The 13t Valley delivers a powerful story with memorable characters.

Del Vecchio did a fantastic job piecing together a story of survival and heartache in the 13th Valley. For realism, this book I'm sure captures the moment all too well. You can feel the leeches on you when you read this book.

For those interested in a good Vietnam war story, this one and Platoon Leader are definately worth checking out.

del Vecchio creates a great masterpiece with this book. His attention to detail and descriptions of the people, as well as his clear cut, no B.S. account of how life was in the war is outstanding. As a historian of Vietnam War, I found this book frighteningly realistic (almost unbelievable). He has done a fantastic job in making the characters live in the readers mind. One cannot help but to feel the pain and pride the characters feel. OUTSTANDING READING.

Okay... so there's probably an infinite number of reasons that books go out of print. Well, there's only ONE reason a book is brought back into print: BECAUSE IT IS TOO DARN GOOD TO BE KEPT FROM THOSE WHO TRULY APPRECIATE GREAT, GREAT WRITING! As a former Marine who served in Desert Storm, I will tell you from my heart that I do not believe that a person--military or otherwise--can truly understand, or appreciate, the Viet Nam War as a whole--and the individuals who were there--unless they first read this fine novel.

Jean Auel's Clan of the Cave Bear is really good reading, and her second installment in the series is good too, but beyond that the books became a bit tedious and repetitive because of the main characters' (especially the main character's) constant regression into fits of childish neurosis and sexual dysfunction/hyperfunction. I think the author fell into the common trap of gradually turning an excellent series of stories into a celebration of neurotic sexuality. Eventually her books start to read more like passionate soap operas rather than the great historical novels they were/could have been. This is fairly common among series novelists, as if a continuing saga brings out their sexuality and thus becomes nothing more than a vehicle for their sexual fantasies. I also noticed that the main characters were singly or collectively responsible for every major technological or social innovation ever conceived for ancient cultures, be it fire, bows and arrows, whole wheat bread, or you name it. It presents the characters as extraordinary people, which is fine, but at the same time the scale of the accomplishments is a bit extreme and really pushes the boundary of credible storytelling. You're a great writer, Jean, but you need to return to your roots and write some good, no-nonsense stories that create characters and lives that are extraordinary without being unbelievable.

I find that this series, Earth`s Children, of books is one of the best I have ever read. From the first two pages I was captivated. Much research must have went into this book, to find all the plants` healing properties and the descriptions of the animals. Sometimes I just wish that reading a book can transport to you to what you are reading, and I find that Jean Auel almost does that. Of the four books, I think that The Valley Of Horses is my favorite, second place belonging to The Mammoth Hunters. The Plains Of Passage I did not like as much. (Don`t get me wrong, I could read another 20 times at least). Though Jean Auel did wonderful descriptions of the scenery, in the last book I think there was a bit to much descriptions. Also, thruoghout the book, and had wanted to know what would happen to Ayla when she actually met the Zelandonii and what they would think of her, and also what would happen to her and her child, and, of course, Jondalar. I am hoping that there will be a sequel, to find out what Zolena will say, and Marthona. I truly enjoyed The Clan Of The Cave Bear, and adore young Ayla. It`s an amazing story about a young girl whose people are killed in an earthquake and is found by the `Clan`, a tribe of neanderthals, who take her in. There she learns there ways and becomes a true woman of the clan in apperance, but she is different. She can learn new things and teaches herself to use a sling and aquires great skill. Clan woman aren`t allowed to even touch a weapon, so Ayla learns secretly, until she is forced to reveal this when the son of a fellow clanswoman is taken by a hyena. She faces the clan leader who punishes her with a death curse, cast by the great Mog-Ur, sorcerer you could say, of the tribe. Whan she survives this curse, she is welcomed back in the clan, but almost revered by the clan, for no one has returned from a death curse, ever. In The Valley of Horses Ayla leaves the Clan to find her own people and makes new discoveries with her friends Whinney and Baby. She finds Jondalar, a young man ona Journey whose brother and he were mauled by a cave lion, Baby. Ayla rescues Jondalar, and they fall in love. She shows Jondalar the many secrets she has discovered, finally, they leave Ayla`s valley, her home. The Mammoth Hunters I enjoyed because it is the first time you really see, understand the society of the `Others`. You learn their customs and how their lives were different in so many ways. It also demonstrates how powerful love is, and what some people would do for it. The Plains Of Passage is the journey that Ayla and Jondalar take home. On their way they will meet friend and foe alike, and you learn many things about righs that some people don`t know today. It shows courage in places, in people. It also a demonstration, when Ayla confronts the evil Wolf Woman, Attaroa, of the saying: `Good will always triumph over evil`

This being my third time reading the series, and seeing to the fact that I am only 14 years old, you could probably guess that I find these books to be excellent reading. I first read the first book(The Clan of the Cave Bear) when I was in fifth grade. I am now going into ninth. I think I agree with everyone when I say that I am eagerly awaiting the fifth book in the Earth's Children series. I wish to know what will become of Ayla and her new, unborn child, Jondalar, Durc, and all the other unsolved mysteries enveloping this not quite completed series. I hope Jean gets with it soon and writes that last book. I know I will probably read it as many times as the others!

The Winter of Red Snow, by Kristiana Gregory, is a great book about the Revolutionary War. It is easy to understand and explains much of the War. Two of the main characters are Mr. and Mrs. George Washington. Therefore, you learn a little bit about them and what they were possibly like.
         This Book is a diary of a young girl 11 years of age, named Abigail. She lives 18 miles out of Pennsylvania duringthe war. Her small town is Valley Forge. The 13 Colony's army has camped there during the harsh winter. Many end up with Small Pox or amputated hands andfeet.
         This story goes along with Abigail for six months. The army helps her life in many ways, although it can also be very frustrating and annoying. Abigail her self lives with her family. She is one of three girls, the middle one. Her mom gives birth to a baby boy on the first page of the book. Her mom although has given birth to six sons before whom all died through terrible winters. Johnny is the new sons name, and he lives through winter and grows to be healthy. Abigail's Father is a shoemaker and slaves all winter long to make shoes for the thousands of soldiers without. Abigail is closest to her sister Elisabeth who is 16. They both sew jackets with their name embroidered on the inside. The two girls eventually give the coats to a soldier to wear. Elisabeth's jacket wearer returns and falls in love with her. The women in her family receive the job of doing General Washington's laundry; because of the weekly visit to his house, they become friends with him.
         In this book, it clearly laid out the important events of this war. It explained them more clearly than the text book and made it come together. It also showed the gruesome but true facts about poor soldiers who fought this war for all Americans. This is a great book to read for a Revolutionary War experience.

This book is a must-read for all Revolutionary War fans. Anyone who likes to read accounts about our nation's past will love The Winter of Red Snow. This book is a fictional diary about Abigail Jane Stewart, an 11-year-old girl who lived at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania during the Revolutionary War. It tells of her feelings toward life, the war, the army, etc. It is a great account. While reading this book, I felt like I had traveled back in time. I felt like I was right there with Abigail. When Abigail helped Martha Washington on her walks through the army's camp, I could see, hear, and even smell the sick and dying soldiers in my mind. Abigail's vivid descriptions brought such clear, sharp pictures to my mind, it made me wish I was a painter so I could paint them. I recommend this book to anyone who likes diaries from wartimes, or just the Revolutionary War in general. It is full of detail, description, and vivid feelings and thoughts. It's a real page-turner, and is very hard to put down.

I found this book pretty exciting and captivating. The way Kristiana Gregory described the vivid weather and actions of the people was so real. You felt the cold, smelled the wonderful thanksgiving dinner,and saw the horrible sight of the poor soldiers. Let me start from the beginning, Abigail Jane Stewart is an American girl back in the days of the Revolutionary War. The army soldiers set up a camp near her house and her family provide supplies. She meets interesting people such as General George Washington himself. She has tons to worry about such as her little baby brother, the war, and the loved ones around her. Get this book to find out how she handles her obstacles in her cold, wintery, 1777 life.

If you're like me, you never read romance novels, never watch soap operas, and shun editorial trash like Cosmopolitan. But in this age of girl-power books (i.e. Bridget Jones, et al), "Valley Of The Dolls" has become popular once again, and a whole new crowd (the twentysomething female market)is now exposed to this cult classic.

And you know what? It's intriguing. It's captivating. Set back in the 50s, you heark back to the days of glamour girls, Hollywood pictures, and dapper leading men. In each chapter, Susann fleshes out the character portraits of 3 girls who made it big, rags-to-riches style: Anne--a model, Jennifer--a starlet, and Neely--a singer. I hate to admit it, but I was entranced by their stories of sex, scandal, and downward spiral into prescription drug addiction. It's drama about drama queens. I would ordinarily dismiss this book as trashy romance genre--but like others, i can't. Why? well, Susann wrote this book as a groundbreaker--It was written almost 50 years ago but the tales are so incredibly modern you'd think Susann was writing about modern-day life. She paved the way for the tell-all expose, the behind-the-scenes scandals, the agony and ecstasy, the poor problems of the rich and famous. It was "Dynasty" before "Dynasty" was even invented. It was a shocker, and it's tragic. You're not going to find much humor in this novel at all, especially being that the "Dolls" that the book revolves around are drugs. An added benefit of reading "Valley of the Dolls" is that it transports the reader back into the yesteryear; I feel like I'm in a black-and-white movie with Garbo and Monroe--Susann's detail for creating ambience are very much appreciated.

If you think this book is flimsy beach reading--it's not. It really gave way to a whole new genre. Sure, it's no Shakespeare--but make this the one exception. Although it may be G-rated compared to today's fiction fare, Susann's subtle flair for storytelling is surprisingly solid, with twists and turns to keep you on your feet.

VALLEY OF THE DOLLS is more addictive than the pills that its heroines take. Sure, its trashy, but trash is by far the most entertaining form of literature. The story of three women's fame and descent into a miserable state of drug use and alchohol is entertaining all the way through. You learn to get to know the characters. You also get to love them, hate them, sympathize for them...its completely spellbinding. I looked forward to picking it up every night, and each night it was practically impossible to put it down ("COME ON..stop reading! You have to go to school tomorrow!") But I got to sleep easily, because each night after I reluctantly put the book down I would fondly recall what I had read. Its just fantastic...maybe I'll read it again. If you're a fan of the movie, I reccomend it even more. Its MUCH better than the film (which I LOVE). Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy, NOW!!!

My mother read this book and loved it in the '60s and I read it and loved it in 2000's. It's been almost a year since I read this novel and it still stays fresh in my mind. The characters, Anne, Neely, and Jennifer felt like good friends and I could understand the pain, anguish, desire, and greed that they all felt.

The emotions that Susann draws upon so exquisitly pulled me through the ups and downs of each character. Neely, Anne, and Jennifer each have traits that anyone could relate to and seem so real that it's almost shocking that they are fictional. The trust, lust, love and betrayal keep the reader enthralled as very important underlying themes run rampant through this novel.

The 1940s and '50s glamour that we all see on the outside is dissected in this novel, and the reader can see the dark underside of a never-ending struggle to the nonexistent top. And do Anne, Neely, and Jennifer deserve the harsh punishments they each recieve when they eventually hit the bottom, the Valley of the Dolls?

I recommend this novel above all others for a reader of any generation - it is truly a classic.

I picked this book up on my "return to classics mission" and was disappointed. It is the story of a Welsh coal-mining family at the end of the 19th century told by one of the younger boys in the family.

The story lacked depth. As one might expect, all the characters in the family were tried and true and terrific with a few minor exceptions. When a family member fell from grace you could be sure he or she would rise up again. The devotion of a younger brother does not make for tension. There was little conflict in the book even though strikes and strife with the mine owners were chronicled.

There just is not a lot to say about this long family saga other than it is a long family saga. The writing was good and the Welsh dialect attractive. However, I did not think the writing transcended the flatness of the plot.

I first read this book in High School. I loved it, but wasn't always sure what was going on - why would Huw be bed-bound for two years just because he fell into a stream? But the lyricism of the language captivated me; Llewellyn writes the way the Welsh people I've encountered actually speak - he does a better job of capturing the voice of a language than any other writer I know.

I have two problems with this book. First, I find the characters somewhat flat - they are all so perfect, and play their roles so well, that they are somewhat predictable. If they were negative, you would call them caricatures. But I'm sure there are people who are that genuinely GOOD, if perhaps occasionally more interesting and human. And I always enjoy "sweep of history" books that trace a family or people through time. My other problem, which is related to the first, is that time doesn't seem to have affected the characters in this book - they are essentially the same at the end as they were at the beginning - they seem quite unaffected by the events that occur in their lives. So the characterizations could have been more realistic without losing "gravitas."

Having said that, I rank this among my favorite books - I recently reread it, after many years, and while I still don't know why Huw was bed-bound, it's still a terrific book and my ears still ring with the language!

From the very first line of this book, I knew I was in for an interesting, unique experience. This novel was beautiful~ the flowing language, the flashes from present time to the past, the intricate detail of each character. The simplicity of the narrative of this story carries the plot line along. The descriptive use of words, especially adjectives, sets the reader right in the middle of all the action. Although the characters seem too "good" a lot of the time, I think the reason for this is because the society which they inhabit is so. They do have their bad qualities which they acknowledge and try to remedy. Llewellyn chose to write this book with simple Welsh language; a wise choice I heartily agree with it. The reader can feel the words coming straight from the heart, and can therefore connect well with the characters. This book had me captivated from beginning to end, and even when it ended, I found myself wishing for more. This book is definitely one that I count among my favorites~ and I do not think it gets the recognition it deserves a lot of the time, which is unfortunate because it is a true classic that is timeless...

This book was a book that launched a genre - the sarcastic, gossipy fast-paced insiders look at the computer industry. It's still one of the best of its kind even though it is now pretty dated.

I work in a company on the fringe of the computer industry. Sometimes co-workers come and ask me what to read to understand the industry. This is the first book I give them. The stories in this book, how Microsoft beat IBM, how Apple grew, etc. are the fundamental mythology of the industry. If you work in or near the industry you ought to read this book. As some other reviewers have noted, the tone will make some readers cringe a bit, but the tone is pretty depictive of the way in which many people in the industry actually see things.

The only reason I didn't give this book five stars is because it is a bit dated. Most of the stories have been told later and better by others so if you've already read a lot of the books about the industry this one will seem a bit old. Although I do still think this book is worth reading even if you've read the others.

I bought this book after seeing Cringely on 'Triumph of the Nerds' on PBS. Like this show, 'Accidental Empires' deals with the computer industry - specifically the PC revolution centered on Microsoft, Apple, and Silcon Valley. Being a computer nerd myself, I found the book both educational and entertaining. Cringely comes across as very knowledgeable and humorous. He writes with a very easy to read style that makes the pages fly by.

I would recommend this book to anyone that is curious about the history of software and computers, or is simply interested in the people drove the industry to where it is now.

Cringley, as they say, must be either suicidal, or have balls the size of an elephant. There's only one person who comes off looking good in this book, and that's Steve Woznaik (maybe Bob Taylor as well, but his is a peripheral story as far as the book's concerned). Just about everybody else faces Cringley's wrath, and sparks do fly.

It's a very well written book, an enjoyable read that flows past efffortlessly, in a very conversational mood. What else would you expect from a gossip columnist. But Cringley does know his stuff, he goes through every myth about the "whiz-kids" and shatters just about every one of them. And there is a perverse pleasure in reading the low down and dirty on people larger than life. Even Cringley's version of pop-psychology (which can be very penetrating and illuminating at times) is amusing.You'll probably laugh yourself through this book, partly because you're relieved these guys aren't infallible, and partly because you're amazed they made it at all. And along the way you'll pick up little tid-bits of techno-lore to throw around.

The bible is possibly one of the oldest and most read book in the world. There have been countless numbers of books based on biblical allusions, and "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck ranks top among the ones that I have read. The novel is a modernized re-creation of the story of Cain and Abel, two brothers in the Bible. Steinbeck incorporates the themes of this old biblical story to explore the truths of the human soul.
The story details the layers of good and evil through the characters and relationships of the families of Adam Trask and Samuel Hamilton. Adam Trask is a man who, blinded by illusions and a lost within himself, travels to California with his beautiful, but insidious, prostitute wife. There he meets Samuel Hamilton, a man poor in money but wealthy in life. The novel chronicles the development and relationships of the two men, their families, and the people surrounding their lives. It is an excellent novel, for Steinbeck effectively integrates his message throughout the book.
This is not a carefree, happy novel; rather, it is very dark as it explores the blacker areas of the human soul. Despite the foreboding mood and circumstances of the novel, Steinbeck manages to assert an uplifting message about the strength of human goodness and the perseverance of the human soul. Although the novel is fiction, he magnifies human nature through exaggerated circumstances. We may see a hidden part of ourselves, whether it is deceit on one occasion or jealousy on another, through the characters in the novel. We may also realize that the true message of the novel is indeed a very essential part of our lives. Perhaps this is why I feel that East of Eden is such an exceptional novel: not only does it bravely delve into an exploration of human morality, but it causes us to reflect on our own existence.

the first book i read by steinbeck was "the grapes of wrath" which was quite a feat at the time. while i enjoyed the book i wasn't sure i wan't to read more steinbeck. then i picked up "of mice and men" and knew i had to read more books by this author who had left me in tears at the end of a mere 150 pages. (by the way, i highly recommend both of those books)
when i picked up east of eden i had no idea what i would be beginning, besides a whopping 650 pages. the book started off a little slowly, but was intriguing becuase i live in california and have spent some time in salinas valley. then the story started to pick up, and i was into it. steinbeck put together a web of stories that introduced characters and wove together to from a massive literary net. i found each character to be as alive as my best friend; they were all developed to the fullest. every character spends their time as the main character of the book, and while it sounds confusing it is amazingly effective and paints a rich picture of each person. this makes the whole experience of the general story unique and more detailed than most authors could hope to achieve.
my favorite character in this book is lee, the chinese man who started off as a minor and creepy character but devolped into a person i could swear could visit me in the flesh and start an intriguing conversation. i recommend the book just for the experience of getting to know lee.
about halfway through there is a hefty discussion about the bible, and for an atheist like myself it was a bit of a turn off at first. but then i saw how steinbeck was using the moral of the story, and not examining the actual fictional or factual (whatever your belief) events of the story of eden.
i cannot comprehend how steinbeck turned out this monster of a novel. it is moving, exciting, somethines disturbing, and enriching, and is a feat of the human mind and spirit. i think steinbeck often is underappreciated as agreat american novelist, but after reading "east of eden" you will never be able to stop raving.

I enjoyed East of Eden immensely. Not only was it a very entertaining read, it was also very enriching. Like a previous reviewer mentioned, it is beneficial for the reader to be knowledgeable about the Bible (specifically the book of Genesis) prior to reading this book. It is the type of book that, after finishing it, will make you just sit and reflect. It offers a lot of insight on human nature, focusing on the potential for good and evil in everyone.

The struggle between good and evil is the dominant theme in this book. Steinbeck talks of the choice that everyone has to be either good (represented by the character Adam) or evil (represented by Cathy). The cast of characters is one of the best developed and most interesting I have ever encountered in a novel. All the characters have a purpose and bring the story to life. I highly recommend this book. You will not regret reading it.

Mr. Barry has done a very credible job in trying to present a history of the the great Mississippi flood of 1927. After reading the book, one cannot help but to wonder what might have happened to the crescent city if the levee had not been blown up. Would Huey Long have ever bcome a power to be recognized? Would Herbert Hoover had been elected President? Would the plight of the Afro-American been reduced or increased? The major problem with the book is the diversity used in trying to bring this disaster into perspective. Perhaps some of the references noted in the back of the book would lead some to wonder if these were innuendo or just idle gossip? The Mississippi is a river that is not only a stream creates life in the surrounding lands as it flow by, but also creates thoughts and feelings in any writer who has either seen or experienced it's might.

Picked this book up after the recent PBS/ American Experience documentary based on it. It's far better than that show was, is wonderfully written, is as solidly researched a book as you are likely to find on any subject, and it's as tense as a disaster movie. The author was blessed, of course, with great material: some extraordinary characters, not to mention the Mississippi River itself, and the greatest natural disaster in American history (close to 1 million people flooded out of their homes). He more than does justice to the subject and teaches much about how science should be done, then gets into a very original and provocative-- and well supported by the evidence-- interpretation of race relations and the flood's impact on national politics. As the author says, the story starts out as book of man against nature, and becomes one of man against man. Read this book.

Rising Tide has joined my short list of all-time personal favorites, and I am an eclectic reader who does not limit his choices to history. It's amazing both for its form, style, and substance.

Re: Form: It manages to synthesize seemingly unrelated material (engineering, the Klan, the decline of New Orleans, race, control of the media, just to give a few examples) in a way that not only works but opens your eyes to the world in new ways.

Re: Style: Several other reviewers have commented on how this book reads like a novel. Let me correct that,. It reads like a GOOD novel. Nonfiction is always trying to do this, but few succeed. This succeeds.

Re; Substance: Rising Tide very simply teaches a tremendous amount of information that gives you a far better understanding of why things are the way they are. Re: race & politics, the book gives considerable and very original and provocative insight into the history of race relations in the Deep South, and how changes-- some of which were made by the flood-- shifted black voters from the GOP to the Democrats. Re: presidential politics, even the emergence of the New Deal, the book has something piercing and original to say. And of course on anything to do with rivers, this is an absolte must. In fact, it's a must anyway.

When I read this book, it launched me on a personal goal to read all of his novels. I have completed almost all of them and anticipate re-reading them all over again!

He has personally inspired me to appreciate the beautiful lands of California's Salinas Valley and Monterey. The history of the valley and coast is widely recognized because of the stories and novels by Mr. Steinbeck. He publicized their unique problems in a literary format widely received and applauded at the time. It is obvious that by the endorsement of Oprah's book club, his writings are as fresh and pertinent as ever.

_East of Eden_ is a powerful novel spanning generations and focusing on two brothers, Adam and Charles. As profiled in the editorial review, the family dynamics becomes incredibly complicated. This complication is the facilitator of future difficulties and the impetus of a great story you should not miss.

His novels struck a chord in many people, myself included. Each one of his books propelled me forward to read another, and another. It is worth stating that one of my happiest days ever was to re-visit Cannery Row and explore the places he wrote about.

John Steinbeck, despite past controversy, is one of America's finest novelists, fully deserving the resurgence in interest caused by The Oprah Phenomenon. It reflects the current cultural mania for 'names' that it takes such publicity to attract readers to someone who should be read anyway. Steinbeck is so much better than so many highly touted writers of today that the 'name' mania seems bizarre, inexplicable.
East of Eden is beautifully written in every sense--story, plot and characters. It draws the reader in from the start and demands to be read, to savor the magnificent prose and wonder at the skills of observation and exposition Steinbeck demonstrates. Some critics have suggested, over the decades since the book was first published, that the author pushed his biblical allegories too far, that Kathy was outrageous and improbable in her behavior, that the depictions of time and place were harsh and unrealistic. Those critics had clearly led simple lives and had never been exposed to actual people who behaved far worse--yes, they truly exist--or actual places where the cultural landscape was equally complex and often agony to experience.
It is perhaps difficult for a modern reader to adopt the attitude that would permit the comfortable assimilation of East of Eden. It is not a modern book, but this novel proves that great writing transcends time and fad, that Steinbeck was a hugely talented, powerful and fearless writer who could tackle difficult material and convey it with searing intensity.
I have re-read this book many times and remain in awe at how powerful and memorable it is. Having read, perhaps, 25,000 or more books in my life, I rate this among the top 10 and find it magnificent in every way.

East of Eden was originally published in 1952, and the setting for the novel is the late 19th and early 20th century. I still enjoyed reading East of Eden though, because there are timeless themes presented in this book. Sibling rivalry, guilt, and betrayal are some of the main themes in this book. It was ironic and interesting to read how 2 sets of brothers from different generations compete for the approval and love of their father.

There are many memorable characters with strong personalities in East of Eden. I loved the complex character of Cathy. She is a whore who shoots her husband and abandons her family. This incident leaves her husband Adam shattered and confused in the beginning of the story. I loved how Adam becomes a stronger person and a better father later in the book. I loved the supporting character named Lee in this novel. He is a loyal servant to the patriarch Adam Trask. He is also the primary caretaker to Adam Trask's sons Caleb and Aron.

I loved reading about the development of the characters especially the twins Caleb and Aron. Caleb is the curious, brave, independent, strong willed sibling who has dark thoughts. His brother Aron is the sensitive, studious one. The contrast between their personalities is very interesting. The most intense part of the book is when Caleb learns of the existence of his mother and confronts her.

East of Eden becomes a very predictable book about a third of the way in, but it is still a wonderfully written book. I simply loved the evolution of the characters especially Adam. East of Eden has themes of sibling rivalry, guilt, betrayal, loss, and the American dream of getting ahead and raising a family that are still relevant in society today. I enjoyed it very much.

First off, this review is of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle" published by Dover Children's Thrift Classics, $.... While most reviews might concentrate on the merits of the stories themselves, this review is meant to support the benefits of purchasing this particular edition over others.

That said, the first thing I would like to comment on is the price. You can't ask for more of a bargain that to pay less than a ... of America's most popular and well known Revolutionary War era stories. Great for anyone on a budget, or parents who want to expand their child's library but don't want to break the bank on something they may only read once. ....

Secondly, I would like to mention that this book contains BOTH "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" AND "Rip Van Winkle" in their respective unabridged entirety. Both are relatively short, entertaining, and easy-to-read stories that supply a great introduction to period literature, beliefs, and storytelling for children and adults alike. While these are not Washington Irving's only writings, they are perhaps the most well-known.

As a former teacher, I have the following suggestion: If you live in the New York metro area, this book would be an excellent jumping off point for a trip to Washington Irving's homestead, "Sunnyside", in Tarrytown, NY, for which you can find plenty of information online. There are several other "living history" sites in the area as well.

"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle" brings together these two classic stories by Washington Irving. The text of this Dover Children's Thrift Classic is accompanied by the whimsical illustrations of Thea Kliros. Both tales are set in the Dutch-American communities of rural New York State.

"Legend" tells the story of Ichabod Crane, a schoolteacher who lives in an area purportedly haunted by a terrifying spectre: a headless horseman. "Rip" tells the story of a farmer who has a remarkable paranormal experience while wandering in the mountains.

Each story explores the intersection of the supernatural with everyday life. The stories are full of vividly drawn characters and are rich with the local color of rural Dutch American communities. Issues such as folk beliefs, geography, history and oral tradition are well handled by Irving.

Irving's playful, earthy prose style is a delight to read. Passages such as a description of a Dutch-American feast are memorable. Funny, ironic, and poignant, these tales are true classics by one of the most enduring figures in American literature.

Will Moses' illustrated retelling of Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow rivals Arthur Rackham's near century-old version as the best edition of the book ever published. The Rackham version, with its moody, archetypal illustrations, has the slight edge, as it contains Irving's full original text in addition to Rackham's spectacular artwork.

However, Moses's simplification of the narrative is masterfully executed, and the colorful, playful, and numerous paintings which adorn the book have a warm period charm of genuine Americana. Moses portrays the Hudson River Valley as a lush expansive valley not unlike the Garden of Eden on the first day of creation. Happy farmers, their wives and children, cows, geese, ducks and pigs frolic together amid fields of wheat and corn; galleons approach dramatically from the river; and the Catskill Mountains, sun, and sky suggested an infinite panorama and endless horizon full of promise.

The story tells us that the Dutch colonists were a superstitious lot, and that the Sleepy Hollow region itself was or seemed to be under a spell of some kind. The farmers and their wives suspected witchcraft; strange music was heard in the air; visions were seen; and the inhabitants themselves lived their lives in a kind of continuous dreamy revery. These tales and superstitions give rise to the legend of the headless horseman, said to be the ghost of a Hessian soldier who lost his head to a canon ball in the war, and now nightly prowling the region in search of it. Moses' nocturnal landscapes of the swamps, hills and the Old Dutch Cemetery under a bright harvest moon are particularly effective. Significantly, these stark, haunted landscapes do not violate the spirit of the book, but enrich its sense of wonder.

Moses' Ichabod is a cheerful but somewhat hapless fellow, confident and foolish in equal parts. His Katrina is a strong but innocent blond beauty, and a friend to children. Brom Bones is an appropriately square-shouldered, square-jawed hooligan, rowdy and full of mischief, if not absolute spite.

Anyone familiar with the tale knows that it is not a horror story but a folktale, a fireside spook story, and a 'legend' as Irving, writing here as Diedrich Knickerbocker, himself called it. This edition of the book is appropriate for children but is equally suitable for adults. Highly recommended.