The story of William Ray's is not entirely unique to Civil War history although his personal account brought forth by four years of great diary keeping brings the soldier daily grind to the forefront. Ray's story is seldom full of action and captures the daily life of a young man of Wisconsin heritage fighting for the Union in the Army of the Potomac. What flavors this monotonous story is that it truly brings the hard lifestyle of 19th Century soldiering to 21st Century readers. This is an excellent book for historians looking to understand soldier thinking. Ray writes about camp life, rumors, gossip, money, family, drill, picket duty, sickness, friends and the "hurry up and wait" philosophy of being an infantry soldier for the Union during the Civil War. Ray's coverage of his fighting is brisk although many times his writing may have been tamed by the fact that he may have been writing with family in mind. He may have not wanted his family to know the hard battle details in the event of his death where his diary could be discovered and sent home with his belongings. Injured on several occasions such as the Battle of Gettysburg and The Wilderness, Ray enhances his story to give this book added information. He writes about his wounds, healing, being sick and helping his fellow soldiers. We are lucky to have such a large diary written which covers four years of the war. From his enlisting, re-enlisting and final discharge Ray offers us a priceless look at a common infantry soldier. His diary notes of the Siege of Petersburg and the mine explosion was very interesting. The ugly daily life of trench warfare certainly painted the struggle at hand. Ray also gives us a definitive look at how the South was truly struggling as of 1864 and when 1865 rolls around he writes about Confederate deserters coming across the lines on a daily basis. This information is seldom covered from a soldier's perspective and it is vital for those looking to understand the mentality of an everyday soldier who by 1864 was a proud Veteran of the boys of '61. This book is also an excellent and valuable reference tool for those trying to learn about the Iron Brigade and more importantly the 7th Wisconsin. A true historian could use a greatly documented book such as this in their library. 5 STARS!!!!!

Collaboratively edited by Lance Herdegen (Director of the Institute of Civil War Studies, Carroll College, Waukesha, Wisconsin) and Sherry Murphy (great-great granddaughter of William Royal Ray) Four Years With The Iron Brigade: The Civil War Journal Of William Ray, Company F, Seventh Wisconsin Volunteers is a powerful, personal testimonial of America's deadliest war as seen from a fighting unit thrust in the core of strife and horror. Drawn from a series of nineteen personal journals kept by Ray and begun just two days before he was to leave for the battlefield frontlines in 1861, this remarkable account offers an eye-witness depiction ranging from the daily boredom of camp life to the ravages of disease, shortages of food and clothing, and the gruelling bloodshed of battle. Four Years With The Iron Brigade is both a testimonial to the power of the human spirit to endure and as close a look at what war is truly like as is possible to find without putting oneself in physical danger. Four Years With The Iron Brigade is a very highly recommended addition to the growing number of primary source histories for Civil War Studies reading lists and academic reference collections.

This book based upon the wartime diaries of a common soldier in the Seventh Wisconsin Volunteers is a required read for anyone interested in the everyday life of the Civil War infantryman - especially good for re-enactors and living historians. Mr. Ray's daily entries highlight little known details of life in the Army of the Potomac throughout the entire war; he was one of the few soldiers who served at the front for all four years in spite of being wounded three times. The book reads as much as a human interest story as an historical document containing many fascinating bits of Americana.

For me chapter one alone is worth the price. As a group facilitator, Hellinger's insight on the how the system balances and how to approach it from the practitioner's point of view reveals a lot of system thinking in family/group situation. I particularly appreciate he sees his role as a Tao Master, which is really doing something by doing nothing. This book is now in Chinese and we have a study group and an on-going practitioner's group around the topic.

With the wisdom of a sage, Hellinger takes on psychotherapy, conventional beliefs about relationships and what is commonly accepted between family members and lovers in their relationships. Hellinger's message is one of humility in accepting what is, especially the natural order of relationships. For instance, rather than bemoaning an abusive father, Hellinger will stand by the victimizer and have the victim, a son or daughter, humbly acknowledge the father for being the father and to place the circumstances as secondary. In this action, the natural order of the relationship becomes untangled. Hellinger is more interested not in details but in finding what works in resolving problems. The past is past, he seems to say with each page's turn, and focusing on making things right is his intent.

From my personal work, I have seen how this work is indeed powerfully effective, and because of Hellinger's non-linear, often intangible approach, he is a controversial and immensely popular figure in psychotherapy. This review does not do this book or Hellinger's work justice. In reading Love's Hidden Symmetry, I found myself reading only a small section, then putting down the book to sit with whatever I had just read. Each section is worth more than the space on its page, in other words. It took some time to complete it, and a better understanding of what he says will probably only come in time and in multiple readings. Hellinger's work talks precisely about being humbled by each other and our processes and how things work as they do. Moreoever, through his readings and family constellations I have discovered how powerfully my lineage influences who I am. The brilliance of this work is in its systemic significance: how noted events, such as war or murder, can have lasting effects transgenerationally.

My only criticism his is limited inclusion about environmental factors and the role of civilization in contributing to individual psychological problems; this area is not seeming to be his focus. Instead, Hellinger, a master psychotherapist, appears more interested in redirecting our entangled relationships with each other. I leave my first reading of this book still intent on people finding healthier ways to live, rather than just necessarily focusing on their healing; at the same time, I am blown away by what Hellinger does for the individual and family end of things. It is simply unlike no other I have been exposed to before.

Love's Hidden Symmetry is a book that will change your life. Bert Hellinger's wisdom, the love that shines through everything he says and does will touch the reader's soul. His work with family constellations is the most effective, gentle and graceful tool for re-creating harmony in our troubled family lives. A must for anyone interested in therapy and personal growth.

Frank Arjava Petter, author

This is such a great book, its so small yet filled with so much helpfull information and advice, I STRONGLY recomend this book to just about anybody. Read the first Part of the 2 book series and then the second and I garantee you will love these 2 books. After reading them, I simply stoped and thought about what i just read, and the information in them is so helpfull and can be applied to just about anything you are going through, it just gives you a whole new way of looking at the world. This book preatty much turns your way of looking at life upside down. One thing though, im 17 and I have never really read anything with such a good positive message to it. And its interesting to read too. So if this is something i liked, this will surely be something you will LOVE !! Take care.

this is the greatest book i have ever read, though i only fowllow half of the book instructions(my father's stroke broke my progress ), i benefit a lot from the book, especially the attitude to the world and human. now i am no longer the boy who feel the world treats him unfair, but a guy feel the world is full of love,and readiy to help anyone who needs help

The story was interesting and well written and the scrolls were magnificent. These truths we all know but putting it together so precise and succinctly was masterful!!!

It is refreshing to read genuine literature in an age of popular fiction. Victor Brook's writing combines imagination with interpretative meaning in each of his short stories. These stories appeal to the inner soul and are adventures in life at its best, at its worst, and in the extraordinary. "A Ceiling with Lizards," for instance, is captivating and evokes thought about why the protagonist ever went to India. The mystery behind each story leads you further into the mind of Victor Brook and encourages you to read more. Victor Brook is an artist with words, and his stories are straightforward and characteristic of literature, which belongs to a generation of uniquely gifted authors.

These are stories for study, for re-reading, for analysis, for plumbing the depths of both human experience and the art of writing. Especially, these are stories for sharing with other lovers of REAL literature, those who are able to undertake an analysis of the nature of reality. Challenge yourself!

Coupling beautiful imagery with eloquent stream of consciousness writing, Victor Brook explores life and humanity in a way that is both refreshing and captivating. His ingenious insights will undoubtedly make a lasting impression on every reader. This book is a must for anyone who wants to understand life in a new and profound light.

Less an autobiography and more a series of reflections, philosophies, and anecdotes, I'd Hate Myself In The Morning is a slender but superb work by one of the most underrated writers America has ever produced. I say underrated because he was not only competing with the legacy of his famous father, but also because of his experiences with the blacklist and his subsequent emergence from that period, all of which Lardner discusses with a candor that is very engaging, honest, and thought-provoking. In noting that he passed away shortly after the book was published, it casts a very eerie, but not creepy, shadow over the last chapter in which he discusses his views on mortality and death. A very quick read and well worth it.

Like most people I first came to know the work of Ring Lardner, Jr. through his Oscar writing screenplays for 1942's "Woman of the Year," the film that introduced Spenser Tracy and Katharine Hepburn, and for 1970's "M*A*S*H." It was only later that I learned Lardner was much more than a writer, since his greatest moment of personal triumph and tragedy was his refusal to name names to the House Un-American Activities Committee during the Red Scare. Larder served a one-year sentence for his act and this memoir details his entire career in Hollywood. These are the tales of someone who lived in and outside of the studio system and given what happened to him with the blacklist it is rather surprising to find Lardner telling his story without rancor or self-justification, let alone all the other emotions to which he was certainly entitled. Even without taking into account his personal Golgotha, "I'd Hate Myself in the Morning" is one of the best looks at the machinations of Hollywood during the decline and fall of the studio system you are going to find. This work is essentially a posthumous effort, which only underscores the ultimate irony that once again, circumstances have prevented the world from recognizing the worth of the man.

Ring Lardner, Jr. died shortly after the publication of _I'd Hate Myself in the Morning_ (Thunder's Mouth Press), at the age of eighty-five. He was the last of the famous Hollywood Ten, those who were jailed by the House Un-American Activities Committee for being Communists. He also landed on the blacklist, unable to get the studio work he had previously and lucratively enjoyed with Twentieth Century Fox. He was a hero to many, but his humorous, delightfully self-effacing memoir shows he didn't think he fit that role. He writes, "I try to suggest that we weren't as heroic as people make us out to be. It would be more analytically precise, it seems to me, to say that we did the only thing we could do under the circumstances."

Lardner's time in our nation's history, his membership in the Communist Party, and his work in the movies make this a unique memoir. Those who read his touching recollections will learn about screenwriting in a type of studio system that no longer exists, and about a type of Americanism (and American Communism) that also no longer exists. He writes with grace and amusement about his own mistakes and those of others. The wit that won him Oscars for _Woman of the Year_ in 1942 and _M*A*S*H_ in 1970 is clearly on display, as is a lack of rancor for how his nation and his fellow movie makers treated him. This book is a warm farewell.

I was very skeptical when I was given this book by a friend -- not anymore! Dr. August knows of what he speaks! He says things from the heart, and they really make you think about your life and whether you're happy -- or more than happy!

Anyone who wants to become their own dream date has to read this book! AOK! AOK! AOK!

This is the book for you. The one. I really recommend you try this because if you love yourself, and I know you do... you're going to want to try this. I lost 15 pounds by applying Directive Integration and Cyclical Possibility Establishment to my weight-loss programs. This is not a diet book, but a life book, but I am living proof that you can really use the ideas in Know "Thyself, SHow Thyself" to make real changes in your life!

Dr. Victor August really knows how to present his ideas in an engaging and entertaining format. You won't even notice how much you're learning until you discover how much better you can relate to all aspects of your life -- including yourself!

I recommend this book very highly. It's "AOK!"

Having little knowlegde of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, I failed to realize how drastically different the Disney version was from reality. The story does not focus on a loveable hunchback who finds happiness in the end, rather it is about the cathedral itself. The action and characters all feed off of Notre Dame and represent its values, but they are merely secondary aspects of the book. It is also a violent, depressing, and sometimes even erotic book, none of which of course comes through in a Disney movie.

Many things make this book an incredible read. The most obvious is the incredible prose. Hugo was a beautiful writer and his writing flows so smoothly. He also described with incredible detail the Paris of the late 15th century--the city's skyline, its culture, some of the notable people, and the issues of the day. He spent three years researching the book and he turned his noted into an historical epic. Finally, the action and characters of the book are well developed, exciting, and unique while still representing the values and controversies Hugo wanted to explore.

I originally picked this book up when I was in the 7th grade and was unable to make it more than 20 pages without giving up in frustration, but having more knowlegde of European history, a greater appreciation for literature, and more patience with a book that admittedly starts slowly, I am very glad I came back to it. I don't think this is a book that a young reader will find interesting--though the story itself is great so an abridged version would keep them reading--but any fan of great literature, beautiful prose, French history, architecture, or Victor Hugo will love this book if they give it a chance and do sit patiently while it revs up for 30-40 pages. I highly recommend it.

If you've only seen the film adaptations of this story, for heaven's sake read this jewel of a book! Hugo's ability to see into the hearts of people, especially those in states of degradation, is unequalled. His style, even in translation, is immensely powerful. The scene between Claude and Esmeralda in the dungeon is one of the most beautiful and heartbreaking bits of writing I have ever come across.

This is one of the greatest love stories ever written.

This masterpiece by Doctor Victor of Hamilton High School is the primary example of what makes modern literature so great. Replete with exciting sequences, surprise twists and turns, rich diction, and tone changes, this mystery book has had a gigantic impact on me. Its eloquent account of the adventures of Holmes and Watson, with their searing downfalls and courageous successes, proves once again that Hamilton High School is the greatest school ever and that Doctor Victor is the best teacher ever. No, I don't need an A (I graduated in 1998); all I want is to pay homage to the great author of the suspensful thriller. Doctor Victor, We remember you and love you. I think this goes for everyone.

I'm in Dr. Victor A.P. class and although I haven't read the book the plot and story line sound interesting. I will soon buy the book and add it to my collestion of books which will be a pleasure to have. Get one of the best books of the 20th century. Hey all in the class and to you Dr. Victor! This should be an "A" in the class,don't you think Dr.Victor. Per.3 "01"

Dr. Daniel Victor is one of the greatest authors of the 20th century. His use of diction and syntax in all the right place makes The Seventh Bullet enjoyable to read. Also I am in his AP English class and could really use a good grade in that class. Whatever my fellow classmate Mike said is all true. Casey Per. 3 '01

I have used this book for two years now and found it helpful with lots of practical information. Implementing the lessons will require the lesson plans(not included) to fully utilize the contents of the book. This book is Sport based and Standards based. There are 36 weekly lessons which gives the program lots of structure. The author assumes you have enough space (indoor & outdoor) to teach the program. The cost of equipment can be high although there is a pretty good section on "How to make your own" equipment. I believe this book is a good resource, chapters are organized and mirror the weekly lesson plan book.

I have this book, and really think that it has a vast ray of information that helps the Physical Education Teacher prepare a developmentally appropriate Lesson.

Horrified as I am with the outrageous price of textbooks, I do everything I can to find books that are as affordable as possible for my students. I have looked and looked for a textbook or combination of textbooks that cover this material as effectively as Pangrazi does. This is the best book out there. There's more in this book than the average classroom teacher in a school with a PE Specialist is ever going to need, but any teacher building his or her library should have this reference on hand. Gone are the days when the classroom teacher organizes many playground games (in fact, recess is sadly disappearing altogether in our area)but the sections on the Instructional Process, Personal Health Skills, Program Implementation and Wellness are going to be useful references for any K-9 teacher for years. I'm pairing it with Interdisciplinary Teaching through Physical Education, (1998, Human Kinetics). Once you start looking around, you'll find that this book is actually a real bargain.

Trader Vics cocktail book is a important collection for any serious bartender, its an era, a school of thought that must be remebered and no one tells it better that Vic himself. The book contains humourous stories and tips. The downside to it is that none of the ingredients are official, but understanably were aware that no one tells their secrets. very well written, and surely a book that you can compare to and rreview several times over. A must.....

Fantastic bar guide, covering all standard, and tropical drinks. Learn how to make drinks that taste great, and work great! One note, various editions exit, older ones do not containt the recipe for the famous Mai Tai, newer ones do not give the TRUE recipe, but rather say "use Trader Vic's Mai Tai Mix" (similar for other drinks). TO get all recipes, with BASIC ingred. I suggest buying multiple editions of this text. Learn how to make Hot Buttered Rum Batter, Mai Tai's, Navy Grog, the REAL way!

Great Reading, Great experimenting, Great drinks....

A Must for the hobby bar tender!

I found a copy of this book in a box in the garage. This is THE book for mixing a wide range of drinks.

I have to guard my copy to keep friends and family from walking off with it. If you are into anything from simple bar drinks to frou-frou boat drinks (I recommend the potted parrot and rum keg) this the book for you.