Ellis presents the American Revolution in six "bite size" stories. This structure allows the reader to enjoy American History without wadding through hundreds of pages of text. The six short stories presented by Ellis don't make conclusions, but present, in very simple terms, what occurred and presents options as to how the event may be interpreted. A real easy read, especially if you are an American History buff, and a great review on the American Revolution.

My favorite story was where Ellis presents the dinner meeting between Jefferson, Madison and Hamiliton on the subject of the federal assumption of the states' debt. Here, Ellis tells us why the Capitol is in Washington, D.C and not Philidelphia. Without elaboration, it was a deal struck between the two Virginians, Jefferson and Madison, in exchange for assumption of states' debts by the larger federal government. Assumption of state debt assisted the northern colonies (Hamilton was from New York and a great financial mind) who had larger debt; moving the Capitol from the north to the new District of Columbia allowed Virgina to have closer access to the nation's Capitol (travel was difficult in these times and, right after the war, there was concern with having a government so far away) as well as an economic boost. The story is conveyed effortlessly and well and leaves the reader felling as though he or she were sitting like a fly on the wall listening to these intellectual giants discuss this deal.

I would recommend this book strongly and, read together with John Adams by David McCullough, providers a great backround in the American Revolution. If the reader decides to read only one of these, the Founding Fathers is really a short and great priemer on the American Revolution. Thanks go to Ellis for providing such a good read on the American Revolution.

Miranda Joseph's book is fantastic. If you tend to think the word "community" is synonymous with "a good thing," you will think again after reading this book. The book challenges some of the basic assumptions of non-profit organizations, political activists, and progressive thinkers, yet it does so from a sympathetic and decidedly leftist perspective. This is no armchair, right-wing, or libertarian attack, but rather a careful and constructive critical engagement with progressive thought and practice. The first chapter lays out a compelling case for the interrelations between community and capitalism, challenging the common, romantic idea of community as a group of people with shared identities and common interests that are necessarily opposed to and more progressive than governmental or business interests. It shows how capitalism produces communities, and so makes us aware of how we might be complicit in that which we hope to question. The remaining chapters offer case studies that exemplify this position, and so offer multiple points of entry for a diverse range of readers. Set aside some time and read this book, it will be worth it.

I sat on the edge of my chair as I read this wonderful book! It's a very interesting book! The main character of the book showed all the attributes of horror that made him a true agent of satan! I fully recommend it to others.

Thanks so much for your insight on this subject. I am a black college student and I am at a college where the ratio of blacks to whites is probably 1/50. Our college is small and the population of students is estimated to be 2500. In this case most of the blacks are on one of the sports teams. Where are no cultural diverse classes here for anyone here to take. This year we got a new program called Cultural Anthropology. I feel that it is necessary for everyone not just African-Americans to take a cultural diverse class to learn more about someone of another race or creed. I feel that as far as we have come as a society there are still some things we have yet to accomplish. Being the only Black in most of my classes I feel it is necessary for everyone to understand and comprehend how someone else feels and understand there history and why they, if they do, feel the way they do about certain subjects. Students, I feel, would love to learn about their history and why not put those same feelngs into learning about someone elses.

First, a little history with respect to this book: I operated a small Christian bookstore in the early 80's, and I was careful about what books I stocked. I earned some scorn from those who thought that I had no right to exercise this "censorship" even within my own business. Nevertheless, I looked with a reasonably cautious eye on those items that filled the shelves. Baker Book House a few years earlier had published a paperback entitled "An Alarm to Unconverted Sinners." I had trusted their standards and ordered a few copies. That edition reflected the English of the mid 1600's, and so in places it was a little difficult to read--but it was so very powerful. The plight of the unconverted and the absolute necessity of conversion were preached with power and conviction from a man who knew truth and who knew God. This wasn't a pointy cold finger jabbing at you from a cruel and aloof man bent on scolding you, but rather the desperate and earnest plea from a friend for the souls of those still content in their godlessness.

Joseph Alleine conveys a powerful message. I was so convinced of the necessity of the message getting out that I ordered 100 copies (I seldom sold more than 20 copies of any book except the Bible itself). And, I provided these copies without charge. It took several weeks (months?) for the stack to disappear, and to be honest I did not receive the feedback that I thought would follow. I continued to stock the book for selling after the initial free distribution, yet sales were minimal. But I offer no apologies for Alleine's writing--it needs none.

Now, Sovereign Grace Publishers (Indiana) has put out more of a contemporary version, so the language barriers aren't quite as significant. I am a little concerned that "An Alarm to Unconverted Sinners" has been shortened to "An Alarm to the Unconverted" (perhaps to not offend), but as a former bookseller I can tell you that a cover and title can (unfortunately) make or break a book as far as sales go. However, it would not be possible to effectively water down the message inside unless the original intent and manuscript were both fully abandoned-and they have not been. I suspect that God Himself has had a hand in this volume never disappearing in 350 years. How many of the latest bestsellers of today will be around in another 350 years?

And so I now find myself some 20 years later re-reading my yellowed copy and ordering again a few for sharing with others. Conviction of sin is only properly accomplished by the Holy Spirit, and it is no one's calling to be self-righteous and judgmental. Alleine is tough, but he is simply reaffirming Biblical truth.

I could offer countless quotes, but a quick glance in my dated copy has left me with two: "Poor sinner, thou hast fallen off from God, and hast engaged His power and wrath against thee; yet know, that of His abundant grace He doth offer to be thy God again in Christ." And the dreadful alternative: "Wilt thou make light of all the terrors of the law, of all its curses and thunders, as if they were but the threatenings of a child? Dost thou laugh at hell and destruction, or canst thou drink the envenomed cup of the Almighty's fury, as if it were but a common potion?"

Joseph Alleine died at the age of thirty-four, after much persecution for the cause of Christ. You would do well to learn what drove and empowered this man.

It is wonderful that Phaidon Press has decided to publish an art book on this lesser known Victorian artist. More a Neo-Classical Romantic artist than a Pre-Raphaelite, Albert Moore creates langerous scenes of lovely maidens clad in classical garb (often white flowing togas). For their aesthetic quality alone, the paintings by this artist are little jewels. Phaidon has produced an attractive book with scholarly text that befits the artist and his work.

Although there is no shortage of biographies and books written about Albert Schweitzer, this is among the best which is written with the interests of older children/teens in mind, especially since there IS a shortage of good, nonfiction books that will engage both boys as well as girls. This book fits the bill, telling the story of Schweitzer's accomplishments as a physician, spriitual leader and, most importantly, his efforts to help the people of West Africa who most needed his help. He built a hospital and ministered to the needs of the people there. While some parts of this book may seem dated, the essence of the writing is still quite vivid and heart-warming.

An extremely well written book for young people but also meaningful to the parents of a child who has started drinking and is rapidly reaching the state of being labeled, "alcholic." The problem, which has now reached epidemic proportions in all groups of society, is well explained. It is written so that every age will find the contents interesting and illuminating. Highly recommended reading.

Alcoholism is an insidious, life threatening disease and all who live on a merry-go-round with an alcoholic loose unless someone has the courage to stop it. This book really tells you how. ... and luckily you don't have to wait until the alcoholic
wants help.

O'Callaghan's study was a Godsend to scholarly aficionados of the Cantigas. With his well-documented and readable style, he validates this enchanting set of manuscripts as a historical source. Amplifying his reading with more conventional primary sources, he presents an entertaining and focused biography of one of Spain's most interesting monarchs. The plates, although in black-and-white, are extremely useful -- one could only wish there were more of them, for the price!