Rather than a straight biography, this excellently compiled volume of writings and photos (many reproduced here for the first time) is an eloquent tribute to a truly great artist who graced the stage of the Metropolitan during the not-too-distant past when "the Met" really did hold the standard of greatness. One very amusing photo taken in Pons' dressing room shows her entertaining a group of young students, one of which is an enthralled Bernie Schwartz (later known as Tony Curtis). Highly recommended.

Please, do not let this be the first book you read when your child is diagnosed. This book is depressing and includes no information about actually helping your child or dealing with the biological aspects of this disorder. This book assumes you have given up on treating your child's illness and that there are no comorbid disorders associated with the autism diagnosis, which is completely wrong. Keep searching, there is help and much better books.

With the second edition of "Children with Autism", Michael Powers has again provided families of children with autism (along with professionals)an invaluable resource for living with, and loving, a child with autism. In straightforward, non-technical language, "Children with Autism" addresses the needs of persons with autism and their families across their lifespan. From diagnosis, to early intervention, to adulthood we are presented with practical information that, in addtion, has a fairly broad research base. I am on my third copy as I keep lending mine out and, for some reason (perhaps the value of the information contained) they never seem to be retained. Highly recommended.

Dr. Powers has been a major contributor to the understanding of autism spectrum disorders for many years. The ORIGINAL book was one of the few available on the subject at the time of publishing, and while it is NOW outdated, it has been replaced by the current edition published in 2000. This edition contains much useful information that parents will not find elsewhere. I was, therefore, somewhat confused that the reviews for the previous edition are still on this website, as they really describe a different book, which is very misleading.

This book was very informative as to Rosa Ponselle's extraordinary musical career; but lacking was more of a story about her rise to fame,relationships with others, and a more personal look at Ponselle.