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Book reviews for "Palmer,_George" sorted by average review score:

Last Flight
Published in Paperback by Crown Pub (1996)
Authors: Amelia Earhart and George Palmer Putnam
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reality
In all of the guessing and all of the opinions about AE, her goals and her loss, I'm thankful the this pilot was a fine writer so we can see how she felt things developed. As a writer with some experience in aviation history as applied to women, I realize both the process her actual words went through to get on the page and the fact that her husband had a great deal of impact on the outcome of her last book. Still, "Last Flight" is in keeping with material published before her death, when she did have more control over the process. "Last Flight" gives each one of us the opportunity to make our own decision about her life and her end.

Far out
Man, this book rocked out. Like, Amelia Earhart was da bomb. Man, when she died, that was like, so bush. You know, I bet she's still alive somewhere, man. Like on some pacific island somewhere just chillin with the natives, sippin on a drink, yeah boy! She be bumpin' with some hot guy. Yeah.


The Odyssey (Dover Thrift Editions)
Published in Paperback by Dover Pubns (1999)
Authors: Homer and George Herbert Palmer
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Palmer's ODYSSEY, One of the Great English Prose Trans.
This is the George Herbert Palmer prose translation from the 1890's and is one of the best prose translations (or best translations period) of the ODYSSEY in English. It's, unfortunately, been unavailable for many years, but now Dover has brought out this extremely inexpensive edition. The Palmer translation is known for its faithfulness to the original Greek. You know when you are reading this translation that you are reading all of Homer's ODYSSEY. A faithful, literal prose translation like this is good to have to accompany an inspired translation into poetry like Pope or Chapman. This first sentence from Bk. 14: 'But from the harbor, up the rock path, along the woody country on the hills, Odysseus went to where Athene bade him seek...' is typical of the style. Spare and simple and rugged and bringing out the tone of nobility of this Homeric epic.

Titantic Epic!
Amazing story of what one man will suffer simply to achieve their dream of returnig to their homeland. The translation is precise and clear, a story that I will always love.


The Master of Putting
Published in Paperback by Burford Books (1997)
Authors: George Low, Al Barkow, and Arnold Palmer
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America's Guest: Gone, but not forgotten
The late, great George Low, putter extrordinare, is no longer with us, but his incomparable guide to putting remains as his legacy to all adherents to the adage "Drive for show, putt for dough !".

Low's statement, "I never owned an overcoat", characterizes the man and the legend. As a personal adviser to Palmer, Nicklaus, and countless others, his personal contribution to the winning of many of golf's major championships cannot be estimated, only appreciated.

An extremely interesting book from one of golf's greats, a true American original ! Don't read if you're not interested in improving your scoring !


Coming of the French Revolution
Published in Hardcover by Princeton Univ Pr (1989)
Authors: Georges Lefebvre and Robert R. Palmer
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I liked it
It is the first book I have read about the French Revolution. It was easy to read and seemed like a good start on reading about this subejct.

it started somewhere
This is an excellent history book, and Lefebvre is a very clear writer.

The guillotine is the great symbol of the French Revolution. But how did it start? That is the question this book sets out to answer.

It would appear that the French aristocracy and the King himself bear most of the responsibility. This book is a fast and enjoyable read. You'll end up wiser than you ever expected.

Most accesible account of the French Revolution
Published in 1939 on the eve of WWII and the Vichy Regime (which burned 8,000 copies), Lefebvre's account of the event which initiated the modern era in the West remains the most accesible and readable of any work on the subject before or since. Lefebvre's Marxist analysis of the event (the dominant interpretation until recently) may appear archaic to contemporary readers. Nevertheless the work is a highly enjoyable analysis of the various sectors of French society and how they contributed to the Revolution. The flowery or arcane scholarly knowledge of later accounts pales before Lefebvre's engaging prose. All in all, a highly recommended work.


The Odyssey (Dover Thrift Editions)
Published in Paperback by Dover Pubns (1999)
Authors: Homer and George Herbert Palmer
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The Odyssey is one of the greatest stories ever told.
The story of The Odyssey is one of the grestest stories ever told. Everytime I read it, I fall in love with the characters. I love the way Mr. Fitzgerald translates the book. He does a masterful job of describing the scene, and uses words to fully portray what is going on, and how the characters feel. I'm reading a version translated by someone else, and it feels "watered down." It's almost too easy to read. Fitzgerald doesn't simplify it to the point where something is lost. I would recommend this book to anyone. In echoing the words of people who have commented before me, I thought the Odyssey would be boring, but it truly is an awesome book and story.

A Story that Truly Deserves the Title "Classic"
This epic tale proves that the best stories and the most perilous adventures know no time period. "The Odyssey" is as compelling today as it was when it was written. Many of the adventures from Odysseus' journey have become stories all their own (the Cyclops, the Sirens, etc.) Fitzgerald's translation of this poem is masterful. He makes it easy to read but takes none of the magic away from Homer's spellbinding words. Children today who love action and adventure in books and in the movies should not overlook this classic simply because of its length and age. By any standard, this is quite possibly the greatest adventure story ever told.

Epic Journey
The Odyssey was probably the best book I have ever read. I first read this epic poem as a freshman in high school, and have read it many times after that. The epic journey by Homer captures the journey through life and its obstacles. Odysseus is main character that must journey to find his way home after the victorious battle of Troy. Odysseus has to overcome many obstacles that lie in his path to return home.

In life we also face obstacles that limit our ability. To overcome each different obstacle, one must use strength, mind, and perseverance to move on and succeed in life.

Odysseus overcame these obstacles by problem solving and thinking ahead. The Odyssey really captures the essences of life lessons through out time. The book was excellent. I mean where else can you find bloody battles, passionate love scenes, giant maelstroms, and the occasional six-headed monster.

I recommend this book to any reader, whether in High School, College, or just the average reader. The Odyssey is a definite classic.


Emerson Lake and Palmer: The Show That Never Ends
Published in Paperback by Helter Skelter Publishing (2001)
Authors: George Forrester, Martyn Hanson, and Frank Askew
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Not the best, but it's all ELP fans have to date
As the only extant full-length bio of ELP, "Welcome Back My Friends" serves the purpose of telling their story in as straightforward a manner as possible, going year-by-year and covering all of the high and low points with a fair amount of detail and research. It could be much more detailed, and as mentioned it is somewhat of a whitewash, since the authors are so clearly in love with the band that even low points like "Love Beach" and "In The Hot Seat" are given positive spins.(Ironically, one of ELP's best projects, the "Pictures At An Exhibition" film from 1971, is one of the few things that is harshly criticized here).

As a basic resource and information manual, the book does its job by providing in-depth song analyses, a very complete discography and complete concert date list. The song analyses are interesting, although some tracks are reviewed in much greater detail than others. The information on the bandmembers' personal lives if perhaps the weakest, although there is as much as could be gleaned from interviews. Until Emerson's elusive autobiography is released, this is the best way for ELP fans, both old and new, to read up on as much info as is currently available on the group. However, the best rock bios tend to put the artist in question against an overview of the era they influenced and were influenced by, and this is largely ignored outside of passing references to other prog acts, making it seem unusually insular.

This Book Belongs in Your Collection
Once I began reading this book it was hard to put down. This is the definitive, end-all story, from beginning to end, of ELP. Its all here: the early days of E, L, and P, the formation of the "Show That Never Ends", the hits, the misses, the fights, the breakups, the reconciliations, more fights, more reconciliations and tours, etc. etc. Also, there is plenty of trivia, behind the scenes information, and analysis of the music, instruments and people connected with the band. This book is laid out very logically, in a chronological order and represents the first time a publication has been available which tells the entire story, in a professional manner, from beginning to end. George Forrester and company are to be commended on being factual without being opinionated or judgmental. ELP had plenty of "wrong turns" and less than successful changes in musical direction through the years, but those events are all reported in a factual manner rather than a condescending one. One of the hidden gems of this book is the information provided in the back. George Forrester gives us a piece by piece analysis of all the major album tracks. Even more valuable is a chronological listing of EVERY concert ever played by the guys, from the beginning all the way through recent years, along with radio broadcasts and interviews. There's even internet sources listed for staying current on the band's activities. This is one of those must-own items if you are, or ever were a fan of the greatest band in rock n roll.

Come Inside The Show's About To Start......
At long last a book on the greatest band ever to ever exist.This book will not be a disappointment for ELP fans.It digs deep into the band's creativity and what drove them to make the best music possible.It also delves into the personal histories of the band;upbringing,musical influences, earlier bands and musical projects outside of ELP.The book also includes an excellent analysis of their music album by album.This section alone is worth the price of admission.It explains in great detail how ideas for songs came about and how they developed as well as paying great attention to technical detail.Also included are tour dates and a discography unlike any other seen before.Make no mistake,this band produced the most creative music ever heard.They defied traditional rock music by combining it with elements of folk,jazz and of course the classics.As individuals they excelled: Keith Emerson,who single-handedly brought keyboards to the forefront and is a master composer.Then there's Greg Lake,whose voice and lyrics-some written with King Crimson bandmate Pete Sinfield-were the perfect compliment for Emerson's adventurous music.Also notwithstanding are his skills as a bassist,guitarist and producer.Last but by no means least is Carl Palmer,quite simply the greatest drummer in rock history.This is a book that belongs on every fan's bookshelf.It is a complete and thorough history and it will not disappoint.As a longtime fan,I thank the authors for a job well done and highly recommend this book


Garden Ornament: Five Hundred Years of History and Practice
Published in Hardcover by Thames and Hudson Ltd (1989)
Authors: George Plumptre and Hugh Palmer
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The cover gives you a good indication of what this book is
A well designed, documented, illustrated catalog of ideas and masterpieces. The good thing here is that you can apply all these beautiful ideas. You can buy statues, chairs, fountains and plant the right vegetation around it (or the other way around). You will love this book. You might even keep it for yourself if you planned to offer it to your parents. Buy two of them. You won't regret it.


Whistled Like a Bird: The Untold Story of Dorothy Putnam, George Putnam, and Amelia Earhart
Published in Hardcover by Warner Books (1997)
Authors: Sally Putnam Chapman and Stephanie Mansfield
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I Lost Interest ...
I've read many books about the great aviatrix, Amelia Earhart. This one tells of Amelia's role in an already failed marriage, much like our country has given us the personal failures of our own President. Although the connection to Amelia is the lure of the book, the story is based more on the author's free-will interpretations of her grandmother's diaries -- what she must have thought, reacted, felt. The entries, in Dorothy's voice, seem distorted with many episodes, imagined. Should everyone's diary be at the mercy of their relative's own interpretations after their death? If the grandmother had written from memory, exactly how it was, would the story change? Dorothy's diary held the details of a troubled life (for a woman of privilege), still (without her input) and the author's self-promoting connection as a the distant "step-great-granddaughter" is hardly the stuff of interesting literature. I would recommend readers acquire actual biographical books to satisfy real curiosity about the lives of deceased heroes.

A history lesson on the Putnams and Amelia Earhart
This is the story of the Putnam family and Amelia Earhart. George Putnam eventually married Amelia, but prior to that was her publicity director and writer of her adventures. Also interesting to learn is the Putnam family was huge in the publishing industry back then but also have a part in the invention of Crayola crayons. Much of the book is Dorothy's diary, which makes it kindof a slow read.

Awesome Reading
The time and research it must have taken to write this book is commendable. We have a read so much about Amelia but to hear about Dorothy and the incredible life that she lead was truley facinating. I would highly reccomend reading this book.


The Last Stand: A Novel About George Armstrong Custer and the Indians of the Plains
Published in Paperback by Forge (1998)
Author: Edwin Palmer Hoyt
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Only those unacquainted need apply...
Who would have thought? A story recounting George Armstrong Custer and the Battle of the Little Bighorn is about as exciting as a worn 7th-grade text book. Initially, the idea seemed appealing. A novelization of this infamous battle in the vein and tradition of Michael Shaara's brilliant "The Killer Angels." But there's just one problem - author Edwin Hoyt's interpretation of these historical characters (Custer, Sitting Bull, Elizabeth Custer, Frederick Benteen, Marcus Reno, etc..) displays the life spark of a department store mannequin. No hyperbole here, but that's not a plus. This novel plods along to the inevitable climax on those slopes of Montana and we never get to know these characters. Their motivations, their weaknesses, their thoughts - it's a mystery in "The Last Stand." Perhaps I'm being a bit harsh. No book about this subject matter will ever match the power of the Evan S. Connell's classic "Son of the Morning Star." So why do I keep buying this drivel? Why do I continue to torture myself by reading book after book on this battle? Because it's a supremely entertaining story. "The Last Stand" does not do this historical story justice. In fact, I'm not sure if I have ever read a book as agonizingly monotonous as this one in reference to this event. Hoyt chooses to recount Custer's undocumented affairs with women in New York - including a graphic sexual encounter which takes up two pages - rather than detail the the Rosebud battle between General Crook and Crazy Horse. Crazy Horse, by the way, is only mentioned two or three times in this entire book. I guess Hoyt would rather dote on a laughable myth, which is suspect at best, about Custer's supposed Indian child. Oh Yellow Hair! A tragic child caught between two worlds! And finally the battle itself. It takes up about two pages of this sterile account and suddenly - our tale has been told. If you hold out for a thrilling conclusion, a moment of supreme realization - "Yes, that's how it happend!" - you're not going to find it in "The Last Stand." From a technical standpoint, Hoyt's interpretation of the final battle (and there have been many) is essentially accurate. If he just could have added some color, a dash of detail, the residue of drama, the caterwaul of desperation. I suppose if your only exposure to Custer and the Little Big Horn battle comes from a black and white Saturday afternoon matinee starring Errol Flynn and Anthony Quinn, this book may interest you. But for any reader even remotely knowledgable on this subject matter, "The Last Stand" rings with the scrawny chord of a rusty bugle.

Just OK
Book is really mediocre. I only finished it to see how Custer died this time. Go read Little Big Man instead if your looking for a Custer novelization. Heck see the movie too.


Sophocles, 2 : King Oedipus, Oedipus at Colonus, Antigone (Penn Greek Drama Series)
Published in Hardcover by University of Pennsylvania Press (1999)
Authors: George Garrett, David R. Slavitt, Palmer Bovie, Smith Palmer Bovie, E. A. Sophocles, Jascha Frederick Kessler, and Kelly Cherry
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An excellent work, but a poor translation.
I do not mean, by giving this book a poor rating, to dissuade anyone from reading Sophocles' greatest works. Rather, I would instead urge everyone to avoid the Slavitt & Bovie translations specifically. Examples of the excessive liberties that they have taken with other Attic dramas include inserting puns and one liners into the Chorus of Agamemnon, adding references to Black American hymns to the Chorus of the Libation Bearers, as well as many smaller, but still significant translation crimes. Get the Grene & Lattimore or almost any other version of these works, but do not get the Slavitt & Bovie


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