I have read a great deal about the cultural history of 19th-century America. And in particular I have tried to learn more about what was going on musically in our country during those times. Pianist/musicologist Vera Brodsky Lawrence happened upon George Templeton Strong's extensive diaries perhaps twenty years ago and realized that he was a true cultural man about town in New York during the middle years of the century and that his comments on musical goings-on were invaluable. So she extracted his musical observations, collected them into three volumes, of which this is the first, and wrote extensive footnotes that explain references that would have little meaning to modern readers. In the process she has written what may be the definitive musical history of the time in New York.

A side note: George Templeton Strong's son, who has the same name, became an important composer of his own era and Naxos is currently recording some of his hitherto ignored orchestral music.

I'm not one given to this sort of thing, but after I read this volume I wrote a fan letter to Ms. Lawrence.

This is one of the first full novels I ever read in Norwegian. The plot is quick and interesting and aimed at casual readers and young adults. The story is a novelization of the various sagas that describe the viking discovery and attempted colonization of Vinland (N. America) around 1000AD. The story is told by the mother of threen grown brothers after she has returned to Iceland to live out the remainder of her days. The plot around the brothers is a little trite, but serves as a nice backdrop to the historical drama. The historical notes, references and maps are especially nice. Hopefully it will soon be translated for english readers!

At the risk of sounding politically correct, I must say it's rare to find a children's story in which the lead woman isn't either wicked beyond all reason or totally incompetent; look to Disney for proof.

Then there's Savitri. Although she comes from money, she judges others by their character rather than social status (something notably rare in India today). This quality is illustrated when she selects a mate. The author interprets this folktale by showing respect for India's cultural tradition of arranged marriage while also supporting a woman's right to choose. These two apparently opposing methods of mate-selection are "married" as Savitri herself has her father arrange to meet the man she has selected -- how delightful!

When faced with the life of her husband in jeopardy, Savitri reveals amazing personal character. She faces India's grim reaper with tremendous courage, unwavering determination and sincere devotion. And in doing so, she thinks first of others (her step-father's happiness) before thinking of herself.

Overall, the story is told in a clear manner, with interesting names (parents may need to assist with pronunciation) and beats Dr. Suess hands-down. The pictures are exquisitely done.

Savitri is a wonderful treat for any boy or girl (age 4 to 10) although, I must confess, I enjoyed it too (and I'm a bit older).

The author has other books based on stories from other cultures. Search for 'a tale of ancient india' on AltaVista's Advanced Search for links to a full text of the book as well as the author's website.

Enjoy Savitri! scottie