reader for many years and I can surly say that after reading this wonderful book about a lady who gave more to others then herself must have been to good to be true. Reading stories like this, reminds me when I was a little boy when my mother and grandmother would sit around a table and tell me about their lives. Most of all when their lives went to rags to riches to rags again like Evalyn did. I could not put Queen of Diamonds down. I'm so glad that a great grandson has taken a true story and is able to share his memories to everyone. It's wonderful and I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone who wants to read a good story. I applaude him. A MUST TO READ AND TO HAVE TO SHARE TO OTHERS.

Ken McLean is one of the most kowledgeable thoroughbred pedigree experts in the world. This is an excellent sequel to his first book, Tesio, Master of Matings. Each chapter of this book covers the most important and sucessful breeding principles of major breeders in Europe and North America.

The three books written by McLean (the third being Genetic Heritage), should be considered "holy" amongst breeding experts and fans, alike.