John Shelton Reed's ability to write with humor and seriousness at the same time never ceases to amaze me. He gets his usually penetrating point across with such concise facility. This book is a just a collection of impressions about the South written from a Southerner's point of view. It's not intended as an academic treatise, but I've read other works by Reed which shows him to be a brilliant academic, so it's nice to know that these aren't just the ramblings of some ill-informed and provincial person. He's seen the world, and frankly prefers the South to any of it. Really, I have to agree with him whole-heartedly in this vein!

As the illustrator of the Jefferson building's overview for the book (pp.276-277), I had the rare privilege of walking through many of the areas of the Jefferson building not open to the public. Entering the Great Hall for the first time, I was caught off guard by its extraordinary beauty. Being a native Washingtonian, I was surprised that such a lavishly decorated structure existed here in Washington, D.C. The overall impression of the interior is more that of the Paris Opera House, than a government building. This beautiful book, with its many photographic details of the interior, allows the reader to recreate that sense of awe that I experienced walking through the entrance. With Anne Day's vivid photos, and the Libary's wonderful history, this book should be a welcome addition to anyone's personal library. Once you see the book, I suspect you may modify your itinerary for your next trip to Washington. This gem of a building is definitely worth a visit.

-Doug Stern

Walter Benjamin's "the object IS the theory" certainly complies with this marvellous book. Lots of pics and intelligent texts make a very important catalogue of new insights in art history. Although art historians know lots of the depicted art works already, this book re-orders them in quite a startling and refreshing way, telling the story of early modern art in a very concrete and no-nonsense, but richly articulated way. Wonderful imaginative associations with the classic moderns we all had are now elevated in this new canon. The theories on which this catalogue are based are simple and instructive, enlightening.

Very funny! Enjoyable reading. Married or single, with or without a roommate, this is great reading. Practical recipes, quick and easy. Written for the person whose specialty is making reservations.

This is clear and easy to use reference book. It includes sentences using the words in context, helping with comprehension.

As a child I loved to read and write, so at some point in my life my Mom introduced me to a Thesaurus. To this day it is one of my best friends. Thanks mom.

There are adults who do not even know what a thesaurus is!

Do your kids a favor and introduce them to a thesaurus!

The South and its people have been subject to more than a double ration of misinformation and stereotypes despite the insistence or even obsession of southerners to tell about the South. A suitable corrective for these oversimplifications comes in the writings of John Shelton Reed. Reed, a University of North Carolina sociologist, manages an accurate, sympathetic, and amusing characterization of important southern "types." There's something for everyone here. This book, together with Florence King's SOUTHERN LADIES AND GENTLEMEN and some of Lewis Grizzard's works, gives a good introduction to Southern types. Of course a a warning is necessary: while Southerners, as Roy Blount, Jr. observed, like to act typical, they also take a sheer delight in being unpredictable just for the holy hell of it.

Reed knows his types: the Good Ole Boy, the Aristocrat, etc. These people the southern landscape and provide entertainment for each other. These are people who are apt to equate loving the Lord and SEC football, and favor Coke to Pepsi.

I suppose one could quibble about some types that he omitted, but this is a short and enjoyable book and well-worth the reading. Hell fire, podners: Professor John Shelton Reed is a wonderous writer who will bring you to a smile like good barbecue.

This is the best and most up to date book on Team sailing and all facets to do with the sport. It is a valuable tool for teachers and sail masters in educating students on effective methods to enhance enjoyment and success in this sport.The book includes tactic diagrams and a large section given to pre-race manouveres .

Great character description of Jim Gadsen,makes you care about him.Intricate plot with surprise ending.Reminded me of Shibumi and Grandmaster.Eat your heart out Ludlum fans.Definitely want more of same quality out of John R.Reed.Hope he writes another soon.

This is a great gift book for that eccentric dog owner you know. It has a large range of practical and extravagant dog "essentials" from different companies. The book also provides sources for these items so that they can be ordered. Great for leaving in reception area of a veterinarian's office.

For anyone who likes to spoil their cat rotten, this book is an absolute must-have! Much more than a catalog, it contains everything from simple catnip toys to an Italian sportscar with built-in kitty seatbelt and litterbox. And there's gifts of all shapes and sizes for cat lovers, from jewelry to books to home furnishings. There's even an elf's hat to dress your cat for the holidays! I enjoyed every page of this book, learning interesting and obscure facts, picking out items for my Christmas list, and dreaming of what I'd buy my pampered cats if I ever win the lottery. The Whole Kitty Catalog certainly isn't heavy reading, but it sure brightens my days.