Willie Morris, arguably the best Southern writer of his day, spins a yarn based on his adventures as a young boy growing up during World War II. His best friends Bubba, Spit McGee, and Rivers come alive in his adventures in finding the truth about the Witch of Yazoo. Morris fills this book, aimed at kids but pleasing to anyone with a sense of adventure, with autobiographical tidbits. Some very touching moments and some equally hilarious make this a joy to read. Some of the South's painful past is also represented here--segregation rears its ugly head more than once. If you are looking for a book to give your kids, boy or girl, this is the one. In fact, read it with your kids. It may stir up a conversation or two. And at the very least it will allow you to remember similar adventures you may have had as a child. A definate pleaser.

This book strikes a good balance between being factual and advocating a cause. It contains much technical information and historical trivia that is entertaining as well as enlightening. The appendix contains a number of articles that would be difficult to locate elsewhere, some going back to the early 1900s, which provide historical perspective but yet have uncanny relevance for today. Since it presents writings by a number of authors, its only drawback is a great deal of repetition about basic items (such as differences between hemp grown for seed or fiber). Slightly dated in view of the large amount of research and political activity since 1994. Any updated information about the Schlickten (sp?) fiber/hurd separator machine would be welcom.

In "The Last of The Southern Girls", William Morris sets himself up for the ambitious task of combining the contradictions and complications of life in our Nation's capital with the wiles and trials of Southern feminity. As a Southern girl who moved to Washington, D.C. directly follwing graduation, I believe Morris accurately depicts the lovely and despicable traits of two cultures where social obligations and expectations supercede reality. Morris does an especially effective job of describing the tightrope walked by those involved in the delicate role of "public servant," where every move for "the people" must also contribute to one's own personal fame and power.

A fast read about two worlds where words mean nothing and everything at the same time - a must for anyone interested in politics.

My Mississippi by Willie Morris is the quintessential guide to the Magnolia State, brilliant authors, beautiful landscapes, warts and all. Morris covers every aspect of Mississippi, its people, culture, history, landmarks, and leaders, in his own inimitable way. No one turns a phrase better than the late Morris, and this, his final effort, creates no exception to that rule. The tone is conversational, almost as if you're listening to the author holding court, as he was wont to do, at one of his favorite Jackson restaurants. It's all here--the Civil War, civil rights struggles, the old 18th Century Natchez District, the state's incomparable literary heritage, the pathetic public school system, Ole Miss football, beauty pagents, catfish farms, the histrionic Delta. All beautifully and lovingly described by Morris. The only disappointments are the photographs, which are frequently amateurish and, unlike the prose, seem oddly disconnected from their subject-- down home Mississippi. Even so, this is a great book.

Okay, in reality Mr. Morris was, what, 26 -- and the youngest person to hold the position of Editor at Harper's? Anyway, a fascinating look at the NY literary world during the mid to late 60's. Morris was witness to one of the greatest gatherings of young and gifted writers ever assembled in the modern era.

The book starts with the professional steps Morris took prior to accepting the position. The narrative contiues with his insights into the history of Harper's, and then goes into detail about some of the current and previous literary heavyweights that populated the cramped offices as either full-time workers or contributers.

The passages on how he got Norman Mailer to contribute pieces are illuminating and memorable.

If you liked 'North Toward Home,' you'll like this one as well. A very touching book.

Seretse Khwama was the first president of Botswana but he was more than that. He was a chief who gave up his chieftanship to marry the woman he loved, he was a moralist who suffered through exile by England to uphold his principles and he was a pragmatist who lead his country through independance even with apartheid countries all around him.

Seretse was more than an amazing leader, he was an amazing person and this book is his story. It teaches you not only about Seretse but about Botswana as well.

this book is great. I'd recomend it for any traveller to Namibia. I was given it when I was sent to Nam for work. Willie and his wife Sandra have written several books. It is easy to use, up to date and includes some of the lesser known areas. The Etosha information is very useful.

The classic cartoon that began the Walt Disney Company is now available as a children's book. All the wonderful scenes from that cartoon short are found here. However, much is lost because STEAMBOAT WILLIE is connected to sound and in a book there is no sound. Also, the cartoon doesn't make a very good children's book. Still, it is STEAMBOAT WILLIE and it's a nice piece of literature to introduce anyone to the cartoon that made Mickey a star.

Willie & Sam is a well-written book for older children(6-10 years). It is a very informative look into logging in SEAlaska. A glossary is included for those not familiar with logging terms. Beautiful artwork. Some sentences can be a bit complex.

This tome explores the Willie Horton fiasco and its impact on the Michael Dukakis campaign in 1988. Ancient history? Not really. The leading contender for the Democratic nomination for president in 2004 is Senator John Kerry, who also happened to be Michael Dukakis' Lt. Governor.