This book gave me a better appreciation for what my ancestors endured when the American forces began their pacification of the "gugus". Even though it came from an American soldier's perspective, it demonstrated the will of the Pilipinos who used whatever they could use--captured weapons, even the treacherous terrain--to fight for their homeland. It seemed that even though the soldier writing the memoirs looked down upon the natives, he also somehow respected them as a formidable opponent.

This book was written by a young enlisted man who idealistically joined the Army to fight for the honor and glory of his country. Instead he discovered how hungry he could get (except when they accidently broke open the officer rations while crossing a river--the work detail ate very well that day since they couldn't let the broken cases rot!) This author speaks in the words of the day, so "political correctness" is not an issue. He refers to the native Filipinos using the "n" word, and demonstrates an awareness that the popular notion of them being a lazy, unworthy opponent weren't necessarily true. The book is short, and reads very fast since it is so entertaining. This is the type of first person account that historians love as it puts faces on the dry facts that fill so many other history books.

This was the first book by Scott that I read for a particular college course. It was a rather small book with probably no more than 200 pages in it. However, the scholarly information that Scott shared in these essays are lucid and enlightening. For instance, he debunks several myths that have been passively and carelessly accepted by popular culture regarding Philippine history. He argues about the existence of the legendary Code of Kalantiaw as well as the significance of the Papal Bull that presided over the colonial interests of Portugal and Spain. He justifies his arguments by acting more like a careful scientist rather than a professor of history. It is also clear to see how his research was undertaken with utmost scrutiny and constant tests to prove their finality.

I highly recommend this book not only to scholars of Philippine and Asian studies but also to the Philippine youth - those who refuse to accept dictates of misleading popular culture but rather are eager to discover for themselves what their heritage is truly all about. I will admit that this book is not sufficient to reveal everything you need to know about Philippine history, but it leaves you thinking and off to a good start.

This is a work of tales of William Wallace, freely adapted from the poem of Blind Harry by Tom Scott, with illustrations by James Hutcheson. A very readable, quickie version of Harry's epic.

For those wishing Harry's version, but not caring to wade through the poem and some of its language.

Very good for young students.

As a lawyer, when I am asked about proper procedure at a meeting, my first question is: What rules do you use? Is there an applicable statute, or bylaws or rules that the organization has adopted? Nine times out of ten, the answer is: "Robert's Rules of Order." Robert's is the most widely used parliamentary manual in the United States.

General Henry M. Robert published the original "Robert's Rules" in 1875 and 1876 and, since the copyright on that edition (and the next few editions) has long since expired, there are numerous unofficial editions on the market. The third edition, published in 1893, is still marketed in paperback by more than one publisher as the "original" Robert's Rules. With the copyright expired, even the name "Robert's" has passed into the public domain, and many imitators have slapped the name "Robert's" on books of parliamentary procedure that bear minimal relation to General Robert's work (much as many dictionaries claim the name "Webster's" without any connection to Noah Webster or the Merriam-Webster brand that carries on his work). This book is the real Robert's, composed by an editorial board appointed by General Robert's heirs (including his descendants Sarah and Henry III, both eminent parliamentarians). Now in its tenth edition, published in 2000, this book "supersedes all previous editions and is intended automatically become the parliamentary authority in organizations whose bylaws prescribe 'Robert's Rules of Order' . . . or the like, without specifying a particular edition."

Robert's is not necessarily the best parliamentary manual on the market: "Modern Parliamentary Procedure" by Ray Keesey is far more logical and user-friendly, and "The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure" by Alice Sturgis (commissioned by the American Institute of Parliamentarians as a contemporary alternative to Robert's) is more readable and more rooted in modern practice. But no other book has gained as much as a toehold in Robert's dominance in the market. If you are interested in parliamentary procedure, or figuring out how most organizations work in the twenty-first-century United States, this Robert's is indispensable.

Question: Which edition of Robert's Rules is official? Aren't they all the same? Which one do professional parliamentarians refer to? Answer: The National Association of Parliamentarians, and the American Institute of Parliamentarians, only recognize one book as the current official parliamentary authority: Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised [1990 edition, Scott, Foresman] Everything else is old, or a variation. The bible of parliamentary law, it is this edition that your bylaws probably mentions, not the 1876 original text, like some publishers are selling. Be forewarned, it is literally a book of rules, and not easily absorbed. -- You may have to learn what's practical for your average meeting by a simpler beginners book. If you want simple, go elsewhere; if you want complete, this is it. No other book is ADDING things to Henry M. Robert's original classifications & rankings (it's 700+ pages!), only shortening & simplifying & rephrasing.

While there certainly are other options to understanding parliamentary procedure, "Robert's Rules of Order (Newly Revised, 10th Edition)" is a traditional key to knowing the ways things are done.

True, true... this isn't exactly the sort of book you bring to a coffeehouse on a Saturday. However, it is also true that if you are part of an organization that has organized meetings, 'Robert's Rules' is a great place to start. The liturgy of meeting procedure starts and finishes with the rules set forth in 'Robert's Rules.'

Get this book, but consider getting one of the plain English versions as well. If you are new to parliamentary procedure, you'll find both books in tandem quite helpful.

I fully recommend, "Robert's Rules of Order (Newly Revised, 10th Edition)" by Henry M. Robert III.

Anthony Trendl