Nichols has done an excellent job of taking many different essays from many different writers which reflect the way that Native Americans have been treated since Columbus' discovery of America. This is a must for anyone studying or even interested in the history of Native Americans.

Harry Halbreich has done a masterful job of putting together the most complete book on Arthur Honegger, one of the two or three great composers of the 20th century. Halbreich explores the personal life of the composer (bringing him down a notch or two in his personal life and his time in occupied France)as well as a thorough exploration of all of Honegger's works. Recommended both for the professional musician as well as the listener who loves this Swiss composer's output. For those who know only Pacific 231, the symphonies and King David, this biography will open new doors to the many other compositions of Honegger.

Black Hawk's Autobiography is reframed in this edition to convey the true voice of the author despite Jacksonian influences of the original editor and interpreter (Patterson and LeClair) who published the first autobiography in 1833. Nichols muses in his introduction,"What is certain is that Black Hawk provided some narrative which has come down to the present...To what extent... does his product offer an authentic Indian voice?...Having worked on this text for some years, it seems to me that we can indeed 'tease out' the Indian's feelings and ideas from the Autobiography...the resulting prose still gives obvious examples of Sauk cultural practices and the warrior's individual attitudes." (p. xix) The value of such an edition is clear. For the first time a mid- 19th century Native American perspective of the experience of American/other territorial expansion, takeover, and ensuing treaties and conflicts between settlers and Native Americans is articulated. What emerges despite the cosmetic grooming efforts of Patterson or LeClair is not pretty or flattering to Americans in any way. Black Hawk is a formidable and resourceful enemy both with the pen and the arrow. What is valuable to Native Americans and other scholars today is both historical and current. Lost, forgotten, buried, disregarded, unperceived, and misunderstood Sauk values and outlooks can be discovered and explored. Perhaps the bitter battle of Wisconsin Heights can engender new insight from current audiences. What is clear and amazing is the evident skill and generalship of Black Hawk, as well as the loyalty and bravery of his band. Nichols begins with a chronology of important events in Black Hawk's life and a series of maps of parts of present day Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin to clarify and illustrate the progress of the British Band with Black Hawk. It is very clear that Nichols is understating when he states "...modern readers using some care can indeed find much that was Sauk and that was Black Hawk in this account." I found many parts of Black Hawk's Autobiography to be deeply moving. At one part, Black Hawk describes his joy at doing battle with a worthy adversary, a leader who was careful with his men and cautious in the risk of death and injury as well as cunning and resourceful, by saying "I would have liked to shake his hand!" I have spent some time roaming and camping in the land where Black Hawk fought the battle of Wisconsin Heights. Reading his autobiography helps reanimate that haunted, proud and beautiful landscape with the brave members of the British Band and their leader. It makes you feel as though you want to shake his hand.

Mendelssohn Remembered is a unique volume telling the story of the composers life and career through letters of those who knew him. We get a complete picture, from Mendelssohn's early years and his relationship with Goethe right up to his final days when exhaustion and grief over his sisters passing drove him to his death bed. The book also contains an excellent chronology of Mendelssohn's life and works matched up with contemporary figures and events. Some nice illustrations are added including some of Mendelssohn's own talented sketches. Perfect as an introduction to Felix Mendelssohn or as a resource for deeper study. Praiseworthy beyond all lauds. BRAVO!

The authors do justice in refuting the many pessimistic views of Stephen Long's career as an explorer in this great little book. Long received a plethora of negative criticism, especially after his 1819-1820 expedition across the plains to the Rocky Mountains. Some of this may be justifiable, such as not searching out the sources of the Platte, Arkansas and Red Rivers, which he had orders to do; or his nomenclature of "The Great American Desert", referring to his return trip from the Rockies. The scientific contributions from his expeditions speak for themselves. Along with publications by Long himself, there were innummerable papers and a few books from the likes of Thomas Say (zoologist), Edwin James (botanist), William Keating (geologist) and art work from Titian Peale and Samuel Seymour to vindicate the efforts of these early nineteenth century explorers. The book was easy to follow and comprehend, and a total pleasure to read.

When you read the book Gabriel Faure : a musical life you really get around the subject in every possible way. Not only is it obvious why Jean-Michel Nectoux is seen as the number one pro on the area, you also get the impression that he is quite capable in handling the subject in both a historic and musicologic manner. The book is highly recommentable. Also for foreign students who wish to approach the life and music of the wonderfull composer Gabriel Fauré without having to many problems with the english language. Desirée Burmeister. ( 3rd year student of the music institute, Aalborg, Denmark )

Mr. MacDonald is well know for his involvment in Berlioz academia, however, I find him very opinonated in how the works are presented, i.e. the Te Deum and his addition to Les Troyens, an extention which I found added little to the opera. It is highly unlikely that he can take liberties with the letters, but what he chooses to include and exclude is relavent. Based on my observation of Mr. MacDonald, these choices may be questionable. Also, my observation of Berlioz acadmeia, Mr. MacDonald is the man in charge, but not the most talented of the group. The book, if it has new material, would be of intrest to Berlioz scholars. As a general selection, I would advise looking at content.

This textbook presents topics in a clear, concise manner while providing the detail necessary for the study of pediatric critical care. It is considered the definitive text for this field. However, it is somewhat dated and pricey.

I wanted a book that would stimulate my children's interest in marine life. They are into elephants and lions in a big way but there's more to life! I think this book will do nicely. Smaller than I was expecting - that just makes it easier to handle for the kids. Each page has a stunning photograph of an even more stunning creature/plant. Below the picture, there is a block of text with just enough detail. I guess a bright 12 year-old could understand it.

This book is the most uninformative book i have ever read. I would not recomend it to anyone

This book is very good (considering its small size). It is actually done with taste, as opposed to the most recent books on the subject.