I purchased this book a few weeks back because it was written by one of my favorite college professors and advisor, Dr. Silverman at Winthrop, hoping the book would be as good as his lectures. I was not disapointed.

For someone unitiated to the life of General Evans, like myself, the narrative portions of the book gave a real feel for his times and motivations. The battle descriptions are certainly more than who moved his forces where and such. A real sense of the character of Gen. Evans and how his leadership style meshed with the flow of the Confederate Army opened up to me the depth of the military action and struggle of battles, like Manassess, that I am already familiar with.

Letting the participants speak for themselves through their own personal letters is well done, especially since the narrative flows well with the letters.

Again, the only complaint would be the lack of maps, other than that this is a fine read for the general reader and for those concerned with the details of the Civil War and Confederate leadership.

Winthrop University historians Jason Silverman and Samuel Thomas have teamed up with the late Beverly Evans to produce a thoroughly enjoyable biography of Confederate Brigadier General Nathan "Shanks" Evans of Marion, South Carolina.

The strength of the book lies in the authors' skillful use of the private papers of General Evans that his descendent, Beverly Evans, had carefully conserved and made available to his two co-authors. Rather than foisting their own interpretations of Evans on the reader, the authors allow the general to speak for himself, mostly through his previously unpublished family letters as well as his military correspondence. The picture of Evans that emerges from the book is at odds with the common perception of him as an impetuous, brawling brigadier with a fondness for alcohol.

A West Point graduate and an accomplished Indian fighter before the war, Evans' resigned his commission in the U.S. Army shortly after his native state seceded from the Union. Despite his spectacular early successes at First Manassas, Ball's Bluff and Secessionville, and solid performances at Second Manassas and Antietam, Evans' promotions stalled out at the rank of brigadier general. His failure to obtain the coveted rank of major general traced to a series of running disputes with both his subordinate and his superior officers that resulted in two courts martial of Evans during 1863. Though acquitted in both proceedings, Evans' public reputation never recovered, and he spent the balance of the war in obscurity. He died in 1868, aged only 44, still struggling to rebuild his life from the war.

Superbly written and grounded in sound research, SHANKS contains some previously unpublished photographs of Evans and his family. Maps would have augmented the battle descriptions. But despite their absence SHANKS is a fine book that sheds positive, new light on an obscure but important military figure. Readers with an interest in South Carolina, or in the early Civil War in the East, will especially enjoy the book.

Review by C. Michael Harrington

Mr. Harrington is a member of the Houston Civil War Roundtable and Civil War Aficionados. He has written articles on two officers in Evans' Brigade. A practicing lawyer, he has degrees in economics from Yale and Cambridge and a law degree from Harvard.

i got this book thinking that it would be like the enchnted forest cronicles, and although it isn't that much alike i still loved it. The princess, who's name i can't remember at the moment, is very well done. She is a bookworm, who wants to help others, not go on an adventure.

A old dragon decides that he no longer has the energy to go on, so decided to let himself pass on. Then the king hears of his existance and sends an unwilling stranger to defeat him. The king's daughter feels sorry for the dragon and writes up a document, so that he can live, and her father is still happy. Unfortunely reading and writting are thought to be a waste of time, so she can not tell anyone. Lacking any alternitive she runs off to meet the dragon with out permission. Soon another hero comes to save the princess, a evil magician takes over her kingdom, and the only person who can defeat him is the legendary black knight.

I read and adored this book in 5th grade, but I had not seen any trace of it in so long that I was beginning to think I had made up the title! The requisite princess in this tale (it is, after all, a story about a dragon) quickly discovers that this particular dragon has no interest in her and even less interest in fighting the princes who come to rescue her. The crotchety dragon of the title, too old to enjoy eating people, is absolutely wonderful. This book is somewhat reminiscent of Patricia Wrede's "Enchanted Forest Chronicles", and I would recommend it to anyone who can find it. Charming and entertaining from start to finish.

I've spoken Mandarin Chinese for about 10 years now, and speak it fluently. I began my study with Speak Chinese Today. I always tell friends and students that one of the best ways to learn Chinese is by listening to dialogues on tape.

The essential part of Speak Chinese Today is the authentic dialogues perfomed by native speakers. Each of the dialogues is spoken at a natural speed, which is not too fast for beginners since the accompanying text includes each dialogue in Chinese characters, Roman characters (Pinyin), and English. The dialogues are rich with culturally-important information essential to learning not just the language, but the culture the language represents. These dialogues also help listeners learn the rhythm of the language, a very important element.

Even 10 years later, I sometimes recall parts of dialogues from Speak Chinese Today. For me, it has been and continues to be a catalog of useful phrases and vocabulary. Repeated listening allowed me to file away most of the wonderful dialogues in my mind. I highly recommend using this audiotape in conjunction with the book as the foundation of any elementary or intermediate spoken Chinese language course.

The Chinese language is used by more people in the world than any other language. This book is one of the best aids to learning the language. It makes learning fun and challenging without being too difficult.

The brilliant idea of placing one page completely in Chinese and then a similar page complete with the phonetic pronunciation in English is very useful for revision and re-enforcement.

I highly recommend this book.

Spirit of the West is a fantastic cookbook, chock full of great Ranch-Style recipes and home-style food. It is the IACP Cookbook Award Winner, and once I opened it, I could tell why! Its filled with some great recipes, tantalizing photos and accompanying stories.

My particular favorites are Quichelna Cattle Company's Rum ribs,Abuelita's Chicken Soup,Flour Tortillas, Way Station Pot Roast with Dumplings. I'm looking forward to trying the biscuit on a stick and Mrs. Swan's White Cake! YUM.

Fans of cookbooks and western cuisine are sure to appreciate this cookbook. The photos are huge, tasteful, and numerous, and the recipes offer a delightful mix of western and Mexican inspired food. Just reading this cookbook makes me hungry. =-)

Give your kitchen a shot of true blue ranch cooking with this wonderful book. This extraordinary informative and practical book will win new friends among cooks everywhere, whether experienced or new to the kitchen. Spirit of the West cooking is to be valued chiefly for its "heirloom" dishes. Treasured heirlooms that come down to us from a day when hard physical labor and a need for thrift made chuck-wagon cooks provide satisfying, hearty, filling meals. Rich simmered soups; old fashioned pot roast with dumplings, hot puddings and wonderful baking recipes will take you on a nostalgic trip to the days when homemade breads were a part of everyday life. The Spirit of the West cookbook has the best of the old recipes, easy to prepare with step-by-step instructions attuned to yesteryear's simpler, more informal approach to mealtime. Once you have tried just a few of the recipes, you will understand why generation after generation of good cooks has shared with confidence and assurance their best cooking. Use the full-color photographs for inspiration; then turn your kitchen into the most welcome place in your neck of the woods.

In her book, The Spirit Controlled Woman, Beverly LaHaye offers helpful and practical insights into the Spiritual life of a woman. She weaves together the strengths and weaknesses of the four personality traits in light of the Word of God. This book also offers much insight into how a woman can relate to her friends, co-workers, spouse, and children. It has plentiful spiritual and practical proofs that the Spirit controlled life can indeed be attained.

Beverly LaHaye's book is an excellent guide for the woman looking to regain or strengthen her spirituality. The author helps the reader to recognize her own temperament (or personality base) and determines the strengths and weaknesses of her temperament. By first recognizing her weaknesses, a woman can then work to improve her faults, bringing more tranquility and peace into her life. LaHaye encourages readers to seek spirituality through God and the Bible, and she shows how the search can transform their lives. She gives specific recommendations to become a more spiritual, and thus a more tranquil and happier, person. I would highly recommend this book to all women, especially those who are experiencing unhappiness and turmoil in their lives.

I beleive that anyone looking for an automobile that could have been made in the US, will find it in this book. Very well written and informative.

The Author's of this book have done a fantastic job of researching and documenting the early history of the American automobile. I have found this book to be an invaluable reference in researching the history of the automobile stock and bond certificates which I collect.

Even the most obscure and low-key manufacturer is covered. This book is well worth it's price and my only criticism would be...if all other readers used it as much as I do...please publish the next edition in hardcover!!

Does anyone know if this book is available as a cd rom

The Standard Catalog of American Cars is the best source for in-depth information on all makes of American cars. In addition to thousands of photos, the catalog includes specs, serial numbers, production totals, and current values on a 1 to 6 scale. Specs include original prices, weight, options, engines, overall length, wheelbase lenth, locations of factories, and much more. It's a great first source for anyone that's thinking of buying an older American car. It arms the potential buyer with enough information to have an intelligent conversation with anyone selling classic cars. With the information in this book, I've talked to sellers and knew more about their car than they did. As an old car collector and hobbyist, I've found it to be an indispensable tool. The only criticism I have is that I wish it had more photos in general, especially color.

Robert Walker had been seen as a tragic figure long before he met his untimely death at the age of 32 at the hands of his psychiatrist. However, author Beverly Linet provides the background,insight,and obvious compassion in attempting to understand him. His relationship with girlfriend, then wife, then former wife Jennifer Jones, is fully explored. Jennifer Jones' life has also had its' share of heartbreak.

The author is able to build suspense even when the reader knows the ending. Excellent book, well paced, insightful, and an excellent resource on the life of Robert Walker and Jennifer Jones.

Having been a fan of both Robert Walker and Jennifer Jone's films, I decided to read this book to find out the story of their marriage and life together. It is a very touching and sad story about the Hollywood couple who were really star-crossed lovers. I highly recommend this book to any of their fans. It
was really good, I'd give it more stars if I could.

The book, "Talk is NOT Cheap", gives the reader valuable tools and ideas on how to positively affect interpersonal relationships with the people that one deals with on a daily basis. It touches all the bases. The reader is led through the process of understanding how communication works and is also provided with techniques that can be used in every day life, whether at home, on the job, or anywhere else that interaction takes place. This book is one that needs to be placed within easy reach because it can be used and should be referred to often. As it mentions on the back cover, this book is definitely a "powerful tool kit".

I have had many people to contact me after reading this book to say how helpful it was in their business and personal life. Specifically, it gives examples of how to apply the skills such as listening. Reduce defensivenss in others and positively improve your attitude at the same time. Learn to treat other people the way they want to be treated; not the way you want to be treated. We're all a little different which is what makes us special. A must read for managers, parents, and those who seek to improve relationships.

Wow! What romance! I'm not one to read poetry. I was introduced to this book at the Madison Street Inn in Santa Clara, CA. Evidently, the author of this book stayed at the Inn a few years back.

The owner of the Inn, Theresa, left the book open on my bed. The book was opened to the poem titled, "The Kiss." It was the PERFECT way to start a very romantic evening with my partner. We were passionate and loving and moved to purchase Beverly's book.

Great work Beverly! We're really impressed...

A romantic book of poetry to share with your loved one. Very sensuous and moving--we took turns reading a poem to each other each night. Makes a very nice and memorable gift to that special someone in your life.