Pamela Espeland takes her version of "The Story of Arachne" from Ovid's Latin poem "Metamorphoses." Arachne was a young girl who lived in the kingdom of Lydia and who had a special talent for weaving the most beautiful cloth in the world. However, she became very proud of her talent and one day Arachne made the mistake of boasting that she could weave better than the goddess Minerva herself. Unfortunately, this was not the last mistake Arachne made in her dealings with the gods and if there is any one thing we learn from classical mythology, it that mere mortals should never get on the bad side of the gods. "The Story of Arachne" is rather unique in mythology because rarely do mortals get a chance to make a second mistake when they butt heads with the gods.

Illustrated with pen drawings by Susan Kennedy, this lesson in the need for humility is one of a series of classic myths written by Espeland and published by Carolrhoda Books in Minneapolis. Each is introduced with a short background about the story and Greek culture. These books work as fine as intermediate examples of these classic myths for young readers who are not yet ready to read Ovid or even Hamilton or Bullfinch.

I think it's great that there are authors like Keogh around. You can tell that she really wants to portray Jackie at her best. But the problem is that this book is written in a cut and paste way, and despite what the dustcover says, there is nothing new and revealing at all. Let me explain more.

First of all, this book is called JACKIE STYLE, but it is really just a popcorn biography. Keogh claims that she has new interviews that reveal new insights about Jackie. Well, tell me, how does the designer Cynthia Rowley saying she admired how Jackie dressed reveal new insights into Jackie, the person, the first lady, and everything that Jackie was and became??????

Then, there is the claim that there is over 100 black and white, and color, photos of Jackie that have never been seen before. Not true; with the exception of 25 or less, all have been published before. And the 25 are not of Jackie, but of her friends, or a date, or a Kennedy.

This book is written well, but is just isn't about her fashion. There are good photos in the bood, and Keogh does have an inviting writing style, even if she tends to sometimes overpraise her subjects, but it is not about Jackie's style.

I was attracted to this book by its feel and the promise of learning more about that certain "something" Jackie radiates. After mentally debating the price, my lust for more Jackie style information won out and I purchased it. It is a substantial book in many ways but weak in others. The beginning of the book is awkward as the author describes what Jackie was thinking after her husband won the Presidency. How could the author know? The authors assumptions immediately made me question the rest of the books authenticity. As I read through the book however, the author changed tactics and began to describe the first lady using research that was factually supported. She discusses Jackie's upbringing, her role as young woman, and beyond. Though most of the information has been written about before, several aspects were elaborated on to add a new twist and make them more interesting. For example, I had read many times about Jackie winning Vogue magazines Prix de Paris competition, but never in the detail Keough gives. There are a number of photographs in the book but unfortunatly the way they are presented lacks impact. Many are black and white, others small for the page, few are new, and in general they don't have the luster that they could. For example, p.182 has a full size, black and white photograph of Jackie with flowers fully covering her face. If this is one of the never seen photographs Keough promises well I can see why. Another page is devoted to a full color photo of Ari Onasis. Since the full color photos of Jackie are few why not make it one of her? Pamela Keoughs previous book Audrey Style had a much better selection of pictures that made an impression! There are also some line sketches of Jackie in a pillbox. The sketch looks more like Anjelica Houston. The information in the book is broad. The author has obviously done alot of research and she relays the information with her fresh perspective. But many readers will wish for more information about Jackie's STYLE not her life history. For those just beginning to read about Jackie this will be a good introduction but to those familiar with her and the books about her this will be a rehash and retelling.

If you are old enough to remember the 60's, you will remember Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy. She represented to the world the ultimate in class, style and true elegance. Her grace, smile and ability to communicate with people from the less fortunate to royalty and nobility, became her legacy to the world. She did not follow in the footsteps of her husband, President John F. Kennedy, she walked equally along side of him; she opened the door and awakened the world to the independence, intelligence and individuality of woman everywhere.

Known for her "pill box hats" and haute couture fashion, she made a statement that turned heads and influenced people wherever she travelled. She was the 60's version of Princess Diana. The book includes interviews with designers, friends and family and is an inside look at the woman who captivated hearts in every corner of the world. The book takes the reader from her youth to the White House to her marriage to Onassis. During her days as the First Lady, Jackie Bouvier Kennedy rocked the world and blazed a trail that will long be remembered by women who grew up in her era.

It may be difficult for young women today to relate to a trendy woman who reached the peak of her "moment in the sun" almost forty years ago, but for those who do remember her, they will remember her class, unique style and elegance. Even in her final years of ill health, she still managed to radiate that quiet inner beauty which was her trade mark for the best part of her life.