As if often the case with any examination of the life and military career of Robert E. Lee, author Albert Marrin begins "Virginia's General" with the pivotal date of April 18, 1861, when Lee rejected taking battlefield command of the United States Army. Lee is the most revered general in American History, mainly because of the inherent nobility in fighting brilliantly for a lost cause, an effect that can be traced back to Homer's "Iliad" and Hector, breaker of horses. One of the inevitable questions in studying his life is what his reputation would have been in the American history books if he had accepted that offer instead. Would he have led the Federal forces to a quick victory thereby saving hundreds of thousands of lives? Would the abolition of slavery have gone "better" if the South had not been devastated by the war? However, as interesting as these questions are to pursue, they are just idle speculation and Marrin's task is to understand Robert E. Lee as both a person and a solider, setting him in his own time.

Marrin devotes his first chapter to Lee's life and military career through John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry, where Lee led the marines who retook the arsenal. The rest of the book divides Lee's actions during the Civil War into distinct periods defined by various tasks and battles (e.g., Savior of Richmond deals with Lee taking command of the Confederate Army after General Joseph E. Johnston was wounded and Lee's Masterpiece is about the Battle of Chancellorsville). What is revealed is the portrait of a young officer who graduated West Point without receiving a single demerit and whose loyalty to his native Virginia convinced him to serve the Confederacy. But Marrin also describes the battles in such a way that young readers can appreciate Lee as a military strategist, both in terms of his many successes and his final defeats.

"Virginia's General: Robert E. Lee and the Civil War" is illustrated with historic photographs and paintings, as well as small maps of each of the major battles of the war. Marrin provides an engaging narrative that covers a lot of information and works in a lot of quotations to maintain the effect that this is an interesting story and not just a history book. I also appreciate that Marrin covers the entire Civil War, since what was happening in the West affected Lee's decisions as commander of the Army of Northern Virginia. Consequently, this is not the first book that a young reader would turn to for an introduction to Lee, but it for a more in-depth examination of his Civil War career this is a solid choice.

What a thrill for students of the Confederacy! "Marse Robert's" own words come to life in his letters and dispatches of the war years! The editors do a masterful job of beginning each chapter/section with a framing sequence, followed by the respective text of key "papers" written by Genl Lee. From simplistic "love-letters" to his wife, to stratagems dispatched to Jackson, Johnston, Ewell, et. al., the reader is given first hand insights to the personality and thought-processes of the CSA's dominant figure.
On a structural note, the book is set in somewhat small print. A handful of maps are offered. At 900-plus pages, I'd suggest this book for (obviously!) serious students of the war or Genl Lee. Perhaps one should first digest on of the many biographies of R. E. Lee before attacking this Bible-sized epic.

If you've ever thought history was even slightly boring, try thinking of the myriad alternative human universes that could have been born -- indeed, that had to be avoided -- along the way to where we are. If the Armada had not been defeated ... if Lee had won the civil war ... the possibilites are endless, and if you don't experience little shudders of horror or nostalgic loss when listening to this collection, you haven't been listening hard enough.

With all the books published on the Civil War, it's hard to
find something NEW, but this book brings to light a collection of soldiers' letters unpublished since the Civil War. Not only are the letters themselves new and fresh to
Civil War scholars and enthusiasts, but Bill Styple has done
an excellent job of editing them. The Civil War is presented
in a new light. One of the best Civil War books in many years; if you like to read about the Civil War, buy this book!

This book is a great addition to the serious Civil War reader's library. Being able to read the battle descriptions, thoughts and feelings of those who actually participated in the war is always enlightening, bringing the reader a different reality than that of the historian who writes about the Civil War with the benefit of hindsight and without the benefit of personal experience. The compilation of letters in this book - in chronological and logical order - brings alive the crucial battles in the Eastern theatre of the Civil War. The only slight deficiency is that very few letters from the Eastern soldiers fighting in Western armies are included. My suggestion: have this book at hand and read what the soldiers had to say about a specific event or battle immediately after reading narrative descriptions of the same event or battle by today's leading historians, for a complete view. Overall, a wonderful book and highly recommendable to the "advanced" Civil War reader.

The book "The Killer Angels" by Michael Shaara is the most realistic historical depiction of a battle that has ever crossed my path. The Battle of Gettysburg was the turning point of the Civil War. Shaara explains in thorough detail the thoughts and actions of the important generals that fought long and hard. I realized all the things the men had to give up and how amazing it was to see that they still had hope they would win and be back home with their families soon. The novel is set up in chronological order of events that took place during the four days of the bloody and decisive battle of the Civil War. It is split up by the days and then into the main generals that fought. This way the readers can have a good mental picture of how each event came about. It even shows maps for the readers to understand each step the North and South took. I knew just where the battles were taking place and why the generals try to use the land for their own advantage. It was very interesting to read about the different strategies and tactics the generals utilized in the destruction of their enemies. The main generals for the South were Lee and Longstreet. For the North there was Buford and Chamberlain. These men truely believed in what they were fighting for and had praid to God for help. The battlefield sections of the novel were my favorite parts to read. Chamberlain's sight on Little Round Top was very moving and courageous. I enjoyed how the book made me feel like I was directly involved with the incidents that occurred. I could feel the love and impact each man had on one other. The men had big dreams and a huge desire in their hearts to win. This re-creation of the battle was amazing.

Even if you are not a Civil War buff, forget about it! This book will touch your heart and sometimes amaze you. Friends and collegues fighting against one another, killing one another as they stand behind their strongest convinctions. The author reveals this story primarily from the point of view of the officers on both sides as they ponder the circumstances and consider what they must sacrifice in order to win. The story is the battle of Gettysburg, three bloody days in July 1863 told through the eyes and hearts of the men who stood across the battlefield from one another and witnessed the bloodiest battle in American History. (More American's died on the fields of Gettysburg in three days than during the entire Vietnam war) For me, it's a difficult thing to consider Americans killing Americans for what they believe in. Of course, in the modern era Americans are still shooting at each other, but usually it's of a criminal nature. Back then, it was to defend values and character. This book opens up a world that has been long forgotten. It is a brilliant work that has given me a fine appreciation of what it means to die for what you believe in. Even if you hate the civil war, you should give this book a try. It is enjoyable on many levels.

This book is an absolute MUST for all Civil War buffs. I have read this book at least 25 times, and I will NEVER tire of it. Shaara's characterizations of ALL the people involved, not just the main characters, bring the Battle of Gettysburg to life in a way that will stay with you forever. I especially enjoyed the details of the confederates' interaction with and reaction to Lt. Col. Fremantle of the British Cold Stream Guard. Also, Shaara's writing puts you in the shoes of the main characters...makes you feel like you are there. Finally, this book cemented and affirmed my true admiration for Gen. Robert E. Lee. He was truly a man of extreme intelligence, fiery moral and religious convictions, and more than likely the greatest military strategist the world had ever seen. If I could go back in history and meet any one person, Robert E. Lee would be at the top of the list. I have Michael Shaara to thank for that. And if you read this book and love it, DON'T MISS "Gods and Generals" and "The Last Full Measure" by Jeff Shaara.

Anyone with a young-enough heart and an open-enough mind will enjoy "The Wind in the Willows", no matter what his or her age is; but older readers so unencumbered by sophistication are hard to find. The safest bet is the youngest age group of children there is: those who still have the innocence and wonder required to identify with animals and believe in imaginary worlds.

For instance, how many readers can really sympathize with a mole's "paroxysm of grief" because he is homesick? How many will not roll their eyes at a toad being jailed in the "remotest dungeon of the best-guarded keep of the stoutest castle in all the length and breadth of Merry England"? How many will _not_ find corny a tableau of two school-aged hedgehogs frying ham for a mole and a water rat, in a badger's kitchen?

Moreover, Kenneth Grahame's narration reminded me of the kind of things an elderly English gentleman would say while showing his well-behaved grandchildren in Eton collars and boaters around the family's countryside estate. To some readers, this will be hopelessly boring; to others, it will be wonderful and charming. The former group will find it hard to understand the glory of being up at dawn and floating quietly down a river, past loosestrife, willowherb, bulrushes and meadowsweet, having never experienced it. The latter group ought to have more experience in letting dreams fill in what memory cannot. To be fair, though, picnics, boat rides and such really are exciting to only a tiny segment of readers.

Substantial conflict appears in this episodic novel only when the exasperating Mr. Toad does; and Mr. Toad's "frivolous antics" take up only half of the book. I found myself wishing that it had taken Badger, Mole, Rat and Toad much longer to reclaim Toad Hall from the weasels and stoats who had "invaded" it. In my almost-grown-up opinion, "The Wind in the Willows" ends too soon and too suddenly after it starts to get interesting.

This book says 4-8 for age range, but really the writing far more complex than Dick-and-Jane. This is a book to READ to kids until they are old enough to read it again for themselves.

Wind in the Willows is a longtime favorite of many people (and I just re-read it as an adult.) The story centers around the animal citizens of an English riverbank. Each animal has a different personality, from easy-going Mole to the wise and wiley Badger, the spoiling-for-a-fight Weasels and of course boastful Toad, the owner of splendid Toad Hall who has too much money and too little sense to know what to do with it. The education of Toad by his well-meaning friends is a good lesson. The battle for Toad Hall near the end of the book is also exciting.

The content is entirely suitable for kids. The prose is a pleasure to read out loud and creates such pictures in one's imagination. And it's funny, too (the scene where Toad is nearly struck down by a car, which he has never seen before, and decides he MUST have one is absolutely hysterical.)

If you are starting a reading-out-loud program at home, this should be at the top of your list. I'd also add Swiss Family Robinson to that list. I have wonderful memories of my teachers and parents reading these books to me. Why not give your kids the same lasting delight in good literature, reading and family fun.

Kenneth Grahame wrote this for his son and published this in book form in 1908. He has simply created a masterpiece, not just in children's literature, believe me many adults read this one with pleasure. The chapters follow the doings and adventures of Mole, Rat, Badger, and of course Toad. The prose is lyrical at times, the stories hilarious, and charm and wisdom flow from Grahame's pen. There has been many illustrators for different editions of this over the years. I like Rackham and Shepard and recommend the editions that have one or the others illustrations, or get two copies of "The Wind in the Willows" and you can have both of these fine illustrators work to enjoy. I read this book when a child and I come back to it again and again.

"By becoming a monster, one learns what it is to be human"

I'm probably the only person who bought this book with no intention of using it as it was meant to be used--as a role-playing guide to the "Vampire: The Masquerade" game. I don't play role-playing games--I even have an aversion to games in general (mostly video ones)--but I really love vampires, so I had to buy this book. Probably the thing I like the most about it is all of the beautiful black-and-white drawings inside. They really get the imagination juices flowing.

The beginning part of the book is basically an introduction to VtM, familiarizing the reader with the basic rules, its Gothic-Punk setting, vocabulary, and tips on effective storytelling. Then it goes deeper into dice rolling, character creation, and bloodlines. This latter part is my favorite in the book, describing the attributes and abilities of the seven clans of the Camarilla: Brujah, Nosferatu, Tremere, Ventrue, Gangrel, Toreador, and Malkavian. (But if you really want further insight into these clans, then I'd highly recommend any--or all--of the Clanbooks.) There is also a character sheet at the end of the book you can Xerox, as well as an example story to further help players.

I think I've read this thing about half a dozen times (though not usually from front to back), and it takes about that many times to thoroughly comprehend and memorize all of the above--rules, guidelines, etc.--without having to refer to the book all the time (unless you're a fast learner). If you enjoy role-playing games--or if you're like me and just like anything vampire-oriented--then I highly recommend this book. It's well worth your time and money.

Vampire is a very interesting game. When I was in 4th Grade me and my friends used to make up games in our heads but something was lacking a cohesive setting. By the time I was in 7th Grade we decided to buy an RPG book, just to get the gist of things. We ended up buing Vampire, and I must say it is great! I've bought 40 other books by White-Wolf in the last few years.

This game is a modern game in the Modern World, not a D&D type of Fantasy. Vampires are real in this game, they live in all the major cities, they pull the strings of politics. They hide from Humanity though, because they fear discovery. Yet they have to interact with humans, because as Vampires they eternally need blood to survive and even more to power their dark powers.

Vampires are arranged into clans, 13 to be exact all created by Ancient founders. These clans are divided into three groups. The first is the Camarilla, most obsessed with secrecy and having 7 of the Vampire clans. The next is the Sabbat, a group of Vampires who believe they should rule humanity and arch-Rivals of the Camarilla. They only consist of two clans but their are other clan members who have decided to join. Finally their are 4 Independent clans who try to avoid keeping any alligence to anyone.

The Rules of this game are simple as well. All a person needs is a copy of the sheets, a pencil and maybe ten 10-sided dice. The rule system is rather simple and the game doesn't revolve around pointless hours of combat but story purposes. This adds more enjoyment to the game, if your interested in weaving a story.

The Vampire game is a good introduction to White-Wolf RPG's and it is not only an interesting play, it is an interesting read as well. I have bought many books just to read them, and even if you don't have a group, their is a huge online community.

Though any true player of White Wolf games already knows this, I think it needs to be said: Vampire is not a hack-and-slash kill-everything game. It's a serious, adult game which takes roleplaying to a level that other games barely touch. Vampire: the Masquerade is about personal horror. It's about what it means to be unliving, and the struggle that these denizens of the night face. In that light, White Wolf has done a beautiful job revising the game. The revisions are in every aspect, from systems to storyline. This edition outdoes its predecessor all-around, though this was a good game to begin with. I think that any White Wolf player, and perhaps any player of any roleplaying game, will appreciate the detail that the authors have gone to in this game. They continually focus on rich story and character material over heavy rules. The rules themselves are simple enough that you only need this one, large-print book to play; but the game unfolds as you buy supplement books. The game is what you make it, and this is an excellent place to start for anyone wanting to play White Wolf games. Vampire is easy to learn, particularly in the revised edition, and no matter what your level of expertise in the material, the game is enjoyable. A bit of warning, though: this is a game for mature players. I don't recommend it for young or immature people, or for teenagers with overbearing parents. That aside, enjoy.

After only reading the first 20 or so pages in this book, I already knew it would be a classic for my bookshelf. Never before has the example of one person so clearly crystallized what leadership should be about. Lee's wisdom and personal integrity allowed an enormously outnumbered and disadvantaged force to outmaneuver the Union army far beyond the Northern expectations.

Far more than a simple biography, Crocker uses bullet points at the end of each chapter to clarify Lee's leadership style for the reader. Only in "Leadership Secrets of Attila the Hun" have I seen a person's life so well translated into practical, leadership examples. In "Lee," however, Crocker takes actual, historical evidence -- rather than semi-fictional supposition, ala "Atilla" -- and places them in the hands of the reader as a living, breathing model.

I have seen a number of hyper-critical reviews on this site which seem to be based more on pre-conceived notions about Lee and the motives of the South. When you read that Union generals and strategy are far more studied than their Confederate counterparts, don't believe it. The truth is that in modern war colleges, the successes of the tactics and strategy of generals like Lee, Stonewall Jackson and A.P. Hill are studied, while the failures of Union leaders are set forth. Now, in this book, we can study the personal example of the greatest leader in the Confederacy -- Robert E. Lee.

In the book Robert E. Lee on Leadership, the reader is brought into a historical realm to learn about the leadership qualities of a great man. Although it mentions the primary differences between the sides in the Civil War, it was not one-sided as one might expect from the title. The literary masterpiece focused on two aspects of Robert E. Lee's leadership, first as a Christian and then understanding the cause in which he fought for in the War Between the States.

Within the book the author uses a storytelling style to take the many historical facts and intertwine them to bring the leadership qualities to life. It seems that a day did not go by in the life of Robert E. Lee where his personage did not utilize some aspect of leadership. Although a good portion of this book deals with the war, the rest brings you into the lighter side of the man. It shows him as a father, a teacher and a businessman. There is virtually no stone left unturned within the story about the West Point graduate. It shows how Lee surrounded himself with other great leaders and even provides background information on them in the Appendix.

I feel this book is essential to any leadership course and will use many aspects of it during my own leadership training. The book left me hoping that a follow-up book will be written to discuss the leadership qualities of some of Lee's adversaries and then contrast and compare the two leadership styles.

If you are looking for a Robert E. Lee biography, or a detailed historical account of Lee's civil war experiences, this book is not for you. The subtitle to this book, "Executive lessons in character, courage, and vision," is precisely why I recommend it to anyone interested in developing as a person of character and as an effective leader.

As a fan of military history, Crocker's use of Lee's civil war experiences as the primary setting for this masterful analysis of Lee's leadership was as informative as it was entertaining. Crocker also used Lee's pre- and post-war experiences to present a complete picture of Lee the man as well as Lee the soldier. Ten of the book's eleven chapters ended with concise, bulletized leadership lessons that highlighted the chapter's key points. Lee's leadership was not always perfect, and the chapters' lessons allowed me to learn from and understand Lee's failures and successes.

Crocker's expert use of quotes complemented his descriptive narratives and in-depth analysis to create an easy-to-read character and leadership primer. Consider the following examples...

* In a letter to his son: "Live in the world you inhabit. Look upon things as they are. Take them as you find them. Make the best of them. Turn them to your advantage."

* General Grant's recollection of Lee's April 9, 1865 surrender at Appomattox: "[Lee] was a man of much dignity, with an impassable face... my own feelings, which had been quite jubilant on the receipt of his letter [agreeing to discuss terms for the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia], were sad and depressed. I felt like anything rather than rejoicing at the downfall of a foe who had fought so long and valiantly, and had suffered so much for a cause, though that cause was, I believe, one of the worst for which a people ever fought."

* "...obedience to lawful authority is the foundation of manly character...As a general principle you should not 'force' young men to do their duty, but let them do it voluntarily and therefore develop their characters...Young men must not expect to escape contact with evil, but must learn not to be contaminated by it. That virtue is worth but little that requires constant watching and removal from temptation."

Robert E. Lee was devoutly loved by the men he was privileged to lead, deeply respected by the commanders who opposed him, and always recognized as a true gentleman by all who knew him. Read this book and you will learn why Robert E. Lee remains one of the most revered American leaders in history.

At over 1000 pages, Writer's Market is one of the most comprehensive resources you can buy on writing. It provides contact information and guidelines for thousands of publishing opportunities, contests, agents, contacts of all kinds. It's an invaluable resource when it comes to selling your writing. As other reviewers have said, you probably already know about this book if you're an established writer. But if not, how do you know if the Writer's Market is going to provide you with what you need to get published?

What some new writers don't know is that there are multiple versions of Writer's Market out there. I bought my first copy years ago, only to get it home and find that it wasn't going to be much help in selling my short stories. I needed a different version. Naively, I assumed that "Writer's Market" meant that it covers markets for all types of writers. That's not necessarily true. Here's what it does cover:

Literary agents - Writer's Digest Books also offers a separate book entitled "Guide to Literary Agents."

Book publishers - Writer's Digest Books also offers a separate book entitled "Novel and Short Story Writer's Market."

Consumer and trade magazines - The most comprehensive listing I've found to date.

Playwriting and scriptwriting - Although the entries here are far from comprehensive. There are specific books on play and screenplay markets that I've found to be much more useful. There just wasn't enough information here.

Greeting card and gift ideas

If you're writing in another niche, you may find these books helpful:

Poet's Market
Novel and Short Story Writer's Market
Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market

If you want to start selling your writing, or to get published you need this book.

I wrote that sentence with the new writer in mind because it's hard to imagine an experienced writer who does not know about this book.

I've been buying Writer's Market for over 24 years. About 24 years ago, I sold my first freelance article to a national magazine. It was directly due to Writer's Market-- due to the solid nuts and bolts information you get, updated each year.

The book lists thousands of magazines, publishers and agents and the key info you need to intelligently contact them. You get chapter/articles which advise you on how to research a publisher before making contact, and then, how to submit your writing queries. Then, it lists thousands of magazines, categorizing them by demographics, subject matter, regions, etc. They give you the pay rates, lengths of the articles or stories, they seek, topics they are extra interested in, who to contact, how to get a sample copy and writer's guidelines. They tell you whether the publication accepts simultaneous submissions or e-mail proposals, and if they want S.A.S.E.s And if you don't understand all those terms, they provide a glossary of writer's terminology.

Since I started buying Writer's Market, (and the monthly magazine also published by the same company, Writer's Digest) I have had articles published in Success, OMNI (10 articles in OMNI alone) Family Health, and cover articles in Writer's Digest (on coming up with article ideas) and the National Enquirer (on arthritis pain relief and on vitamins)

Since I write on topics that grab my interest, it's important that I have a fast way to access info which publications cover which topics. This book does the job.

The publishing world changes so fast you need to keep up with current information. This is one book that you should not save your pennies on by buying an older used edition of an earlier year.

A common sob story of the writing business is you start with an editor who loves your work, only to submit your finished assignment to a new editor who has replaced the editor you signed on with. This book keeps you much more up-to-date on contact info.

You are a writer, and that's why you are reading this review. The same old question, "Can I justify puchasing this book?"

You can't justify not buying this book.

If all you are looking for is having your work published in some unknown literary journal, go to the library and check the reference shelf. However, if you are serious about breaking into the real literary, periodical or book publishing world, lay down some cash and bring "2002 Writer's Market: 8,000 Editors Who Buy What You Write" home.

Last year's edition might get you into trouble. Old addresses will result in wasted postage. This year's edition will have up-to-date information.

This is a guide. This is not the Bible. When you see a publication you like, take it a step farther and explore the URL. Don't randomly send out your work. Verify they might like your kind of writing. I've made mistakes in this regard, and could've avoided it had I used this market guide in tandem with the web.

All the info you want is there: who and how and where to contact a publication; what and if they pay; recent authors they've published; tone and flavor; current needs; turn around from receiving an MS to replying. There are lots of little articles you'll find helpful as well (like discussing the current needs of then now booming evangelical Christian market in one recent edition).

One exciting aspect of browsing through this is the ideas you'll get realizing the diversity of publications out there. No matter what seemingly esoteric interest you have, be assured there is probably a publication out there clammering for your expertise.

I fully recommend "2002 Writer's Market: 8,000 Editors Who Buy What You Write."

Anthony Trendl

This book (play) is very interesting. It is well written, funny, and gives ,much insight into the characters portrayed in it. It is loosely based on the Scopes Monkey Trials in the 1920s in which a biology teacher is put on trial for teaching evolution to his students, which was against the law in that particular state. Among the cast of characters is Henry Drummond, the defense lawyer, Matt Brady, the Christian fundamentalist who is the prosecutor, and my personal favorite is the newspaper writer Hornbeck who is cynical and has a wry sense of humor. He is suprisingly poetic while bashing people and his wit could cut one to shreds. Although this book was delightful to read, it is very historically inaccurate and should not be taken hook, line, and sinker. The authors were very careful to write it in a manner which makes the reader feel empathy for the poor opressed bio teacher who only wants to stick up for his values, and makes the townspeople and the prosecution look like religious idiots. This is ok of one is simply reading the book for pleasure, but it should not be treated as a historical account. After looking up what really happened in the Scopes trials I came accross several huge inaccuracies in the play. First is the fact that this trial was a set up. John Scopes, whose name is Bert Cates in the play, was a substitute teacher for the biology class who never actually taught the eloltuion lesson and volunteered to be prosecuted to try and get rid of the Butler Act which prevented Tesesee teachers from disputing the Bible creation in their classes. This, among others, is a large inaccuracy in the play.

All I am saying is that this book is very biased on the part of the authors towards the side of the evolutionists and is not entirely fact. However, I do recommend it highly as a play that is hilarious while treating the subject with the seriousness it deserves. Happy reading!

This is a work of literature that deserves merit. The characters were realistic and funny. Bertram Cates is a teacher who taught Darwin's Theory instead of the creation story from the Bible. This is against the law in his small town of Hillsboro. A famous lawyer comes to defend him, but an eloquent speaker and presidential candidate is on the prosecution. It's a heated arguement between strictly religous people and those who believe in evolution. Anybody who likes to read drama and historical fiction(as it's based on the Scopes Monkey Trial) should read this book. It really makes you think.

Inherit the Wind, a book written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, is based on the famous Scopes Trial. In this novel, Henry Drummond is the lawyer fighting for what is right. Inherit the Wind takes place in the summer of 1925, in a small town. The majority of the book is inside the courtroom. The major conflict is between Henry Drummond and Matthew Brady who believes in God and wants the law enforced. The theme of Inherit the Wind is that just because you don't believe in something, doesn't make it wrong for someone else to. Lawrence and Lee use foreshadowing in this book. The people in the court take their jackets off because it is so hot to foreshadow that the trial is going to get heated. I found this book to be very easy to read and understand. It has a valuable lesson and I would suggest this book. "He that troubleth his own house, shall inherit the wind."