The delightful tale finds Albert Campion working his way through a Chinese puzzle of fashion designers, theatrical and entertainment people trying to solve the disappearance and death of the son of a friend. Richard Portland-Smith, a successful attorney, engaged to the beautiful actress Georgia Wells, disappeared without a trace several years ago, and his remains have finally been found by Campion, apparently having committed suicide. Campion gets the help of his sister, Val, a well-known designer, in meeting the actress, hoping to unravel the reason for Richard's death.

Instead, Campion is drawn into the glittery world of high fashion and theater, where appearances are often confused with reality. When Georgia's husband Sir Raymond Ramillies dies under suspicious circumstances Val is implicated and Albert goes into high gear. He uncovers one ugly secret after another, but the pieces never seem to quite fit together. Motives such as blackmail, greed, drugs and jealousy all abound but Campion is unable to pinpoint a suspect who has both means and opportunity.

This is one of Allingham's longest novels, and certainly is the most complex. It provides glimpses into London's fashion and theatrical world as well as some shattering demonstrations of the prejudices and flaws of the Great Britain's rich and famous. Written in 1938, the book reflects the morality of the times. A sensitive reader may find some statements that are, to put it mildly, politically incorrect. These are unfortunate, and provide an insight into the thinking of the upper classes on either side of the Atlantic, but should not be permitted to detract from the overall quality of the novel.

One of the special delights of this novel is the reappearance of Amanda Fitton, heroine of the "The Gyrth Chalice Mystery." She comes to Albert, seeking help, after a hiatus of six years, and manages to become engaged to him in the space of one evening. She becomes Campion's loyal, if irreverent, assistant and very nearly steals the whole novel. Lugg also gets in his share of grumping and grousing. "The Fashion in Shrouds" is one of Allingham's best, serving up mystery, humor, suspense and social commentary in great big, heaping doses.

Fashion in Shrouds, an Albert Campion mystery, is an exceedingly well-written mystery novel that functions equally well as whodunnit and character study. While many mysteries focus around theater and theater people, Allingham's look at their characters lacks either sentimentality or malice, and provides one of the most focused and accurate portrayals that I've ever read.

The Fashion in Shrouds is a wonderful novel and one of Margery Allingham's best Campion mysteries. One of the things that distinguishes it from your run-of-the-mill mystery is that it focuses clearly (and sometimes brutally) on the main characters and subtly draws the reader into their world. The author also provides some stunningly honest viewpoints on relationships between men and women that are relevant and insightful even today. A great book.

This is a great book for those who want to carry a concise reference on fishing. The book is easy to read and locating information is no problem.
I try to not leave home without a copy!

"Golden Books" were great for my children and grandchildren, and now their "Fishing", "A Guide To Fresh and Salt-water", book helps me with salt-water fish identification and tackle preparation. I have recently relocated to the S.C. coast and do a lot of salt-water fishing. With all of the rules and regulations relative to fish size and limits, "Fishing" comes in handy in identifying the fish caught so as not to run afoul of the "man" by having the wrong fish in the creel.

A powerful, pocket-sized introduction to the wide world of fishing. Excellent, extensive illustrations. I loved this book when I was a kid, and it still holds up well. I recommend it for anyone, child or adult, who is new to the angling arts.

I have read most all of Enid Blyton's books, esply her adventure series of Famous Five, The Five Find-Outers and dog, and also her three boarding school series. Most children outside the US read a lot of her work. Her work is not only creative, thus appealing to children, but it establishes fundmental concepts of right and wrong, and a simple code of ethics. Some would call it old-fasioned, maybe. But in this world of violence, Ms Blytons books are a breath of fresh air. Wish they were available in the US!

I read all of Enid Blyton's books as an American child living in Pakiston in the late 1960's. I loved every one of them. I am now trying to find another children's series by Blyton called, "Mallory Towers" a schoolgirl series. There were six books in the series. END

I am german and have read probably all Enid Blyton Books around, they are very popular in germany. My favorite serises of hers was the five friends, it is about friendship, it is mystery, it is catching and it makes you want to read..like all of her books this one is a great present for any occassion and a TUMBS UP! I wish more of her works were available in the United States.

I've owned a copy of this book for over 25 years, purchasing it in the early 1970's. As an owner of a Model A Ford, I wanted more information about the car and its history. This book has an amazing amount of information about the Model A and its birth, changes over the 4 year production run, and great original factory photographs and charts.

The thing that amazes me most about this book is that, even today after almost 30 years after its original publication, the accuracy of what the authors wrote when the book was first published is outstanding! These 3 fellows REALLY did their homework.

If you only own 1 book on the Model A Ford, I recommend this one.

Best Model A book around. Lots of photos and information not found anywhere else. Got a copy on loan from the library, and would buy a new copy to keep if it was still in print.

I need informatio

It is unfortunate that the Omnibus of Sources has become increasingly difficult to get one's hands on, yet this collection of the works of Francis and Clare is a splendid alternative. Francis and Clare articulate such an incredible vision of what it means to enter into the mystery of Christ. Perhaps the most splendid account in this collection is Francis' words to Brother Leo on what constitutes true joy. These texts are excellent for anyone wishing to embrace Christ by way of the example of the Little Poor Ones of Assisi. An excellent supplement to this text is "Franciscan Christology" published by the Franciscan Institute in Bonaventure, New York. Pax et Bonum.

I consider this volume a "must have" for anyone interested in Franciscan history and spirituality. The content, translations, and notes provide a very fine background in the original writings of Francis and Clare.

Until the Omnibus of Sources returns to "print," this is the best primary souce material available.

Wow! This book has to be my favorite in "The Classics of Western Spirituality" series so far. Francis and Clare of Assisi's know writings are all collected here. This is wonderful source material rarely found in its entirety elsewhere. Francis and Clare are given their own excellent introductions. This is an indispensable resource that is very nicely done. Buy it.

The most interesting book I have ever read on the life of Bacon. This book is for both the new student to Bacon, as well as more seasoned researchers. A must read for all people interested in the enlightenment and advancement of mankind. Come with an open mind!

This book finally unravels perhaps the greatest story never told.

Alfred Dodd was a 20th century Englishman and Mason who has written the finest biography ever published of Francis Bacon and his times. . Every English literature course should have this book as required reading if it was required to know who Shakespeare really was.

The "Francis Bacon's Personal Life Story" champions the exemplary character of Francis Bacon and his extraordinary commitments to English literature, science and the making of a better world.

Dodd's book informs both the new student to the subject as well as advanced researchers on the historical relationship Bacon had with Masonry, Rosicrucianism, the authorship of Shakespeare, his Tudor identity and tumultuous relationship with Queen Elizabeth, Burleigh and Cecil, Essex, and other key Elizabethans by presenting Bacon as the guiding spirit behind the Renaissance period. The book which was once published as two separate volumes covers the Queen Elizabeth and King James eras.

The author has culminated a life long study with historical references and insights that surpass all mainstream biographies of Bacon. Dodd also portrays the underlying censorship of the Elizabethan times. It may be interesting to note that in today's prevailing attitude in the academic world, the press, and other institutions entrusted with archives that Shakespeare authorship issues are downplayed as insignificant or amusing fads. This book will educate the public while changing attitudes about Bard politics

I thought this biography was detailed mostly around this film. On page 262, first paragraph, I think Mr. Coppola would agree to mention the fact that "The Chief Phillips" made a life last attempt to end Willard after getting speared on the boat by Kurtz's mongrules. Overall, the book was a manificant biography of a Itailian-American film maker of our time.

...and I hope he stays that way. Francis Ford Coppola is one of the inspirations of my life. His energy and enthusiasm for what he does outshines even the projects many might deride. One thing you have to say is at LEAST he puts his all into what he does, and I'd imagine no one would doubt this. PS: WHEN is the UNCUT version of "One From the Heart" going to be issued on DVD?

I work for Francis Coppola today and know him pretty well. Michael Schumacher's book really captures the spirit and energy of this facinating and complex man. I have read most of the other Coppola books and none combines an understanding for both the human and artistic side of Francis.

This book, like no other I have read, reflects the passion, energy and chaos of the Coppola world. I can tell you from the inside there is no more exciting experience than being part of the Coppola energy. Francis loves to tackle the "impossible" and never gives up. I particularly like this book because it is clear that the author, like myself, has great respect for this whirlwind of a man.

This is a very useful book to everyone who want to understand the main issues of Genesis like the Criation, the Fall and the Flood. Schaeffer apply the understanding of Genesis to our modern life. This way we can see how relevant is Genesis nowadays. If you are serius about Bible studying you should read this book.

"Genesis in Space and Time" is the fifth book of Schaeffer's that I have read. What impacted me the most was, in perfect Francis Schaeffer style, an uncovering of the big-picture, overall themes and structure of Genesis with an emphasis on the unity that consistently is woven throughout. He sees past the particulars of the Genesis narrative and manages to get his arms around the book as a whole; just like he does with culture or philosophy in his other books.

Schaeffer points out that separation is a key theme of Genesis. It is seen over and over; the light is separated from the darkness, the waters above from the waters below, man from the rest of creation, separations that occur because of the fall (man from man, man from nature, man from himself, nature from nature) and the chosen seed of Israel from the unchosen. These separations always begin with the broad, overall picture but then zoom in on the main point. Schaeffer notes, for instance; that the creation of the universe is given first in broad strokes, then the creation of Earth, the creation of life on Earth is gone over quickly, but then we have much detail regarding the creation of man, the descendants of Cain and Seth are given with Cain first, then Seth, because it is Seth's descendants that become Israel the chosen seed, and so on. Microcosm within microcosm. Always the less important is given first, dealt with and gotten out of the way. It is a beautiful pattern that I never saw until reading this book.

Also, Schaeffer has a great description of the first two chapters and how they communicate two primary attributes about God: His infinity and His personality. The infinite-personal God seems to be one of his favorite topics throughout his writings. Another major thrust of the book is authorship and arguments against multiple-authorship.

All in all it was very well done and I highly recommend it to anyone who has enjoyed anything else Francis Schaeffer has written, or anyone who wants to seriously consider the ancient book of Genesis and what effect it has on us today.

There is so much more I could say...

This is an excellent book that gives the reader clear picture of how God worked to accomplish his grand Creation. It was my first glimpse of a God who created everything that is - from nothing. No formless mass, no promordial soup, no cosmic lava - but bothing. As FS states so well, the earth was created from "nothing nothing". Five stars because it is "Great food for thought and presents a clear explanation of the roots needed for a truly biblical worldview."

I have had this book on my shelf since 1985 (sorry Amazon.com, but it was before you were around) and was fearful of picking it up. The title, along with Franky Schaeffer's book Addicted to Mediocrity, and Franky's eventual abandonment of evangelical brand of Christianity for Eastern Orthodox, led me to believe that this might be a screed against evangelicalism. How silly was my fear. This book is a treasure!

Humbly written, full of love, strong in conviction, Dr. Schaeffer sounds a warning to all Bible-believing evangelicals of a form of theology that has, in many people's opinion, infected and killed the mainline denominations in the beginning of the 20th century. His is a warning against the Modernist (or Neo-orthodox) theology that questions Scriptural authority in matters of history and science (the cosmos).

This book is not meant as a proof text against liberal theology. It is directed at those who already believe in the infallibility of the Bible, but who are sleeping while Neo-orthodoxy spreads like a virus through out evangelical institutions. It is a call to action on behalf of those who care about the purity of the Church.

It is much more than a typical Fundamentalist call to arms though. Schaeffer places equal importance on the value of LIVING like we believe the Bible is infallible. He states with great humility, that evangelical accommodation to the spirit of our age is to blame for the negligible cultural impact we have had. This accommodation has harmed the Bible's authority every bit as much as Neo-orthodoxy. His is a call to be as ready to LIVE the Bible (with humility, prayer, and love) as well as DEFEND the Bible.

But the best part about the book is the concluding chapter called The Mark of a Christian. It is a reprint of an earlier booklet that Schaeffer wrote and could not be better placed. If the challenge herein does not cause you to re-think how you love your fellow Christian, or how unified (or un-unified) we as Christians are, then you need to check your pulse to see if there is a heartbeat. It is a must-read for all who care about these things.

If you are a liberal theologian, this is probably not your cup of tea. Nothing in here will change your mind. It is not "evidence" for a conservative theology. It merely describes the consequences of such a liberal mind set. This is a message from the General to his troops.

Don't wait 17 years to read this. Read it now.

Schaeffer was as a voice crying out in the wilderness. In recent years the evangelical movement has incessantly turned to compromise after compromise. Schaeffer saw it coming, and said so very eloquently in this book. It is a must-read for anyone who has enough objectivity to look at how modern evangelicalism has failed.

Francis Schaeffer's predictions are coming true today! Schaeffer was an extraordinary apologist and evangelist. His ministry was rooted and grounded in the basic tenet that the Bible IS the Word of God. It is inspired and sufficient. He was one of the few to see that modern evangelicalism was quickly drifting from its biblical moorings. This volume points out numerous ways in which the church started to drift even during Schaeffer's lifetime. New authors such as David Wells are attesting to the validity of Schaeffer's well written prophecy. If you're interested in evangelicalism or the debate concerning the inerrancy and authority of the Bible then you will love this volume. This was the forerunner of all modern discussions concerning the church's constant need to be anchored in God's inspired Book--the Bible.

Join Mr. Cabot in a personal tour of his garden, as he brings the reader from place to place, stopping to admire his favorite things in each of his gardens. If you listen, he'll share some advice on how he solved some of his gardening problems, and introduce you to some friends that stop by. The book is quite pricey (I'll admit, I borrowed it), but the photos are so outstanding, and the writing so entertaining, it is definately worth the money. By the end, you'll feel as if you've made a new friend.

This is a man's true odyssey, making Ulysses look short on imagination. Mr. Cabot along with some of the most talented and imaginative landscapers around turned his place into a true dream of beautiful garden after garden. But his personality and what he loves really comes through. Lots of imagination went into different alles and infinite dream-like entries and exits. He worked with all the best people. Hobhouse is one of my favorites not to mention a few others. I could be very jealous but I am simply thrilled to be able to read it. It is long and full of superb photos and good writing. Makes other books that I love seem not quite as fabulous. Some of Cabot's friends look as though they would be a lot of fun at a cocktail party. Makes me want to buy a lot more land and keep going with determination to create a real series of outdoor Valhalas from France, Italy and England. Bravo, Mr. Cabot and all who helped!

This extraordinary book chronicles in great detail the development of Les Quatre Vents, an enchanting series of gardens within a garden--formal and informal, sunny and shady, subtle and overwhelming--on the St. Lawrence River in Charlevoix County, Quebec. Beautifully presented with hundreds of truly spectacular color photos and botanically accurate, yet highly personal and witty prose by the garden's creator, this is my favorite book on garden design since Marina Schinz's VISIONS OF PARADISE was published in 1985. The gardens are a multitude of horticultural delights including--
-Tiny alpines growing in the rocks.
-Glorious perennial borders with delphiniums that reach up to nine feet in a good year. It's no wonder the author states, "There is no such thing as too many delphinium."
-Not just lupines, but a lupine prairie that is just amazing from late June to early July.
-A white garden, of course!
-A woodland garden with seven species of meconopsis, a "plethora of primroses" of over 100 species and varieties, and "just about every woodland perennial we can lay our hands upon".
-A plentiful potager where eremurus, delphinium, and hollyhocks tower among the geometric plantings of vegetables.
-And even a rose garden.
There are also numerous water elements, both formal and informal, and an amazingly constructed waterfall, the construction of which is carefully documented.
There are several inspired architectural elements including the Pigeonnier with its reflecting pool--reminiscent of the Pin Mill at Bodnant--and a pair of fifteenth-century-style Japanese contemplation pavilions.
And of course, many sculptures, both classical and whimsical, are found throughout the gardens.
To call THE GREATER PERFECTION, which is as meticulously crafted as the garden it presents, a tour de force would truly be an understatement. Frank Cabot may modestly write that due to the cool evenings and foggy mornings of its maritime climate, "In my opinion there is no easier place to garden in eastern North America than Charlevoix County," but this spellbinding garden and chronicle are the result of an extraordinary vision and steadfastness which have been merely aided by a desirable climate!