"Under the Greenwood Tree" does not rank among Hardy's greatest novels, but it includes many moving moments and memorable characters. This first of the great series of Wessex novels introduces the reader to Hardy's beloved and changing countryside. The landscape and it's occupants are lovingly invoked, and the natural humour of the locals shines through.

In fact, the supporting characters are far more interesting than the hero and heroine. "Under the Greenwood Tree" is really a tale of young love, and although Hardy touchingly illustrates the yearning and naivete of his lovers, both characters remain at arm's length. This is particularly true of Fancy, the heroine, whose emotions do not become apparent until close to the tale's end.

Hardy would explore many of "Greenwood Tree's" themes more effectivly in later books, but this novel is more than just a warm-up act. The decline of English country life- one of Hardy's greatest themes- has never been as tellingly illustrated as in the sub-plot of the Mellstock Quire, and the contented, ironic ending rings as true as any of the fatalistic horrors to come.

The painter Poussin's famous title might stand as a rubric for this lovely book. Hardy views his cast of rustics through the prism of music: the old church stringed instruments choir is to be replaced with the spanking new organ. There is the added romantic interest of young musician Dave and the controversially female organist, Fancy Day.

This is a story of established customs breaking down through the interloper: a new vicar in town. Structurally divided into Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn, it follows the natural rhythms of the earth and of society. Hardy revels in his descriptive powers.

Filled with nostalgia and that increasingly fashionable concept - "Englishness", and seasoned with wisdom and wit, this is truly fabulous - a mini-masterpice in a similar bag to, say, Mrs. Gaskell's "Cranford".

"Under the Greenwood Tree" was deservedly Hardy's own favourite among his novels.

This is one of my favorite Hardy novels! His vivid descriptions bring the rustic setting, characters, and customs to life. It's like peering through a window into a world gone by. The story weaves together love, social position, and the slow displacement of old traditions with modern conventions. A delightful read!

This review concerns the original 1951 edition. Frank and Joe are plunged into another mystery when they are out in the Sleuth during a storm and they find a wallet full of money and when they track down some rifles and camping equipment stolen from Chet to the North Woods. This book has one of the best opening chapters of any in the series and it gets you into the mystery very quickly. The pages from about 60-130 when the Hardys and their friends go camping in the North Woods are the best, but the whole book is really good. One thing I liked about this book was that it actually remembered that Frank and Joe have other friends besides Chet and they were given more than just a passing mention. It's a great book any Hardy Boys fan would want to read.

Originally published in 1951, the biggest flaw with this volume was the absolutely horrible cover art drawn by Bill Gillies in 1951. Nappi's 1968 revision was a vast improvement on the original cover and fishing trawler of a Sleuth portrayed on the front cover. The book itself opens with a bang as the Hardys find a wallet full of money while out in Barmet Bay during a storm. Personally I now think the Sleuth has a voodoo doll that has been hanging beneath somebody's shower head as everytime it seems they take out that boat it rains!! This is a well written suspenseful adventure that takes place for the most part in the "North Woods" near Bayport. Very delightful reading throughout the entire book until perhaps the final chapter which tended to lack creativity. I was somewhat let down with Chapter 25. But the first 24 were excellent. This was in fact one of my more favorite volumes. RATED A-

A sharp voice cut the air."Stay where you are!"
Frank and Joe wheeled. A tall man, his hat pulled low, stood before them, a gun in his hand.

THIS WAS A GREAT BOOK. IT PRETTY MUCH TURNED THE PAGES FOR ME. I HAVE READ MANY H.B. CASEFILES BOOKS AND I HAVE THOUROUGHLY ENJOYED THEM ALL.

I really liked this book a lot! It was a lot of fast paced action. It will keep you on the edge of your seat from first page to last!

An excellent accounting of the 60's and 70's history of KMOX radio. Well covered but touching too lightly on the roll of Bob Hyland on the stations format. All in all a very good read for someone interested in Broadcasting

A touching tribute to the people who worked to make KMOX a nationaly renowned radio-news power. The author`s insight into the workigs "behind the sceen" was wonderfull. The photographs really bring to life the beloved voices of KMOX. I recomend this book for anyone in broadcasting, studying about broadcasting , and anyone who loved Bob Hardy and KMOX .

I do not work with balloons very often, but found this book to be very useful for a beginner. It has good photos of what you are trying to do, and step by step instructions. I did find some of the instructions hard to follow at first, but after working with the balloons, I finally got it. My boys love it when I pull the book out to review. I find that this is a good book for someone who does not know where to start.

Within an hour I was making cool swords (I call them light sabers) swans and dogs for my kids. I am now more accomplished and the most popular father on the block at parties. I highly reccommended this book for both beginners and those more skilled. I was so happy with this book I am presently waiting for an order of 321Q balloons to try my skills in Marvins other book. Similar balloon twisting books do not compare in the way the directions are presented in such a colorful easy to follow manner.

This unique and fascinating book by Bystedt, who was so perceptive to interview these actors at the start of their careers, makes for terrific reading. Keanu Reeves , who at 23 gives the impression of being a bundle of unsettled energy, with intelligence and a marvelous sense of humor...Brad Pitt, hilarious and quite down to earth at 24, the same age as a profound and thoughtful Johnny Depp. The exquisitely beautiful Alfre Woodard, so wise at 33, a perplexing Robert Downey Jr. at 22. There's a total of 24 interviews, and the photographs are fabulous. The ones of Reeves, Depp, and Jason Priestly are simply awesome ! This book is a glimpse into what makes some actors break forth and get known, while so many others fail. A lot of these future stars seem to have hard work (and the love of it) in common, as well as quick minds and curiosity.

Ms Bystedt has a great feel for bringing out the personality of her subjects with great flair and originality. For example, her profile of KEANU REEVES is honest and down to earth and allows his wonderful uniqueness (there is only One, 'the One') to shine thru.

I like the way she gets to know her 'subjects' both with the camera and in person as they reveal their future hopes and fears...

Nowadays these people really ARE famous in their own right and Ms Bystedt, I feel, has played a part from the outset in helping them evolve to the Superstars they are today!

A great read! A++

Never a dull moment with the Hardy Boys. Non-stop action makes for fun reading. If you like reading about adventure in caves, don't miss Steward's "Tales of Dirt, Danger, and Darkness."

I enjoy the setting and the hole out line of the book... That is why i continue to read them after all these years and i won't say how old i am either...:)

I COULDN'T BE ABLE TO CEASE CRYING WILE READING THIS NOVEL THOUGHT I'M NOT A CRYER. THOMAS HARDY MAKES A STORY A TRAGEDY. IF THIS STORY WAS WRITTEN BY ANOTHER AUTHOR IT MIGHT NOT MAKE THE EFFECT THIS MUCH. I'M SO GLAD THINGS HAVE CHANGED.

In this wonderful story; a young girls situation suddenly changes as her unknown heritage guide her way to the next stage, in life of motherhood. I as a reader can intimately follow this girl Tess throughout sadness and wealth. She finds her true love at Thalbothays, who escapes for a time to find farmland. After spending a couple of years without seeing any sign of her sweetheart, she looses her belief and gives up her hopes of ever meeting him again. The rival cousin Alec is very much fond of Tess, he who has caused her so much trouble. Tess consider herself as a great sinner. But several disasters pile up which makes her an even greater sinner. She decides to put an end to all! I love this book because it features the seventheeth century life and structure. Also, the narrative uses so many differnt synonyms and expressions which makes it really interesting to read. I love passionate lovestories which has it's setting taking place in another time and deals with problems that still excist of today. Jane Austin is an author I also like very much because of her way of creating sometimes hilariuos settings where eg. Emma tries to do something right for the sisters sake. Matching peolple up isn't always the best way to get a love-relationship. Each person should be able to find his or her parner on their own account, following their own feelings when doing so. But sometimes the effect can turn out very negative just as it does in Tess D'Urberville.

Nancy Drew,and Frank and Joe Hardy team up to solve the case of adventure and intrigue. A man gets death threats which Nancy and Frank and Joe want to find out about on solving.... who is giving the death threats? who is setting this evil scheme up? If you want to find out read it! The book of a page turning mystery with suspense and intrigue in COPPER CANYON CONSPIRACY

I got this book for christmas and thought it look'd sort of lame. But when I read the first chapter I could not put it down. I read the hole book in five days. It lots of fun! READ IT!!!