Simply the best biography of an American political figure I've ever read. Remini, the preeminent Jacksonain scholar today, combines first-rate historical research with wonderful anecdotes that flow seamlessly in and out of the larger historical context of the Antebellum era. Not merely a terrific, well written biography of one figure, Remini's work also draws the larger issues of Clay's era into sharp focus: from the early American republic and the nationalistic fervor that followed the War of 1812, through the Bank War of the Jackson administration, to the crisis over slavery and sectionalism. Remini's mastery of the issues of the Jacksonian era and the political titans that populated that exciting time in America's history makes for wonderful reading. Although I disagree with some of Remini's interpretations, his biography of Henry Clay should be considered the definitive work on the subject for decades to come. I only hope Remini continues to produce fine biographies like this one of Clay, and his other fine works on Jackson and Daniel Webster.

Remini's book on Henry Clay is an excellent look at American life from the end of the Jeffersonian era into the time of Lincoln. An engaging biography, Remini does an excellent job of weaving straitforward history with anecdotes and personality sketches. As the consummate Jacksonian, Henry Clay's life provides the perfect backdrop for learning about this time period and all of its nuances.

Robert Remini is far better known as the biographer of Henry Clay's great enemy, Andrew Jackson. But in turning to a biography of Henry Clay, who lost every presidential race he entered, Remini has found a subject just as worthy of attention. Both Clay and Jackson belonged to the generation of American leaders who succeeded those Founding Fathers; like their contemporaries Daniel Webster, Martin Van Buren and John C. Calhoun, they charted the course of the United States from its roots as a rather elitist republic into a more democratized republic. Benefiting from the expansion in the franchise following the War of 1812, all five of these men vied for the Presidency at one time or another, and all five were involved in the greatest debates of the antebellum world: slavery, abolition, the formation of the second party system of the Whigs and the Democrats, the expansion westward, and the attempts to steer a course away from civil war. In order to understand Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War, one needs to know the life of his great hero, Henry Clay. There is simply no substitute for this book, and Remini tells his story with gusto and intelligence. I knew from the first page that it would be fascinating, as Remini tells the deathbed story of Andrew Jackson. Someone asked Jackson if he had left anything undone. Jackson supposedly replied, "Yes. I didn't shoot Henry Clay, and I didn't hang John C. Calhoun." A great story, about an era when politicians were also statesmen.

A life-long fan of Brenda Lee, I bought this book the day that it hit first hit the bookstore ... I have always felt that Brenda's story should be told and have known it was in the works ... Written in a style that was highly "conversational," the book makes the reader feel that they are sitting at a table in an informal chat with the author. Having followed her career for at least 35 years, I found the book fascinating. I had my nose in it for three straight days, every time that I had a free minute, until it was finished. The stories that dealt with Dub Albritton, her manager, who used every piece of energy he had to promote her and then, was found to have mismanaged her funds; her statements about extreme poverty as a child, even when her early image screamed "success"; and the telling of how her marriage to Ronnie Shacklett has stayed strong from her late teens until present day all were total highlights of an excellent read. I plan to read it again within the month. The true and avid fan of Brenda Lee can't afford to miss this one!

Finally, Brenda Lee has written her autobiography. It has been a long wait for her fans but well worth the wait. As Brenda points out, this book "isn't a sensational, sexy 'tell-all'." How refreshing! This is a book that tells about the many ups and downs in Brenda's life and career. It is full of wonderful stories about her career and about the people and stars that are such an integral part of her life. Some stories are funny, some are very sad and emotional. As I read the book, it hit every emotion that I have and then some. I would laugh at one story and then cry during another.

Learning about Brenda's family and more about her background was truly interesting. Learning more about her late manager, Dub Albritten was enlightening. I came away with a love-hate feeling for this man. On one hand, he seemed to worship Brenda by working tirelessly on making her a "star" but tragically was unable to show this feeling to Brenda. The truly negative part of Dub Albritten is how he took the money that Brenda worked so hard to earn (and trusted him with) and then left her almost bankrupt when he died in the early 70s.

As a fan for over 40 years and a close friend for over 20 years, I learned details about Brenda's life that I did not know before. If it is possible, I have even more respect and love for this lady then I did before. Brenda has a sense of humor that is unmatched and it is very evident as you read the book. Brenda states "I still don't think of myself as a 'star'". As a friend, I can say that it is a very true statement.

This is a book for anyone who wants to read about a true legend in the music industry. Brenda is a member of the Georgia Hall of Fame, Rockabilly Hall of Fame, Country Music Hall of Fame, Grammy Hall of Fame, British Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and FINALLY a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Can you really think of anybody else (except maybe Elvis) who can boost being in 6 Halls of Fame. It is a book you will not be able to put down!

Response to review called "Little Miss Ego". You obviously have no knowledge of what Brenda Lee is like to make such ridiculous comments. Brenda does not have an ego problem! Brenda was giving information about her life and career which is what an autobiography is supposed to do. The articles and statements from others are their opinion of Brenda, those are not Brenda's words. Those articles and statements simply clarify what was happening in Brenda's career at the time.

I dont think you have to be a fan to really enjoy this book. Any one who grew up during the great era of rock n roll knows Brenda Lee and appreciates her music. ...The book will hold your interest from beginning to end. Give it a read, you will be pleasantly surprised.

Mr. Blair offers a complete history of the unsung role of U.S. Navy submarines during World War II. This book is an encyclopedic and essential resource for those who wish to further explore how the Pacific War was fought and won.

Thankfully, this book is now available in softcover after years of being out of print. My only complaint is that the Naval Institute Press did not make an effort to clarify and update some of the information (classified and otherwise) that has come to light since the initial publishing of this book in 1975 (hence 4 Stars out of 5). Sadly, Mr. Blair was not around to do such work as he passed on in 1998. Still, all in all, this book must be read for those seeking a full picture of the Pacific War. Hopefully, some ambitious naval historian will take advantage of Mr. Blair's work and recently available archives to craft a contemporary history of U.S. submarine warfare during World War II.

Along with Theodore Roscoe's United States Submarine Operations in World War II, this is THE standard for books on U.S. submarine operations during WWII. It gives some background on areas such as Ultra as well as administration, in-service politics, (e.g., the arguments with the Navy's Bureau of Ordnance regarding torpedo failures), and leadership relating to submarines during the war.

It is a distinct pleasure to see that Silent Victory is back in print. My old hard cover edition is now much the worse for wear, it was great to be able to get a new copy of an old friend. It is too bad that Clair Blair did not get a chance to revise and update it before his death. The book, however, still contains a great deal of information and clearly calls to our attention the superb work of the Silent Service during the Second World War and the great sacrifices that were made to keep the world safe. The book provides great detail about the successful patrols, while not shying away from the hard issues, such as the Torpedo Failures due to improper testing and development, the mismanagement of the submarine fleet early in the war, the loss of life due to the failure to pull old and outdated boats out of combat in a timely fashion, and the individuals who cracked under the stress of combat or highly inflated their sinkings.
And in light of other books detailing Submarine operations since WWII (Silent War - The Cold War Under the Sea and Blind Man's Bluff) it is clear that these brave undersea warriors are still on the first line of defense.
In sum a great book and a must have for every student of history... and we all should be students of History for those who do not study history are doomed to repeat the past.

I purchased both of James Russell's fine books; Trap Shooting Secrets and Precision Shooting - The Trapshooter's Bible. After reading and rereading them, I know they have helped improve my scores. After reading the books, I found "my zone" and dusted 123 out of 125! The advice and instructions in these shotgun shooting books are truly powerful. My scores have absolutely improved! Of most importance. I found in the books, is finding the zone and when and where to pull the trigger. I found success after reading these books. In fact, they are so good, I read them a few dozen times, and these are not small books, they are huge in content. There is a tremendous amount of information in these books with many dozens of enlightening illustrations. I recommend you read both of Mr. Russell's trap shooting books, so you can reach your true potential quickly to be a top-notch shooter. The author has excellent works here and I'm most certainly looking forward to his next publication. Shooting is much more fun now that I don't miss the targets like I used to. If your scores are not where you want them to be, these are the books to make you a better shooter!

Bottom line . . . these books work! Don't think of "Trap Shooting Secrets" and Precision Shooting - The Trapshooter's Bible" as simply books, think of them as equipment. Simple as that! I sincerely recommend these books to anyone who wants, not only to be a better trap shooter, but also a better shot on game. Excellent books! Bill Brown, Associate Editor of GunWeb Magazine.

Luca Scribani Rossi is sponsored by Beretta and is also the coach of the Australian Olympic Shooting Team. He travels extensively worldwide to International and Olympic clay target competitions and instructs Olympic-team coaches! He endorses James Russell's trap shooting books...

"I strongly recommend shotgun competition shooters to read both, Trap Shooting Secrets, and Precision Shooting - The Trapshooter's Bible. If you read these books you simply can't go wrong. Just follow the steps outlined and you'll leap ahead in the ranking of any competition you'll attend. That's my recommendation." Luca Scribani Rossi

It's good to compare players using adjusted stats. However, the book should also contain REAL stats. Because adjusted stats are just approximations.

This book, and every one in the series is great. Great tips, insight and humour covering all the teams in MLB and every minor league "prospect". A must have for rotisserie league participants.

The one reviewer made the comment that any such book should use "real" stats, instead of adjusted. That defies all principles of statistical analysis! Such an approach would render the book useless, and the reviewer's comments should be struck from this collection of reviews because that reviewer is obviously unqualified.

I found the book incredibly useful, because the author made every attempt to render accurate information.

If you are just starting out in polymer clay, the terminology and techniques can be daunting. Kris Richards' book is the perfect solution for the 'newbie' seeking more knowledge and better understanding of polymer clay. In a friendly conversational manner, this book covers a plethora of information. Kris Richards, one of the media's premier artists, has an understanding and empathy for people just beginning with this art media. And, while Part One of her book covers the "Basics", it is also an excellent technical 'manual' for the seasoned pc'er. I particularly have appreciated her thorough coverage of the types of clays and their tensile strength, her coverage on baking clay and on the section on which glues to use.

Better still, as a teacher of special education students, I find Part Two, Kris' polymer clay projects, filled with very well-written directions for projects that are fun for me as well as for my students.

I recommend this book to anyone, particularly new pc'ers and teaching artists who need reference info or project ideas.

Kris Richard's book is an excellent book. In fact, I own two: one for my use and one for my school art students' use. In this well written and clearly illustrated book, there is accurate information on the comparable strengths and ease of workability of various clays. Also, basic use and techniques for working with the clay are covered to help both beginner and advanced clayers.

With this sound preparation, the reader is able to progress through a variety of projects from jewelry to home decor. In fact, the Internet Pen project was such a hit with my art students, I still refer to it when teaching them how to cover pens. It is wonderful to have projects that succeed time after time due to proper and concise directions.

I would highly recommend that this book be added to any clay enthusiast's library.

I think this book is great for a number of reasons.

I'm a professional polymer clay artist but found this book immensely helpful because it contains a comprehensive collection of basic polymer clay information. The projects designed for beginners to intermmediate clay users can also appeal to artisans who do production work.

This book broke new ground by being the first serious publication to explain how to cover pens and light bulbs. Both techniques that have become very widely used in the polymer clay world.

I especially like the use of the illustrations done by the author. What a talented lady!

I teach polymer clay technique to hundreds of people every year and I recommend this book as the one to buy for people who are new to clay or have a limited knowledge of the medium. There are lots of great books on clay, but many are intimmidating to people at a beginning or intermediate skill level. The projects in this book are well thought out and beautifully finished.

Having projects that are easily followed and can reproduced as shown, is the best way I know for people to build their confidence in the medium, preparing them for more difficult technique. I would recommend this book to anyone!

Raymond Chandler made the definitive statement about L.A.'s Santa Ana Winds at the beginning of his short story "Red Wind." In Easy Rawlins' L.A., the hot, dry winds that fill the lungs with cactus dust and make the skin peel around the fingernails never seem to stop.

Easy is in search of an erotic dream woman from his childhood who is being sought by one of those rich white families who have more skeletons than clothes in their closets. Around the same time, the very dangerous Raymond "Mouse" Alexander is released from the pen; and Easy's attempt to make a killing in the real estate market run up against a brick wall.

There are plot threads aplenty, and enough characters to fill a passenger liner. Mosley is too good a writer to leave any threads untied, but I do get lost at times with some of the characters. One bad dude is not heard from for a hundred pages when he commits a particularly heinous murder at the very end. "Oh, yeah, wasn't he the guy that ...?" Sometimes, I would have welcomed the list of characters, complete with nicknames, that occasionally accompanies an 800-page Russian novel.

What makes this a minor complaint is that Mosley has such a great sense of place and so much feeling for his characters. We don't meet the character he calls "Black Betty" until the end of the novel, but we keep seeing vignettes from Easy's past that keep building up the suspense, and any expectations are more than fulfilled by an ending that is bloodier than the last act of Hamlet.

Easy Rawlins is a complex character. I enjoy getting to know him better in each of Mosley's books. But because Walter Mosley has such a wonderful talent for character development, I probably will never have Easy figured out completely. What amazes me about these books is that they read like a serial but any one of them can stand on it's own without any long, detailed introductions or explanations. Black Betty does not disappoint. Easy juggles several situations at once and manages to bring order and justice to his world by the end of the book. I think the most endearing quality of Easy's is the love and care he gives to his kids, Jesus and Feather. The time spent with his family gives a good balance to the darker side of his life on the streets. There are some big surprises in this story...some good and some sad and good at the same time. I bought this book a long time ago and saved it until the next Easy Rawlings book came out so I could read them both at the same time because when I finish a Walter Mosley book I always want more. I wish he could write 'em as fast as I can read 'em.

Easy Rawlins is a complex character. I enjoy getting to know him better in each of Mosley's books. But because Walter Mosley has such a wonderful talent for character development, I probably will never have Easy figured out completely. What amazes me about these books is that they read like a serial but any one of them can stand on it's own without any long, detailed introductions or explanations. Black Betty does not disappoint. Easy juggles several situations at once and manages to bring order and justice to his world by the end of the book. I think the most endearing quality of Easy's is the love and care he gives to his kids, Jesus and Feather. The time spent with his family gives a good balance to the darker side of his life on the streets. There are some big surprises in this story...some good and some sad and good at the same time. I bought this book a long time ago and saved it until the next Easy Rawlings book came out so I could read them both at the same time because when I finish a Walter Mosley book I always want more. I wish he could write 'em as fast as I can read 'em

Clay Evans has a very well written tale here. Tale being the key word here. Although I can not account for all of his stories I can account for the ones that took place in my hometown. Some of the portrayals of people I know and have known my entire life are innacurate and down right offensive in many respects. His opinion of a lifestyle I was raised in and continue to be a part of is one of someone who totally missed the mark in his short lived experience with "The Life." It's not only offensive to the people it's writtewn about but to anyone who has chosen the lifestyle he so wrongly describes. But if you are looking for a well written book of tales, then read it, but if you are looking for an accurate representaion of a true way of life, pass this one by.

This book begins slowly. As a matter of fact, my husbaand who knows how to rope and has been in a rodeo was so bored as he read the first 40 or so pages that he quit reading it. I kept on, and after Clay got on his first horse, everything (including him!) took off! By the time I finished the book, I was impressed with the depth of his feelings about himself, his cowboy experiences, and his future. I feel like a better person for having read Clay's story and am looking forward to more things by him. I was impressed that he learned to write quite by accident when he took a writing class in college to complete units for graduation. His teacher was one of those rare ones who encouraged him! We all need that kind of encouragement.

I related very much with this book as I had very similar dreams as Clay. I also followed my dreams through college and finally faced with the real world let them go. But I have never regretted taking that path as did Clay. I found the book to be very honest in its approach to the subject. Mr. Evans writes clearly and to the point. I felt that most men could identify with him even if they had no cowboy background.

I just completed two projects in this book and the pieces turned out beautifully! This is my first foray into the polymer clay medium and I can't wait to create more pieces.

I do not understand some of the previous reviewers' comments about the pieces being unsophisticated etc.... these are reproductions of ANTIQUE pieces which, by definition, didn't use modern "sleeker" methods of metallurgy etc... One reviewer also mentioned that painting with the model paints is a problem. Not so! My only conclusion is that the author of that review didn't try the techniques or didn't follow the directions for painting. The "Testor" brand paints I used worked great.

I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in recreating antique pieces. The projects are easy, fun, and a springboard to use one's own creativity.

From start to finish this book is inspiratonal in concept, content, application and continental style. The photography and presentation is sublime. I have worked with polymer clay for 12 years, have art training and work in the art field. This book is both a classical feast for the eyes and very informative. The clay techniques are straight forward, easy and fun. The arthur lives in Paris, France, and so the book has a very continental classy appeal. The book is very different than the polymer clay books here in the US. It opens the door for thought and creativity. The close-ups of the classical jewelry pieces are breathtaking, and the special sketches are wonderful and easy to understand. The photography is from around the world. The book is simply a feast for the eyes. If you are into costume, portraiture, jewelry, paintings of the great masters,jewelry crafting in whatever medium, this book would be a lovely asset to your libray.

I enjoy ren-fairs and I love old style jewelry. This book was an impulse buy entirely. I have no experience with clay (beyond the flour clay I had as a kid) and none with jewelry making.

I bought some clay and today I tried the simple pendant near the end of the book. It turned out beautifully! The author's simple advice and step-by-step instructions were a great help. The clear photographs helped me to see what I was doing.

All of the pieces in the book can be basically broken down into just a few shapes: the main shape, small balls of clay and spaghetti like strands used to simulate filigree. The pieces are modeled in black polymer clay and painted with patina which makes them look antique with very little effort.

If you like the raw look of ancient jewelry, or if you want to broaden your artistic horizens, this book will be a help and an inspiration. I am excited and can't wait to try another piece.

In Mrs. Croft's statement "we women don't want to be in calm waters all our lives" Jane Austen and her heroine, Anne Elliott, move beyond the domestic, from the bracing sea air of Lyme, to glimpses into the seafaring adventures of the Navy brethren. This to me is the predominate appeal of Persuasion - Anne, in her approaching maturity, is reunited with her former suitor in what we may expect is a deeper, more heartfelt love, having endured separation for so many years and she has the prospect of joining him at sea. My heart leaps to see her escaping domesticity and the dull social duties as exemplified by Sir Walter and her sister Elizabeth. Of course, Austen's use of language is perfect. My favourite Austen novel. The film adaptation with Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds exquisitely captures the mood and characters of this book.

This book is one of my favorites of all time. Many people dislike it or don't like it as much when compared to Pride and Prejudice or Emma, but there are many reasons why Persuasion should not be compared to Austen's other novels. This novel was the last one that Austen wrote before she died. It is a more mature novel, dealing with many issues not found in Austen's previous novels. One reason why people find faults with the book is that Anne Elliot, the heroine, is not as spunky or witty as an Elizabeth Bennett or an Emma Woodhouse. There is not so much wit flowing in the dialogue between characters, or even dialogue in general. But these differences between the novels make this one so unique.

It is a novel of second chances. Anne Elliot, no longer in the bloom of youth, is a grown woman of 27 or 28 years. Eight years ago she had been happily in love with a handsome man named Frederick Wentworth. But, unfortunately, due to his financial status, and Anne under the influence of her family and close friend, was forced to reject his marriage proposal and they parted ways. But now, he is within her closest circle once again. Circumstances led to Anne staying with her married sister, Mrs. Muskgrove, while her own house was being let to Wentworth's sister and husband. Wentworth visits his sister and on calling on the Muskgroves finds Anne among them. Anne finds Wentworth, not only looking as good as he ever did, but is now Captain Wentworth, who has made his fortune. Wentworth, still angry with Anne over being rejected, causes him to treat Anne very cooly. But over many weeks of contact here and there, you catch on that Captain Wentworth isn't all that oblivious to Anne anymore, because of all the little 'glimpses' he throws at Anne. The tension between the two is amazing. You can sense a connection between the two, even though they are on opposite ends of the room. In Bath, the tension builds and builds until it culminates into one of the most moving and romantic reunions ever. The letter that Wentworth writes to Anne declaring his love is bound to bring a tear to your eye and a pang in your heart. Happily, all ends well, but throughout the novel you can easily sympathize with Anne. No longer youthful and no longer as pretty as she used to be, she is full of self-consciousness and confusion. She still loves him after all those years, but she cannot act upon her desires.

Austen, yet again, excels in portraying her characters. Anne and Captain Wentworth are full and delightful characters that one must love. Her descriptions of Anne's vain father and snobbish older sister, Elizabeth, hit the mark on satirizing the members of society during that time. She wittingly describes how everyone tolerates Mrs. Muskgrove's hypochondriatic self and how everyone deals with her in their own way. There is not so much dialogue between characters in this book, compared to Austen's other novels. Most of the book is in observation of Anne's character and feelings, which makes it so much easier to relate to everything that Anne feels and you understand her situation all the more. This is a wonderful novel, with many qualities, differing from those of Austen's previous novels, to enjoy and admire.

Having read all of Jane Austen's books, I've been very impressed with her style. Reading Persuasion, I immediately noticed the difference between shy Anne Elliot and Jane Austen's other characters: Emma, Elinor and Marianne, Elizabeth Bennet, Fannie Price, and Catherine Morland. Anne is not the most beautiful, the cleverest, or the most-spirited. She is shy, quiet, thoughtful, somewhat plain, and honest. She reacts to emergency situations calmly and clearly, proving that she does have a backbone. I think the fact that she is older and more mature than Austen's other characters shows a maturity in Austen's writing. I highly recommend this book to those who love Jane Austen and can understand being shy and strong.