Fantastic book. Reading it is like exploring the vanished world of polish stetels. Although I found only one chapter regarding Szczebrzeszyn I highly recomend the book. I wish there would be more translations of Yizkor Books.

This is a truly splendid compendium of excerpts from various memorial books written after the Holocaust to commemorate the vanished world of Eastern European Jewish life in the shtetlach of Poland. I read it in a sitting and will re-read it in the future. For anyone with the slightest interest in this vanished world, I URGE you to buy this book - give it to your friends, as well.

Rarely is a book published that causes an entirely new genre of studies to open up. This was the result of the first edition of this book printed in 1983. Before 1983, some scholars, librarians, and genealogical researchers knew of yizkher bikher in general, but up to that time there had not been a major focus on these books as social, historical, and genealogical sources of first-hand knowledge of destroyed communities, to some extent because of language barriers. But as more lay persons began searching their roots in the late 1970s, with interest building in the 1980s and exploding in the 1990s, they started to tap into these remarkable books. The publication of From a Ruined Garden, containing over 70 translated excerpts from Polish yizkor books, illuminated for many lay persons the lost world depicted in these books from which they had been cut off because they could not read them in their original languages, primarily Yiddish and Hebrew. The first edition has long been out of print, but again, in another bit of fortunate timing, a second, expanded edition has been published.

There's a marvelous moment in an old Jack Wrangler flick from the late 1970's, A NIGHT AT THE ADONIS, when one of
Jack's co-stars, Malo, a handsome bodybuilder, is reading GAY AMERICAN HISTORY wearing nothing but a jockstrap. At
some point Malo closes the book, puts it down, and reflects to himself out loud: "Gay history. Gay ancestors. Now there's a
paradox!"

Indeed it is, but Jonathan Ned Katz proves the existence of such in this massive and important piece of pioneering research.
Going back to America's colonial days, Katz traces the presence of gay men and lesbians (Katz would say "lesbians and gay
men")in all phases of American history. He divides the book into several sections. The first, "Trouble", shows us the various
ways gay men and women were punished for their "abnormality." There's even an appearance here by none other than Thomas
Jefferson, who, enlightened thinker that he was, thought "sodomites" should be castrated for their crime against nature rather
than executed. In "Treatment" we are shown the sad, pathetic, outrageous ways gays sought to "change" their orientation,
sometimes not voluntarily, through hypnosis, shock treatment, and lobotomy. If you have any conscience at all, this section will
make you shake your head in sadness and shame. "Passing Women" is a fascinating survey of women who dressed and acted
as men, some even serving as soldiers and doctors in the Civil War. We get to meet the indomintable Dr. Mary Walker here,
among other women individualists. In "Gay Americans/Native Americans" we see how American native peoples were often
vastly more tolerant of "alternative lifestyles" than whites. Finally "Love" shows us men and women caught in the thrall of same
sex passion. Among those highlighted here are Walt Whitman, John Addington Symonds, Emma Goldman and her fascinating
lover Almeda Sperry, Dorothy Thompson, and the psuedonymonous "Mary Casals."

There is much to absorb and learn from in this book, almost sometimes to the point of tedium. Do not try to take it all in at one
time but read it and enjoy it slowly and leisurely. Katz does an admirable job navigating us through these largely unknown
waters, although his stridently leftist point of view (he likes the word "oppression", folks)is sometimes distracting and
(endearingly) anachronistic. His inclusion of SO much lesbian material is also often off-putting and may have deserved its own
volume (sorry, Mr. Katz, it's a biological thing with me - men are just more interesting than women).

Read this and be prepared to be astonished.

What's striking about the hundreds of stories documented here is how much we're like these people of centuries ago, and how much they're like us today. Often they faced oppression too horrible for us to imagine (imprisoned, put to death, kidnapped, hospitalized, drugged, lobotomized, castrated, and those were just for starters), but they responded much as we might have in their shoes: usually with courage, but sometimes with cowardice; usually with great faithfulness to their loved ones, but sometimes willing to betray them; often defiantly, but sometimes meekly; they generally lived with a great deal of personal integrity, though some turned to crime and others went crazy. These are people we recognize! And in them we see ourselves.

More than anything, this book shows the existence of a shared Gay and Lesbian culture across the centuries (despite the claims of today's ignorant cynics). If these shadowy figures from the past could time-travel to our own era, they would be shocked at our freedom -- then they'd shout for joy and fit right in.

Don't be the least concerned about the book's length or turn away because it's about "history." The vignettes Katz assembled are usually brief, often only a page or two, which makes the book easy to put down when you need a breather, and easy to pick up again, without having to go back and refresh your memory; you'll always know what he's talking about. These are people you will be proud of. Their stories' cumulative effect gives this volume its power, and makes it, in my view, the most important Gay book of the 20th century.

I read "Gay American History" when I was coming out and it was a revelation. Though some of the concepts are outdated, and the facts have been superseded by later research, it remains the basic text book for gay (and lesbian) American history. Katz paved the way for John Boswell, John D'Emilio, Allan Berube, George Chauncey and many, many other historians. Katz has his biases, and he does go overboard to provide "gender balance", but all in all his book is very educational and extremely entertaining. You can't go wrong with this one.

Christianna Brand is one of the lesser-known lights of Golden Age detective fiction, which is a shame, because she has enough talent to be far better-known. This mystery, set at a military hospital during World War II, is one of my favorites. Brand knew her stuff when it came to military hospitals, and the details really serve to ground the plot; she knows exactly how the wards would have been laid out, how much medicine the patients would have been given, who did what, who went where... and, of course, there were the usual vagaries of the war: bombing, cramped shelters, black-out. The mystery itself is interesting. I think the story wouldn't have been half so powerful if she had taken a more minimalist approach, which is yet another reason to love her-- every detail matters.

A mystery who dunnit set in a World War II military hospital in England. Brand has a very similar style to Agatha Christie, she is a very accomplished writer in the genre in her own right and does not suffer in comparison with such elevated company. I am reluctant to spell out too much of the plot other than to say it revolves around the Doctors, Nurses and Patients. After all the point of mystery novel reading is trying to fathom out the real evidence from the red herrings yourself and I would hate to rob a potential reader of the fun of trying to solve the crime. I didn't figure it out myself until it was laid out before me by the detective at the end of the book. A worthwhile read from an excellent writer of murder mystery.

Another book that can be read over and over, and one that the reader will enjoy even more after seeing the wonderful movie starring Alistair Sim as the detective. A great way to be introduced to Ms. Brand's other entertaining reads.

of color and of life. His vivid paintings make you feel glad to be alive

Conroy has done a splendid job of putting together the works of Jonathan Green. Not only does the book show Green's unique style to best advantage, but includes great information about the Gullah people and the artist. A must have book for anyone interested in the Gullahs or Jonathan Green.

This is a perfect coffee table book. It is educational as well as asthetically pleasing.

Growing up in the North, my grandmother often took my sister and I back to South Carolina to experience our "roots". The flavors of the Gullah tradition (custome, food, language, religion) come alive in Jonathan Green's work.

This is a beautifully touching book that takes a glimpse into the lives of people impacted by and living through Europe during the war and the following decades. It covers the lives of many people in Germany, Hungary, etc. in a way that makes you truly appreciate the impact to people's lives and sense of identity. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in this period of time.

I don't know if the author Kaufman is Jewish or not, but his account appears not to be opinionated, biased, judgmental, or one-sided, but gains its strength through the characters or the situation "talking," rather than the author explaining things as Goldhagen tried to do in Hitler's Willing Executioners. I had read quite a few books on the Holocaust and wondered what happened after the war. Kaufman answers this question clearly and to the point, and for this I give him five stars. - As for the book's readability, as noted in previous reviews, the narrative introduces us to several Jewish families in different East European countries, and lets us "follow them" closely from the war's end to after the Berlin Wall fell. The result is quite good and, at the same time, very surprising and unexpected, at least to me; the characters are alive and real and they and their histories will remain in the reader's memory for some time. - Overall, I think Kaufman did an excellent job in answering my question as to what happened to the European Jews after the war. I was impressed.

Inspiring fascinating journey into the "heart of the world," former communist block countries where Jews are coming out of the woodwork. Kaufman does a fabulous job tracking down some amazing people and telling stories which need to be told. I've recomended this book to all of my friends. None of them has bothered to read it and frankly I'm sorry for them because reading this book is a life enriching experience. Three cheers for Kaufman

Sumption continues the same excellence in Trial by Fire that was started in Trial by Battle - an integrative and authoritative look at the Hundred Years War. As opposed to other histories if this period, his approach is detailed and authoritative - no greater praise can be made of a piece of historical work covering an "event" of such scope and length. My only disappointment is the delay in release of future volumes.

I would not recommend this book to individuals who are looking for general history or discussions of battles. On the other hand, for those with interest in the 13th to 15th century, it is highly recommended.

The book is everything it promises, with one exception - it is volume two of the series. Mr Sumption is an extraordinary advocate, historian and writer, but he wrote volume one before this one.

Sumption's bulky, detailed study of the Hundred Years War and its antecedents is a model for modern narrative history. His research is truly extraordinary, his writing clear, his story compelling, and his judgment almost always sound (if rather pessimistic). He is better on politics, administration, and finance than on strictly military topics, however; in my opinion he fundamentally misunderstands the battle-seeking nature of English strategy in this period (cf. my article in the 1994 _Transactions of the Royal Historical Society_, or my forthcoming monograph, _War Cruel and Sharp_), and his battle narratives, while as good as any others yet published, are open to dispute.

I would not willingly try to judge which is Wodehouse's best book, for it is a hard task, as each of the Master's works shine in thier own special way. But if i had to, and there was no other way, then it would have to be Joy in the Morning.
This is a classic story of Bertie Wooster and Jeeves, his valet, or as Jeeves puts it "his gentleman's gentleman". There are several books featuring Bertie and Jeeves and like all the others this one is a cracker.
Bertie has to go to Steeple Bumpleigh, the lair of his horrendouns Aunt Agatha, to assist his uncle pull of a tricky business deal. Confusion ensues when he gets engaged to the wrong girl - the overbearing, always-moulding Florence Craye. The situation is especially hard for him, as also in the cast of characted is Stilton Cheesewright, who thinks Bertie as a snake and butterfly, and wants to clobber him.
Add to this a business magnate from Long Island, an eccentric author, and a boy scout bent (pun intended, read the book and you shall find out) on helping all around him, and its a recipie for the worst kind of disaster for Bertie. Thank god he has Jeeves on hand to extricate him from all the doodah.
A superb read. Dont give this one a miss. Remember, a man who is tired of Wodehouse, is a man who is tired of Life.

Published in the U.S. as "Jeeves in the Morning," Overlook Press has restored the original British title for this nicely produced cloth edition. Regardless of the title, Wodehouse's 1947 novel is a superb comedy of language and manners (or lack thereof), in which both screwball and slapstick enhance the absurd situations Bertie Wooster and his valet Jeeves create for themselves.

The supporting characters are marvelously drawn. There's Florence Craye, "one of those intellectual girls, steeped to the gills in serious purpose, who are unable to see a male soul without wanting to get behind it and shove," and her jealous fiance Stilton Cheesewright, "one of those touchy lovers who go about the place in a suspicious and red-eyed spirit, eager to hammer the stuffing out of such of the citizenry as they suppose to be or to have been in any sense matey with the adored object." The disheveled writer Boko Fittleworth looks like "a cross between a comedy juggler and a parrot that has been dragged through a hedge backwards." Florence's brother Edwin is a Boy Scout with a "kink in his psychology which made him such a menace to society"; her father is "one of those men you meet sometimes who only listen to about two words of any observation addressed to them."

Even the characters who never once make an appearance add to the delirium. A victim of various intrigues executed by main characters, the American industrialist J. Chichester Clam remains entirely off-stage, "probably convinced that all this must be that Collapse of Civilization of which he had no doubt so often spoke at the Union League Club." And the fear of the wrath of the matriarch Aunt Agatha, away visiting her sick son, keeps all the characters in check.

This mix of oddballs insures that engagements are broken, property is destroyed, business deals are ruined, and animosities are renewed--and, as always, it falls to Jeeves to set everything right with a mix of luck, connivance, outright deceitfulness, and wisdom culled from Shakespeare (who, according to Bertie, "sounds well, but doesn't mean anything"). For such a light, easy read, "Joy in the Morning" is an unexpectedly satisfying novel.

I have read quite a few of Wodehouse's books, and regard this as the best of them. What I enjoy most about his work is his use of language, and this book seems to me the most polished in this respect of those I have read. As ever, I enjoy the comedy, set in an imaginary environment of sunny days and English upper-class comfort.

Hi I'm from southern California. This book opened my eyes to a subtextual patern found in all of America's modern culture, that many more Christians need to at least consider. I'm praying for the success of this young author and hope that he gains the recognition his creativity and talent deserve. To everyone looking to hear from the wisdom of todays youth I endorse this wonderful writing.

Excellent first novel! Great story line, fast paced - no boring moments. Surprising, refreshing ending! I highly recommend this book!

Almanzar uses this book display his ability to communicate ideas through story-lines and dramatic events. I interviewed this talented young (26 year old) author over the phone yesturday, and he said that the book came natural to him. He said that it is based on events that took place in his home church a few years ago. This is a must read, and Almanzar is a house-hold name to keep your eye on..............by the way, he said his is working on two more books. Buy this one, and watch for the next two. I promise you won't be dissapointed.

Bardon presents the history of Ulster in bite-size segments. Back in Belfast, I used to read a few subchapters a night--even skipping around between centuries and subjects, I've still learned plenty from this book. If you are really interested in Irish history/politics, get this book. But you may want the hardback edition. My 914-page paperback version hasn't reacted well to travel and frequent reference use. And the index is fantastic.

Although this is a work of history, Bardon has made the book very readable and highly interesting all the way through. It is a difficult and complicated subject, yet he is objective and balanced, especially in the years from 1969 through 1992. Research and attention to detail as well as some interesting maps all contribute to making this the one of the best available books on Ulster to date.

Though originally a bit daunted by the length of the book, it is a very fine history and covers a tremendous amount of material. Ancient Ulster and its settlement through the Elizabethan Plantation, the United Irishmen, the Great Famine, and right into the early 1990's are well researched and written in a wonderfully readable style. Mr. Bardon covers all nine counties of the province of Ulster, not just the six counties comprising Northern Ireland, giving the entire region its full due. The best single-volume history of any of the four provinces of Ireland I've ever read.

I loved the film version of Horseman on the Roof but the book definitely leaves something to be desired. If I didn't have such a soft spot in my heart for Giono, I would have only given it three stars.

The Horseman on the Roof is the story of Angelo Pardi, a young Italian who is making his way across the French countryside to his home in Italy during the cholera epidemic. Unfortunately, the book lacks a cohesive storyline and Angelo simply meanders from one village to another, encountering first one cholera victim, then another.

While The Horseman on the Roof isn't strong on plot and certainly won't keep you up at night turning pages, it does contain gorgeous descriptions of Provence. Giono's descriptive writing is the equivalent of a full-course gourmet meal and anyone interested in the south of France, especially during this period in history, will find the book fascinating reading.

There really isn't a story here, so perhaps the book doesn't deserve the four stars I gave it, but Giono's prose, however, is so lush and beautiful I couldn't justify giving it any number fewer.

If you love gorgeous prose, France or are interested in the cholera epidemic, by all means, read this book. Others will no doubt find the film more engrossing as I did.

I picked this book up, not having any idea of what to expect. It sucked me in from the very first page with its very strange mood. The beginning describes a summer in the south of France in the mid-19th century in a way that makes you feel strangely ill at ease. Into this the main character comes riding, when suddenly a cholera epidemic breaks out around him. Society comes completely apart and the rest of the book is about his battle for survival in the resulting chaos.

I read the book without breaks, simply because I found it impossible to put down. By the time I had finished it it was 0500 at night and I was exhausted. (What this other reviewer was thinking, who felt it wouldn't deprive you of sleep I can't imagine.) The imagery and the story is harsh and horrible, and yet deeply invigorating and rewarding because while the author is depicting a society coming apart under the pressure of the plague he is also describing how individuals can resist that pressure.

I thought this a work of great subtlety (you'll have to read it many times to catch all of it), fantastic atmosphere, and unusual drive. Rarely have I found a book to be this gripping and at the same time so well-written.

If you get the impression I am struggling to express how good I think it was you've understood.

I recently saw this as a foreign film in French. Wonderfully acted and the scenery of the French countryside is so lovely. I am adding this to my wish list because the movie was intriguing and very romantic. I could not find the movie.