In 1835, an extraordinary series of articles appeared in the New York "Sun," one of the city's newspapers. The articles told how astronomer John Herschel, with the aid of an advanced new telescope, had discovered life on earth's moon. Of course, the articles were pure fiction, and the story has become known as the Moon Hoax. The articles, written by Richard Adams Locke, were published in book form under the title "The Moon Hoax; Or, A Discovery That the Moon Has a Vast Population of Human Beings." A reproduction of an 1859 New York edition, with a new introduction by Ormond Seavey, was published by Gregg Press in 1975.

Locke's Moon Hoax is one of the most remarkable works of 19th century U.S. literature. Ormond Seavey's intro to the 1975 edition does a good job of placing the hoax in literary and cultural perspective. Seavey notes, for example, that the hoax appeared at "a time when the tall tale was first recognized as a characteristically American narrative" (p. xxiv). Seavey also makes note of the reaction of showman P.T. Barnum to the hoax, and draws a parallel between the Moon Hoax and Edgar Allan Poe's 1844 "Balloon Hoax."

The text of the hoax itself is a charming piece of literature; it could be seen as a pioneering work of science fiction. The text's flavor of authenticity is enhanced by the many technical details about the new telescope; Locke even names the glassmaking firm that allegedly created the lens for the device! Locke's descriptions of Herschel's bogus discoveries are delightful. We learn about the lunar oceans; trees; gigantic, obelisk-like amethysts; unicorn-like creatures; tailless beaver-like humanoids; and most wonderfully, "Vespertilio-homo," the winged human-like species alluded to in the book's title. "The Moon Hoax" is a marvelous book that deserves to be rediscovered by new generations of readers.

An important review of heart disease from fetal life through adolescence. Very well written and quite clear and complete. No reference library on congenital heart disease is complete without this book

This Book has developed with each Edition, and it very well has met its Peak!. It is Must Have for anyone interested in staying sane in this Urban Jungle! I ride fairly regularly and I have not been able to ride a fraction of the trails in this book! Get this Book! And Get out and Ride!

Bet you can't buy just one! You'll need to buy more than one copy of this book. One to keep and one to use. Your friends will love receivng these high quality glossy post cards in the mail and you'll love sending them. 24 ready to mail post cards of Hollywood's most famous

This little book is as much fun to read as watching one of your favorite films. Not only is it entertaining and informative, but it manages to be comprehensive and highly discriminating at the same time. The authors are fully aware of the "auteurs" who count, of the films that matter. I've read hundreds of film books, and I can guarantee that you won't find a better value.

I was fortunate to stumble upon this book on Amazon.com. As a musician, it looked intriguing. I bought it and became immediately engrossed. I enjoyed the compelling introduction by Adam Krims. After reading that, I had to continue with the rest of the book. It has a fantastic compilation of essays by a wide variety of authors. As a woman, and an artist, many of these essays were valuable and meaningful to me. Never before have I seen a book that so clearly demonstrates how music ties into the broader conerns within the humanities. I highly recommend it.

I LOVE THIS JOURNAL! The subtle, pastel backdrop of shells and shoreline, along with inspirational quotes and verses, really quiet your heart and invite you to write about your thoughts, hopes and dreams.

My Bondage and My Freedom, one of Douglass' several autobiographies, a very important book that should be read by anyone interested in United States history generally, or the crucial and often tragic role race has played in that history. Douglass, a former slave, was one of the few African-Americans who achieved prominence in the largely white, new england abolition movement. Douglass was an eloquent writer and (by historical accounts) speaker. His recounting of his experience as a slave, and his reflections on his role as a black former slave in America, are powerful.

It is amazing how stong such a young child can be. Anyone who works with children should read this book. I am amazed by his strength and optimism!

Inspiring people strike a soul chord within us. Their stories spark, fuel or ignite a desire to achieve, serve, love, reflect, pray or face our self-imposed constraints. This northern Virginian, General Clara Adams-Ender, the daughter of a share- cropper, grew up to be an Army General.Adams-Ender's autobiographical chat with the reader is as inspiring as a homily, but far too candid to be preachy. While her stellar accomplishments are impressive, the many stories behind them are as insightful as they are engaging. As the daughter of hardworking but formally unlettered parents, she graduated at the top of her high school class, earned not only a bachelor's degree but two master's degrees, and now holds 11 honorary doctorate degrees. As the summer winds to a close, I recommend you add her book to your reading list--or to the lists of young people in your life.