I have not read this book but I was told about it by someone on my Clinton Main Street Board. The book evidently does not include Clinton, Missouri in its data. I would like to visit with the author regarding her statistics and question her as to why Clinton, Missouri was not included in the 2-hour radius of Kansas City, MO. Clinton has recently received an award as an All America City for the year 2000. With a population of approx. 10,000 and close in proximity to Truman Lake, we have a lot to offer. We are approximately 1/2 way between KC and Springfield, as the "crow flies". I am Project Manager for Clinton Main Street and can be reached at the above email address or my phone # is 660-885-2121. I would like to invite Shifra to our community and would like her to reconsider Clinton, Missouri as a viable tourist area within a 2-hour radius of KCMO.

Thank you - Marsha Dark Project Manager Clinton Main Street PO Box 173 Clinton, MO 64735

Whenever I feel stressed out, I get on a two-lane highway, with this book in hand, and go to off-the-beaten path places that are great fun. Last week I went to two small towns only 30 minutes from where I live in Kansas City and shopped at antique stores, had lunch at a fabulous cafe, and got some great gifts thanks to this little guide. Indispensable. Wouldn't be without it!

That pretty much says it all, I guess. One caveat: the book deals pretty much exclusively with Wisconsin fiddlers & traditions, so "the rural midwest" isn't really an accurate description of the area covered.

"Farmhouse Fiddlers Music and Dance Traditions in the Rural Midwest" by Phil Martin

In far too many homes, "Grandpa's fiddle" adorns a wall, is tucked away under a bed, or stored in the attic, never again to ring out the old tunes, nor to collect the dust of dancers. Our nation's tradition of house-party fiddling has largely been stilled, though there are many areas where fiddling is still strong, though primarily because of bluegrass and contest fiddling. We are fortunate that there are those willing to spend the effort to seek out those who were a part of the old traditions and share their memories with us.

The past has always been intriguing, yet enigmatic; it belongs to us, yet it doesn't--understanding it takes a special sort of knowledge, which Phil Martin sought out and presents in his book, "Farmhouse Fiddlers." The author explains, through narrative and quotation, the way people entertained themselves, retelling tales of fiddling and dancing gathered from those who lived during the era of the close-knit farm community. Mr. Martin's book gives a compelling, slightly romanticized view of the life of northern farmers, primarily of Wisconsin, and how they lived--his telling reminiscent of the sentimentality of a Garrison Keillor-told tale or Ken Burns' series, "The Civil War". It is interesting that fiddling has become such a sentimental link to our past, reminding us of simpler times and wholesomeness--surprisingly so, considering how the fiddle was once viewed by some as the "devil's box."

Although well researched, this book is not a textbook, nor is it presented with the stuffiness and "folklore-bigotry" I have come to expect from folklorists, although there are plenty of notes cited in the text. Nor is it a tunebook; there is nary a note of music in it. It is a book to read, enjoy, and leave on one's coffee table. It explains much about the society of that era and might lead the reader to muse on the problems of our own society, by comparison. The reader will find tales of fiddlers and other musicians, stories of traveling bands, accounts of how things evolved, waxed and waned, regarding fiddling, music, instrumentation, travel, work, neighborhoods, and towns. The author first sets the ambience of the farm community with narrative, then uses quotations to bring a more in-depth, personalized view of the social structure of the time. He also makes good use of interesting old photographs, which are well reproduced.

If you are interested in "days-gone-by", fiddling, dancing, or Wisconsin, this book will tickle your fancy. I found the book to be quite interesting, though at the beginning, when narrative dominates, I feared the book would lack "punch." As I read further, though, I found myself more and more interested in descriptions of how and why the old traditions began and ended, thoughtfully explained through the use of quotations. In this day and age, when it seems everything can be explained in a contrived 30 minute television show, this book refreshingly gives us insight, and a feeling of home.

Reading Friendship Fires was an experience for me. I usally don't read books that are about the wilderness, but this time I did and I'm glad becuase I learned that being advantures in life can bring you to discover many new oportunitys. I liked the way Sam Cook related his advantures with his family and brought them with, threw out is jorneys. This is a man of great character and I enjoyed reading his book.

I took Friendship Fires with me on a recent camping trip to read around the fire.. I am a big fan of Mr. Cook, having read many of his columns in the Duluth News Tribune. This book is a collection of his columns over a number of years. The book is composed of many short "stories" that are put together into the book in a logical fashion. The content of the book is outstanding, and will make you laugh, and will also make you stop sometimes and just contemplate the story. The book makes a great gift for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.

I enjoyed this book on the emerging Great Lakes steelhead fishery. The authors cover the basics on steelhead biology, behaviour, leaders, casting techniques, and flies. I liked the chapters on the guides from Ontario, Wisconsin, Michigan, and New York. Even though Lake Superior tributaries are different form Lake Ontario tributaries you can still apply the same techniques. All of the guides shared their strategies and tips with the authors. The book has a great chapter on popular steelhead flies in colored plates. I also found the fly tying and leader recipes very helpful.

The book contained a lot of useful information for both novice and seasoned steelhead anglers alike. I especially liked the drawings and explantions of techniques. Also helpful is the equipment list at the end of the chapters. I only wish they would have included more detailed information on walk-in and put-in locations for fishing the many rivers. Overall a good addition to your fishing library.

For anyone new to herb gardening in USDA Zones 3-6, this book is a great start. Plant profiles for common culinary herbs, and a month-by-month guide to cultivation, make this a perfect reference for new 'herbies.' My only wish would be for some great photos of seedlings, mature plants, and harvesting, which would be especially helpful to folks who are new to herbs. Whenever anyone in one of my herb classes asks about a good book, this is the one that I recommend.

I am new to herb gardening, and to the Midwest. This book has been an excellent resource. I've been herb gardening in Zone 3 for 3 years now.

The only drawback I can see is that I would like more specific information on each plant. But it has a lot of information about herbs that grow here, plus tips on gardening naturally. It also includes interesting factoids on herbs throughout history.

I highly recommend this to up and coming gardeners!

Just go back from Louisville and used this book for EVERYTHING! Three years after it was published I was still able to use it to cram so much into my visit. I planned visits to historical sites, restaurants and points of interest every day with this guide. Two things you have to do when buying this edition is buy a good city map and call to make sure whatever restaurant you want to go to is still in business (only happened once). Louisville has so much to offer, great food, fun and so much history (2nd only to Boston for the number of historical sites). If you don't have a guide you will miss so many things!

James Nold and Bob Bahr's "The Insiders' Guide to Louisville" is crammed with interesting, honest and friendly information about the city they both love and call home. From restuarants to spectator sports, from nightlife to real estate, these authors offer an wonderfully imformative introduction to Louisville. On every couple of pages, they include "Insider Tips" to add personal advice to their guide book.

I was a little disapointed with the lack of maps. I would have liked to see numbered maps corresponding to the venues and places they discussed. So, if you are using this as your only guide, buy a city map, too!

On the whole, however, this is a knowledgable guide book filled with clear advice.

Great historical and park activity information. I just wish it would have been more specfic ie; which sites are good, maps of park layouts etc. Still good guide.

I live 2 miles from one of the State parks reviewed - Bald Mountain. I have to say I learned more from this guidebook than I knew from living here and asking the locals. It contains maps and layouts of the parks, and gives lots of good information. If you live in MI or are planning to visit, it's worth it.

This book has great photos but I was expecting more information about the people who built the different styles of barns. The background information is really missing in this book.

In 1990 the author purchased a camera and began a trip across Michigan's back roads in search of old barns to photography: this is the culmination of her journey, adding historic notes which will prove particularly interesting to residents of Michigan as well as those studying old structures. The black and white images have themselves become history: many of these old barns no longer stand.

It had a bit of history alongside a listing of places to go and see a bit of that history. It was nice to find some hidden spots not far from my home. I recently moved to the western suburbs and found quite a few wildlife preserves and recreation areas I wouldn't have noticed otherwise.

This well-researched "ecohistory" helped me discover -- and rediscover -- some of Chicagoland's special places. Looking through new eyes, I was able to gain a new appreciation for my favorite spots, as well as explore some hidden gems. I highly recommend this guide for both visitors and residents!

Each of these essays slows down time while fishing for steelhead, condenses time in a Lake Superior fall bird migration, turns on the time-lapse camera of glacial time and rekindles the time-suspended fun of playing in the waves. Van Stappen's naturalist eye and poetic style draws his reader in. A writer for Wisconsin Outdoor Journal and 1996 Pippistrelle Best of the Small Press Winner, Van Stappen's collection of Lake Superior essays puts this achievement in the osprey's nest: high above and easy to spot. In his essay about blueberry picking, his dry wit can be found: "After all, our opposable thumb and forefinger didn't develop just to flick coins into vending machines. We were berry pickers before we were tool users and are still berry pickers today." Each essay is also accentuated with paintings by Kate Wright. Wright is obviously inspired by Van Stappen's writing. The paintings interact superbly with each essay. In his essay, "Ephemeral Like Clouds", Van Stappen writes about clouds of mayflies (Aurora ephemeralis) appearing everywhere in his hometown, Washburn. He writes, "They didn't spread themselves evenly like some insectile fog, but instead clustered in discrete, cloud-like swarms resembling miniature thunderstorms. Within each swarm there was a continuous circulation of mayflies rising and falling as if in updrafts and downdrafts." Wright's painting depicts the whirligig desires of mayflies, flocking to a lit cabin window. Hunters, birdwatchers, cabin owners, and fishermen will love this book. Vacationers heading for Northern Wisconsin and Lake Superior can enhance their trips with it. Residents of the region will find these essays a warming balm in the long winter nights. With it's sense of timelessness, "Northern Passages", will hopefully make it into the shelves of libraries and family favorites.

Northern Passages: Reflections from Lake Superior Country by Michael Van Stappen

Reviewed by Matt Welter

If there is one word the sums up Michael Van Stappen's collection of nature essays, it is "timelessness". Each of these essays slows down time while fishing for steelhead, condenses time in a Lake Superior fall bird migration, turns on the time-lapse camera of glacial time and rekindles the time-suspended fun of playing in the waves. Van Stappen's naturalist eye and poetic style draws his reader in. A writer for Wisconsin Outdoor Journal and 1996 Pippistrelle Best of the Small Press Winner, Van Stappen's collection of Lake Superior essays puts this achievement in the osprey's nest: high above and easy to spot. In his essay about blueberry picking, his dry wit can be found: "After all, our opposable thumb and forefinger didn't develop just to flick coins into vending machines. We were berry pickers before we were tool users and are still berry pickers today." Each essay is also accentuated with paintings by Kate Wright. Wright is obviously inspired by Van Stappen's writing. The paintings interact superbly with each essay. In his essay, "Ephemeral Like Clouds", Van Stappen writes about clouds of mayflies (Aurora ephemeralis) appearing everywhere in his hometown, Washburn. He writes, "They didn't spread themselves evenly like some insectile fog, but instead clustered in discrete, cloud-like swarms resembling miniature thunderstorms. Within each swarm there was a continuous circulation of mayflies rising and falling as if in updrafts and downdrafts." Wright's painting depicts the whirligig desires of mayflies, flocking to a lit cabin window. Hunters, birdwatchers, cabin owners, and fishermen will love this book. Vacationers heading for Northern Wisconsin and Lake Superior can enhance their trips with it. Residents of the region will find these essays a warming balm in the long winter nights. With it's sense of timelessness, "Northern Passages", will hopefully make it into the shelves of libraries and family favorites.