Although this book contributes little or no previously-unknown information regarding the westward journey and arduous winter in the mountains endured by the members of the Donner Party, it does present the facts in a straightforward and easily-read manner and provides a basic chronology of events. Young readers with a desire to learn about one of American history's most incredible stories of courage and strength will find this a quick read--and, hopefully, will be encouraged to read more about the Donner Party and American historical events. The language found in the source documents, regrettably, has been edited severely--to the point of grammatical accuracy! (I enjoy seeing for myself the horrendous spelling and grammatical mistakes which lend an air of authenticity to many of the other studies of the Donner Party.) The reader should understand that James Reed is shown in a more favorable light than he is in many other Donner books, no doubt, due to the fact that his daughter was the author. Several interesting photographs and illustrations are included, which enhance the appeal of the book. I would certainly recommend "Across the Plains..." to middle school students. I hope it would motivate them to pursue the topic further; the story of the Donner Party is one of the most fascinating in our country's history.

History students are urged to seek primary sources to discover the excitement of digging for clues to the past. Editor Karen Zeinert's skillful weaving together of the journals and letters of members of the Donner party tells their chilling story from their festive departure from Illinois in April, 1846 through the decisions that led to their tragic 6 month winter in the Sierra Nevadas. Students reading to discover if the tales of cannibalism are true will be equally fascinated by descriptions of a buffal

I thourougly enjoyed this book. The content is certainly not compromised by its small size. I am a college student and a history minor and this book is very accurate. It begins with a short history of colonial women and then delves into Ann Bailey's life. Lewis keeps the book interesting by including personal accounts and interviews with people who knew Ann Bailey. He also includes poems that were written about her. There are even maps in the back of the book. This book was written over a hundred years ago and that could have made it drab or dry, but this book was lively and full of great detail. Lewis is fantastic about using lots of vivid imagery and beautiful language to keep the reader drawn in. I highly recommend this book for reports or for anyone who is interested in learning more about Ann Bailey, or what life was like for colonial women.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book... more from the aspect that this was written by an author who interviewed acquaintences of Ms. Bailey. As a parent I find it surprising just what her mother took her to witness at the age of five; I get shivers thinking about putting my children through that. And yet, times are very different socially, even from the time the book was written. (It was very amusing reading the author's perspective on the fact that Ann Bailey liked to knock one back once in a while.) I had searched and searched for information about Ann Bailey and was very happy to find this book. I was especially happy that the publisher actually packaged two books into one. A delightful book and I would recommend it to anyone who likes to read about strong-willed women, to anyone who likes to read antique books and smile at the social perspective of the author, and to anyone who is a fan of early pioneer history in the Ohio Valley.

Thoroughly enjoyed reading each chapter of Mr.James' book. I would suggest it for anyone having an interest in the old West, the mining periods, and personnae of the same, and perhaps just as importantly to gain some insightful information behind the storefornt facades and adits of Virginia City. The author has provided much background behind the legends, pulled down to earth other "legends" and truly given this "tourist site" it's legitmate and historical due. I am anxious to visit the Lake Tahoe area once again and take that little jaunt over the hill to visit a now-less-mysterious Virginia City.

Mr. James cuts through all of the legends that have grown up around Virginia City and its fabled Comstock Lode to give us a truly outstanding and eminently readable history. He draws together primary and secondary sources, demographic analysis and archaeology to give the reader a broad, yet surprisingly detailed understanding of the Comstock from its humble beginnings, through bonanza and borrasca, and right up to the present day. Highly recommended!!

This book gives one insight into the dangers of coal mining and the cultural aspects of it historically. Extensive interviews, with those actually involved. Humanity interwoven with hard facts. I actually cried during some accounts.

I bought the books (2) when they first came out and Mr. Dillion signed both for me. He was born in the coal field and knew the subject of which he wrote. Just within the last year I have obtained a copy of the report on the fire from the Federal Mine folks. I wonder why it took them 39 years to make the report public.... and one name was wrong in the list of those that were killed in that fire at the Holden 22 mine. The man's name was Isom Ooten, not Isom Hooten.

It's often difficult to decide which of the many reference book offerings are worthy of a home library. Here's one subject area you won't worry about seeing repeated by many authors. Six has compiled information about some "orphan" manufacturers of vintage glass, along with placing the more well-known makers (Fenton, Fostoria) in historical, and geographical, context. We were reading this at a depression glass show and caused most of the passing dealers to stop to ask how to buy one. The photography is beautiful and will be a big help in identifying odd pieces not chronicled in the usual DG and Elegant books. However, the editing is a bit haphazard and following the narrative time lines can be difficult. My uncles worked in these factories and this is a welcome bit of confirmation to the oral history I grew up with. This book nicely balances the stories of the companies with the collector info needed by dealers and hobbyists.

I have waited for somebody to show us what Central Glass put out in the 1930's! This book has it! All the unidentified depression glass we could not find previously - well, some of it is in this book! Well worth what I had to spend!

Benedict is hit-or-miss in this, his second collection of short stories...if a rule could be ascribed to the collection, he generally has more succeess with the commonplace than with the absurd. Thus, gems like the funny, pathetic "Horton's Ape" and the vivid, moving "Odom" appear right alongside curious little failures like "Washman" and "The Electric Girl". He is also more at home with the self-pitying losers of "Getting Over Arnette" than the Americans abroad in "At the Alhambra". Occasionally, as well, his metaphors are made to bear more descriptive weight than they can really handle. But all in all, a recommended read, and an author to watch.

Thanks to my creative writing professor, who loaned me this book (signed by Benedict), I now know one of the best short fiction writers living today. These stories are such a welcome depature from the abstract sentimentality that so many young writers are putting out these days. Benedict avoids all abstractions, keeping his fiction rooted in cold, hard, wonderful reality. The unsettling (and believable) weirdness of Benedict's rural environment comes through fantastically in stories like "Bounty" and "Odom", and then there's "Washman", which is so surreal that it's almost beyond description. The opening story, "Getting Over Arnette", is especially funny (if you like dark comedy).

Any serious reader of short fiction ought to read Pinckney Benedict.

Benedict shares some dark, chilling, and exciting tales with us. He is extremely talented, and the reader is able to feel the fear, anxiety, and sweat that cover the characters. Particularly compelling stories are Washman and Odom.

Dr. Matt Rutledge is convinced that the coal mining company in his hometown of Belinda, West Virginia is responsible for the deaths of his father and his wife. He sets out to prove that there are unsafe conditions and toxic waste at the mine. His efforts do not endear him to the people in the community where many are dependent on the mining company for their livelihood. Okay, this is not an original premise, but Palmer soon takes this story in a different direction. A believable and frightening direction. Omnivax, a vaccine with 30 different components, is about to be approved for use worldwide. One of the components was tested in Belinda 10 years ago and the adverse reactions are just beginning to show up. This is an ambitious plot line that tends to bog down about midway through the book, but Palmer manages to bring it all together in the end. There are likable heroic characters (the Slocumb brothers were my favorite), evildoers that were a little over the top, several good action scenes (involving motorcycle chases) and two very good field surgery scenes. The dialog was, at times, at little hard to take. Too sappy for my taste (does anyone say "pshaw" anymore?). Vaccinations have certainly been a topic of controversy lately and I applaud Palmer for his efforts to stimulate the dialog on this subject.

One of the great things about Michael Palmer is that he does not feel he has to pump out a book every year, if it is good or not. So when I learn he is putting out a new book I really look forward to it. This book around I just did not feel the need to read every free second I had, like I did with The Patient. Fatal has likeable characters and brings up some things that will make me think next time I take my kids to the doctor, but it just didn't grab me like his earlier novels. It is worth
reading and I believe most people will find this book enjoyable.

BOOK REVIEW: "Fatal" by Michael Palmer

This is a well-written, fast-paced, action-packed thriller. (I kept seeing a screen play with Harrison Ford or Michael Douglas as "Dr. Rutlidge" in my mind's-eye!) But the most important issue that is tackled in his book --the potentially harmful effects that vaccines have on our health --is the real message behind the plot.

His concern is accurate and those who have researched and studied the vaccination issue know that his statements are exactly on target. This may be the first time that problems associated with vaccines, including the incestuous relationship between the pharmaceutical industry, government and big money, has been tackled in a fictional arena. Who better to do this than
a NY Times Best Selling author who happens to be a physician?

With the potential of mandatory mass vaccination for smallpox looming on the horizon and the growing vaccine controversies related to autism and other childhood diseases, the story of Ominvax, a 30-in-one vaccine that is to be forcefully injected in all babies and children, is not solely fiction. Neither
are the fears of unknown, long term complications.

Here's a quote from the book by the character (Ellen) that was the consumer advocate on the vaccine approval committee (p.160):
"...My research has shown that not once has a vaccine--any vaccine--been evaluated by a prolonged double blind study. The pharmaceutical houses are powerful, and fund much of the drug research done at our universities and medical centers. They also have polished, highly effective public relations offices that have, on a number of occasions, set out to convince the general public that we cannot afford to deprive the placebo group of the lifesaving benefits of a vaccine while waiting until statistically meaningful double blind study can be
completed.

"Has this shortcut in the scientific process hurt us in any concrete, medical way? That I cannot answer with any certainty. What I can say is that as vaccination rates have climbed, there as been an alarming increase in the incidence of a number of so-called immune-mediated diseases and conditions such as asthma, allergies, and juvenile diabetes, as well as others --autism,
ADD and other learning disablities --whose classification as immune-mediated remains to be established. Is there a connection? Do vaccinations in some instances disrupt the normal development of the body's immune system? Until long-term, double blind studies are performed on vaccines, we may never know."

The deeper message, beyond the "who-dun-it", the complex web of
characters and the love story, is a plot to make us think. He has chosen to use his incredible fiction-writing talents to open the door of this controversial issue to the masses.

This is an entertaining, quick-read that is really enjoyable and does what a thriller is "supposed" to do. But beyond that, the book makes a profound statement about the potential for vaccine-injury when safety is abandoned due to the self-interests of a few.

As a new collector, I found this book invaluable as well as extremely interesting!! I would like to clear up one thing though for future readers of the Amazon review section on this book. MY review refers to the NINTH Edition. . .several reviews before mine, though listed under the NINTH Edition are actually referring to the EIGHTH Edition especially in reference to the mix up and mislabeling of the ever confusing "greens". In the NINTH Edition, on page 36 Plate #64. . the authors CLARIFY the error that appeared in the EIGHTH edition and using the same photo, have now labeled it correctly.

I also agree with some of the previous reviewers that perhaps in the TENTH edition (if there is to be one) the authors could spend a little more time and detail on identifying unmarked pieces. Otherwise, I found this book facsinating!!

The Huxford's book is still the best Fiestaware reference book on the market.

There are some new pictures that are really great, especially the one of the four shades of green which presents the colors much more accurately. It's too bad that the colors are mislabeled!

This edition also has some new/rare items listed.

So many dealers use this book for pricing pieces and with ECKware's Fiesta software referencing it too, it is a must have and well worth the money.

This is the definitive guide to HLC China and related ephermera. The major focus is on Fiesta, but most, if not all, identified lines of dinnerware are listed and discussed to some extent. In addition to the lenghthy section on Fiesta, the sections on Harlequin, Century/Riviera, and decorated Mexican lines are especially informative as is the section discussing HLC's contribution to the 1939 NYC World Exposition. I hope that the Huxfords are researching the lines not so fully discussed so that future updates become more comprehensive. The authors' writing style is folksy,occasionally silly, and quite accurate other than a half-a-handful of errors in labelling the illustrations, which are marvelously colorful except for a few dark examples which should be redone for the 9th edition (which I am eagerly awaiting). While the listed values provide a general guideline to pricing, I would say that many, perhaps most, items are underpriced - at least compared to the prices that I have encountered in TX, WV, MD, and LA. Overall, the book is informative, well- written, beautifully illustrated, and worth the read for HLC dinnerware collectors, admirers, and the like.

This has to be the BEST book I've ever read. J.T Leroy will take you places that you've never been before. The places aren't always beautiful and inviting, but it's always a place that you really hate to leave. This is 1 book that I was actually depressed when I finished reading it.....not because of the conclusion, but because I wanted it to keep on going. Anyone that can take a part of the anatomy of a raccoon and make it a fashion accessory is ok in my book........just read and find out.

J.T. Leroy is so gifted and I really look forward to reading his future work. Also, SARAH is being made into a movie by Gus Van Sant, so read the book before the movie hits theaters. I would also HIGHLY recommend The Heart is Deceitful Above All Things.....His 2nd book. I don't think you will be disappointed.

SARAH by JT Leroy is one of the most original and funny stories I've read in a long time.

If you've read any of the promotional blurbs, I took special notice of one that refers to SARAH as a cross between Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland and William Burrough's Naked Lunch. I'll take that tangent a step further and say I saw elements of Hansel and Gretel, the 3 Little Pigs, Humpty Dumpty, Rapunzel and Rumpelstilskin, to name a few childhood fairy tales. This story of a "lot lizard" who takes his mother's name on a moment's notice, and joins the world of truck-stop whores, hustlers and even a 5-star chef in a diner named the Three Doves, had me laughing out loud, sighing and absolutely drawn into the "religious" symbolism that jumps off some many pages.

Not only do these women and "women" service their truckers rain, snow or shine, they also can raise the roof with a medley of old Gospel songs that'll bring tears and laughter at the same time. I CANNOT wait to see that scene brought to life in movie form by Gus van Sant, who evidently is working on the film right now. My first thought was John Waters to direct, but Gus van Sant has the modern homosexual/hustler/alt culture down to a T. If you've seen My Private Idaho, you know to what I'm referring. This "novel" is a mix of drama/comedy, sin/redemption, joy/heartbreak, etc. etc.

I cannot recommend this highly enough as a truly original voice in modern literature. I have to go now and read THE HEART IS DECEITFUL ABOVE ALL THINGS, Leroy's collection of short stories just published recently. Have a gay ol' time enjoying "Saint" Sarah's life story with her friends Pooh, Stella and the gang....

For those who have yet to hear of JT Leroy or his book, SARAH, you are missing out on one of the most amazing new voices in literature. With as haunting of a voice as Carson McCullers and with an edge to rival Harry Crews, JT Leroy writes with an intensity that will make you want to savor the small book over days rather than devour it in one sitting. And, with the depth of the characters and theme, you might find it impossible to make it a quick read, instead finding it best to consider, review and read slowly.

Drawing from the experiences of his 20 years, Leroy is able to put together a story so surreal that you know it is awash in truth, yet also know that it is a world unique and foreign to most readers. Or is it? As JT Leroy tackles some of his own demons he quietly challeges the reader to do the same.

The one thing to know going in is -- you will find yourself craving something else from this deep, beautiful, and wounded heart. I was at once reminded of John Kennedy Toole's NEON BIBLE. Both of these books left me craving more. With Leroy, at least we are likely to get our wish!

JOHN HENRY DAYS gives us John Henry, the icon, the mascot, the hero, the folktale, all wrapped up in this novel that bounces between Talcott, West Virginia for the U.S. Postal service release of the John Henry stamp and a number of times and place that show John Henry's importance in the fabric of America's history. Our protagonist in Talcott is J, a writer working on a non-stop jag of event after event, getting work from the omniscient List and living on free food and lodging, collecting receipts and rarely contemplating an empty existence. J's progression from this rather shallow being to a man who at least begins to question life's meaning is the main focus of the story. Too bad, it doesn't work. By the time J becomes interesting you just don't care enough about him. Whitehead creates such an emotional distance between the character and the reader that you really want to get back to the other stories contained within this novel.
The other stories are trips through America's past and John Henry's place in it, a bittersweet look at a young girl discovering the joy of discovering "The Ballad of John Henry" and how that doesn't fit in with view her mother has of a future member of the Sepia Ladies club of Harlem, a blues singer in Chicago cutting record sides and John Henry being his ticket to a few extra dollars, the destruction of Paul Robeson for not being what the American establishment wanted him to be; these are the stories that make this book worth reading. Best of all are Whitehead's takes on John Henry himself, the folktale comes to life as real human being.
Whitehead writes wonderful sentences. They are crafted beautifully and each seems to be placed with as much care as any master craftsman creating a work of art. The problem is that he spends too much time working with a creation that doesn't seem to warrant his attention. Read it for the beauty of its construction and the trips into the past, but the central plot left me cold.

If you know the ballad of "John Henry", in any of its many versions, and have pondered whether the title character in the song is best viewed as a heroic or as a tragic figure, you will find this novel compelling. The story moves seemlessly between past and present as modern day slaves to capitalism wage their own contests against obsolescence. Juxtaposing these modern tales with the rich details of the larger than life steel driving man, John Henry, is both brilliant and chilling. The result is an interesting tale of self discovery for not only the main character, J. Sutter, but also for several subsidiary characters. This is not a quick read because each chapter is filled with prose so rich in detail and symbolism that you will be inclined to linger for fear of missing a clever observation, or the irony which abounds. You will no doubt find yourself wanting to read sentences aloud to anyone in earshot in order to share the humor and insights. When I finished the book, my first reaction was that the ending is unsatisfying. But I found myself continuing to think about and talk about the story and the characters long after I put the novel down. In retrospect, the final epiphanies of the characters, though subtle, are quite satisfying.

Having read and loved Whitehead's first novel, I was waiting for his follow up with high hopes. All my expectations were met and surpassed by this extraordinary novel. John Henry Days is wideranging in its themes, characters, styles, you name it, clever as hell and ALWAYS funny. The journalist J., and the steel driving John Henry, couldn't be more different, yet Whitehead connects them in unexpected, thoughtful and often moving ways. I was mesmerised by this book, and there were some sections that, in the beauty and precision of their observation, could be read aloud as poetry. Now I can't wait to read his next book.