This is an outstanding collection, even though the first story is really weak. Hamlin Garland's great story echoes "Cold Mountain," with a soldier returning home from the Civil War to the woman he loves. Oddly, the editors said Garland was "probably a minor talent." Ever read "Daughter of the Middle Border?" Garland was not prolific, but he was definitely MAJOR.

This is a collection of (mostly) new short stories by John Jakes (one story is an adaptation of the magician scene in "Heaven and Hell"). I'm not sure if the work has a socially redeeming value or not, nor do I care. Whatever it is, I enjoyed reading it. Jakes conveys the excitement and suspense of his character's situations to the reader, and leaves him wondering what will happen next. I'd look forward to reading another collection like this if it ever came out.

although 8 volumns is long, i loved it....if you like american history this is for you....

I bought this to reference back and forth. I want to read it again in a few years when I forget more of the story....

North and South showed what it was like for people on both sides of the conflict. It wasn't like Gone With the Wind and showed just the South or just the North. It showed you that both sides suffered. It showed what probably happened between friendships of that situation.

John Jakes examines the mythical western gunslinger and the environment that spawned him in this vivid science-fiction/western. The "civilized" government of the planet Missouri was overthrown by revolutionaries who have embraced the lifestyle and culture of the United States' Old West frontier. Suspicious of technology, the denizens of Missouri nevertheless ride robot horses and drink synthetic liquor to pass the time on a planet whose main source of income comes from exporting western souveniers (i.e. miniature outhouses, wagons, revolvers, etc.), staging gunfights for tourists, and providing "living antiques" in the form of gunfighters being placed on other planets as zoo specimans. Zak Randolf of the Cosmic Confederation (Cosfed) is employed in all these capacities, while pursuing his own artistic craft of sculpting jewelry out of phorospores (a type of mineral/plant capable of emitting its own light). Not being a native of Missouri, Zak despises the the violent nature of the world's inhabitants, and preaches about the education and pacifism of more "civilized" planets. But when Zak is challenged by the infamous gunslinger Buffalo Yung, he won't be able to quietly walk away. Mr. Jakes does a masterful job of showing us the degradation of a man who has lived his whole life based on principles, then having those prinicples fail him when he needs them the most. To say any more would give too much away. A fascinating read.

In his historical series the Kent Chronicles author John Jakes wrote about the Battle of the Alamo (in "The Furies" I believe) from the perspective of a fictional woman who survives, but is lost to history. In "Susanna of the Alamo: A True Story" he revisits this story in fictional form again, but this time telling the story of Susanna Dickson, the wife of Alamo defender Almeron Dickinson, who actually did survive the battle along with their 15-month-old daughter Elizabeth. The story Jakes tells spends as much time on the aftermath of the battle and what happened to the Dickinsons, which is significant because usually the story most students read in juvenile histories about the Alamo skip to the victory at the Battle of San Jacinto where San Houston's troop yelled "Remember the Alamo!" Jakes tries to avoid the legends that still exist about the story of the Alamo and stay faithful to the historical record, but admits gaps exist and some "facts" exist in different versions. Jakes tells of Susanna Dickinson's recovery in the hospital, her meeting with Santa Anna and the message he had her carry to Sam Houston in Gonzales. She tells the leader of the Texan army what happened to her husband and the other defenders of the Alamo. It is from that conversation that Jakes crafts a compelling idea that Susanna Dickinson played an important role in the quest for Texas independence. The book is designed and illustrated by Paul Bacon, whose pen and watercolor pictures capture the times and tenor of the tale. This is not the first book a student should read if they want to know about the Alamo, but once they have learned the basic history of these events they will find this version by John Jakes adds something to their understanding. Furthermore, I would suggest that adults interested in the Alamo would find this book of great interest as well. Susanna Dickinson remarried and never spoke of the Alamo again until late in her life and lived until 1883. In his talent hands, Jakes makes this woman more than a footnote to history. This book is what we would call a grace note.

This book is very helpful for families, enabling them to plan for end-of-life choices in a non-threatening way. It was so easy for my family to sit down and go through this manual at their leisure, really giving a gift of their end-of-life wishes and directions. I would recommend this book to all families of all ages.

John Jakes has done it again with another great historical epic. The writing and images put the reader in that era. I felt like a part of the Crown family. It was a long book, but I could not put it down!

This is the first work of John Jakes that I have read and will definately look for his others.

I have read similar novels abour immigrants and the turn of the century, but this one was of higher quality. Jales told a really good story with excellent character development. It is also the story of America in the 1890s and all the changes of that era.

The characters are well drawn and interesting. I also liked that historical figures (Edison, Teddy Roosevelt, Clara Barton, Jane Addams) also wander in and out.

The story is mostly the experiences of new German immigrant, Paul Crown. Paul is a truly interesting character and he really grows throughout the story.

I look forward to reading the sequel becuase I was sorry when Homeland eneded......

Does picking up a book that is 1200 pages long discourage you in any way? It didn't discourage me because it was John Jakes who wrote it. Before picking this up to read it, I see he says this is his best so far. As for being his best, I can't really say that because it wouldn't be fair on his other works, I will simply say this: It is a FANTASTIC read. Full of action, suspense, romance, intrigue, and of course, richly layered with accurate and precise historical information in a way that only John Jakes can. An absolute must for anyone who likes historical novels.

Philipe is a Frenchman and the bastard some of an English duke. He is teased and ostracized most of his life because no one in his hometown in France really believes that he is the son of a duke and because his mother used to be an actress. After the death of his father, his half-brother and stepmother make it clear that he is unwelcome in their home, so he decides to move to the colonies and start a new life. Once he arrives in Boston, he unintentionally becomes enmeshed in the revolutionary fervor that is blossoming in the town. The education he recieved as the son of a duke was very enlightened for its time, allowing Phillipe to appreciate and understand the "new" political theories emerging as the colonies break from the British empire.

This is the first book in the Kent Family Chronicles, which charts the history of one family from before the American Revolution to the late 1900s. As a first book in a series, the scene, tone, and family character is well set. John Jakes writes his story with an eye for detail and for entertainment. As I read this series when I was 14, I frequently use these stories as a reference point when remembering details of American history. I highly recommned this series for anyone who wants to learn early US history but doesn't like to read history text books.

I am now 36 years old and I never read the series when it came out, nor did I see the mini-series movie on tv. But I was inspired by the movie THE PATRIOT to read historical fiction of this era, so what else but John Jakes books would do! I was not disappointed. The history was woven well into the fictional story of Philip Kent. The romance and adventure were enthralling, and you almost believed that Philip met the characters thrown in like Ben Franklin and Sam Adams. An excellent book.... I can't wait to read the next one!.... and maybe all eight.

I started with the North & South Trilogy and was deeply depressed when it was over. I deeply missed the characters and just didn't want it to end. Therefore, what could be better than a John Jakes story that takes 8 books to complete!! Once you read The Bastard, you won't be able to stop until you read them all. This is a great book containing three different stories or stages surrounding the life of our first Kent -- Phillip. All of these stories collide for a finale that is as good as anything I have ever read. One of the best parts of this book is how Jakes uses Ben Franklin as the key character in bringing the story together. I would highly recommend this book to anyone. The story is superb and the history lesson makes you proud to be an American. I can't wait to start Book Two -- The Rebels!!