This is the story of Hugh Koehler, scion of the St. Louis brewing family, and reputed illegitimate son of the crown prince of Austria. (Remember Mayerling.)
He grew up in society, attended Harvard, and then the US Naval Academy. Upon graduation he served in China, then in the Great War commanded a subchaser group based in Ireland.
He became noted for his incisive reporting and after the war, visited Germany, sat in on the peace conference, and then went via the Black Sea to Russia where he observed the fighting in South Russia during the Russian Civil War.
This period was the highlight of his life. He died at a comparatively young age in his fifties as did his father and grandfather before him.
Many of his reports on the situation in the Balkans read as if they were written ten years ago, not eighty, especially the conflict between Greeks and Turks.
Well written and well worth the reading. Belongs on the same shelf as the books by the British agents who operated in Central Asia during the same period.

This book follows an American Naval Officer on his assignment to observe the White Russian forces on the Crimean penninsula. Hugo Koehler arrives when Baron Vrangel is in charge and the war is winding down, but is not yet concluded. Interesting insight and observations are made; this book is a must for those with an interest in this part of Russian history.

Refer to Ayn Rand's non-fiction bood entitled "The Romantic Manifesto" There's an excellent introduction to Victor Hugo's Ninety-Three. That's what made me want to read it and why I continue to read it over and over.

...not that that is an unknown fact. I encountered this book while writing an honors undergraduate history thesis on the revolt in the Vendee--which is the setting for this book. Reading Ninety-Three was amazing, it is both a literary masterpiece and an historical commentary that is shockingly ahead of its time. Hugo balances carefully between his own personal belief in the French Republic, and his distaste for the methods used by the Republicans in 1793. His characters are vivid allegories, and the novel is peppered with small parables. It is a story where the "giants" of Robespierre, Marat and Danton become less important than three small children, where the Republic of Swords must face the Republic of Ideas.

This is a must for anyone studying the French Revolution, especially the counter-Revolution. It is also one of the finest pieces of prose fiction I've read in quite a while. I don't think I could possibly say enough in its praise!

Enjoy it!

Dr Spindola- Franco did a wonderful job with this book. It is well written and well illustrated. It is a bible in the field. It is almost like working side by side with the author.

The book is well written and well illustrated.It is a virtual bible in the field. It's like having Dr. Spindola working right next to you.

Contray to the comments posted by Lee Potchka, this book does not contain a picture of Hailie Selassie (autographed or otherwise) and it has NO chord break-downs or rhythms. And I have no idea what Potchka meant by "easy-to-stuff pinsize cut-outs and the cathedral-like layouts of otherwise impossible accordion progressions," lol. This book is a guide to the purchase, care and use of acoustic guitars, focusing primarily on their physical characteristics. Examples of topics covered include tips on buying a guitar, a thorough description of the differences between steel-stringed acoustics and classical (nylon-stringed) guitars illustrated with clearly labeled diagrams, and information on care, maintenance, and storage. It has a very useful glossary that doubles as an index, and includes many helpful illustrations. I would recommend it to anyone getting ready to buy their first guitar, especially someone who is unsure of what kind of guitar they want or what to look for in selecting one. Tuning is discussed, and there are some basic practice and playing tips, but this is not a book on how to play the guitar or what to play on it. I presume Potchka's review was meant to go with a different book, because the comments in it bear no resemblance to this one.

When I first opened up this book and discovered an autographed picture of Halie Selassie I was frankly shocked, but (and these are the little tidbits of trivia that make this book a fascinating read) believe it or not, Willie Nelson gave the African despot guitar lessons in the late 60's when they were both in Harar for the Lewd Thomas Festival. A terrific read with literally thousands of chord break-downs and hands-on rhythms for the beginner. A unique crash-course! Also, what I liked the best, was the the easy-to-stuff pinsize cut-outs and the cathedral-like layouts of otherwise impossible accordion progressions. If you own one book on your shelf, besides Robert Anton Wilson, this will be the pie for the goose. Highly recommended.

I think for the overall comment on this book is " It is VERY tracking based". If you are getting it to help you in search and rescue you won't get what you think you are buying (I don't think). If you are getting it for tracking it will probably be your "bible". I really enjoyed the scent theory in the begining of the book.

The first section of this book deals with scent theory and the canine gift of olfaction from a physical and anatomical examination of the dog. This is one of the best references to be found anywhere. The tracking portion of the book is a little weaker, but overall an excellent book!

This is the best sci-fi compelation that I have ever read. This collection is more then great science fiction, it proves that science fiction can have great literary merit. Most of the greats are represented here - Flowers for Algernon, The Star, Sand Kings... A great anthology.

This is an superb collection of memorable short sci-fi stories from such luminaries as Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov, and Harlan Ellision. Each story has the incisive wit and starkness indicative of an great sci-fi story. A must-have, unfortunately out-of-print (I lent a friend mine and never got it back!)

My daughter just had a birthday last week, and so my brother sent her some books. One of them was "Under the Sea" and the other was "Under the Ground". They are both being enjoyed by my kids (5 and 3) and me! They aren't very long, but they are VERY CLEVER. Every two-page spread has information and drawings on one side, and then a plastic page on top of a black page on the other. You punch out a paper 'flashlight' that is located in the back of the book, slide it under the plastic and are then able to see/highlight what is hidden underneath. We've been looking at them daily and are happy to have them.

I was amazed at how my two and a half year old was totally taken by this book. The concept so simple but so very effective. The flashlight is a definate asset. The animal descriptions are short and concise and the pictures are just perfect.

I found this wonderful book in the gift shop of the White House- it's truly as much fun to read as it is to cook from! The authors have taken recipes from the White House 100 years ago and made them more modern. They've also added lots of interesting etiquette and health tips from the last century. If you enjoy reading cookbooks, this one is a must-have for your collection!

This cookbook has something for everyone, from history buffs to healthy eaters. The authors have taken recipes from the original White House Cookbook used 100 years ago in the Grover Cleveland era, and updated them to meet the nutrient needs of people today- low in fat but high in convenience and taste. For example, corn pudding (originally made with eggs, heavy cream and butter) becomes Centennial Corn Casserole, with half the fat and calories. Also of interest are cookie recipes from Barbara Bush and Hillary Clinton, which have been lightened up. (I thought the "light" version of Hillary's cookies tasted better than the original!) In addition to healthy recipes, there is a wealth of interesting historical information about cooking in the White House 100 years ago and a touch of humor with health hints from the past (hair restorer tonic, cures for colic, etc). This book is a great recipe source, as well as an interesting read

If you feel disenfranchised as a citizen and voter in America, this book may provide the answers you're looking for. Indeed, the consolidation of power in Washington, economic uncertainty, social erosion, and the 2000 presidential election debacle prove the need for election reform, more democracy and voter participation in self-government. It's time for us to re-examine ourselves. And it's time for real democracy.

The author describes the decline and fall of a jeopardized social class: nobility in decadent modern France. Her account of the dispaired struggle for recognition of these eccentric and unfairly criticized creative individuals is positively thrilling. She obviously knows what's she's talking about.