Compiled by James B. Hughes from contemporary sources, The Gatling Gun Notebook: A Collection Of Data And Illustrations is an impressive compendium of black-and-white illustrations and basic factual data about the incredible variety of gatling guns, from their first appearance in 1862, down to 1917 when the last U.S. government manual for the Gatling was printed. Ten gatling gun makers in five countries are extensively covered, and virtually every page features a drawing, diagram, or photograph, with most of them being about century old. The succinct and informative text entries provide invaluable background to each illustration, as well as technical specifications about the gatling gun in question. Simply put, The Gatling Gun Notebook is enthusiastically recommended as being a unique and fascinating resource for firearm and military history buffs.

"The true moral, if any, to be drawn from [Washington's] life, is that one should dress as magnificently as possible and indulge in every luxury available, including the dance, the theatre, the ballroom, hunting, fishing, racing, drinking and gambling, observing in all of them temperance, justice, honesty and pride, while avoiding excess and loss of dignity. And a fine code it is." - Rupert Hughes.

Despite my general admiration for the Founding Fathers, George Washington is not a figure of whom I would have contemplated reading a multi-volume biography, at least not until I had already done the same for Jefferson and Madison, to whom I feel much closer in temperament, and had plenty of time to spare. I thought Richard Brookhiser's informative but unexceptional biography of him (*Founding Father: Rediscovering George Washington*) contained everything I would ever want to know about the man.

But then, while reading Kenneth Roberts' literary autobiography, *I Wanted to Write*, I came across the following remark, extracted from the August 22, 1931 entry of his diary: "Read from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. in Volume 2 of Rupert Hughes's *George Washington*- history at its best and most brilliant."

Given the scantiness of Roberts' praise of historians, and my own steady admiration for him, this was enough to make me order the three volumes of Hughes' biography right away.

It is composed of three volumes, covering the first five decades of Washington's life and leaving out the last two, which include his presidency. They are titled respectively: "The Human Being and the Hero, 1732-1762", "The Rebel and the Patriot 1762-1777" and "The Savior of the States 1777-1781". So far, I have only read Volume 1, but it is enough to make me second Roberts' verdict about the book: not only is it well-researched and reliable, but it goes beyond those virtues of small books and rises to the level of great literature, rich with the kind of wisdom that makes you feel you are going to return to it again and again for more than just facts.

Hughes himself was a friend of Roberts. They first met at MI-4 during World War I. As Roberts writes in his autobiography: "It was my great good fortune to have as a commanding officer Major Rupert Hughes... If Major Hughes could have been given as free a hand with Military Intelligence as General Donovan was later given with O.S.S., the United States would long ago have had a genuine Intelligence Section." One also learns that at that time, Hughes was deaf, the father of two children, and "working furiously on galley proofs of a novel." Later on, he introduced Roberts to the man who would become his lifelong best friend, Booth Tarkington, and helped him out with his historical novels of the Revolutionary War by lending him volumes from his own well-endowed library.

Actually, Hughes has authored exactly the same kind of biography of Washington that Roberts would have written had ever ventured into this area, hence the latter's admiration: like Roberts in *Trending Into Maine* or *The Battle of Cowpens*, Hughes often prefers to let source documents speak for themselves; he has a writer's eye for the telling detail, for factual consistency and for the complexity of the human soul; and he is particularly brilliant at debunking myths and rescuing the truth from a jungle of misapprehensions and outright fabrications.

I was also particularly seduced by his personal philosophy, the benevolence of which is evinced by his view of business and money-making. But for its ambivalence, the following passage would sound almost Randian: "It has been overlong the custom to assume that epic poetry flies out of the window the moment business comes in at the door. We should realize the truer truth that all great business men and business triumphs have been, when understood, epic in virtues, epic in sins, aglow with poetic imaginations both of horror and beauty, tragedy and triumph."

Hughes' biography of Washington is a brilliant portrait of a multi-faceted man - military commander, land speculator, slave owner, lover and bon vivant. In addition to its richly detailed depictions of military life and military campaigns, it contains a very enlightening annex about Washington's religious fervour (or lack thereof) and a haunting treatment of his enduring passion for Sally Fairfax, the married woman he was more ardently in love with than he ever was with his own wife.

Distinctly German, but Germany's Regional Recipes: Foods, Festivals, Folklore by Helga Hughes characterizes the unique aspects of each state and its contribution to the national culture and food traditions of Germany.

Coming to the United States from Germany in 1961, Helga Hughes is a successful physical educator, pilot, chef, and author of numerous cookbooks. This book evolved from a desire to share, as well as to learn more about the customs and foods of her native country. To that end, Helga and her late husband Ken traveled and explored the cities and countryside of Germany. She lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

The result is this collection of authentic recipes cultivated by geographical and historical influences. Some legendary reference is noted also with foods associated with special events and festivities.

There is Black Forest Cherry Cake from Baden-Württemberg in the upper Rhine Valley; cooking with beer in Bavaria; Berlin Frikadellen, an early version of the American hamburger; the spicy tastes of Brandenburg; seafood of Bremen and Hamburg, and a continuing list of flavors and tastes of the other regions. A special section includes traditions and foods associated with holidays and national celebrations. Karin Gottier, German folklorist, details a traditional Christmas in Germany, and the origin of many customs now celebrated worldwide.

Lovingly compiled by Helga and Ken Hughes, this volume was historically referenced further by Dr. Eberhard Reichmann, former director of the University of Indiana Institute for Germanic Studies. Dr. Ruth Reichmann assisted also in additional editorial material.

Wursts, pretzels, marvelous breads, desserts, and many more popular tastes that have extended beyond the borders of Germany are included.

Line-drawings illustrate unique designs for special events and occasions.

Colorful front and back cover photographs by Joan Liffring-Zug Bourret are of nutcrackers from the collection of Karin Gottier.

This is one of the finest, most visually stunning books I've ever seen. It is "seven meditations on the events surrounding Jesus' birth" and it tells the story exquisitely. A fine read for Christians (including Catholics) and non-Christians alike. The illustrations are powerful and multidimensional -- especially the one introducing "The Visitation." I give this book to every newborn in my family and friends' families. It is not a children's book, but a wonderful treasure. It is, in itself, quite a "gift." (The previous reviews on this page don't seem to be about this particular book).

I truly loved Margaret Mahy's stories of magic in nature, collected here under the title The Girl With the Green Ear. She has the most wonderful descriptions of hidden wonders of the world, and her use of imagery is fabulous. The Girl With the Green Ear is just one of several short stories that show us that the world really is a fascinating place. In one story she writes how a young boy was bribed by a wicked queen with "a singing cricket in an ivory cage and a box of velvet in which sits a single dewdrop." I could read her stories forever, and they are perfect for any age.

These activities work consistently well with all kinds of students. The book is well organized and accessible. Versatile teachers will love these lessons, which promote multiple perspectives, interdependence, critical thinking, and conflict resolution.

All of Gerard W. Hughes' books I strongly recommened reading. For thoses who are searching and doughtfull about their faith, Which I would assume is everyone.

This book contains a lot of wonderful information about grilling. It provides cooking times for a large variety of meats and vegetables as well as how to prepare them. There are many interesting (yet simple) recipes, including many marinades and sauces that can be used on numerous types of food.

This is a great book for those of you who enjoy golfing in out-of-the-way courses. We used this book for a recent vacation and had a wonderful time. The book had accurate descriptions of courses. Enjoy!!

Monica Hughes was the start of my love with science fiction. The Isis trilogy was my introduction to her work and stand out as the best work for young adults. I was eleven when I decided to read The Keeper of the Isis Light; I was hooked. Although all three are superb pieces of work, the Guardian (book two) is the peak of the trilogy. A great story of hardship, taboos, speaking out against authority, a reluctant hero and a beautiful girl worth risking your life for, and much more.

Before her passing (too soon!) Monica wrote many other books and all are excellent pieces of work. Start with the Isis series and I guarantee you will want to read them all. I know I have.....