Manly Wade Wellman did an immense amount of research to fit this book together so well. It's based on the stories of 5 men: George Wills, Cary Whitaker, Sim Whitaker, Johnny Beavens, and Billy Beavens; kinsman, who enlisted in the Confederate Army to fight for what they believed. Where did they go? How did they feel? What did they do day to day? What did they see? How did they live and die? It's all in there. My original interest in the book was because these men are my kinsman. A good deal of information was taken from letters that my Great-great-great Uncle George wrote to his sister, my great-great grandmother, Lucy Wills Hunter. (She's listed in the index along with bookoodles of other people who were sources of information.) I'm not a history fan but Wellman helped me to get to know these men, my kinsman. Pulling from his vast resources, he was able to fill in the gaps that are often left in history books. If this book peaked my interest in history, it's got to be good! Hey, it was nominated for a Pulitzer in 1956!

At long last, a book that examines and refutes some very common myths and rumors. Ralph Woodrow intelligently exposes such ridiculous rumors as that the mark of the Pope is 666, that the streets of Washington DC make up a pentagram, that the Presidents of the United States are predetermined by a secret conspiracy, that Darwin recanted his evolutionary theory on his deathbed, that the oil company SHELL is actually gas from s-HELL (and its symbol is that of the goddess Aphrodite), and many many others, which are believed by many people who are a little off. Woodrow gives sound reasoning, logical rebuttals, and exposes the often ridiculous and unjustified assumptions behind them. The price of the book is great, too! Get a copy for yourself and a friend. Even if you're not interested in this subject, the book makes a hilarious gift because it is just unbelievable what some people believe based on SO little evidence.

This is an uncommon look at "ambition" in the marketplace from a Biblical perspective... unlike anything I had read. Highly recommended!

Most people don't find the dull records of administration to make for scintillating reading, but for those who already know a lot about Richard I and want a new perspective, this is an excellent study. It places Richard in a European-wide context in a way few studies have done before. However, it does not address (because it is not intended to address) some of the more fascinating aspects of Richard's career: The crusade, his personal life, etc.

"A Renaissance In Harlem", is one of the better history books I have read this year. In fact it is one of the better books that I have read in a long time regardless of genre. There are many reasons a book like this goes unnoticed, however to mention any of them, instantly is to be branded with the various labels created by simpletons. If you enjoy reading History, read this collection of work, it will not disappoint.

As part of the New Deal, the Federal Government paid several thousand writers across the nation to write about what they observed. The collection of stories that is included in this volume all center upon Harlem and its so-called Renaissance. These essays are written by some writers that are well known, and by several who cannot be traced to this day. They all share a level of excellence that can result when talented people write about a place they are a part of. This collection is not a romanticized view of Harlem, The Apollo Theater, or any other landmarks you may know. The stories are stripped of all pretense, they each are small documentaries of what life was like for those who lived, worked, exploited, and were exploited by Harlem's unique population. It would be easy to dwell on portions of this book that would raise the anger that remains associated with various groups. This may be part of the reason this book was not embraced. Free Speech is a difficult taskmaster, and this may explain why these stories found their home in the archives of The Library Of Congress until they were finally brought to the light of day.

You will read of what, "Rent Parties", rapidly became once they were fashionable. The life of, "Thursday Girls", will leave you as numb as the stories of John Steinbeck. And for those who may think that the exploitation by today's televangelists is nauseating, come to know, "Father Divine", who entered Harlem in a one off custom built Dusenberg.

"Amateur Night at The Apollo", will bring insight into this famed theater that is as important as the polished versions so often written of this landmark. Fatso the Slickster, Big Bess, and Kingfish will entertain and sadden. And the story, "Finger Waves and Nu Life Pomades", will roll as smoothly across the minds eye as it does the ear.

My favorite part of the book was the manner these writers recorded the spoken word. They wrote what they heard, and while at times a reader may pause to get in step with some of these street poets, the language is priceless. This speech was a centerpiece of the stories of street vendors and the songs that made their days pass and their goods sell. Men and women who had their street music they would adapt as the blocks they passed changed, and the colors and religions of those who lived there changed as well.

This is a wonderfully collection of a piece of American History. No brief comment can do the work of these writers justice, and certainly is not enough to thank those who found, collected and edited the lives into this book.

It is a treasure, a gift, and a literary time capsule.

A rich and dense book that examines the very core of what it means to be human. Handke's intricately constructed narrative works on several levels giving the reader much to digest. It's threefold structure is at first difficult to interpret, but on repeated readings one begins to understand the significance of smaller fragmented incidents scattered throughout the text. If possible one should read the original and use the dictionary as a companion, just as the protagonist Filip Kobal does. One of the best books by one of our best contemporary authors. Highly recommended.

This is an unparalleled eyewitness account of just what transpired at the Second Vatican Council. The author's integrity and objectivity won him exclusive interviews with a great number of the Cardinal and Bishops, whatever their allegiance within the Council. The title neatly sums up the fact that Vatican II, and the documents of Vatican II, were shaped largely by the liberal ideas of the Fathers from the Rhine lands. In The Rhine Flows into the Tiber, the strategies of the liberals in promoting their ideas come through on every page. Father Wiltgen's journalistic masterpiece shows clearly the two main theological forces that were at work in the church before the Council, during the Council, and after the Council, and which remain very much at work in the Church today. Here are the actions and actual words of the famous personalities of the Council, including Cardinals Ottaviani, Frings, and Suenens; Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre; Fathers Karl Rahner, Joseph Rarringer, and Hans Kung - and of course, Pope John XXIII and Pope Paul VI. This book is essential for anyone who would understand the new orientations which came to the fore with Vatican Council II - including the famous "Spirit of Vatican II" orientations which have led to momentous destruction and unprecedented changes in the entire Roman Catholic Church. Important reading! 304pp. PB. Imprimatur.

I gave this to my son Jonathan to help him as he alternately slouches and pimp-struts his way along the road to manhood. The expression on his face suggests that a 16 word title might tax the target-readership's attention span.

Absolutely wonderful book!!! Took this with us on a vcation in NC and had the best time going to the places in the book. His directions are great and made it a joy to use. Would recommend it to anyone rock hunting in the area.

a must have book for any student or resident