This book provides an interesting overview of the history of American winemaking. However, being written in the 1970's this text as a practical guide for winemaking is hopelessly dated. Much of the information is either contradictory to modern stylistic norms or simply innacurate. Better chioices for the home winemaker include Jon Iverson's "Home Winemaking, Step by Step" and Desmond Lundy's "Handmade Table Wine".
Cheers.

wagner is the original guru on grape growing and wine making. how he found the time for all of his interests is a story we will never know. first, of course , he was the editor of the baltimore sun newspaper. he founded and operated boordy vineyard and winery,which became a grape vine nursury. he somehow found more time to write books on all of this, books that were clear, consise, that covered these fields with a fullnes of purpose that is amazing everytime i read and reread them. when i am planting grapes or making wine , his books are never far from my elbow. if you have limited funds and want to buy the best books for the most reasonable prices, buy wagner!

Philip M. Wagner's earlier "American Wines and Wine-Making" became a bible for small producers and winemakers in America. First printed in 1933, it was revised several times and then completely rewritten over 40 years later under the current title. Although dated, it is still one of the more valuable resources for the small commercial or home winemaker intent on making excellent wine from grapes and grape concentrates.

Wagner discusses the grape and all its inherent qualities in clear, concise language. His treatment if both old French-American and new American hybrids is still a good historical and practical guide for grape selection. His appendix on wine grape varieties is a handy compendium for the single plant to small vineyard grower, while his appendix on "Wine Analysis Simplified" is invaluable to anyone wishing to make award winning vintages.

The "meat" of the book discusses the fundamentals of winemaking as an art. This is amply illustrated with chapters on making red, white, rosé, sparkling, and other fermentations. He discusses clarification, filtering, testing, blending, and bottling with the experience of someone who is at ease with their finer points. He devotes a chapter to the then growing interest in making wines from concentrates and another on what can go wrong. While not a tutorial or handbook, his treatment is more a dissertation that any but a master winemaker would find instructive and beneficial.

It is his chapter on wine tasting and drinking that sets his work apart, for these are the culminative activities for which all wine is ultimately made. His dissection of the anatomy and physiology of taste is a primer for any who aims to make really good wine. It won't make you a wine critic of Hugh Johnson's stature, but it will make you more conscious of what happens when wine is taken into your mouth. And that, after all, is what it is all about.

This is a solid addition to any home winemaker's library. For historical insight alone, it is worth the price.

If wolves went to ballet, they wouldn't go to Swan Lake, they would go to Swine Lake! We think 4th and 5th graders would like this book because it is more challenging. You should read it a couple times to really understand it and have fun reading it. It's a very good book. It has action in it. We thought it would be rated 4.

Swine Lake is a wonderfully creative story. It takes a twist that my daughter (age 7) nor I expected. The art of Maurice Sendak is as wonderful as ever. Great fun to read.

Swine lake, was absolutely wonderful, and it brought back memories of my childhood years. I reccomend it to those who are young at heart. I found it a very tasteful, and enjoyable piece of literature. So read it i say...thankyou

Since I purchased this book I have madea Model T Ford and am now making a Stearman biplane.
The instructions are generally clear with good illustrations. Most of the projects are not for beginners and most require a table or radial arm saw, a band saw and a power drum/belt sander. The author's suggestion to use knotty pine is economical but most of this wood in my local home improvement stores is warped, bowed and generally a pain to work with. Spend a little more and use clear pine or better yet, poplar which in my area is available in many different sizes and thicknesses. Also, the author may love resawing wood to get the sizes that he recommends but it would be a lot easier to scale the projects so that they require standard thicknesses.

This book is great for making fun, easy projects that make great gifts. I have made a total of four trucks from this book. This book is a great way to introduce woodworking to kids. I would reccomend this book to anyone.

I bought this book a few years ago when I started making wooden toys.
I loved the designs in this book. They ranged from simple to more complext to suit differing levels of skill. Of course as your own level of skill increases, you can confidently tackle some of the tougher projects, although even the toughest of them was not overly difficult.
I began selling the toys I was making from these plans at craft shows. They went like hot cakes! I could not make enough of them. Seems I wasn't the only one who thought these toys were neat.
But for the Toymaker, whether you are a hobbyist, or looking to make a living with them, these toys are easy to make, great looking, and popular!

The book by Stoler is an excellent,albeit somewhat abbreviated account of the life of Marshall. The format, which discusses a time period and its relevance in US History and the life of Marshall was an excellent choice by the author. The only place it falls short, in my opinion, is in that its not really a critical review - the author never really analyzed Marshall's actions and took him to task for anything, and I find it hard to believe that, while a great man, Marshall never did anything wrong. Nonetheless, anyone who wishes to understand US military and foreign policy in the 20th century needs to read this book.

As other reviewers note, Marshall was one of the greatest men of the 20th century and a model of what our leaders should be. The author does not engage in hagiography, but instead provides a concise view of this man's life in its historical context. Unfortunately, I was hoping for something more comprehensive, yet not as massive as Pogue's exhaustive (exhausting) work.

Stoller does a good job of describing the footprint that Marshall left upon the world, but not enough about him as a man.

Mark Stoler writes a concise account of the life and accomplishments of George C. Marshall, one of the greatest soldiers and statesmen in U.S. history. The opening lines in chapter one describe how Marshall was the only professional soldier to receive the Nobel Peace prize. Stoler's work provides inspiration to not only those in uniform, but also diplomats and others interested in leadership in general. I found the book highly readable, succinct, yet having the detailed notes that provide guidance for further reading. It is well worth the read.

Stoler's work comes in at just under two hundred pages, but adds depth with extensive notes for the reader who wishes to pursue more details on the life and accomplishments of General Marshall. The author leans heavily on Forrest C. Pogue, Marshall's official biography, and others who have written extensively on the leader and World War II. The book also features a chronology of Marshall's life, two sets of photos, a bibliographic essay, and an index.

I found the chapter on Marshall's time as Secretary of State to be extremely interesting. He not only garnered passage of the European Recovery Plan ("Marshall Plan") during his tenure, but he also helped negotiate the Rio Pact and Organization of American States, witnessed Tito's Communist coup in Czechoslovakia, opposed the Soviet blockade of Berlin, and supported the creation of NATO. Marshall's immense impact on world affairs can still be felt in Western Europe and elsewhere, as his military and diplomatic efforts set the stage for international relations for the remainder of the 20th century.

As a military leader, I found this to be great reading and a good source for future reading on General Marshall. Read Stoler's work if you are a student of history or enjoy reading about leadership. Highly recommended!

This book is a wonderful reference for beginning and experienced photographers alike. Anyone wishing to make money from his/her photography needs this book. In addition to the staggering list of markets and individual sources, this book covers basics such as copyright law, license types, taxes, etc...

Although it's not a novel, I have, on occasion found myself reading each entry page by page. It's almost a lesson in itself on what to expect from a given market, and how to approach it. An indispensable tool.

Want to make some cash with your photography? Start here!

This is an excellent book for a photographer trying to break into the marketplace! I found many leads and opportunites that I never would have thought about. I was sending my photos to magazines for free - now I check the magazine write up in this book to see what the magazine may pay. I am now an informed photographer!

This book has some really detailed how-to information for those submitting their photographs to various kinds of publications and organizations.

You could probably live without a copy, but not if your goal is to make a living as a photographer.

I find the reviews and the editor of the corrent listed book "Sinking of the Titanic Thrilling Stories Told by Survivors" interesting. My own copy is Blue Cloth with the same type of picture on the cover only the ship is going in the direction of the spine.

My copy is called: MEMORIAL EDITION SINKING OF THE TITANIC THRILLING STORIES TOLD BY SURVIVORS and story authored by Jay Henry Mowbray, Ph.D..,LL.D. and published by The Mintor Company, Harrisburg, Pa. Entered According to Act of Congress in the year 1912, by Geo. W. Burton, The Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington D.C., U.S.A.

This is a very interesting likeness to my own copy and if it is as interesting to read, is excellent study of human nature.

My father, before retiring, was an insurance saleman. Sometime in the early '60's, (I am now 48), a customer gave him what was an original hard-copy edition of this book (published in 1912). Although the cover isn't in the greatest shape, it is still usable. It was this book and the early '50's movie, Titanic, with Barbara Stanwick and Clifton Webb, that started a 40 some year interest in the events surrounding the Titanic, before, during and after her sinking. My interest has at least remained the same or increased.

I find that the book has many interesting black & white pictures and towards the end lists other sea disasters up until that time.

It also has a some information on the investigation of the sinking in it.

If for no other reason, the fact that it came out the same year as the sinking is worthy of interest.

I have recently come across an "Advance Copy" of Logan Marshall's original book "The Sinking Of The Titanic And Great Sea Disasters". This is before the original was completed. It also contains complete bulk order sheets in the back of the book. The book states that the material in the book may be corrected or revised in completed book. I would appreciate any info that anyone could send me on this book, I cannot seem to find out anything about it. If anyone has any info. Please email me at rickcrispen@hotmail.com Thank You!

I found the book Story of the Wreck of the Titanic and was wondering what it might be worth.

We have a hardbound copy bound in good book cloth of the 1912 memorial edition and the page with Captain Smith's photo has an unidentified person's signature. Who is Miss Glenda Mae Sitze??? Does the first edition have a photo of the Titanic and are the words "Nearer My God To Thee" inlaid top of book cover? If you have any info please e-mail me curry@dublin.com

I have a Memorial Edition of the "Story of the Wreck ofthe Titanic",copyright,1912 by L.H.Walker. It is illustratedthroughout with Photographs & Drawings made expressly for this book. It is edited by Marshall Everett.Condition/Excellent Thanks.

This book was extremely helpful in allowing me to see and feel how other adoptees have experienced the same sense of loss I have coped with since childhood. As an adoptee, adopted as an infant, and finding my birth parents after 30+ years, it was amazing to have a book which so clearly outlines the stages of my life, and allowed me to understand the feelings I have had for so long. The book is a quick read, but has depth in the way it will touch any adoptees soul. This book has motivated me to write my own story, as an adoptee, searching for self, while raising two children as a single dad. This book has allowed me to identify feelings which I felt only I experienced, and will allow me to write a book from the heart. Thank you.

I liked this book because it was a balanced view of adoption. I found it validating. It showed that within my peer group - adoptees - I was very normal. This helped. It also showed that although some people react with great desperation to adoption others seem to take it more in stride and that is normal too. Regardless of how you feel, this book is a must read. Enlightening, validating and no whining. Thank you to the authors.

This book is right on target. It showed me the reasons for why I've felt the way I have for so many years. I'm 55 and was adopted in infancy. My adopted Mother never told me anything and I always felt left out and some how all alone in this world. Now I understand why I feel the way I have all these years. It's natural and normal. This is an excellent book for adoptees to understand why their feelings are mixed, confused, and not totally feeling a part of this world. I'd recommend this book to all adoptees.

To read about Custer this is the best place to start. Utley gives a great frame work of Custer's life from his pre-cadet days, courtship, Civil War days (noticed by McClellan which starts it all) and captures his post war duties of reconstruction duties, Kansas-Nebraska-Oklahoma campaigns, court martial, Battle of Waschita, hobnobbing in New York and Washington, Yellowstone Survey of 1873, the Black Hills exploration, political conflicts, Washington and Grant episode and of course the LBH. Also reveals perhaps a weakness in frontier military life such as the remoteness followed by extended leave for officers including Custer. Objective in that Utley traces some questioning financial aspirations of Custer that may even have involved sutlers on a small scale while later he serves, perhaps as a patsy for the democrats, as a political foil against the Grant admnistration in reference to malfeasance with military supplies and sutler relations. Only wish their was even more material on Custer but you do get a good picture of the man including his racuous fun loving side. The book also demonstrates that Custer treated friends and family well and that those that were not were not fond of him. Supports the often quoted "loved or hated".

This biography of George Armstrong Custer devotes most of its pages to his post Civil War career. Most people only know that he died at the Little Bighorn battle; they know the legend or the symbol, not the real person. Chapter 1 discusses his legend from 1876 to the present. Before his last campaign Custer charged the Grant administration with fraud and corruption. So whether he was a "victim of Grant's Indian policy" or a "foolhardy glory hunter" depended on the politics of the beholder.

Custer's postwar career depended on the support of Sherman and Sheridan ("Custer never let me down"). Since the Indians kept far away from the railroads, building the Northern Pacific railroad would ethnically cleanse the northern Dakota territory. The railroads were given tens of thousands of square miles of land ("sunblasted in summer, frozen in winter" p.125). They could not be sold to settlers until Indians were removed and neutralized. Settlers would then buy railroad lands, then use the railroad to transport their produce and supplies. The army's task was to implement this political policy; they only followed orders. There were treaties such as at Medicine Lodge in October 1867. But the Indians had no idea that they were giving up the country they claimed as their own (p.59).

The announced purpose of the Black Hills Expedition of 1874 was to find a site for a new fort, and for scientific exploration. The discovery of gold meant that miners would flock to these Indian lands via the Northern Pacific. The chief geologist, and Lt. Col. Fred Grant, cast doubt on this report: it might have been planted (p.141)! These lands could not be developed while the Indians held title, unless a war was created to negate the treaty (p.147). The Interior Dept. issued an ultimatum to the Sitting Bull bands: move to the Great Sioux Reservation or be driven in (p.156). But the Indians were immobilized in winter! Their failure to migrate was used to start a war. The military campaign started in April 1876. Custer believed that the Indians should be civilized into Christian farmers, but "if I were an Indian I often think that I would prefer to adhere to the free open plains rather than submit to a reservation" (p.149).

Just before his last campaign Custer testified against the actions of Secretary of War Belknap. Was he looking for some heroic action to gain popular acclaim? Was he suffering from any ailment that could affect his judgment? Chapter 9 discusses the "Judgments" on the defeat. Utley wonders if Custer received his chest wound at the beginning of the battle, and this demoralized and confused their defense? This would account for much that is puzzling about the battle (p.199). Those paintings of "Custer's Last Stand" are imagined. The Sioux fired their rifles and arrows from long range while concealed (p.190). They were too smart for a "Charge of the Light Brigade".

I have been an avid reader of Custer related literature
through the years and this is simply the best book on the market
on George Armstrong Custer. As a graduate student at Mississippi
State University and taking a course on the American West I gave
a lecture on Custer and recommended this book to the class.
Mr. Utley gives great detail on Custer's life. As with any
reader of Custer the debate rages on about General Terry's orders
to Custer and if they were obeyed or not. The author brought
out something I had not read before and that being the affidavet
of a cook who overheard a conservation between Terry and Custer.
A great book on Custer and especially on the Battle of the
Little Bighorn. Also, being a Civil War buff I liked the way the author mentioned how former Confederate generals were some
of Custer's biggest defenders after the battle.
If one were looking for a starting place on Custer this book
would be the one.

Here is a crime novel that started out like it was going to be one of the greats. But there came a point when I realized that it was not fulfilling its promise. It emerges instead as rather average.

This book is great on mood, and Marshall Browne establishes himself as quite the stylist. But when you strip away the layers of paranoia and hopelessness that make the book seem at first to be a powerful if bitter read, you get a story that does not involve much thought. The plot is very basic. There are the Good Guys and the Bad Guys; the White Hats and the Black Hats. The Good Guys want to bring the Bad Guys to justice, while the Bad Guys get nervous about this, and try to kill the Good Guys first. This leads merely to a lot of explosions and assassination attempts. Plus, Inspector Anders beds some women, even though each of these scenes suggests he is actually in love with whomever he is bedding at the time. Apparently, he invests deep meaning in each quickie. Yes, he has a lot of real love to spread around.

A few rogue elements do intrude on the plot, trying to stir up some novelty. A mysterious bearded figure wanders in and out of the action, possibly with his own agenda against one of the corrupt power-figures in the book; and a few of the mafia types are operating outside the accepted criminal scheme of things, as far as their still-nervous associates are concerned. But these "rogue elements" quickly reveal themselves to be variations on the same theme--the theme of people trying to bump each other off throughout the whole book, and not doing much else.

The book seemed cleverly cynical at the beginning, for example, when Inspector Anders went to question a series of people about two murders that have brought him to Southern Italy. Cleverly written, because the author has Anders show up for questioning, only for the questioning to basically get skipped or summarized as meaningless every time, because after all, Anders is questioning a bunch of people he knows will tell him useless lies as part of an investigation that he is not really supposed to succeed at, so the corrupt officials involved can stay safe. Seems like a deft author making a bleak statement about a sad state of affairs. The problem is: the author has nothing much of substance to fill these abbreviated scenes with! All the questioning sessions whiz by, but nothing of significance takes their place. And then the endless explosions and assassination attempts begin. As for Anders's final bold plan, I can't believe a group of veteran criminals could be that stupid! It stretches credibility that they wouldn't suspect the--well, I won't spill it.

Started out as a breath of fresh air, but couldn't hide its average approach. Three stars for the style and the sustained level of suspense. But the plot was very basic.

Inspector Anders has a mission. And it's not to grapple with the Mafia. It's to retire and write a book about his underappreciated poet forbear, Anton Anders.

Sent by Rome to investigate the murders of an investigator and a magistrate, he intends to do as little as possible and then go home. What difference will it make anyway? Nothing will change and a real investigation will only get him dead. But he can't help it. He just has to side with the good guys against the philistines. How can you help but like and respect and cheer for this guy?

Next time, how about a collaboration? Anders meets Zen!

Inspector Anders seems like the perfect man to complete the investigation of a southern Italian crime. He is a hero having lost a leg in Italy's battle against the Red Brigade, but he is also nearing retirement--unlikely to rock the boat. And rocking the boat is the last thing the establishment wants. It is much better to imagine that anarchists murdered the former judge than to admit that the Mafia and corruption rule southern Italy and can reach its power to the capitol in Rome and beyond. Anders is mostly content to go along--but he toys with the idea of doing more: of making a real investigation. If he does, though, he is unlikely to survive long enough to tell his story, let alone make a difference. The next inspector is unlikely to be so foolish.

As Anders goes through the motions of an investigation, he grows increasingly angry with the power of the Mafia, but also increasingly certain that he cannot make a difference. Yet even going through the motions can be dangerous and letting himself be swayed by the late judge's beautiful widow is clearly a mistake.

Author Marchall Browne writes a compelling adventure. Anders, with his wooden leg and perchant for older soft-bodied women and fine wine, makes an interesting and sympathetic hero. Browne's view of the Mafia as the dominant force in much of southern Italy is sadly credible and Ander's ultimate decision between pursuing his life's dream and doing something, however pointless, to damage the Mafia is emotionally satisfying.

I look forward to reading more novels by this talented author.