Twelve poetic essays in which a nature writer draws on botanical research, theories of evolution, and her own emotional experiences to explore the roles flowers play in our lives. Throughout this poetic meditation, Russell ( When the Land Was Young , 1996, etc.) maintains that people need blossoms for both ecological survival and personal well-being. She eroticizes the physical features of flowers throughout (speaking, in one vivid passage, of how "pansies wait expectantly, their vulviform faces lifted to the sky"), and these impassioned descriptions, reminiscent of Georgia O'Keeffe's paintings, may offer some amusement to botanists while enlightening amateur gardeners. There are descriptions of flowers' complex romances with their pollinators that reveal how both blossoms and bugs have evolved to accommodate each other. We are even introduced to various species of fleurs fatales whose seductive charm lures naïve pollinators to their deaths-including a hermaphroditic water lily that, during its female stage, murders the trusting hoverflies it once fed. While Russell cites Charles Darwin and other famed biologists, her lyrical ruminations do not provide new insight into biological evolution. Still, her unique interpretations of natural selection provide some dramatic scenes, for example, when bumblebee thieves attack flowers for nectar. More personal stories of Russell's friends dashing home to view the rare blossoming of their cereus cacti and accounts of prehistoric humans burying their loved ones with flowers support the author's claim that all people have an intrinsic fascination with flowers. But her argument for the protection of endangered species, although valid, is flimsy in comparison to authoritative studies, like David S. Wilcove's The Condor's Shadow (2000). A modestly satisfying read for flower fanatics.

I found this little book extremely powerfull in changing the way I look at life....for the good mind you...it gave me an awareness and sensitivity to the natural world around me and an awe of what has come before and how we arrived here on this planet....
Reccomend for readers of all ages...even children can grasp the concepts put forth here and will open the eyes just a little wider for all who read it!

ANATOMY OF A ROSE: EXPLORING THE SECRET LIFE OF FLOWERS is slightly mistitled. The book has a few things to say about roses--a section on the scent of roses and a section about the commercial interest in concocting a blue rose. The subtitle best describes the contents of Russell's book--the secret life of flowers.

I'm a plant/gardening/nature enthusiast who is fairly well read but I learned a new things from Russell's book. For example, I did not know that the great taxonimist/plant classifier Linnaeus (born in 1707) acquired his love of and interest in plants from his relatives. Seems his great-grandmother was burned as a witch because she knew too much about plants. Linnaeus fared better probably partly owing to his ability to read and write about plants in Latin.

Russell has done a very good job of reviewing, selecting, organizing and distilling the current thinking on flowers --including the projected 7th Extinction which has already begun and will continue over the next 100 years. Like Rachel Carson's SILENT SPRING, this little book warns the reader.

Russell says only one percent of the known flowers have been fully studied, and many will become extinct before we understand them. Flowers hold the key to saving lives, promoting good health, and ensuring the survival of the planet as we know it. Russell tells of the discovery of a plant extract that can fight EBOLI; the discovery of Taxol in the fungus of trees cut down for the Taxol in their bark (the implication is that a really smart person would harvest the Taxol, not kill the goose that lays the golden egg!!); and the uses of many of other plants for medicinal purposes. Pharmaceutical companies are beginning to take an interest in preserving the wilderness--or at least preserving it for their uses.

The jury is still out on the affect of gentically engineered plants on other life forms. Gentically engineered corn has been empirically linked to the demise of Monarch Butterfly and too date it is not "off the hook" as another reviewer suggests, however, the "not knowing" is clearly an issue.

We have much to learn from the flowering plants. I recommend this book to any one who wants to become familiar with the current outlook for plants as well as the history of plants and their role in evolution. You don't need to be a botonist to understand Russell's clearly written and elegantly told story of the flowers and their connection to our own lives.

Delightful glimpse into Rose's life away from home and adds another layer of complexity to the bossy sister-struggling teacher-go to it gal in the form of Eliza Jane. I don't doubt for a minute most of this volume is true to word, especially the emergence of Rose's feminist/socialist values.

Fun for kids, equally interesting to this adult.

This book is excelent. Its a great addition to the Rose years. I think this story is quite interesting and it shows how difficult growing up is , no matter what time in history! Its a book girls can relate to and its also very pleasant to read.

On the Banks of the Bayou is a wonderful story of Laura Ingalls Wilder's daughter, Rose, who leaves her home in the Ozarks to finish high school in Louisiana. She stays with her Aunnt Eliza Jane. The city is full of excitment, and Rose discovers she is an independent women with stong hoppes and dreams.

This book is excellent for beginners; it covers all aspects of growing roses, from selection and planting to pruning and disease control. It doesn't assume the reader has any prior knowledge, so it doesn't use obscure phrases or terms, and it explains things in a clear, east-to-understand way. The best "basics" book on roses I've seen.

Although this is primarily a beginner's book, it is also a useful book for more experienced rose growers, in that it's a good review of general growing techniques. It is well illustrated with pictures of how to plant, prune, and care for roses, as well as having many color photographs of rose varieties. A rose grower must always keep in mind the area where he lives and especially the climate. Many roses grow well in some climates or some areas and not in others. Keeping that in mind, the list and photos of rose varieties are highly useful. Most of the "How To" information applies to all areas. This book is a great asset when combined with talking to local people and noticing roses that grow well in one's own area.

This book is just fantastic! I've found that the pictures are quite close to what I've actually produced in my own garden. Not all rose books have such accurate color representation. I also like that each rose photo has the accompanying RIR (roses in review) rating for that rose, and notes the rose's cold hardiness. Often, specific climate zone information can be tough to find. Finally, I especially like the notations regarding pest and disease resistance for each rose. This book notes a rose's flaws (ie, susceptibility to mildew) more often than most other books on my desk, and that has made it indispensable to me.

My only gripe: if you're trying to identify a disease or problem you're experiencing with a given rose, this book only offers drawings, no actual pictures. Based on drawings, novices could have trouble telling the difference between mildew and blackspot, for instance. Otherwise, it's a first rate book. I constantly find myself referring to it for information missing from some of the bigger (and more expensive!) rose books on my desk.

Despite my objections to his less-than-fair appraisals of womans' place in the world, Blacks, Africa and Islam (he has explanations for all of these), Daniel Andreev's message is Absolute GOOD. He is consistently fearless in sharing his visions of the hyperdimensional world (which we see only a minute fraction of), no matter how maniacal they may appear... Kudos to him for his strength. His interpetation of the worlds, monads and angels shared with him is filled with heavens, sub-heavens, purgatories and hells (-his Christian/ Orthodox faith possibly coloring his visions? Hardly relevant)... The gist is no less than a call for a World Church that embraces all faiths, so that mankind can finally end it's petty differences. Deep inside, Humanity (every one of us) has always known this. Let his miracles roll over our limited perceptions, and KNOW his appreciation for nature, basic understanding and love for the fellow man; for it was never only his, it's been all of ours... Words to begin a new world by.

What would spirituality look like beyond defensiveness, self-righteousness, fear, and hate? Could it still be a profoundly poetic work, beautifully written, almost taking the breath away with its metaphors and, yet, deal with the history of theological and philosophical arguments throughout religious history in a deeply cogent manner?

The answer is yes. Just when you thought there was no hope for spirituality to ever grow up, to really care about the world, to understand social, economic, and political systems, there comes from Gulag the work of Daniel Andreev.

The Rose of the World is a metaphor for what happens when a deeply compassionate writer examines the world religions and takes from them that which contributes to the recognition of the infinite, compassionate intelligence which is the source of meaning and beauty in our lives.

He uses this wisdom to sketch another possibility for organizing humanity and also to recognize the divine organization already present in our cosmos.

Read this book. It can change the way you think about spirituality. If there is a part of your heart which has been waiting for a grown up spirituality, wait no longer. This is the first review I've bothered to write for Amazon. This book is that good.

The Bible aside, if your home had space for one other book only, The Rose Of The World should be it. For decades it was available only to a negligible few in the Soviet Union who have saved the manuscript living in constant danger of being arrested and committed - for somebody else's words. Now it is published by the Amazon.com, the world's biggest book selling entreprise. The freedom of speech for Daniil Andreev? Or rather the freedom of spirit for those of us who are finally ready to see an eyewitness' notes on the structure of the Universe?

The previous reviewers have left excellent reports; one thing to add though: I've never come across another book that would be a sophisticated philosophical work and a breath-taking page-turner at the same time. It keeps just the right balance between being intelligent and intelligible - probably because knowledge itself is the best entertainment available! What is it about? - Just about everything. Is it interesting? - It bloody well is. Is it worth reading? - It is indeed, but are WE worthy of reading it?

Considering The Rose Of The World is now available by mail order world wide, we probably are.

Normally, I do not read the western romance novels. Medievals are more my style. But the raving reviews made me buy this book. And I do not regret it. Rebecca is a lovely heroine and SPUNKY!!
At 13 she ran away from her mother (a prostitute)and found her own spot in a small town. Ten years later she is the local dressmaker and quite happy. Then she meets Caleb and sparks fly. After she gets pregnant (oops) Caleb marries her. It is not a novel with a 'big' plot with lots of turns and twists, just a nice story, written very well and in a pleasing style. I came to like Rebecca and Caleb a lot and sure will buy the sequel (the story of Caleb's sister Megan).

Rebecca is a simple woman with a past full of bad memories. She works hard at her seamstress business - just making enough to get by. She has no need for men and would just asume stay unattached. Caleb Adams is the son of a wealthy Wagon Express owner. He could have any woman he wants. But why does he find himself sending his mistress back to New York and dreaming about the mousy seamstress? With trouble around every corner, Caleb battles Rebecca's strong will to show her he can love her - past and all.

Ms Bett's fills her story with a cast of witty characters that will remind you of the people around you. You never know what is around the next page or what Rebecca, Caleb and all the supportig characters will do next. CINNAMON AND ROSES was a non stop page turner that I couldn't put down. You will love this book. ~Shannon McCravy, Sisters of the Night

I don't lean towards western romances but this one was excellent, especially for a first book! The characters are very believable, the romance is tangible and the plot moves along wonderfully. There's even a villainess to loathe! I was so pleased to hear that another novel by this author is coming out in July this year----I'll be haunting the new releases! Sweet, old-fashioned and still passionate--one of the best reads I've had in a while.

I just started tying flies a couple of months ago and have been learning the basics by reading instructions for beginners on the Internet. After having read this book and followed it's instructions I feel much more confident in my fly-tying. The author does a terrific job at explaining the basics of fly-tying and the photos and illustrations are top-quality. This book is clearly intended to be a "beginners guide", and as such it does a terrific job. The only drawback, in my opinion, is the heavy emphasis on tying dry-flies. Here in Iceland, we don't use them a lot, but if you're looking for a great guide to tying dry-flies, here it is! Overall, a must buy for the beginning fly-tyer.

I've had this book for years and I still find it helpful. It's always good to review the basics. This is a well written how to book and I recommend it highly.

I recently received this book as a gift when I decided to take up fly-tying. Thanks to Mr. Morris' simple, clear instruction, I was able to complete the first two flies in the book (my first two flies ever) quickly and easily. He has succeeded in making what can seem to be such an intimidating subject very accessible. This book has given me a confident start in what I hope will be a lifetime hobby. Highly recommended.

This sequel to "Eight Cousins" is one of Louisa May Alcott's masterpieces. I loved it as a girl, I loved it as a teenager, and I love it now. Even though it was written in Victorian times, it has a truth and honesty to it that survives into today--and the problems that Rose encounters as a young woman will be familiar to any modern reader.

Why are women fascinated by--and drawn to--the bad boys of this world? That question did not originate with James Dean or "The Leader of the Pack." It is very much alive in this book, as Rose returns from Europe to find her eight cousins very much grown up--and very, very interesting. In particular, her wild and handsome cousin Charlie, now grown into a wild and handsome man, captures Rose's heart. But Charlie is on a dangerous path to alcoholism and self-destruction. Will Rose see this in time, and will she turn to the man who really loves her with all his heart and soul? And what of her dear friend Phoebe, whose ethnic background might keep her from the man she loves?

Sounds like a 2002 soap opera. But it isn't--and it is written with such depth, such love, and such talent that it has survived over a century. Alcott was so much more than "Little Women" and this book, among others, proves it.

For all those who thought that Rose's story ended with Eight Cousins here is the truth about what happened to these beloved characters.

The innocence found in the first book is slowly lifted here as Rose enters into the real world after her return from Europe. All but one of the characters from the first book make a return in this charming sequel.

The cousins are older as well and have found love. The heartwarming challeneges these lovers go through are refreshing in their innocence. Even Jamie is not immune to the talk of love and his innocene candor on the matter is very amusing.

Rose In Bloom answers many questions one has at the end of cousins. Yet like any fan will know not everyone can be happy with all the outcomes of the sequel.

A great book for fans of Eight Cousins.

Growing up as a classic bookworm, my two favorite literary friends were Anne Shirley and Rose Campbell. While I also read the Little Women Series (how could I not?) Eight Cousins and Rose in Bloom struck a chord in me that Jo and her sisters did not (except maybe in Little Men.) These were the books that I read and re-read, and since I never owned Rose in Bloom, I doubt that anyone else in town had a chance to read it in between times that I had it checked out of the library. In fact, the books engaged me emotionally to such a degree that I found I had to put Rose in Bloom down for a while mid-book because one incident upset me so, which is something that I rarely do. If you are looking for the kind of book that you will get good use out of for many years, this is it.

For 25 years Industrial Light and Magic has woven magic into countless films, either subtle images through 'invisible' effects such as matte paintings or through eye-popping visuals that stand out vividly against the film backdrop. ILM has made it's mark on history, for not only have they been and still are the premiere effects house in Hollywood, they have innovated and invented more technology than any other studio, additionally they have won awards for the processing and compositing technology they have created. ILM had to be the best at special effects, because their flagship title - STAR WARS - demanded the best, because that's what Lucas wanted.

'Into the Digital Realm' isn't so much an abandonment of ILM of the traditional methods of special effects, rather a point of departure for the new technology and all of things that led up to it. Indeed, ILM's work on 'The Hunt For Red October' submarine work involved flying the submerged vessels from wires in a smoky room - effects do not get any more traditional than that. Released in 96, the book doesn't mention that Phantom Menace or even that the film is in production. It does have some revised images from the Star Wars special edition. As with the previous tome, this one is packed with hundreds of color photos, plus the same beautiful gate fold images.

If the center piece for the previous book was Star Wars, Digital Realms' focus is obviously Jurassic Park, because it was the first film to use CG on so large a scale, even more than Terminator 2, which ILM also did. Jurassic Park was also the test bed and showcase piece that convinced Lucas that computers had finally matured enough to bring what he had in mind to the screen for the new Star Wars films. More is the pity, because I came to loathe most of the aliens in the Phantom Menace. Digital Realm clearly explains in easy to understand terms how effects - both new and old - are accomplished, be it something as simple as making it appear as if buildings are actually much taller than they or having a velociraptor walk _behind_ a plant situated in the foreground. I have both of these wonderful books, and I strongly recommend them to anyone who is curious about ILM's history and the process of how effects are made.

An extraordinary book about an extraordinary company. You will know all you want to know about special effects wizardry. The book is well published, even watching its pictures is joyful.

If you want to know about special effects, this is the book. Simple as that.

What Mel Gibson's latest movie, Signs, tried to do but did not quite pull off. This book is thought-provoking and surprising, fast-paced, a fine read. It is one of the most realistic stories I've ever read to look at honest disappointment and honest faith. Is there really a God, or do you think everything around us is left to chance?

Bea Bartling has been praying for her son to come home and her prayers are not answered the way she thinks they should be. Instead, sometimes you find out that the one is charge of everything knows more about what we need then we do.

The characters are plausible and the dialogue is good. I will look for more books by this author.

Thank you, Deborah Bedford for writing a book that is wholesome and interesting. I am a stay at home mom, and even though I was interrupted regularly while reading this book, I was always eager to pick it up again and find out what was going to happen next. It kept my interest and was never hard to get back into once I had put it down. The story of the roses is fascinating. This is ultimately a book about a woman's faith in God and how her relationship with God was tested during a difficult time in her life. The book does a good job of tying everything together. I would highly recommend it!

My mother had been in the doldroms, or worse, for so long that she wasn't reading or doing crossword puzzles anymore. She is normally an avid reader. I bought this book because it was advertised in People magazine. I liked it so well, I bought another copy and gave it to her for Christmas. After reading this book, she is going to back to the library again. It's a great read and a beautiful story. Thank you to this author for sharing her very special talents with all of us. Yes, there is hope in the world even during difficult time and A Rose By The Door has a joyous way of pointing that out. Be prepared with a box of tissues because you WILL cry. But you'll be laughing almost the same time. This story is a slice of life at its best.

Both my mother and I would love to see another book with these same characters.