Granted (sic) that there are few serious rivals (Jefferson's "Notes on the State of Virginia" and Eisenhower's "Crusade in Europe" come to mind but don't measure up), this is a remarkable literary achievement by an "uncommon common man." Not only is it an indispensible, if not flawless, narrative of the cataclysmic events of the Civil War, the circumstances under which he wrote make its very creation a triumph of will and ability.

As historian Brooks Simpson has noted, Grant's character was so complete that nobody could believe he was real. But he was, and the proof is in this book, which contains not only the "Personal Memoirs" but many invaluable letters revealing the man as well as the general. Though this edition lacks an introduction and other scholarly apparatus to enhance its value, the sheer scope of Grant's writings available probably make it the best current presentation of his unparalleled view of the war. Also, the early chapters on the Mexican-American War (which he detested) are most enlightening in showing some of the sources of his future greatness.

There were two great tragedies of Grant's public life. First, American Indians and African Americans suffered greatly while he was president, and it was a shame that he didn't (couldn't?) do more on their behalf. But in fairness, could/would anyone else have done better? Probably not. The earlier tragedy was that he was prevented from winning the Civil War early on, by the jealous ambition of rival generals and the circumspect nature of Union strategy. Unfortunately, the impediments that led to the slaughter at Shiloh ensured that that battle would set the tone for the rest of the conflict. If Grant had been given free rein in 1862, several hundred thousand lives would have been saved---but without the abolition of slavery and Reconstruction, there would have been a different tragedy.

General Grant made some grievous tactical errors during the war, but was able to learn from his mistakes. It's quite misleading to think of him as a heavy-handed butcher who prevailed by grinding down opponents no matter how many men he lost. By 1864 that may have been the only way to defeat Robert E. Lee. But Grant's victories before then were consistently marked by speed, boldness and strategic brilliance whenever he was permitted to act independently, as well as great sensitivity to carnage and death. Has any general ever been better at capturing enemy armies (and thus sparing lives), rather than bloodily smashing them? Perhaps the best way to compare Lee and Grant is to see the former as the last great general of the 18th century, while the latter was the first great one of the 20th century. (A.L. Conger, "Rise of U.S. Grant" helped begin the revival of his reputation; J.F.C. Fuller, "Grant & Lee" is a well-balanced comparison.) But the "Memoirs" document---with artless modesty---Grant's consummate skill at maneuver well before he introduced modern total war. They also contain the classic passage about Appomattox, wherein Grant summarized the entire war in one immortal sentence: "I felt like anything rather than rejoicing at the downfall of a foe who had fought so long and valiantly, and had suffered so much for a cause, though that cause was, I believe, one of the worst for which a people ever fought, and one for which there was the least excuse" (p.735).

Grant's great skill at turning a phrase, along with shrewd insights and dry humor, is well-displayed throughout the "Memoirs" and letters. It's true that there are some inaccuracies, because while he did have access to important documents when writing, his race against death resulted in some errors due to haste, and some inevitably faulty interpretations. But the book's reputation for unreliability is mostly unfounded. Ultimately, it is Grant's story, not a history of the war. It is not a complete autobiography, however, since most post-1865 events are not covered. A favorite image (described elsewhere) comes from Grant's post-retirement world travels, when 20,000 English workingmen turned out to march in his honor, honoring him as the general of freedom who vanquished the armies of slavery. He did not save everyone, but along with Lincoln, he saved his country. Enough said.

Whatever history has to say about US Grant, the president, there's a reason why his NYC memorial was the most visited American landmark until the Washington Momument was completed. It should fool no one that Grant's memoirs, written under financial pressure, and completed only days before throat cancer killed him, have become part of the American canon. If you've ever seen those upright potraits of this man, his frill-less diction and clarity will not surprise. Despite hailing from another time, this is a remarkably quick read.

Grant's memoirs are the greatest books in American literature. Gore Vidal, Gertrude Stein and other literary figures have acknowledged their preeminence. Even if you know or care nothing about the American Civil War, these books are essential reading for any educated person. Grant wrote simply, yet beautifully, and he was dying in agony of throat cancer when he penned these books. The story of the writing of the Memoirs is one of the most amazing and courageous tales in American history. Imagine racing against death to complete an epic story, the proceeds of which would provide for his family after his death. What an amazing man!

This edition of Grant's memoirs is wonderful because the appendix contains several hundred letters he wrote over the years. Most of these missives were written to his wife, Julia, and they shed an enormous light upon this shy man's character. Grant's letters show him to have been a tremendously gentle, decent man, with a great sense of humor and profound love in his heart for his wife and family.

This is an excellent edition, which will bring to you only one of the greatest books written in the English language, but also a selection of Grant's letters. Both make for engrossing, gripping reading.

This book gives you wonderful healing and restorative recipes for a large number of purposes. It resides on the bathroom counter at my house and is used often for absolutely delightful bathing experiences.

The Chinese Ginger Bath is a must-have recipe for those with flu or viral symptoms! The Yogi's Aura Cleansing Bath feels great and truly does the uplifting she describes. Fun titles of each section and bathing experience make for a good read too.

This is a great gift book to yourself or someone you love.

I friend of mine introduced me to this book for several reasons (love going to spas, love bath & bath products, and my quest to help a friend that is suffering from chronic pain). I glanced through the easy to find index and "shopping lists" and fell in love with the idea of water therapy & making such recipes at home. I purchased the book the same day and was delighted to have my very own copy that I will use & reference in the days and years ahead. The author appears to be very well educated on the subject, yet makes the content flow in a simpler fashion than what I expected. A must read and "experience" type of book!

THIS BOOK IS TERRIFIC. I AM WRITING TO LET THOSE THAT SUFFER FROM ACHES AND PAINS THAT ARE MORE THAN JUST LITTLE ACHES AND PAINS KNOW THAT I TRIED THE JOYFUL JOINTS WATER MAGIC AROMATHERAPY AND WAS AMAZED AT HOW MUCH RELIEF I EXPERIENCED. IF YOU ARE HURTING, USE IT. IT REALLY WORKS, MY SISTER PATTI, GAVE ME A BOTTLE OF THE WATER MAGIC BATH OIL AFTER I HAD BEEN WORKING ON RECONSTRUCTING THE STONE WALL ON HER PROPERTY, SHE JUST SAID "TRY IT, IT WORKS," IT DID WORK AND I BOUGHT THE BOOK AND NOW HAVE ALL THE DIFFERENT BATH OILS. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING THAT WILL MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER, THIS STUFF WORKS FOR ME. THANKS MARY, ALSO WHERE CAN I FIND A STORE IN NEW YORK THAT SELLS WATER MAGIC PRODUCTS?

I have been fortunate to have eaten at the White Grass Cafe and have always come away more pleasantly surprised than the time before. Laurie and Mary Beth have given us the keys to their kitchen with this book. The food is easy to make, healty, satisfy, heck, it's great. Add some music from Ottmar Liebert in the background, the smell of the wood stove, and you'll be in the West Virginia Mountains as the sun sets over the mountains. Check their menu (...). With the recipes in this book you can serve it up.

This is, without a doubt, my favorite cook book! The recipes are simple and easy to follow. The results are special (ie: not your everday sort of mealtime selections) and delicious. The White Grass Cafe cookbook takes over top honors in our kitchen after knocking out a recipe book from a 1950s flour company. Standouts are a Sweet Potato soup that is tangy and soulful and a Walnut pie that is desert's version of heaven! Nothing much in this world beats having a mid-winter dinner at Whitegrass, but this cookbook is a close second!

This cookbook has the best variety of recipes I have ever seen! I love eating at the cafe, but when I am not in Canaan, I can have a taste of it in my house. Lots of good food that people with all different tastes will enjoy.

Mary was delighted to hear your raving reviews of her book. I am sad to tell you that she passed away August 18, 2001 at the age of 96. She was in the process of completing a sequal to "The Widow Down By The Brook". Had her body not given out, believe me, her mind would have finished it. I was fortunate to have spent the past year trying to keep up with her. The immediate personal connection you feel reading the words in her book are the same feelings you had meeting her. She found humor in every day. She was a delightful woman, a precious one that got away. She will be truely missed.

To the reviewer from Modesto - please email me, I know Mary would love to hear from you.

Mary's book read like a conversation between friends as she reminisced about the challenge of making a barn into a home and then adjusting to life as a single woman upon the death of her husband. Although for me it was reminiscent of similar experiences as I was her neighbor, living just over the hill, everyone will enjoy her style. In her telling of the love and support she found among neighbors, she reminds us all of a life and time many of us knew but now has been lost.

'All This And Heaven Too' is based on the true crime story of Henriette Deluzy-Desportes. An ingenue who found herself abruptly the most despised, infamous woman in France circa 1850. Rachel Field here delineates and colors a classic story that's intense and unforgettable. 'All This And Heaven Too' is the bizarre account of the gruesome murder of the Duchess de Praslin. A bloody crime that shocked the European continent and was instrumental in precipitating the downfall of Louis Phillipe. This somewhat pathetic and delicately nuanced narrative tells of a lonely girl joining the imposing Ducal house of Choisel-Praslin, in Paris. Where Henriette soon wins the love of the affection-starved children. Also the admiration of their father, the dashing Duc de Praslin. All eager for distance and solace from their tyrannical and ruthless Duchess de Praslin. A capricious, doomed Corsican heiress with a smoldering temperament. All too prompt Henriette realizes she's fallen into a gnarled web. Of prohibited love, and desperation, and, ultimately, evil. This powerful and heartfelt drama has all the ingredients of a fairy tale, the appalling Wicked Mother, the Duchess, as antagonist. Vis-a-vis an opulent and exquisite ambiance, wistful mise-en-scenes of tenderness, and forbidden Romance. 'All This And Heaven Too' was made a film by Warner Brothers in 1940 with a screenplay by Casey Robinson, in a memorable cinematic production. 'All This..." is a story so vibrant, so filled with sentiment, that it should be brought back to the screen today. Deluzy-Deportes-Field's (Rachel Field the author, is her great grand niece)later years in America are not as interesting but are still good fodder for reading. How much of this historical account is fictionalized, I don't know. Throughout Henriette's inner life rings real and is always finely depicted. I received the book promptly sometime ago, and was happy to read Rachel Field's haunting novel, which I give 5 stars.

Rachel Field's "All This, and Heaven Too" is a delicately nuanced, richly imagined novel from start to finish. Published in 1938 and re-issued in library binding in 1981, it will entrance readers of this generation who are fortunate enough to encounter the book.

Based on the life of Field's great-aunt, Henriette Field, the story will carry the reader along effortlessly. Field's superb description of the inner life and thoughts of Henriette feels authentic; we come to know her very well. We also become well acquainted with the people surrounding her in the household of the French duke where she serves as governess.

Henriette's fate was inextricably linked with a tragic crime which became as well known in her day as the Simpson case in ours. Her later life, in the United States, brought her an extremely happy marriage and a fulfilling intellectual life. She mingled with many of the influential thinkers and political activists of her day.

Field's depiction of the American days does not come alive quite as much as the first part of the book, Henriette's life as a governess. Despite this unevenness, the novel is a work by a master author who is a match for Daphne Du Maurier any day. Highly recommended, richly satisfying!

This is a well written fictionalization of the life of Henriette Deluzy-Desportes, who happens to be the author's great aunt by marriage. In her day, Ms. Deluzy-Desportes was the most notorious woman in France. This is her story, the story of a notorious governess who would leave France under a cloud and emerge triumphant in America.

The author recounts a drama and scandal that beset France in the midst of the nineteenth century. It revolved around the household of the Duc and Duchesse de Praslin, the family who had engaged the services of Ms. Deluzy-Desportes as governess to their young children. Once esconced in the household, she quickly realized that there was a problem between the Duc and Duchesse de Praslin. The Duchess, an impetuous and passionate woman of Corsican descent, was slightly unhinged, perhaps by madness and her passion for the Duc, who clearly was no longer interested in her in the way in which she wished.

Ms. Deluzy-Desportes and the Duc developed a close, though platonic, relationship, because of their mutual interest in the Praslin children, an interest which the Duchesse did not seem to share. She perceived their closeness as a threat and her jealousy knew no bounds. The Duc and Ms. Deluzy-Desportes did not, however, always act circumspectly, and the gossips of France had a field day, attributing to them an affair that had no basis, in fact. This gossip added to the already existing tension in the Praslin household, which was a seething cauldron of emotions, until the day would come when Ms. Deluzy-Desportes would be dismissed with a promise of a letter of recommendation from the Duchesse. When the promised letter never came, the Duc was outraged by the perfidy of the Duchesse. Shortly thereafter, the Duchesse met with a tragic end, and the Duc and governess were under suspicion of murder.

What happens to each of them makes for a gripping narrative. The tragic circumstances with which Ms. Deluzy-Deportes met made her one of the most hated women in France. When her life in France became impossible, like many others she sought refuge in the new world. What was to happen to her in America had the makings of a fairytale. Her life would never be the same. This is a beautifully written story about a woman beset by the vicissitudes of life, but who emerged triumphant when all was said and done. It makes for a marvelous and fascinating story that will keep the reader riveted to the pages.

I bought this guide when it first came out and enjoyed every tree, word and atticism. I am going to revisit this wonderful book to journey back into the life of a city's street trees. Wonderful, delightful and perfectly good reading for the neighborhood tree-hugger. A must have for any one who appreciates trees and literature. Mr. Plotnik gives us a vortiginous account of what trees are. "It's not what you look at, but what you see." - H.D.T.

I will always keep this book close at hand throughout my journey through life. Excellent. Vostellung!

When after all those rave reviews I bought a copy I was slightly dissappointed. This is an unassuming paperback. There are books on trees you buy for the illustrations: this is not one of them. The illustrations are nice, even tasteful (although I assume they would look a lot better in color) but are nothing more than just that, an illustration of the text.

However, when actually reading in the book I was quickly forced to the conclusion that this is a real find. Arthur Plotnik not only is inspired by trees, he also did his home-work (in a big way!) and he surely can write. This book reminds me very strongly of D.C.Peattie, as he would write if he were to live today. What can I add to that?

P.S. I can add that this book has an impressive list of references for further reading and a perhaps even more impressive list of internet sites on trees.

Typically, when I browse learned books, be they history, science, art, whatever, if the author's qualifications to teach me about the subject don't measure up, they go back on the shelf. Talented amateurs have their place, but with so many good books out there, I can't afford to risk having my time wasted.

This book is a great exception. By touching only lightly on the dry botanical aspects of the trees, and focussing on their characters, the author shows confidence in the subject while letting his enthusiasm and wit have full rein.

Again, most illustrations drawn by authors' partners usually serve for breaking up the text. Not these. The unison between the illustrations and the textual descriptions is evidence of true collaboration and a rare conjunction of talent.

If you're interested in "those big things with the leaves", and you don't happen to live in a forest, but this book.

Ian Cameron, the brother of Juliet and the British officer whom Ross and Juliet rescued from the Black Well in Silk and Secrets, has returned to India, barely recovered in body and not at all recovered in spirit from his ordeal. Rushing to find his fiancee and let her know that he's safe, he discovers that she's already married to a friend of his. Feeling betrayed and lost, he intends to resign from the army and return home - especially after he discovers that he is now Baron Falkirk - but first he has a promise to keep. He needs to find Lara Alexandrovna, the niece of Pyotr Andreyovich, the Russian officer who was his fellow prisoner and who died instead of Ian.

Lara, now calling herself Laura, has just watched her stepfather die when Ian finds her. She is alone in the world, and also, he notices, wary of physical contact with men. One legacy of the Black Well, however, is that it has made Ian impotent; so he offers her what he believes will be a safe, affectionate, but passionless marriage. Laura, who likes Ian and feels safe with him, accepts.

Of course, Ian's disability isn't permanent, so at a later stage they have to deal with the consequences, and Laura has to confront her memories and fears. Ian also has his demons, which haunt his nightmares and sometimes make him difficult to live with. Gradually, over a period of a few months and in the course of their journey across India, these two tortured souls heal each other.

But the romantic/emotional plot isn't all there is to this book, which is why I've rated it less than the five stars I normally give Putney. Again, she has a strong dramatic plot - and I generally prefer her books without them - but she's also chosen to locate the book in colonial India. That, for a start, would have put me off buying the book had it been written by anyone other than Putney; as it was, it was difficult for me to empathise with Ian's feelings as far as that part of the plot was concerned, since my sympathies were with those who would prefer to overthrow British rule!

At one stage I did find myself getting somewhat frustrated with the emotional plot, since it seemed as if any time Laura made a step forward Ian would regress a stage, and vice versa! However, in the end that aspect of the book was satisfying.

I did wonder about Ian's mother: after all, she's the woman who was pestering the British Consul in Constantinople for months on end in Silk and Secrets, trying to get someone to find out whether her son was alive or not; and it was she who sent Ross to find Ian. In neither Silk and Secrets nor this book did we see or hear about Ian's reunion with his mother! And what about the British government, which effectively left him to die?

In relation to the series, I was disappointed not to see more of the characters from earlier books in each successive one; all we get is a brief epilogue at the end of each, which isn't enough for characters we've grown fond of. Putney did better in her Fallen Angels series, allowing other characters to reappear in more substantial roles.

This novel, the last of the "Silk" trilogy is a wonderful read. The main character, Ian Cameron,a British officer assigned to India, has been imprisoned and tortured in "The Black Well" in Arabia and recently freed by his sister and her husband. He returns to India a broken man, having lost his eye and his sexual function. To make matters worse, his fiancee has married another man. While in India, Ian learns from his brother that he has unexpectedly become the Baron Falkirk, and needs to return to Scotland. Still depressed, Ian remains in India to deliver a bible written by a Russian with whom he shared his imprisonment. The Russian was later executed, and Ian promised to give Pytor (the Russian) his bible to his niece, Laura (who is also in India). Ian finds Laura in her own private misery, having just lost her stepfather, and notices how she is averse to men being attracted to her. In a bold move, he tells her of his impotence and proposes a marriage of convenience without sexuality, but with fidelity. Laura agrees,although Ian is in the dark as to why she wants no part of sex.

What follows is their marriage, and journey through India to tie up loose ends. This novel has a lot of historical detail about India, the culture, and political problems along the Khyber Pass.
Laura and Ian find themselves in some Indian intrigue, as well as deciphering the coded secrets of the bible Pytor left behind. During this time, Ian finds his impotence was only temporary and now is in a bind. He is attracted to Laura but feels guilty about breaking his promise. Overall, the way they both come to terms with the sexuality issue is interesting and becomes romantic as they do fall in love.

One of MJP strongest suits is that she addresses issues atypical in the romance industry, such as depression and impotence. She is unafraid to push the boundaries of historical romance fiction. In my opinion, this puts her in class that is a cut above the usual.

Overall, this novel is very enjoyable. However, be prepared for lots of secondary Indian politics and intrigue.

What can I say but MJP finished the "Silk" Trilogy with a flourish. Though romance was kept at a minimal in this book compared to the previous two, the exotic setting, high adventures, interesting supporting cast and subplots more than made up for it.

Laura and Ian are tortured souls with their own inner demons. MJP once again brings these two together so that they may complete each other. I had fun reading this series and was sorry MJP did not write David Cameron's own story. I feel that he deserves his own book as he has a lot of potential for his love story to be told.

I read this book so fast the first time that I had to read it again a week or so later. The action and plot moves so fast that I couldn't put it down. When I went back to read it the second time,this time for the language, I discovered a book full of rich prose and deep meaning. The characters are fabulous. I want to hear more about them, maybe in the sequel. I shared the book with five friends who also loved it,and now I am telling you about it on line. Read it! I can't wait for the movie..Mel Gibson would be perfect.

Wow! What a blast this book is! It made me so excited that I was getting sick with worry over what would happen to the characters!

It starts with a sort of crash-landing on Earth of long-lost relatives. Then it develops into a romance. Then it develops into suspense the typs of which I have never seen rivalled. As I said, I was sick with worry!

Well written, exciting, yet highly under-read. Do yourself a favor, and enjoy this exhilarating novel!

I bought it for the cover, but found the plot riveting. Once in a while, you are lucky enough to come across a book that will keep you hoping long after you close the cover. This book moved me to question things that I stopped believing in long ago.

I purchased this book as a graduation gift for my granddaughter. Of course, I had to read it first, just to check it out. ;)

I wish I'd known before what this book reveals. Mz Thompson's behind-the-scenes knowledge of the ad industry, how to use and misuse words to entice us to "buy" what someone is selling, whether it's a product or just some B.S. was enlightening.

I hope she writes another one. I'd purchase that one too.

If you know a parent struggling with communicating with teenagers or preteens, this book would be a real help. And any
married couple would find it helpful in discussing decisions or disagreements without loss of harmony.
The book would also be a boon to a youngster. Remember all the difficult situations when you weren't sure what to say, or what to make of what was said to you? Imagine having a book that could tell you how to use words to help you progress in life, and how to deal with verbal abuse!

This is a defense manual for everyday life! The book's interactive, with each chapter's method of detecting and coping with words clearly and vividly explained. The concepts in it provide skills that empower the reader, and can improve your life!

I live about six miles from Independence Indiana, where the story begins. My wife (departed) grew up in a town just south of Watseka and was very familiar with the story of Mary Roff. She gave me the book in 1982. I believe the story to be true.

I grew up in Watseka. Only 3 blocks from the Roth House. My house was putt on the site of the Durst House and Mrs. Durst Haunted the land and my home. I have heard stories about this book and finally got it yesterday. I read it form cover to cover in one day and learned alot. I enjoyed the book. It was great. I learned that Mary and Rancy were torcharded soles and very misunderstood. I will keep this book and would recomend it anyone. It was a well written interesting part of our history. It might even change the way you look at Death.

I lived in watseka for many years.The houses in the book are haunted by the people in the book.I know first hand about the hauntings. The house that I lived in was build on the foundation of the house that was burned in the book. I also knew the people who lived in the other two houses and been in the other two houses in the book. All the houses are still haunted to this day. The house I lived in you could hear glass braking. Door knobs would move and nobody was there. People going up and down the stairs. Many,many other things. In one of the other houses doors open and close. Everyone could be out back and you could come to the front door and knock and someone would tell you to come in. But no one would be in the house. So when you read this book remeber it is true. I lived in that town and my family and I know first hand how true this book is..