Lambdin marries Lewrie off, but he still can't keep it in his pants. He covers the period and the action well, but for some reason our Alan is always chasing women for the movie cameras (or is Lambdin writing for them?).

Excellent descriptions of the scandals of the Carribean before the Fench Revolution.

For those with in interest in tall ships and the sailing navies, this novel covers a time period not well covered by other authors, i.e., the period between the American Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars, when most of the British Navy was laid up out of service and pirates roamed the West Indies. Lambdin does an excellent job researching the information for his novels. While this book is one out of a series about the naval and amorous adventures of Alan Lewrie, the main plot stands alone and Lambdin fills in the reader with any incidental information on events from earlier books. A highly recommended book for filling in that time period of history.

IF YOU HAVE NOT MET EITHER LAMBDIN OR LEWRIE IN EARLIER BOOKS, YOU SHOULD FIRST READ The Kings Coat, The French Admiral, The Kings Privateer or The King's Commission BEFORE YOU READ The Gun Ketch. I issue this caution because you cannot possibly appreciate the shock of learning that Alan Lewrie is married (!) without first reading at least one (preferably all) of its predecessors. I was HORRIFIED to find in the opening pages that LT Alan Lewrie was being married on the first pages. But then, so was he! (The author shares with you the thoughts of Lewrie -- which is what make him charming.) The story that follows is a delightful story of the sea, pirates, good (and ACCURATE) sailing descriptions. Alan Lewrie is lovable because he is so real and down to earth. He is more of a person than Hornblower or Bolitho, although I commend to anyone either of their authors (Forester and Kent, respectively). I note with interest that a previous reviewer has the same opinion (see RPE01@AOL.com from Cleveland, below.), although we would differ on what the "Trilogy" consists of. In any case it doesn't matter. This is good, solid writing; well-researched, greatly peopled with colorful characters that you come to care about, and the sea adventure is unparalleled. THIS IS GOOD STUFF!! READ IT. You won't be disappointed. And I think you will come to like Dewey Lambdin, as well. I suspect there is a bit of Alan Lewrie in him.

Although somewhat dated in that what Dewey novelly stated long ago, we now accept as obvious, this is a great book to gain an understanding of art both as a producer and as a spectator.

The central theme is that life is an experience, and that the goal of art is to recapture that experience. Hence, a painting of a flower is only valuable in the way that it captures the essence of a flower, or the experience of viewing a flower. The viewing of a painting must also provide some of the experience of making that painting ( its process ).

If you can manage to finish the book ( the style is a bit archaic ), the experience is worth the effort.

As a reviewer below stated, this is a very interesting book that treats art as a means of recapturing the experience of life and trasmitting that experience to the audience. He captures a number of concepts established earlier by Leo Tolstoy in his "What is Art?" and delves deeper into them, expounding on their more practical and less esoteric uses.

Dewey, however, certainly earns his title as a pragmatist. His wording is complicated and, at times, careful. It is difficult to pin specific sayings or doctrines to him. However, once the task is completed, he has a great deal of important things to say about art and artistic experience.

if you are an artist this book will blow your mind.

it is pretty theoretical, but if you can get through the first 20 pages.. and get into his vibe.. it's BEAUTIFUL.. (yum).

This is probably the most important book i've ever read. You trust katie, you! you buy! you buy!!

Whoecver heard of the Chicago Whales? While Chicago would be the last place one would go to find a whale (outside captivity), there was a team by that name at the turn of the century. I enjoyed this book as both a baseball fan and a historian. One fault that I do find, however, is the absence of the Negro Leagues. Maybe this oversight can be corrected in a future edition or even in a separate compendium. Also, while mention is made of the original Milwaukee Brewers AL franchise in 1903 in the St. Louis Browns entry, there is no separate entry listed for that particular franchise. The 1903 Brewers had as colorful a year as the 1969 Seattle Pilots (which themselves became the modern day Milwaukee Brewers).

The Ball Clubs is an excellent book. It provides extremely informative backgrounds on ALL major league franchises. I do, however, have two rather nagging criticisms of this book. The first is that the authors seem to be excessively "anti-owner": they seem to take every opportunity to point out every flaw in anybody who ever owned or operated a major league baseball franchise, while rarely (if ever) complimenting these individuals. The second criticism, which in my opinion is much more serious, is their quite STUPID decision to separate "franchises" into separate "teams" (such as the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers). This practice reaches a ridiculous point when a continuous franchise which has played in two different leagues (such as the Pittsburgh Pirates, in the AA from 1882-1886 and the NL from 1887-present) is given two different entries - for the SAME FRANCHISE!!! (Does that mean that there will be yet ANOTHER entry for the Milwaukee Brewers, since they are transferring to the NL in 1998?)

If you had to buy just one book on baseball then "The Ball Clubs" should be the one you choose. It presents an in-depth look at every professional baseball club in the history of "America's pastime". Everyone knows of The Dodgers, The Yankees, The Braves et al, but how many have heard of The New York Mutuals or Altoona Mountain Citys, who also played a role (however brief) in the formation and history of Major League Baseball as we know it today. Well researched and written, this book should become a standard among baseball literature and will hopefully be updated on a regular basis. The writers demonstrate their love and knowledge of the game and this comes across in the book which not only includes bare facts but amusing side stories as well. This book is an enjoyable read and should form the foundation of any baseball book collection

Freeberg's dual biography of Laura Bridgman and Samuel Gridley Howe is far better reading than one would expect of a revised Ph.D. dissertation. Freeberg is clear in his exposition of philosophic and religious trends, and he is absolutely fair in his of treatment the old Calvinist orthodoxy and the evangelicalism of the Second Great Awakening. Having written a children's story about Laura Bridgman more than twenty-five years ago, I was already familiar with the outlines of this narrative, but I still learned much from Freeberg's study--as for instance, the connection between Unitarianism and phrenology and the robust evangelical reaction to Howe's tentative attempts to play God with Bridgman's soul.

Buy this book before it goes out of print. Get The Imprisoned Guest as well. You won't be disappointed if you have any intrest in this brilliant and spirited lady!

It's just delightful when something like this comes around. It's a page turner that isn't a paperback mystery. In fact, people who have heard of Laura Bridgman in the first place pretty much know how the story comes out. Freeberg has a taut and clear style that gives the information bones and ligaments, and he has done thorough research. There are photos and copies of things in Laura's handwriting that I have never seen before, and I have been in the field of disability all my adult life. I've read just about everything on Laura Bridgman and the Perkins school.

Freeberg did well in choosing to focus of Laura's education. The book would have been at least three times longer, and probably not as well organized had he tried to cover her entire life in one volume. By sticking just to the subject of her education, though, he shows use the brilliance of her teacher, Howe, who relied on instincts and experience, and made things up as he went along. And we see Laura's mind grow. In our day, the lay person is fairly familiar with the stages of human intellectual growth and development, and it is exciting to see how Laura is remediated for the things she missed because her communication skills were late in coming.

Freeberg is also respectful and gracious to his topic. Laura is a wonderful person in her own right. She is not Helen Keller's shadow. Helen Keller is a once-an-epoch genius. Laura was a bright and friendly woman, and I thank Freeberg for reminding us of this.

This warm, humorous book contains the author's experience raising a rambunctious raccoon named Frosty who was brought to her after his family died in a storm. Frosty loves to explore and meet new people and this often gets him (and Harriet) into trouble. Eventually, they move to a citrus farm in California, where Frosty meets new friends, has new adventures, and eventually goes wild.

I read this book several times as a teenager and loved it every time. I have recently found out that my wife is pregnant and this is one of the first things that came to mind. I want to read this to my child. Of course it is out of print and is likely going to be difficult to find by I will keep my fingers crossed. This is a hilarious look at the misadventures of a very lovable young Racoon named Frosty. I have thought of this book so often over the years and would encourage even adults with a desire to belly roll laugh to buy and read this book where ever you can find it. Read it to your children and save it so they can do the same for theirs.

Got this book at a library sale. I read it aloud with my ten year old, who is an animal lover. Frosty had us laughing so hard our sides hurt! What a personality! Harriet was the only woman park ranger at the Big Basin national park in California for twenty years. Her knowledge and love of wildlife and the redwood forests where she lived in the summers adds lots of authentic and colorful background. My daughter told my husband all about this baby raccoon who loved flushing the toilet and jumping in...to the point that his use of water caused a near disaster in the park! And wait'll you read about the time Harriet left him in the car for a minute and he got into her medicinal throat lozenges. "Mad 'coon!" After the crowd gathered, a truck loaded with chickens pulled up next to Harriet's car. Ever seen an explosion of chicken feathers? There are dozens of incredibly funny stories in this book. We now have a fascination with raccoons and an appreciation for them that we didn't have before. We laughed, cried, and bonded with Frosty and Harriet. I hope you find it; it is a treasure.

Ever try to look up a word in a 600 page dictionary that isn't in any order known to you? Unless you know this book's secret you'll have to look through the entire book to find your weed, if it's in the book at all. There is a key on page 603 but no instructions on how to use it and the author apparently doesn't return email inquiries. This book is full of great pictures but if you want a book to help you identify a weed in your garden look somewhere else.

A must-have book for gardeners, hikers, rural residences. 100% color photos make it great to ID weeds about the house. Categorized by family so pretty easy to find. Books that have art renderings of plants just don't ID a plant for me, and I'm an artist!
Any negative about the book would be that it could use more descriptive type about the plant.

This book isn't for everyone, but it really fills a gaping hole in the reference library of any gardener interested in the use of native plants, xeriscape gardening, wildflower cultivation, etc. For anyone who has ever let a yard go to seed "just to see what happens" (or dreamed of doing so) this book helps you determine what weeds are really weeds and what weeds are hidden treasures. The book is amply illustrated with photos of both mature plants and seedlings, which helps you determine what to get rid of after monsoon rains have done their part. The descriptions are clear and the index functions fine. Plus I just love the idea of having an entire book on weeds!

I recommend this text in the management and supervisory classes I teach. It has a little bit of something about many topics which will assist supervisors and managers. And, to be quite honest, it provides enough buzz-words and buzz-concepts to allow the reader to sound up-to-date and knowledgeable in a discussion of organizational issues! The wide range of material in this book is what justifies an otherwise fairly steep price-tag.

This soft cover book provides information of management and leadership. Learning theories can be applied to business and education. Charts help to detail author's outline of organizational management. A worthy book for leaders.

"What is the major barriers to effective communication. As an manager or supervisor, how to eliminate or reduce these barriers. Please use some examples in your workplace to illustrate your points.

This was a drop in quality in the series so far. The first three and H.M.S. Cockerel were better. In "Privateer", the story tends to wander from the focus that was a plus in the others. It isn't a bad book, none of the ones I've read in the series are. Lewrie is still an interesting character, and it's worth reading. It's just that it is a valley in a series of peaks to this point. I do look forward to reading the next in the series.

It's 1783 and Britain is in the depression 'between wars' and like an actress between jobs is hard-up and desperate to improve her lot.
Enter young Alan Lewrie, gulled into a commision on an East Indiaman with a hidden agenda of retribution against French privateers.
Alan, like most young men, keeps his brain in his groin and finds no shortage of willing bed-partners; but this lascivity leads to problems, the least of which is a pregnant maid. On the run, even 4th luff on the Indiaman looks an attractive prospect, with the chance to make money and a name for himself, but as they arrive in Calcutta, the past catches up with him.
He is thus privy to news that the rest of the young officers are denied, causing jealousy and unrest in the gunroom.

Mr.Lambdin strives to convey accents with a quaint use of spelling and punctuation - it usually works, but sometimes is a trifle heavy going. Otherwise, apart from one or two slips, the plot rolls along very nicely. There is initially markedly little naval action - but there is plenty of intrigue and double-dealing to keep one guessing all the way through. However, when the action does start, the below-decks detail is extremely well described, educating the reader in the minutiae of the proceedings.

I am not fond of the detailed amorous interludes, which do nothing for the plot, only rubbing in the fact that Alan is human and prey to all the vices that the world has to offer, to my mind a subtle hint works better than a blow-by-blow description which easily turns salacious if not handled well.

Having read most of the other authors in this genre, I can say that Mr.Lambdin is definitely not near the bottom of the list - as I read more, he may rise alongside Richard Woodman, James Nelson & Patrick O'Brien in my estimation.

For sheer feel, this is the best of the Lewrie lot. Lewrie alternates between rage and panic and indecision, just like real people.

By going far afield the writer helps to highlight some of the less-known aspects of the interwar period 1783-1794.

This time we managed to avoid the pornographic blow-by-blows of Lewrie's rutting with non-white women, though the smut remains while he's in England.

Overall the series is a disappointment.

Gregory likes normal food; eggs, vegetables, fruit, and fish. Normal food, for a normal kid, right? Wrong! You see Gregory isn't exactly normal well not in his family's eyes. To them, normal food is tin cans, boxes, tires, and mostly garbage. Well that is normal food...for a goat. You see, Gregory is a goat and since he likes eggs, vegetables, and fruits his parents think he is sick. But Gregory just wants to eat what he likes. So since Gregory and his parents haven't had dinner together in a while (and mothers like to have dinner with they're kids) they decide to take him to Doctor Ram. Doctor Ram has treated picky eaters before but not like Gregory. Yet, he comes up with a solution. That is to feed Gregory what he wants but to sneak in a little bit of garbage every meal... It is a good moral to the story I think it might teach kids to try stuff before they decide whether or not the like it!

Gregory the Goat has an eating problem. He is a finicky eater. While his family chews contentedly away on good goat stuff-tin cans, empty cartons, used ties and so on, Gregory is busy eating "revolting" food from a goats point of view-fresh vegetables, fruit, salad, soup and so on.

What to do? At their wit's end, Gregory's parents concoct a plan-and the fun begins.

A very imaginative and engaging read, with fun dialog, bright, pleasing illustrations and a quirky sense of humor.

Gregory is a kid just like you and me. He loves carrots, fish, orange juice, lettuce, and ice cream. Oh, and did I mention that Gregory is a goat?
Gregory's parents tried to raise a nice "kid." They feed him tin cans, tires, and bottle caps, but Gregory, the terrible eater, refuses to eat any dinner. In a desperate attempt to find out what's wrong with him, Gregory's parents take him to Dr. Ram, and tells them what to do...
Well naturally, along with every story children's story I have been able to get a hold of, "Gregory, the Terrible Eater," has a very charming moral. Ever had a child who refused to eat his or her dinner, maybe you're looking for a way to delight your child with a pleasing story, or maybe you have a son named "Greg." Either way, I can assure you that you'll love this story written by Mitchell Sharmat.
As far as the pictures go (every child loves stories with pictures in them!) Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey have made the story come to life with brilliant colors and vivid drawings. In conclusion, you have nothing to lose with this adorable tale of Gregory, the Terrible Eater!

I really enjoyed reading this story to my students and working with activities that went along with the book. For example miming the action words in the book, drawing, and writing a book report. This is wonderful story about a chick and a duck who hatch at the same time and become friends. The chick imitates the duck until the duck goes for a swim. However, the chick attempts to swim, but can't and is rescued by the duck. The Chick realizes that it is ok not to do everything the duck does. The duck can go for a swim with out him. The moral of the story, sometimes it is perfectly ok to imitate, but at other times be yourself, do your own things and have your own ideas.

This book is great for showing how chicks and ducks are the same, and different, in an entertaining way. It is an emergent reader book, that uses repetition and predictability to help young readers along. My Kindergarten class really loves this book. I've seen it in Big Book format, but can't find it here. Oh, well! Buy this one if you don't have it.

Ashleigh favorite part was when the chick sank. It makes me feel like I can save my friend. Ashley liked the part when the duckling dug a hole. I liked the illustrations.