This is the book that started my lifelong fascination with the Lincoln assassination story, at age 7! I couldn't read much then, but the many, many photographs are so evocative that they managed to convey the tragic, haunting story all on their own. This book was originally published in 1865 (the centennial of the assassination) and is probably the prototype for serious overviews of this topic. The authors were renowned Lincoln scholars and archivists, and their love and expertise for the subject is reflected not only in the moving collection of images but also in the intelligent, well written text. If you're at all interested in this topic, this is the best book out there!

If you are looking for a wonderful way to do a project or are just interested in Lincoln and America's reaction to his assassination, this is the book to look at. It was wonderful to read, and the pictures earned me an A on my presentation!

This book has hundreds of photographs related to Abraham Lincoln's assassination and funeral train. Its written description of events from April 14, 1865, to May 4, 1865, is outstanding. This book is by far the best of its kind.

Frankly I was stunned. I knew nothing about Kundalini, and little about ecstatic experiences, but after finishing Dorthy Walter's "Unmasking the Rose" I was both enlivened, educated and inspired. This book is a MUST for anyone asking the question, "Is it ever too late to connect with God?" Dorothy Walters teaches us not only that connection is only a breath away, but how, through her own remarkable journey your own path may be created. Finally, books of this kind can frequently be thick and inaccessible. I found Ms. Walters writing to be both "friendly" and a joy to read. What more could I ask?

I was so honored to be asked by Dorothy Walter's publishers to endorse this brave and wonderful book; How rare it is to read an account of a spiritual transformation that is both profound and very, in the highest sense, accessible. Ms Walters has made a unique contribution to the literature of the Spirit with an elegance, candor, humor and passion that will inspire all those who are blessed enough to read this book. In my blurb, I wrote "'Unmasking the Rose' is one of the most amazing and powerful books I have ever read". I have just read it again and I am happy and grateful to find it even more compelling than I did before.Do not hesitate to get this book and reflect deeply on what it has to say.Your life will be the richer for it.

I am so overwhelmed that I will be short in my praise : This book should be handed out free; It is simply a masterpiece of spirituality>Ms Walters shares with us her struggles to understand the amazing process taking place within her 'regular' life and the revolutionary leap it creates;
We all have to learn from Dorothy Walters; May God bless her and her superb work.

Troester is only the editor of this book. The actual text is taken from interviews of Catholic Workers all over N America. Because of this, it's an all-encompassing book...with voices who are Catholic, Jewish, Athiest, Buddhist, and in-between...people who practice hospitality in different ways, running Shelters, Soup Kitchens, Farms, and also homes for kids...people with all sorts of different opinions and ages...and stories of all different sorts. No one person could possibly have written such an excellent book. Also, if you're hesitating about reading this book because you think it may be too Catholic, or too political, or too do-gooder, too conservative or too radical or what have you...then I suggest that there are so many voices in this book that this need not be a concern. Somewhere in this book there is a story of profound value for everyone.

Four months ago I started volunteering at a fairly new Catholic Worker house in Akron, OH. I knew virtually nothing about The Worker; of course, I'd heard of Dorothy Day and even stayed in a Worker house on a weekend retreat but never thought to inquire into its history and philosophies. A good friend asked me to help her out at the Casa de la Paz (the Akron House), to get me out of the full-time work/college grind. I agreed and fell in love with the folks I came in contact with. Quickly I sank deeper and deeper into the house's struggles and joys (mostly joys) and picked up on the philosophies behind the movement. Aine, one of the house coordinaters, loaned me her copy of Voices from the Catholic Worker to read. An avid reader herself, she pointed out a couple in the book and directed my attention to a hand-written script in the first pages. "To Mary and Pat {Murray}, True Catholic Worker "lifers" and an inspiration to me. Love, Rosalie" I delved into the book and learned of a truly blessed movement through the mouths and lives of the people that helped withstain it. Folks like the Murrays, the Zarrellas, and other common people whose lives were transformed forever. Troester weaves the memories of Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin and other prominent figures into a cohesive history that reads like a campfire conversation. Strangely intimate and familiar, one feels a friendship with the storytellers that delves the reader into the book and arrests his/her interest in the present. (My teapot screamed for minutes before I shook myself out of my reverie and answered its wail.) One of the best books I've read this year, it's a necessary read for those searching for a more intimate recount of the Catholic Worker history.

It's the small human touches that make connections that make a difference. Riegle has done an inspiring job of recording them in a book that's encouraging to read especially at a time when success is measured in mergers and Web billions.

Ed Watz's book 'Wheeler & Woolsey' is a superb film history of a great and sadly forgotten movie comedy team. This volume evokes the golden days of both Vaudeville and Hollywood, as we follow the rise and sad fall of Wheeler & Woolsey. Mr. Watz also sets straight the historical record that the boys were second only to the great Laurel & Hardy in the 1930's and certainly ahead of their rivals the Marx Bros., the Ritz Bros., and the Three Stooges! Readers of this book will want to go out and see the films of Wheeler & Woolsey. Watz's book is a lost treasure.

This "sleeper" book, which I picked up because of my curiosity about the subjects (they are appearing regularly on the Turner Classic Movies station) is a revelation. Positively one of the best researched and entertaining books about a comedy team from the movies' golden age, the 1930s. To watch Wheeler & Woolsey is to understand what vaudeville-type comedy is (was) all about. Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey have been overlooked in favor of teams like the Marx Bros. or the 3 Stooges. This book corrects that oversight. It is also a highly readable accounts of Hollywood politics behind the scenes at some of the major studios. If you're a fan of vintage movie comedy, get this book.

Wheeler and Woolsey were second to Laurel and Hardy in the heart's of movie going audiences of the 1930's. Since then, however, their star has faded and their acomplishments have been relegated to footnote status in the history of the golden age of comedy. Thanks to Edward Watz, Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey are alive and kicking again in a definitive history of the lovable pair and their films. Exhaustingly researched and lovingly executed, the book chronicles the career ups and downs of the most unjustifiably forgotten comedians in the history of show business. Personal biographies are included, as well as detailed accounts of all of their features and short subjects. Long time leading lady Dorothy Lee lends her first hand account of the way things happend with a refreshingly candid foreward. She also shares her memories of each of the films that she participated in with a fascinating view that only an insider could relate. The later years are chronicled in the final chapter, featuring accounts of Bert Wheeler's career after the untimely death of his partner. All in all, this book ranks along side the superlative Laurel and Hardy, The Magic Behind The Movies, and Abbott and Costello in Hollywood, as one of the most enjoyable and informative demonstration's of film history as can be expected. If you love film comedy, you should not be without this book.

My four year old grandson has this deck. He picks out a card and brings it to me to tell him the story. After he hears the story, we talk about the life lessons the story holds. What a wonderful way to spend "quality time" with my grandson!! I highly recommend this deck to anyone with children or grandchildren!! This deck is wonderful for all ages. It brings back memories of the fairy tales and nursery rhymes we loved as children, and brings the stories into new light. The story or nursery rhyme that goes with each card fits in excellently with the meaning of the card. For instance, the Lovers card is Beauty and the Beast. How perfect!!

To create a divination tool useable by adults and children alike is no small feat and Dorothy Morrison has accomplished it incredibly well. Children will find all the images easily recognizable and something to which they can relate. Adults will be pleased with the reader-friendly imagery and the pragmatic, light hearted writing Ms. Morrison is so well known for. I cannot say BRAVA loudly enough since I have sought a deck that I felt comfortable with for over 10 years.

Patricia Telesco, Author: How to be a Wicked Witch & Other Books

Tarot cards allow the user to access their subconscious / intuition through the use of archetypal imagery. Most Tarot cards use medeival imagery, which actually makes the cards less accessible for people in this modern age. We deal with very different issues than the people of 400 years ago. The same ideas are presented to us visually in very different ways via television, movies, etc.

What better way to re-connect the user with the cards, than using imagery we became familiar with in our childhood? The author of this book and the accompanying cards takes the unusual approach of replacing the medieval imagery with characters from fairy tales (including Grimm's and Mother Goose). The choice of characters for each card is very appropriate, making the deck very easy to use (for those of us who remember the fairy tales of our youth, at least!). ^_^

I don't read Tarot often enough to have the meanings of each card memorized, so I usually have to consult the accompanying books, etc., when doing a card-casting. However, after reading through the Whimsical Tarot book, I found that the meaning of every card was clear from the imagery-- and stayed clear over time. I believe that the issues represented in more traditional decks (such as Rider-Waite) are parallel to the issues respresented in fairy tales and nursery rhymes. However, fairy tales have been presented to us with characters, a plot, and (often) a lesson to be learned, whereas the traditional Tarot images are just that-- images. The use of storybook characters really brings the Tarot to life!

As an added bonus, the "Advice" explanations of each card are so well-written that they can be taken individually as topics of meditation or daily "points to ponder". Many Tarot books provide the briefest of descriptions for the related cards, leaving the reader confused as to how to interpret the card. The Whimsical Tarot book provides not only the storybook explanation, but also a couple of paragraphs of advice for each card.

Overall, this card and deck combo (note: Deck sold separately!) is one of the best I have come across. For those who find the Rider-Waite decks a bit too abstract, this deck is perfect! If you'd rather try something a bit more "adult", then check out the Rohrig Tarot deck-- but beware, there's no book for the Rohrig deck.

Dorothy Garlock proves once again that she's the queen of frontier romance. I have read this book many, many times. I laugh and cry and I am always glad to read it over again. It's the best of the best.

Kain and Vanessa are another set of characters that will crawl deep into your heart. I really enjoyed reading of their escapades together.

Kain, the stepson of the vicious Adam Clayhill, meets Vanessa and her Aunt Ellie, and cousin Henry. The threesome are determined to travel to Junction City, and meet the brother of Ellie's dead husband (whom she was only married about a month to before his death) in order to locate kinfolk for her son, Henry. With no travel sense the trio are sure for some major problems, if not to lose their lives. Kain sees no other choice then to escort them to Junction City himself... although he's already discovered his strong attraction to the red-headed, Vanessa.

Ellie's son, Henry, is a simple-minded man and one of the main reasons the trio was taking this trip were because her fear of who would take care of him after she was gone, and not wanting to burden Vanessa with his care if she ever marries. She hoped they would find some kin, that would ease this fear for her. Ellie and Henry were not prepared for what they actually did find in Junction City. It seems there is no limit to the lives Adam Clayhill has destroyed... but you'll be pleased at the outcome of this story.

The double wedding that takes place in Junction City, will reunite the wonderful characters from the previous two books of this trilogy. You'll discover what has been occuring in the lives of Logan and Rosalee Horn, Cooper and Lorna Parnell, Arnie and Syliva Henderson, and many more. This reunion is perfect for the last of the trilogy... and what happens to the two villians, Adam and Della Clayhill, will give you satisfaction as well.

Along the way, you'll love the variety of characters from the two Texan brothers - Jeb and Clay, to John Wisner, and Mary Ben - the love of Henry Hill!

This was the very first romance novel that was given to me 10 years ago when I was just 15 and I still treasure the images of the characters and the book itself. I just couldn't put the book down I have read and read this novel over and over so many times that I decided to store the book to keep it in it's original condition possible.

Anyone that enjoys the setting that this story is placed in will just enjoy reading this book I have not been able to find another that can top it. It will always be my favorite.

Often humorous, well-written tips for handling the cards when you are the declarer. Sections on elementary and advanced plays and on special hands.

This is surely one of the best books on declarer play. Taught me alot and is a classic. I highly recommend it!

Takes the reader from the basics of play up to the most complicated squeezes and endplays, and makes it all seem effortless. If you only buy one book on playing a bridge hand, this should be the one.

Another excellent Dorothy Garlock book. Wonderful characters, and an excellent storyline... this book has it all! This is a definite keeper, and one of my favorite Garlock books.

This is my favorite book by Dorothy Garlock. Outstanding story. I have read it many times and it is on my shelf of keepers. If you like Dorothy Garlock books you will love this one. John Tallman and Addie Hyde are so realistic.

This is one of my favorite Garlock books. At times I laughed so hard I had tears running down my face. For anyone that has read Dream River this is a must!

In 'Animals on the Agenda', Andrew Linzey and Dorothy Yamamoto have put together a good collection of essays and articles on the study of animals and theology. American and European contributors have come together to discuss questions that often perplex people from childhood onward -- do animals have souls? What is the proper attitude toward animals? Are they merely resources, or do they have rights?

Much of theology divides the world into two classes -- creation and humanity; animals almost always get lumped in with the rest of creation, with little or no recognition of the sentient character of their being. Mainstream Christianity and Judaism still propagate ideas that are harmful to animals -- although, in the kosher laws of Judaism, respect of the living character of animals has always had a certain prominence, and more recently Christianity has dealt with the idea of animals as a valuable part of creation, worthy of respect and not merely exploitation by humanity.

This book is primarily one of Christian theological perspectives -- I mention Judaism because many of the issues overlap, and many of the essays in this text will be informative for people of both traditions.

This is not to say that the Christian or Jewish perspective must embrace vegetarianism, or suddenly convert to a radical elevation of the animal kingdom above that of humanity. While many Eastern religions have historically and theologically embraced what Westerners often consider an extreme point of view on animals, there is insight to be gained from them, as well. For 2000 years in the Christian tradition, and longer in the Jewish tradition, animals have had not only a low status, but often no status.

'Animals are subordinate to humankind, who have been given 'dominion' (commonly understood as despotism) over them. How far these ideas are distinctly or authentically Christian is beside the point; the fact is that the Christian tradition has propagated them--and still defends them.'

Does an ethical sensitivity to animals represent a rejection of traditional theology? Many saints have been represented as having close, harmonious relations with animals (and not just St. Francis). It is true that most moral and systematic theologies have ignored animals, or relegated them to nothing more than a tool. Interestingly, Linzey states that the current state of theology is more open to the idea of aliens than to animals. In the speculation about possible life beyond the earth, some theologians already allow access to the divine.

'Such theological open-mindedness, not to mention open-heartedness, to other non-human alien species is hardly ever directed to other non-human but non-alien animal species.'

This collection is very much a beginning. By looking at scriptural perspectives on animals in the Hebrew scriptures and the New Testament, church traditional perspectives (both catholic and protestant), examining disputed questions such as 'do animals have souls?' and 'what is the purpose of animal suffering?', and finally looking at ethical obligations to animals, this collection is a pioneering work that opens the door to further, more fruitful discussions in modern theology of the place of animals.

The title of the final essay, 'Is the Consistent Ethic of Life Consistent without a Concern for Animals?' perhaps best sums up the approach -- life in its diversity must include animals. This is not to elevate them above the place of humanity, or even to put them on an equal footing in all things, but to give them their rightful place, and proper compassion and respect.

I've grown very accustomed to defending the Biblically-based ideas of Andrew Linzey to those "Christians" who know little about God's Word and even less of His love and mercy, and this compilation is a wonderful addition to his impressive list of writings. This was the book that first introduced me to him, and others, in this fascinating field of Biblical thought. Highly recommended!

I first became aware of the impact of photography on abstract art when I commissioned a portrait. Expecting to be told to sit, instead I was encouraged to strike poses that meant something to me. The artist followed me around with a Polaroid camera. We discussed what the camera was showing, and tried different poses. Eventually, I found one we both liked. Then he made copies of the Polaroid and began using a marker to crop and adjust the work. Later, when the painting was finished, I could see a memory of the Polaroid but the actual painting was quite different in image and execution of color and materials. When I asked about this, the artist told me he had first trained as a photographic artist and liked to work back and forth between the two media. Very interesting.

With that experience, I was delighted to see this fine work on the impact photography had on Symbolist artists around the turn of the 20th century. This is a catalogue also for a traveling show that is just about to close at the Guggenheim in Bilbao. The closest location to me was Dallas, so I would have missed the show otherwise.

The catalogue is much more heavy duty than most such efforts. It is dominated by essays rather than by images, although it is generously illustrated.

The subject is well-chosen because these artists were heavily interested in expressing the interior essence of the subjects rather than their outward appearance. Dorothy Kosinski's opening essay on Vision and Visionaries is a wonderful summary of the show. After introductory essays by Elizabeth Childs on The Photographic Muse, Douglas Nickel on Photography and Invisibility, and Ulrich Pohlmann on Photography as a Study Aid, each artist has an essay describing his use of photography. In order of appearance are Moreau, Degas, Rodin, Gauguin, Khnopff, Rosso, Mucha, Munch, von Stuck, Vallotton, Bonnard, Vuillard, Brancusi, and Picasso. Some of the artists may be unfamiliar to you, as they were to me. But it's a good excuse to learn about them.

What I learned from the book was a greater appreciation for the creative process. For example, I might admire a figure in a painting, but seeing it in the context of a photograph of the model makes me appreciate it more. Because this way I can see what the artist added, which gives me clues as to what the artist wanted to express that I might have missed. And the transformations are quite substantial and impressive.

Naturally, not everyone used photographs simply as models. The sculptors tended to use photography also to display their work in more powerful ways. For example, the lighting effects on Rodin's and Brancusi's finished works are quite stunning . . . adding elements that would be unseen otherwise.

I was equally interested in the use of x-rays and microscopic pictures to reveal what cannot be detected by the eye, and expand the range of images that can be considered. Photography of motion also picks up elements that can never be posed otherwise, like a rider on a racing horse.

Photography also became a form of communication for these artists. Gauguin used photographs to keep in touch with Paris in both directions while in Tahiti. Picasso was able to carry around with him the classical examples that inspired him, without needing to revisit the original. These references also communicate to us more about what he had seen and wanted to portray. It expanded my understanding of his early works to see these connections. His classical roots are much deeper than I had realized.

Interestingly, the artists usually tried to keep their use of photography a secret. Some even railed against photography, while using it in private to assist them. Many of them eventually learned to make their own photographs, but many relied on the talent of fine photographers to help them.

The question that kept running through my mind was how artists are using the Internet now in ways that will not be documented and understood for another 100 plus years.

Enjoy this wonderful and thought provoking book that will expand your access to art!

Dorothy Kosinski's Artist And The Camera: Degas To Picasso explores the ways in which influential artists from the period put a new medium to use in painting and sculpture. This accompanies a traveling exhibition but stands alone as a solid survey of artistic explorations at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries.