As an ardent admirer of Mrs. Kennedy for the past 40 years, I have read every book on her that I could get my hands on. "Mrs. Kennedy Goes Abroad" is a refreshing change from the repetitive narratives and recycled photos that are the mainstay of so many other books about her life. Ms. Duheme's illustrations are elegant and sumptuous but also embrace a childlike purity and simplicity which capture the essence of Mrs. Kennedy's persona and mystique. The commentary has the simple charm of a beautifully written children's book. It is obvious why Mrs. Kennedy chose Ms. Duheme to accompany her on her more memorable trips abroad as First Lady. A truly enchanting book.

Mrs. Kennedy Goes Abroad is an adorable little book filled with colorful Fauvist-like illustrations. Anyone who likes Laura Stoddart's simple-chic illustrations for Kate Spade will probably enjoy this book. Fans of the recent exhibition at the Met that highlighted Jackie's White House clothes may appreciate it too. The commentary is kept to a minimum and black and white photos from Mrs. Kennedy's travels are included, but the focus is on French artist Duheme's amusing miniature paintings that capture Jackie in all those great pink sleeveless dresses and crisp suits in Paris, India, London and Italy.

As a side note: Duheme and Jacqueline Kennedy became friends who shared similar painting styles, and Duheme was invited to Cape Cod to give the First Lady an art lesson.

"Mrs. Kennedy Goes Abroad" is a beautiful book. The illustrations are lovely to look at, and the book is fun to read. A good choice for anyone to add to their library; especially recommended for those interested in the Kennedys and Jackie in particular. Evokes the fun mood of Jackie's scrapbook written with her sister Lee, "One Special Summer".

read one of the short pieces in this anthology. They are also incredibly uplifting too. A brilliant bedside companion for any dog lover.

Although each of the pieces in this book was inspired by the loss of a much beloved dog, this is really a book about vibrant, fully-alive dogs: family pets, fellow hunters, soul mates, and best friends. And while none of the dogs remembered so fondly here still lives, Old Dogs affirms the remarkably special place in the heart we reserve for our dogs. My own dog is sturdy in her middle-age, but reading the eulogies and odes in this moving anthology has made me appreciate more all the quirky habits I take for granted, like how she can't resist running off with one of my Reeboks when I'm shoeing up for our evening walk--the little prance she performs when I tell her, "Bring the shoe back!" Not a sad read but a celebratory one, required for every dog owner!

This is a remarkable anthology of stories and poems by outstanding authors of the past, as well as more recent times. Although these moving remembrances are only of beloved dogs, the lovers of any species of pet will find identical sentiments for their own losses. Whatever kind of companion animal you had, you will find your own bereavement and healing tears reflected here, as well.

Care was taken to avoid over-sentimentality, in this assortment of loving reflections of dogs, celebrated here. These accounts are full of love, and are sometimes even funny - and we are thrust into the realization that perhaps that is the most wonderful kind of living memorials we can have for a beloved pet. Too often, we lose this perspective, while trying to keep from drowning in our own bereavement and sorrows.

Rather than being a collection of sad literary memorials Old Dogs Remembered is a joyful celebration of life with pets. This inspires healthy new points of view and adjustments to moving on into our new lives, without them.

Here we are treated to many different outlooks on how they permanently enriched the lives of their owners. Reading these heartwarming pages will broaden the understanding of each reader, concerning his/her own personal bereavement. Here, we are offered the collective wisdom of others, who reminisce on their honored pets. There is much to be shared and learned here, as well as enjoyed.

With so many different authors, one must appreciate that references and styles have changed drastically, through the ages. As an example of this, some might find the essay by the dramatist John Galsworthy to be interesting, but a bit troublesome to read. And, as with any anthology, there may be some accounts not everyone would appreciate. But all pet lovers will readily identify with the overall shared remembrances, here. This is a heartwarming collection, which can be enjoyed comfortably, in several installments.

There will be many an uplifting tear shed in its reading, and we suggest it for your reading pleasure.

WARNING! ONCE YOU START READING FATHER JOHN AND FATHER KEN'S BOOK YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO STOP!!!!
This book is essential for ALL Catholics and for anyone who wants to learn more about Catholicism. Next to THE Bible, this will be considered the "bible" for anyone who has a question about the history, doctrine, dogma and practice of the Catholic faith. It is well written in clear, concise and "readable" language. "Catholicism For Dummies" is an excellent learning tool, as well as a super reference and research source.
This book will make excellent gifts for your family members and friends, Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Buy extra copies at Amazon.com ...
For Catholics, here's another chance to spread God's word as we are called to do, and an opportunity to draw in those who are curious, but hesitant to take the next step towards conversion to Catholicism. For non-Catholics, you will not find a better book to learn the basics and much more about our faith. Go ahead, jump on this one! You will not regret purchasing this awesome book!

Catholic teaching in a mass-appeal format, "Catholicism For Dummies" is an easy-to-understand, nuts-and-bolts guide to what's really Catholicism. (See the Imprimatur in the front pages.) Authors Fr. John Trigilio Jr. and Fr. Ken Brighenti know their subject matter inside and out and backwards, offering clear, understandable, and down-to-earth explanations of complex Catholic belief. Fr. Trigilio and Fr. Brighenti explain the logic behind the Catholic veneration of Mary and the saints, for example, and readers can enjoy the careful reasoning behind Catholic doctrine. This book is a real eye opener -- not just for readers who may know nothing about being Catholic, but for many devout Catholics who are still fuzzy and misled on any number of Catholic-specific terms and concepts, i.e. the redemptive nature of suffering, the communion of saints, the five proofs of St. Thomas Aquinas, the magisterium, infallibility, papal election, natural family planning, the Real Presence, exorcism, excommunication, annulments, canon law, natural moral law, the canonization process, and convalidation ceremonies, as well as some of the more newsy issues, i.e. the Church's viewpoint on the death penalty and war, why women can't be priests, and why abortion is wrong. This title is a MUST for anyone interested in becoming Catholic, as well as Catholics in general.

Unfortunately, much misinformation is out there in print regarding the Catholic faith, and even the right information is sometimes difficult to understand for Catholics, much less non-Catholics. So, too, studious Catholics may have read a number of books by Catholic authors, i.e. St. Augustine, Chesterton, Fr. Bernard Groeschel, St. Theresa of Avila, yet they still don't have a complete handle on some of the basics, but "Catholicism For Dummies" fills in all the blanks and casts away the falsehoods.

This book should find a place in every Catholic home and in every high-school senior and college freshman catechism class.

As a retired college professor and as a former Director of a Pontifical Center for Catechetical Studies, I fully endorse and highly recommend this book to both non-Catholic and Catholic alike. Long ago in the seminary, we referred to a few indispensable books as VADEMECUMS, from the Latin "vade" (to take) "cum" (with). In other words, a 'vademecum' was any book which you wanted and needed to "take with you" wherever you went since it was so helpful. "Catholicism for Dummies" can and will be a vademecum as many people who read this will hopefully dispel erroneous ideas, prejudices, false conclusions, myths, fears, lies, and misinformation on Catholicism yet prolific in our time.

While dispelling the wrong data, "Catholicsim for Dummies" also presents the true and authentic beliefs, practices, prayer & spirituality as well as moral and institutional dimensions to this ancient, worldwide Christian religion. It is a wonderful introduction to the Catechism of the Catholic Church and it acquaints the non-Catholic with a one BILLION plus member church while reaquainting the Catholic to his/her roots and heriage.

This prayer book is the best all around prayer book for daily personal (or even family)use. The Scriptures are addressed back to God and arranged by category (with direction to add certain categories of requests inbetween the sections). This adds structure to ones prayer life and breaks the monotony of "grocery list" praying. This one is a little longer than, "Praying the Scriptures for Spiritual Growth" or the "Simple Prayers" books; in my own personal devotions, it takes me about 7 minutes per daily prayer segment.

Boa has written several prayer books, all great, all solid. This is my favorite to date.

Many times when we pray we don't know where to get started, what to do, many times we just want a deeper prayer life.

This book will scripturally guide you through praying...not only the scriptures, but will guide you in praying for your world around you. It begins with praise and worship of Almighty God, leads you in a confession of Who He is, then guides you through personal renewal, petitions, intercession, and then a prayer of thanksgiving.

One of the things I liked best about this book was that it started out with each section, declaring the Word of God, then it guides you (differently each day) to pray for your leaders one day, your family the next, that you will be a faithful steward of your time and money, for God's wisdom...the list goes on and on.

Both this book and "Praying the Scriptures for Spiritual Growth" are two of the best prayer/devotional books I have ever used. If I could only keep two, these would be the two I would keep. Not only are they easy to follow, they are taken directly from the Word of God.

Face to Face is a wonderful tool to help you pray. Boa has assembled scripture into eight sections for each day. You pray through scripture for Adoration, Confession, Renewal, Petition, Intercession, Affirmation, Thanksgiving and Closing. It helps you focus and it gives a marvelous sense of the completeness of God's word. I do not recommend very many books but this is one that I would recommend to anyone. I have already given away 20 copies.

What kind of man, at 45 years of age, slogs 60 kilometres through a Canadian January to give a lecture on icebergs?

The Victorian era has endured much hostile press in recent years. Cultural mores have been challenged, essential ideas decried as "social artefacts" and the reputations of heroic idols, nearly universally male, demolished as shams. It's become a novelty to encounter the celebratory resurrection of a forgotten icon. McGoogan relates the life and accomplishments of Scotsman John Rae, who joined a Hudson's Bay Company ship as surgeon, travelled to Canada in 1833 and remained for twelve years - on the first stay. McGoogan has surveyed many of the resources dealing with Arctic exploration, but Rae's own accounts provide the essential framework for this compelling narrative. The book is nearly two stories in one: Rae's ranging explorations along the Canadian Arctic coast, and the mysterious disappearance of the John Franklin expedition. McGoogan keeps this paired account nicely balanced until they merge to determine Rae's future reputation.

John Rae was a departure from the usual explorer of the Victorian age. Instead of heading complex expeditions, he travelled with a small support group. Instead of ships or extensive caravans, he travelled by canoe or small boat, on land using snowshoes. He was extraordinarily hardy, traversing extensive distances, often alone. He adapted many features of Aboriginal life in his travels when "going native" was disdained by most. He kept his associates fed when other British explorers were starving on government rations. He found the route of the elusive Northwest passage and determined the fate of the lost Franklin expedition seeking that route. Later, he turned from Arctic adventures to the survey of a telegraph line site across the Rocky Mountains. Why have we heard so little of him?

According to McGoogan, one individual maintained a steady campaign to reduce Rae's reputation. Jane Franklin, Sir John's quasi-widow [she refused to admit her husband's death for years], irked by the possibility her husband had turned to cannibalism in extremity, actively challenged many of Rae's accomplishments. She fostered Leopold McClintock as the verifier of Sir John's finding of the Northwest Passage. In her zeal, she even managed to secure the aid of no less a figure than Charles Dickens to her cause. McGoogan contends Dickens' virulent racism aided this assault when the novelist asserted the Inuit were consummate liars and the true cannibals. In the event, John Rae stands out as the only explorer of note that failed to achieve knighthood for his achievements.

McGoogan has produced a noteworthy study, done with lively wit and solid research. This book restores John Rae's position as the true finder of the Northwest Passage and as man with few peers. This book can be read by anyone seeking knowledge of the North or as a model of perseverance and sacrifice. Illustrated with photographs and engravings and including a fine bibliography, this is a real treasure to read and possess.

I bought this book to learn more about John Rae himself. In the history of arctic and antarctic travel and exploration, Rae was unequalled in his ability to travel lightly and quickly. He covered unheard of amounts of ground in short time. On snow shoes he was without peer. He shot game as he went. He could stand huge amounts of fatigue. Amundsen might come the closest for swift and efficient movement but he mostly travelled with skis and with dogs. Rae was mostly on foot, or canoe, where he also was without peer. On one long journey he actually gained weight. He was one of the few who understood the eskimo or inuit and spoke favorably of them which earned him the scorn of his peers and the leading snobbery in England. Yet his peers didn't live with the eskimo as Rae had and did. History has proven Rae honest and accurate in his portrayal of the eskimo and of his reports of cannibalism among the Franklin Expedition. Because he refused to recant this tale of cannibalism (The eskimo had told him this and he knew them to be truthful and stood up for them) he was ostrasized and critisized and lost a knighthood. He stuck with the truth and his principles. Further explorations and discoveries have proven him to be correct. This was a man sans pareil when it came to back country traveling and exploring. A man of integrity and honesty. You don't hear much about such heros. Instead, you hear of so called "heros" among the inept and...Scott of the Antarctic. This book will introduce you to Rae and his explorations and discoveries. I also highly recommend "The Last Place on Earth" by Huntford (about race to the South Pole--shows the stupidity of Scott and genius but flaws of Amundsen) and "Arctic Grail" by Berton (Arctic Exploration).

McGoogan has written an excellent biography of John Rae that conveys not only the struggles that the explorer went through to find the ill-fated Franklin expedition, but also the scientific banishment that he suffered when he reported the bizarre circumstances of their deaths.
Rae was a doctor employed by the Hudson's Bay Company. The HBC had been set up to exploit the vast fur trade in Canada, and had outposts across the North. Rae, an outdoorsman and naturalist, was commissioned to explore the shores of the vast Arctic waters, searching for the last, elusive connection that would allow sailing ships to navigate from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans.
Many explorers had gone before Rae. One expedition, headed by Sir John Franklin, had disappeared without a trace in the 1840s. Several search parties subsequently failed to find the explorer and his crew.
Finally, Rae was asked to search for the party. He set out, not with a large crew and ships, but with a small number of natives and Europeans experienced in traveling in the frozen North. After several years, in which Rae found the last remaining link in the Northwest Passage, he finally uncovered the fate of the Franklin Expedition; the boats had foundered in the ice, and the crew had starved to death while marching south.
Rae also uncovered evidence of cannibalism. In their last efforts to remain alive, the crewmen had consumed their dead companions. Rae, in his report, duly noted this observation.

Unfortunately, this was to be his undoing. Led by Franklin's widow, Lady Jane, Rae was ostracized from the Royal Geographical Society and his epic discovery of the final link in the Northwest Passage disparaged. For over a century, his achievements languished in the footnotes of history.
McGoogan set out to rectify Rae's tarnished image. Using research from Rae's extensive notes, as well as primary sources from a multitude of independent sources, he has carefully constructed a description of Rae's achievements, as well as the denunciations that robbed him of his rightful place in history.
As an homage, the author journeyed to the Arctic and placed a memorial at the final discovered link in the Northwest Passage, now officially recognized as Rae Strait.

I hope a lot of people in Minneapolis - and the rest of the country and world - read this book. Not only is it the fascinating story about a leading honest citizen of my fair city, it offers all of us an example of a man who maintained his Victorian morals and sense of honor despite the many hurdles he had to jump to make IDS the company it became. From the U.S. Post Office to charlatans to a personal and professional betrayal, John Tappan gave his life-blood to his company in the hopes that its services would relieve the debt of his clients and help them save for their futures.

He was also a strong environmentalist, clearly never forgetting that his youth spent in the wilderness of frontier America shaped him morally and spiritually, and that even though the concept of "survival of the fittest" applies to all of us one must never forget perserverance, courage and loyalty to family, friends, and business clients if one is to succeed and maintain one's moral compass.

He also was able to forgive his clients' weaknesses and helped them improve their lives. If only that happened today!

Any business public relations firm should read this book and read what customer service and loyalty should be all about - and anyone interested in a unique American Renaissance man should order this book for themselves, family members and friends. They won't be disappointed.

Excellent book. I really enjoyed it. It gave me a new understanding of the history of American Financial industry. I encourage other people who have dealing with the financial markets to read this book.

It is a compelling history of Investors Syndicate, covering the formative years of 1894 - 1925. Equally fascinating is the biographical material on and quotes from the correspondence of John Elliott Tappan, the company's founder. I highly recommend it.
Glenn - CFO World Class Flowers

My favorite part of Pyramid Online is Ken Hite's column Suppressed Transmission. He can find nice juicy bits suitable for just about any gaming genre out there. This book is a collection of columns from his first year, with footnotes and bibliography added in. It's a very good reference to the weirder side of life and history, and Mr Hite covers it with a sense of humor and a solid grasp on reality (something all too few people writing about conspiracy theories can manage). It's useful for any gamer, and nongamers who are interested in bizarre facts will probably enjoy it as well.

If you're a gamer, it's a good idea to subscribe to Steve Jackson Games' Pyramid online magazine...if nothing else, because you get to read the Suppressed Transmission, Ken Hite's weekly column on fringe theory for gaming. This book is a compilation of the best columns, covering a variety of subjects, from pole shifts to the Tunguska blast to, and this was my favorite, the occult nature of Coca-Cola.

Mr. Hite has a distinctive writing style; it's slightly dense, a tad erudite, but very, very readable, and downright funny, when you think about it. When I go to Pyramid every Friday, his is the first column I go to.

If you're at all into gaming, or fringe theory, this is a great book. It's easily the most useful gaming product I've purchased in the last two years.

Page after page of USEFUL, INTERESTING material that will go a long way toward enhancing any roleplaying game. I use it as a source of inspiration. Just about any item in this book could serve as the source for an adventure, a series of adventures, or even a full campaign--and most will work in any setting. This is NOT a supplement simply to GURPS or other SJGames systems; it's something that any gamer can use. In fact, it something that anyone interested in the strange history of our planet would enjoy.

SJ Games has a reputation for putting out good supplements; this does NOT fail to deliver on that promise.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in understanding the culture and ethics that have lead to the numerous scandals the economy has been faced with as of late. If you are an investor or the board member of company, this text is worth reading. The investor benefits from a door being opened into companies that practice unethical financial practices and provides an investment warning. A board member, or anyone hiring an executive that has more interest in the long term viability of their company than the short term gains and rapid fallout associated with using accounting tricks to mislead the public will gain insight into the type of individual and practices that should be avoided at all cost. What these companies have done goes far beyond their employees and shareholders. It has shaken the whole economy.

I think that every MBA student and practitioner should read this book not to repeat another accounting scandal and not to mess up our economy again.

"John Wesley: A Theological Journey" is an excellent introduction into the theology of the founder of Methodism. What I most enjoyed about this book is how the author shows the changes in and development of Wesley's beliefs. This alone helps explain why different denominations claim Wesley as their theological inspiration while having strong disagreements from one another.

Collins helps us gain insight into the fact that John Wesley (who was 88 when he died) was always growing and developing his thought. There are times when some of the theological issues that Wesley struggled with may not seem as relevant today (the difference between dispositions and attitudes is just one example). However, what is intriguing is to see first hand through his letters and sermons how Wesley developed.

Collins is also careful to show where some modern interpretations of Wesley either ignore later changes in his thinking or take his views out of context. A good example of this is Wesley's insistence that the Christian life needs to be inward and not solitary. Collins claims some have misquoted Wesley and said that for Wesley the Christian life "was principally, if not exclusively, concerned with public religion and the social order."

Because this book is so well documented, it makes checking the original sources easy! Therefore, the reader can find out for herself/himself the accuracy of each quote. This actually inspired me to read a number of Wesley's sermons so I could determine for myself what Wesley was saying.

This is a must read for anyone wishing to understand who John Wesley was and how his theology developed over his lifetime!

John Wesley: A Theological Journey was delightful to read. It is reader friendly and yet very thorough. Both the life and thought of Wesley are explored with great depth and yet with remarkable ease, all of which is attractive for all kinds of readers. I appreciated the straightforward comments made in light of an honest regard for the successes and failures in the life of John Wesley. The development of the theme of holy love is artfully composed and well documented. I highly recommend this book to those wishing to grow in their understanding of the founder of Methodism or who are seeking an engaging invitation to a vibrant and enduring theology.

In Night Fishing In Galilee: The Journey Toward Spiritual Wisdom, Kenneth Arnold (Director of Communications, Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts) offers keen insights into the twenty-first chapter of the Gospel According To John, as well as the author's own personal journey of reflection, maturity, and spiritual evolution. From a close examination of the ethics and life of the way of Jesus Christ, to cross-comparison with other religions around the world, to thought-provoking commentary on the truths expressed within psalms, Night Fishing In Galilee is an intellectual, emotional, and faithful exploration of what it means to believe and live in accordance with God.

In Night Fishing In Galilee: The Journey Toward Spiritual Wisdom, Kenneth Arnold (Director of Communications, Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts) offers keen insights into the twenty-first chapter of the Gospel According To John, as well as the author's own personal journey of reflection, maturity, and spiritual evolution. From a close examination of the ethics and life of the way of Jesus Christ, to cross-comparison with other religions around the world, to thought-provoking commentary on the truths expressed within psalms, Night Fishing In Galilee is an intellectual, emotional, and faithful exploration of what it means to believe and live in accordance with God.