"Laissez les bons temps rouler" is a phrase that you see and hear all over New Orleans (pronounced "N'awlins"). The phrase means "let the good times roll" and surely they do in New Orleans. I found this guide to be an outstanding introduction to the city for those who have never been there. I intend to give a copy to my mother, who has always wanted to visit New Orleans and has never made it there.

This book has three outstanding attributes that deserve praise. First, the photographs are sumptuous and brilliant in capturing the many different parts of New Orleans and her moods. Second, the text captures a sense of the city that cannot be seen in photographs. Many of my favorite traditions are described here in loving detail from King Cakes to the best Cajun cuisine (and that "Cajun" refers to the Acadian settlers from Nova Scotia). Third, the book is very reasonably priced.

Those who know New Orleans will find the book to be better at hitting the high spots than giving a total overview. The rowdiness of drinkers partying on Bourbon Street, women peeling on the balconies to attract tossed beads during Mardi Gras, and grimness of wine-soused beggars and tap dancing children looking for hand outs are all missing. The Crescent City looks in the book more like a section from Disneyland than the real thing. But that's okay. If you want to see the best of New Orleans, it's all here in this book . . . and you can avoid the less attractive parts when you visit there.

The essays and photographs focus on the spirit of the people of New Orleans, the party-going style, wonderful local food, the city's architectural history, and the major festivals and spectacles. Although I have been in New Orleans many times, I did not know about the Jazz and Heritage Festival at the end of April and the beginning of May, the Crawfish Festival In March, the Shrimp and Petroleum Festival when the fleet is blessed, or the French Quarter Festival. I plan to revisit and time my arrival to include these events.

"Y'All Are Pretty, Too" is the subject of the book's first article. In the town's generous spirit, a woman admired another woman's appearance in a bar and came over to compliment her. Seeing that the other women wanted to be complimented too, the woman providing the compliment turned as she went back to her table and added as an afterthought, "And y'all are pretty, too."

After you finish this delightful guide, think about what sort of a guide would capture the best of where you live. Have you seen and done all of those good things lately? Have you recently helped a visitor to find them? Now's a good time to change all that if you haven't. Let the good times roll!

There is a reason photographers get equal billing! McElroy's photos are breathtaking. The text becomes secondary as the Big Easy springs to life. Whether as a treasured memory of a vacation, business trip, or a visit to the gulf's most famous city, this coffee table book should be front and center on everyone's table or shelf. McElroy has captured the true essence of the City and her people. I purchased six copies for customers and friends. Whether born and bred, adopted, or just plain passing through...New Orleans is hard to forget. A great reminder of a great city!

Laura McElroy's photography is outstanding. I've been to New Orleans on several occasions, and she has captured the city just as I like remembering it. Her splendid photography inspires me to return in the very near future to one of my favorite U.S. city's. If a city can have moods, she has certainly captured them. The light, colors, and facial expressions enhance the experience of thumbing through this wonderful book. I'll be doing it again and again.

I saw this book in the store for the longest time. The cover kind of turned me away from it. One day I read what the book was about and thought that this would be an intresting novel and it was. This book was the bomb, Cassie Lee was such a strong heroin to me she over came many obstacles and let's not mention Solomon what a man. This wasn't your typical romance book.

The old west was s very important time in history and it is truly wonderful to finally see more black western love story emerging. I loved Cassie Lee and Solomon story and I hated to see the book end. Well done, and I hope to see more historically western black love stories in the future.

Ms. Gunn definitely put her heart and soul into Nowhere to Run. From the very first sentence the reader is catapulted into the world of Cassie Lee and Solomon. With a sharp eye for detail and the ability to write beautiful imagery, she really delivers! In a time when African Americans had absolutely no rights as human beings, her characters showed the kind of strength and resilience worthy of hero worship. Yes, Nowhere to Run is romantic and sensual (for you diehard romance readers). However the author displayed the kind of depth we've come to expect from so-called 'serious' reads, the kind that top the New York Times Bestseller lists. I've seen books that make that list which truly don't live up to the honor. Nowhere to Run should have been there when it debuted. But perhaps you, the reader, can get the word out now: THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ!!! 'Nuff said?

I live in a desert climate, so farming is something that interests me in this desolate place I live in. I really enjoyed this book because of the success story and the farming aspect of the book. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes farms.

This book was an inspiration to read. It gives me hope that urban sprawl might be contained in some small parts of the world. It's also a good guide to organic farming and living, and getting past the "hippie" stereotype that organics still have. I'd highly recommend this book.

Reading Michael Ableman's book was like stumbling upon his personal journal. I could imagine it's dirt-stained, hand-written pages - the miscellaneous seed or wind-blown earthen particles stuck deep in the creases of the binding. This book is filled with earnest, intimate tales - the everyday woes and triumphs of a gentle farmer, side-by-side with the battle stories of a true community activist. It is his journey that I found so fascinating, so inspiring. Ableman's story is compelling because he has been on the good path and done the good work for a long time - more than 17 years. From the early days of setting up the produce stand on weekends at a local farmer's market, to lamenting a killing winter frost, he draws the reader into the drama. Ableman's intensely close relationship with the land is his reward for paying close attention to its needs. His goals were clear - to grow healthy food for local people in a way that respected the land's ability to sustain itself. He learned by doing, followed his intuition, and made tough decisions based on what was right, or what he believed to be right at the moment. This book offers its readers as much "food for thought" about life, as it does about farming!

This is the 1rst of the 4 pride county books by rosalyn west. They are all excellent but this one is probably the best. It certainly sets the characters firmly for the sequels. Wonderful story and really clear, complex characters. I loved it. Wish these 4 could be adapted for a movie.....Thank you Ms West.

Poor old Hamilton got the wrong name ------ In The Outcast -- Reeve's friend is Hamilton Dodge - Hey, he is from Michigan -- and in answering Reeve's call - he move to Kentucky -- great sense of humor - Love his cover. What a Man! [or model]

THE OUTCAST - The Men of Pride County [Kentucky - after the Civil War.] - "When the War began, the boys of Pride County went off to fight for honor and glory. -They returned as men: war-ravaged, shattered and yet determined to find love and rebuild their lives in a world that had crumbled around them -- these are their stories."

Reeve Garrett returns to Pride County after the war and after having seen his half-brother shot for treason by the Union Army. He loved Jonah Glendower and was racked with guilt as he suspected Jonah of shielding someone else.

Because he fought for the North he had earned the contempt of his town, his family .. and his brother's fiancee, Patrice Sinclair. She being the only woman he had ever loved, but because he was the illegitimate son of Byron Glendower, Reeve was unable to court her.

Patrice was a product of her time. Spoiled, self-serving and prideful. Fearful and insecure after haveing to protect the Sinclair Manor until her brother, Deacon made it home from the War to claim his inheritance.

We also meet Hamilton Brook who was a very good friend of Reeve and willing to help re-establish Jonah's Bank to help save Pride County. [Reeve saved his life and he was bound to return the favor].

We meet many of Reeve and Jonah's friends -- Noble Banning, shot at Barboursvill and taken prisoner, -- "Mede" Lycomedes Wardell, last heard of in the Battle of Franklin, -- Tyler Fairfax, also in love with Patrice, he stayed home to keep the bourbon flowing and his sister, Starla, an unconcionable flirt, and of course, Patrice's brother, Deacon. They all grew up together and were childhood friends - oh, how that changed.

Reeve coveted all that Jonah had - his father, Glendower Glade, Patrice, and his father's love but denied himself all because of Jonah. Patrice saved her virtue for the man she loves.

This is a great and moving story and works out exceptionally well and at a very satisfying pace. Very, Very hard to put down - can't wait to read Hamilton Brooks and Starla's story. WOW!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED -- you will enjoy!

This is the book you need if you want to know what real people in the 19th century west used to carry their guns and ammo. I bought it to help document my choices for leather gear for my Cowboy Action Shooting character, Marshal Thos. C. McGavin. There is everything you need to know about the holsters, belts, scabbards and slings used by cowboys, soldiers, lawmen and outlaws from just before the Civil War to the turn of the century.

Lavishly illustrated in color, the descriptions and text detail all the great makers including the annonymous ones who didn't sign their work. Originals of this art form, and it is art, are getting quite expensive. Several contemporary leather workers are producing high quality replicas or reproductions using this book as a guideline. They will even cite the page number where the original can be found.

Anyone with an interest in the Western Frontier, the Civil War, Indian Wars or Spanish American war, reenactors, film buffs (and film propmasters, who could definitely learn from this book) will find this a fascinating and authoratative tome.

This is far more than a superlative coffee table book; it is an extremely informative guide to an impressive panorama of American holsters and gunleather. The photography is beautifully propped and shot, and the writing, in addition to being eminently readable, shows a wide-ranging knowledge of the field. Even those who hate guns will be fascinated by this book.

This is a one-of-a-kind look at gun leather. As a leather crafter for over 20 years I use this book as a guide and a catalog of sorts for my customers. I recommend it highly and often. Stan Freeman Freeman Leather Co. Whitefish,MT

This book provides powerful, beautiful photography, sensitive narrative, and original poetry. It respects the country, its culture and its language. It has a depth not expected in "table top" books. It is the number one book on my gift list this year! (not found in most book stores). Wonderful -

I lived in Haiti for 18 years and I must say that this book does a wonderful job of portraying Haiti. If you've ever traveled to Haiti or lived there, this book will bring back fond memories. If you've never been to Haiti, you might find yourself longing to visit. This book will help you see why so many people who visit Haiti end up falling in love with it despite the fact that it's one of the poorest, most destitute countries in the world.

I am the adoptive mom of a little Haitian girl. The other night we went to a church to hear a missionary speak about Haiti, and this gorgeous book was on the missionary's display table as a way of showing Americans the beauty of the people in that desperate land. Though we have plenty of photographs ourselves from my husband's trip there in 1997 (to finalize the adoption and bring our daughter home) we were deeply moved by the professional photography in this book. It shows the poverty, yes, but it also shows beauty and community, the natural splendor of the land and the warmth of a people so ravished by the cruelty of their government, but still able to smile. This is a book of hope, and a book of brilliant color, and a book which shows the strength of the Haitian people. Each gorgeous photo has an accompanying poetic verse in Creole and in English. A truly lovely book....

This book and its companion volume, "A Natural History of Western Trees," are by far the most detailed accounts of the trees of North America. It's truly too bad the author didn't have the chance to complete the third book in this series: "Southern Trees." Never have I read a richer, more lovingly or enthusiastically written description of trees. Aside from being packed with facts, the books offer a glimpse of man's interaction with trees and teaches one how to interact with them and respect them. The author's enthusiasm is contagious!

This is a great book for tree lovers.Though not very good for identification(one of the field guides would be better for that),this is an excellent book for the reader who has already learned to identify the various trees and now wants to learn something about them.The short,non-technical articles cover a host of topics,from botany and historical reports to the author's personal acquaintance with the various trees discussed.

A Natural History of Trees is a compilation of a rich resource of material on native U.S. Trees. While you'll do better with a Peterson's Field Guide for identification, I don't think you'll find more fun.

Grouped by Family(beginning with Pines and ending with the Ashes) the stories are king here. Just pick your favorite tree and sit back and enjoy. The history of the White Pine, for example, seems almost mythic in its sheer height and size back in colonial days. It very well helped build near most of colonial America, too!

From White Pine to White Oak to Redbud to Sycamore, this is a fascinating and informative read. There is an index of both scientific and common names, plus a glossary and a section called Keys to Species and Genera (which is much easier to decode with a Peterson's Guide at hand).

Also recommended, Petrerson's Field Guide to Eastern Trees(ISBN: 0395904552) and National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees(ISBN: 0394507606) for IDing and Trees in my Forest(ISBN: 0060929421) and the Man Who Planted Trees(ISBN: 1570625387) for more great stories.

Of all the major "Keys" writers, Corcoran seems least frequent in publication, and this pays off in well written novels, or at least fast moving novels. He really is fun to read. Additionally, if you are "into" Key West, he's your writer. While there are actually two trips up and down to Miami, and a couple of "off island" forays, this book is centered in and plays on the ambience of that "last place in America." Alex Rutledge, Corcoran's photographer hero, tools up and down Simonton on his Cannondale or strolls the sidewalks of Duval, avoiding the overflow from Sloppy Joe's, dodging into Captain Tony's around the corner for an early beer. Certainly the Key West life style. There are many other little treasures: remembered sidewalk restaurants, cascades of bouganvillia on corners, the ocean mist, happy hour at Hog's Breath, regularly painted empty buildings. These are the observations of someone who knows the streets over time.

Dirty deeds in this novel, surprise, are linked to real estate development and illegal immigration. The two plots work, but are not systematically linked to each other. These are mingled with the unraveling of a relationship between Rutledge and his "roomie" Teresa, that not unfrequent disaster that comes about when two decide to live as one and abandon the freedom of separate apartments. As the novel drew to a close, I had the feeling that there were three distinct stories, all joined at Alex Rutledge. Still, both mystery plots are exciting, and enough to keep anyone reading the novel awake an extra hour. The romance ends, as is common in "Keys" novels with a promise of future solace.

For those who remember the days of clearing the pier of ships for sunset, or "tank" island (before the "condofying" of the island perimeter) wise contemporaries who bought Conch cottages for a song seem just a little long in the tooth. Such folk, also, have to be in their mid to late fifties and for we less lucky mortals self-knowledge forms plausability questions. One bit of K.W. zaniness, which someone eventually will seriously propose is a developer's Malory Square Dome with recorded projected sunsets to allow tourists to view the ten best in history. No mention of a guaranteed green flash, however.

I was an inhabitant of the islands in the early 80's before the place got popular and crowded. Corcoran's description of the characters and the long term residents of the keys are dead on. If you know the keys and key west well, you will really enjoy this book and the other Rutledge novels. Fans of the Travis McGee series and Carl Hiassen's books would really enjoy this story as well as the others Corcoran mysteries. Keep them coming Tom!

I have read all of the Alex Rutledge novels by Corcoran and this one beats them all. I felt as if I were on the streets of Key West. The dialogue is gutsy and dead on, characters to love and hate. Tom Corcoran spins a murder mystery with the best of them.

This is an awesome book! So much more than just a "cookbook" it contains little bits of history woven throughout, along with many detailed descriptions and explanations on how and why things were done. I also enjoyed the wonderful pen and ink illustrations. The recipes are great and easy to follow. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for original, old-time recipes!

I adore this cookbook! Spiral-bound, lie-flat pages; many gorgeous color photographs of the baked goods as well as historical photographs of cowboys cooking and eating; and a great layout are just the beginning. Every single recipe has a several-paragraph commentary about how the recipe came into being or the differences between the original Old West and updated recipes. Scattered throughout the book are features on various topics such as cooking equipment in the Old West, chuck wagons, and availability and use of various foods. I also enjoyed the uniqueness of the recipes. Never before have I seen recipes for green tomato pie, gems (similar to muffins), or spotted pup (a pudding). However, the book doesn't neglect more common fare such as sourdough bread, cherry cobbler, bread pudding, biscuits, etc. Additional features include an Old West cooking dictionary, a comprehensive index, and a bibliography of books about food and life in the Old West. If you love baking or the Old West, you MUST get your own copy, because I'm not going to lend mine to anyone!!!

Get out your Dutch oven. Find a ceramic crock with a tight lid. You'll need both when you open this wonderful cookbook. Of course the oven is for the baking and the crock is for the sourdough starter you'll learn to make. I couldn't believe the Old West recipes that were in this cookbook. I immediately bought several books as gifts for my relatives and friends. Walters has dug up so many memorable and forgotten recipes that it's like finding the Mother Lode of pioneer vittles. Houn' Ears & Whirlups, Splatter Dabs, Oatmeal Pudding, three different sourdough starters, Railroad Cake, they're all packed into 170 pages. In addition, the book has excellent historical and contemporary photographs and informative inserts. The Old West Baking Book is a truly a treasure found.

I love this book! I travel every week and I always find the packing for the trip to be the worst! I absolutely dread it each week. This book helped change that!

The different checklists are great for getting organized AND making sure that you pack every thing you need for your trip.

The bundling system is so incredibly simple and easy... with no wrinkles once you arrive at your destination.

The last part of this book is chock full of good reading on how to pack those bulky items such as shoes and winter sweaters and coats.

With all the security requirements with the airlines now (and tough limits on carry-ons), I really recommend this book... and I'm a road warrior that should've figured out how to pack by now!

After reading this book I found I could pack more "stuff" and arrive at my destination with wrinkle free clothing! The "bundle" method is a great idea. I recently bought this same book for my daughter-in-law and a friend's daughter who was traveling abroad.

Judith Gilford's book is aimed to the ones who have no clue about of how to pack, no matter if it is related to a weekend, business trip or a dreamy vacations. She makes the worst part of any travel experience mild and clear with her hints and tips throughout the book. It is a must-read if you need to know how to pack right. End of story!