Harry Hansen's book was the first I read on the Civil War and it sparked me to read more. The battle descriptions are some of the best I have ever read, especially Hansen's handling of Chancellorsville and Fredericksburg. This book takes you into the minds of the generals and common soldiers who waged the war and explains their actions in a clear and concise way. Not overly wordy, but having enough description to keep it interesting, this book is perfect for anyone who is just getting started on the Civil War, as it also digs into the political, social, and historical influences that caused the war. Another great feature is that the book is not biased towards either of the contingents, and gives a straight report without overly critizing either side. All in all, an excellent book that I highly reccommend to anyone with an interest in the conflict

The Comprehensive Reference Guide is an excellent source for students to aquire information on 233 countries from around the world. As a middle school social studies teacher it is one of the first books I encourage my students to research when we begin studying a new region. We have five in the class. Countries are listed in alphabetical order in a well organized table of contents. Each page is laid out in an easy to read format and contains general information on a specific country that includes a minature map, flag (it's black and white and I wish it was color), population, languages, type of goverment, geography, climate, economy, life-style, and a section on interesting facts. In the back are maps of the seven continents and fourteen blank maps that can be duplicated for tests. There is also a currency appendix that gives the country, the name of its' basic monetary unit and its equivalent. It also has an easy to read eighteen page index. This is a good book to have if you are teaching or just interested in finding out basic facts on different countries.

This is the most practical and efficient counterpoint textbook for class room use, the textbook I would use if I were to teach counterpoint in the class room. It is clear and concise and to the point. To gain a broader understanding of counterpoint, I recommend this work be supplemented with Walter Piston's COUNTERPOINT. I also recommend PENTATONIC SCALES FOR THE JAZZ-ROCK KEYBOARDIST by Jeff Burns.

This book is an excellent resource for all individuals who are affilitated with law enforcement and or the Criminal Justice System. It allows for an indepth view and explanation of white collar crimes and their diverse nature. This collaborative project gave and excellent look at the criminal justice process from start to finish regarding the conviction and actual sentencing of these offenders. One of the most important aspects of this literary work is the fact that it actually attempts to profile the average white collar criminal. Overall, I feel that this book should act as a benchmark for those white collar crime scholars who want to further expand the general understanding of who these white collar criminals are and how they make their living through scams.

An excellent discussion of ICU/Critical Care Medicine pathophysiology and management approaches for principally the housestaff/junior fellow level. Chapters are pertinent and understandable. Does a good job of avoiding the tendency toward "cookbook" medicine found in several other CCM texts written at this level. End of chapter summaries are excellent. Focus is on developing understanding of key physiologic/pathophysiologic concepts and how they relate to monitoring, management, etc. rather than focusing on procedures and techniques. Should be the text of choice for medicine critical care rotations early in training as it really develops the appropriate foundation.

I loved the concept of talking planes. I would be scared to think what the planes I've flown in have said to other planes about me! This is a WONDERFUL book about the Old School way of flying that Cub Owners can Still DO! I'm jealous! But reading the book is the next best thing. VERY visual images are brought up. The beauty of flight... the beauty of our country seen from above by a slow flying Cub. If you fly, or enjoy reading about flying, you'll need to read this.

My father got this book as a gift from my grandmother for his birthday. She usually gets religious-type books, so I didn't bother to even pick it up for a long time. One day, dad brought it to me and said "here son, read this real quick." Then I realized that I'd been ignoring one of the funniest books with some of the catchiest stories and anecdotes I've ever seen. I recommend this book to anyone, especially as bedside material, or as bathroom reading material. The quips are short enough as not to hinder your daily activities, but are funny enough to justify taking a few extra seconds to read. My opinion, in two words- BUY IT!

Most history books are dull. Not this one!

I came across this book at a garage sale. I thought it might be useful to get ideas for History Day topics for my kids. I found it so interesting and well written that I read it cover to cover.

The reader learns history the way historians do-using primary sources. The book shows how to analyze letters, speeches, newspaper articles, maps, advertisements, statistical data, court records, and first person accounts. This is not a comprehensive history book, but rather a historical sampling of 15 topics. Some of the topics are "Conceptualizing the Modern World (1500s)", "The Confucian Family (1600-1800)", Islamic Fundamentalism and Renewal in West Africa (ca.1775-1820)", and "Globalism and Tribalism: Challenges to the Contemporary Nation-State (1980's-1990s)".

The Authors give a brief background, questions to consider, and suggestions to help the reader analyze the primary sources. I would strongly recommend this book to advanced placement high school or college level history teachers. It teaches critical thinking in a way rarely found in history texts.

Yeah, it rocked

Efe pygmies: Archers of the African Rain Forest is a sumptuously illustrated tome that will long grace my coffee table. The main part of the book - a subtle photographic study depicting the Efe subsisting precariously but harmoniously in the depths of the Ituri forest - is preceded by a brief but fascinating scene-setting section of white-on-black text.

The author presents vivid visual and verbal images of his subjects making baskets, carrying hunting nets, filing their teeth, smoking tobacco, playing music, dispatching a net-caught antelope, touchingly expressing grief at the death of a newborn, and fleeing from their leaf huts into the night beneath a cracking and crashing, lightning-weakened tree.

Skillful, intimate photography makes us yearn for the easy laughter and simplicity of these gentle, peaceful people, yet we are simultaneously made aware of the dangers and discomforts they must constantly face.

It is a fitting tribute to a people as "primitive" and untouched by global culture as any on earth, and the precariousness of their independence. Moreover, it is a compelling and persuasive insight into our own hunting and gathering origins, and the thoughts, feelings, and reactions we all share as part of the human family.

While William Wheeler's book may not lead us to put on treebark loin cloths and chase wildlife through the forest, it is an evocative portrayal of another culture, one that can teach us something about how to live surrounded by danger and dark forces and yet keep on reverentially singing, laughing, and living for the moment.

Although the Efe are clearly too humble and happy a people to bother sending missionaries to us for our edification, this beautiful and moving book affords a glimpse of what such a mission might convey.