While the pictures are, for the most part, fantastic, the author does tend to make outlandish claims about some of them...The ONLY picture of JFK holding one of his kids, or the ONLY picture of him with Dr. Max Jacobson. Simply not the case! A little more care with details like that would have been nice!

And PS RED Fay did not serve aboard PT 100, as is claimed in the book.

What a classy book that one is! The White House as it was at the time of the Kennedys... and looking at some of those never seen before pictures, we can relive the elegance, charm and grace of that unique period. Two thumbs up Mr. Sferrazza!!

This one has it all. It has the best photos ever seen of the Kennedys. Lots of them are revealing and more personal than ever seen. There is a closeness that the pictures have that the same old ones somehow miss. Also it summarizes the story of this famous family compactly. The writing has depth and understanding.

"American Locomotives" is a definitive reference on "the charms and power of the steam locomotive." John White Jr. has revised and expanded his 1968 classic by including a dozen new comprehensive case histories of representative locomotives. The new engines include the 1843 La Junta (a Cuban "pigmy" of a locomotive that survived "tropical storms, revolutions, insurrections, and a Communist takeover") and the 1876 Marmora (nicknamed "Clocks" because "the engines ran as smoothly and as steadily as a fine mantle clock"). The book has three other main sections. The first section focuses on design concepts, the makers of the locomotives, and the variety of materials used in the building of the engines; the second section centers around the development of engine components; and the third section contains representative engines from the first endition. White has also included 45 new illustrations; and for the most part, they are clear and detailed. In short, this is a handsome and commendable reprint. Kudos to White and The Johns Hopkins University Press.

This will be short: If you are a serious student of 19th Century locomotive engineering, U.S. or worldwide, you need this book. While the subject is probably inexhaustable - and I certainly wish the author was young enough to write two or three similar books on other nations' engines or later developments! - this volume is without peer for early American development of the Iron Horse.

This work is a comprehensive review of the early development of the steam locomotive in the United States. It thoroughly explores the nuts and bolts of every aspect of steam locomotives, and describes how each was developed. It satisfies even the most insatiable love of trains. If you love trains, model a steam railroad, or ever wanted to work in a railroad roundhouse in 1860, this book is for you. It will give you many hours of enjoyable reading, and be useful for many years as an in-depth reference for early steam locomotives.

This is a great book, why , you ask,is it out of print?It takes a while to understand, and apply. Many exercises are easy and very helpful but some might better be supervised by a master. Indeed a few of the exercises outlined here are for master level training, and a novice would be well advised take note of that.However,the breathing exercises and the chapter on relaxation alone is worth the price of the book.

I purchased this book some years ago and found it to be very helpful. The book is divided into chapters with each one containing a different exercise. I just concentrated on several of the exercises and not all of them. In about six weeks I started experiencing altered states. This book can bring about a total change in ones life, if one is willing to do the exercises.

I found this book in my high school. When I began reading it, it took me awhile to understand, but now it is my most prized possession. To me, there is truth in the teachings, and everyone can do the exercises that the book describes. I recommend that everyone at least scan wonderful book.

I'd really like to give this 3 1/2 stars (not quite 4 stars). This book is not for the average history reader...you will be confused and sometimes mis-led as you slog through these transcripts. The saving grace for this book is the authors' interjections at the beginning and end of each chapter to kind of summarize what just transpired (...a complete sentence is a rarity here...just what you'd expect from real time transcripts). Also, the Introduction and Conclusion sections are classic history telling and made me wish that the authors would write their own story of the "Crisis". Overall, worthwile for the Cuban Missile Crisis buff, but be prepared for slow reading.

To be honest, I bought this book used after seeing the movie "13 Days." In fact, I ordered this book the very night I came home from the movie, wondering if it would be worth the money spent.. Now, having read through it, I must admit that this was a very fascinating and intriguing book.

The book is an actual copy (i.e. transcript) of taped conversations that occurred in the Whitehouse during the Cuban Missile crisis. The book was so fascinating for the sole fact that it presents (true to life) all the details which were actually being spoken of, on, about, etc. The reader can actually sense the emotion, tension, anguish, and despair that comes out in some of these conversations. In fact, the intensity in this book puts the movie to shame (which is usually the case with most good books).

This book consists of conversation's of the National Security Council, President Kennedy,Robert Kennedy, and the President's advisors. The book is very revealing and honest (since it is true to life) and it paints a very vulnerable picture of just how easy things could fall apart in this 'invincible' place we call home. Fortunately, we as readers today actually know the outcome is positive. However, the terror comes through the pages when, as I read, the realization that these men have no idea what is going to happen as this whole situation unfolds. That was one of the riveting things about this book.

Overall, this is a great book for those who are interested in American history, or Presidential history, etc. I recommend it, especially since it is so fascinating and also because it is an actual account word for word accurate. That makes for great objective history.

I think that this is a very interesting book. When I found out that it was being published, I bought it right away. I've read a lot of books about the Cuban Missile Crisis, but this is the first book that I've read about this subject that has the truth about events that occurred in the White House during the crisis. The book had a lot of action and suspense that kept me interested and excited throughout the entire book. It also accurately includes Kennedy's attempts to end the crisis and to avoid the pressures by the Joint Chiefs to make President Kennedy either attack the missile sites or invade Cuba. I thought that this was a really good book and I really enjoyed reading it. I also think that this book is worth reading.

This is a book that is too dark and scary for children. The book contains black and white illustrations of violent and frightening scenes. One implies slave rape. Another shows rats eating the corpses of dead Africans. One quote from the introduction states, "many [Africans]... chose suicide--mainly by jumping into the shark-infested ocean," As someone who has a Masters degree in early American history, I think discussing this subject is vital to the American dialogue. However, the style of this book is not fit for a child. I would rank this book without a star if Amazon's rating system would allow me to do so.

This book brings out soo many emotions. Words need not be said..... just look..... A story that is told so very vividly... the pictures soo strong... the pain soo clear. I didn't realize it was a children's book, I got it because of the power in the pictures.

This book... I didn't know it was a childs book. I bought it for me. I saw the beautiful black and white pictures... and the story they were telling and knew I needed this book. A very strong story told with few words. Get the book.

In the past few weeks I have read a number of Christian books which attempt to take on the topic of sexual addiction. All have had their good points--some will enlighten readers to the many consequences of sexual sin, while others are better at pointing them in the direction of repentance and healing. This book, however, seemed to tackle too many aspects of sexual addiction, and I feel its effectiveness was spread thin as a result.

White spends significant time writing about the social atmosphere regarding sexual sin. Satanic Ritual Abuse, sex and its link to violence, gender confusion, and the history of sexual addiction in the church may be important topics, but are nonetheless topics that most struggling Christians aren't seeking revelation in. I found myself skipping large sections of the book in order to find the chapters that spoke the most to my own walk.

I am not a professional book critic ... but I am a Christian who has struggled with sexual addiction for a number of years. And this book seemed to fall short of its purpose. The one book that shined an all-encompassing light on my addiction was "Breaking Free: Sexual Addiction and the Healing Power of Jesus" by Russell Willingham.

Eros Redeemed by John White is the best book I have read that addresses the stranglehold of sexual sin with honesty and genuine care for anyone who is a counselee or counselor. With personal experiences from his own life and from the people he has to come to know and counseled, he provides a way for people who are suffering and cannot find a way out. It is gripping with love and the power of the Gospel to redeem anyone in any situation. Rather than all the emphasis being placed on professionals to help, it makes you realize you could be the one the Holy Spirit wants to use to help someone else trapped in sexual sin. What if you are trapped? There is an answer in there for you too! Revealing the dangers of sexual sin and the redemption that can be offered as people receive help and wait on the Lord for their healing, it touches the heart.

Probably the best way I can describe John White's Eros Redeemed is to say that it is like finding yourself lost, broke and utterly exhausted in a distant land. At the point of desperation, you agree to approach the next traveler and beg for assistance. When he comes along, you discover to your amazement that he is not only fluent in your native language but that he has spent most of his life exploring the local countryside and the lands that lie beyond. Before you can catch your breath, he is imploring you to travel with him to meet his father who is lord of the realm and who has long been expecting your arrival with joy and anticipation.

An acute observer of the events that shape our times, White clearly articulates the concerns that we all share as we witness the distinct signs of the disintegration of Western society and culture. He describes an era marked by darkness and death where hard-core pornography, rape and violent sex crime have become commonplace.

So where is the Church as this sexually obsessed and violence prone society approaches a state of near chaos? White notes that the incidence of sexual sin and addiction have become increasingly common not only among Christian church members but also among the pastors, priests and elders that lead in it. He observes that although these things once shocked us, slowly we have begun to take them for granted.

White suggests that sexual enslavement is a prime strategy of Satan in bringing judgment upon the church and the world. He reminds us that the main assignment of the Christian Church is the rescue and redemption of perishing human beings. In obeying Christ, we can allow the Holy Spirit to awaken the Church to its peril, turning large segments of it to repentance and faith to God.

With skill and clarity, White dissects and exposes the root causes of sexual sin and offers hope for healing. He also provides insights for overcoming the destructive effects of traumatic memories and gender identity confusion.

One of the things that puts Eros Redeemed in a class of its own is the author's determination and persistence in presenting a passionate relationship with Jesus as the best (and only) long-term hope for those seeking to escape the stranglehold of sexual sin and the violence and depravity that almost invariably accompany it. So convinced is he of this necessity that he devotes an entire chapter to the intricacies of drawing close to Jesus through prayer and learning to hear his voice.

Eros Redeemed is a intelligently written and well thought out book for those desiring a more extensive and in-depth examination of the nature of sexual sin and its remedy through relationship with Jesus Christ.

War Birds: Diary of an Unknown Aviator is a fascinating portrait of training and combat for a WWI aviator. It is unclear to me whether the book consists of an actual diary, or is a dramatization written by a friend based on letters written by the aviator main character (see http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/usa/springs.html). The aviator was a real person with real faults (he makes some racist statements), and this makes the story all the more personal. The story reminded me of Catch-22, but is more touching because the triumphs and deaths actually occurred.

It was obvious from the wealth of information of those who served with the author that the identity is known. Why not disclose who wrote the diary? We share the experiences. We watch the aviator transform from a fun loving barn stormer to a machine that can only function when airborne. The end comes and you know it is coming, the author is crumbling, his attitude has changed, he operates by reflex and his judgement is impaired. (not by booze but battle fatigue has taken over} This is too real . . .

Although little is written of the truth to the Air War in WWI, it is often offered to history as a time of chivalry amoungst the "Upper Class Gentleman" of WWI. Most sucessful pilots, that being anymore that 5 kills, were showered with metals and given the highest honors from their fatherlands. Deeming them, The Knights of The Skies. The truth is far from reality. This book of one young man's personal, daily recolection in it's original, unaltered text, depicts the Air War as it really was. Not only can you feel the excitement and astonishment in his mind as he earns his wings in flight school, you also experience the sadness and despair as he watches his squadmates perish and learns the veracity of war and death. Illustrated by Clayton Knight, whose sketches and paintings went on to become famous after the war, this book is a must for anyone who is interested in the true reality of The Air War of WWI.

I expected more from Cohen, but this was just a mildly pleasant read that gave me no great insight. Perhaps I judge it unfairly after being tired-out from spiritual books. They all say the same perennial thing. It is hard now for one to find a truly exciting take on spirituality, unless you are just beginning your journey.
I took the cue from my feelings on this book to stop reading and start practicing. But I recommend it to anyone needing more teaching.

I highly recommend this book and all of Cohen's books. His five basic tenants of enlightenment which he teaches in this book and in others are the bedrock of spiritual development and maturity. His teachings lay the ground work for the personal Ascension of every human being. Although he does not teach Ascension, he understands that the primary purpose of the human is to attain freedom. The road in which Ascension is achieved.(for further info on Ascension see my "about you"on Amazon.[com]). He is an illumined mind and I also suggest you attend one of his retreats.

andrew cohen is one of Spirit's current crop of evolutionary prophets and teachers. he speaks clearly to the urgent need of modern man and woman to awaken. his way is both easy and hard, simple and complex. he insists we find enlightenment in perfectly letting go and silently abiding between any and all pairs of opposites. he testifies that perfect peace is at hand and requires only the letting go of egocentric desires and befuddlement, and the acceptance of perfect peace and love which already exists within us as our true and deepest selves. your ego may well talk you into putting this book aside because the ideas here will threaten your ego's very existance. this is not just another "feel good" book, its a guide to finding enlightenment in the here and now, a way to finally SEE. a way to finally know what you've really wanted since the day you were born: knowing your true and infinite SELF.

This book really got my mind thinking of the possibilities of the future. It showed the evolution of thinking. Things that are possible now that only visionaries saw in the past.

the break down of Black Holes, White Holes, Wormholes, Space Time, Hyperspace and the ideas of warping time and space are truly interesting. The book illustrations helped to understand some of the text. This book also showed how Einstein was a generation ahead of his time. People are still proving and using his theories.

An excellent book, highly recommended for anyone interested in the universe or the posibility of time travel. The mathematical theories that prove the possibility of a time machine are interesting also. Give this a read, and decide for yourself. Is it possible? Will it be possible? Has it already been done? Fact based information is presented with no tilt toward the science fiction. A good read, even if I had to read some of it a second time to make sure I followed, Gribbin brought these theories to a level a person of average intelligence can understand as I am far from a genious.

I don't know how many books have been written on the subject of black holes, but this is a great one to start with. Gribbin is a great writer--he has an excellent command of writing science in a clear way that makes you want to keep reading to see what he'll say next. I found the abstract descriptions of spacetime in the later chapters a little hard to read, but otherwise I highly recommend the book.

***

Another good book on black holes is Kip S. Thorne, "Black Holes and Time Warps: Einstein's Outrageous Legacy," but that one is much denser (no pun intended) and somewhat more technical.

But there's nothing wrong with history, is there? Most of the book covers the mathematical and physical explorations of thinkers from the Greek age through the 20th century, but only conceptually--not mathematically. For those who want an introduction to the myriad theories of how the universe was created, how it might be destroyed, and why there may be an infinite quantity of universes in existence, this is a good book to pick up. But for those of a more math-oriented disposition looking for something with immense detail and depth, you may want to look elsehwere. This one covers the basics, and covers them well.

John Taliaferro's "Great White Fathers" is an interesting, if somewhat confused book. It can't decide whether it wants to be a straight historical account of the creation of Mount Rushmore or a piece of modern "travel" writing, in which the author describes his subject as part of the backdrop for his own adventures. Generally, the historical parts work better than the travel parts, and at over 400 pages the book is definately too long for its subject matter.

That said, Taliaferro is a good writer, though he occasionally makes rather glaring factual errors (like placing the year that the Monica Lewinsky scandal broke as 1997 instead of 1998). He also dwells a too much on issues like the American Indian view of Rushmore being placed in the middle of the Sioux tribe's "ancesteral homeland." In this he comes off like a liberal who despises everything Rushmore stands for even while professing to admire it as a monument.

The book is at its best when describing the history of the monument itself and the biography of its creator, the volatile and controversial sculptor Gutzon Borglum. Borglum was full of paradoxes, for example his hero was Abraham Lincoln and he was a confidant of Theodore Roosevelt, and yet he was a ardent supporter of the Ku Klux Klan. Taliaferro spends the first 200 pages of the book describing Borglum's life and the contemporary history of America at that time before he even gets to the construction of Rushmore. There may bee too much historical background, but it is nonetheless a compelling story.

Overall, an insteresting and informative book that nevertheless contains a number of flaws.

Gutzon Borglum's name is hardly a household word, but every American knows his greatest work. He was the sculptor that put the faces on Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The enormous heads in the South Dakota rock look calmly out to the great beyond, almost as if they were natural formations. Their conception and completion were far from calm, however, and in _Great White Fathers: The Story of the Obsessive Quest to Create Mount Rushmore_ (PublicAffairs), John Taliaferro has told the tumultuous story of Borglum's life and life work, as well as the turbulent history of the mountain itself.

Borglum was a bigger than life figure who insisted on puffing himself up any way he could. He insisted that he was the American Phidias, and like many such supremely confident people, he was torn by the idea that others were plotting against him. He returned from art training in Europe to find that his nation was enthusiastic about commemorative sculpture, and he began entering competitions for such things as the design for the memorial to Ulysses S. Grant. He did not win that one, and groused that the jury suspected his entry could not have been made by an American, so they disqualified it. He had similar excuses and similar paranoia in many of his failed endeavors. The Daughters of the American Confederacy approached him in 1914 to carve a memorial on the side of Stone Mountain in Georgia. He signed on to do the work, which the Ku Klux Klan supported financially. And Borglum supported the Klan. He did not become an officially robed member of the organization, but he attended its rallies and supported its aims. He was fired from the job, but the boosters who hired him for South Dakota didn't know about any such problems. He worked for it for decades, dying of cancer in 1941, whereupon Congress declared the monument finished.

Taliaferro has not just written a biography of Borglum, and a fascinating history of the big project, but also a history of the mountain. He includes the Indian Wars of the 1870s, the shameful violations of treaties made with the Indians, and the labor to match the faces of the great white fathers with an even bigger sculpture of Crazy Horse on a nearby mountain. He covers the demonstrations and protests that have been centered at Rushmore in recent decades. The Lakota tribe frequented the Rushmore mountain for centuries for specific ritual purposes, and it is not surprising that they should feel a loss from when the mountain was in its natural state. Taliaferro even includes a description of a recent biker festival, and of course a few pages about Hitchcock's use of the setting in _North by Northwest_. His book even includes reports of the campaigns to have Ronald Reagan added to the mountain, and Elvis Presley, and the most longstanding and fervent campaign, that for Susan B. Anthony. It is an entertaining historic, geologic, and artistic tour.

The Editorial Review above is correct in saying "Taliaferro discusses every conceivable aspect of the monument." The book serves as a biography of sculptor Gutzon Borglum, giving us chapters about his early life and other sculptures prior to Mt. Rushmore. There are chapters devoted to the local Indians and President Coolidge's very brief visit as well. If it has anything to do with the history of Mt. Rushmore, it's in this book. Lucky for us, Taliaferro is skilful writer/historian. This book is never dull or pedantic; it's always fascinating and entertaining. With books like this, I sometimes find myself skipping forward over the slow parts. "Great White Fathers," like Taliaferro's biography of Edgar Rice Burroughs, "Tarzan Forever", contains no slow parts.