This is a thorough, wide-ranging, scholarly work - a useful and insightful review that stretches over a millenium in time. Although the book charts the course in history of this geographically and culturally linked collection of peoples, it still emphasises the individuality of each. I hadn't realised just how complex a relationship of inter-dependence and rivalry existed between these nations for so long. Among the more fascinating discussions in the book, I would list: church-state relations especially in the period following the reformation, the impact of the industrial revolution and the development of the welfare state, the period leading up to the second world war and the relationship between the various countries and the major powers during the war (i.e. Finland with Russia, Denmark with Germany, etc.) and the historical contribution of each nation to the arts and sciences. One small criticism: I would have liked to have seen some maps in the book - my knowledge of Scandinavia is not so extensive that I could picture the geographical relationship of the many places mentioned. I especially found the early part of the book very heavy going, and difficult to follow the many movements of people that were detailed.

The author does an excellent job of covering Scandinavia during the war years. His use of information from Eisenhowers private papers brings a whole new dimension to understanding what was going on in each country. I was not aware that near the end of the war Ike had a serious plan to liberate the Norwegian Allies from the NAZIS, by first liberating Denmark, then proceeding overland across Sweden. (I wonder if he would have given the job to Patton?)

In reading this book it becomes very apparent at how much the state-church relation influenced much of Scandinavia, and also it's people. It was also incredibly interesting to read about how the countries of Denmark, Sweden and Norway kept separating, and uniting. For anyone who is interested in Scandinavian history, that delves way beneath the surface, look no further, TK Derry writes a book that can't be ignored.

A dated, although highly intersting and entertaining account of the author's experience of learning to fly private airplanes in the late 1950s. For the modern pilot, it provides a great sense of perspective on the simpler days of aviation, and a wonderful reminder of why many of us learned to fly in the first place. For the individual considering taking flying lessons, while much of the technical information is outdated, the book's anecdotes and narrative still serve as a solid primer of what to expect as you become a private pilot.

I was 9 years old when my dentist gave me this book to read. I remember laying on my bed at home and reading, mapping, and plotting out his aviation happenings. Such excitment... This book helped me earn my Private Pilots License in 1968...It gave me dreams...goals... and a passion. I have now passed the 14,000 flight hour mark and am a Captain with a major airline. A tad different way of flying now-a-days.. I have this book on my shelf to remind me how I got here.
Thank you Mr. Smith. :)

This is a wonderful book written in the late 1950's about a businessman looking for a hobby, who instead finds a lifestyle. Yes, the avionics are a little dated, but this charming story will lure you to the skies by helping you to understand fears and misconceptions about general aviation (small planes). I know, because I got my license after reading this book in 1984, and started a successful aerial photography business. If you're thinking of learning to fly you'll have a hard time putting this entertaining and well written book down.

This is the autobiography of a Vietnamese Buddhist nun who spent her life trying to help people whose lives were devastated by the wars. Because of her close association with Thich Nhat Hanh, it is to some degree an informal history of his activities as well. One of the most interesting aspects of the book is her frustration with the American peace movement. Her life (and his) are both quite inspiring, so this is a challenging and uplifting book. I would happily reccomend this book to anyone interested in Vietnamese Buddhism, the war and the peace movements, or Vietnam in general.

This book presents a side of the Vietnam War that few know about. Most people have seen the horrifying films of the Buddhist monks burning themselves alive in protest to the war. This is but one of the powerful stories that this book tells in depth. It is filled with incredible stories of devotion, resilience, and love.

I totally disagree with the "library journal" review. Not only was this book inspiring, heartwarming, and unique, it told a tale of a woman who defied so many odds by transforming her suffering into the desire to help others move forward into peace. I have read many books by Buddhist scholars before, but none as simple and biographical as this. It was heartbreaking at times; hearing about killings, learning about lost loved ones, learning true love, all of this is conveyed in such a way that you feel you're actually there.

There is no broken English in this book, I don't know what the review is talking about. There's only one typo that I found in the entire book, and it was typing error, not a grammatical one. This book should be on your priority list: if you give it a try, you'll find that you want to keep it in your collection forever. It's a priceless concentration of thoughts that move and inspire you, both to touch suffering and not to despair when faced with challenges.

This book's format would be perfect as bedtime reading, that is, if you wanted to tell your children stories about the shady characters that helped shape San Francisco. I was disappointed that the stories (each of which only takes about 5-10 minutes to read) seem to only graze the surface of each person/event, but overall the book is a good introduction to the city and its colorful past.

Unbelievable as it might seem; "San Francisco... You're History" has within it's pages a few interesting grains of truth, bean-stalk-seeds, or Pollyana inspirations. The curious juxtaposition of character, event, or institution always created in San Francisco a variety unseen elsewhere. One terrific addition to culture, Woodwards Gardens had the effect on public imagination as a circus museum or park, all rolled into one. If you dare to glance at the pages-you have to ask yourself

this question...Woodward's Gardens did inspire the Wizard of Oz and Zardoz? Look and see!

I wish Mr. Pierce had been around when my school history text books were being purchased. He demonstrates, in his wonderful history of a unique city, that history is not about dates and place names. It's about people. And, as evidenced by this book, San Francisco has always attracted the most colorful kind. Now most people know that San Francisco is a great place. But this book will tell even long-time residents things they never knew about their fair city. For instance, I didn't know that part of the city was built on boats, or that the Emperor of the United States lived there. This book is a great read but it's also dangerous to those of us who live a significant distance from the City By The Bay. I'm already planning my next trip. Until then, I'll continue to enjoy this book.

Over 200 beautiful color photographs.. stunning. Cloth Emerald green cover is beautiful, too.

A look at the pacific NW from unusual angles.

Purchasing a first class photographer's books, when well printed, is a unique opportunity to own fine art at bargain prices and makes an outstanding gift. Morton Beebe's Cascadia is an opportunity to acquire world class photography and an outstanding visual essay on one of the most dynamic areas in North America at an incredibly reasonable price. The first class Japanese printing contracted by Harry Abrams illustrates some of Mr. Beebe's fine pieces with an exceptionally high quality. Among the photographs which are highlights of the book include a stunning skyline of view of Seattle at sunset, an exceptional graphic image of the Washington Mutual Tower, unique photographs of Orca whales, an beautiful view of Echo Bay in British Columbia, portraits of the logs floating outside of a Washington mill in winter waiting to be cut up with seagulls overhead and on the logs and numerous other exceptional photographs. If you have a friend or member of your family who's interested in the Pacific Northwest, Cascadia is an excellent candidate gift.

This is a well characterized book. Ms Kingston makes you feel for her characters and the difficulties that they go through. Rosalind's parents were killed by the evil man who put in his dungeon to break her will so she would marry him. Jeffrey rescues her on the promise that she can pay him in gold. The next morning he finds out that she can't pay him. He tells her that he will let her stay in his castle and he will assist her if she will spend a night and a day with him. But first she has to take her punishment for lying to him.

After spanking her and making love to her. Rosalind decides to remain and be his mistress until he can arrange a match for her. She falls in love with him and he her, but he can't marry her as his estate is in ruin. He is trying to marry the daughter of a Duke so he will have a strong ally and money to take care of his people.

The story has a nice ending and wonderful secondary characters but it moves a little slowing in places. I became frustrated with the two characters because they didn't seem to make the effort to work things out. Rosalind did come from a rich estate and if Jeffrey could take it back she probably would have inherited it.

The Hero {Lord Jeoffrey Blaisdell} and Heroine {Lady Rosalind Hamilton} first meet in a dungeon, where Rosalind is being held captive by Sir William de Railles. Sir William put her in the dungeon of her own Manor in order to help persuade her to become his wife. She, however wanted nothing to do with him, a side from watching him die after he first murdered her father and then her brother, all while she watched. His men helped themselves to her mother and then killed her. Jeoffrey was actually there freeing others when she called out to him to save her also. She lied and stated that she would pay him 1000 crowns if he would rescue her as well. He agreed.

Once Rosalind and Jeoffrey were in his manor the next day, she told him that she did not have the money to pay. He demanded something else instead of money. The use of her body for one night and one day. In addition to this payment she would also have to be disciplined for lying to him. Spanked!!!!

That's it folks I've already said too much!!!!

This was a very good read. I enjoy Katherine Kingston's style of writing and can not wait to read more from her... Caution: There is some violence in this story {SPANKINGS}. If this type of material offends you please don't read it.

The author gives a highly entertaining tale of his experiences in general aviation, beginning with his flying lessons as a middle aged practicing attorney to his many trips to far away destinations and his eventual upgrading to faster and bigger planes. Most of us who own airplanes and read this book will identify with Frank. Once you start the book you will not put it down.

I was let down to see that such an intriguing book had only one review. I, having read this book at age 11, still enjoy this great story of the power of flight. My dreams of flying are somewhat as those of a New England attorny. But once he is behind the controls, his practice is simply work and he sets off to indulge his flying aspirations with many thouroughly enjoyable tales. The book is at times exciting, sad, and even romantic (in an airman way).

China Men, written by Maxine Hong Kingston, is a novel that addresses the meaning of being Chinese American. Each chapter and section of the book is a separate story concerning Chinese history written from many different perspectives. The stories include old Chinese folktales, families in China that send their men to America and Hawaii, Chinese from the mainland living in Hong Kong, first generation Chinese families in America, the children of those families, and so on. The connection between each chapter is hard to grasp, although it is important to realize that it is based on many generations and relatives of one family. The complexity of Kingston's writing style not only is impressive, but also makes China Men a good book to read more then once.

The book, China men, was an unveiling of the life-stories of Chinese men proceeding to the West in the early 20th century. It was a repulsive collision between the eastern worldviews with the West. The East's attempt to blend into the Western society was the main essence of the book. Maxine Hong Kingston revealed details of the men in her family who went to America, the so-called "Golden Mountain."

In the book China men, the book setting switched from time to time, and characters to characters. The book isn't in sequential order or chronological order; it was an attempt to seek order out of disorder. This type of arrangement enhances the reader's thinking to proceed to further complicate intellectual thoughts. The disconnected stories were very confusing but however, all the chapters that seem totally unrelated were interrelated in a sense.

At the beginning of the book, the author, Maxine Hong Kingston gives specific descriptions of various aspects of life in China. It was a symbolism of the eastern worldview. The cultural background is an important part of the life-journey. Each individual has an identity, and the cultural background is a part of a person's search of their true identity. Further more into the story Maxine emphasizes on the Chinese culture and traditions.

Later on in the book, Kingston continues to the call to adventure. This is a very important turning point of the book. Baba, the father, became bored of grading papers at school one night and went to attend a talk meeting with people from the village. People of the village were talking about stories on the "Golden Mountain" in the meeting. The more they talked, the more interested the people got. At the end, they all decided to go to the "Golden Mountain" and bring riches back to China. They viewed America as a land of gold, the country of opportunities. All the stories that the men brought back to China were exaggerations and it created a "Golden Illusion". It gave the Chinese the wrong sense of what America really is. It is very normal to be tricked by the mask. The wrong interpretations of America were in a way a mask that disguised America. It made the Chinese believe in something that was not true. Anyway, the Chinese gave into it and went to America. Maxine then further emphasizes on how the Chinese traveled half the planet to get to America. There were rough times. The Chinese went through lots of trouble to get to America.

The book progresses to a totally unrelated story. It began talking about characters called Ed, Woodrow, Roosevelt, and Worldster. I doubt the validity of this section of the book. In the book, these people were characterized as Americanized people. They were people that had American names. They drove cars, danced with American women, shop for hundred-dollar clothing, and flew an airplane. These are almost impossible things that could've happened for the early Chinese immigrants. I believe that this section of the book is strengthening the golden illusions of the Chinese. At the same time, it could also be providing a secondary illusion of America to the reader.

Throughout the book, Kingston gives stories of the men of her family that went to America. Kingston emphasizes on the awkward feeling of Kau Goong (Grandfather's) burial. After the burial ceremony, mother burned Kau Goong's clothes and shoes. She gave the pallbearers red paper with money inside it to the kids. It was meant to end the death and begin the luck again. This is a type of Chinese tradition that Chinese still follow nowadays. But this is a significant act. It is a symbolism of the death and rebirth experience. This could be suggesting that the Chinese Americans, had spiritually been rebirth to become Americans. Although they may carry hope all the way from China, but there are Americans. That is when they were eating in the restaurant and everyone was behaving in a way as if there was no funeral a moment ago, which is the American way. While in China, the people would be crying and making religious offerings to the person whom pasted away.

Is Kao Goong an American? What is his identity? The true identity of an individual doesn't necessary have to be determined by the place that they were born. For example, in Greek myths, often times the hero searches for the identity in his journey rather than that he was given the identity at birth. I believe that Kao Goong found his true identity in America and that he is truly a "man of the golden mountain". This cemetery incident is a really symbolic part of the book that is rich in psychic energy. It integrated the historical content and the mentality of Chinese Americans and it was expressed in the form of fiction. This incident symbolized a very important part of the Chinese experience in America.

At the end of the book, the heroes looks back at his journey and realizes that everything was just an illusion. All the hard work, all the sweat and heart that's been putted in were for nothing. Although they were Americans inside their heart, but they feel the sense of non-acceptance because of their Chinese descent and physical appearances. They realized that it was all a "deterioration of the golden illusions". But the hero, unstoppable with his passionate heart, will continue in the divine cycle of the journey and keep walking down the path of life. That is just how the China Men from Kingston's family kept on coming and coming, thus they will never give up to whatever obstacles may stand in their way.

China Men, is a captivating autobiography that is more than a history book: as her second novel, Maxine Hong Kingston captures historical fact, Chinese mythology and ethics and her personal family story blending these ingredients to create a novel that makes the reader think. Storytelling the experiences that her father, grandfather and other male relatives encountered in their individual travels to America, Kingston's lyrical and distinct style looks into the true story of Chinese immigration. Written in a very patriarchal voice, China Men describes the four generations of Kingston's family, their adventures in playing their part in different stages of the Chinese American story. Beginning with the mystery of her father's journeys to the "Gold Mountain", through to the great grandfather who built railroads, one of the great Chinese experiences, and ending with the story of her brother who was to fight for America: Kingston takes us into her families soul and leaves us with a sense of knowledge of how important it is to listen, not to neglect our history and to pass our stories on. The experiences of Kingston's father, the open ended explanations of his becoming a citizen was especially interesting, as his story was never truly clarified. This did not leave me confused, but instead the tragic and entertaining stories let me understand the difficulty and curiosity that is involved in understanding your personal past. Throughout the novel, there is connection to the character of the father; the author's ambition to understand her father and her history better: to bring the past to life. The fact that Kingston is a woman does not stop the continuity of the man's story. China Men deals with her families ever-changing view of where home is: never quite letting the reader into her own mind, I hope that is a story yet to come

Amazing story telling, it was interesting reading a life and times so unlike the one I'm living. I enjoy historical novels and found "Moll Flanders," an enlightening source of courage in such hard times as the one she continued to find herself in. Loves gained and lost, children had and forsaken. Extremely interesting reading, especially, near the ending I couldn't put the book down, there was rhythm. To imagine such hard times and rough goings...I'm amazed that she continued to live so long. Happy reading!

I loved this novel, having read it for a classics book club. I probably would not have picked this up on my own, and I am thankful to the club for the selection. Moll was a sympathetic character in all aspects except for the abandonment of her numerous children. I especially enjoyed that she marked different periods of her life by the amount of money she had; money being the only safe form of love she knew. She reminded me of Tom Ripley in the Patricia Highsmith novels, extremely clever when extricating oneself out of touchy situations. I think this is a great choice for bookclubs as well, having sparked meaningful discussion in our group.

Daniel Defoe's 1722 novel, "Moll Flanders," remains a fascinating imaginative work, and is in many ways more interesting than his famous first effort, "Robinson Crusoe." Having seen bits of two recent film adaptations in the last couple of months on television, and being a budding 18th century scholar, I decided it was time I picked up my own copy of "Moll Flanders" and see the actual product on its own terms. A story no less about a castaway and delinquent than "Crusoe," in "Moll Flanders," Defoe attempts to set down the history of a woman with a wild and often desperate life. A character of infinitely more interiority and reflection than Crusoe, Moll gives us through a first person narrative, a look into various stations of life in 18th century England and America.

The novel begins with a tip of the hat to that fine progenitor of the novel, "Don Quixote," a Gines-like acknowledgment that Moll, as the author of her own story, cannot complete that story within the text of the novel, unless people can write when they are deceased. Amusements aside, Moll begins her story as Crusoe begins his, with an immediate acknowledgment of the instability of the modern self - the corruption of her own name. Born in Newgate prison, and having never known her mother, Moll finds herself among gypsies and landed gentry before settling in Colchester for the term of her youth. Here, she founds her sense of social ambition, unusual even for Jane Eyre in the 19th century, as one in which she figures to be a gentlewoman by earning her own living. Various mishaps and misadventures lead her through marriages, whoredom, and thievery as Moll attempts to find her place in the world as a woman of common birth. Early on she learns the lessons that will aid her on her journey, viz., the value of money, quick wit, and a sense of her own sexuality.

While Defoe certainly does not sugar-coat the wrongs of woman in the early 18th century - delving deeply into issues of feminine helplessness before the law, the difficulties of procuring stable employment, and various reproductive issues such as adoption, abortion, and infant mortality - yet he maintains a consistent character of Moll as an extremely strong, adaptive, and resilient female character. The most riveting facet of Moll throughout is her own sense of self-worth and importance, especially in her own history. For instance, while chronicling an encounter with a former lover, Moll tells us that while his adventures are worth their own narrative, this is "my story, not his." Moll's strength in the midst of doubt, desperation, and general loneliness keeps the reader's constant interest and admiration.

Defoe's exploration of inter-gender relationships are worthy of note themselves for the sheer variety of social, economic, and personal situations he includes in the novel. The economic theme stands out among these, and provides a link back to the preoccupations of "Robinson Crusoe." Like Crusoe, Moll is always aware of the value of her personal possessions, and conscious of how to exploit and husband her resources to best advantage. Also like Crusoe, "Moll Flanders" is keenly aware of the possibilities and drawbacks of English colonial ventures in America. Defoe's efforts to link all these themes to the lot of the English prison population, the family unit, and indentured servants and African slaves, are all managed extremely well within the text of the novel. For all this, "Moll Flanders" remains an entertaining, satisfying, relevant novel, and stands for me above "Crusoe" as a work of high literary value.

I bought this book because I loved (and highly recommend) the author's other book "Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui." However, I was really disappointed when I read this book. Ms. Kingston does describe space clearing rituals used in other times and places, but her own space clearing ritual is extremely detailed and requires the use of specialized equipment which you can only buy from her. I think INTENTION is much more important in rituals than, for example, what kind of bell or incense you use.

The other feng shui books I have read can be extremely limiting because they have so many rigid rules for what one can and cannot do. It's quite difficult to live with ALL those rules, and it's confusing because various authors contradict each other. I liked "Clear Your Clutter With Feng Shui" because it didn't make me feel constrained to do things "the right way" - but I found this book to be a let down, and I wish I had not bought it.

This book is about the energy contained within ourselves and in our environment, and helps us to manage and direct the energy in our living space. I've been implementing some of the principles of feng shui for 2 years and think it's helped add to the peace that's currently in my life. This is one of my sources of information and I love the emphasis on removing the clutter from one's life. Karen Kingston says "Clearing clutter actually releases huge amounts of energy in the body". I believe it. It works for me. This isn't a book that will show you how to decorate your house, but it will get you in the right mindset, get rid of all your accumulated junk, and set you on the path to attaining serene surroundings.

I discovered this book several years ago and was intrigued.
I read it cover to cover and spent the next 6 months (!)
clearing the clutter out of my apartment. I think at least
half my clothing hadn't fit me in years. I was hanging onto
old makeup, books I was never going to read again, and a
thousand other items. I must have got rid of half my
possessions. I've never missed any of the items I tossed
or gave away.

When I finally finished the clutter clearing, I space cleared
my apartment. (The space clearing ceremony is a large part
of the book.) My life has improved immensely (job,
relationship, etc.) since.

I love the space clearing ceremony. I had read feng shui
books before, but none of them talked about clutter clearing
or space clearing. (The book claims that feng shui cures are
more effective after a space clearing.)

There isn't an enormous volume of feng shui information in
the book (45 pages), but that was fine for me. It gave me
some basics to work with and I've supplemented this with
information from other feng shui books.