In this world of hyper-activity and noise, Letters of the Scattered Brotherhood is a call back to Center. It is a friend standing at the gate of the "narrow way", saying with calm confidence: "This is the Way...Walk ye in it." I have entered an entirely new dimension of faith and living because these contemplatives have shared their rich faith and wisdom in this collection of letters. My communion with Christ and fellowship with the Holy Spirit only deepens as I practice contemplative prayer. I will read and reread this book for the rest of my life. It is an unending wellspring of hope, guidance and truth. I will treasure this book always and forever bless the hand and heart of the friend who first gave it to me.

The Letters of the Scattered Brotherhood is the best book I have ever owned. I bought it many times at used book stores to give to friends since I found my own copy in the early 1980s. I am so glad to see that it was reprinted in 1991. Now I just order it from Amazon. This is a book that I have never read from the front to the back. I have always just closed my eyes for a moment then opened it. It is ALWAYS on the right page. Not magic, just real. 5 stars plus a heart. Buy this book. Your answers are in it too. Then listen.

We came across this book in my father's library after his death, and discovered the source of his serenity and his sage advice for us as we grew. The corners were turned, margins full of notes, passages highlighted and underlined. As I read, I was hearing his comforting words again. You, too will feel the presence of ancestors and hear the wisdom of the ages as you read the passages. And because it was compiled during WWII, the writing gives us perspective on our own troubled times. I have used the "open the book and point" method of meditation with "Letters". It has never failed to address the exact need, answer the unspoken fears, calm the spirit. I have already bought and given away two cases of this book. It is the one gift I know will be there when my friends need support the most.

The king of silent film historians lends his name to this superb portrait of America's Sweetheart. I've been fortunate enough to have seen over a dozen of Pickford's films and this book is long, long overdue! Wonderful photographs and an excellent introduction for anyone to the greatest star there ever was. One hopes with this book and the upcoming Video box set, Mary will finally get the respect and adoration currently reserved for Keaton, Chaplin and Garbo.

England's Kevin Brownlow brings to life America's Sweetheart, Mary Pickford, in this richly textured and insightful book featuring a myriad of lush and rare photographs chosen by Pickford expert Robert Cushman. Mary Pickford's contribution to cinema is seen in a new light here. Brownlow subtly makes the case that she not only was the most influential woman in the history of cinema, but a visionary force for the film industry itself.

It is difficult in today's climate of instant access to information to understand just how popular Mary Pickford was in her day. She was embraced by the entire world, and reportedly, every twenty four hours, 12 1/2 million people saw her on screen. She perfected her craft in an era of film when very few people actually saw her natural acting style for the hard work and genius it was. George Cukor called her the first method actor.

Mary Pickford's career as an actress spanned decades. She did much for women with her strong business savvy and the roles she not only portrayed, but created. A very practical woman by all accounts, her films themselves reflected our better side as human beings and were often sentimental in tone. She didn't play weak characters as many of her contemporaries did. When people walked out of the theatre after seeing a Pickford film, they were often uplifted, feeling generous towards their fellowman.

Brownlow has done a wonderful job bringing Mary Pickford to life as a three dimensional human being. With all the rare and beautiful photographs here to distract you it would have been easy to have an uninspiring text. But the introduction by Cushman, and the lengthy and insightful comments by Brownlow, which includes comments on each Pickford film, make this a mesmerizing journey into a life, both on film, and off.

There were many things about Mary the public knew, such as the famous Pickfair and her celebrated marriage to Douglas Fairbanks and their friendship with Charlie Chaplin. They knew little of a young girl who virtually had no childhood. Before her career finally took off she was poor in the extreme, sleeping in a chair so long it would take quite some time after owning a bed before she could sleep in any other position.

Some knew of her first marriage to actor Owen Moore, but few knew he was an abusive alcoholic who would drive Mary to seek comfort with actor and director James Kirkwood. They certainly didn't know that in 1917, at the height of her fame, Mary almost committed suicide. Though these aspects of Mary's life are only touched upon and not dealt with in depth, it is admirable they are here at all, separating this from other coffee table books.

The photographs are so stunningly beautiful (some never before seen) you may have trouble concentrating on the text. Of particular note are photographs on pages 110, 65, 17, 12, 27, 154, 121, and 66. They are not to be missed.

This lush and informative book, filled with affection for it's subject and augmented by rare and breathtaking photographs, is a must own for anyone who loves film. It's overall perspective of America's Sweetheart, and ultimately the world's sweetheart, Mary Pickford, is unmatched. Pick this one up today!

This is the latest book by the leading historian on silent cinema, Kevin Brownlow. Like all of his other works, it is outstanding. Mary Pickford is thought of mostly as the grown up woman who played little girl roles in films that are unwatchable today. However, this is not true. Pickford was an actress of considerable range, not to mention the fact she was a very shrewd businesswoman. She was and is one of the key figures in the history of film. Brownlow, more than any other writer, puts Pickford's career in perspective, and he spends the majority of the book providing detailed commentary about her films. Furthermore, there are many superb stills from her films in this book.

This book is for all lovers of film and should spark renewed interest in Pickford's life and films.

We never truly know how powerfully our simple acts of kindness can impact those around us. This truth is demonstrated in One Smile, an inspiring new offering from Illumination Arts Publishing. This lovely book is filled with richly detailed watercolor illustrations by Mary Gregg Byrne. The story follows a young girlfs innocent smile as it starts a chain of selfless giving that ripples throughout the entire community. Cindy McKinley drew her inspiration for One Smile from her desire to show children the powerful blessings that can flow from a simple smile. In this delightful telling, we find Little Katie walking through the park with her mother. Katie passes a sad young man who has lost his job. After she looks back to give him an encouraging smile, he feels inspired to start looking for work. The young manfs renewed confidence spills over when he helps a woman by fixing her flat tire. The wonderful chain of kindness flows from person to person, eventually circling back to touch Katiefs life in a heart-warming and surprising conclusion. One Smile also includes a page to help children and their families ponder the types of activities they can do together to help others. After reading this enchanting book, each of us will be encouraged to pass along One Smile to everyone we meet.

A freely given smile can be infectious, as a little girl and her mother, hurrying to catch the bus, find out. As they rush through the park, the girl smiles at a sad young man on a bench and suddenly his world doesn't seem so hopeless. With a lighter heart, he moves on-and notices a woman struggling to change a flat tire. He stops to help, and her frustration melts away in the young man's act of kindness. Smiles, acts of kindness toward strangers, are passed on and on throughout the story, and the effect they have on each person is quietly profound and, in some ways, comes full circle. A smile really can change a lot.

An amazing thing happened when I read One Smile, written by Cindy McKinley-I felt like every character in the story, I guess because the story is about every day people in life situations. Each and every one of us has "been there"and faced trials and tribulations like the characters in this book.

But what the story is really about is how doing one good deed for one person each day can make a long lasting difference in many peoples'lives. What begins as one perfect, heart-cheering smile passes from person to person in the form of many kind acts until it finally comes back to reward the child who began the circle with that inspiring smile.

It was author McKinley's hope to show children how powerful a single act of kindness can be. The book is recommended by the "Pay It Forward" Foundation, which is based on the book of the same name. In the novel Pay It Forward, written Catherine Ryan Hyde, the main character Trevor believes that if he does something good for three people, and they each do something good for three more, nine people will be helped, who will each do something good for three more, and the cycle continues.

One Smile presents thoughtful questions to share with your family and a family challenge to work together to help others.

Recommended for ages 3-8, the book is a great asset to any family or church youth group. Beautifully illustrated with wonderful watercolor art on each page , by Mary Gregg Byrne, the pictures come alive to tell the story.

The book Dear Ellen Bee by Mary E Lyons and Muriel M Branch is a great book. You can't leave the fifth grade wihout reading this book. Dear Ellen Bee is a book about two union spies named Miss Bet and Liza.Liza is a freed slave and wants to be an artist,but Miss Bet wants Liza to be a teacher so therefore Liza and Miss Bet argue alot. If you like the civil war you'll really like this book. I hope you'll read it!

Liza, a freed slave, hates having her life all planned out for her. She thanks Miss Bet for freeing her but she doesn't want Miss Bet to plan her life for her. After returning from school in Phildelphia and after getting married to a free black call Wilson she finally gets to live her own life. So when Miss Bet comes up to her to plee for her help in the fight against the Rebels in Richmond she is hesitant. Working at the rebel's president's house is going to be one hard thing for Liza to do. However her decision is finally made up when she sees how the Rebels treat her husband Wilson. When he finally escapes to the North and joins the Union army Liza begins her spying in the President's Residence. Through secret codes and letters she and Miss Bet use the code name Ellen Bee to communicate.

Written in diary from with drawing and scrapes from hear and there this book was really a very good book that gave great insight into the minds of two Union spies. I recommend anyone who likes this book to read the Dear America Series which is also historical novels written in diary form about different girl's lives in different parts of history.

Hi I am in the fifth grade and I read Dear Ellen Bee. It is a civil war scrapbook and there is a girl named Liza. She is black and her teacher is white her name is Miss Bet. Their two Union spies and they are the main characters in this story. Miss Bet wants Liza to be a teacher, but Liza wants to be an artist, Liza goes to college for a teacher. Well that's all I can tell you or it will spoil the book for you. I hope you read it.HAVE FUN!!!

My 2-year-old son picked this book out himself at the bookstore and it is now his absolute favorite book. Mine, too! For starters, it has wonderful, bright colors. Each two-page spread has only 1 line, i.e. "I like it when you hold my hand." Every message is positive and affirming. My son now has an activity for every page. One page is, "I like it when we hug real tight." He either hugs me, hugs a toy, or hugs himself and says, "Ahhhh." The last page of the story is, "You're wonderful." What a wonderful way to put him to bed. I am going to give this book at every baby shower.

The vibrant colors and simple text caught my eye in the book store, but both my son & I fell in love with it the first time we read it together. After only a few readings he began to "hold my hand". I have given it as a gift several times. You can't go wrong with this loving book between parent and child.

My daughter (16 months) loves this book. We act it out together and she knows what each page means. Very quick to read. Good before-bedtime book. Text includes: "I like it when...you hold my hand...you let me help...you read me a story...we eat new things..." At the end, it shows mom and child hugging and it says "You're wonderful!"

Encourages a closer relationship between mom and child. The front and back inside covers have boxes with colors, it definitely helped me teach her colors--she would point to a box and I would tell her the color, then she'd point to another one, etc. Then she was able to tell me them on her own. The book also won a literary award. Sturdy hardcover, high quality. Definitely one of our favorites, and we have over 100 books.

Although the writing style is a little hard to follow at times, and I wish there were clearer and more complete instructions, I would recommend this book highly to anyone who knows a little bit about quilting already.

With dozens of quilt block variations, all of them made from squares and triangles, you can make literally hundreds of quilts without ever needing another book. Hopkins also gives you a few basic design principles and starts you out with a couple of easy projects. This is a great book!

Mary Ellen implies in the title that she wants you to experience your quilt, snuggle up in, carry it in the car, use it! Certainly she doesn't mind if you do make the heirloom type quilt that is gazed upon for enjoyment, untouched. No hand piecing or hand quilting for her, get that machine out and put the pedal to the metal. One amazing discovery you will have is that her quilts look great ... even on the seamed side (especially in the Connecting Up book,which I'll try to review that later). On paging through Mary Ellen's book you would not believe what a wealth of information those thin covers contain. Many chapter members take their books to a place such as Kinko's and have it punched with three holes to fit a binder and make it even more practical. This book can truly bring out the design artist in a person. If you live in an area as I do that is fortunate to have a chapter of "It's OK If You Sit On My Quilt", you not only delve into her philosophy, you will have a leader who has trained with Mary Ellen and you get special patterns and "secrets" that outsiders miss! Best yet,go to one of Mary Ellen's weekend seminars, you will congratulate yourself for the rest of our quilting years for being so smart. Mary Ellen's sense of humor is a match with her quilting talent! It is almost magical the way she has developed what appear to be simple quilt blocks, to nearly unending design possiblities. I hope you will not just get her book and look at it, you need to read and try some of the exercises she recommends, you will be so glad you did.

This book is written in an easy to read format, with clear diagrams. It encourages people to 'think outside the box', creating their own block and quilt designs. I have found it a wonderful guide and a 'must have' for anyone serious about doing their own thing rather than just sewing reproductions.
I have just got to get the other titles now!

This is an exciting book. Jack and Annie go back in time and end up at a castle. I liked the part where Jack fell out of the castle and into the moat. They meet a mysterious knight. Jack and Annie find another "M" clue at the end of the story.

Age 7. It was scary and funny at the same time. I learn a lot of different things. I have read 6 of the magic tree house books and like them all a lot!!!!!! My favorite part in this book was the whole adventure. The knights looked funny and had funny names.

Jack and his sister Annie, find a tree house in the tallest tree in the woods near their home in Frog Creek, Pennsylvania. Upon investigation they find that the tree house is filled with books, some old and dusty and some shiney and new. They also find that the tree house is Magic! They find that just by pointing at a picture in a book and making a wish that they could actually go to the very place pictured in the book!! As Jack and Annie go through their adventures Jack is always taking notes in his notebook, just like a scientist. Like "fuzzy skin" and "mouth like scissors" for the pteranodon in "Dinosaurs Before Dark". And if they ever get in a jam they can always refer to the book. In "The Knight at Dawn" Jack reads the captions under the pictures in the books to learn more about whats going on in the castle and when they find themselves trapped in the castle he finds a map of the castle.....maybe they will find a way to escape!

Please read my review preceding this one too. Today is November 4, 2001, and the Emmy Awards have just been telecast on CBS. To close the show, the magnificent Barbra Streisand sang a tribute to the unfailing courage and spirit of the American people whose lives have been inalterably changed by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Of all the great American songs which could have been chosen to comfort and hearten the American people, the one Streisand sang was "You'll Never Walk Alone" composed by the incomparable Richard Rodgers from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, "Carousel". The poetic, inspirational lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II are superbly matched by the sheer eloquence, beauty and emotional power of this soaring ballad. "You'll Never Walk Alone" is one of those songs that once heard, can never ever be forgotten.

Coincidentally, airing opposite the Emmy awards tonight was the PBS special "American Masters, Richard Rodgers: The Sweetest of Sounds" a documentary on the music and career of Richard Rodgers.

In a way, tonight's televised events were a double tribute to a man who was an American genius. He was in my opinion the greatest composer of popular music ever. I venture to say that his entire body of work stands the test of time better than the music of any other great American composer including Gershwin, Berlin, Porter, or Kern, etc.

I don't think that any of these other supremely gifted American composers could have demonstrated the prolonged and consistent brilliance and unbelievable range that Rodgers had. Here is a man who wrote songs as varied and memorable as "Manhattan", "If I Loved You", "Lady is a Tramp", "Edleweiss", "My Romance", "Mountain Greenary", "Mimi", "Hello Young Lovers", "Oklahoma" which incidentally is now the official anthem of the state of "Oklahoma", "My Funny Valentine", "Shall We Dance", "Bewitched", etc., etc.

It seems impossible that one man is reponsible for so many different styles and such a consistently high level of artistry and ingenuity over many decades. And yet Rodgers was.

Rodgers has touched and illuminated audiences generation after generation. He has given people music which is infinitely accessible, yet sublimely crafted. Simply stated, no other composer can equal Rodgers' accomplishments and the impact of his musical legacy.

There are a handful of composers of American popular music whose body of work is revered generation after generation. Kern, Arlen, Gershwin, and Loewe come to mind. But at the top of the list is Richard Rodgers.

In my opinion, Rodgers is the greatest songwriter in the history of Broadway and popular music. His range was simply astonishing. He could write jubilant, folksy music as in "Oklahoma" or jazzy sophisticated tunes as found in "Pal Joey". He could create soaringly romantic melodies such as those in "The King and I" or inspirational and spiritual ballads as presented in "Carousel". Many of his songs have become popular standards as well.

Rodgers adapted brilliantly to a variety of subject matter. And the longevity of his illustrious career is enviable. "Musical Stages" not only chronicles Rodgers' life and work, but it is also an overview of the development and maturation of American musical theater to which Rodgers contributed mightily.

In this autobiography, you will get to know some of the true giants of American popular music in particular Rodgers' two lyricists: the impish, undisciplined, yet lovable genius Lorenz Hart and the wise and idealistic Oscar Hammerstein II. Both of these men wrote many of the best lyrics ever composed for Broadway or popular music.

You'll also meet acting luminaries such as Yul Brynner, Gertrude Lawrence, and Mary Martin among others. "Musical Stages" is a rich addition to any theater and popular music buff's library. Read it with delight!

I was glad to see that this book is still available, so that other people can also enjoy it. I read "Musical Stages" in the early 80's, and my admiration for Mr. Rodgers increased considerably on learning about his personal and professional life in his own words. I was particularly delighted with stories like the one about "Blue Moon", which seemed destined to oblivion, but instead became one of his greatest hits ever. Or the ones about the way he worked with his partners Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein II, and how he dealt with Broadway and Hollywood people, producers, musicians, fellow composers... Above all, what strikes the reader most is the genuine love Mr. Rodgers always had for the stage. The anxieties, curiosities and goings-on involved in the production and staging of his Broadway works made me quite envious of those who were able to see the premieres of shows such as "On Your Toes", "Pal Joey", "Oklahoma", and so on, which Mr. Rodgers relates in such a vivid way. I was lucky enough, though, to see Yul Brynner in the 1978 revival of "The King and I" at the Uris Theater in New York. It was a magic moment I will treasure forever. Every person of good taste in this world owes a lot to this determined and sensitive man that managed to create a lot of the best music of this century, regardless of national, ideological or whatever boundaries you may think of. And, on top of that, Mr. Rodgers tells us his wonderful life story in a style that echoes the irresistible charm of his immortal melodies. For better enjoyment of this book, I recommend that you read it with your CD player on with, for instance, the soundtracks of Mr. Rodgers' shows and movies, or compilations and/or albums dedicated to his music by the likes of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Anita O'Day, Bing Crosby, Maurice Chevalier, Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. Like me, you will thank God for the existence of someone like Mr. Rodgers, and for the legacy he's given us.

Piper was one of the best books I have read. My friend got it for me when I kept borrowing her copy! Mary Stanton created an image of horses that I have found to be so completely true compared to my herd (in which my Piper is dead last in pecking order) that I couldn't put it down! Not quite as good as Heavenly Horse, put still one of my favorites.

I lvoed this books so much i bought it at ebay for a small fortune, i HAD to have my own copy. Piper does have a few flaws - IF you've read the origonal Heavenly horse. the editor just missed a few facts - like taht it was POnys FOX that was demanded as a price, not Piper himself. Not a big enough deal to be annoyed about though, THis IS a fantastic book and theres a revistiation by our old friend Cory the collie in this book ( a version of him and even of newton the barn cat can be seen in the recent unicorns of balinor boks by the same author)

If you like Basil and dill or even the info about the dark barns of this book your in luck, in the unicorns' books, basil and dill not only make an appperance, but so does the pit and "He whos hall not be named in the dark"

READ READ READ!

In my opnion Piper At The Gate is by far the best book i've ever read. Unfortunitly I havem't had the pleasure of reading it's precessor but I ordered it in hopes it would be half as good as Piper At The Gate. Mary Stanton in an incredibly talented author and I would reccomend this book to everyone I know, whether they were horse lovers or not. Definitly order a copy of this, you won't regret it for one second.

"Queen Mary" by James Steele was everything i hoped it would be - and more. Although the author goes into detail with the ship's interiors to some extent, I think he told the "Mary"s overall story well. The book is packed with technical data and historic info all the way back to 1930, when this beautiful liner was ordered, until she was delivered in Long Beach, California, in 1967. Great photographs, too!

This book is sets the standard for other books to follow in its detailed description, in text as well as photos, of the history of the Queen Mary from the years of 1936-1967, when it was retired in Long Beach, CA.

The only shortcoming of this book is that it tells little of the history of the ship after its arrival in Long Beach in 1967. Perhaps the author considers the ship to be a shell of its former self. Indeed the Queen Mary has had an exiting "life" as a tourist attraction since its last voyage in 1967.

Still, this book is a must for any fan of the Queen Mary. It is beautifully bound and the photos are priceless.

Coloured photo's along with a history of this ship make the book not only comprehensive, but very interesting as well. The pictures alone make this book worth its cost. Highly recommended!