This book is full of pictures of WWI battle locations. Half of the photos are black and white war era shots, some of which graphically depict the awful conditions of the trenches. Complementing these are beautiful color photos of the battlefields, memorials, ruins, and cemetaries as they appear today. The narration of the war in chronological order is largely from the perspective of those in the trenches, with interesting diversions about the life, geography, etc. that interacted with the battle areas. As I began to read the progression of this stupid war I was overcome with the same feeling I had viewing the Vietnam Memorial in D.C. -- A slow, sad journey into the depths of senseless death, yet presented in a way which honoured the millions who fell at these sites in WWI.

This book by Anne Roze is a pictorial history of the battlegrounds of World War One. Roze captures the deep sadness and utter futility of 'The Great War' with photos of the battlegrounds as they are today. These are accompanied by smaller photographs from the era itself, of which the majority are of soldiers in the trenches. There is also comprehensive text describing the photographs and historical background. The modern photographs are really breathtaking in how they convey the solemnity of what they are actually portraying. World War One is a not an often visited subject, both in literary or movie form, which in some respects is a shame. The scale of horror endured by the men on both sides is really staggering. To have the significance of this lost with new generations is like turning a blind eye to a lesson that should not be forgotten. This is an attractive publication and is highly recommended for those interested in the history of World War One, with emphasis on how the battlegrounds of old have aged.

This is about the coolest and funiest book I ever found! It tells you how to hide stuff and also all the ways you can make your own secret hiding places. Its so great to read this book! And it cost like FIve dollars. And there's an amazing web site at secrethidingplaces. com My friends and I started a club around this book and we are passing notes and having fun in school and making really good hiding places!!!! U won't believe what you are gonna learn from this book and the writer really writes in a funny way! It's like the besst book of the year! I recomend it to anyone who has a brother like mine! Go for it!!

Brad B.

Whether you've been to the Louvre and want to protect and enhance your memories or you just want to see the most beautiful works of art ever collected this is the perfect book! It gives you history, background info and of course amazing pictures! You're next purchase will be plane tickets to Paris!!

A true masterpiece. A fresh look at one of the world's most extraordinary museums. I received this book as a gift, and I have truly enjoyed it.

I love this book. Regine Pernoud is my new favorite historian. Ms. Pernoud writes about the Middle Ages when men were men and women were--well if not in charge pretty darn close to being so. Ms. Pernoud's premise contradicts much of what I have read elsewhere, but she goes to the primary sources and produces much material to support her thesis.

First of all, Pernoud says a number of women living in the Middle Ages were queens in their own right. She names these rulers--and some better known than others largely owing to the writing of male historians who seemed to have concentrated on queens married to illustrious men. Of course, there was Eleanor of Aquataine--the grandmother of Europe--who was the wife of both a French and an English king (in succession). She went on a Crusade with her French King. Later, she married Henry II and became the mother of Richard I and poor John of the Magna Carta fame. But Eleanor had some pretty well situated daughters also, and Pernoud tells the reader about them. Also, Eleanor's mother-in-law was the famous Matilda, who sparred with her usurper cousin Stephen for the English throne, which she finally secured for her son Henry II. Another, lesser known queen was a Matilda who along with Agnes of Poitou played a major role in the reforms of the church in the 11th Century by siding with the Pope against the Holy Roman Emperor. "Matilda Dei gratia si quid est" -- Matilda by the grace of God if she is anything.

Hildegard von Bingen has become known in our age because of her beautiful music, and of course many other women were powerful Abbesses in their own right--or Saints like Joan of Arc. I found interesting Pernoud's assertion that the Celtic and Germanic tribes welcomed Christianity because it reinforced their notions of equality of the sexes and the hearth and home as the center of life. So, not only were women queens of countries and lords of fiefdoms, they were "queens" of households. Pernoud points out what any archeologist will tell you--family wealth is centered in the hearth and home--combs, copper pots, and gold crosses.

And Charing Cross? That's named for Eleanor of Castile, granddaughter of Eleanor of Aquataine. When she died, her husband had a gold cross mounted everywhere they had lived. One site can be found at the Charing Cross station in London. Charing Cross is a corruption of "Chere reine" -- beloved queen.

I think all women, particularly Catholic women, should read this. Studying primary sources, Ms. Pernoud shows that during the feudal era in the Middle Ages, around 1100-1300 AD, women were intelligent, capable, and highly influential citizens, involved in all areas of life, including medical, professional, education, political and administration. Never again have women had such influential roles in their society. As the Renaissance began to grip Europe, and the University of Paris barring women and the resurgence of classical Roman law, the role of women completely diminished.

This book was an eye-opener--I've always enjoyed studying the middle ages, but I thought the women saints from that era (like St. Clotilda) were only exceptions to the rule, not the norm. This book proves the opposite. And as a woman, I deeply appreciate the influential roles these women played during that time. I also can see that I have the gifts to influence my husband, family and society in a truly unique feminine way, something that is forgotten in this day, where equality in a feminist's eyes merely means becoming like a man.

My wife waxed rhapsodic over the prose and poetry inherent in Fanny Burney's neglected classic The Wanderer. The narrativ tells an exciting story of the French Revolution era even though the action occurs mainly in England. The "Incognita" is a fascinating character who moves through English society as a subordinate to the rich and cruel society folk with whom she is forced by circumstances to live. "Miss Ellis endures the slings and arrows of outrageous fortunate to triumph over her enemies at last. Burney's prose is musical and her sentences flow with insight into the human condition. As a friend of Hesther Thrale
she was influenced by that excellent writer. Her father was the famed musician Dr. Charles Burney a close friend of Dr. Johnson. If you want to look at a classic of early feminism and encounter one female difficulty after another this is a good place to begin.
I liked the novel so well I am now engrossed in Burney's second novel "Cecilia" with her first work "Evelina" on my reading list.
Fanny Burney is an excellent new author to explore and be enriched by as you loose yourself in her voluminous pages!
Well recommended!

"The Wanderer" is a wonderful novel detailing the struggles faced by a single woman in England in the era of the French Revolution, who due to circumstances beyond her control must remain nameless and "family-less" and thus rely on the charity and goodwill of strangers. Readers familar with Jane Austen's writing will recognize a similar style, indeed Fanny Burney was an inspiration to Miss Austen, yet with an even more critical eye turned towards the upper-middle-class social structure.

I found it a little more plodding in parts than "Evelina," my favorite of Burney's novels, as Burney occasionally gets bogged down in minutiae of social interactions, but even those long descriptions give insight into what details would have been considered monstrously important to Burney's contemporary audience.

Regardless, the difficulties faced by the nameless heroine and the mystery of her circumstances are more than enough to engage any fan of 18th and early 19th century literature.

Fanny Burney's _The Wanderer_, her last published book, is the best of all her works. The heroine is easy to love, and only a callous reader could not feel pity for her friendless situation. The basic premise is this: a young, elegant woman of obvious good breeding is suddenly forced to flee France for mysterious reasons. But she has lost all of her possessions during her crossing of the Channel, and she finds herself in England, friendless, penniless, and completely dependant on the charity of those around her. The crux of the novel is how she is able to get by under these circumstances. Her fortitude is uplifting, and her plight shows us the problems women had two centuries ago in merely obtaining a subsistence upon which to live. The plot gets more and more complex as we find out about the life of the Wanderer herself. We don't discover her name for the first time until the middle of the book! _The Wanderer_ is a truly engaging novel, and once read, it becomes clear why Fanny Burney was one of Jane Austen's favorite authors.

I have only one thing to say about this story...I thought it was plain STUPID! What is it with people's obsession's with Anne Frank anyway? Her diary is one of the most BORING stories I have ever read. There is nothing appealing about Anne's story. She focuses only on herself and barely explains any of the characters. Overall, this was an AWFUL book and Anne had no impact on me whatsoever.

I have read this book many times, and each time I do so, I am struck that Anne began writing this when she was only 13-years-old. It is as fresh today as it was when I read it the first time about 30 years ago.

I am always struck by those who use Anne's quote about people really being good at heart. . . According to Anne's friend, Lies Gosslar, Anne certainly didn't think people were good at heart after being imprisoned at Aushwitz and Bergen-Belsen. Trying to put a happy face on the Holocaust or give it a positive spin is really more than I can stomach.

This is one of the most depressing and yet uplifting stories of all time. I just finished a production of the play and I know that there wasn't a dry eye in the audience at curtain call. Anne's statement that "in spite of everything, people really are good at heart" shows that even close to death, love and hope survive. It's a story that everyone should read; it teaches a lot about life.

Okay, where do I begin? First of all, I certainly wouldn't agree with some of the reviews I read on here that the "System le Barone" (that ridiculos title should be your first hint) is anything but revolutionary. With everything I have heard on the topic of losing weight, moderation (which seems to be the main point Barone is trying to make-wasting 200 pages on)has only the oldest common sense trick. If you're looking for some miracle tip you will be greatly dissapointed. Barone basically says:DO NOT EAT PROCESSED FOOD, OH AND MAKE SURE YOU WATCH HOW MUCH YOU EAT. That's really it. If you're considering spending $ on this book, please do yourself a favor and remember to always eat in moderation. Barone will also waste another 100 pages trying to tell you about French women and their attitudes towards their husbands or careers but even that part isn't researched too well. The author claims that: READY? HERE I GO... " A French woman, if she were going to bathe her dog, would be dressed as chicly as if she were going to walk her dog.."-page 46 Pure nonsense! I, as a French woman can assure you that we might be known as chic but certanly not without common sense or practicality!

ALSO "French enjoy food and remain thin and hear disease free". This statement makes me angry. Not is hardly a statistic, not to mention a documented one. Anne Barone, if you are going to publish a book, do your research first. Yes, Americans are mostly obese and lazy, however the French aren't disease free people. Our smoking habit contributes to an overwhelming epidemic of cancer. Anne Barone, stop being PRETENTIOUS with your French phrases every other word. I speak French but my friend doesn't and she was the one who made a comment about how difficult it was to read it when every other word she was bombarded with French words. The book might be about the French however not about learning the language. My advice to the Americans: if you're looking to loose weight, stop eating chemically processed food, wearing Chanel clothes will hardly make you chic and no, not every French woman really does wear designer, and for God's sake stop looking up to the French because they will not loose the weight for you.

It does not matter to me if Anne Barone is not a doctor, dietician or scientist--her diet and life mentality works for her and seems to be working for thousands of French women. There is no famous study backing up her opinions just the old common sense adage--if it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck etc., than it must be a duck. In the same way, if eating cheese, butter, eggs, and bread does not put weight on the French, then it can certainly do the same for you. Anne Barone, in a fun breezy style, explains how to take the French lifestyle of shopping for just enough food, buying fresh and real products, eating slower over a longer period of time by taking smaller bites and using the continental manner of using a fork and knife, so that you too can be fitting into those wonderfull slim black skirts and form-revealing white blouses accented with a pretty scarf or antique pin. Sounds to good to be true? The key as with all things is moderation and good judgement. Anne explains how to think about your eating habits in ways that will help you to maintain good health while eating sumptious meals. In this, her second book, she actually gives portion sizes and sample recipes as well as additional information comparing American ways with those of the French regarding the six major lifestyle departments of culture, being a woman, personal style, cuisine, shopping and home decor, and love--ooh la la!

I find myself referring to this book just before I go to bed and have had time to mull over the events of the ending day--I try to tally up what I did to enjoy my life better, if I ate slower, took smaller bites, decided against that extra bite of pie-- and I find that this time to myself helps me to encourage myself because I know I am on the correct road to health and well-being. How can I not be? Eating real food--not boxed convenience meals? Taking enough time to know when I am full and then stop just beforehand. Yes, it can be done and Anne encourages you along the way with her stories, examples and anecdotes. I recommend this book to all women who want to feel like women and look like those women who turn men's heads! Brava Anne---I look forward to your next book and hope you do a seminar in my neck of the woods soon.

This book focuses on the French Paradox. The French eat all this amazing food that's high in fat, rich, indulgent, yet they remain a much thinner culture than those of us in the US, who eat low-fat everything. Barone attributes this to many factors, primarily feelings of love and passion for food, rather than feelings of guilt. Part of French culture is taking time and care to go to the market, select the best ingredients, and to prepare food lovingly, rather than grabbing a low-fat (and probably unsatisfying) micro-meal of bowl of cereal. They French savor their food and take time with it. As a result, they are satisfied with smaller portions. They make sure to include courses such as soup, fruit, and cheese as part of their meal. These are filling, nutritious foods which keep entree sizes down. Another point Barone makes (which I really appreciate) is the focus on REAL food, instead of the foods we have here in the US now, whose ingredient listings take up half the box. Since reading this book, I have used my bread machine to make some French bread, which is cheaper and much better than sliced bread from the store. I had already given up on presliced bread, but I was buying it at the grocery. Now, I've gotten one step closer to real food! Barone also suggests shopping more often for only a few days at a time. This means food is as fresh as possible. This seems time-consuming, but it isn't. It's really great! I bought some whole milk yogurt and have been having it after dinner the last few nights with fresh blackberries. I add no sugar, and I relish every bite. It's heaven! The only complaint I have about this book is the section on men and relationships. I can't help but find the French "pout" childish and manipulative. I wasn't interested in that sort of advice when I bought this book, and I think it detracts from the book's overall message. In some arenas, French women are good role models. In the arena of relationships, I prefer my own experience to be my guide. Changing this aspect of one's own culturally-ingrained habits is nearly impossible and, in my mind, not desirable. The points Barone makes about relationships seem like stereotypes more than truth. Other than that, this is a great resource conveying an attitude about food that I hope American women can begin to embrace.

As part of a group read, I picked up a week late"Evelina" from my local library. I wasn't quite sure whatto expect - certainly this would be no Tom Jones, but it wouldn't be Austen either - however what I found was a pleasant epistolary jaunt through a young girl's first season out. A jaunt, which, although begun a week late was quickly finished two weeks early! Customary to 18th century novels, Evelina's history is somewhat romantic, both her guardian and the hero impossibly good (a refreshing novelty, if a little sappy in places. They were apparently active members in the Mutual Admiration Society), and the secondary characters ridiculously vulgar. As Burney's first novel, the work shows some awkwardness in construction, but is otherwise excellent. Readers of modern romances may find the heros a bit formal, and fans of Jane Austen may find the epistlotary form unbelievable, but both they and lovers of historical fiction would do well to invest in this book, which provides an excellent glance into the end of an era, and one charming heroine's attempt to muddle through it. END

Anyone who loves Jane Austen (and don't we all?) will certainly enjoy Fanny Burney's Evelina. Burney is really a precursor of Austen, but has unfortunately been completely overshadowed by the later novelist. In its time (1778) Evelina was a tremendous hit and shy Fanny Burney a celebrated author overnight. She was invited into the literary circle of Samuel Johnson, became a reluctant lady-in-waiting to Queen Charlotte because of her celebrity and at age 41 married a refugee from the French Revolution, thus becoming Madame D'Arblay (check out her interesting diaries). The subtitle of Evelina (The History of A Young Lady's Entrance into the World) says it all: Evelina is an innocent and naive young girl, who suddenly finds herself in unfamiliar London society, surrounded by suitable and not so suitable suitors and a host of other characters. Lots of misunderstandings and perilous situations block Evelina's road, but don't be surprised to find humour and suspense as well, for the continuing question is of course whether Evelina will survive Society unscathed. Even though the pace of a novel more than 2 centuries old may be a bit slow for some, this is something you get used to soon enough: the novel contains far too much life, fun and social commentary too be dull.

The mention of Ms. Burney in Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey is what originally drew me to this book and it has, without a doubt, become a personal favorite.

Evelina is our heroine, sent to town by her guardian to enter society. Her guardian, who raised her after her mother faced an unfortunate early demise, is a country parson. Evelina's father, of noble blood, is guilty of denying his legal marriage to her mother and essentially putting her out on the streets, and has refused to acknowledge or support Evelina through the years. She has now grown to a great beauty and has been raised with a very innocent and gentle disposition.

When thrown into the midst of a worldly London society, she faces one embarrassing circumstance after another. Surrounded by nothing less than idiots, she is faced with many situations which require wisdom and guts. Not unlike Bridget Jones's Diary, Evelina's story is told through letters, which may make this period novel easier to read for some, but may also at times be confusing if you forget who is writing to whom. This letter format can also seem unrealistic at moments but is forgiven as easily as we forgive some of the unrealistic format of "Bridget Jones". Another note, there are so many passes in this book that singletons could almost use it as a field guide to the world of men.

There are some twists throughout to keep your mind turning and your heart flying and sinking. At times, this lighthearted novel is incredibly moving (i.e. Evelina's reunion with her father)and of course, the ending is sweet and satisfying.

Overall, Jane Austen's inspiration is a marvelous, lovely, and surprisingly modern read.

I was born in 1950 and spent my days in Central Islip until I was 25. Being able to find documented history of this little hamlet enables one to hold on to an important part of their past. My grandmother came over from Ireland at the very early part of the century, as did many Irish imigrants. The draw was employment in the State Hospital on the south end of town. After meeting my grandfather they had two daughters, both still living. My mother is 84 and my aunt is 77. My mother still lives in town. As you can see, my family has its own history in Central Islip. Growing up in the 50s and 60s was very innocent in Central Islip. There were no malls until the mid 60s so you got to know the store owners in town. Some of them even had children in your classes. Many of the hospital employees knew each other. I myself, worked in the State Hospital on the Grounds Department for about 3 years and witnessed the change in downsizing. Every one of my immediate family also worked in the hospital, several of them retiring from there. The stories told to me by my grandmother, mother and aunt, especially my aunt, were facinating. Right out of the movies. My grandmother has a stained glass window dedicated to her in the Episcopal Church. I got to know many of my family's friends who were local businessmen. Being able to have a pictorial account of the business areas in town before one of the main roads was widened is very precious. Learning about the history of the village and how it progressed actually tales you back to that time. There's a wealth of memories from all the buildings that comprised the business area. Though disappointing to see the buildings go in the wake of progress, this book helps to remember those days for my generation, our parents and grandparents. The town has dramatically changed in the last 50 years and yields a new approach to small communities. This book is very informative and gave me a warm, fuzzy feeling. Thanks Sister Anne.

Last night, having decided spur of the moment to make a special meal, I pulled out my newest favorite cookbook, Burgundy Gastronomique, with results far more impressive than my paltry cooking skills deserve.

I like this book for several reasons:

1. The recipes are simpler and more accessable than most serious French cookbooks, but the results taste like you slaved for hours.

2. The photos of food and the Burgundy countryside are so beautiful you could lose yourself and forget to make dinner.

3. The book gives fascinating background information on traditional Burgundian foodstuffs (Dijon mustard, gherkins, Bresse chickens, various cheeses, etc.).

There's also some cursory text on Burgundy's famous wine districts but anyone with a serious interest in Burgundy wines and terroir should look elsewhere for in-depth info.

A few of of the regional specialties aren't readily available at your local supermarket, which shouldn't be a problem if you don't mind substituting ingredients (prosciutto in place of Morvan ham, for example). The book is organized around smaller regions within Burgundy, which is great for those who primarily want to learn about the area or who read cookbooks cover to cover, but less efficient if you're in a hurry and just want to compare poultry recipes. Fortunately, in addition to the regular index, there's a helpful list of recipes in the back that's organized by category.

All in all, I keep coming back to this book and like it so much that I'm planning to look for more in the same series.

Anne-Marie-Louise d'Orleans, duchess de Montpensier, who was always called "La Grande Mademoiselle", has been a figure who has facinated French historians for centuries - unfortunatley, there have not been many books in english about her eventful life.

Born in 1627, Mademoiselle was the first grandchild born in the royal family of France for several centuries. She was destined to be a matrimonial pawn for her family because of her closeness to the throne and the immense fortune she inherited from her mother. She was in her time, the richest woman in France and it's greatest heiress.

We have been fortunate that Mademoiselle thought to write her memoirs during her lifetime. These have been used as the basis for this book. However all her assertions and ommissions have been cross-checked. The author presents a fairly straightfoward accounting of the princesses life. From her early years and the inattention of her father, Gaston (to whom she owed her royal position) and her conflicts with the court, to her later disgrace and exile and grand love of the Sun King's courtier Lauzun.

At the end of the book are three lengthy appedix' (or essays more correctly) dealing with Mademoiselle's writings and her much coveted fortune.

The only complaint I have about this book is that despite lengthy sections dealing with Mademoiselle's writings we actually hear very little of her voice in it. We are given a fairly objective view of her life by the author, but it could possibly have been enhanced by at least one section which let Mademoiselle speak for herself.

One earlier english work on Mademoiselle "La Grande Mademoiselle" by Francis Steegmuller, 1956 reproduces her written "self portrait" and this book is worth looking up for that alone.

Aside from the text it is nice to see such a well bound and produced book as this with nice study covers and acid free paper - designed to last the test of time. A timely reivew of this very active princess' life.