Simon's style takes some getting used to and a great deal of patience and concentration by the reader. Persistence pays off with insights into the waste and uselessness of war, not a book for those interested in a just a good read.

This book is unbelievable in its thoroughness. I read the book over 10 years ago, and I have never read another art book to match it.

This books shows what happens when an inquisitive mind investigates art. It answers not only any question that you had about Monet's art, but even those that you never thought of asking.

For example it addresses the signficance of the expansion of the French Railway system, and the growth of the middle class, in defining the market for art.

It addresses the canvas sizes used by Monet, and his progression from a history painter to a painter of genre paintings ( the one thing that he had in common with Degas ).

I think that the important thing about this book is that it shows that a thorough intellectual non-purely visual approach can be made to the analysis of art, without the use of artspeak. The result is a book that is both readable and informs. Oh what a novelty!

'Seizing the New Day' is a wonderful book about enslaved southerners of Charleston, South Carolina freeing themselves. They are 'seizing the new day,' no gifts are discussed here. They are a somewhat surly group, quick to anger, but careful to keep long term goals in mind. They are still a surly group at the book's end, but they have made a lot of progress.

The focus is very narrow, but richly detailed. We only follow the events in Charleston. Who lived next to whom? What church did they go to? What school did they attend? Who did they marry?

This is a story of the 'Civil War.' Told from the street level of Charleston between 1850 and 1870, it twists the 'accepted story' presented by Hollywood. I'm used to the Civil War starting with the shelling of Fort Sumter and ending with Lee's surrender at Appomattox. This version of the 'Civil War' starts with the Nat Turner rebellion and ends with the 15th amendment. Instead of the great establishment leaders like Jefferson Davis and Abraham Lincoln, this war is fought by people that won't abide with bondage. It is a war between slave owners and those they seek to dominate.

There is no talk of a Northern Army 'freeing' people, the most prominent army unit mentioned is the 21st United States Colored Troops. The mayor of Charleston surrendered the city to them on February 18, 1865.

The book is organized into 7 chapters. The first two and last are narrative, the war story. Chapters 3 through 6 develop sub themes regarding how the winners of the war (remember, the Mayor surrendered to colored troops) went about establishing economic, educational and community institutions for 'the New Day.'

The book is careful to bolster its case by retelling hundreds of stories pulled from contemporary sources; autobiographies, newspapers, government documents, etc. Anyone writing a civil war film script would find this book a welcome source of authentic street scenes.

Despite the bold title, the notion of 'seizing liberty' is rather hidden in the multitude of individual stories recounted here. It's easy to read the book as a colorful recap of many small and disconnected efforts. I suspect this reflects the author's desire to maintain academic respectability. The story about Lee and Grant is, after all, the accepted version.

I'm more into photography than anything else, which is why I read this book. The photos are fabulous -- Tibet is so complex and fascinating and funny! Not just monks and solemn things, also farmers having picnic lunches with beer, kids playing, markets, festivals, fabulous costumes and headdresses. Really, if you want to see how extraorinary and intricate Tibetan culture was (before the Chinese, at least!) this is the book to buy. Fab fab fab!

This book is okay, but not great. It isn't a biography, but rather a compilation of facts about people, events, and things in Elton's life in alphabetical order. It does however give some really good info on Elton.

This A to Z format should become an ongoing series (as with Omnibus Press' Complete Guide To The Music Of...). This lists people, places and songs in encyclopedia format, capsule reviews of his albums (up to Made in England) and and list of song titles. This is a perfect intro to the music of Elton, but a little short on details regarding his biography.

Mr.Bernardin has shared his wealth of knowledge on the subject of Elton John in a clear, concise and enjoyable format. I highly recommend the book to anyone who wants to know the all of Elton.

I would never say this is for everyone, but if you have come this far not by mistake (as in you have some idea who Claude Simon is, an interest in french literature or the new novel in particular) I advise you to go the next mile and actually read it. I find Simon to be one of the more accessible artists of the new novel era in France( no matter whether you or the author wish to quibble over whether he belongs to this group). The reworking that Simon gives to the concepts of narrative structure are not so avant-garde as say Robbe-Grillet and I believe the style of The Flanders Road can easily be appreciated even by those who disdain so-called high brow writing. The reason for this could be that in its plots,situations and characters Simon is anything but high brow. The roaming eye style of his narrative is not just a purely theoretical or philosophising device (although it is this subtly) it is also an aesthetic device that is enriching of what might be classified as a thin plot - if you were only drawn to reading by plots. No what Simon does here is take a narrative about a young man in war (the Second world war) serving (albeit only fow a few days or weeks) in a cavalry unit that is drawn into the chaotic retreat of the fiasco that was Frances defense against the blitzkrieg. Simon draws you into the atmosphere of this experience and does not leave you outside the construction of order but requires you to piece together the words into each readers own interpretation. I advise you to linger on this work, appreciate it for what it is not what you expect of a war novel. Let your mind wander with the words which is just what Simon intends. I myself lovingly returned to it day after day taking a page or twenty at a time over a cup of tea in the sunshine or under overcast skies.

This novel is a bit as if the Virginia Woolf of "Mrs Dalloway" had written a book about wartime France. (Of course this is a ludirous comparison, but it might give you an idea what the book is like). Its sentences have neither beginning nor end, just like the nightmarish ride of disoriented soldiers in the spring of 1940. They keep riding through the cold, the dark and the rain for days and nights on end - only to be attacked and wiped out within a matter of seconds. - Of course war is not all there is about this book, but its depiction was what I could never forget since I first read it.

With the possible exception of The Georgics, this is Simon's greatest work. It is hard to describe the experience of reading this book. It's difficult going, and exhausting to read more than 15-20 pages at a time, but the effect is like going into a deep trance. There are only three or four episodes, repeated over and over in different ways, throughout the book, but the true subject matter, sex and death (really), is presented through these events so as to make the reader feel these situations in a different way. This is the essence of the nouveau roman style for Simon - less formally structured than Robbe-Grillet, and more emotional.

After telling us that "loving yourself" is the key to happiness, the author then tells us that "we can not make it alone......I need to see my worth and beauty reflected in your eyes." p.24. This puts people right back where they were, addicted to others. Sure, human beings fundamentally need other people, but only after becoming secure without them.

This book is awesome and should be required reading for everyone. Yes, it's written by a priest, but the 'religious' references are minimal and don't in any way detract from the message of the book - unless you choose to let them do so. I've given many to friends and will continue to do so ... very powerful message, yet easy to read, understand and apply the principles. An immeasurable gift to give to yourself or to others.

If we human beings ever had a manual, this is the one to use to guide ourselves, I think there are a lot of other books relating to the matter, but this the only one we will ever need.

I'm not easily impressed, I have read a lot in my life, from religous to esoteric, and this is "The Book".

(The review below titled "Course Management 101" is a review of another book, specifically "Butch Harmon's Playing Lessons")

The book provides information on every aspect of the game, which comes from hands-on experiences in top level of playing and teaching. Unlike others, it has been well justified and makes a lot of sense. Get the book and follow what he says, which will definitely improve your game.

He demonstrates a very good command of what many of us believe is the hardest game to play well. He and his family have long been among golf's greatest teachers.

Here with four basic areas: ball striking, short game, mental game and physical conditioning, he gives any golfer wishing to improve four key areas to look into developing.

Many scoff at such suggestions, thinking it isn't detailed enough. He not only provides the basics of the swing, but then what I think is excellent unique area of this is book is the section" "Harmon's Hints, or Just Do It!" To give but one example out of this excellent some twenty page suggestions (about 100 in all) is "Putting on Wet Greens" --- Allow for about half as much break."

Most high handicappers don't want to work on their game, i.e. mental and conditioning and strategy like Butch teaches here. Just teach me to "grip and rip 300."

This is definitely good book for all caliber players to benefit from.

I am a big fan of Jane Austen. She has so much wit and characteristics within her characters. For one, In PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, it is apparent that a thinly disguised Jane Austen is the heroine. The romantic comedy is played fondly between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, but in this case, it is Anne Eliot and her former beau, Frederick Wentworth. Under "persuasion", she is forced to lose her regard for him because of his low connections. Seven years past and he again re-enters her life when his sister and her husband rents Kellynch Hall, since Anne's father needed the money. She avoids meeting him, but when they had no choice in their accidental visits, he meets her with cold civility. He courts the rash and young Louisa Musgrove, but an unfortunate accident changes the direction of his eyes to fall upon Anne once more. As the begin a steady friendship, the ones they are involved with fall for others, and they reflect upon what they once had and have a pleasant life together. Anne might not appear as strong as most of Jane Austen's characters, but she still has the firm beliefs of the world and would not allow things such as vanity or fortune to stand in the way of her happiness.

This book is one of my favorites of all time. Many people dislike it or don't like it as much when compared to Pride and Prejudice or Emma, but there are many reasons why Persuasion should not be compared to Austen's other novels. This novel was the last one that Austen wrote before she died. It is a more mature novel, dealing with many issues not found in Austen's previous novels. One reason why people find faults with the book is that Anne Elliot, the heroine, is not as spunky or witty as an Elizabeth Bennett or an Emma Woodhouse. There is not so much wit flowing in the dialogue between characters, or even dialogue in general. But these differences between the novels make this one so unique.

It is a novel of second chances. Anne Elliot, no longer in the bloom of youth, is a grown woman of 27 or 28 years. Eight years ago she had been happily in love with a handsome man named Frederick Wentworth. But, unfortunately, due to his financial status, and Anne under the influence of her family and close friend, was forced to reject his marriage proposal and they parted ways. But now, he is within her closest circle once again. Circumstances led to Anne staying with her married sister, Mrs. Muskgrove, while her own house was being let to Wentworth's sister and husband. Wentworth visits his sister and on calling on the Muskgroves finds Anne among them. Anne finds Wentworth, not only looking as good as he ever did, but is now Captain Wentworth, who has made his fortune. Wentworth, still angry with Anne over being rejected, causes him to treat Anne very coolly. But over many weeks of contact here and there, you catch on that Captain Wentworth isn't all that oblivious to Anne anymore, because of all the little 'glimpses' he throws at Anne. The tension between the two is amazing. You can sense a connection between the two, even though they are on opposite ends of the room. In Bath, the tension builds and builds until it culminates into one of the most moving and romantic reunions ever. The letter that Wentworth writes to Anne declaring his love is bound to bring a tear to your eye and a pang in your heart. Happily, all ends well, but throughout the novel you can easily sympathize with Anne. No longer youthful and no longer as pretty as she used to be, she is full of self-consciousness and confusion. She still loves him after all those years, but she is unsure whether or not he still loves her.

Austen, yet again, excels in portraying her characters. Anne and Captain Wentworth are full and delightful characters that one must love. Her descriptions of Anne's vain father and snobbish older sister, Elizabeth, hit the mark on satirizing the members of society during that time. She wittingly describes how everyone tolerates Mrs. Muskgrove's hypochondriatic self and how everyone deals with her in their own way. There is not so much dialogue between characters in this book, compared to Austen's other novels. Most of the book is in observation of Anne's character and feelings, which makes it so much easier to relate to everything that Anne feels and you understand her situation all the more. This is a wonderful novel, with many qualities, differing from those of Austen's previous novels, to enjoy and admire. Reading of getting a second chance in love is enough to lift anybody's heart and spirit and leave them happily satisfied with the book.

Having read all of Jane Austen's books, I've been very impressed with her style. Reading Persuasion, I immediately noticed the difference between shy Anne Elliot and Jane Austen's other characters: Emma, Elinor and Marianne, Elizabeth Bennet, Fannie Price, and Catherine Morland. Anne is not the most beautiful, the cleverest, or the most-spirited. She is shy, quiet, thoughtful, somewhat plain, and honest. She reacts to emergency situations calmly and clearly, proving that she does have a backbone. I think the fact that she is older and more mature than Austen's other characters shows a maturity in Austen's writing. I highly recommend this book to those who love Jane Austen and can understand being shy and strong.

This book really is the story about a girl who lives in her books and learns to live outside of the imaginary world she creates. The book is a satire of the Gothic novel, but I think it is more than that. It's the story how the words one person says may be reflected onto someone else and how they can be interpreted to either enrich or ruin another's life. The way that John Thorpe, in order to make himself look better, "enriched" Catherine's story; the diverging opinions of James & Isabella; the general falseness of Isabella & John; and how the simplest statement can be misconstrued & almost ruin a friendship.

Catherine, by living in her novels (aided by Henry, of course), sees things that aren't really there when she visits Northanger Abbey. She makes mountains out of mole-hills. Thankfully, Henry acknowledges the role he had in creating these fantasies and is able to help her laugh it off.

This is a great Austen novel, and although you can tell that it was her first, I think it ranks right up there with the others.

Every time I read another Jane Austen novel, I get the insanely anachronistic urge to write her a letter, and tell her how I adore her work. I quite doat on Jane Austen!

On a winter holiday in the fashionable resort town of Bath, 17-year old Catherine Morland welcomes everyone she meets into her impressionable, if somewhat dense heart. The refreshingly honest Tilneys (Henry and Eleanor) and the unapologetically vain Thorpes (John and Isabella) form her central acquaintances. "Northanger Abbey" is a charming metafiction in which Catherine, living in a prototypical small village, goes innocently into the world, and cannot help but have her perceptions altered.

Catherine's obsession with gothic fiction and Austen's 'cliff notes' narrative technique work together to achieve a briskly-paced, and highly amusing story, unlike anything else of hers that I am familiar with. She does indeed satirize gothic fiction, but also uses this forum to poke gentle fun at the very people who read her own novels, and others like them.

To that end, the novel is split between two different ways of reading and understanding - that of Catherine and that of her accidental lover, Henry Tilney. Catherine is the all-believing, undiscerning method, willing to equate the superficial with the real. Henry is the more sophisticated intellect, with a view to the underlying realities of situation and personality. One notable result of these competing epistemologies, is Austen's insistence on acknowledging and legitimizing the literary merit of female authors, and the earnest call for female scholastic and social education beyond knitting, dancing, and romance.

To have the fullest understanding of "Northanger Abbey," it is advisable to take some time to first read Radcliffe's "The Mysteries of Udolpho," then compare Catherine to Radcliffe's Emily St. Aubert. Those who dislike "Northanger Abbey" because it is not like "Pride and Prejudice" or "Emma" would place too severe of a limit on the range and depth of Austen's authorial skill. This novel purposely stands on its own as a challenge to the comfort of traditional romance, and is a welcome change of pace.

Jane Austen was arguably one of the best writers of her time; however, only she took the bold leap into poking fun at the books of her time. Northanger Abbey brings Catherine, the heroine (on whom, among other things, Austen periodically comments from afar) through the joys and troubles of being an eligible young lady with a probing mind and endearing naivete, acquired from none other than the countless novels she has read. The elegance, and at some points speed, with which Austen plays out and then reconciles her young heroine's difficulties is at the very least extremely amusing. The foolish suspense and embarrassed relief which center around the Abbey are no less entertaining when one considers this book against darker novels where the papers in locked drawers have slightly more bearing. Catherine's friend Isabella, her vain (and in-vain) suitor John, and Mr. and Miss Tilney are brilliant foils for her character's development. Overall, I think this book rates as one of the true gems of the 19th Century.