I first owned this volume of poetry in 1978. That book simply fell apart after more than 20 years of reading and handling (sometimes roughly by my children). I replace this book with a new one just last year.
The old favorites are all here; Fireflies in the Garden, The Road Not Taken, Fire and Ice, Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening, and a hundred more. In my opinion this is the definitive volume on Frost.
I have always been awed by the number of poems Frost wrote about the stars. A Star on a Stoneboat, The Star Spitter, Stars, Canis Major and many others. Truly Robert Frost is the astronomers poet.
Also in this volume is perhaps my favorite Frost poem, Brown's Descent.
If you love reading Frost on a crispy fall evening, then you'll love reading him when the crickets chirp. You'll need to own this book.

Robert Frost was and is America's greatest poet. Excepting, perhaps, W. B. Yeats, he may be the greatest poet to write English in the twentieth century. (To me, it's a toss-up.) To read this volume systematically or desultorily is to become convinced of that. But Frost is, above all, accessible, so the casual reader may not appreciate the difficulty of what he does. Like much of the greatest art his looks easy, even inevitable.

All of Frost's poems are here, plus his two dramatic Masques. When this book first appeared (in 1969) it caused a furor: the editor, it was angrily asserted, presumed too much. He dared to clarify - inserting a hyphen here, excising a comma there. That furor has since died down, as people realize that he did not do away with the sacred texts (any emendation was noted), but simply performed his job as editor. He regularized spelling and the use of single and double quotes (though not Capitalization, which can legitimately be thought of as integral to the poet's expression (think of e.e. cummings!)), and corrected other obvious errors. The notes give the published variants for each poem, so if you wish you may make your own call on some of these finicky issues.

I cannot emphasize enough: BUY THE HARDCOVER! After all, you will be reading this book for the rest of your life. It is a beautifully-built volume, of an easy size and heft for use, with understated appealing typefaces and an exemplary design. Put out by Frost's long-time publisher, this is one of the few essential books of American literature.

"It is absurd to think that the only way to tell if a poem is lasting is to wait and see if it lasts, The reader of good poem can tell the moment it strikes him that he has taken an immortal wound-that he will never get over it...The proof of a poem is not that we have never forgotten it, but we knew at sight we would never forget it."

Robert Frost

I have to admit it! When I first met Robert Frost's poetry in Freshman English class I took an immortal wound-that I will never get over it. Perhaps the then recent memory of the white haired poet who inaugurated Camelot that cold, January day conditioned me to receive the wound. Maybe Fr. Sheridan's teaching opened these poems for me. Most of all, I think that it is the words themselves which have made the poetry of Robert Frost such an important part of my life for almost 35 years.

This complete collection complemented the high school text book to which I had so often referred over the years. Here is the source of lines which I have often quoted. Many family vacations have begun with: "I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep" (Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening).

When my son tries to silence his sister's singing he is reminded that "Of course there must be something wrong In wanting to silence any song" (A Minor Bird).

Here we find philosophical reflections. "Good walls make good neighbors" counters "Something there is that doesn't like a wall" (Mending Wall).

Here "The Death of a Hired Man" challenges us to reflect upon how we value and treat others while "Christmas Trees" reminds us that not all things have prices. Here we are invited to follow the road of the poet who wrote "I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference" (The Road Not Taken).

I have writen just a sampling of the treasures to be found in this collection, but I have written enough. It is now time to indulge again with words I have never forgotten. "I shan't be gone long-You come too." (The Pasture).

This is a beautifully written book, in which the author recounts memories of his childhood in West Country England at the end of World War One. Laurie Lee's mother struggled to bring up a large family on her own, as they were abandoned by her husband, who chose to live his life away from them in London.

Lee paints an evocative picture of rural life as seen through a child's eyes: the everyday trials, the local characters, humerous and moving incidents, even the colours and smells are conveyed to the reader.

This type of writing is part of a powerful and enduring image in English popular culture - one of a pre-modern rural "ideal" England, now forever lost. I suppose you could read "Cider with Rosie" with that kind of romantic eye, but in truth this is a far more honest work: Lee states that "our village was no pagan paradise, neither were we conscious of showing tolerance". Crime, and other social problems, did exist. Infant mortality was high by modern standards (Lee's early life was punctuated by serious illnesses and one of his sisters died in early childhood). Education was barely minimal. Living conditions were often poor (I doubt that many people would think that finding a dead mouse inside their loaf of bread was a quaint event).

A very good read, not only for the delightful prose and insight into a child's life, but for the realities it reveals.

I happen to live in the Cotswolds, the setting for this beautiful book, this Monet of literature. And, complying with the below reviews, I have to say that Stroud has become a concrete river, choked with litter, sidelined with Burger Stars, neon lights; a MacDonalds is in the blue print stages. Hills are lined with new developments. It's like, and I quote my mother, "A disease is spreading."

Yet there are places untouched by Americanisms, consumerism, electricity (and here I apologise, as this becomes less of a review, more an account of personal experience). But there are still rivers afloat with leaves, valleys deep that welcome sunsets. They frost the sky in winter, burn it by summer.

"There's beauty in decay," as someone said. Haven't got a clue who. But there you go. Although dying of shallow needs and commercial interests, snippets of the old way can be found. And in all their glory, too.

This book was required reading during my childhood and, of course, I couldn't have dragged myself more slowly through it. How wise we become with age. This is an astonishing book. Lee is such a master of description that, after only a few pages, you slowly start to smell the fresh country air and hear the languid sounds of summer as you are inescabably drawn into the world of his childhood - a world that you realize has already faded into the mists of history. But this special time has not been lost - it has been captured forever in this irreplacable series of pictures. The people in these stories become more real than seems possible with only pen and ink: his characterizations are as clever as anything by Dickens or Dostoevski, and he catches the very essence of the sights, sounds and people around him with a charm unmatched by any other English writer. But this is not a story-book universe: the people in his young life have all the frailty, vanity, delight and tragedy that you would expect in any small community - but what other has been crystallized with such talent and wisdom. A wonderful work of art.

Woo Woo! And away we go to town, with a Spanish lesson on the side. Puerta Vallarta artist Lee Chapman does a wonderful job painting for the "small canvas" of each page. His whimsical style is one that both children and parents will enjoy.

What a wonderful book for introducing young children to another language. After reading just a few times, my son was started using the Spanish vocabulary in the book. It is particularly brilliant since English is married to the Spanish words such that the meaning of the Spanish words is clear from the context. We love it

This is a charming book that your child will love! Our three year old daughter begs us to read it to her each night and enjoys practicing the spanish words in the story. The illustrations in the book are vibrant and fun to look at and the english/spanish translations are not intimidating. After checking it out at the library a few times we decided to make it our own.

This book gives a great insight into the creative minds of some of the best songwriters around! It's better than meeting them yourself, because the author also thought of all the right questions to ask AND you can read through the answers over-and-over again! An insider's view of creativity, inspiration, and effort!

"The Soul Of A Writer" is not only thought-provoking, it delivers inspiration in the face of adversity. To begin the journey, is to start with the soul, and that is exactly what these authors accomplished. There are no right or wrong answers, just the true and human insights from those who write the songs. How powerful is the human voice and how ever-present is the writer who gives life to it! Truly a world of revelations , habits, and human ancedotes fill the pages of this book. It is a rare find for those looking to identify their thoughts and feelings with other songwriters. Whether you are a writer in full blown success or a writer still in search of that "first:" hit, I highly recommend settling down in your most comfortable spot and jumping right in. It may be remarkable what you discover in the "soul of a writer."

The format for this book is truly unique! Instead of focusing on one writer at a time, the issues of the creative process are the subject. Each contributor songwriter then provides their thoughts and experiences in that area. Great to read cover to cover or to pick up and thumb through for inspiration and ideas! Highly recommended!

I really love this book ~ it is perfectly illustrated for children.

Peter Spier is one of my favorite illustrators of children's books. Here, his illustrations for three verses of Francis Scott Key's poem and song, "The Star-Spangled Banner," provide an excellent introduction for children to the meaning behind his famous lyrics.

I usually read this aloud to primary classes around a patriotic holidays. This year, because of our late school year, I read it for Flag Day. Since the words and historical setting are unfamiliar to most younger students, I have begun introducing this book with "The Story of 'The Star Spangled Banner,'" which can be found in "The Children's Book of America," edited by William J. Bennett. These two volumes make fine companions.

Even with this introduction, Key's text needs explaining, however with Spier's finely detailed illustrations, this task is much easier. Children love to examine the intricacies and they usually come up with some excellent comments and questions. On the page featuring Arlington National Cemetery, they ask about who died in battle, why some of the grave markers are stars instead of crosses, and why the flag is flying at half-mast.

Our copy of "The Star-Spangled Banner" is nearly worn out from heavy use. That should say something about the popularity of this excellent patriotic book.

our four-year-old claims this is his FAVORITE book. Perhaps it is because his mother chokes up and tears drop to her cheeks as she reads this book. We have found that this is an excellent read-aloud and has stretched our four-year-old's language skills in many ways. As if The Star Spangled Banner weren't moving enough, the arrangement of pictures flows along with the words of the song to create an image of heroics and bravery. In addition, little incidentals like soldiers feeding their horses and wet clothes hanging to dry aboard ship cause us to remember that these were real people fighting. Peter Spier mixes history with the present as he causes us to remember what these men were fighting for. We see schools and businesses, Arlington Cemetery and the Statue of Liberty, cities and rural farms, synagogues and churches, Amish buggies and a Friends Meeting House all as evidence of our cultural diversity. We also see that the fight continues as we witness a renovation project and scientists working in a lab. The first, second and fourth verses are illustrated. The pictures help the capable parent define words such as "conceals" and "discloses." In addition, the artwork contains so much information and story that conversation just develops as the book is read. There is an oustanding collection of Flags of America and a thorough history of the War of 1812. The words to all four verses of the Star Spangled Banner and the music by J Stafford Smith follow. Peter Spier is becoming our hero as the author of our favorite children's books.

I wanted to just "read" the book to the kids. But gosh, I started singing it. And did they love it. I sang and flipped pages as fast as I could. Over and over. I teach preschool and this was America week. This was pretty much the only book about America their "level." It has beautiful "impressionistic" painitings of all sorts of beautiful and significant places in America that you can talk about. And if you are proud and interested, the kids will be too. We sit on a map rug so the kids are getting familiar with all our landmarks. But this book helps learn the song and gets them familiar with our nation. The last page has a picture of the Statue of Liberty in the harbor, "from sea to shining sea." I felt so good to read this to the kids. Please get this to make not only children feel good about where they come from, but also you as well!

The book has good illustrations and it has the song five times. The illustrations go very nicely with the words to the song.

This book was a Godsend to me as I completed chemotherapy for breast cancer 4 years ago.This book touches on all the issues faced by cancer survivors on several levels - emotional, social, legal, etc. Only a cancer survivor knows what it is like to be a member of this special club of ours - a club whose members share the same renewed vision of life. The road to that renewed vision is not an easy one, and this book will help pave the way! I can't believe that it is out of print! My life has been enriched because of it. Thank you, Susan and Judith!

You thought getting your cancer cured took care of the matter? Dream on. There are a lot of issues in survivorhood. Your dates drop you, your insurance company drops you, your employer eases you out, your family doesn't want to hear about it anymore, and your adrenaline surges with every cough, twinge and hiccup that your now untrustworthy body produces. Here are some people who understand. Fellow survivors Nessim and Ellis walk you through every issue, offering sound advice and words of encouragement. Their chapter on the insurance obstacle is excellent. You might take a mind to joining one of the Cancervive chapters, if there is one in your area, or availing yourself of their over-the-phone counseling.

Will appeal to: survivors and their family and friends.

Eight animals in the kitchen cooking up fun, and a giant mess! The book introduces Spanish vocabulary as each animal brings an ingredient for the cake. The story is cute for early readers, who will soon be reciting the book as they hurry to turn the pages.

Puerta Vallarta artist Lee Chapman is known for his colorful and whimsical style, and makes this book worthy of art collectors too!

We checked this book out from the library and it looks like we'll be making it a permanent part of our book collection. My two-year-old loves it and she's learning the names of all the animals in Spanish too! The illustrations are colorful and the story is captivating for a little one who is obsessed with cakes!

As a beginning collector of American painted furniture and decorations I found the book to be an exciting new resource. The layout and development of the book is very well thought out and presented. It is definitly a must for anyone interested in learning more about the subject especially for those persons unfamiliar with the subject. My only reason for not giving the book five stars is that I would like to have seen more. It would have been great to have seen a much larger publication on the subject from Schaffner and Klein.

This book is a must-have reference for anyone interested in the decorative arts. I am a decorative painter and am always on the look-out for reference books that not only teach about the history of the art, but also contain many pictoral examples for inspiration. This book fits the bill.

an essential guide for anyone interested in this subject matter. covers all eras and styles. THE book to collect and most definitely to give as a gift.

Subtitled "High fashion techniqus for creating great-looking clothes" the illustrations and instructions are thorough. There are two drawbacks: a substantial amount of decorative stitching described is not available on the average serger. In fact, one of the more attractive decorative stitches in the book was for a Bernina serger that wasn't yet on the market at the time of publication. There are a lot of creative suggestions anyone can use, but you may feel "left-out" because much is geared to coverlockers that also do chainstitching and a lot of the decorative work is chainstitch-based. After reading it, I felt like I needed a new serger and the one I have is less than a year old! Second, the "Garment Gallery" is too long, my opinion. The seamstresses are rightly proud of their work, but it was more than I wanted to see. That said, if you are well acquainted with your serger's basic stitching, and want to explore its creative potential, this is a great book full of tips and ideas.

Truly excellent, I refer to it all the time for creative ideas. Just like other books on sewing, some ideas are a little cheesy for my taste. Having said that, I still think this is the best creative serging guide out there. I love the serged toggle buttons, flatlocked zipper, chain stiched details, serged French seam and the keyhole back placket serging guide. My clothes have never looked better! As for the machine, they have suggestions on how to adapt sergers with fewer stitches. I bought my machine used & factory serviced--it was a much better buy than paying the same money for a new machine with fewer options.

Serger Secrets has been one of the best books on this issue that I have ever read. I loved the full color illistrations on the different stitches the serger can do. It helps the mind to use it's imagination and create anything it wants. I found so many helpful ideas throughout the book . It was just one great book.