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THE SPIRIT OF SAINT LOUIS is an extremely well written book by an American icon. It not only chronicles Lindbergh's famous flight, but also faithfully tells the story of his early life as well. The book provides insight into the early history of American aviation and does so in an entertaining yet compelling format.
A few years ago, Scott M. Berg's biography of Lindbergh chronicled the life of the famed American figure. That book delves into the entire life of the aviator, including his darker days when he was accused of being a Nazi sympathizer. THE SPIRIT OF SAINT LOUIS offers a different, more exuberant vision into the author's more youthful soul. I would recommend reading both books for a complete portrait of the man.
One would expect that a soft-spoken, intellectual type such as Lindbergh would write a rather drab, scientific account of the most dangerous and thrilling flight in history (yes, even more dangerous and thrilling than the Apollo missions.)
Instead we get a book that that carries us on wings of a pulsating first person indicative, from the beginning: his days as one of the first airmail pilots when the idea for the flight originated; to the final destination: the spectacular night landing at the Le Bourget Airport in Paris where a throng of hundreds of thousands swarmed toward the little monoplane, nearly swallowing it and its exhausted pilot.
The Spirit of St. Louis is likely the most absorbing true adventure story written by an American. It's a masterwork that rates as Lucky Lindy's second great achievement.
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The girls in Elvgren's paintings not only come alive, but seem more warm and human, innocent with a twinge of spice. So this is what they meant by "sugar, spice, and everything nice." Maybe because most of them are smiling, with those pearly whites showing. I could spend hours looking through those pages, forming stories around the paintings.
Many look like celebrities. In "Let's Go (1957)," the blonde getting out of a white car looks a lot like Marilyn Monroe. The girl in "True To You (Sitting Pretty) (1950)" also resembles Marilyn but with brown hair. And the honey in "Evening Out (1969)" reminds me of Geri Halliwell.
Okay, so many of the drawings can be construed as sexist. The particular theme on that being girls who get their skirt lifted up by well handles, pipes, fence rails, ladders, and elevator doors, revealing two very shapely legs.
Equally interesting are paintings that were repaints of earlier work. "In For A Tanning" featured a sitting nude girl holding her bikini with a black dog to her side. "Dumb Pluck" featured the girl in the same pose, except she was wearing a candy-cane striped bathing suit and holding a shovel, the dog still on her left.
Some were risque even for their time and the more amusing ones are beach shots where the girls get into distress, such as having their beachware stolen by a dachsund (Taking Ways, 1950) And his nudes were never full frontal, only seen from the rear or side, the sole exception being "Harem," an undated painting of an innocent maiden captured by Arabs.
It's when looking at his work during the 1960's and 1970's, that yes, the models have changed with the times and despite having Elvgren's signature style, their hairstyle are with their times.
Other notes: the paintings are clearly better than the real-live model replications hands and legs down.
So, my favorites? That's a difficult one, as the models are oh so cute, but I'd have to settle for "Well Picked," of a girl in yellow dress wading in a pool and picking up a lily flower, "Golden Beauty," of a Diana Dors-lookalike, "Surprise Package," where the girl wrapping the X-mas present is clearly the title object, and "Lazy Days," of the girl lying leisurely on the summer grass.
Proof that too much of a good thing is better, and that too much cheesecake can be good for one and not be fattening. And with all apologies to the Beach Boys, "I wish they all could be Gil Elvgren girls!"
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Any fantasy enthusiast will enjoy this story of pagan religion mixed with magic. Wonderful book!
I look forward to book two with great enthusiasm!
It is the early 15th century and is the story of Jean Le Drapier, who is a crippled man with his own "magical powers" (ala Merlin) and a French nobleman Gilles de Rais. Gilles is "destined" one day to fight alongside the Maid of Orleans herself; he will also become the progenitor of the Bluebeard legends! As in the actual story, this novel examines the internal political, social, and religious struggles among the people of France and does so in a most appealing manner!
As the story begins, Guy de Rais, who is poaching on illegal grounds, accidentally shoots in the hand a young peasant boy, Yann, who, naturally (or "unnaturally") becomes infected; the wound cripples him and he begins to have fits and see visions--he sees the salvation of France through Joan of Arc, among other "sights." There is the traditional hermit, who insists that de Rais become resonsible for the child's upbringing. (De Rais has a son named Gilles, who grows up with Yann.) And while this may be reminiscent of Mary Stewart's Merlin/Arthur trilogy ("The Crystal Cave," etc.), Chamberlin's story stands on its own.
As the story progresses Yann and Gilles explore--and embrace--the Old Religion and during ritual ceremonies, Gilles tatoos himself (chin: blue--hence, "Bluebeard"). Guy de Rais attacks these rituals (he is not an advocate of the Old Religion) and mortally wounds the hermit. Yann issues a curse (they all die soon after!) and inherits the shrine. The beauty of fiction is that the author is permitted to take liberties and Chamberlin does with the historical accounts; but no matter. This is fiction--and fantasy fiction at that--and as such the author has created an exciting, compelling work. We can only encourage her to publish the next episode. (Billyjhobbs@tyler.net)
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I have to admit that in the past I have had trouble with some of Paul's writings, while at the same time, his letters to the churches never fail to deepen my relationship with Christ. But,
I always tended to think of Paul as the "saint of saints" and this was very intimidating.
This book has helped me to see Paul as a real human being. I am still overwhelmed by his total faith in the grace of God, but I now have a deeper understanding of the journey he took and how he let God use him. I no longer feel that this type of faith is reserved for "the chosen few."
I appreciated Mr. Swindoll's way of showing how Paul's experiences could be applied in my life. This book is not just a traditional biography of a great man, but it has helped me see how to let God increase my faith.
An added bonus was the ability of this book to cause a great deal of the New Testament to come alive on a go-forward basis. Getting to know the author of almost 50% of the NT has helped me to understand and appreciate the books he has written.
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