Book reviews from Bibliophile

D-Day June 6, 1944: The Climactic Battle of World War II

by Stephen E Ambrose

Stephen Ambrose has compiled more than 1400 interviews with American, British, Canadian, French and German veterans to create a chronicle of D-Day. Ambrose portrays the faces of courage and heroism, fear and determination - what Eisenhower called "The fury of an aroused Democracy". Ambrose, the Director of the National D- Day Museum has done a comprehensive catalog of the events of that day. What makes it so compelling is that he speaks in the voices of the men who were there. This is not a celebration, a book of ego or pretension this is history related by the men who lived it.

Place Names of Washington

by Robert Hitchman

This book is really fun. If you are a traveler or Washington State afficionado this is the book for you. Who named what and why. 7000 entries covering every place name in Washington State. Did you know that Dyes Inlet is an inlet connected with Port Orchard Bay by Washington Narrows? The indian name was Squh-Buck. In 1841 it had the dubious distinction of being renamed by the Wilkes Expedition after John W Dyes the Vincennes's ship assistant taxidermist. Then there is the more aptly named Kalaloch, a small sheltered beach on the Pacific Ocean. Kalaloch is the Quinault name for good place to land. The area is the only safe landing for canoes between the Hoh and Queets rivers. Published by the Washington Historical Society this is a definitive work on the place names of the great State of Washington. Hours of entertainment or a great sidekick for any trip through Washington.

Sewing for 20th Century Dolls

by Johana Gast Anderton

This is a fantastic book with over a hundred project patterns. It includes patterns for doll clothing for dolls from the 1900's to the 1970's including favorites like Little Miss Revlon, Mme. Alexander dolls, Miss Curity and Miss Revlon by Ideal, Patsy by Effanbee, Raggedy Ann and Andy, Schoenhut, Shirley Temple by Ideal, Skipper and Skooter, Thumbelina, Toodles, Betsy McCall, Chatty Cathy, Cissy, Ginny, Horsman Dolls, and more. In addition the book has very nice chapters on fitting, paper patterns, tips for sewing and accessories. The full size patterns and accompanying fashion sketchs are very clear and easy to follow. This book is ideal for doll collectors, doll hospitals and costume enthusiasts. I find my copy invaluable.

Puss In Boots and The Forty Thieves

by Walter Crane

These stories have been told and published hundreds of times but never like this. In 1914 Walter Crane did a series of petite little children's books. What makes them so special are his color ink illustrations. Rendered with absolutely amazing skill and detail these illustrations are everything that is right about illustrated children's books. Unique and beautiful this is a must have if you collect illustrated children's books or even if you don't. The stories are well told although there is some old english and written before the tales were gentled down. A true collectors gem

Musical Nonsense Primer For All Children Under Eighty

by Elizabeth L Gallagher

This self published book is interesting and rare. The premise of a musically based rhyming tutorial for youngsters is not that new, however Gallagher does a super job with that. What makes this book really special are the illustrations by Dic Loscalzo. Sharp and eyecatching ink drawings in black and white elevate this book to fantastic. Loscalzo's work is evocative of the roaring twenties, sharp on the edges, vibrant and full of joy.