I found this novel a delightful and interesting read. The inclusion of Buddhist spirituality, an amazingly international array of characters (even a Chinese Muslim (Uighur) tavernkeeper), and emphasis on the Native American experience, make this novel deeper and more meaningful than most other novels set in the American West. Though the plot is intriguing, the novel is at its best in depicting its colorful and diverse characters (Taylor, buoyant half-Indian, with a passion for music, who pairs up with Sun moon, beautiful Tibetan nun)and settings, from a Digger Indian village to Mormon Utah. Despite its realistic depictions of the racism and violence of the period, the story remains light-hearted and humorous. Sir Richard Burton, Nile explorer and drug addict, was particularly enjoyable. It would have been more interesting if his Sufi beliefs were explored a bit further, but of course he was somewhat of a side character.

Everything about this book kis great. Awesome and *original* story line, interesting historical facts, and wild adventure. This is the first book I've ever read by Blevins, and now I can't wait to order his other books, pronto. If you like historically based novels and unique :-) story lines, this is the book for you.

This book is a first person account of a perilous journey taken across the wild west. What makes this book unique is the company the teller keeps. A half breed of unknown origins is the teller, and he is in the company of a Tibetan nun whom he has fallen in love with, and a spy for the British--who's secretly practicing a 'heathen' religion! If you like westerns...try this one! It's a western with a twist!

SCOPE is more than a fantastic contribution to the growing list of military geography books; it is simply the best text available! SCOPE is leaps and bounds better than the Collins text. The approach of the authors is easily accessible. The combination of military history and military geography went over very well with my students who were mostly aspiring historians. Thanks to this text my students finished the semester with an understanding of how geography impacts military events and planning. I look forward to using this text in future classes and as a desk reference for myself.

A fresh approach to the study of Military Geography. Palka and Galgano truly understand the impact of geographic information on the conduct of military operations! Moreover, they clearly appreciate the changing nature of conflict and as a result have addressed the effect of geographic conditions across the full spectrum of military operations. From peacekeeping to small scale contingencies to all out war, they precisely address the range of geographic challenges encountered by military commanders in the past and the anticipated challenges of the future. The vignettes address key issues that the military leader must understand to make timely and accurate decisions.

Overall, this book is essential reading for the military leader and a must add to his professional library. Although this is a great military book, the geographic community and public in general would most certainly enjoy looking at classic military operations through a geographic lens. Additionally, all will benefit from the information presented as the traditional lines between peace and war continue to blur.

This is an essential book, for professional stewards and for students of our national and international responsibilities. It focuses our attention to the fundamentals of our current and forward conditions, all of which geography determines.

If we would understand the inner meaning of anything, we will start with the view of it by Military Geography -- and this book challenges us to achieve accurate, active understanding.

I think that students, no later than their twelfth year, should be offered this book for their basic development. For professionals in all fields it is an essential tool. The authors are top professionals, professors at our United States Military Academy, the world's premier institution for leader development.

This is one of those rare books that lifts you out of your chair and brings you along on a soaring journey to the natural world beyond the government office windows. It is written as a daily journal of nature explorations in and around Washington, D.C. and makes a perfect companion for any watcher of spring. The author was a keen observer of natural life when he wrote the book in 1945, and the watchful naturalist today will find much to celebrate in the wildlife that is still here today, and also much to mourn that has been lost in the intervening decades. No more do we have rafts of mergansers resting in the Tidal Basin, but Dyke Marsh is still the place to see waterthrushes, and herons still stop by the ponds on the Mall. Halle's eloquent musings on the question of "What is important?" are still relevant today, as the press and government continue to occupy themselves with matters of man-made events and ignore the real news happening all around us--the news of the actual world going about its business completely unconcerned with scandal or finance. Swans still fly south over government office buildings, and anyone who notices and rejoices in such happenings will find a true friend in this marvelous book.

Louis Halle reveals his soul in this evocative love letter to the stirrings of spring. Though set along Rock Creek and the Potomac River in and around Washington, this work will transport you away from this world into another time and place in which the sheer joy of seeing nature burst into color will overwhelm you. Close your eyes and have someone read this book to you and you will be able to smell the tidal waters and hear the wind in the marsh grass. Halle's book is pure pleasure.

This a book from another time which is still relevant to our day and age. The writer takes time from a boring desk job in wartime Washington to provide timeless observations about nature along the Potomac river as he experiences it in early morning bicycle rides. He indirectly puts man in his place and foretells many of the things environmentalists have rediscovered in the last 20 years. Highly recommended in general, but especially if you have any familiarity with the area around Washington, DC.

I really love this book ~ it is perfectly illustrated for children.

Peter Spier is one of my favorite illustrators of children's books. Here, his illustrations for three verses of Francis Scott Key's poem and song, "The Star-Spangled Banner," provide an excellent introduction for children to the meaning behind his famous lyrics.

I usually read this aloud to primary classes around a patriotic holidays. This year, because of our late school year, I read it for Flag Day. Since the words and historical setting are unfamiliar to most younger students, I have begun introducing this book with "The Story of 'The Star Spangled Banner,'" which can be found in "The Children's Book of America," edited by William J. Bennett. These two volumes make fine companions.

Even with this introduction, Key's text needs explaining, however with Spier's finely detailed illustrations, this task is much easier. Children love to examine the intricacies and they usually come up with some excellent comments and questions. On the page featuring Arlington National Cemetery, they ask about who died in battle, why some of the grave markers are stars instead of crosses, and why the flag is flying at half-mast.

Our copy of "The Star-Spangled Banner" is nearly worn out from heavy use. That should say something about the popularity of this excellent patriotic book.

our four-year-old claims this is his FAVORITE book. Perhaps it is because his mother chokes up and tears drop to her cheeks as she reads this book. We have found that this is an excellent read-aloud and has stretched our four-year-old's language skills in many ways. As if The Star Spangled Banner weren't moving enough, the arrangement of pictures flows along with the words of the song to create an image of heroics and bravery. In addition, little incidentals like soldiers feeding their horses and wet clothes hanging to dry aboard ship cause us to remember that these were real people fighting. Peter Spier mixes history with the present as he causes us to remember what these men were fighting for. We see schools and businesses, Arlington Cemetery and the Statue of Liberty, cities and rural farms, synagogues and churches, Amish buggies and a Friends Meeting House all as evidence of our cultural diversity. We also see that the fight continues as we witness a renovation project and scientists working in a lab. The first, second and fourth verses are illustrated. The pictures help the capable parent define words such as "conceals" and "discloses." In addition, the artwork contains so much information and story that conversation just develops as the book is read. There is an oustanding collection of Flags of America and a thorough history of the War of 1812. The words to all four verses of the Star Spangled Banner and the music by J Stafford Smith follow. Peter Spier is becoming our hero as the author of our favorite children's books.

I love this book and, in fact, I'm buying copies to give to friends. The story of the ongoing conversion of the author is an example of the journey of any seeker of God: great awakenings, stumbles, doubts, reassurances, understanding.
The first portion of the book is compelling and hard to put aside. The other chapters, however, are so rich with material from additional sources that I found them best to meditate on, think of as you live your life, and then dip into once again. This is perfect as a devotional for the liturgical seasons of advent and lent.

When I pick up a book on spirituality, that is nearly 600 pages long, I find myself flipping back and forth, counting the number of pages I still have to read (yawn). Having admitted that, I will add that "religion" is probably my first choice when searching for new books. Conversely with this book, I found myself counting the pages to see how many pages were left, because I didn't want it to end. Straub takes us along on his spiritual pilgrimage. In his "Thoughts Scribbled While walking," we can almost chart his spiritual growth (like an ascending line on graph paper). This book will inspire you to follow his lead by pursuing a deeper relationship with God. I was skeptical upon reading his background as a TV/soap writer, but I found it (along with his honesty and humility),to lend credibility to his personal transformation . I have never read a book that inspired me to write the author to tell him how much his writing touched me. This is one author I would like to thank.

This is a book to be savored. As a resident of Southern California, I found his personal observations on the cultural values of Americans right on target. It's too bad this book may never make the N.Y. Times Best Sellers' List, it could change the world.

As St. Francis is a man for all Ages, This book can be read on so many levels. As a straightforward biography of Sts. Francis and Clare it offers a modern no nonsense rendering of the lives of Assisi's greatest progeny. The chapters on Francis and Clare have a spiritual depth that would enhance the formation and understanding of any inquirer into the lives and spiituality of these two great saints.

Straub's honesty and openness in describing his own personal journey from being an atheist to a believer with a special evangelical vocation, the insightful musings of his Pilgrim's Diary, the history of the churches of Assisi all add up to a tour de force. I believe this book will have a great appeal to the general reader in addition to those with a special love for Franciscan and spiritual themes.

Certain parts of the book radiate incandescently. The rule of synergy states that the "whole is greater than the sum of it's parts." And yet, there are so many "parts" in this book that seem to stand alone in excellence at least equal to the power and depth of the whole. The treatment of Francis' timeless elegy to his God's creations, The Canticle of the Creatures, is truly inspired. The poem's majesty is wonderfully underscored by Staub's personal reflections and those the of other writers quoted in praise and awe of St. Francis' spiritually poetic genius. In closing his reflection on the canticle with Fr. Eloi Leclerc's The Language of the Soul's Night, Straub poignantly illustrates how St. Francis was as relevant in elevating souls in the rawest and most dire moments of the twentieth century as he was in the past and, most assuredly, will be in the future.

A specific charism of the Franciscan is to be able to shed the layers of meaningless diversions, vanities and preoccupations that restricts us from either confronting or exposing the truths and essential realities of our lives. Straub is able, in the most literary and articulate fashion, to expose his spiritual (human) doubts and shortcomings as he grapples with the profound search for meaning in his life. His "inner life" is shared with the reader in the most intimate terms without apology or embarrassment. I felt priveleged to become a part of Straub's journey and reveled in the awareness of how much we humans have in common with each other.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is seeking growth in their spiritual life. Father Haase has combined the best of St. Francis and Thomas Merton to produce a very helpful, thought-provoking book. Chapter One, "Abba!,Father" talks about God's unconditional love for us. Fr. Haase quotes Merton: "We need to see good in ourselves in order to love ourselves. He(God)does not. He loves us not because we are good, but because He is." This is just an awesome thought!!

Read this book slowly and then read it again. There is so much in this book that I want to remember, that I found myself making notes in my spiritual journal several times during my reading. I now have to find time to read several of Thomas Merton's books that are quoted in this book.

I would also recommend "The Gift of Peace" by Joseph Cardinal Bernardin and "The Practice of the Presence of God with Spiritual Maxims" by Brother Lawrence.

Father Haase uses his life experiences to allow the reader to touch Jesus' words. Profound insights, enlightening. Thank you Father Haase for sharing your life with us.

"Calling on the century-spanning kindred spirits of Francis of Assisi and Thomas Merton as interpreters of the familiar words of the Our Father, Albert Haase takes us home. SWIMMING IN THE SUN brings the warmth, the intimacy, the majesty of our loving God face-to-face with the reader in a wonderful and unforgettable way. Rarely have we judges experienced so much wisdom, beauty and inspiration presented in such a short delightful book. It's very satisfying to go swimming with St. Francis and Thomas Merton with Father Haase as lifeguard."....The Judges of the 1994 Catholic Press Association's Catholic Book Awards, First Place for a First Time Autho

This book is fantastic! Seemingly hundreds of gorgeous paintings including lots of discriptions of the paintings and their meanings. Beyond that, the book puts the art work in historical perspective with an explanation of the life and times of the people who created the paintings.

Want to know the greatness of this work, just open to pages 94 and 95. Opposite each other on the two pages are the following: "The Angels of Night" by William Degouve de Nuncques in which "angels kiss in a ghostly, supernatural park" and "Satan's Treasures" by Jean Delville where "luxurious bodies lie sleeping among the seaweed and coral as Satan, with a dancer's agility, bestrides and takes possesion of them."

In my opinion, symbolism in art is one of the most interesting topics in the world. This book is a fitting tribute to the topic.

I picked up a copy of Michael Gibson's wonderful book at the largest exhibtion of Symbolist Art a few years ago in Toronto, and found it to be an excellent and thoroughly accesible introduction and overview of this fascinating and haunting art and the period of the "fin-de-siecle". The reader from AZ wants to know if there are any "better" books on the subject-- perhaps-- Phillipe Julien's classic "bible" of Symbolist Art, THE SYMBOLISTS and the follow-up, DREAMERS OF DECADENCE. In the early '80s Rizzoli/Skira published SYMBOLISTS AND SYMBOLISM, and in the '90's, Rizzoli published THE SYMBOLIST GENERATION, and Abrams published, THE SYMBOLISTS. All of these titles are beautifully produced, lavishly illustrated hardcovers that are unfortunately hard to find (and in good condition at a good price). Mr. Gibson's book seems to be readily available (in hc and pb), and it is truly a vaulable addition to anyone's art library, or to anyone curious about this beautiful school of art.

I owned this book in hardback a number of years ago and somehow lost it (probably loaned it to a friend). I was so glad to find it again. This book has great color pictures and a wide variety of well-known (and obscure) visual Symbolist artists, with an overview of other Symbolist art as well (music, poetry). I highly recommend this book over any other on the subject. If someone knows of a better book, please let me know!

I have personally had two different cosmetic surgery procedures and was anxious to see if I agreed with what the "girls" had to say about them. WOW - they know their stuff! Reading what they had to say about the feelings one goes through before, during, and after the procedure was exactly how I felt. I suggest this book to all women whether they're ready now or just contemplating cosmetic surgery - IT'S A MUST!

This book is highly recommended for anyone considering any type of cosmetic surgery. Well written and researched, it also includes moving personal accounts of those who have "been there" - from fears to triumphs. Actual before and after pictures (including the author's) attest to the astonishing results. A MUST READ, and entertaining to boot!

SMART, straightforward and savy ....more fun than laughing gas, and more entertaining than most fiction! I just couldn't get enough of the authors' war-story wit, wisdom, and down right wackiness, and ended up reading this book cover to cover in one sitting. Every woman out there who's ever even THOUGHT about Cosmetic Surgery should read this, because, as the book points out, "knowledge is power". And to all the women in the world who have never even ENTERTAINED the thought of cosmetic surgery, BOTH of you should read this book as well. Let's face it, it's human nature to be really afraid of the unknown. But, using no holes barred "straight talk" (no "Doctor Speak" here), the book seperates fact from fiction, rumor from reality, and warns what to expect if you opt for cosmetic surgery, and, more importantly, what NOT to expect. Filled with "real life" stories, both good and bad, the pages contain insider cautions and advise from lessions that are normally only learned the hard way! With unabashed and unpologetic political incorrectness, the authors' fearlessly hammer home the first and foremost imperative; finding the right doctor for your particular procedure. They make it amply clear that your results will only be as good as the doctor you choose, and provide detailed information, contacts and tips on how to find a surgical "artist" while advoiding the many "quacks", pointing out the following: "What do they call a medical student who graduates LAST in his class?.........Doctor." You'll laugh out loud and maybe even cry while reading "Two Girlfriends Get Real About Cosmetic Surgery",......but you won't be bored. SUMMARY: The literary answer to "must see T.V.".

Working in the medical field, I was especially enthralled with what a brilliant, diabolical story this was. The characters were sympathetic and warm, and the story didn't slow down for a minute. I've always enjoyed Frances Roe's books, but this was his best yet. If you like medical thrillers, or just thrillers in general, this is the book for you.

Dr. Fred Newsome is the head of a group practice in New Coventry, Connecticut. The group is debating whether to work with big insurance companies that would make everyone of them extremely wealthy. Fred opposes this idea while his friend and partner Dermott Spencer fully supports the concept. Fred is flying his plane to see a crony, who went through a similar experience. However, his plane crashes, leaving him dead.

A couple of years later, Dermott is in charge of the group, which is now affiliated with Lovejoy Hospital, a place whose vision is to have the world's most cost efficent health program without regard to the medical need or care required. Mike Richmond, an ethical resident, wants to join Spencer's group. He wins the approval of Dermott when he covers the man's bungling during surgery. Mike is quickly accepted into the practice, but soon realizes that he has joined a malignant entity capable of doing any evil necessary to survive. When Mike begins to ask questions, he finds that if he fails to shut up immediately he will lose more than what he recently gained. He could lose his life.

Frances Roe, known for her exciting thrillers, delivers a frightening glimpse into what is a very possible future state of health care. The chilling aspects of UNDER THE KNIFE lies in the basis of reality that money is the only determinant in health care decisions. Ms. Roe shows the ethical dilemmas confronting doctors by using her protagonist as a symbol of a practitioner trying to stay on the right road. Readers of medical thrillers and conspiracy theorists will want to read this medical equivalent to THE FIRM.

Harriet Klausner

Dr. Fred Newsome is the head of a group practice in New Coventry, Connecticut. The group is debating whether to work with big insurance companies that would make everyone of them extremely wealthy. Fred opposes this idea while his friend and partner Dermott Spencer fully supports the concept. Fred is flying his plane to see a crony, who went through a similar experience. However, his plane crashes, leaving him dead.

A couple of years later, Dermott is in charge of the group, which is now affiliated with Lovejoy Hospital, a place whose vision is to have the world's most cost efficent health program without regard to the medical need or care required. Mike Richmond, an ethical resident, wants to join Spencer's group. He wins the approval of Dermott when he covers the man's bungling during surgery. Mike is quickly accepted into the practice, but soon realizes that he has joined a malignant entity capable of doing any evil necessary to survive. When Mike begins to ask questions, he finds that if he fails to shut up immediately he will lose more than what he recently gained. He could lose his life.

Frances Roe, known for her exciting thrillers, delivers a frightening glimpse into what is a very possible future state of health care. The chilling aspects of UNDER THE KNIFE lies in the basis of reality that money is the only determinant in health care decisions. Ms. Roe shows the ethical dilemmas confronting doctors by using her protagonist as a symbol of a practitioner trying to stay on the right road. Readers of medical thrillers and conspiracy theorists will want to read this medical equivalent to THE FIRM.

Harriet Klausner

This book took me back, and walked me through California in the 1860s

This book is a lot of things. First, it's a marvelous description of what unmapped California was like--when Los Angeles had 4,000 inhabitants, and shootings every Saturday night. The physical descriptions of the state are very interesting. But it's also a sort of social record; Brewer stayed with families on his travels, and the description of life on these isolated homesteads is absorbing. Up and Down California is also, of course, an adventure story. Brewer and his companions traveled for four years, on foot, by horse, mule and steamer, throughout a vast and wild territory, sleeping outdoors in fine weather and foul. As I recall, the only time during this period when he was ill was when he spent a couple of nights in a hotel room! Last, the book is very moving; Brewer joined the California survey because of the death of his young wife and child in New England. The book is a compilation of his letters home to his family. After the survey was over he returned to Connecticut and had a very useful career in the new field of public health, as teacher and administrator. He was an honest man, a good writer, and dedicated public servant. The book is highly enjoyable, and it's not necessary to be a California to appreciate it!

Brewer was working for the Whitney survey of California's resources. The gold rush had slowed down, but excitment about finding new resources in California was at a fever pitch. I read the parts about New Almaden and New Idria first, because I am working at the New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum. Brewer's journals give very clear and interesting pictures of the mining towns at that time. Mary Halleck Foote's (Susan Ward's) letters of ten years later in "Angle of Repose" by Wallace Stegner, show a very similar picture . Brewer was a curious, brave and nice guy, so he had no trouble going wherever he wanted to go. All Californians should read this book.