After mulling over volumes like the "Viking Portable Library" it is refreshing to have an entire volume of light-hearted, folksy fun. Of course, Riley's works aren't ALL in that vein, but favorites like Ragedy Man and Little Orphan Annie are, and that's why I like him. Being from California, I hardly know how to use the type of speech inflections and what-not that Riley hasn't written into these rhyming tales. But the closer I get to being able to master such speech the more it entertains my kids! Great collection, get it!

When I was a kid, we had a friend who would recite "Little Orphant Annie" to us before we went to bed. I'll be damned if that poem didn't scare me into being a good kid! I plan on reading it to my 3 year old tonight with the hopes of scaring her straight enough to start being nice to her baby brother! One can dream, right?.....

Folksy Hoosier James Whitcomb Riley (1849 - 1916) is America's premier poet of the sentimental. The Complete Poetical Works Of James Whitcomb Riley brings together over 1,000 touching, humorous, easy to read, and intelligent but non - intellectual poems, many filled with longing for irretrievable childhood innocence, freedom, and joy. Today's readers will find the volume a genuine time capsule into the past; these poems will evoke not only the reader's own memories of childhood, but also a simpler and perhaps more innocent and joyous America. The ambitions and expectations expressed by the speakers, narrators, and characters in the poems are humble, the horizons of their world near. One of the secrets of Riley's backward - glancing poems is that his reflections are only partially regretful; the joys of the past are equaled by the child - like joy still present in the adult poet's heart. Dozens of the pieces included here are suitable for reading to and sharing with children.

Titles 'The Swimming Hole,' 'The Noble Old Elm,' 'Company Manners,' 'When Mother Combed My Hair,' 'Us Farmers In The Country' 'My First Spectacles,' 'Blooms In May,' 'Two Sonnets To The June - Bug,' 'The Land Of Used - To - Be,' and 'Our Boyhood Haunts' offer a good indication of the book's content. There are numerous nature poems and celebrations of the seasons, summer meadows of "clover to the knee," August moons, lazy rivers, "the twitter of the bluebird and the wren," and, in one of Riley's most famous, the frost "on the punkin." There are tributes to William McKinley and Abraham Lincoln, to Tennyson, Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Joel Chandler Harris. Famous characters 'Little Orphant Annie' and 'The Raggedy Man' are here; Puck makes an appearance "under a low crescent moon" in a poem of his own, as do Pan, Santa Claus, pixies, and goblins in others. Odes to boyhood best friends abound. People lived on closer terms with death in Riley's time, and, appropriately, a number of the poems address the subject, all of which express either blissful faith in the afterlife or sadness for the living left behind.

Riley was endlessly inventive within the limited sphere of his talent, or, perhaps, within the limitations he purposefully set upon it. Oddly, there are relatively few poems celebrating romantic love and marriage. Riley, who never married, apparently held the adult world and women in particular in no little suspicion. In his poetry, eligible women are generally kept at what Riley must have felt was a safe distance, though there are numerous tributes to mothers, aunts, sisters, and little girls - even stepmothers are embraced lovingly. But when Riley wrote about single women and imagined wives, his poetic vision generally darkened.

In 'The Werewife,' the volume's 'La Belle Dame Sans Merci,' Riley portrays the speaker's "fluttering, moth - winged soul" helplessly caught and mesmerized by his wife, a white - skinned, red - cheeked seductress who is also a murderous vampire. In 'The Mad Lover,' the narrator lives in a state of grim emotional paralysis after falling in love with 'Miriam Wayne,' though whether "fate" or Miriam herself is the cause of the "evil" and the lover's madness is not made clear. In 'Oh, Her Beauty,' the poet sings the praises his beloved's transcendent loveliness, but the last lines find him on his knees in thanks to God for revealing her spiritual ugliness at the eleventh hour. The plucky woman in 'Her Choice' is asked by her lover to chose his "love or hate," and she chooses "your hate, my dear!" The cuckolded man in 'The Lovely Husband' fans his wife and cold creams her face upon command, ignores her plucky unfaithfulness, and is every way a "handy hubby" and "lovey - dovey" until he cheerfully takes a shot gun and shoots her. The lover of the imprisoned killer in 'Life Sentence' is "false, while he was true," "the mistress of all siren arts," and "the poor soulless heroine of a hundred hearts!"

Riley and Carl Sandburg were kindred souls; admirers of Sandburg will find that Sandburg's work was partially a progression of Riley's. Both poets' verse is filled with anecdotes, homey bits of wisdom, funny stories, songs, folk truisms, and legendary characters. Riley's poems are snippets of life, fireside tales, and reflections; unlike Sandburg, politics are occasionally touched upon but never the pivotal focus in Riley's work.

How readers react to John Whitcomb Riley will depend on how they respond to the overtly sentimental and the character of the times in which he wrote, for these poems effortlessly evoke it. Though warmly sentimental, Riley was also bright and witty and full of spark, a dreamy, reflective, pre - urban poet of the small town and the home, of the sun porch and the rocking chair, of back fence gossip and street corner news, and of the American dream as it was conceived in his era. Potential readers may think themselves too sophisticated, cynical, or highbrow to enjoy the happily middlebrow works of James Whitcomb Riley. But such readers may be pleasantly surprised at how completely they find themselves immersed in Riley's detailed, frequently timeless, invigorating, and ingenious work. Despite its overall simplicity, Riley's work comfortably rests within the grander tradition of American literature, and makes for visionary reading in its own unique, whimsical manner.

...I question that love if you do not have this book. This is the most concise collection of biographies, stats, and information about every human involved with the development, management, and participation in every Negro League that ever existed. Even players whose first name was not known is listed with at least a few words about when they played and for whom. And the players with extensive history is detailed along with stats and other great side stories about them. There is even information on the teams in the Negro Leagues, which I found most interesting. I don't know of any other book that has as much information on the lesser-known players and behind-the-scenes people in the Negro Leagues than this one. If you are a Negro League fan, you probably already have this book. But if you are a baseball fan in general, you MUST have this book.

Not only does this book give you comprehensive information on experimental techniques, it also gives you the fundamentals of elasticity that are necessary. This is important because even before you measure stresses or strains, you need to know what they are likely to be. (normal,shear,+/- etc) Apart from this, it is the best reference for photoelastic and optical methods of stress analysis. Excellent and a must have for any one interested in mechanics. Falls in the category of Timoshenko and Cook's books for quality and usefulness.

The Kirkus review of James Whitcomb Riley: A Life is hardly a fair one. It criticizes the book because of two opinions of the reviewer that clearly the author had no hope of changing:

1. The facts about Riley are not as interesting as the myths about his life.

2. He was not the author of great literature.

It is, of course, the duty of the serious biographer to present the truest picture possible of the life of the biography's subject. To this end, Elizabeth Van Allen has done a prodigious amount of research in documents relating to the life of Riley. The result is a scholarly but readable and interesting book. She rightly puts to rest the myths about the poet, intriguing though they may be. Furthermore, as a historian, Van Allen discusses the significance of Riley's poetry but does not attempt to defend it as outstanding literature.

Certainly, the biography of Riley will be most popular in Indiana where he is still revered by many, but it also will be of interest to anyone who is interested in American cultural history. In presenting the context for Riley's early years, the author paints a clear picture of life in the Midwest in the second half of the 19th century. As Riley rises to national fame, the reader learns of the role of newspapers as a purveyor of literature in the late 19th century, the national importance of regional literature in that century, and the important role of the national lecture circuit as mass entertainment of the period.

As an immensely popular entertainer on platforms throughout the nation and later through the marketing efforts of his publisher and of Riley himself, before movies, radio, television, or rock and roll, Riley was the 19th century precursor of the 20th century pop culture celebrity. This fact alone makes him a figure worth reading about and the author's authoritative and entertaining book worth buying.

Another evaluation of the book that is recommended is the review by Rich Gotshall in the Indianapolis Star issue of Sunday, November 7, 1999.

1. Illiteracy in a Literate world? 2. William Willshire Riley wrote the "Sequel to Riley's Narrative." 3. William Willshire Riley was Captain James Riley's son. 4. Captain James Riley authored the book, "An Authentic Narrative of the Loss of the American Brig Commerce. . ." Several editions were printed, starting with 1816, and a few decades thereafter. 5. When Captain James Riley was successful with his book, one of the sailors on this brig, Archibald Robbins,authored the book, "A Journal Comprising an Account of the Loss of the Brig Commerce, of Hartford, Connecticut, James Riley, Master, upon the Western Coast of Africa, August 28, 1815" in 1818, with later editions. 6. After Captain James Riley returned to the U.S., he later accepted a position as surveyor in northwest Ohio, in 1819. Captain James Riley platted the village of Willshire in honor of William Willshire, who assisted him, when he was held captive in Morocco, Africa. Captain James Riley's son William Willshire Riley was named for this man. Wm. Willshire Riley authored "Sequel to Riley's Narrative." 7. Captain James Riley's son, James Watson Riley, platted the Village of Celina, Ohio in 1834, when he stayed in Ohio, at the time Captain James Riley returned to New York. 8. James Watson Riley's son, Calvin Riley, a prominent businessman in Celina, built his home in 1896; this home is now the home of the Mercer County Historical Museum,the Riley Home, 130 East Market, Box 512, Celina, OH 45822. I am the Director of that Museum, and have been, since January 1973. I consider myself to be a local authority on Captain James Riley. I am not arrogant. I just happen to know more about Riley than others. 9. In 1996, I authored the book, "Ohio's Last Frontiersman, Connecticut Mariner Captain James Riley," ISBN 1-891095-09-9. 10. I find it difficult to understand that someone doing book business would put the incorrect author with a book, even though that person is a relative of the author. Please correct this. I may be of the old school, in an electronic world, but I still believe in putting the correct author with his or her own books. 11. I now am finishing a manuscript about Calvin Riley's son, James Zura Riley, who, with 14 Northwest Ohioans, went on the Yukon Gold Rush, in Alaska, 1898-1900. I have two diaries, two photograph albums, gold claims, packets of letters, financial ledgers, etc. This story is almost as exciting as his Great-Grandfather Captain James Riley's story. 12. Thus, if you the reader, really are interested in this exciting story of the Riley family, you are more than welcome to write me. Thank you so much. I would be very glad to meet you. I love local history.

Joyce Alig, Director Mercer County HIstorical Museum, The Riley Home 130 East Market, Box 512 Celina, OH 45822

histalig@bright.net

419-586-6065 or 419-678-2614

I bought this book for my 6 year old last school year. He had a great time figuring out the answers to the questions. What an introduction to story problems. Some are quite easy, while others present a challenge. Problems range for figuring out how may legs 10 spiders have, to traveling distances, to how much you would weigh on the moon. We can't wait to start book 2 next year.

I picked up this book at my local library. The author uses and Indiana dialect that I, who have lived in IN all my life have never heard. No matter. It's a great deal of fun to read aloud. Very rhythmic with a good refrain. If you can find a copy anywhere, read it to a group of kids.

I first became aware of this book when I took my then three-year-old son to our library's halloween story time. Both of us fell in love with this illustrator's vision of the James Whitcomb Riley standard. Little Orphant Annie comes alive to remind us all to: "say our prayers", "help the poor and needy ones", "cherish them that loves us", and all manner of good behavior....or suffer the consequences! We checked this book out on a weekly basis until we both could recite it by heart as we drove around town. Quite an accomplishment for such a little guy. I'm glad it's still available--I'd like to give him a copy when he graduates from high school.

I`m 44 and I use to live in Indiana My mother got me this book when I was little and I loved it. I still remember it today and because of this book I love to read. I wish I still had it today. I have read 100`s of book but Mr. Riley has stayed with me. If you have a chance to read this book please do adults and children both. thank you Dlight

This is an engaging and entertaining adventure. This is definitely a book you should have in your library. It gives a very humanistic view of Africa and its people without resorting to stereotypes.

In the world of survival stories, this one is an outstanding classic. Captain James Riley's account of his shipwreck and subsequent enslavement by nomadic Arabs will amaze you beyond belief. I cannot began to imagine how anyone could survive under these conditions...naked, sunburned, starving, beaten and driven across the buring desert as slaves. It was encouraging to me that throughout it all, he kept his faith in God and somehow endured with the hope he would eventually be a free man once more. He also exhibited great leadership as he urged his fellow shipmates not to give up. Somehow they would make it! Written in the early 1800's this story has been an inspiration to millions over the years. It's a great addition to any library.

Our lives today are easy beyond compare to the lives the desert nomads lived, the Africans who enslaved the crew of the wrecked ship Commerce back in 1815. The way water was treasured to every last drop makes me feel guilty about how little thought we generally give to where our water comes from. This is an enthralling tale, one I could not stop reading until I was finished. To realize that I am reading a book that my great great grandfather may have read back in his days makes it that more special.

This is a very good work. I enjoyed it immensely. The chapters by Choi Chatterjee, in particular, were very thoughtful and well researched. She is proof positive that the historical field suffers from a dearth of women and minority thinkers, and would benefit greatly from their unique and compelling vision.
Given Chatterjee's tremendous breadth on such issues as gender, class, and ethnicity, one would hope for future research by her about academic sinecures for bourgeois mothers of color.
Many people are unaware of this phenomenon. Recently, women of color are being exploited as diversified pawns in the playing field of white male academia. After culminating their rights to motherhood, they are, in effect, phased out of the academy. They are still paid a solid middle class income, of coure, but are petered into nominal positions, teaching, say, one course per semester, thus minimizing their significance within the department's political landscape. (They are permitted to work only about ten to fifteen hours per week.)
This is just another disgraceful example of the dominant white male hierarchy imposing its oppressions upon middle-class mothers of color.
Once again, this is an excellent book. I highly recommend it.

Chatterjee should write a book on academic sinecures for bourgeois mothers of color.

After reading the authors first novel,"In the Shadows of the Moonglade", I've eagerly awaited his next book. "Deception" is well worth the wait. A beautifully written and gripping mystery, I was quickly drawn into the plot and the lives of the characters, especially that of Detective Kierzek, an excellent cop and truly decent man. I hope to see more of him in future books. This is a story that will keep readers hanging on, guessing and gasping, 'til the last page.

Riley St. James did it again with. His first book, "In the Shadow of the MoonGlades" was great. However, he has surpassed its excellence with "Deception in the Rainshadows". The story was masterfully put together and kept me in suspense until the very end. I judge a book according to whether or not I am able to put it down once I begin reading. "Deception" was a winner. Thank you, Riley St. James. I can hardly wait for your next book!

I started reading this book on a Saturday afternoon and, regretfully, put it down when I couldn't stay awake any longer. The author draws you into the story so completely that all else is forgotten. The characters seem like people you know and the plot is captivating. I was very impressed. There actually are clues to the ending, unlike other mysteries I've read. Although it's difficult, you CAN figure this one out if you recognize the clues. That made it more fun for me, to solve the mystery along with Detective Kierzek. You just have to read it, period.