Book reviews and recommendations

"Some (but not all) authorities agree with novelist John Le Carre, author of THE MISSION SONG, that Lake Kivu is the highest lake in all of Africa --- 4,788 feet -- and not just the highest in East Central Africa where it lies. Certainly, the land of Kivu enjoys a very attractive climate, is a tourist destination and has huge, largely untapped mineral deposits waiting to be extracted all about the lake. The eastern Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (its chief cities being Goma and Bukavu) is the beating heart of THE MISSION SONG. Kivu nestles close to Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Lake Tanganyika. Fortunately, an insert in my copy of the book maps this all out. I had to refer to the maps frequently while reading this thought-provoking novel. *** An evil Western commercial group, "The Syndicate" wants to get richer by invading Kivu and installing a puppet ruler who will allow them to extract and market minerals and sell them directly to big international consumers. Currently, companies in neighboring Rwanda are skimming off all the profits. Kivu patriots hate this outside commerical control and would gladly throw their rascally African neighbors out. Problem is: the three main Kivu groups hate and fear one another more than they do the Rwandans. But the busy Syndicate, by promising elaborate bribes to leaders of the three Kivu factions, is now poised to get their signatures on a deal. Secret mercenary groups from the Syndicate will seize airports and key junctions within Kivu and leaders of the three warring Kivu groups will pop up to support them. A septuagenarian mystic religious leader, the Mwangaza ("Enlightment") preaches a peaceable, conciliatory doctrine of "the Middle Path." The Syndicate will install the Mwangaza as the figurehead leader of Kivu within the constitutional framework of Congo. The novel is built around one final, secret face-to-face meeting prior to scheduled but dreaded Congolese elections on an island in northern Europe among the three Kivu leaders (aka "the Alliance"), the Syndicate and the Mwangaza. *** The story is narrated by the conference's super interpreter Bruno Salvador aka Salvo. Half-Irish, half-Congolese, he is a master of all local African and many European languages. He is seconded (albeit deniably) to the Syndicate by a secret group within Her Majesty's Government (HMG) for a couple of days to help the Syndicate clinch its deal well before impending elections, elections which would leave Kivu in its traditional mess. *** Naive, feckless Salvo declares his unloving marriage with a British Journalist over. Instead, he lives to marry Kivu nurse Hannah, an ardent disciple of the Mwangaza. On the ground, however, during the ultra-secret conference where the parties affix their signatures to an unholy coup document, Salvo finds that he cannot stomach the lies, cynicism and even torture (imposed on one of the three Kivu representatives). He resolves therefore to torpedo the coup. And the rest of the novel is about whether and to what extent he succeeds. *** Given the current (2010) bloody war in Kivu, THE MISSION SONG, although fictional, makes timely reading. It is also hugely multicultural, with perspectives from Britain, France, the Congo, Rwanda, Lebanon and elsewhere. THE MISSION SONG has no flawless hero. Salvo is a coward. Even the Mwangaza is on the make. All motives are mixed. A psychological masterpiece. -OOO-"

"Mr. Bellesiles was awarded the Bancroft Prize from Columbia for this work. Later it was revealed that much of the data was inaccurate, that he falsified information and his work was seriously flawed. For the first time in it's history, the Bancroft Prize was rescinded and subsequently, Mr. Belleslies resigned from Emory University. Do not waste your time on this one. "

"This is a very exciting book. I was rather disappointed that Aidan played such small a part in this book, and his glimpse was just enough like him and just enough not like him to make the swap irritating. Aidan�s separation from Gwenne was almost unbearable for me. But if you can get past all that, Antoinette�s story is quite intriguing. Antoinette already has some experience in sword fighting, riding horses, ect. When she enters the realm, and quickly becomes a sword maiden. She, together with the other knights depart on a trip to investigate some strange messages they received from their allies in Yewland. Antoinette finds herself torn between following her orders from the King and fulfilling a promise she made to Aidan, to find the glimpse twin of his friend Robby who has turned to Paragor�s side.Beware: If you buy this book, buy The Final Storm at the same time. The Rise of the Wyrm Lord end with a cliff-hanger. You will sincerely regret it if you don�t."

""Young Andrew Hart turns out to be a bright and helpful companion for his father as the pair join thousands of men seeking gold in Canada.... This is a high-interest tale about a dramatic saga in American history"(Professional Review by Children's Literature - 2004)"

"Talbot's theories on quantum physics are fascinating."

"Now, at the end of the saga, Aiden, Antionette and Aiden�s newly transformed friend, Robby must fight an evil that has been long withheld from the world by a prison under a fiery volcano. The Wyrm Lord. The original dragon. Whose flame is not stopped by any wall, any substance of the living world. It�s sheer size is terrible, and it�s cunning, impossible to stop. Along with the Seven Sleepers, the Deceiver, Paragor himself, and an army of soldiers. This is the Final Storm."

"In Dionia, a world that knew no sin, an ancient evil arises to turn everything that they know upside down. Christopher Hopper creates a world unlike any other, completely original. The story is about 18 young princes who are called to be trained to become a band of warriors. The Dibor. But are 18 men enough, even when well equipped and highly trained, to take down an army of demons? This book, while I have enjoyed other books just as much but in different ways, was a very good kind of unique. The originality of the book is amazing, and I really felt like I was there, the world building skills were fantastic! Mr Hopper made me believe it was really happening; it was no longer just a story. All in all, this is an awesome book, one problem though. Before you start to read it you need to have the next book ready to read, because Christopher Hopper leaves you with quite some cliffhanger."

" The Noticer by Andy Andrews is about an old man named Jones, not Mr. Jones, just Jones. Jones calls himself a noticer, somebody who notices things that the ordinary person doesn�t take the time to see. He calls it a gift and uses his gift to help other people gain a little perspective on their current situation. Jones is described as an old man of average height with long white hair and crystal blue eyes. He wears jeans, a white T-shirt and leather flip-flops. Nobody knows where Jones is from but everybody knows him and likes him. He helps a homeless young man get back on his feet, a married couple headed for divorce save their marriage and an old widow realize that her life still has purpose and meaning, just to name a few. The book is packed with advice for all different life situations that help the person gain a little perspective on their own life. While I enjoyed the book because there was really a lot that you could learn from it, it didn�t really excite me. There were some feel good moments when the people that Jones helped actually turned their lives around; however, it was easy to put down because it read more like a bunch of short stories with Jones being the common link that all of the stories shared. I would not recommend this book as one where you could loose yourself in the story. I would however recommend reading it to gain a little perspective on life."

" Isle of Swords is a pirate fantasy written by Wayne Thomas Batson. It has a sequel called Isle of Fire. A young boy awakens on a beach with no memory at all. A pirate ship passes by, and upon finding the boy, brings him into their crew. This ship, captained by Declan Ross, is heading toward the supposed location of great riches which will insure the retirement of he and the prosperity of his daughter, Anne. The treasure is also sought by an infamous captain, the deadly and ruthless Blackthorne, who wished to eliminate whatever obstacle gets in his way. The treasure on an island is protected by a sacred order of monks, who would rather die than give up it�s location. The pirates must also beware the frightening creature of the deep, as well as the active volcano located on the island. Isle of Swords is well written, with many skillful integrations of moral lessons. "

"Very good read for first year teachers"

"Ellen Gould White (nee Harmon, 1827 - 1784) was a religious visionary and prophet. She fits well and creditably within a line that includes Roman Catholic Joan of Arc, Shakers foundress Mother Ann Lee, Mormon prophet Joseph Smith and Mary Baker Eddy (Christian Science). White, Smith and Eddy were American contemporaries. But Ellen White's prophetic career took off in 1844, the year Joseph Smith was killed. *** Ellen G. White, along with her husband James White and one-time sea captain Joseph Bates, were early organizers of the Seventh-day Adventist reaction to the collapse in October 1844 of general belief in William Miller's prediction that Christ was to reappear on a day certain in that month. Professor Ronald L. Numbers, raised in an elite Adventist leadership family but no longer active in that denomination, concentrates in PROPHETESS OF HEALTH: A STUDY OF ELLEN G. WHITE, on the health dimension of White's writings and historical impact. *** None of her ideas on health originated with her. But, somewhat like Cicero with Greek culture, Ellen White made her own synthesis of views in the air and persuaded others to experiment with and adopt them. For some time Mrs White looked keenly into the women's dress reforms of Amelia Bloomer and others. She found women's contemporary clothing unhealthy: too heavy, too confining of the waist, with skirts dragging in the mire. She raised hemlines and for a time wore pants beneath them. (See the several contemporary photographs of reformed dressed included by Professor Numbers.) Mrs White also promoted fresh air and a healthy diet -- moving herself by fits and starts into vegetarianism and steady opposition to alcohol, tea and other stimulants. On the medical front, Mrs White opposed "poisonous" remedies. She also advocated and established Adventist sanitaria in Battle Creek, Loma Linda and elsewhere. *** During a decade spent in New Zealand and Australia as a missionary, Ellen G. White developed fresh sympathy for animals raised and slaughtered for human consumption. This empathy for animals has since motivated numerous one-time meat eaters to try vegetarian diets. Mrs White rooted her beliefs about health in visions given her by God. God positively wants people to be healthy (something Mrs White rarely was) and to seek the best common-sense supports for sound health. The mid-19th Century was an age of visions in America and visionaries were lining up behind every cure and health idea: from mesmerism/hypnotism, to water cures, clothing reforms, dieting and so on. *** Professor Ronald Numbers published his first edition of PROPHETESS OF HEALTH in 1976, with later editions in 1992 and 2008. The 1976 edition was something of a bomb thrown into orthodox Adventist circles, what with its naturalistic explanations of the many visions of the denomination's foundress. What endures, however, is the memory of Ellen G. White, sickly, courageous, passionate Christian, a lifelong learner, keen to help alleviate human misery wherever found. Her monuments today include far-flung hospitals, clinics, universities and schools across many lands. She is a woman worth studying, although not as widely known to this day outside Seventh-day Adventism as she deserves to be. -OOO- "

"This book, Lee Considered, helped me as a source for my English class at Faith co-op in Houston/TX. Our assignment was to find three sources about our person from the Civil War and take highschool grade notes on 3 topics and using 3 sources for each topic. It was a hard assignment that took our class about three weeks to finish. Thanks to the Freeman Library and book writer Alan T. Nolan, I was able to find notes that were very profound about Lee's military life and particulary his views on secession and soldierhood."

"great book!!!!!!!"

"Brilliant take on a book you have to know. I think more people should take a look at it. The writer's amazing."

"Must read book !!!!!"

"I enjoyed the book well enough, though I hardly fall into the target readership. Full review is here: http://teenfiction.suite101.com/article.cfm/review_chat_room_by_kristin_butcher"

"I have read her books and she never disappoints!! Fantastic writing style and always keeps me coming back for more!! Keep it up Kathleen."

"I could not put this book down, I enjoyed it so much I didn't want it to end. I am now reading the The Wolf and the Dove and will let you know how it ranks in her list of books. "

"in his book 'charistmatic chaos,' john macarthur has explained so much about what had confused and scarred me spiritually growing up. he has really done his homework, too, citing both sympathetic and critical sources. even the footnotes and index are helpful! i have skipped around the book to get my most pressing questions answered, and sometimes the Biblical truth just makes me cry because it makes so much sense--- i am so glad that i am out of the charismatic movement, and now i can more confidently say why. i highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever seen 'weird' church services or heard preachers on television say the most bizarre things. all praise be to unto our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!"

"The Companion Bible by E.W. Bullinger is the best study bible available in the world today. The factual information (historical, translational, etc) found in the many appendixes in the back of the bible is indispensible. There are some doctrinal information included, but it is no a deterent to purchasing such an indepth study bible as this. "

" I am almost 56 years of age, and I possess a tremendous photogenic and long term memory for many and various items of numerous sorts and experiences throughout my life, especially of my youth. There are books and magazines of my younger days that I found pictured on the internet and was just tickled to all colors to find them !!! However, for years and ever since I had first aquired this book (Time of Wonder) of my elementary school years, I just pondered in search as to how I could come across it again as I recalled the cover picture vividly and some of the pictures inside the book as well. However I could not recall the title. This book would come to mind from time to time, and I tried diligently to find it "on Line" typing just about anything in the "google" search engine from "elementary children's school books" to "books of our youth" " 2 girls in a sailing skiff\boat" etc... but no luck. I frequent a local town College Libray on the Eastern Shore Maryland when I come to visit my paretns - (Washington College - Chestertown, Maryland). Recently, as I approached the enrance I galanced at the book show case and practically became " faint " as I saw the book of my lifetime search poised inside the show case !!!!!!! WHAT A MOMENT !!!!!!! The title " Time of Wonder " did not bring back any memories to it's name, but I was turned upside down when I saw it displayed in the show case !!!!! I just marveled and studied it prolongly !!!! It was so wonderful to come across it as I thanked heaven for bringing it in my path. I just wished I recalled the title, as I found it immedidately on the internet afterwards by typing in the name of this wonderful book. Yes, it is such a beauty of a feeling to have this experience as it just brings me back to my youthful days of boyhood !!!!! Love it to death !!!!!!!"

"Interesting suspenseful book personally i loved it!!"

"its a really good book to get a good knowledge about frames, lenses, frame repairs, absorbtive lenses, high ammetropias, FDA standards of ophthalmic lenses and so on "

"It is actually a real thriller dragging the reader into the world that Brown created. Astonishing. Also, you don't need any literary or any academic dowry to understand this work of art. You will envy the luck of Robert Langdon. "

"The ALA best book for young adults, Someone Like You, by the New York Times Best Selling Author, Sarah Dessen, is about a highschool girl, Halley, dealing with love, death, peer pressure, and just about anything else you could think of. Halley, who is usually the quiet one, learns to step up and become herself. She has to determine if loosing her awesome relationship with her mom is worth loosing it to some guy she met that claims loves her. I think this book is aimed toward middle and highschool transion students. This book was a great guide to how I could handle different situations. Someone Like You was comforting knowing that I have been through many of the scnarieos taht Halley has been through. I would recomend this to any of my friends around my age. I'd give it "2 thumbs up!""

"It's just a fun read, well written, light fare. Just a very nice interlude between more serious tomes."

"Mitch Albom’s first non-fiction since Tuesdays with Morrie does not disappoint. It starts with a request from his childhood rabbi that Albom deliver his Eulogy. Needing a deeper understanding of the man behind the mission, he is brought back to the world of faith he left behind years ago. Albom also meets a convict turned pastor and soon realizes there are more similarities between Christian and Jewish faith than he thought possible. This is not a book about religion, but about the comfort of finding something to believe in. "

"Beautifully written, poignant and intriguing. Each word is woven like a delicate thread into this powerful novel by Brunonia Barry. History, romance, and mystery in a perfect blend to create the most compelling read of the year. "

"Helped me alot in my IMIS Higher Diploma Module ISS"

"Coleman Luck�s ANGEL FALL is a captivating mix of J.R.R. Tolkien�s �Lord of the Rings� and Alice In Wonderland, with a touch of C.S. Lewis�s �Narnia Chronicles� thrown in for good measure. Creative and well-written, it paints the most vivid pictures in your mind while spinning a fascinating tale of the age-old struggle between the forces of good and evil. This is a dark fantasy. As is often the case in real life, the forces of Good appear in forms that are not easily recognized at first while the forces of Evil appear in forms that are appealing, enticing, alluring. It takes discernment from the Lancaster children (which comes too late for Alex, with horrifying results), and the reader, to �test the spirits� and decipher who is really good and who is really evil, who is trying to help and who is luring them to destruction. The �beautiful side of evil� is deceptive and that is what makes it so dangerous, both to the Lancaster family and all of us. The characters that populate Boreth are clever, unique and colorful. I particularly enjoyed Bellwind�s twisted syntax and turn of phrase. The Lancaster children- Alex, Tori and Amanda- have been through some hard times in their young lives. Their responses to the hand life has dealt them and to the surreal world they are thrust into are utterly believable. There are dark themes in play here, including one involving past abuse at the hands of a trusted adult. Frankly I�m not entirely sure that one is appropriate for the younger reading audience, however the payoff involving redemption and forgiveness is overwhelming- a powerful �teachable moment�. And a much needed lesson in today�s world. Amidst the adventure, there are insights scattered throughout this story that are profound and revealing, both to our protagonists and to the reader. Thought-provoking gems, such as the true nature and purpose of pleasure, and the subtle but destructive effects of pride, are reminiscent of C.S. Lewis and Tolkien, but set against a much darker, even hellish, backdrop. Choices have consequences. The story woven by the choices these characters made and make drew me in and wouldn�t let me go until I found out where it led them. As another reviewer put it quite aptly, Angel Fall takes you on a journey through �the world of the seen and the unseen. The physical and the spiritual.� Creative and fast-paced, Angel Fall is a compelling, intriguing, fascinating read. "

"I recommend this title, but not this edition. This is the first edition of the book. A greatly expanded second edition (558 pages) was published in 2005. That book belongs on the bookshelf of every team member, facilitator, or quality manager. Actually, it won't be on your bookshelf much, because you'll find it so useful. Do yourself a favor and pay a little more for the up-to-date edition of this title. "

"Pioneering American novelist James Fenimore Cooper lived from 1789 until 1851. In THE EARLY YEARS, Professor Wayne Franklin ends his biography when 36 year old Cooper boards a ship in 1826 to travel for the better part of a decade in Europe with his wife and five children. By 1826 James Cooper's best known novel THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS was in print. These and earlier works started his reputation at home and abroad. *** Author Franklin roots his narrative in documents, some not available until the 1990s. But he is not afraid to speculate. If, for instance, he knows that Cooper was in one city at the beginning of his honeymoon and knows when he arrives at Cooperstown but not by what overland route, he will guess and then use his guess as a starting point for describing landscapes more familiar to Cooper's bride Susan than to James himself. *** JAMES FENIMORE COOPER: THE EARLY YEARS is filled with often fascinating excursuses into the lives and times of seemingly every relative, schoolmate, naval officer colleague and acquaintance James Cooper (he added Fenimore later) ever had. Thus we see the impact that President Thomas Jefferson's embargo on trade with Britain had on the economy of New York State. We investigate the tenacious hold of dueling on officers of the young American navy. We learn how chance meetings with Indians or time spent in still Dutch-feeling Albany furnish materials for novels and Cooper's pioneering history of the U. S. Navy. *** The book has helpful contemporary black and white illustrations, lavish notes and an excellent bibliography. Wanting are maps of colonial and early American New York. All in all a book indispensable to lovers of James Fenimore Cooper and early American history. -OOO-"

"the book seeks to avail production managers and others alike on quality management,enhancement and control. "

"Explains the reasons surrounding the War of 1812, describes the significant events before and after the burning of Washington, D.C., profiles Dolley and James Madison, and includes a short fictitious story of a slave girl caught in the war. This children's book (ages 9-12) contains archival drawings, maps, and colored paintings. It also includes bolded vocabulary words with a glossary and an index. Children will be able to identify with the young, main character and learn about an important event in American history at the same time. "Washington is Burning! The War of 1812" is an excellent children's book to be read and shared during Black History Month."

"If you are working with children this is a must read. The insight into the thinking of today's children is revealing."

"As a young journalist trying to establish his bona fides Schmidle chose to live in Pakistan for two years. He learned the native language and immersed himself in its culture. He describes the people, places, and events that he experienced in lyrical, almost poetical language. Despite the difficulty in following the unfamiliar Pakistani names of people, organizations, and cities, Schmidle takes the reader into the dynamics of life in this amazing country. Schmidle spent time visiting the hinterlands of Pakistan where factional groups are fighting each other, where tribal structure pits regions against each other and against the central government of the country, where antiAmerican sentiments dominate, and where Islamic extremism is persuasive to the people. He visited madrassas where young boys and girls are instructed and indoctrinatedin the Islamic faith; he became a confident of some we might consider terrorists; he talked with and witnessed the activities of Talabon fighters. While Schmidle makes great effort to be impartial in his reporting, he paints a picture of the Muscharef government, an ally of the United States, as a repressive regime that terrorized the people of Pakistan to hold onto power. Schmidle shows how ordinary Pakistanis view the Talibon as heroes who bring order and stability into ungoverned and lawless regions, but how their extremist religious views and cruel punishment of those who oppose them often turn the populace against them. TO LIVE OR TO PERISH will give you a different insight Pakistan and Afghanistan that will help you to make more informed judgment about American intervention in Afghanistan, how the people of the region perceive the world and particularly the West, and what we can expect from our efforts to bring democracy to those countries. It is a must-read for those who don't want to take for granted the standard media picture of American intervention in the Middle East, but rather want to make their own decisions about how we can best protect ourselves against the threat of global terrorism. "

"Balram Halwai is a complicated man. Servant. Philosopher. Entrepreneur. Murderer. Over the course of seven nights, by the scattered light of a preposterous chandelier, Balram tells us the terrible and transfixing story of how he came to be a success in life -- having nothing but his own wits to help him along. Born in the dark heart of India, Balram gets a break when he is hired as a driver for his village's wealthiest man, two house Pomeranians (Puddles and Cuddles), and the rich man's (very unlucky) son. From behind the wheel of their Honda City car, Balram's new world is a revelation. While his peers flip through the pages of Murder Weekly ("Love -- Rape -- Revenge!"), barter for girls, drink liquor (Thunderbolt), and perpetuate the Great Rooster Coop of Indian society, Balram watches his employers bribe foreign ministers for tax breaks, barter for girls, drink liquor (single-malt whiskey), and play their own role in the Rooster Coop. Balram learns how to siphon gas, deal with corrupt mechanics, and refill and resell Johnnie Walker Black Label bottles (all but one). He also finds a way out of the Coop that no one else inside it can perceive. Balram's eyes penetrate India as few outsiders can: the cockroaches and the call centers; the prostitutes and the worshippers; the ancient and Internet cultures; the water buffalo and, trapped in so many kinds of cages that escape is (almost) impossible, the white tiger. And with a charisma as undeniable as it is unexpected, Balram teaches us that religion doesn't create virtue, and money doesn't solve every problem -- but decency can still be found in a corrupt world, and you can get what you want out of life if you eavesdrop on the right conversations. Sold in sixteen countries around the world, The White Tiger recalls The Death of Vishnu and Bangkok 8 in ambition, scope, and narrative genius, with a mischief and personality all its own. Amoral, irreverent, deeply endearing, and utterly contemporary, this novel is an international publishing sensation -- and a startling, provocative debut. "

"This is an outstanding First Novel, although I would not recommend his later work. This was the first book in many years where I actually both laughed and cried out lound in reading it. This elegant piece of fiction will delight you. If you enjoy it, you may wish to try "A Prayer for Owen Meany" by John Irving."

"I was already familiar with this book. When I was diagnosed with hypo-thyroidism, I checked out several books from library, and found this one to be most helpful and understandable. I often refer to it."

"This book has good quality color photos and provides criteria and ddx. The "international" paperback edition is cheaper but be aware many sellers state that it is printed in black and white only. "

"I loved this book too. All the Dark books have been great. Lucian and Jaxon are two of my favorite characters. They balance each other well."

" Dear Senator is well written and engaging. I have no doubt that Essie Mae did mpre to sensitize Strom Thurmond to the plight of African Americans than all of the congressional debates could've ever done! This book humanizes the complexities of being a southern segregationist whose political views and values were confronted due to the very real, intelligent and personal faces who were the brunt of the usual segregationists vitriole, ie, his only child for 66 years of his life and her mother, who he seemed to truly love. "

"This book is good and undestandable"

"Dvalin, the hero of ICE LAND, a half dwarf, half god (through his swan maiden mother)rides across Iceland to visit his mentally disturbed, extremely ill sister Idun, goddess of eternal youth. He discusses Idun's condition with her husband Bragi, god of poetry. Why had Bragi left Asgard, home of the other Aesir (race of Nordic gods)? "I grew tired of life among the Aesir. There was so much deceit. So much corruption. When a race of people is universally admired, their hearts turn to stone." *** ICE LAND is about the coming disappearance of Odin, Loki, Idun, Bragi, Freya and all the other Nordic gods. We see the earliest stage of their displacement by the first Christian missionaries sent to Iceland by King Olaf of Norway. We experience the destruction of the home of the Aesir, Asgard, by the mighty volcano Hekla. It is "Goetterdaemmerung," the Twilight of the Gods. *** Powerful and magical as they are (Loki changes shapes, Freya flies, thanks to her feathered cloak given her by Odin), at bottom the gods of Iceland are just folks like everybody else, no more worthy of special attention than other races such as giants and dwarves. All races can and do interbreed. We will miss those human, all too human, Viking gods with their quarrels, jealousies and amours. But they were not destined to be more than a passing phase in the history of Germanic religion. Odin hadn't a chance against God the Father. Freya could not hold a candle to the Blessed Virgin Mary. But they were arresting while men still believed in them. *** ICE LAND is for easy bedtime reading. It is smooth, undemanding, touching lightly on important issues and topics such as plate tectonics, fate, the true religion, monogamy, loyalty, political decentralization of power, climate, agricultural and ranching practices. Great fun. Enjoy! - OOO - "

"Interesting triangle love. Contains all the best and worst elements involved in male-male attraction. Author very creative."

"In "The Race for a New Life (Oklahoma Land Rush)", ten-year-old Josh takes his injured father's place in the Cherokee Strip Land Rush of 1893. The book also contains information on the early history of Oklahoma. This book is illustrated and contains archival photographs and drawings. It also includes bolded vocabulary words with a glossary. Children will be able to identify with the young, main character and learn about an important even in American history at the same time."

"My seven year old grandson is enjoying this book. I skimmed through it and found it of interest as well."

"JDROBB always gives a great story with flawed characters who overcome these flaws and deal with them in a positive manner. Eve Dallas and Roark are some of my favorites."

"I was unable to put this book down. I felt as if I was in that time and era."

"The filmed versions (1939, 1977, 2002) of the FOUR FEATHERS are all worth seeing. Each is in some ways better than the book. Ralph Richardson (1939) plays a strong Colonel Durrance. The desert and battle scenes with Beau Bridges (1977) and Heath Ledger (2002) are breathtaking. But each film is to the original novel of 1905 as a marionette version is to a human-acted KING LEAR. You have to read the book. The films are but thin icing on a many-layered cake. *** THE FOUR FEATHERS is all about the apparent cowardice displayed in 1882 of Harry Faversham, a 27-year old English soldier, on leave from his regiment based in India. Two days before he learns, during a party in his London apartment with army friends that his regiment is to be transferred to Egypt for duty in the Sudan fighting fanatical muslims, Harry had become engaged to marry beautiful 21 year old Ethne Eustace at her home in County Donegal, Ulster, Ireland. He had already been seriously considering resigning from the army to help Ethne's father rebuild the nearly ruinous family estate. Sudden unofficial knowledge of his coming assignment to Sudan accelerated his decision to resign his commission. *** Only one of the army officers at the party, Jack Durrance, was not in Harry's regiment. But he had known Ethne Eustace longer than Harry and was in love with her himself. Durrance and Faversham had been best friends at Oxford University and would remain so for life. When, the next day, Harry told Jack that he had resigned his commission, that seemed reasonable to Durrance. But the other two friends there, plus a third member of the regiment who had sent a telegram that Harry received during the party, soon pieced together that Harry had resigned only after learning that he would be sent to Sudan. To these other three friends (unlike Jack Durrance) Harry Faversham was, therefore, a rank coward who had shamed the regiment. Accordingly, they sent him three white feathers along with their name cards. The three officiers agreed, however, to keep the facts of the timing of Harry's resignation a secret. By unplanned coincidence these three feathers later reached Harry in Ireland c/o his fiancee. When she saw them fall out of the package when Harry opened it, she too learned why they had been sent. Ethne then added her own fourth feather, accusing Jack of cowardice, and breaking their engagement. *** The rest of the novel reads like a detective story answering questions upon questions: e. g., was Harry Faversham really a coward? If so, was it because his mother died young and his father, an eighth generation army General, could not grasp how his son's imagination might make him fear death or maiming in battle yet never quail under fire? Had Mrs Adair, a woman in love with Jack Durrance, deliberately led Harry to fall in love with Ethne, so that Durrance would drop into her own romantic web? Was Ethne right to accept Jack Durrance's marriage proposal the day she learned of his sun blindness on duty in the Sudan? Did almost everyone underrate Harry's courage? What led Harry Faversham to atone for his great fault by spending five years in Africa, learning native tongues on a quest to make each of the four feather givers take them back? *** A great, great novel probing cowardice, loyalty, courage, motivation, romantic love and a military code of honor. -OOO-"

"What can I say, Bertrice is an excellent writer. I am not one for comptemporary books but when Bertrice writes, who cannot read it. This book in one in the series of Pleasures, I have read all of them and all of them are absolutely marvelous, what imagination, what a storyteller.... all I can say is Bertrice is my women when it comes to ROMANCE at its utmost. Before you read any of the pleasure books, go to her website and get the order of how it was written......and begin with the 1st book, you wont be able to stop until you have read ALL of them!!!! Another Great buy and well worth the cost and time to read it. I once again Love Bertrice!!!!"

"I just love this book. It was very captivating, entertaining and most enjoyable. Julia Quin is on my list for historical romance. I could not put the book down. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will read the rest of her books on the Bridgetons. Enjoy. It's a great buy."

"Excellent thought provoking essays, brave and challenging. Lewis here is more introspective and questioning, yet faithful and unswerving in the resolve for integrity. I have had to read and re-read each essay several times for the immense pleasure of rethinking through each issues. This compilation is not suited for casual reading, nor for the faint hearted. For example, Lewis addresses the subject of unanswered prayers in the first chapter with no definite answers or defense, that is why his treatment is so refreshing. "

"Readers of English have had access since 1911 to a tranlation from French reissued by Dover in 2005: LAUGHTER: AN ESSAY ON THE MEANING OF THE COMIC. Its author was French philosopher Henri Bergson (1859 - 1941), already in his 50s by 1911 and internationally renowned. *** At its core, LAUGHTER is less a doctrine than a method. Bergson's thoughts are in perpetual motion, passing through hundreds of examples, citing Shakespeare, Moliere and Immanuel Kant. Henri Bergson lays bare what makes for the humorous and the comical.We readers take away from LAUGHTER a conviction that there are reasons why something, someone or some words make us smile, chortle or guffaw. And, best of all, we ourselves can detect those reasons as well as Henri Bergson. LAUGHTER empowers us to analyze, to probe like a philosopher. *** Bergson argues that we laugh because we are sociable. We are alive. Society is alive. And we sense when something is distorting what is alive, something therefore meant to behave, gesture or talk differently. Something in an animal, in a play, in a situation, in a person's character strikes us as not quite right. *** When something is humorous, it is not acting according to its nature. We perceive a soul being weighted down by its body. A person meant to be spontaneous and elastic at all times is suddenly revealed as a puppet, a robot. Think of the naked Emperor wearing his invisible new clothes. An animal naturally flexible is seen acting like a machine. Cartoons or clown shows present men as mindlessly repetitive as machines. Through our laughter we rebuke distortion; we call men and society back to their true natures. The comic gives us glimpses of what human life is meant to be: in continuous motion, never repeating itself, up to every challenge, responding perfectly. Society should be that way, too: alive, ever evolving, never off balance. *** When we see life barnacled over by a rigid layer ofsomething mechanical that should not be there, we smile, we laugh. By our laughter we pull ourselves and others up short; we rebuke ourselves back into the sociable, alive beings we were meant to be. *** After Bergson's masterpiece, we may never see a good cartoon again without asking why it makes us smile. And we shall discover credible answers. -OOO-"

"This novel is so cleverly constructed that it is easy to miss the fact that at its core it is a simple tale of romantic love and playing at love. English writer Juliet Ashton is in her early 30s at novel's beginning in January 1946. Three years earlier she had been engaged to marry serving officer Lieutenant Rob Dartry. She broke things off the day before the wedding. Three months later he was killed in Burma. We learn from a letter to her girlhood chum, now her publisher, the reason for the breakup: Rob thought too much of himself. The afternoon before the wedding day, Rob was busily moving his things into her flat. Juliet returned from delivering an installment of her famed Izzy Bickerstaff humorous wartime series to the printer, only to find that Rob had removed and boxed for basement storage all her books. He had replaced them on her shelves with his athletic trophies and memorabilia. End of engagement. *** Later we are misdirected for a while to think that Juliet might have a crush on ten-years older Sidney, her publisher and mentor; but no, he is revealed as an unconcealed homosexual, so known to everyone. No romance there. *** Juliet is then pursued relentlessly by a narcissistic American entrepreneur, Markham V. Reynolds. All he wants is a trophy wife and that Juliet will not be. *** Meanwhile she has made a new lot of friends on the island of Guernsey off the coast of France. In the end a little half-English, half-German orphan girl wins her maternal heart while taciturn, Charles Lamb-admiring pig farmer Dawsey Adams improbably wins over Juliet's erotic side. The book's last words are spoken to Juliet by Guernsey's most priggish female censor of female morals: "I hear you and that pig-farmer are going to regularize your connection. Praise the Lord!" *** Though I personally think the amours of Julie Ashton are what drive the novel, most critics see things differently. And I have written nothing here to spoil those other views of the plot. Beyond 90% of the yarn remains therefore for you to discover and enjoy for yourself. -OOO-"

"HISTORICAL, FACTUAL...GREAT RESOURCE"

"GOOD RESOURCE; TRUE NARRATIVES"

" Drawing on more than 20 years of learning about and treating the disfunctional behaviors of troubled individuals, the psychologist Dr. Lee Jampolsky has produced, in his book "Healing the Addictive Personality," released last year (2008), a worthy successor to his widely read and popular "Healing the Addictive Mind." As the two titles suggest, he has gone beyond thought processes alone to show how ALL aspects of our personality can have addictive tendencies, which are not necessarily limited to any substance, thing, activity or preoccupation. The commonality of behaviors which characterize the addictive personalities which all or most of us possess to some degree, lend us the possibility of being healed by applying truth-based, love- and relationship-oriented principles to all aspects of our personality. Dr. Jampolsky concludes his book with a series of twenty-one daily lessons, and an eleven-week program for ongoing healing. This compact but powerful work (171 pages) should be read with thoughtful consideration by every person who wants to live better and happier."

"What a treasure - I've been looking for this book and Biblio came through! Thank you Biblio for hosting such a vast group of booksellers, enabling some of us seeking hard to find books a successful pursuit! Celebrate offers a splendid variety of entertainment menus with reliable recipes - people don't want to stop taking the goodies. We rarely have leftovers after using these sterling recipes for guests. Thank You, Biblio and Sheila Lukins, Peter Kaminsky!! Amy Nymark"

"Aside from Chaucer's CANTERBURY TALES, Thornton Wilder's THE BRIDGE OF SAN LUIS REY may have been the first tale to ask one of literature's most enduring questions: what were a bunch of ostensibly unrelated people all doing at the same place on the same catastrophic day? In Wilder's case, the event was the collapse of the grandest, highest pedestrian rope bridge in all South America. In the case of Professor John Pipkin's first novel, WOODBURNER, the occasion that unites diverse people in Concord Woods, Massachusetts is a fire inadvertently started on a dry windy day by a hungry man wanting to make fish chowder for himself during a river outing. That historically attested fire burner was none other than Henry David Thoreau. And when all was over, this future preacher of environmentalism had burned 300 woodland acres. His life intersects those of a half dozen other real and imaginary characters. All their lives are transformed by the experience of fighting and philosophizing about the fire. In another few months Thoreau will retire to a cabin on Walden Pond, an area untouched by but close to the great fire. "He will keep the injured woods company until they revive. And, if they will have him, he will become their steward." -OOO-"

"Thanks to William McKinley in one year -- 1898 -- the USA came into possession of Hawaii, the Philippines and Guam in the Pacific and Cuba and Puerto Rico in the Caribbean. Cuba it soon gave up. The rest it kept. McKinley played a hostile Senate faction of anti-imperialists like a violin and pushed through early 1899 ratification of the Paris Treaty of Peace with Spain with one vote to spare. He greatly enlarged the powers of the Presidency. His successes in 1898 also allowed him to send troops to Peking without Congressional authority to fight the Boxers. It also paved the way to later building the Panama Canal under U.S. sole ownership. Until Professor Gould's revisionist looks at McKinley, the former Governor of Ohio had sunk to the status of a fourth-magnitude President, accused by some of genocide in the Philippines. -OOO-"

"I like the approach to using panels to make certain the each garment is perfectly fit to the wearer. Best of all, the patterns that are included are designs that I could actually wear to work with feeling that I had "dressed down". "

"Reviews and Testimonials for The Sorcerer's Key: HERE'S WHAT REVIEWER SYLVIA COCHRAN OF ROUNDTABLE REVIEWS HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE SORCERER'S KEY: THE SORCERER'S KEY is Clayton Bye's 272-page fiction debut novel that was published in January of 2005. While this novel of the Fantasy genre is Clayton Bye's first work of fiction, he is a seasoned speechwriter as well as a well-known author of motivational books, such as GETTING CLEAR, HOW TO GET WHAT YOU WANT FROM LIFE, THE IT CAN'T BE DONE, NO WAY, YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING, CRAZY OR UNBELIEVABLY STUPID TO TRY IT HANDBOOK FOR SUCCESS, and THE HUNDRED. THE SORCERER'S KEY examines the reality of God against the backdrop of Eden (as the cradle of life) and Earth. Existing parallel to one another, yet with the majority of Earth's inhabitants blissfully unaware of the magical place that is Eden, the fragile border that separates both worlds is suddenly in danger by the workings of Morgan Heist, sorcerer and ruthless user of the "dark arts." Heist will stop at nothing to gain free access to both worlds, and seeks to conquer and rule both. In his path stands young Jack Lightfoot whose key allows him to travel between the worlds. Unfortunately, Jack is unaware of the powers that seek to control him, and he soon finds himself in mortal danger. Will Morgan succeed and literally take over the world? Will Jack stand in his way? Clayton Bye's work of fiction creates a fascinating set of "what if" scenarios. What if God had tried to start over? What if the devil is still around and lending active support? What if magic and sorcery were God's gifts to mankind? What if they weren't? THE SORCERER'S KEY is a fast-paced read that combines action, adventure, and even romance with the elements of spirituality, religion, and magic. Without taking the quick way out by route of an omnipotent deity and an equally formidable adversary, Clayton Bye avoids the easy answers to the age old question of good versus evil, and instead offers the reader a third version, what if God made mistakes? What if the devil is not as powerful as we would have him be? An interesting read! LEA SCHIZAS FROM ALLBOOKREVIEWS.COM WROTE: Eden - haven to both good and evil? Jack Lightfoot feels a need to end a lifelong battle with the most feared sorcerer devil in Eden, Morgan Heist; a battle his father has struggled in for over 20 years Young and inexperienced for Morgan, Jack finds himself in a very compromising position when Morgan confronts him at one point. The overpowering spell to reveal how Jack is able to travel so freely from earth to Eden, with no side effects whatsoever, is a climatic scene. Jack, realizing he foolishly and prematurely stepped into this fight without truly understanding what he was facing, now needs to pull every trick in his possession to get out of this predicament, Traveling back and forth from earth to Eden, Jack desperately searches for the answer he unknowlingly possesses, before his next and ultimate face-off with Morgan: how does he, indeed, possess this power to travel so freely? With the help of old friends on earth and new ones in Eden, Jack slowly begins to piece together this puzzle. Alongside this battle enters Kate, a resident and eye-beholding beauty of Eden, who allies with Jack to help him capture and rev up his hidden magical powers. Interesting and riveting characters amidst an intriguing plot sets this fantasy novel apart from ones I have read. Mr. Bye, using first person point of view, draws you into the Lightfoot family predicament, allowing the reader to step right along with Jack and help him solve the mystery of the "key." Mr. Bye excels his writer's voice in this truly highly recommended read. At times, its appeal felt like an Agatha Christie mystery, intermixed with a bit of that Stephen King flair for bonding a reader with his characters. AND MY THANKS TO SERENA POLHEBER WHO WROTE THE FOLLOWING FOR THE GOTTA WRITE NETWORK: Jack Lightfoot has known that Earth is not the only place where man lives. Beyond The Sword lies a land of magic and sorcery, Eden. Both of Jack's parents traveled through the void to settle on Earth taking with them the secret of traversing the void. Being raised as a child of other-worldly people has not been easy. Jack spent weekends throughout his childhood training and preparing for the day that his father's ex-partner, Morgan Heist, would rip through the void in search of his father's secret. Now that day has come and Jack is forced to rely on unused skills and his wits. He traverses the void and is chased from one world to the next. During his race for his life he comes to learn a myriad of truths that have been only alluded to in the myths and religions of Earth. Morgan Heist has finally found a way across the void to find his erstwhile partner, John Lightfoot. Now that he has begun the search it will not end until he is successful. He will rule this world without magic. With magic. This book was an amalgamation of magic, religion, self discovery, and adventure. Jack was a complex character that grew from the beginning of the book to the end. The fabulous world that CC Bye created was rich in details and consistent throughout the book. I felt as if it were not only possible, but probable. Morgan Heist did his job as the antagonist remarkably well. He was everything evil and his minions added an extra edge. I was amazed by the depth of character and the well-thought out plotline. With a unique look at the mythology and ideology of our culture CC Bye took a fantastical reality and drew the reader in from page one. I give Sorcerer's Key a full 5 turns of the key. --Copyright Serena Polheber September 18, 2006 EVEN PETER FERGUS-MOORE OF THE THUNDER BAY CHRONICLE-JOURNAL MANAGED TO SAY A FEW NICE WORDS: ...Bye succeeds in painting a believable picture through the eyes of his 20-something protagonist Jack Lightfoot, whose parents are fugitives from a parallel, magic-centred world named Eden. Bye loosely borrows his universe of Eden and Earth from the Judeo-Christian world view, with a Creator-God and a devil who more or less compete for influence. I say "more or less" because Bye's God is a deist God, who set the whole thing in motion and then walked away in disgust. Before leaving, however, God set up a barrier between the two worlds. That the barrier is somewhat permeable, and that people can occasionally travel between the worlds, though at great personal cost, makes Bye's narrative possible. ...The real competition for control and influence is between an evil, all-powerful sorcerer in Eden, Morgan Heist, and the Lightfoot family, who Heist sees as hoarding the secret to safe travel between the worlds. Heist desperately wants to extend his empire to the non-magical Earth, and so embarks on a deadly single-minded hunt for the Lightfoots, and Jack is caught squarely in the middle of it all. ...Bye's characters are largely believable, and the writer stays firmly within the parameters he has set up for his worlds. Much of the book is seen through Jack Lightfoot's eyes and rendered in Jack Lightfoot's language. Not surprisingly, Jack's story is not only a narrative of a struggle between good and evil, but a chronicle of Jack's growth as a person. HERE'S WHAT PAYING CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING: The Sorcerer's Key is a great, fast paced read. The narrative of the scenes was excellent. I could easily picture Jack running through the Safeway parking lot in Kenora, even though I haven't lived there for over 4 years. I could almost as easily picture in my mind the author's vision of Eden. Well done! Gene, Mount Gambier, South Australia Excellent! It should be made into a movie. Lyle, Kenora, Ontario I couldn't put it down. Stephanie, Alexandria, Ontario You've got a winner! Andreas, Thunder Bay, Ontario Better than J.K Rowling. Judy, Kenora, Ontario Enjoyed immensely. Read in a night. Very good read. Hali, Kenora, Ontario I am an avid reader of the genres of Fantasy, Science Fiction, and just plain “weird tales” ala H.P. Lovecraft, JRR Tolkien, Raymond Fiest, Tad Williams, Terry Goodkind, Terry Brooks, Charles DeLint etc. Clayton Bye’s new fantasy novel, “The Sorcerer’s Key” would not be out of place amongst these authors. The storyline of Eden and its parallel existence to our earth is storytelling at its finest, and I very much look forward to the continued interactions between the two worlds, especially the meshing of what is “traditionally” known about the biblical Eden and the realm of fantasy created by Mr. Bye. I recommend this book to any person with a taste for the fantasy genre. Terence, Kenora, Ontario Enjoyed your book. Well written & interesting. Judy, Rainy River, Ontario"

"THE PILOT is about warfare on land and sea between the rebelling USA and mother Britain between the years of, say, 1778 and 1792. The pilot in question, though never named, is legendary John Paul (Jones), father of the American navy. He lands in northeastern England to extract valuable hostages to exchange for American revolutionaries taken at sea by the British. The success of his mission depends on his uncanny seamanship amid shoals, rocks and currents. Subplots abound. Jones meets with a former love. Other young lovers pursue their future mates against great odds. By 1792, the year of Jones's death, two wartime enemies are the best of friends on the US-Canadian frontier. This novel established a new literary genre: the sea adventure tale. ... The volume's second novel is THE RED ROVER, written five years after THE PILOT. After a very slow beginning full of intrigue in and around the harbor of Newport, Rhode Island in October 1759, young Harry Wilder and companions board the disguised pirate ship, the Red Rover, with a royal commission to identify and bring to justice its captain who uses the same name. After a long sea chase of a rich merchantman, the Red Rover captures a British frigate. In time the pirate proves himself an early patriot laboring for the freedom of the North American colonies from their British overlords. The novel abounds in mood changes, disguises, false flags for the Rover and twists and turns in the pirate chief's identities, moods and whims. At novel's end the Rover, whose real name is Heidegger, is revealed to be an American patriot, as Newport celebrates the end of the war for independence. -OOO-"

"Almost dreamlike and surreal in its language and imagery, but also starkly realistic in its detail and impression of the forces at work during the early era of America's creation. Very moving on the level of the individual narrator and Cherokees, as well as on a level of a "nation" facing ethnic cleansing and the mainstream citizens that supported it. Author Charles Frazier very much humanizes a little known chapter in American history, but its telling indicates that the perpetrators are now mature enough to admit it. I read this book at the same time the PBS series "We Remain" was being aired, and the two were very, very complementary."

""Sail" is another great summer read by James Patterson along with Howard Roughan. Although there is no mystery to the story, there is enough action and adventure to keep the pages turning. "

"Easy to read and useful, introductory text on how-to guide through case studies. Langarten divides the chapters according populations so it is easy to reference back after reading."

"It is a great way to learn the complicated PhotoShop program. Please note that it addresses the CS3 revision, not the latest CS4, however there are a lot of people out there that use CS3 that would benefit from this learaning set. JBC"

"Good story of a "feminist" who married and had a child. She still procuded along her eduational path and kept her marriage up. A difficult process at best. This is worth reading for all those who suffer or those to may not to see a day to day approach to this illness."

"Our book club has a new favorite! We spent two hours discussing Lottery and picking out our favorite lines to read aloud. It was an evening filled with tears and laughter. The characters are so real that we could all relate to at least one of them. Having the story told from Perry�s point of view added depth and insight. I found myself envying his simplistic way of seeing the world. To not feel the anger and bitterness that I felt toward his family would be a blessing. As a first novel, this will be hard to beat, but I hope Patricia Wood gives it a try. "

"a real eye opener. should be mandatory reading for every voter. i gave monetary support to causes that i thought was doing good."

"Very readable scientific info. for the layman, enjoyable, eye-opening, even sometimes funny. Quite storylike. A huge amount of info."

"Most of us, I think, have a vague notion that Britain's King Arthur is a product of the dying, perhaps recently stone cold dead (at least in Britain), Western Roman Empire. Professor Valerio Massimo Manfredi's novel THE LAST LEGION (2002) imagines how Arthur might have been the son of Romulus Augustus, the last (western) Roman Emperor. And Manfredi firmly locates the future King Arthur's coming field of operations in southern Scotland and Northern England rather than, say, the earlier more popular Cornwall. Deposed in 476 by a barbarian Gothic general Odoacer, young Romulus and his tutor Ambrosinus are exiled to Capri and guarded by Gothic warriors. A handful of legionaries loyal to the idea of non-Barbarian Rome, hastily thrown together by troubled, amnesiac Aurelianus Ambrosius Ventidius, aided by a woman warrior who is one of the founders of Venice, free both teen-age emperor and tutor and move together to Hadrian's wall on the border of today's Scotland and England. Pursued by Gothic warriors of Odoacer who had also co-opted a war band of Saxons, the emperor's few followers make contact with veterans of aa long disbanded Roman legion once stationed at Hadrian's wall. In a decisive battle at the wall, the Romans fight off the Goths and Saxons, aided by veterans of the old legion, decked out in their long obsolete armor. That legion's banner still existed and displayed a red dragon. Romulus's tutor, whom we have long known to be a British Druid, resumes his non-Roman name of Myrdin, soon corrupted by local Britons to Merlin. Romulus, now using the name Pendragon, "son of the Dragon," became King of the Britons. After marrying the Celtic Ygraine, Romulus/Pendragon became father of the future King Arthur. The entire story is narrated by Merlin. At story's end young Arthur is five years old. His name came from "Arcturus," "born under the sign of the bear." In his lonely wanderings during his captivity in the Emperor Trajan's ancient palace on Capri, young Romulus had found Julius Caesar's sword, the finest ever made. Its name would later be corrupted from a time-blurred Latin inscription on its blade (CAI.IUL.CAES.ENSIS CALIBURNUS) to Excalibur. At the end of his friends' great victory against Goths and Saxons at Mount Badon, young Romulus shouted "No more war! no more blood!" He then walked to a nearby lake, carrying Julius Caesar's mighty sword, "still dripping blood." "He hurled the sword far into the lake. Excalibur "plunged like a meteor into the heart of the moss-covered stone that rose at the center of the lake" (Ch. 37). The final words of the tale are Merlin's: "Here my story ends. Here, perhaps, a legend is born." Not a bad preparation for reading this excellent fictional evocation of the last days of the Western Roman Empire and the first days of Medieval Britain would be to watch the 2007 film derived from the novel. Styled, like its original, THE LAST LEGION, this arguably too compressed and simplified film is available in DVD. It stars Colin Firth (Aurelianus), Ben Kingsley (Ambrosinus/Merlin) and 1994 Miss Universe Aishwarya Rai as a warrior maiden serving the Eastern Roman Emperor. There is, indeed, a warrior woman in the novel, but she is Livia, a Roman survivor not an East Indian. The film is not at all bad. The novel is great. It successfully shows how the collapsing Empire might have looked to a handful of legionaries and to the post-Roman little people, mainly Celts, among whom they moved. The author is a scholar of the period and has also written a fictional trilogy on Alexander the Great. -OOO-"

"I first picked up this book because I knew of AVI and enjoyed his other books. Tho only one of these shorts is actually written by AVI the collection is fantastic. A book every teacher who reads aloud needs. I use several of the stories in literature circle classes to teach the jobs before the students start on their own. All the shorts are fiction, full of deep meanings, funny parts, scary parts, parts we all relate to, and the pure wonder of good fantasy. My particular favorite is "Baby in the Night Deposit Box"; the one about a very extraordinary princess baby who appears in a very ordinary bank with the motto 'Your treasure is safe with us'. Great stuff!"

"VINDICATED AFTER 200 YEARS A review by Phillip Taylor MBE Little had been written about George Vancouver until Ernie Coleman's excellent and uncomplicated biography in 2000, and Stephen Bown's new, detailed and scholarly work in 2008. Bown's work is a re-evaluation of Vancouver's life and work - it's excellent in every respect. And it fills an important gap in 18th century naval history and surveying in North West America. I live where Vancouver spent his last days in Petersham, Richmond, Surrey. We celebrate his life annually at a service in the churchyard where he is buried at St Peter's Church, Petersham. I have also visited beautiful Vancouver and the island, and travelled part of the North West coast of Northern America being married to a Vancouverite. Therefore, I have a special interest and regard for this man and the area he explored! Let's get a few things straight about Vancouver! He was an experienced sailor, having served on the last voyage of Captain Cook as a midshipman. However, Vancouver was not an experienced diplomat, but his record as Master and Captain of HMS Discovery from 1792-5 was very good for the times. Only one person died during the voyages and I can see from Bown's work that Vancouver cared for his men although he had an inexperienced crew and some malevolent officers including Sir Joseph Banks, the aristocrat Thomas Pitt, and the ship's surgeon. You can't do much against this sort of list! Vancouver's reputation was shattered and he died alone with little money on the completion of his surveys and diaries at the age of 40. Our services in Petersham over the 25 years I have attended are often sad occasions for me as I reflect on his life during the commemorations. Bown's book is one of the best I have read for ages about this unpleasant period of British naval history when Captain Vancouver's name and contribution were smeared ... and he vindicates him. It is a well researched and referenced book with many recorded stories which give light onto the problems of the times. And one gets the feeling of the period with this book brilliantly. It has 13 chapters in four parts plus great photographs which delve into great detail with a splendid list of sources and a bibliography at the back. Bown paints Pitt, in particular, as the baddie (rightly) with few redeeming features, and he exposes the aristocratic establishment of the time hard for their unjust behaviour towards Vancouver. I would probably not liked to have served under Vancouver as I can see some of the leadership problems he had to deal with - challenging behaviour from senior officers is difficult at the best of times, and I have had my fair share of them in the past. However, I have a tremendous regard for George Vancouver which remains strengthened by Bown's biography, ending with this tribute: �He accomplished great things and, as our historical and cultural ancestor, he deserves a greater place in our collective memory.� He just got it here from Stephen Bown! So thank you very much Mr Bown from an admirer where Vancouver now rests. "

"suicide has always and everywhere in the world created a tremendous attraction to sensible souls. i especially deem writers, thinkers and felling hearts of the globe are very much prone towards suicidal thrush.as such this book contains a treasure house in this regards. recently i have just finished a unique book,titled suicide in dostoyevosky's russia as a cultural organization. it has touched me very deeply. it's a magnum opus, and before that i have covered another boonamed suicide in dostoyevosky. indian bank. 3a hare street kolkata 700001.contact no 09433944636 mobile>"

"Great book. Classic Updike: lush prose, piercing observations of both the physical world and the human psyche, great sex, and terribly interesting examinations of various religious impulses. A booklover's book!"

"This book covers both city-operated and private operations in New York City in the period from 1945 to 1975, as suggested in the title. I particularly welcome the coverage of those private operators, because I grew up in the area where the Surface Transportation Corporation operated all the service (and some of my even younger days were in Av. B & East Broadway Transit Co. territory). The book is a very good collection of photos from all the major and most of the minor bus operators in New York City during the specified era (it omits Pioneer, a one-route operator in Brooklyn), though only in black and white. (Obviously at least SOME of the photos were taken in color: one of the photos in the book is a B&W version of the same picture that graces the cover!) It's true that I'd want a lot more text, with history and route details. But those are my only quibbles. "

"The only book available on this subject. Provides good info om all different web application approaches. Covers many topics but does not go in depth in each section/chapter. I have not tested the code."

"this is a well written book for my history class, thank you"

"Kerr is one of my favorite authors, but this book compares poorly to his earlier AND later work. "

"This novel is a literary tribute by the author to gothic and romantic novels enjoyed in her own English girlhood -- especially JAYNE EYRE. Pick any five consecutive sentences of THE THIRTEENTH TALE and you may find at most one flat, ordinary formulation. This is "poetry" or poetic prose as Heidegger saw it: "thickening" (German Dichtung). That is, ordinary words and experiences carry weight beyond what most writers make language bear. No glossary needed for this tale of Yorkshire. Just bring your heart. *** Can two depressingly dysfunctional generations of the Angelfield family finally spawn normal offspring? Must twin girls neglected by their parents remain weird for life? The novel asks why does it take Margaret Lea, an outsider biographer, whose twin had died at birth, to tell when Britain's greatest novelist, Vida Winter, is lying about her family. "Trust but verify" is Margaret's model and it helps her both unravel the Angelfields and their tragedy and come to terms with herself and her parents. *** THE THIRTEENTH TALE makes a case that the classic way to tell a tale (especially when the yarn is deliberately gothic and romantic) is always the best way: with a beginning which assumes nothing, a middle which blends the elements into fiendishly complex puzzles, enigmas and terrors, and a brief end and coda in which all is explained. Does that also sound like the best kind of detective story? *** -OOO- "

"A GREAT NEWCOMER TO THE OXFORD COMPANIONS Professors Cane and Conaghan have produced a foremost, practical reference work on law for all here. It will be of great primary use to scholars, trainees and learners, and also to general readers, and is a welcome addition to the �Companion� series. This is a great comprehensive and diverse single volume reference work on law during this period of constant flux for all aspects of our changing legal world at the present time. The book provides unrivalled encyclopaedic coverage of the fundamental major areas of law, from specific laws to crimes, cases, personalities, legal events, the role of law in national and international politics, and law�s underlying philosophy... and all in one place! This Companion project has been written by a team of 700 experts from all over the world. Sarah Carter deserves a special mention for the massive collation exercise and the attractive illustrations which offer access to a vast range of fascinating legal topics addressing such varied questions taken from some of these quoted examples: � Would a cheque written on a cow be legally acceptable - page 84, Board of Inland Revenue v Haddock � Which countries allow polygamous marriages? � page 911 Polygamy � What are the only retail goods that don�t have to be price tagged? � page 929 Price Marking � What verbal promises must you keep? - page 409 Estoppel � When did lawyers first appear? - page 706 Legal Profession, History of. Of interest to a wide range of readers, the Companion has over 1,700 specially commissioned articles, extensive cross referencing and 32 pages of illustrations. It provides greater depth than can be found in many legal dictionaries whilst remaining accessible to the non-specialist which is one if its greatest strengths, including: � The fundamentals of all the major areas of law including criminal law, tax and social security law, human rights law, family and employment law, education law, sports law, international and EU law; � The role and working of legal institutions including parliament, courts, law schools, and international bodies such as the EU and the UN; � Leading cases, famous trials and distinguished lawyers, past and present; and � Major events in legal history and major debates in legal history. The introduction states that �this is a book about Law designed first and foremost for non-lawyers�. As a lawyer and user myself, I quite agree. The authors� hopes and expectations are fulfilled as it instructs, challenges, and entertains with excellent content, those great illustrations and a splendid subject index at the back. Cane & Conaghan succeed in providing readers with a much better understanding of the significance of law and the legal system. It doesn�t intend to go into heavy specific detail which is a wise decision because the Companion blends the basics to indulge the occasional curiosity with useful suggestions for further reading paths which will not let you put this book down- always an indication of the success of any type of dictionary. Our laws are in a state of flux so this new Companion is as good as it can be for now, but I can see that there will be a need for regular new editions to keep up with the reform of law as changes take place. I will read and re-read it to keep up with events. "

"THE SERIOUS ORGANISED CRIME AGENCY: AN FBI FOR THE UK? The latest Blackstone Guide continues to maintain some of the highest standards with this new addition to the statute series. Rushed through Parliament during the final, frantic pre-election week in April 2005, the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (SOCPA) is recognised as one of the key pieces of legislation amongst so many criminal justice statutes of recent years. One year on, however, the problems confronting the New Labour Government and, in particular the Home Office, seem to be getting worse, not better. For this reason it is important to recognise that the Act is not just an administrative statute which attempts to restructure law enforcement agencies with its creation of the Series Organised Crime Agency (SOCA). The Agency�s purpose is set out clearly in the Act, establishing �a single powerful agency�that will bring together the National Crime Squad, the National Criminal Intelligence Service, and the investigative and intelligence work of Her Majesty�s Customs and Excise�. Great! By why has it taken so long to do this? Probably, the answer lies with the need for proper integration within the criminal justice system of all the main organisational players involved. Such reform would give effect to the White Paper �One Step Ahead: A 21st Century Strategy to Defeat Organised Crime� (Cm 6167) by �reducing the profit incentive, disrupting�criminal enterprises, and increasing the risk to the major players of being caught and convicted.� I suspect the issue of administrative �territory� still remains a problem because government departments don�t necessarily speak to each other. The team of expert barristers from Matrix Chambers have delivered a surprisingly good text here with a concise and accessible commentary covering the latest statute to tinker with criminal justice. As with most of the other guides of the last ten years or so which cover some of the fifty-odd pieces of legislation so far enacted, the Oxford University Press offer expert views by leading practitioners on the effects, extent and scope of this legislation, plus the a copy of the full Act- a book format which is very helpful to the busy practitioner. OUP rightly claim the guides to be effective solutions to key information needs, being a perfect companion for any practitioner needing to get up to speed with recent changes. Well they would say that, wouldn�t they! But, they are right, and the book fits neatly into the pocket so you can leave the pilot case at chambers. An important, and not to be overlooked, part of the statute is the �police bit� coming after the two Police Acts in the 1990s. SOCPA overhauls the powers of police officers which had been codified in the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, making important changes to the use of evidence from informers. New public order offences in relation to harassment and protest are introduced as well, together with what you would expect from Matrix Chambers: a comprehensive explanation of civil liberties and human rights implications. Three key points in this most recent Blackstone Guide are: � an explanation of the powers and functions of the Serious Organised Crime Agency, bringing together the NCS, the NCIS and part of C & E; � detailed coverage of important legal changes brought about by the Act, including the introduction of new provisions to deal with informant evidence and the introduction of further public order offences; and � a clear, logical structure following the way the Act is set out. The measures outlined in this legislation, with promises of more to follow as the quicksands of criminal justice continue to destroy much previous legislation, will have far-reaching consequences for organised crime (which cannot be underestimated) and serious implications for criminal justice in general. The authors are rightly critical of the Government when they call for a more careful review of the White Paper saying: �no detailed justification was advanced for the need substantially to increase prosecution powers in one particular area of crime, and that the legislative scrutiny of the Act (is) focused almost exclusively on one provision�. Whether Tim Owen and his team are correct about the need for a Green Paper rather than a White Paper to explore opinions on the need for special prosecution powers to tackle organised crime will remain to be seen as the new reforms under Dr John Reid emerge. The team concludes that a Government which was genuinely interested in views concerning a �self-professed desire to tilt the balance the balance away from defendants� does not suggest that an objective assessment of needs was actually carried out. Their remarks must, however, be seen in the light of recent developments with three Home Secretaries, in and out, within eight months, and a criminal justice process subject to intense and somewhat ill-informed media comment which is really summed up when the Act is described as an �FBI for the UK� which SOCPA simply is not, and never will be. "

"This is my favorite book .I must have check this book out at the library more times then I count wish I could get now but I don't have enough money for it now."

"julie garwood is my # 1 author!"

"While the content is fairly specialized for those who are students or researchers of popular music of Renaissance/Baroque Spanish roots, this book is a wonderful resource for those who are interested in this topic. Laird thoroughly goes through the development of the villancico from its beginning literary forms through the musico-poetic genre of villancico. More information about the villancico's flourishing in Latin America would have been a nice addition to the book's content, but it stands out as one of the top sources of information about this exciting and fresh topic of study."

"Very informative. 2 books 1 for her to read about him & 1 for him to read about her!"

""PREPARED FOR THE LAW�BUT NOT THE POLITICS"- THE EASY CHARM OF HARRY WOOLF I liked this book because it has the easy charm and the depth of its subject, Harry Woolf, whose character comes out very clearly in the work, so well structured by Christopher Campbell-Holt. I liked Lord Woolf when I met him some years ago at a prize-giving at the University of London, and I can see much of his personal motivation and thought shining though in this excellent set of essays which all law students should read before their exams. The layout of the book places his lectures and writings in their context and gives a valuable glimpse into the world of top judges and the tremendous issues which confront them with their work. I do associate Lord Woolf with the Human Rights Act for which he will always be closely linked, and for his strong support for the need to be tough on the causes of crime itself. And I will forever thank him for the Civil Procedure Rules which will be his legacy I came away from reading the essays with the view that his pursuit of justice is based on the need for long term policies which are constructive with solutions to sentencing inflation and prison overcrowding, the responsibility for which has to be laid at the politicians' doorstep. Woolf has talked about a residual power concerning human rights 'which may not need to be an intrusion' when thinking about such issues, and it is his balance in the pursuit of justice in areas such as this which shines throughout the book. It is a great read for the budding jurisprudent and legal philosopher. "

"A GLOBAL BATTLE AGAINST CORRUPTION This is a highly topical book at a time when �cash for honours� is top of the domestic political agenda in the United Kingdom. Actually, the book is about a great deal more than possible wrong-doing at 10 Downing Street. In keeping with many legal books published in the last year or so, the authors start off with a classical reference to the many-headed Hydra � cut off one head and two appear in its place - just like corruption! The four authors are realistic enough to recognise that their taxing Labours (unlike those of Hercules) will be important considerations for the future as international society continues to burn out the roots of corruption...if it can. Global Concerns But Colin Nicholls and his three colleagues have produced a most worthwhile book with an excellent foreword by the Lord Chief Justice. By far the most important theme is the global problem. Events during 2006 and 2007 have shown serious difficulties in what should be considered �corrupt� because some countries have very different views from others as the UN and EU acknowledge. Lord Phillips rightly describes the book as filling a large gap in our understanding of this area of law. He succinctly describes the work as a valuable tool for those bent on attacking an evil which, if left unchecked, can infect the life of a nation. Lord Phillips might add to this view the problem of lasting damage and the undermining of standards which are playing such an important concern for all in modern political life at the beginning of the twenty-first century. One Source The greatest attribute of the book is to bring together, in one source, a wide range of primary and secondary legislation together with international treaties and agreements. I met Mr Nicholls and his co-writer, Tim Daniels, last year, and I was greatly impressed by their clear and detailed knowledge and experience of what is a very confusing area of law both to the British and for many overseas businessmen and politicians. The authors have succeeded in their aim of coverage of not just UK and ECHR law, but also the large amount of international comment and numerous publications as well. They explain that corruption has little regard for national borders and Lord Phillips states the facts baldly introducing the issue when he says �The World Bank estimates that 6% of the world�s economy was paid in bribes in 2004�. Not comfortable reading but indicative of a problem which, like the internet, has no boundaries as such and is a problem all countries must face together. As the only dedicated work in this subject, four aims are achieved: � stating the law relating to corruption and misuse of public office in a clear and accessible manner; � examining the legal and practical issues relating to the investigation and prosecution of corruption by providing practitioners with a full guide to the handling of a corruption case; � analysing the regulatory mechanisms for dealing with standards in public life; and � the production of extensive coverage of the international efforts which are being made to combat corruption, giving practitioners the ability to use the information published with confidence where they are handling cases which involve foreign officials. Statutes Legislation in this area has continued to develop in recent years with anti-terrorism measures, the Crime and Security Act 2001 and the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to name but a few. Parliament�s aim has been to extend the UK�s jurisdiction to corruption offences committed abroad by UK nationals and incorporated bodies, and to strengthen the mechanisms to recover assets and wealth obtained as a result of unlawful activity. The authors have extensive experience in handling criminal and civil aspects of corruption cases and the current law on corruption and misuse of public office is clearly stated. Of particular relevance are the examinations of legal and practical issues relating to the investigation and prosecution of corruption cases with the inclusion of information on whistle-blowing and the recovery and repatriation of assets. The global connection is never far away, and this book gives practitioners the ability to handle any aspect of a corruption case by the use of a detailed analysis of the international efforts to combat corruption, and the legal developments which are now taking place globally in areas of interest to the United Nations, the European Union, OECD and the Commonwealth. UK Government agencies will find this book particularly helpful. Contents There are eleven main chapters covering the following: the meaning and scope of corruption; offences of bribery and corruption; misconduct in a public office; the investigation and prosecution of corruption; the movement for reform; civil remedies and recoveries; the regulation of conduct in public life; international and regional initiatives; the bribery of foreign public officials; and the corruption laws of other jurisdictions. There are 34 excellent reference appendices which many readers may feel probably only touches the surface of some of the hidden problems within certain countries which we know little about because of cover ups. The work of the EU and UN are published in some detail which will be highly relevant to academics and the final two appendices consider the detail of a draft corruption bill. The Future When Tony Blair came to office in 1997, many words were spoken about the then �problems�, not just concerning �brown envelopes� but also standards in public life generally. I would like to have reported that improvements to standards have been made but it would appear that the Hydra is still alive and kicking with many aspects of public life still under scrutiny, and still subject to massive debate for some of the things which have been happening in government in the ten years since John Major left office. Blair leaves No 10 having tried to sort out some issues but become embroiled in other, more far-reaching problems which have infected our national life. The Lord Chief Justice writes that this book fills a gap. Yes, it does, but only partially. I felt the two authors I met realised only too well that their work is not yet finished and that it has probably barely begun as initiatives to fight corruption remain somewhat neutered by certain world powers. There will need to be a further edition as shifts in morality continue- this worthwhile and valuable contemporary book will clearly become something more when changes in Downing Street take place during 2007 and a new government grasps the entire nettle system when it had promised to burn the root out of what seems now like so many years ago. The trouble is � it is still there. "

"A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO THE MYSTERIES OF FRENCH LAND LAW I had just finished re-reading Peter Mayle�s �A Year in Provence� when this remarkable book landed on my doorstep and I began to read it in more detail with some enthusiasm. Like many of my colleagues, knowledge of the principles and practice of French property and inheritance law has been limited to excursions across the Channel and my pupil master explaining the intricacies of buying an old farm in Normandy. Henry Dyson has produced a most readable book, which will appeal to a market that is continually expanding as more and more Britons buy property abroad. Now, we have all seen the horror stories on the television so is it really as bad? The answer is, probably, no! The problem with French property law is the way in which they do things and Dyson has a splendid way of setting out French methods. To highlight this point, I read his statement about how the table of cases is created and how the court hierarchy operates. The best statement of all is �notwithstanding that the rule of judicial precedents is not known in French, it may well surprise the English practitioner that of over 180 judgments referred to �, more than 140 are those of the Cour de Cassation (the highest court in the land). How to find the judgments Also of great use are details of the address where one can obtain copies of the various judgments in Paris and an Internet reference for the adventurous: www.legifrance.gouv.fr. This information is most useful to ignoramuses like myself who had absolutely no idea how the system operates. This was my chance to improve my knowledge so I followed Dyson�s advice and referred to Part III of Principles of French Law by Bell, Boyron and Whittaker (OUP) and the chapter entitled �Studying French Law�. Suddenly things became much clearer such as the acceptance that French law is formalist with main emphasis on the written word. Dyson continues writing � it is not without significance that an English transfer of land can be achieved by means of a single printed page whilst the majority of French conveyances are likely to run to over a dozen closely typed pages�! No Equity jurisdiction There is no equity jurisdiction in France, no system of binding precedents and the concept of the trust has no place in French law. A comment by Professor Malinvaud sums it all up when he writes: �It may happen in fact that a rule of law, conceived in the abstract, proves to be unjust, inequitable, when brutally applied to a concrete situation.� The Professor then looks at the judiciary (again created on a very different model) and he says, �It is to be hoped that the judge can reach a fair decision. Arbitrators, when so authorized by the parties can reach a fair decision. Judges do not have that power. Their judgments may be overturned if they openly apply Equity�. A Court of first instance is free not to follow even the most established rule of law; the worst that can happen will be that its judgment will be overruled on appeal�. It is most useful to read and re-read Dyson�s introduction to gain the basic understanding of what this book is all about. It is clearly intended to enlighten the practising English lawyer who may be involved in French property transactions in their widest sense and with French inheritance law that is so different from the English legal system. Dyson also has the academic community in his sights which is to be applauded because both the French and German legal systems are being studied to a much larger extent in our British universities today � it becomes noticeable when you seen the number of textbooks on these subjects now available at Hammicks. Structure of the book The book is well structured with 39 chapters. The first chapter sets the scene with a description of the legal profession and � to state the obvious � should be read first! Then the author progresses through two distinct parts: Part 1 � Land Law- (chapters 2 �23) and Part II � Inheritance Law - (chapters 24 � 39). Areas for Part I, which will be of interest to English lawyers, include: � The sale of land � compromise de vente/promesse de vente � Completion � Property owning companies � Sales en viager/by auction � Charges on property � Joint ownership of land � Powers of attorney � Land and its taxation � Capacity Areas for Part II covering inheritance include: � Inheritance law introduction � Domicile/residence � Effects of an English trust � Intestate succession/the surviving spouse � Wills/legacies � Gifts inter vivos and inheritance and gifts tax There is an appendix on precedents at the back running to 70 pages, followed by an absolutely essential glossary, which is what Dyson describes as a �secondary index� because it is so useful. Where the explanation of a word or phrase itself contains a French phrase, an explanation of what appears in French also appears in the Glossary together with words and phrases which may not appear in the text but will require some understanding for readers like myself who�s French is rather limited. Anyone who thinks they are going to be involved in land transactions in France should get this book � if they don�t then the mysteries of many features of the French system will not be unravelled for those who wish to purchase either a main or a second home in France. Dyson also offers advice on how, for instance, beneficiaries can avoid personal liability for the debts of the deceased and he provides practical guidance on the administration of estates. Reading this book did actually make me want to go out and buy a little piece of France (if I had the money) and I was taken aback by this thought because prior to reading the book it would have been the last thing on my mind. This is definitely one for the bookshelf in the French farmhouse. Thanks very much for it! "

"A very good book for little kids. They can receive their first informations about Greek Mythology like a fair tale."

"I WON this book 45 years ago from a radio station. Pages are now missing, discolored and stained, so I've bought it again twice. The MASTER JAMES BEARD was a one-of-a-kind, who stressed the use the best of everything available, in-season, and done simply. His instructions couldn't be any better; i.e., beginning a chapter on meat, he uses a line drawing of the "product", blocked off in "cuts", which is followed by a description of each cut,Why the cut is best for one recipe and shouldn't be used for another. He describes criteria for purchase of all foods and herbs. There are many other James Beard books, some of which I own, but this one is my Cooking Bible. I'm way up in my 60's, a great cook in home & international styles, and can say that I was taught by the best there ever was. Not even expensive, I will continue to buy this book for gifts, for new or or experienced chefs. "

"Pevsner provides the most remarkable and authoritative insight into the architecture not just of Berkshire (this volume) but the whole of the country. His style is not only engaging and understated, but imbued with an immense wealth of knowledge and a deep-seated appreciation of the quirkiness that makes English architecture so particular. This is a masterpiece, and should be on the bookshelves of everyone who lives in any of the localities described (old Berkshire, including the former Borough town of Abingdon, with its magnificent County Hall, the extraordinary Almshouse 'triangle' and the East St Helen Street - the 'best' street in the town). There is no nook or cranny of the county that Pevsner did not manage to cover, and very, very few houses or buildings of importance that he did not manage to talk his way in to. "