An insight into a complicated man's mind. This book is for historians who are trying to put together their own pictures of John Paul Jones. Most people would find this book dull and for them I would recommend one of the many books written about the founder of the American Navy.

This juvenile biography shows that John Paul Jones did much more in his life as a naval commander than utter the immortal words, "I have not yet begun to fight." Norman Jean Lutz tells the story of how a young boy born in Scotland named John Paul ended up being buried at the U.S. Naval Academy as the Father of the U.S. Navy. Always having a strong love for sailing on the seas, he became the captain of his own ship when he was only 21, even though he did not have any family connections to aid him in his career. The famous battle between the "Bonhomme Richard" commanded by Jones and H.M.S. "Serapis" is usually mentioned in American History textbooks, but Lutz gives more details about the story, in which Jones wins the battle although he loses his ship. However, what proves more fascinating are the exploits of "Pirate Jones" on the U.S.S. "Ranger," which actually attacked English coastal towns and shipping. Certainly these exploits were as important as his more famous sea battle. The idea that Jones is the Father of the U.S. Navy basically comes down to the fact he advocated a naval college, along with the assertion that other ideas have been adopted and are still used by the U.S. Navy today. Lutz touches on both the ambition and pride Jones evidenced throughout his naval career, telling about the various slights Jones felt he had received in terms of commissions. The controversial side of Jones's nature is not explicitly developed, but young readers will certainly get the idea. This book is illustrated with historic paintings and engravings, most of which actually have to do with Jones and his naval career (this is not always the case with these books). Other titles in the Revolutionary War Leaders series include Nathan Hale, Thomas Paine, Betsy Ross, and George Washington.

His father was disliked, disagreeable & opinionated. According to Paul Nagel, JQA was all this & more. He was deeply neurotic. Yet he is the most eminent man of his time. He could never live up to to the expectations he had set for himself. It is doubtful he knew himself what they were. Mr. Nagel chronicles his life as a student, scholar, legislator, ambassador, Secretary of State & President. Listing President of the United States last is apt since it is by far the least of his accomplishments. Actually it was an abject failure. His youth was spent in Europe as a scholar, student & interpreter for the Russian royal court. This made him highly unsuited to do anything respectable once he returned to America. He became an attorney & hated it. He turned to politics & found he was good at it. Although it would be political suicide to admit it then or even to day, the happiest days of his life appeared to be spent in Europe, speaking French. First, as a teenager in Holland and later as Ambassador to Britain with his English wife, Louisa.
Nagle version of Abigail Adams is quite different from McCollough's version in his book. Whereas she was a loving, selfless, indespensible wife to John Adams, she appears to be a meddling, insensitive, cruel & guilt inducing mother & mother-in-law. We know so much about JQA because he kept a 50 year diary of his life, leaving more information on his life & times than the next eight presidents combined. Highly recommended reading or listening.

Copley remains one of the top portrait painters in American history, although half of his career was spent painting in London. This book appeals to two diffent audiences. Being an art history graduate student, the essays were interesting and insightful (and perhaps show how scholarship on Copley is shifting to "outer" areas of his art). My Mom, on the other hand, couldn't care less about what was written in the book, yet loves the magnificent color reporductions of Copley's early American works. The mate to this book, John Singleton Copley in England is equally as impressive in the color reproduction section, but in my opinion, his American paintings are far better. An expensive book but certainly worth the change.

I've always been interested in the Beatles early days so this book was a must. Fellow (Quarrymen)bandmate Len Gerry does a good job documenting the first gigs, run-ins with Teddy Boy gangs, and the significance of Penny Lane. I could have done with less of Garry's personal biography, but I mourned along with him as he told of the loss of his friend John Lennon.

Josefina's Story collection is a very nicely done book. It is edged in gold, has a ribbon bookmark, and a transparent dust jacket. It contains all six of her stories. My only complaint? That all of the Peek into the Past sections have been removed except for the last one, the one from Changes For Josefina. If this were truly a keepsake edition, it would contain all of the Peek into the Past sections as well as the stories.

This is a good introduction to the works of Josephus that are really quite crucial to understanding Second Temple Judaism, the Qumran sect, and the fate of the Jews in the War with Rome. Scholars of both history and religion alike will benefit from this book.

If you are a fan of fantasy games and the world of Mystara this book will be one of the most important pieces of your collection.It contains everything you want to know about different cultures and lands of Mystara.A famous traveler and adventurer,Joshuan Gallidox tells you all important facts.Although the book is very detailed, in my opinion it could be a little bit longer.However,this is no hinderance to the efficiency of the knowledge it contains.

Gruchow certainly has an eye for detail. Growing up close to the Minnesota prairie he describes, I missed seeing some of the sights, flowers, and animals he describes. His multi-page description of a summer thunderstorm brought back so many memories as did his marsh descriptions. It is a nice short book that deserves to be savored. It is easy to read a section, put the book down and come back later and be right back on the prairie. The feelings I got reading this book reminded me of how I felt after reading Dakota by Kathleen Norris. Both brought back good memories of my growing up years in the Midwest.

This is a valuable book for anyone who is personally involved, or knows someone who is involved battling breast cancer. This woman was mis-diagnosed and fought thru the courtroom and chemo-room to save her life. I've talked with her and she takes Tamoxifin daily and has been living every moment for the past thirteen years!