When I saw this book I was blown away by the range and quality of the work in it. As soon as I was back at my computer, I purchased a copy for my sister who does botanical illustration. She too was very impressed with it. You cannot go wrong buying this book if you enjoy a) art; b) botanical illustration, or; c) all things beautiful.

Have recommended this book to other botanical artists and every one who sees it has purchased it. Full of exquisitely rendered specimens in many different styles of botanical painting. Gives some background on each of the artists, but the real feature is the large reproductions of the art work. An excellent reference book for painters and a beautiful book to display. Don't miss this one!

This is a book of dazzling beauty. The first time that I read it I had to keep trying to remember to breath! This is not a how-to book but a WOW! book. The range and quality of the illustrations is astounding, particularly in view of the large number of pictures and the comparatively low price

During the high tide of the Victorian era, the political life of the nation was dominated by two men, Disraeli and Gladstone. Gladstone is an obvious choice for one of the top statesmen of the era, he was elected four times to the premiership. Disraeli was not quite so fortunate. However, given the short period of time that he was in office he accomplished a great deal. He brought the tories back from the dead, passed a reform bill and managed to acquire the Suez Canal. At the Congress of Berlin, Disraeli's command of the situation even impressed Bismark (not exactly a slouch in these sorts of things). Not bad from a rather foppish young man who specialized in "Silver Fork" novels (a fictional version of lifestyles of the rich and famous in the 19th century).

Blake's book is the best one on the subject of Benjamin Disraeli. The complex story of the novelist turned politican is brought out in all of its facets. Disraeli was probably one of the most interesting people to be prime minister (after perhaps Churchill and Walpole) and Blake's book shows the reader how he did it.

Blake's Disraeli is not only flawless in its interpretation of Disraeli but also in its style. It is a work by which all other biographies must be judged. Simply put, it is the perfect biography.

This is a work of considerable scholarship which chronicles the life of one of Great Britain's outstanding statesmen. The book covers the political life of Disraeli admirably, but also gives a view of the private Disraeli: confidant of Victoria, prolific novelist, inventor of the crouton.

Excellent book to begin examining the financial elements of divorce. A good resource to start with before seeing a financial advisor or lawyer.

This book will at minimum prepare you for the difficulties ahead, at best, save you substantial financial expenditures.

Even though I have been separated a long while, I purchased my own copy of this book after browsing through a friends copy. It is truly a work of art. To me, it covers more than just money topics, but how to live through a very difficult time. It touches on so many areas, while always returning to the main topic of money. I really feel like the authors are talking to me, and not lecturing about facts and figures. A real user-friendly book! Forget emotions and get this book, even if you have to borrow the money!! You will get it back tenfold...

Divorce is about money, right? And this book will help you with all your financial questions regarding your budget, future planning, etc. And where has your spouse been hiding the money?? Find out! This book gives more tips on doing discovery than any other I've read. If you want a simpler book and want to let your attorney do everything (not recommended) try the Dollars and Sense of Divorce. But if you want the best reference there is, get Woodhouse's. I almost didn't get this one because of the price, but it's worth more than having 10 other books!

Read this book together...it is a beautiful gift. Sharing the book helped us explore our needs and feelings. So often, I found it seemed difficult to express myself, but reading the book together, the words started to flow---from a place of love and connection and our devotion for each other. Miracles can happen!

This book helped me to enjoy my love life more than I ever thought I could. I'm a religious woman who finds most sex books either offensive or not helpful. Ecstatic Lovemaking really touched me because it showed me that a great sex life with my husband is perfectly consistent with having the deep faith I have and know I always will have. The chapter on how "Sexuality and Spirituality Do Go Together" said it all.I also used to feel that my husband had no clue what really turned me on. Now he understands that I need to feel emotionally and spiritually close to him before I want to be sexually close to him. I think it was worth getting the book just for that, but my husband says the best part is that now I seem to want to make love with him as much as he wants to with me.

My husband and I had some breakthroughs in our sex life because of this book. I bought it because of Hugh Prather's Foreword, because I trusted what he said about how our sex life could improve if we studied this book. He was so right! We learned to understand each other so much better, and we actually have been having some sexual experiences we both think are "ecstatic." We always had a good sex life, but we had some problems and conflicts about it too. Now, we're closer than we've ever been, and I know it's just going to get better and better. Thank you, Dr. Lee!

Reading Victoria Greenleaf's book is a fascinating and eye-opening experience. It is as compelling as a well-written novel, yet it has the added value of being true, provoking readers to ask themselves difficult questions about loopholes in socialization our culture has left open, and where the responsibility lies for those who, through cunning and guile, craft a life within them only to eventually become everyone's unackowledged problem. Dr. Greenleaf paints a comprehensive picture in which the social mechanisms we have created to deal with this problem are woefully inadequate. The agencies are understaffed, underfinanced, and undervalued. Because of the prevalence of this character disorder, we are losing a significant portion of the best of what we have. Her character, Daniel, eventually becomes a moderately productive member of society, but contributes perhaps only a fraction of what he might have. The part he will never manifest is a devastating shortfall, especially when one considers how prevalent this condition is. Greenleaf makes the point well that as a society we can not afford to continue ignoring this problem. We are losing too much of our most vital resource at a time when it is sorely needed: the full commitment to our mutual problems by not only the best and the brightest but by every member of our community. This book gives us an Erin Brockovich heroine who stands up for saving our children by taking on every possible task to try to correct her son's personality flaw. It is an honest statement in which she willingly opens herself to possible criticism by telling her story the way it actually happened. It took years of her time to put this together, a task she performed because she felt this is a story that should be told. She deserves more than our gratitude; she deserves to see a general awakening to the extent of this problem and an increased resolve to do something about it. This is a brave, compelling, and much needed book.

In A Handful Of Ashes: One Mother's Tragedy, psychiatrists Victoria Greenleaf maintains that children can be born with negative personality traits that even the most exemplary upbringing will be unable to overcome. Dr. Greenleaf makes a convincing case that childhood personality disorder do not necessarily stem from flawed parenting or parental abuse. She asserts that genetics may be equally influential and supports her remarkable assertion with a personal account of the agonizing impact a child with Antisocial Personality Disorder can having on loving parents who, despite professional expertise and tireless efforts, were unable to reverse their son's condition. A Handful Of Ashes is highly recommended reading for child psychologists, family counselors, and parents who are trying their best to effectively and lovingly nurture an antisocial child.

This book is very well-written, a brutally honest account of the author's struggles with her wayward son. However, all through the book, one vacillates between having sympathy for the author, and being enraged with her for her arrogance, and bewildermment for having such a son. She seems to be totally naive to the fact that even "good" parents can raise "bad" children, and her methods for trying to "help" him are questionable at best. She seems to be unable to show motherly love to her children, and instead appears to raise them as a scientist conducting an experimment. Additionally, after reading the book, the reader is left with more questions than answers. For instance, what has become of her 2 younger children? How old is "Daniel" now, and what is he doing? And why, in God's name, hasn't she divorced "Peter?"

Despite the fact that my daughter is 13 and well past the recommended age group for reading this book, I couldn't resist adding this heartwarming book to our library. It is a testament to the unconditional love that a mother has for a child. It is a book to last through generations.

This is a very, very touching & heartwarming book! My children and I loved it..!!!!! Makes your heart sing...as a Mother that is! Loved it and the illustrater was the BEST!!!!!

As a mother of 5 children I appreciated the perfect love this mother had for her child. No matter in what condition the mother found herself she still looked after her precious child. The author has a perfect understanding of what it means to be a mother.

A friend lended me Victoria's book a few years ago, and I am grateful for that. I found her to be such an inspiration. This book has had a profound influence on my life. Her experiences are fascinating, her inner strength is amazing, and her love for the beauty of man and nature is uplifting.

Victoria was a terrifically generous woman. In spite of the fact that she was battling a very aggressive brain tumor over the last year, she gave me the pleasure of her company for an afternoon during a recent trip through Winnipeg. She spoke of a second book she was working on about her return to the North. Unfortunately this second book remains unfinished, as Victoria passed away on May 20, 2000. She was a great lady!

Dear Victoria Yes, I still believe you are an amazing woman. You have accomplished so much and with such enthusiasm and serenity. Your love of the north is so well reflected in your book that It continues to make me dream of the day I will attempt a Kayaking tour similar to yours. I should mention we met at the Chateau Larier in Ottawa when one of your relatives was getting Married. My name if it has slipped your mind is Mark MacNeil. At that time you mentioned about a project you were working on in reference to kayaking tours starting at Pelly Bay. I hope everthing worked out. I long to meet with you again someday to talk about your adventures. I also will be sending the book I have found that is about Inuit culture, the one you had not in your vast collection. I'm also waiting patiently for you next book.

Sincerly Mark

A great adventure and wilderness story. The author displays a sensitivity towards nature and a bit of insanity (good insanity) given the risks involved in the trip through the Artic. If you like to sea kayak you will enjoy this book. If you like adventure stories you will also like this book.

I have just finished reading Louisa Elliott and Mornings Gate for the second time (within a period of 3 years). Mornings Gate is the continuation of the story about the Elliott family, with the children growing up, maturing and going into war. Each time I did not want the story to end. I love the Elliott family and especially Liam. The love story of Liam and Georgina was beautiful, and Ms. Robert's description of the battlefields and fighting in "the war to end all wars," World War I, was so real, it could be happening now.

These books were very powerful and real to me. I am filled with sadness that there is no more to tell about this family -- unless the modern-day romance of Zoe and Stephen and their search of their Elliott family roots could develop into another book!

I read both Louisa Elliott and Mornings Gate, the sequal and just loved them both! The dual time line in Mornings Gate was done in such a way, that you just wanted to cry when the time line shifted. Then, you get so engrossed in the other time line, you have to cry again when that ends. I loved Liam, and almost burned our Thanksgiving turkey in the oven: I was too upset and involved in the story! Both are fantastic reads, and MUST reading!

This has got to be one of my favorite books of all time! A great deal is set in York, England (love that city!) and Ms. Roberts' excellent descriptions can make you see what it must have been like in the 19th century. Her characters come to life! By the time you've finished the book, you feel like you've made new friends!

Very much like being at a recording of a "Phil Donahue" type show. Author poses questions to those in OW/YM relationships and presents new outlook to old stereotypes. Book dispels OW/YM relationships as unchic, but more compatible interpersonal relationships. Very comforting to know there are others out there just like you two - which validates your feelings. Also, gives insight in copping with many issues, such as to who wear's the pants. My girlfriend has this book highlighted all over. I rate this book better than going to a marriage counselor !

Victoria's book is the main book we recommend to our visitors and friends! If you can't find it in the bookstores, request it! Scour your secondhand bookstores, too. We certainly hope that Victoria comes out with an updated version soon! (AgelessLove.com - the first online community devoted to age gap relationship support!)

Victoria Houston's book covers every issue relevant to an older woman/younger man relationship. It has proven to be a valuable resource for those seeking information on their own dilemna's as they surface. She certainly dispells any misconceptions that arise and ultimately eases the hearts of her readers by the time the book ends. Drawing from her own personal experience, enhances the books content and underscores the positive thrust throughout the book.

Those associated with "AGELESS LOVE", (the only web site devoted to OW/YM relationships), devour the book and use the information readily.

This book gives an intimate look at one of "America's Castles" from inside and out. The history of the building site is covered, as is the design and construction of the buildings. The life and times of W.R. Hearst and his friends and loved ones are presented in such a way as to flesh out the character of the house.

I just finished reading this book, and I'm tempted to pick it up and start all over again. This is one that I'll reread often.

The layout of the book is interesting and eye-catching, but the tints used on the pages sometimes make the text difficult to read. Make sure you sit down with this book in a very well-lit room -- not only will light make it that much easier to read, you'll be able to enjoy the wonderful pictures more easily.

A first rate account of the building of "La Cuesta Encantada" with new information I have not found in other Hearst Castle books or by taking the castle tours many, many times since I was a little girl. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Can't wait to visit the castle again with this new knowledge.

I do not know about you? But I do not notice things in front of my face unless someone points them out to me. When I go to museums I need to go twice once with someone to point things out and again for my own exploration. I used this book for the point out phase. It is more intricate than a biography film.

There are several color pictures (259 illustrations) that point out items of interest, many more with maps and history (157 plates in full color). There is an expansive preface, forward, introduction, and prologue. There are twelve chapters that carry you on a historical tour of the castle.

I am not going to go through the book, as that is why you are purchasing the book and not the review. However on a personal note after looking at the book I went to the castle. I stayed overnight on the San Simeon coast to complete the tours in two days. As with all pictures the pale compared the real thing. However you now can use the book for memories. I did bring a camera. However you are not allowed to use a flash. And I have to admit that Victoria Garagliano is a better photographer. I think the cover shows the most impressive part of the castle. The Roman pool is located inside and under the tennis court. Just like the picture it is cool quiet and reflective. I did want to jump in just for the fun of it.

Now I leave the book on the coffee table so some unsuspecting person (and they are rare) will ask me about it.