"I can only conclude that science has enormously extended the sphere of our responsibilities, while our consciences have remained the same size," says Butler at one point, aptly summing up some of the main themes covered in this book. Butler's various essays on pre-WWII and wartime Croatia (and other parts of the former Yugoslavia) were the main reason I bought this book. In several pieces written during the 1950s, Butler provided some of the first intelligent commentary (i.e. not propaganda) on the Nazi-supported Ustasha regime in wartime Croatia and the rather dubious role of Archbishop (later Cardinal) Stepinac, Croatia's Roman Catholic primate at the time. But the essays in this book deal with a much wider array of topics, from Irish culture and nationalism, through the Holocaust to literary criticism. Butler is most intriguing and thought-provoking when he speculates on the morals (or lack thereof) of modern man. Thus, in one of the book's most powerful essays, "The Children of Drancy," he writes about the deportation of over 4,000 Jewish children from France to the Nazi Germany (where they were sent to the gas chambers). He notes the enormity of just this one crime, which involved the collaboration of so many people (from politicians to the lowliest railroad technicians and clerks) and a highly-sophisticated, quintessentially modern and industrial division of labor, and how it has been almost completely forgotten - unike, say, Herod's slaughter of the innocents 2000 years ago.

For anyone who loves the beauty and grace of this fine film this makes a wonderful companion. It includes the screenplay, an interview with director Beeban Kidron, stills from the film and, of course, the origional short story by Joseph Conrad.

I have never been a huge Conrad fan and reading this short story after seeing the beautiful film it inspired was a reminder why. Though it obviously is literature, it is plauged by Conrad's choice of Kennedy to relate the tale. Whereas Fitzgerald found that grace and beauty in seemingly sketchy or even trivial people and situations Conrad is either unwilling or unable to do so. It reads as though someone gave a good writer a beautiful romantic tragedy to write and then had them write it without any love or sentiment. Conrad's "Amy Foster" leaves you cold.

Tom Willocks, who does love Conrad, ran into this problem while writing the screenplay. Only when he realized everything was askew in Conrad's origional story because Kennedy's perspective was tainted was he able to turn the story inside out and find the vestiges of love and romance Conrad had omitted.

It is because of Willocks's wonderful screenplay and Beeban Kidron's handling of it that this is one of those rare instances where the film is better than its origional source. The film has the grace and beauty of fine literature because screenwriter Tom Willocks gave it such. Reading the screenplay will make you appreciate just what a difficult task such an adaptation is and how it is an art form all its own.

One of my favorite films is 'Plenty' with Meryl Streep and I was delighted to find that Fred Schepisi, the director of that film, was chosen to interview Beeban Kidron about the making of 'Swept From the Sea.' The 21 questions Schepisi asks and Kidron's responses are invaluable to anyone who loves this exquisitely beautiful work of art. There are little gems and insights into the making of the film you will enjoy immensely.

There are some nice stills to look at and as a bonus the entire credits for the film are listed as well. If you haven't seen this spare and lovely film yet you are missing out. If you have seen it you'll definitely want to own this as an addition to the film.

"It struck me that Amy Foster was one of the greatest love stories ever told, except that the love story itself had been left out."
Tom Willocks (screenwriter)

Great book! Stories range from funny to sad and every emotion in between. Each one touched my heart. Great stories from those who have been there. Highly recommend it.

Sharon and Ken Foster-Lewis do a wonderful job describing the atmosphere, decor and foods at various tea establishments within Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and even Hawaii. Their write-ups on each tea room are so thorough that you will be able to determine where to partake in the delights of sipping tea and tasting treats. "Teatime in the Northwest" goes beyond just listing tea rooms in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, it gives some tea history, describes various types of tea and most importantly, how to prepare the perfect cup of tea. Approximately 100 pages of the book are filled with mouthwatering recipes for tea sandwiches, scones, biscuits, breads, cookies, cakes, tarts and so on. Scattered throughout the book are whimsical or tranquil quotes from famous people sharing their teatime experiences. I'm looking forward to Ken and Sharon's newest edition of "Teatime in the Northwest" which I hear is currently in print and will be available soon.

My favorite gardening book. If you garden in Tennessee, this is the book for you. I get this book out every season. Truely the what, when, and where of Tennessee gardening. It really helps me to pick the perfect plant for for my gardens. It has also been very helpful in picking great trees for my yard, selecting the right fertilizers, and when and how to prune. I love the format of the book. It is very well organized and easy to read. It doesn't bombard you with a lot of unnecessary info, like so many garden books do. I also love Walt's Wisdom that is scattered throughout the book.(Example; To hear God's Voice, turn down the volume.) I think this will become one of your favorites!

From the time that young Theodore Roosevelt comes walking right towards you, you know things are going to happen. They happen and keep happening to this timid and delicate boy who became one of the liveliest, busiest and most forceful of our Presidents. Genevieve Foster knows how to write a story that keeps one reading and yet is a full and skilfully evaluated biography. Theodore Roosevelt's family relationships are presented with warmth and understanding. Illustrated by the author.

This book contains five stories about a pig in foster care. Different scenarios are presented, so a foster child can relate to at least one of them. Helpful information is included at the end of each story about the issues that are raised. This book is a good resource for anybody working with foster children. -Cynthia Miller Lovell, author of The Star: A story to help young children understand foster care, and Questions & Activities for The Star: A handbook for foster parents

A must read for people interested in the environment and how to interpret their surroundings. Beautifully written, thoughtful and intelligent. One of the best books I've read.

For any one who has ever dreamed of going to the rodeo but never had the chance, this book is the way to get there! Lynn Hall is so enthusiastic and explanatory in writing the details of this book 'Tin Can Tucker'. I give it 5 stars just for that.

This was a wonderful story. It was very sweet and honest. Toddy finds herself put on the train to go out west. She ends up getting adopted by a rich widower who needs a playmate for her orphan granddaughter, Helene. It tells about her life and basically is one of the most heartwarming stories I have ever read. It also is great for you romance lovers because in a sweet, innocent way it has it's own meaning.BUY THIS BOOK!!!