My parents bought a collection of books from a door-to-door salesman when I was very young. This book was included. My family used this book until it was visibly more worn than the rest. My favorite poem was "Casey at the Bat" and we all loved so many items in the book. In college I borrowed this book and lost it. We have all been so sad about that for years and years. I am so happy to find it again through Amazon.com! I will buy a copy for Mom and myself!

We have copies of the 1942 edition of this book which contain poetry and snip-its of literature. The selections are diverse with pieces for many tastes. As a child many hours of pleasure was derived from the selections held within this volume. It will bring back memories for the past generations and a new door on poetry for the young. Happy reading.

I grew up with this book. My dad had one from his childhood (an original 1942 edition) which was used and used, the binding held together with duct tape. It was known in our house as "the Brown Book." It seems that the source of all the the famous lines from literature can be found in here. "Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink." "And you Brutus?" Lincoln's Gettysburg address, George Washington's Farewell, even the letter from Lincoln to Mrs. Bixby (which was quoted by the commanding officer and served as the reason for "Saving Private Ryan" in the movie. Due solely to this book I was familiar with the letter long before that movie came out.) This is a wonderful resource, reference book and collection of so many of the valued literary and historical pieces from our culture. Even my five year old loves it when I read passages from it to her. Every house should have one.

Saint Louis de Monfort, in his masterwork dedicated to marian devotion, explains who is Mary, why the Mother of God must be glorified and why honouring Mary is also a form that the faithful has to honour Jesus.

This is an ideal book to improve the growth of spiritual life and, considering the truths that presents, should be known by all the catholics, very especially those ones blinded by post-conciliar confusion or, even, by protestant teachings about Mary.

Finally, the way Saint Louis de Monfort writes is a pleasant surprise: simple, clear, concise, direct and modern... without being modernist. Excellent!

This beautiful translation of True Devotion by Fr. Frederick Faber belongs in the library of every Catholic who hopes to attain to the blessedness of heaven. In this book, the great St. Louis-Marie Grignion de Monfort teaches us the way to Jesus through Mary. He shows us how to live perfect devotion to Jesus and Mary by giving everything we have to the Mother of God (i.e. consecrating ourselves to Jesus through Mary).

This book also has a supplement to guide anyone through the consecration to Mary, according to the saint's method. The supplement consists of prayers and spiritual practices that St. Louis de Montfort recommends to prepare for consecrating oneself entirely to Jesus, through Mary. The supplement also contains the Act of Consecration recommended by St. Louis de Montfort and the saint's method of praying the Rosary.

This is a new reprint of the much acclaimed Father Frederick Faber translation which has been out-of-print for several years. True Devotion To Mary by St. Louis Marie Grignion De Montfort (1673-1716) is considered to be the greatest single book on the Blessed Virgin Mary ever written. Seemingly divinely inspired, it is the classic statement on the spiritual way to Jesus Christ through Our Lady. Beloved by countless souls, this books sums up the entire Christian life, showing a way of holiness that is short, easy, secure and perfect - a way of life chosen by Our Lord Himself, as explained here in this book by the "Apostle of Mary." In this beautiful and sublimely inspiring book, St. Louis De Montfort explains the wonderful spiritual effects which True Devotion to Mary brings about in a person's life, leaving the reader with no doubt that this devotion provides the key both to sanctity and to salvation. No Catholic should reach age 20 without having read this book. 215pp. PB. Imprimatur.

This book is witty and funny and exciting and merits a lot of attention. Filled with avatars of Apache culture heros and the creative/destructive Vulva Woman, the text is rich with wry humor. Where else will you find a sexy elder woman spiritual leader whose long dead or absent husband was a preacher named John Edwards. And the brothers, each a "surviving twin," babies she brilliantly gave different surnames to trick the gods. Where else but in a Louis Owens novel will you find the hilarious discussion of the establishment of an American Indian theme park, or a wise-cracking ghost stuck in an acrylic wolf suit? And the ending of this one is sublime, impressive in its incredible appropriateness, but a real surprise, nonetheless.

Louis Owens' latest book is a tightly woven mystery, the story of Black Mountain Apache tribal game warden Jacob Nashoba's fast, difficult trip into the Dark River canyon to retrieve his granddaughter, left there to fast during a four day vision quest by a well-meaning entrepreneurial Apache whose occupation is to sell vision quests to Anglos. Nashoba's unresolved post-traumatic stress from his days in Vietnam on long-range reconnaissance patrols has alienated him from his Apache wife and most of the residents of the Black Mountain community, and over the years Jake has routinely sought peace in the wild and deserted river canyon, fishing and hiking its length. The usually deserted steep river canyon is particularly busy this trip, and the cultural, narrative, and mythic intersections are complex. Nashoba's Choctaw roots bring new facets to the Apache creation stories brought to life in this sophisticated novel, dovetailed with popular culture Vietnam-era legends and backed by a chorus that lends anthropological and Hollywood moviemaking insights to the mix. Brothers and brotherhood, and stories and how they are told (and who should tell them) are recurring Owens themes also interrogated in this powerful and lucid story.

Like a hologram, Louis Owens' novel Dark River shimmers in the light and shadow. For newcomers to Owens' work, this mystery is an adventure that defies the common adventure stereotypes. For readers of American Indian literature, this novel is studded with subtle but hilarious references to other works in the field, and reveals Owens' versatility within the canon. For fans of Owens' other novels, this one is a tour de force, revealing again his talented verbal play and ability to charm and surprise the reader with his wry humor.

In DARK RIVER, Owens creates memorable characters (one of his strenths, I think) and tells a compelling story with laugh-out-loud humor. Consider one of the minor characters: the resident anthropologist Avrum Goldberg, who wears a traditonal breechcloth and Apache leggings and moccasins. He shares traditonal lore with tourists, who mistake him for an Apache and call him Chief Gold Bird, a title he denies without success. Goldberg's dream is for the Apaches to turn the reservation into a tribal theme park to attract more tourists and generate income, a scheme that does not gain favor with the Apaches, who are reluctant to give up their cars, televisions, and other twentieth-century technologies. This is by no means the central focus of the novel, but Owens skillfully weaves his imaginative subplots and characters into the central story, his concern about what is happening on a river in the reservation where he goes to flyfish.

I think this is Owens's best novel yet. Furthermore, it is accessible to any reader--one doesn't need to be familiar with his other work or knowlegable about American Indian literature to read it. Actually this is true for THE SHARPEST SIGHT (1992), which my then 85-year-old mother compared to Norman McLean's "A River Runs Through It." She would read and reread passages from each.

I understand DARK RIVER is a finalist for the Best Novel of the West from the Western Writers of America, and I wouldn't be surprised if he wins. He has received several awards for his earlier works.

This is a truly great book. By providing a detailed account of the major 'purge' of Cuba's intellectuals in the 1990s, the author examines and analyses the delicate and intricate relations between the apparatus and the island's renowned intelligentsia. Some issues (often taboo even for Western academics) are approached very directly and very balancedly, such as the blurred border-lines between research and espionage, and the relations between genuine intellectuals and Cuba's repressive apparatus - indeed, the same apparatus that occasionally purges them. The arguments contained in this book derive from genuine evidence of crucial importance, namely those would-be classified documents, which somehow leaked out of Cuba in 1998 and were published by the author, causing great embarrassment by the Cuban Government, and an uproar among intellectuals, artists and others. Over 100 pages of those documents are contained in the book itself. Altogether, this is excellent reading. It is extremely central to the study and knowledge of today's Cuba.

An absolute must for anyone studying Cuba or communism in general. This book provides a fascinating account of the unknown secret struggles within Cuba's political élites. Thanks to classified documents he was able to obtain, this author - a young and promising Oxford and Cambridge graduate - puts us into the picture of the delicate and intricate power games at the regime's peaks. Thrilling throughout all its pages, and very easy to read.

In this book, Maurizio Giuliano has been able to collect material which may otherwise have been destroyed, on the secret tensions and divergencies among Cuba's political élites. It is the first time that this type of documents are published, enabling scholars and others to know more on this delicate issue. The stories of repression against Cuba's dissidents are no news, but the repression and internal purges within the élites are something very different, which can indeed tell us a lot about the prospects for change in Cuba 'from within'. This book therefore does a marvelous job. It constitutes an extremely valuable source, as well as fascinating reading with extremely astute intepretations and observations.

The book is neatly written,it explain step by step "How to Caste your own Horoscope", and interpret it. Further the book explain the importance of not only Sun,but moon,the houses and the importance of aspects in study of horoscope.This book is unique because it considers the horoscope not only from Sun sign,but in totality.Acker & Frances have intelligently used their previous experience as writers to explain in clear,concise way "the systems approach" of casting and analysis of horoscope.Book is free from any ambiguity.The book is recommended for beginners as well as advanced lovers of Western Astrology.After reading this book you will be hungry for the next book by the writers.
Dr.Parihar(Vedic Medical Astrologer)

Sakoian's classic is still a useful book in my Astrology library...this book has aspects to the Nodes as well as to the Descendant and the Ic! Published in 1989, perhaps this info has not been improved upon...in fact, most aspect books don't bother with these angles specifically. They use "oppositions" only....adequate, but just! Great for beginners,this is the Only Astrology book I loan friends when they want to know more!

I have the 1989 edition of this book, and find that it's one of the best intermediate level books for learning astrology. It is also organized as a detailed, intelligent, and subtle reference source for professionals. This book details basic meanings of signs and planets, as well as planets in signs and houses, angles, and rulerships. You will need your own charts or chart data.

Conan O'Brien is one of the funniest men alieve and this book proves that!This book evolved from a sketch on the show(one of the best, other than Pimpbot 5000). He and the Late Night Writers are amazing,they come up with so many diffrent sketches that its not even funny. If you have ever wondered what celebrities babies looked like this book is a must have.
HAIL CONAN!

heart,
ivy the barbarian

The book is funny with hilarious pictures and commentaary. In my opinion Conan O'Brien is the best show between the hours of 12:30 AM and 1:30 AM on nbc.

This is definately a must have for any Conan O'Brien fan. Late Night with Conan O'Brien is simply the best show ever. Conan O'Brien is the funniest man alive and he along with the Late Night writers have only shown that with this hillarious book. I can't wait until In the Year 2000 comes out. Conan O'Brien is truly a genius when it comes to truly hysterical, unique and orginal comedy, I give this book Five Stars. Read over and over again.

I have been a fan of Rachel Gold since Michael A. Kahn's first book came out, and the waiting time for "Bearing Witness" was way too long. But was worth it! This is his best ever! A very serious subject as well. I had gooseskin reading it. Considering that I live in Switzerland and that we went through serious times here with our banks and the Holocaust money, the book came at a really appropriate time. I hope there are many more Rachel Gold stories in the pipeline.

The Rachel Gold stories take place in St. Louis. I live in St. Louis and this is what initially drew me to these books. The first several books in this series were ok, but sometimes the story lines were rather light weight.

This current book, Bearing Witness, is different. It is a serious, heavy weight story, that is absolutely absorbing. The book starts out a little slow. It took a few chapters before I really got into it. But once it grabbed me, it would not let go.

The investigation of 50 years old incidents revolving around the Nazis and Hitler was riveting. Michael Kahn tells the story in a very suspenseful way. It is truly a page turner to be enjoyed by all who like exciting storytelling with a good dose of history thrown in.

I look forward to the next book in this series.

Just finished reading this Rachel Gold mystery. This is my fourth one and I have enjoyed them all. However, in this one, Michael Kahn kicks it up a few notches. In this book he tells the tale of Ruth Alpert. Her case evolves from an age discrimination suit to a qui tam case. Michael Kahn does a good job of explaining what a qui tam case is. He also re-educates us on Kristallnacht, die spinne and April 20, 1898 which are events none of us should forget. I live in the area of St. Louis and I loved the descriptions of Union Station (the Arch of Whispers)and the restaurants he names in the book. I can picture everything. Keep on writing.

I was a little skeptical about purchasing this novella. Because frankly, I DON'T DO NOVELLAS. I am a fan for life of Brenda Jackson's and were familiar with Cindi Louis, Kayla Perrin, Felicia Mason's work and basically bought this book because I promised someone that I would. Well, I must say, I was very, VERY IMPRESSED! Brenda has never disappointed me and I must say. Cindi Louis was EXCELLENT!!!! That story was HOT! She has truly grown into an excellent writer. Her writing is up there with Brenda Jackson and Rochelle Alers. I loved this book. I recommend this book to anyone who loves romance and likes it H-O-T!

This book was very hot! It was difficult to choose which story to read first because I like everything these ladies write especially Brenda Jackson and Cindi Louis. Each story was could have been a full novella on its own. The characters and their stories were well written and I couldn't put the book down. I would like to see these ladies write another book like this one. This is one of the best anthologies this year that I have read. Great Job ladies!! -JaT

THE BOOK "THE BEST MAN" IS WONDERFUL THERE IS NO WORDS THAT CAN DESCRIBE IT. IT KEEPS YOU ON THE EDGE OF YOUR SIT. I EVEN FOUND FOUND MYSELF WAKING UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT TO READ THE BOOK. IT'S SO GOOD YOU CAN BEARLY PUT IT DOWN TO EAT. IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT BUYING THIS BOOK YOU WILL REALLY BE PLEASED.

This is a great collection of his work. There are few artists to rival his ability, not only in drawing the female form, but in capturing innocence, playfulness, and seduction all at the same time. He's been called the "Norman Rockwell of pin-up art" and in a way, it's a shame that he is limited to that category of art, but the comparison to Rockwell's ability is warranted. Some of Elvgren's advertising art is in this book too, and it is all well worth having.

If I was to choose a coffee table book of cheesecake and magically, could live on an island surrounded by the models in that book, I'd have to pass up Sorayama, Olivia, and Vargas, and go for Gil Elvgren, the collection being this 200+ page work that covers Elvgren's work from the 1930's to the 1970's.

The girls in Elvgren's paintings not only come alive, but seem more warm and human, innocent with a twinge of spice. So this is what they meant by "sugar, spice, and everything nice." Maybe because most of them are smiling, with those pearly whites showing. I could spend hours looking through those pages, forming stories around the paintings.

Many look like celebrities. In "Let's Go (1957)," the blonde getting out of a white car looks a lot like Marilyn Monroe. The girl in "True To You (Sitting Pretty) (1950)" also resembles Marilyn but with brown hair. And the honey in "Evening Out (1969)" reminds me of Geri Halliwell.

Okay, so many of the drawings can be construed as sexist. The particular theme on that being girls who get their skirt lifted up by well handles, pipes, fence rails, ladders, and elevator doors, revealing two very shapely legs.

Equally interesting are paintings that were repaints of earlier work. "In For A Tanning" featured a sitting nude girl holding her bikini with a black dog to her side. "Dumb Pluck" featured the girl in the same pose, except she was wearing a candy-cane striped bathing suit and holding a shovel, the dog still on her left.

Some were risque even for their time and the more amusing ones are beach shots where the girls get into distress, such as having their beachware stolen by a dachsund (Taking Ways, 1950) And his nudes were never full frontal, only seen from the rear or side, the sole exception being "Harem," an undated painting of an innocent maiden captured by Arabs.

It's when looking at his work during the 1960's and 1970's, that yes, the models have changed with the times and despite having Elvgren's signature style, their hairstyle are with their times.
Other notes: the paintings are clearly better than the real-live model replications hands and legs down.

So, my favorites? That's a difficult one, as the models are oh so cute, but I'd have to settle for "Well Picked," of a girl in yellow dress wading in a pool and picking up a lily flower, "Golden Beauty," of a Diana Dors-lookalike, "Surprise Package," where the girl wrapping the X-mas present is clearly the title object, and "Lazy Days," of the girl lying leisurely on the summer grass.

Proof that too much of a good thing is better, and that too much cheesecake can be good for one and not be fattening. And with all apologies to the Beach Boys, "I wish they all could be Gil Elvgren girls!"

This is an absolutely fabulous book and is a must for all Elvgren fans. An extremely comprehensive picture archive combined with a highly informative text. Gil Elvgren's work is brought together and to life.

Ramona may be the most popular Cleary character, but Ellen was the one with whom I identified. The chapter where she and Austine try to have matching dresses, but Austine's mother doesn't sew as well as Ellen's, and things don't turn out the way Ellen planned, was so believable that as a child I knew exactly how Ellen felt. And who could forget Ellen's long underwear, or taking the beet to school? An absolutely charming book that I reread just last year. (I'm forty-something!)

Beverly Cleary is one of the most celebrated authors for children in second through fifth grades - and for good reason! This book is from 1951 and a little bit dated, but the theme is clearly seen and timeless. Ellen is a sweet girl who is a little unsure of herself. She meets a wonderful person, Austine, who makes a friendship with her immediately. The girls become best friends and are very happy. However, as tends to happen with girls in fourth grade, they have a quarrel and are no longer speaking to each other. It takes each of them swallowing their pride to rekindle their friendship.

This book serves as a great example of how friends should act with each other. Repeatedly, Austine is able to see the desires of her best friend and ask questions to bring attention to Ellen's show and tell, or divert attention to keep her from getting embarrassed. When they do have their argument, we see the pain that both of them felt and how they were able to save it with a simple apology and talking through what happened.

Why 5 stars?:
Beverly Cleary has written many books that kids can really relate to. This one is no different as it teaches kids how to make friends, behave loyally towards them, and how to keep them. Moreover, it is entertaining and the theme, while clear, does not dominate due to careful writing. This belongs in the library of elementary classrooms, though it understandably would appeal to girls much more than boys.

Ellen Tebbits is a funny story by Beverly Cleary. Ellen Tebbits doesn't have any best friends. Then she meets Austine Allen. They become best friends and do almost everything together. Everything was going fine for Ellen and Austine until Ellen hits Austine in anger. They become enemies and refuse to talk to each other. To make things worse Otis Spofford is teasing them more than ever. Will Austine and Ellen ever be friends again? Read to find out! Ellen Tebbits is one of the best books I ever read. It is a fun way to explore a third and fourth grader's life.