This is truly one of my favorite books (arcane though it is). Sphrantzes' court history is personal, immediate and very human. Unlike most Byzantine historians the reader gets a sense of the author's personality. All of the characters are well rounded with normal strengths and weaknesses. I find the story of Constantine XI last days to be very moving as he struggles to save his city from the assault of the Turks. Sphrantzes portrait shows Constantines' strength as well as his despair in those final days.

Great end notes too.

An essential book for every American both young or old, male or female, Democrat or Republican. A delightful discovery on the need of God and guns (or perhaps swords) in the United States and the intolerance of a government in charge of all but answerable to noone. An undeniably perfect fit for todays culture.

Discover your roots from the men that gave their lives for the signing of the Constitution; true heroes. Their resolve was unquestionable and the love for country without reproach.

They brought us so far. We've walked away. Read it and weep. BK

There are magnificent books about the French Revolution, Michelet's (not Burke, not Carlysle could match its emotional committment to the heart rather than the idea), Lammartine (readers have sung the Marselleise leafing through the history of te Gironde), then comes Lefevbre, a modern..narrates at Michelet's tempo the measures of Lammartine's events. No doubt the modern's attraction is to the more objective clause, and yet, at some point an image of Marianne strats to appear in the pages. Yes, a son of the Revolution, on the way to the annaliste school. This is what modern historical writing should be all about..

I have read all Jane Austens books. They are funny and colourless. Most of all I liked the book: Pride and Prejudice.But Emma is funnier. I have seen the movie:Emma,and the movie: Pride and Prejudice.They were very funny!

Now that George Brett has finally been elected to the Hall of Fame (with the 4th highest vote total in history no less), interest in reading about this baseball immortal is at a high and it's very unfortunate that Garrity's book is no longer in print. The book was written after Brett's wonderful 1980 season, when he captured the hearts of America with his quest to become the first player to hit .400 since Ted Williams did it in 1941. The book's a great look into the life of a player on the brink of superstardom. It'd be great now to get a book on Brett's entire career, because many of his highlights occurred after the '80 season. If you're a Brett fan, I strongly urge you to find this book!

I bought this book with the intention of reading one or two stories a day. I couldn't put it down. I was laughing out loud and my children begged me to read them what was so funny. I would read them some and they enjoyed it as much as I did. What started out as a month or so of giggles turned into an afternoon of belly-laughs.

First (I am verily a bit emberassed to state the following); however, as many say the truth (and only the truth) will set you free. Therefore, I must state, write and say that I had never heard of George Herbert; nor any of his writings. This book in question, i.e., George Herbert: Country Parson, the Temple (The Classics of Western Spirituality by Wall N. John Jr, et al is not a book in the traditonal sense. It should be seen as a guidebook for the country parson and offers advice on how to comfort and the latter part is on the nature of church terms, e.g., virtue. I would have to classify this book, i.e., George Herbert: Country Parson, the Temple (The Classics of Western Spirituality) by Wall N. John Jr, et al as a great book and a must have for anyone whom is interested in books dealing with spirtual beings.

Cleman is one of the foremost authorities on Cable (Cable himself being a much-underappreciated U.S. author) and draws the reader to new insights and appreciations without recourse to flash or intellectual postering. Cleman (as educator and critic)and Cable should both be considered national treasures.

This is the "must have" edition of George Washington's Rules of Civility. Beautifully bound in leather and richly illustrated by 18th Century period prints, this brief, 128 page, 8.25 by 5.25 inch, handsome work fits easily in your coat pocket or brief case. This attractive book is the perfect gift for every young person and adult alike whether they are a casual leisure reader, a student, or a scholar; no one will be diappointed. This edition will be enjoyed and appreciated at every level of reader interest. Each rule has been written as Washington himself recorded the maxim. The editor's stated intent being to retain the feel of Colonial America. Each rule is numbered consecutively and presented in over-sized type. If the reader chooses to read more deeply he or she will be richly rewarded and discover an excellant example of careful scholarly research. The edtitor has reached back to the very origin of the Rules of Civility in 1595. He makes it possible to trace the development of the Rules of Civility over 300 years thereby placing Washington and Colonial America within its own rich historical context. By presenting each rule with its earlier texts it is possible for the reader to discover the evolution of each rule for him or herself. Under each numbered rule is printed its earlier version as it appeared in previous centuries. Where the rule was printed in French it is recordered here in the original middle French and then carefully translated into English. The work is well documented. I give this edition the highest possible recommendation to all readers.

An interesting and provocative biography of a man virtually unknown in Anglo-American history. Sherwood's work is a must read for anyone seeking to understand the crucial battle for control of French policy in the years leading up to the Second World War. You cannot understand France between the wars without understanding Mandel and there is no better place to begin understanding Mandel than Sherwood's text.