This is an excellent, one-of-a-kind field guide. Not since the 1940s has any book on this area of the Pacific appeared, let alone such a beautiful, usable field guide. The illustrations, maps and text are both accurate and up-to-date. The authors, highly reputable ornithologists of international stature, are to be congratulated on their efforts in this little-known area of the Pacific, historically and currently beset with political strife.

Laura Solomon's Bivouac is one of the best collections of poetry published in 2002. The language is rich and plush and accented with a sly, intelligent humor. Each line is full of intricate surprises that make this reader want to go over the poems again and again. There are a lot of younger poets out there who are getting a lot of hype (T. Cole Rachel comes to mind) that don't quite deserve it. Ms. Solomon, on the other hand, is quietly going about her poetic business and is at the beginning of a most promising career. I'm certain that Bivouac will one day be a collector's item.

"The Bridal Wreath Bush," the new book from Alabama's preeminent storyteller Kathryn Tucker Windham, is a testament to the powers of simplicity and of truth. It is only a 32-page book, and this included beautiful illustratrations by Gadsden artist John Solomon Sandridge. Although this may give it the look of a children's book, its story is as adult as it is powerful. More than 70 years ago, Windham says her father told her the story of why the family had a bridal wreath bush in its garden. It is a story of love, tragedy, closure and healing, involving a black farmer and former slave named Hiram, who asked Windham's banker father for a $25 loan. The loan was so the farmer could search for the wife he was separated from almost half a century before when his owner lost him in a poker game. This book shows us why Windham is one of the most renowned storytellers in the country. Like a champion swimmer, her literary strokes are simple and efficient rather than exagerated, and because of it, her narrative moves the story forward with all the more power. Nurtured by Windham's skill, "The Bridal Wreath Bush" blossoms into a creation of dazzling beauty. As our attention turns toward a new millennium, we can only be thankful that stories such as this one are being saved for those who will live it.

I was with Peter Johnson on a recent trip to South Africa. He is a remarkable man and an outstanding photographer. He has done so much for the economy of South Africa and is so savvy to the opportunites and plight of these people. The topic of the Bushmen and its documentation will astound you. The photography leaves you with the feeling of the dust on their feet and the soul piercing look in their eyes.

This book has more depth and comparisons than the title implies. It is about many films from different eras and locations. They are categorized by types more than times or locations. They are compared to the original scripts or books and the authors. This book discuses the different media types and what is best designed for the different media. The word terror and horror are interchanged in the book so that there is no distinction. This is more of a psychological book than it is of a media. However I had to put it down several times to catch up on the films and people discussed in the book. I was ready for the German silent films but the scope is much greater. It also includes theater.

Ruth Freeman Soloman's novel is well worth checking out. The historical setting of Czarist Russia in the late 1800's comes alive in this episodic tale of the Von Glasman family. The issues of the status of Jews in Russia gives the tale significance and depth. During the rumblings of the coming communist revolution, there was political intrigue with Rasputin and an anti-Semetic mood in Russia. The Christian Church and the struggle of the rabbis during this period come alive in the supporting characters. Ronya Von Glassman is the heir of a wealthy Jewish family with cultivated political influence. She marries Boris Pirov, the blond strapping Tartar who swashbuckles through the novel. Their passionate married life results a family of two sons with Boris' illegitimate son called "The Blond One" from a fling with the Tamara, the Queen of the Gypsies. Son Igor goes to Manchuria for several chapters; and the Russian role in that Chinese province is the backdrop for more of the story. This long epic tale moves well and has you constantly reaching to find out what happens next. The characters come alive and stay with you, long after they've headed for San Francisco. I had a great time with this book. It's well with searching out!

Eric Hammel's CARRIER STRIKE The Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, should be the definitive work on this, the last of the 4 major carrier battles of WWII. As the second of two volumes about the Guadalcanal/Eastern Solomons campaigns, CARRIER STRIKE carefully details the action in well researched form. In an almost minute-by-minute account, the clash of the two carrier task forces on Oct 26,1942 will leave you breathless. A fitting tribute to the brave warriors who gave their lives for the cause. A superb book, and a must have for those studying the campaigns in the Southern Pacific.

My dad has this book and he made the ratalouille (not sure on spelling). WOW - it was delicious! My husband, who is a big meat and potatoes eater (and usually insists on meat at just about every meal) loved it and even wants me to cook it at home!

The book seems to have something for everyone - and the recipes look delicious, like onion tarts and stuffed mushrooms, and... I can't believe this book is out of print! Sigh... This books draws from the west, the east, and a combination. It's wonderful and I hope I'm able to find a copy in ZShops!

An excellent, digestible description and history of the Chautauqua Institution. This book is filled with wonderful photos -- both current and archival -- and a succinct text describing the 126-year history of this remarkable cultural, recreational, educational and religious center. If you've experienced Chautauqua, it's a wonderful description of the ups and downs and ultimate success of this education-vacation community. If you've never been to this Western New York State landmark, read this book and start packing your bags.

This is the best book for research of biological and chemical warfare. The book contains articles from all points of view and also offers articles that do not have certain positions, but rather just report the current situation in the US and around the world. There are chapters that discuss the history of this threat all the way to whether we as a nation are prepared for this type of attack. If you are looking for a book to use as a guide to further research in this field and articles that provide up-to-date information, then Chemical and Biological Warfare is the best choice you could make.