Like Robert E. Lee, George Washington might be considered the marble man of his time, a revolutionary whose passion doesn't burn as bright on the pages of history as, say, Thomas Paine, or as clear as Thomas Jefferson. He may be admired and revered, but not necessarily loved, certainly not in the way as old Marse Lee.

Whether Washington the man can be reclaimed from Washington the statue is a task left up to biographers and fiction writers, because after thumbing through this collection of his writings, it is with some certainty that the man from Mount Vernon can't do it himself.

Once gets the impression that Washington was a man who believed in duty, to himself as an eighteenth-century man of means, and to his country, whether it be England (for whom he participated on several expeditions against the French in Pennsylvania), or his newly created United States. The man who, in 1755, volunteered to join the British commander in chief, General Edward Braddock, on what became a disasterous expedition into western Pennsylvania, became by 1775 the man who would write to his wife announcing his appointment to head the rebel army, that, "I have used every endeavour in my power to avoid it [command]."

Even his ascention to the presidency was performed in very reluctant steps. In a letter to Henry Knox, he wrote, "I can assure you . . . that my movements to the chair of Government will be accompanied with feelings not unlike those of a culprit who is going to the place of his execution."

So why serve? "It was utterly out of my power to refuse this appointment without exposing my Character to such censures as would have reflected dishonour upon myself, and given pain to my friends," he wrote Martha Washington.

Perhaps an early clue to his character can be found in the first entry, a collection of 100 maxims he composed when he was 15, rules for living which range from the practical ("Put not your meat to your Mouth with your Knife in your hand neither Spit forth the Stones of any fruit Pye upon a Dish nor Cast anything under the table"), to the inspirational ("Let your Recreations be Manfull not Sinfull"), and even a bit of the poetic ("Labour to keep alive in your Breast that Little Spark of Celestial fire Called Conscience").

Sober, practical, firm-minded, George Washington was not a man to inspire devotion through force of personality, only through a far-sighted competence which does not make for glorious history, but to those who cherish the ideals and promise of America, one can be thankful that he was in the right place at the right time.

George Washington is far more revered than known; but, as this splendid book proves, when you come to know him you feel even more admiration for him. This installment in the indispensable LIBRARY OF AMERICA series gathers hundreds of Washington's letters, as well as his more formal public statements as Virginia legislator and revolutionary leader, Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, advocate of federal constitutional reform, and First President of the United States. The formal public statements display the heavy style that Washington fell into when consciously speaking to posterity. It is in his letters that Washington's vigorous mind, strong emotions, and sound judgment emerge most cleary -- and that portray his humanity and his nobility most clearly and accessibly. Readers of this volume would be well-advised to read John Rhodehamel's superb chronology (appearing at the back of the book) first, and then turning to the text. If they do this, they will have! a sound chronological and historical basis for setting Washington's writings, public and private, in context and for seeing the critical founding decades of the American republic as he saw and experienced them.

-- Richard B. Bernstein, Adjunct Professor of Law, New York Law School; Daniel M. Lyons Visiting Professor in American History, Brooklyn College/CUNY; Book Review Editor for Constitutional Books, H-LAW; and Senior Research Fellow, Council on Citizenship Education, Russell Sage College

How could anyone not love this heartwarming novel. It takes you on journeys unimaginable, makes your mind race to figure out what will happen next. Lets you travel into the past where many things were previously left unexplained. Leaves you grateful that you have never suffered the losses this family did.

This book, which sounds more like fact than fiction, is an inspiring story of the human spirit which can endure so much.
Georgiana is the tale of the life of a child (through senior adulthood)who has endured one hardship after another and manages to still find beauty and meaning in life.
I'd like to see this book be made into a movie!!!

From a top-notch historian comes top-notch historical fiction bringing light and life to the story of the Crater at Petersburg like "Killer Angels" did for Gettysburg. The story is told from the viewpoint of the Union Army's 48th Pennsylvania Volunteers, raised in the coal-mining country of Pennsylvania, and commanded by a former mining engineer. Individual players are brought to life, from coal miner-soldiers and young officers to well-known generals Burnside, McClellan and Grant. One seems to get a good feel for the soldier's life in the trenches around Petersburg. Despite knowing the eventual outcome from one's history books, author Duane Schultz builds a high degree of suspense for the reader-- it was hard to put this book down between readings! I also enjoyed the almost unnoticed peripheral benefit of learning a lot about the strategies, logistics, tactics, and military thought of the day. Glory Enough for All is a great historical novel that could almost double as a history text, yet at the same time it's as riveting as a fictional story can be. Highly recommended for the general audience. Definitely a "Must Read" for Civil War enthusiasts.

A fine blend of historical facts, attitudes and personalities from a mostly Union characters. Good presentation of a Confederate sharpshooter, Union coal mining soldiers, brave front line commanders and stupid generals. Racism is a issue in this novel as it was in the Union and Confederate armies of the time. Close to a "I don't think I can put it down" experience. It left an impression of the courage of the soldiers on both sides and disgust with the generals who never thought the attack through. The setting is Petersburg, VA, 1864.

I actually checked this book out of the library for Alex, but it has made its way into the nightly rotation. When Bartholemew says "Nah, nah, nah, nah, NAH!" there is always a giggle, even though he's almost asleep. I can't wait to get 'On Your Potty'.

This book, along with Virginia Miller's other two books about these bears, "Be Gentle!" and "On Your Potty!" are pitched perfectly to the toddler set. In this book, Bartholomew, the toddler bear, resists going to bed even though he is obviously tired. He seems to be waiting for the big bear to set limits, though, because once he is *in* bed, he enjoys his hugs and tickles and (eventually) settles down. Miller's storytelling style miraculously resonates with my child and yet ultimately depicts the outcome that I, as the parent, want to happen - without seeming preachy, heavy handed, or in anyway untrue to life. The artwork is adorable too. Neither one of us has gotten tired of reading this book over and over after many months.

Allen Balik makes his passion for wine very clear in this wonderful book...a must for both beginners and those in the know...very approachable

This is an interestingly and refreshingly written guide to the whole world of wine for people who may not want to become total wine experts, but who do truly enjoy wine. This book can only enhance their enjoyment. The authors, Allen Balik in particular, obviously are wine experts, so confident of the depth and breadth of their knowledge that they aren't afraid to write with an engaging, accesible style, and without condescending to their readers or patronizing them. They cover a wide variety of subjects -- wine growing, wine selection, wine tasting, ordering wine in a restaurant, buying wine for your dinner table, and many, many more, all with a light, witty touch. The profuse graphics, both art work and photographs, are beautiful. But more than that, they combine synergistically with the written words to make the learning experience easy and aesthtically pleasing. This book is a real keeper!

This book is one of the best travel guides that I have ever used. There are so many historical landmarks and places of interest along Highway 395. This book encourages the reader to stop and visit. If time doesn't permit, it stimulates your curiosity and imagination. Ginny Clark uses her many years of travel on Hwy 395 to pass on her love of this unique area. This book has been loaned out to more people than any other book that we own. In fact, I am thrilled to find it on Amazon so that I can order it as a gift. Highly recommend!

We purchased this book in preparation for a vacation in the area of Reno, Tahoe and eastern California, and it was a gem. We visited many sites we would not have known about except for this book, and had a great time. Out thanks to the author for writing this very useful book. We recommend it to anyone.

I recently read By Blood Possessed and enjoyed it immensely. The novel reminded me of the best of the Barbara Michaels novels, suspense with a little of the supernatural thrown in. Her second book is just as good. The story of Pat, Miss Maggie and Bell Run continues, when another ghost makes his presence known to Pat. Shortly thereafter, a skull is found in Pat's proposed tomato patch. The anthropology department of the local university is called, and a team is sent up to Bell Run. A contemporary death seems to connect the two eras, and Pat and Miss Maggie try to find two murderers in two different centuries.

One day Pat Montella, the ghost detective, will inherit Miss Maggie's Bell Run, Virginia estate as the last known descendent of the Bell family. Pat begins to "dream of a young Black male living in the mid 1870s. Apparently he was named Emancipation in homage to Lincoln's freedom speech at Gettysburg a week before he was born.

At about the same time, an unknown gravesite is found. Considering the history of the estate where many Civil War skirmishes occurred that would not be a shocking scenario. However, not long afterward, the police believe that a friend's assistant committed murder. Somehow the three events: the vision from the past, the newly found gravesite, and the murder are linked with Pat's abilities to see ghosts as the only chance of finding out the truth.

The second Montella paranormal mystery retains the freshness and uniqueness within a strong amateur sleuth story line that highlights the debut tale (see BY BLOOD POSSESSED). The plot is fun and never loses steam as Pat struggles with her century plus old visions and trying to find the connection to present events. The characters (mortal and spiritual) add depth that propel the story line forward in such a way that paranormal mystery readers will appreciate. After HANG MY HEAD AND CRY Elena Santangelo can hold her head up high with pride.

Harriet Klausner

Do you like mysteries? This is a fast-paced, murder story. Brenda is from Falls Church, VA. She said she wrote it when they moved to a new house, and heard strange sounds. This is a very true story. I think it was a very interesting story. Because it keeps you interested in the book and not put it down, and go do something else.

I liked the Haunting of Holroyd Hill because it was a thrilling mystery book. I would recommend this book to middle school students, because I liked it and I think they will too.

Moving to a new home in never easy, especially when a ghost lives there,too! This book was a real page page turner for me all the way through as Melinda, her brother Kevin and their neighbor Dan not only have to deal with the hair-raising ghostly visits, but also solve the Civil War mystery behind them!

Hearthside Cooking, now in its second printing, has been an indispensible source for those of us who practice open-hearth cooking at historic sites. Not only does it offer practical advice, it provides an excellent overview of the development of Southern (the emphasis is on Virginia, of course) foods from the beginnings of English settlement here. The recipes are all from primary sources, shown as originally written, then for the fireplace, as well as for a modern kitchen. The bibliography, as well as the content of the book shows Ms. Crump's extensive research. I highly recommend it.

This book is the "bible" of open hearth cooking. Everything a beginner needs, it is also indispensable to the cooking interpreter working at a historic site.

Everything, and we're talking every last thing, you will want or need to know about hiking in Virginia. Comprehensive, yet does not overwhelm with information. This feature owes a great deal to the editorial layout. The pages themselves are aesthetically pleasing, with beautiful photos and interesting sidebars, and information is easy to find. No digging through indexes and tables of contents and flipping through endless chapters to find trail information. You can give it a quick read and get all the essentials, or take a little bit more time and peruse the more in-depth accounts of the trails (which are delightful, by the way).

A special recommendation for including some of the more out-of-the-way and unique hiking destinations (such as the Eastern Virginia shore points, and the Southwest Highlands). I want to Hike Virginia!

Terrific book! Not only does it provide all the necessities for hiking in Virginia, it also provides a great deal of entertainment. Anyone considering braving the wilds of the Old Dominion shouldn't be without this book. The authors assembled everything a person needs to know about hiking the state. I was dumbfounded by the volume of information provided including: nearby lodgings for those nights before (or after) a trek, trail maps, things to watch for and things to avoid. Novice and experienced hikers will get value from this book.

Most suprisingly, I found it a really funny read! The authors have a great sense of humor and the anecdotes they share will tickle you. I found myself wanting to hike some of the trails they cover just to see where some of these events took place!

Overall, a great book - they obviously love hiking and their enthusiasm for it rubs off. Fortunately, they couple it with sage guidance.