Dr. Blakmore's analysis of these political writings is very insightful. He uncovers the intertextual conflicts, in particular between Burke and Wollstonecraft, and provides an indepth literary analysis of both. His diction is sofisticated, yet approachable to an average student of 18th Cent. Literature. A must read for anyone interested in the political philosophy of the Age of Englightment.

A boon for any "CAT WHO" fan. If you like the Cat Who books and have faithfully collected and read each one, you know that keeping characters, locations and incidents in mind, especially when books come out only one time a year, is tough. This book helps. Love the map of the county!

Like the author, I discovered The Cat Who series in the early 1990's and my family has read all her cat books. There hasn't been much written about Braun's personal background until this book which reveals much in common with Qwill and other characters, as well as her history of "being owned by cats".

The Cat Who Companion refreshes your memory in that year-long stretch between new titles. Maps in front help you visualize the fictional landscape and town layouts. An adequate amount of information (without ruining the plots for newcomers) jogs your memory of favorite plots, characters, buildings, and interior decoration, and especially those memorable scrumptious dishes!

I have re-read some of the books 3 times. However, the Cat Who Quiz in the back stumped us on many of the questions!

I was disappointed with one thing in the 1998 edition: there is no current photo of Braun, her cats, her deceased husband, or her second husband. I would have liked to have seen a photo section.

Several books ago, on one or two titles only, I detected a change in style and wondered if she was preparing a ghost-writer to carry on the series into the future. Wouldn't you like to know how far in the future we can hope to be entertained by KoKo and YumYum's antics?

I bought this as a gift for my wife, who is a big fan of the "Cat Who" books. (I like them too, so she lets me borrow her book now and then). Like all such reference books, the purpose of this one is to help you keep track of all the various characters and places from previous stories that might be mentioned in passing during sequels, etc. It doesn't give you a whole lot of new info, but it does help organize what you already know about the world of Qwilleran and his two amazing Siamese. Of course, if you haven't read all the episodes yet, then the synopses could be real spoilers for these whodunits. In that case, the solution is very simple: refrain from reading the summaries until you've read the original book(s) first! (Duh. I can't believe some reviewers actually complained about this feature. What use would such a reference work be if it didn't explain the plots?) The one complaint I have is that the map of Moose County is a bit primitive and not drawn to scale. Maybe there will be an upgrade in the next edition???

It's a nifty little book, don't get me wrong; and you can polish it off in a single afternoon. And some of our favorite "Cat Who" personalities and families are mentioned, so it's like coming home to familiar faces. These 27 tales just won't be entertaining or meaningful to anyone who hasn't read at least a few of Braun's episodes. The best myth / legend is saved for last, in which the mystery of Midwestern scamadiddles is revealed. That one could be shared aloud with others, even if they don't know that KoKo and Yum Yum are Siamese cats. But a larger question looms here: Does this publication, authored by fictional character James "Qwill" Qwilleran, signify the end and culmination of the series? I hope not. Those of us who live Down Below still have a need to believe in the existence of eccentric Moose County, 400 miles north of everywhere. We enjoy visiting there every once in a while, even if the trip is made page-by-page instead of by car or boat.

Short & Tall Tales, by Lilian Jackson Braun is subtitled Moose County Legends Collected by James Mackintosh Qwilleran, is just that. Qwill, as he is known in Moose County 400 miles north of everywhere, is a reporter for the local newspaper.
Those of us who have read Lilian Jackson Braun's two dozen books in The Cat Who...mystery series featuring Qwill and his two crime solving Siamese cats will probably find this short, quick reading, cute collection of 27 tales interesting. Others not having the experience will not find interest in this collection.
Now we wait her 25th novel due out in February '03.

The purpose of my review is to say whether or not, in my opinion, a book is worth buying. If you are one of Lilian Jackson Braun's "The Cat Who. . . " fans, then, Yes.

This is a book you can read in one sitting if you like. It is not a mystery, but rather just what the title says, a collection of little "tall" tales that are written as though the main character in the series, Mr. Q, would write if he were a real author.

I thought the book was exceedingly charming and although I can barely wait between publications of Bruan's mystery books, I thoroughly enjoyed this little collection. The idea of it is extremely novel and I would say it is a success from her fans' point of view.

Some of the stories were already mentioned, or alluded to, in some of the author's other "The Cat Who. . . " books, but that was OK. It was a good refresher and the stories really do cement the flavor of Moose County.

Again, I cannot say how much I just enjoyed the "chit-chattiness" of this little, easy-to-read volume. Ms. Braun has an amazing imagination--that is, she is able to reign it in and make it "fit" the imaginary people of Moose County. My railroader father especially enjoyed the tale about the hoghead.

I also enjoyed the size of the book. It was light and easy to hold and felt very comfortable in my hands.

I am looking forward to getting my hands on The Cat Who Brought Down the House soon.

If you are new to Ms. Braun, this book is probably not the one you should start out with. But buy it anyway and set it aside until after you read a few of The Cat Who books. After you are well introduced to the characters of Moose County, pull out this little book. If you wait, you will be able to really enjoy it better that way.

As a student of GSA (Glasgow school of Art), I am perhaps in the best position to comment on such a subject. It seems to me that if Mr. Mackintosh ever visited the school , he did so with his eyes closed. He has completly missed the point of the building. Radically undestating its importance and beauty. Most of all I feel that it is truly hurtful the way in which he described the "menial nature" of the staff which enhabit this fine establishment. Although the text itself is completly removed from the reality the pictures are sweet.

I too have been a student at GSA. I think that Dr. Macaulay's interpretation of Mackintosh's work is right on. Mackintosh himself was designing during a rather industrial area. It was a time when he was designing spaces for employees performing rather menial tasks, as well as weathly homeowners. However, he approached the design process in an organic and playful manner. This book expresses the best that Mackintosh had to offer.