Festivals Books

R.R. Palmer's "World of the French Revolution" is an excellent account of how the French Revolution impacted Europe. Palmer shows how the ideals of liberty and equality swept into other European land with the help of French armies. Palmer also dispels many of the myths of the revolutionaries such as them being members of the Illuminati, or other secret societies. Instead he shows how most of the revolutionaries were more worried about the establishment and securing republicanism in France.

Palmer dives into the "revolutions" in the "sister republics" of Switzerland, Holland, Italy, Poland, Great Britian, and the United States. In Europe the Revolution collapsed the old order tearing down feudalism. Guilds, corporations, taxes, tithes, tariffs, and aristocracy were swept away. He also relates how the Revolution changed European society forever. His chapter on the US was very interesting. He shows how the "democrats" like Jefferson, Madison, and other republicans were avid supporters of the Revolution believing that republicanism everywhere depended on it's sucess. Overall an excellent study.

R.R. Palmer's The World of the French Revolution explores and extensively describes the origins and outcomes of the Revolution. What sets this often overlooked book apart from all other texts on the French Revolution, is its insiteful and intellectual commentary that is intertwined with extensive facts. The book is presented in an easily readable fashion that is not boaring(as are many other acclaimed Revolution texts). It is ideal for any upper level history student and teachers alike because the content is tremendously through.

Needless to say the history of the French Revolution that began in 1789 and, arguably, has not been completed yet has been looked at from every possible perspective, some of them noteworthy others merely cumulative. In Professor Palmer's little book I believe we have a noteworthy one although the good professor and I would not share the same reasons for that fact. A careful look, as here, at the influence of the French Revolution on Europeon politics, other national liberation movements of the time and the exigencies of military policy make this a worthy study.

At the end of 2007 we have been through a period when the American Bush Administration policy in the Middle East has seen as one of its aims the `export of democracy'; in the terminology of the French Revolution the `export of revolution'. I would also note that during the height of the Cold War with the former Soviet Union, particularly in the immediate post World War II period the `export of revolution' in that case, socialist, raised it head. Thus, the central point of Palmer's book in relationship to the French Revolution today offers some important historical lessons about that phenomenon.

Professor Palmer divides his work into sections dealing with the pre-revolutionary period, the immediate issues of the revolutionary and the significant period of the reign of the Committee of Public Safety in the 1793-94 period. Those parts are fairly common in most studies. What he does additionally is give space to the various external movements influenced by the French example and the policies of the various adversaries of the French. Further he ties the whole period together by giving a fair outline of the Directory period (basically 1794-99) that is overlooked or undervalued in most works and the policies of the various governments toward outside revolutionary movements. This is also the period when the various republics, French created or otherwise, spring into being.

If there is one definitive conclusion that drifts through the Professor's work it is that it is hard, extremely hard, to successfully export revolution, even world historic revolutions like the French one. For one thing history has shown more than one time disagreements on the question within the ruling strata of the revolutionary state. At various times, depending on internal French politics, there was hostility or indifference to those like, the Polish, who wished to emulate or come under French protection. Palmer gives us the highlights to further search for the relationship between local indigenous forces, the role of French military success on the ground and other governmental considerations that forced the creation of a least six French-like republics in the 1790's. This book is hardly the last word on the subject of the French `export of revolution' but it certainly is the first word. Read on.

R.R. Palmer's "World of the French Revolution" is an excellent account of how the French Revolution impacted Europe. Palmer shows how the ideals of liberty and equality swept into other European land with the help of French armies. Palmer also dispels many of the myths of the revolutionaries such as them being members of the Illuminati, or other secret societies. Instead he shows how most of the revolutionaries were more worried about the establishment and securing republicanism in France.

Palmer dives into the "revolutions" in the "sister republics" of Switzerland, Holland, Italy, Poland, Great Britian, and the United States. In Europe the Revolution collapsed the old order tearing down feudalism. Guilds, corporations, taxes, tithes, tariffs, and aristocracy were swept away. He also relates how the Revolution changed European society forever. His chapter on the US was very interesting. He shows how the "democrats" like Jefferson, Madison, and other republicans were avid supporters of the Revolution believing that republicanism everywhere depended on it's sucess. Overall an excellent study.

Do you like books about dogs? If you do read Santa Paws Come Home and find out how he saves city people from every day mistakes. Huh? You may ask. He's a sensitive dog who helps people. But when the Callahans go on a vacation, he gets stolen by...... I'm not telling! They plan to drug and sell him! When he escapes he's in an unknown city! Will he get home? Will he get caught? Will he escape? Find out in this book. Use your mind and go on adventures with Santa Paws. Recommended for dog lovers.

by
Mickey

Santa Paw's rescue of a little boy is the top story on the news, but who ever knew it could lead to trouble?
When two local criminals go to drastic measures to steal Santa paws from his family's car the news programs go from reporting his amazing rescue to his horrible disappearance. Then Santa Paws wakes up in a strange car and, knowing he has to get home, escapes in the middle of a highway in New York City.
What with the dangers of cars, trains, and a few mean people, it's hard to believe that Santa Paws will ever make his way home by Christmas. But even when he's injured, lost, and fighting to get home he can't avoid helping many more people on his way.
With the help of a little black kitten who befriends him, will Santa Paws make it home for the holidays?

Santa Paws Come home, by Nicholas Edwards, is a very good book to read around the holidays, or just if your lounging on the beach. When the hero dog Santa Paws gets stolen and escapes, he finds himself in busy New York City. To make matters worse, Christmas is right around the corner! Can the beloved dog return to his family in Oceanport in time for Christmas?

This is an excellent sequel in the series of Santa Paws. The book starts out with Santa Paws' usual helpful rescue. This time the rescue is of a small boy, which in turn ends up on the TV news program. Santa Paws usual act of heroism gets him stolen by 2 local thugs, who are acting on the part of a rich man. Santa Paws manages to escape, but is bumbarded by traffic hazzards and the lost scent of his family and home. He continues to try to locate his home berrings, but as he does, he finds himself in one problem after another helping and saving a variety of different people along the way. Tired, injured, and hurt, Santa paws continues to scense his way home coming across and meeting a black kitten. This young kitten chooses to befriend Santa Paws and follows him until he finally mades his way home to the Callahans.

This is one of the books that I hope will become a Christmas classic. It combines the excitement of Christmas with the love of books and reading. The pictures by Mr. McPhail are an enticing addition to the story. If you love books and reading you'll love Edward, Santa and the last page of this book.

This book was very interesting. It all started with Edward not being able to read. His father would always read him a story on Christmas Eve. Edward wanted to read really bad. This story tells how Edward goes from being doubted, to actually being able to read. It brings about a conflict with the losing of Santa's glasses. I think that that was the opportunity that Edward needed to learn how to read. His parents woke him up on Christmas morning. They wanted to read the book to him. He ended up reading it to them. I would definitely recommend this to any kid that wants a good story to read.

I cried as I read this book for the first time - it is an endearing story about Edward, who is having difficulty learning to read. His teacher suggests he undergo more "tests", but his parents insist "no...more patience". When Santa delivers gifts to Edward's house on Christmas Eve, it happens that he can't read his book of names of boys and girls. Christmas is at stake and Edward must step up to the plate and read the names for Santa. Edward goes with Santa in his sleigh and saves the day by reading aloud the names in Santa's book. He gains his self-esteem and self-confidence in reading, and saves Christmas too!
This is one of the best Christmas books I have read and I ... hope it becomes a classic. This author has written two other books about Edward, just as charming: "Edward and the Pirates" and "Edward in the Jungle".

Edward cannot read. He almost can...but not quite. His teacher tells his parents that there are many tests he can take that will find what the problems are. However, his mother insists on "No tests...just patience."
It is Christmas Eve and Edward struggles to read his favorite Christmas story when he hears a noise. He runs downstairs to find a large, old book. "It must be Santa's!" he thought.
Santa comes back for the book, which happens to be his "Book of Names," but looses his glasses, and needs Edward to go along with him to help him read the names. Edward struggles at first, but Santa helps him. In the end, Edward does fine reading and Santa returns him home, thanks him, and rewards him with a new book.
On Christmas day, Edward reads his new book to his two happy parents.
I believe that this story is really inspiring. Edward gains self esteem, self confidence, and he saves Christmas! This book seems to be an instant classic. The story is good and the illustrations are beautiful. People of all ages will enjoy reading about Edward's memorable Christmas.

I have used this book for my Lenten devotions over a number of years. I discover something fresh and wonderful every time I read it. Fr. Smith's journey in and with the Holy Spirit is not an exercise in escaping from the world around us, but an invitation to become more aware of how the Reign of God is active here and now. Although geared towards Lent, the readings are well worth perusing any time of the year.

Martin Smith is a clear and thoughtful writer, and a wonderful guide for Christians looking for help in getting right with God. This book is a series of short essays. Each is accompanied by a a text for meditation, almost always from scripture. If you use this book seriously during Lent, you will be rewarded with a richer and deeper prayer life. Smith is an Episcopal monk, but his work is equally accessible to all Christians.

This book helped my Lent to be very powerful and profound. I felt that it had been written just to answer my questions and to challenge me to grow in my spiritual life. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to have a prayerful Lent.

This is the second year I have used Martin Smith's book at Lent His profound insights into the psyche of persons and his practical applications to Christian living continue to deepen my own ability to "walk the walk" with Christ. His extraordinary spiritual insights, especially his explanation of the self as a group - the "selves of the self" - likening each of us to the demoniac that Jesus heals. I would recommend this book to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the self/selves that God loves. A book for all seasons.

Mr and Mrs.Wakefield invite Mrs.Wakefield's sisters,Laura and Nancy along with their children,Robin,Stacey and Kelly for Thanksgiving and all they do is fight! Alice[Mrs.Wakefield] and her sisters fight,Elizabeth and Jessica fight, Robin and Stacey fight. I think one of them runs away over the fighting.

This was one of the best SVT books I've read! A great Thanksgiving story with a lot of bittersweet memories & a good deal of family stress that marks this time of the year. The book rivals a Baby-Sitters' Club book with its deep probe into the psychology & family dynamics & poignant parts. Interesting how Alice insisted that she & her sister NEVER fought, but when her sisters Nancy & Laura show up, they fight more than Elizabeth & Jessica & their cousins! All in all, it was a lot like a BSC book...a warm, touching family gathering, but imperfect with a poignant, bittersweet ending. The families of the BSC members end up with family gatherings like that. A great Thanksgiving read!

Good book. Could do a little bit more better. Jessica and Elizabeth are always fighting, that's true. Their mother admit that she and her sisters never fight, even once ! But on Thanksgiving Day, everything changes. Jessica and Elizabeth's aunts and cousins come to Sweet Valley to celebrate the big day. Somebody wake up early in the morning to do the stuffing. Some changes in the family history. It also changes the 'harmony' family who never quarrels. They conduct a war on a day which suppose to be happy and loving. Who stop it ? Jessica ? Elizabeth ? One of their cousins ? You'll just have to read it.

This is another extra-funny Sweet Valley Twin classic!Jessica and Elizabeths auntys are visiting and,despite Mrs Wakefields constant ramblings that she and her sisters never ever fought,the house is FILLED to the brim with arguments galore!It is really funny too,and the interaction between Jess +Liz and their cousins is fun and realistiuc as always,and yep we get to meet Robin again!

The best book I've seen on the subject!

As an anthropologist who teaches classes on Mexico, I use this book often. The "day of the dead" in Mexico exemplifies, for me, the difference between the U.S. culture and that of Mexico. Just as other cultures might find our U.S. Halloween celebrations strangely at odds with normally conservative Judeo-Christian religious observance, this book illustrates clearly the almost unfathomable blending of pre-Columbian cults of death and sacrifice with Spanish-Catholic traditions. Starting with its origins in Mexico's ancient civilizations, the book discusses and illustrates this observance through modern times, and takes the reader vicariously to the areas of Mexico in which it is most enthusiastically observed. Sit down with a cup of chocolate' and some "pan de los muertos" (bread of the dead), and enjoy a book whose topic you might have thought too morbid for your taste, but which you will probably end up finding much more compelling than repulsive. Unfortunately for me (but better for the publishing company!), I am about to order my 3rd copy of "Skeleton at the Feast"--apparently the students to whom I loan it find it too interesting to return!

I bought this book several years ago at the Museum of Mankind, in London. It was the book for the exhibition, which featured incredible paper sculptures of skeletons and demons.
I read every word of the book, and enjoyed the culture, history, and personal stories of these Mexican artists.
Buy it!

As an anthropologist who teaches classes on Mexico, I use this book often. The "day of the dead" in Mexico exemplifies, for me, the difference between the U.S. culture and that of Mexico. Just as other cultures might find our U.S. Halloween celebrations strangely at odds with normally conservative Judeo-Christian religious observance, this book illustrates clearly the almost unfathomable blending of pre-Columbian cults of death and sacrifice with Spanish-Catholic traditions. Starting with its origins in Mexico's ancient civilizations, the book discusses and illustrates this observance through modern times, and takes the reader vicariously to the areas of Mexico in which it is most enthusiastically observed. Sit down with a cup of chocolate' and some "pan de los muertos" (bread of the dead), and enjoy a book whose topic you might have thought too morbid for your taste, but which you will probably end up finding much more compelling than repulsive. Unfortunately for me (but better for the publishing company!), I am about to order my 3rd copy of "Skeleton at the Feast"--apparently the students to whom I loan it find it too interesting to return!

this book was brand new, my granddaughter loves it as her old book has fallen apart from reading it so much. it arrived in record time, before i even thought "when will that book arrive?"

Walt Disney's 101 Dalmatians

101 Dalmatians is a very good book. Its about 15 puppies that get kidnapped by a cruel Cruella Di Vil. They are tooken to her mansion where there were a lot more dalmatians. They then go through a lot of trouble getting home. I think that any age of kids would like this book. I really like how Pongo and Perdita save there kids. I think that this book teaches kids that if they steal that bad things will happen.

This beautiful book is a full color adaptation from the disney movie of the same name. The illustrations captured my child's attention and made for great story time. Timeless tale of good vs. evil. A great read for any generation!

Well i think that this book was GREAT it takes me back to 4th grade were this would have been my favorite book becaues it as exitment and love.It just was a wounderful story and i see why they make more of theses not alone dose it show right from wronge but it tell you about how the family love the doge weather there where 13 dogs or 101 dogs it was great!

This book is fantastic. I have been reading it to my daughter for a couple of years now. We have read it so many times that I have half the book memorized. Definatley a must have!!

I have 2 sons, now ages 6 & 4, we've had this book for 4 years and for all four years we have read this book at least once EVERY SINGLE DAY! My 4 year old can even recite the book himself without even looking at the pictures. I hate to even admit this, but sometimes we are still reading this close to Thanksgiving (ssshhh please don't tell everyone, but we are all nuts for this book). I Love it, my sons love it, and we are all ecstatic to have tried this one out. I just hope we can find more of these for other holidays or this one might make it to Christmas this year :)

My 2 year old daughter absolutely loves this book. She has been reading it many times a day for over a month! It's a counting book too, and this one gets her counting better than her other books. I first got it from the library to familiarize her with the spooky stuff she'd start to see at Halloween time, and I didn't want her to be scared. It's an upbeat, friendly book, and now she likes ghosts, witches, and skeletons. I had to buy it because I couldn't renew it anymore!!

Witches, ghosts, wizards, and spiders are what make this book come alive. Counting down from twelve ringing bells to one big pumpkin pie, this book will keep the reader entertained through the whole story. In this book, the major characters are a dog and a cat that travel to a castle and meet many spooky creatures on their way. The dog and cat begin on their journey when they see twelve ringing bells that set the spooky, fun, and suspenseful mood of the story. Next, they meet eleven witches, ten friendly ghosts, nine skeletons, and eight spooky owls. The journey continues when the dog and cat see seven spooky-eyed cats, six trolls, five fat spiders, and four wizards. When the dog and cat arrive at the castle, three men in armor meet them at the front gate. Mitch and Titch, the witchy twins, meet them at the front door with one big pumpkin pie. The Halloween party begins, food is served, and games are played. After everyone is partied out, they all go home and go to sleep. This book is very fun and energetic. Any child would love this Halloween adventure.

Everything I've tried has come out scrumptous! Even at altitude it all came out perfect! My "flat land " friends also love this book!

I originally purchased 5 copies of this beautiful cookbook to give as holiday gifts. Most of the recipients live in Colorado and they loved having adjustments for high altitude cooking. This is a great addition to any cooks collection for wonderful recipes at any altitude.

This cookbook is fabulous! I received it as a gift for my birthday last year and love cooking out of it. I can barely cook, but this cookbook is so easy to use!!! I highly recommend this book to anyone, but it is a great gift for college students, family, and friends!

Steamboat Seasons: A Medley of Recipes Celebrating the Flavors of Steamboat Springs with Strings in the Mountains Music Festival This has become my favorite cookbook. Easy and unusual recipes - every one I've prepared is delicious! I love the way it is divided into the seasons of the year, with fascinating vignettes, beautiful pictures, as well as restaurant recipes from Steamboat Springs, Colorado. This book has become one of my favorite gifts to give, and is always appreciated!

It's such a sweet story, and the illustrations on this book are particularly lovely. I recommend it for you or a young friend.

These books are are so beautifully written and create an imaginative world for your child. I have wonderful memories of these tales from my childhood and love introducing them to my children. They are timeless!

It would be almost impossible to pick a favorite of the Beatrix Potter books, but if I had to, this would be it. The story and the artwork combine to make a perfect children's (or adult's)book.

This is my favorite of the Beatrix Potter books, and I probably read all of them as a child. It's ideal for a slightly older child. A very sweet story of a tailor, his cat, and a group of mice who save his business when he is too ill to work.