Only five of the 1800 photos from which these were selected had been printed before. The photographer had put them away, after spending a summer in Mississippi, with a Whitney grant. As an artist, the time had never been ripe to look at them again. This is the only record of a single town in the midst of the Civil Rights revolution in America. It is the record of the largest project in Mississippi, which was overlooked and unpublicised at the time, probably for reasons of personal conflict & sexism. It is also a moment in the civil rights revolution preserved with the sensibilities of a participant, who is African-American & American Indian. It is a loving but never sentimental look at the people of the town in the midst of change, and of the young white college students & middle-aged, middle class African-American professionals who volunteered their services in aid of that revolutionary movement. One bookseller has called the introduction to the photographs "the best I have ever read." It is a good introductory history for the majority of this country who were born after that time. And it is a very beautiful book.

If you like a great steak(who doesn't), this book will be a better purchase than your next cut of beef. From the knowledge he gained in the cattle business, Grady Spears is able to teach the proper ways to cook any cut of beef. The book also contains an informative diagram of where the different cuts come from.

Besides the instruction & information, this book contains the finest recipes you will find. Such as the pan seared rib-eye, pepper crusted tenderloin, Texas beef wellington and my favorite, smoked prime rib w/ horseradish sauce!

Thousands of years ago, the Roman legions took over the known world. As a result, great emphasis is placed on the Greco-Roman myths, and we are left sadly lacking in other areas. Victoria Randall helps to overcome this problem, with her retelling of Nordic saga, The Ring of the Dark Elves. It tells anew some of the ancient myths of the Norse peoples, most notably that of Sigurd Fafnirsbane. This ancient tale is retold by Victoria Randall with skill and beautiful wording. Her good writing is a boon to read, and tells the cycle of tales very well. She captures the cruel-hearted beauty of the daughters of Aegir, the dim and dreary world of the dark elves, the ancient struggle of Odin One-eyed against the sands of Time, and most importantly, the epic sorrow and sadness of the ancient Nordic myths, and the almost overwhelming sense of defeat that lurks under the surface, the complete beauty of these Northern tales. Definitely recommended to any fan of myth, old and modern alike.

I really enjoyed The Ring of Dark Elves. I was effortlessly sucked into the story by the second page. The Norse Gods are familiar, and Mrs. Randall fleshes them out with wonderful, relevant touches. There was just enough humor and romance to keep me jolly, and the pace was perfect! I was able to pick this book up, and put it down again effortlessly. The storyline moved seamlessly, and kept my interest level high. I got a kick out of the Gods aging rapidly, at the beginning, and I loved everything to do with the lovely and luscious Brynhild! A great book for a busy person to get lost in, without disturbing their routine. I'd read another book by Victoria Randall.

Victoria Randall has written a terrific novel. The Ring of the Dark Elves is a tale of romance, enchantment, adventure - and treachery. It is based on Norse mythology, but enjoyment of the story does not require an in-depth knowledge of those legends. For me the novel provided a good introduction to that world. Those who know more about the legends - for example, those who have seen Richard Wagner's operatic cycle - will read the novel with even greater relish.

Before reading The Ring of the Dark Elves, I had heard something about Norse mythology from J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. I knew that both writers had immersed themselves in that world and that it influenced their own imaginations. But I really did not know much about it until reading Victoria Randall's novel. I had heard the names Odin, Brynhild and Sigurd (although in slightly different forms) but did not know who they were. This novel makes those mythical figures live and breathe.

Those who have read The Lord of the Rings - or seen the movies - do not need to be convinced of the worth of epic stories. As Miss Randall says in the introduction:

"Heroic legends and fairy tales are currently seen as fare for children, and it is true that children benefit from being exposed to them early. But in actuality it is adults who need them most, for despite all our wishes to the contrary we live in days as dark as those of early Norsemen, and must deal with the grim realities of the world. Heroic tales give us the courage and the hope that are essential to finding meaning in life."

The Ring of the Dark Elves is a book many will want in their personal library to read - and to re-read - and to fire the imagination of both young and old.