N Books

Gordon Fee does an excellent job in making his case that from Paul's perspective the Holy Spirit has a central part in our lives. We are to be people of the Spirit! His cry for the church to see that we are an "eschatological people in a world gone mad" resonates in my heart. We are to be the people of God in the world and the Spirit empowers us to be that! This book will breathe life into you and is theologically sound!

I came to this book already in disagreement with some of the author's views on charismata, and I expected to be in disagreement with most of the book.

However, I had little issue with most of the points he made and was glad that he reasoned from scripture and not human psychology.

After the second chapter I was frustrated with the phrase "at the heart of Pauline theology is...". It helps to understand the heart of one's theology to understand where they're coming from in all that they write. However, I think it was unecessary for the author to claim a new "heart" for Pauline theology to make his overall point about the Spirit of God and the church. It seemed to come from a desire to systematize something for its own sake.

Also, when defining the purposes of Paul, the author claims that "Paul was not writing to present a study of God, but to build up churches and address gut issues about being God's people in a totally pagan environment". He never explains why it can't be both. Obviously, Paul's ultimate purpose was for transformation and the practicalities of knowing God. But, the author's claim above suggests that Paul's studies of God in his letters (the indicative) aren't needed for the practicalities.

In the end, when the author addresses charismata, he didn't go into depth with scripture as much as I would've liked, but he does reference another of his books where he does. Also, in fairness, he points the reader to the best defense of the contrary view, which I appreciated.

If the reader is well read, the front 60% of the book will be skimmable.

I would highly recommend this book. The book has a very sound theology and has excellent scholarship at a layperson's level. It will help any reader gain a more insightful understanding of the purpose and leading of the Spirit in connection to the Church (people of God). Dr. Fee is able to properly exegete the Scripture of Paul's writings and help our understanding. This book is good for all Christians and especially those wondering (or concerned) about the role or move of the Holy Spirit.

Gordon Fee has written an easy to read version of his larger work "God's Empowering Presence: The Holy Spirit in the Letters of Paul." Recently, I read and reviewed Frank Macchia's book "Baptized in the Spirit: A Global Pentecostal Theology" and as much as I liked Macchia's work, this book by Fee is in some ways at least, better. I like Macchia's work on tongues and their meaning, but Fee really does an excellent job of showing the continuity and discontinuity of the Church who is the Israel of God and the nation of Israel in the OT. On page 50, Fee has a great chart that shows how that we are living in an already/not yet eschatalogical framework. Fee takes great care to show that the most important thing for the Church to get hold of is that we are the eshatalogical people of God and the Holy Spirit is the down payment on and fortaste of that future which is the come. He deals with Paul and is an excellent interprter of Pauline theology. Fee does not dismiss the importance of the Spirit in Paul, but shows how that, although, Jesus is the center of Paul's thought, it is the Holy Spirit that is driving this life in the Messiah and that give energy and freshness to the revelation of Jesus. This is an excellent work. I recommend this for everyone Pentecostal or not. I believe that a popular audience could probably read this book and benefit from Fee's great and scholarly insight.

This is Fee's condensed version of "God's Empowering Presence"--which is his definitive work on the Holy Spirit in the Pauline corpus. If you don't need something along the works of a commentary, skip "God's Empowering Presence" and get this. A fine book.

Beautiful book about a very interesting person and shows her lovely artwork. Love Vermont and the photographs were wonderful. Gave it as a gift to my daughter, who was very pleased.

I love this book. I saw her in Victoria magazine years ago, and then again in a bookstore, and finally ordered it on Amazon and read it from front to back in 2 days. I could not put this down. This amazing lady is living life as She wants to live it. This will transport you to a more gentler time, slower than today's crazy pace. You'll be inspired to live up to your own dreams. I love seasons, but I happen to live in a place where we don't have them, this book has enabled me to enjoy them when I need to. Her home and gardens are very inspiring and the photo's are great.

If we could all live in a fantasy world this book would probaly be more meaningful. Got this book as a garden/back to nature resource. Not for people who have to balance their families,work and of course money. Skip unless you are an absolute Tasha Tudor fan.

I bought a Tasha Tudor print for my daughter's birthday and ordered this book to go with it. It came just in time.

The book was a delight, and I enjoy reading it over and over. The gorgeous illustrations are a joy. Tasha has done exactly what she wanted to do in life...spend it simply, and creatively. She is such an inspiration, that I've bought several of her other books, as well as one of her videos, "Take Joy."

Fantastic insight into a great band. The book is very well put together. Brilliant job Marc!

This book is a must have for every Guns N' Roses fan. It has a LOT of pictures from the early days of the band. It also has testimonies, some transcriptions of spoken words of AXL during performances and short interviews, among other valuable information regarding the first steps of GNR towards Appetite for Destruction. It would defenitely be great to have a second part to this book, focusing on the peak years on the USE YOUR ILLUSION tour and, why not?, the last years of ths fabulous band. This book offers web access to more photographic material, so don't hesitate and order it now!

Hola soy de argentina, y pedi el mejor libro que hay sobre la ultima gran banda de rock del mundo...

Guns n' Roses for ever!!!!

This book rocks. It's kind of hard to follow at first, but once you get into it, there is a lot of good info, i had no clue about. Pictures are awesome. Fast delievery time and book is in excellent condition. LOVE IT!!!!

It shouldn't be that hard to document what was the GREATEST rock and roll band of all time, but Reckless Road documents Guns N' Roses before they were household names, and before the rest of the world recognized their greatness. This book is a MUST own for all rock fans, not to mention GNR fans. The interviews contained in the book add substance to a book already chock full of character and everything that was right with rock and roll back in the day. Add in the book's companion, 'enhanced online edition', and the reader has access to everything he could ever want concerning Guns pre-Appetite For Destruction. A must own for all fans of GNR who want to witness firsthand, via pictorials, the evolution of the greatest rock-and-roll band of all time!

I discovered and read Ms. Carter's lush tale of four intertwined lives some months ago and still remember my regret mixed with exhiliaration at turning the last page. Not wanting a book to end is probably among the higher compliments a reader can pay to fiction; to end a nonfictional story feeling thus, is rare indeed. Prior to RRG, Donna Tartt's fictional masterpiece "The Secret History" was my lonely, sole contender for this sort of accolade...
... It was precisely the lack of any undue focus on the women's probable physical intimacy, alongside a riveting collection of photographs that immediately caught my attention and held it. Throughout the whole of this story crept a quiet, matter-of-fact, stylistic elegance that kept this readers attention first and foremost on the place and the times, on three lives dedicated to art, on four women dedicated to each other. Brava!

Alice Carter has written an incredible story about three inspiring artists. It is ununsual to find a book with such a scholarly, intelligent perspective that is presented with a human warmth and emotional attachment to the individuals that are portrayed. The sensitive approach of the author is perhaps related to the fact that as a young child Professor Carter knew and admired these woman and they served as an inspiration in her life. Whatever the reason, she has crafted an outstanding, beautiful book that will stand as a classic story in the history of art, the struggles of women, and the nobility of the human spirit.

Some great reproductions here too, of some Pre-Raphaelite-style art from the Philadelphia area about 100 years ago. Violet spent over 25 years painting huge celebrations of the founding of Pennsylvania in the Harrirburg State Capitol. She may not ne Michaelangelo, but is not far behind his Sistine Chapel! This small coffee table book will never go out of style, and does a great job bringing back 3 great lady artists!

I bought this book with the idea of finding out more of the types of relationships women shared at the beginning of the twentieth century. I was astonished to find more than I bargained for. The Red Rose Girls provided more than insight into these relationships, it also provided a look inside the rise and fall of the progressive and arts and crafts movements. Pre Freud, the relationship of these woman was accepted and cherished as they lived together, and created their art. Post Freud, their relationships deteriorated as did their careers. All in all I found this book extremely entertaining, as well as heartening (a forty year relationship between two of the women) and the pictures are absolutely beautiful. If nothing else, as an art book it is extraordinary.

It was some months ago when I discovered and read Ms. Carter's lush tale of four intertwined lives. I still remember the regret and exhiliaration I felt on turning the final page.
Not wanting a story to end is perhaps among the higher compliments I would pay to a book, and usually one relegated to a rare work of fiction. In fact, prior to Red Rose Girls, Donna Tartt's masterpiece, The Secret History was my lonely sole contender for this sort of accolade. To add my name to the chorous of other reviews teetered on redundancy, lily-gilding or worse....gushing. But then, we New Englanders are a stiff lot, and loathe to such displays.
It was interesting then, to trip over a Feb. 8th review in which a reader, also from my birthplace, expressed some criticism of Carter's speculation on the probable physical nature of the characters relationship, finding it presumptuous and distracting. (my words)
It was precisely the lack of any undue focus on lesbianism, alongside a riveting collection of photographs, that caught my attention and held it for the duration. Throughout this fascinating account crept a quiet, matter-of-fact, stylistic elegance that kept my attention firmly on the place and the times, on three lives dedicated to art, on four lives dedicated to each other. Brava!

Rita Hayworth is one of the most beautiful and glamourous women ever to have lived. Though her life was marked by tragedy, particularly her Alzheimer's affliction and death at a relatively young age. This book, however, is mainly devoted to celebrating Rita's happier times. Her life is viewed chronologically in both popular and rare photographs. There are so many beautiful photos that it is difficult to take in all at once! My favorite pictures (and just a sampling of the pictures you will find in this book) are: Rita (when she was still Margarita) with her dark hair dancing in a beautiful ruffled dress (p.28), glamourous Rita smiling brightly while reclining on a couch (p.87), Rita clowning with Orson Welles (pg. 114), Rita getting her hair touched up (p. 119), Rita tickling her daughter Rebecca (p. 126), Rita walking solitarily on the beach (p. 140), Rita being welcomed home (p. 165), and Rita in 1981, in declining mental health, but still looking every inch a movie star. If you love Rita and her movies, do not hesitate to buy this book!!!

"Rita Hayworth: A Photographic Retrospective" features a zillion photographs, many never before published, of one of Hollywood's most enduring sexual icons.

The book was a labor of love for author, historian and collector Caren Roberts-Frenzel of Minneapolis, who reportedly kept pestering publishers for years to get their attention.

"But you're wrong, Rita has not been forgotten," was her mantra, as skeptical publishers elsewhere wondered aloud if a market remained for a book about one of the great beauties of the 1940s.

Caren's persistence finally paid off, resulting in one of the most luxurious "picture on every page" books ever produced, supplemented by breezy, well-written and information-packed text.

Unlike "been there, done that" books about Hayworth, this one specializes in numerous "candids," that is, unposed photos taken outside of the studio, at work, at play, on the set, whatever.

For once, here's a volume that doesn't feature the same darn publicity photos you've seen a million times for sale on the Internet or at flea markets.

The deal about Rita is man oh man, unlike sexy sirens named Grable or even Monroe, Hayworth's beauty is timeless and undated. Unless someone told you, you'd never know, for example, that her world famous pinup shot -- taken on the bed by Life Magazine photographer Bob Landry -- was shot more than 60 years ago!

The same holds true for the nearly 300 other photos that grace this book, some recaptured in all of their Technicolor glory.

Get "Rita Hayworth: A Photographic Retrospective," before it disappears! I understand only a few thousand were printed and yet the reviews in the papers and in places like People Magazine have been terrific.

When I picked up this book, I excpected it to have a good amount of photos, many of which I had already seen. But, I was hoping for a few I hadn't and a decent narrations. However, this book blew me away. I have purchased photograph-focused books on celebritites before and been disappointed by their flimsy commentary. This book does an excellent job of conecting the photos to Ms. Hayworth's life. It's not just a collection of pictures, it's a pictorial biography. Admittedly, a traditional bio would get into greater detail, but this book is a great intro to her life. Not everyone wants a tell-all book filled with intimate details. This book delivers impeccably reproduced photos and a satisfactory bio. At first I was a little put-off by the price, but I feel it was well worth it, after reading it. A great read for anyone interested in this arrestingly beautiful and glamourous woman.

Caren Roberts-Frenzel is the president of the Rita Hayworth Fan Club and this book is her dream project come to life. Caren's appreciation of every facet of The Love Goddess is evident on every page. It was so good to see someone who knows and cares about Rita create such a labor of love. Caren doesn't whitewash the blemishes in Rita's often tragic life but rather allows them to complete an honest and ultimately loving portrait of this gentle woman.

Like its subject, this book is breathtaking in its beauty. It contains scores of genuinely rare photos and they are a treasure. I own many books on Rita but "A Photographic Retrospective" is easily my favorite.

I have collected all the books ever written about Rita Hayworth. I have to say that this is the BEST photobook I have seen to date. Who else but a Rita Hayworth fan can put their heart in such a big project and create such a lovely photo tribute to Hollywood's most glamourous movie star of the classic era. Not only is there a collection of rare photographs, but there is lots of interesting information on Rita's life, trivia and more. If you're a fan of Rita Hayworth, then this is the book you must buy! Simply beautifully done!

This is an excellent book to read to young children. The author gives the reader indepth information about her family but also some historical information about her hometown, Harlem. The illustrations sweep the reader along on Tar Beach and keeps you turning the brightly colored pages. You are able to hear Ms.Ringgold's voice when you read this book and get a taste of life in her family.

I don't know why this book was called Tar Beach, but it's interesting. It's about a little girl who is picked up by the stars and has the ability to own everything she flies over. Pretty cool huh? Whether she can actually do this or she just dreams of doing this, who knows.

A neat feature of this book is it was actually written and illustrated first on a quilt before being converted to paper. Maybe next somebody will try writing a book on a sculpture.

An excellent book for its literay value and artistic illustrations. A great memory for anyone who has lived in New york City and remembers going to their own rooftop gatherings in the summers.

My class loved this book. It was part of an African American History unit.

First off, this book would pair brilliantly with Deborah Hopkinson's, "Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt". Utilizing a style not unlike the classic slave quilts featured in "Sweet Clara", "Tar Beach" tells a contemporary story while tying its narrative to the history of African American storytelling. Before I say anything else, though, I should warn you about something. When I first read this book I had borrowed it from my local lending library. The copy I got out was a hardcover from 1991. Now, do you remember getting books when you were a kid and they, not to put too fine a point on it, stank? Certain picture books have some kind of binding glue or something that, over time, makes them stink to high heaven. This book was especially smelly and even as it sits next to me here on my desk I'm reluctant to open it up for reference because of its offensive odor. It's quite possible, even probable, that the editions of this book being sold now (being paperback and all) are smell free and no longer printed so as to attack one's olfactory senses. Just don't buy a used hardcover copy from 1991. That's all I'm saying.

In this tale a small African-American girl dreams of flight. In her flight she is powerful and free. The George Washington bridge, a magnificent structure that her father helped to build, is a diamond necklace around her neck. Flying high, the girl gives her father the union building he's working on, "Then it won't matter that he's not in their old union, or whether he's colored or a half-breed Indian, like they say". With her father so gainfully employed her mother "won't cry all winter" when her dad goes out looking for work. She'll be able to sleep late and (this is the most heartbreaking part for me), "we can have ice cream every night for dessert". The girl daydreams these flights while the family goes up to what they like to call Tar Beach. On the roof of their building they have peanuts and chicken and watermelon as well. She sums up by explaining, "it's very easy, anyone can fly. All you need is somewhere to go that you can't get to any other way. The next thing you know, you're flying among the stars".

On the last two pages of the book a long history of author/illustrator Faith Ringgold explains her life, the history of her work, the history of African Americans in the 1930s, and the basis of this tale. A quilter by trade, the left page displays the amazing quilt that inspired "Tar Beach" the book. In this quilt, the girl and her brother sit not too far from their parents and neighbors. Above, the girl soars over the George Washington Bridge and the words of the book are written into the fabric of the quilt. Parents reading this book to their kids would do well to read the summary at the end of the tale to themselves before reading the picture book to their children. That way they'll be better equipped to answer any potential questions the children might bring up regarding labor union practices regarding African Americans or the history of flight in the stories of slaves. This book covers a lot of ground. The basis of the tale itself is rooted in Ringgold's own experiences of growing up in Harlem as a child. She even gives a little background on the characters discussed within the tale and their lives.

The book is drawn using acrylics on canvas paper with the occasional quilted piece appearing on the sides. As for the plot, kids reading the book may be a little confused as to whether or not the heroine of the tale actually is flying or if it's just in her head. After all, there's a pretty clear picture of her little brother lying below looking up as his sister soars. If kids are able to get past that little detail, however, they'll probably love the tale. I mean, who hasn't wanted to fly freely over friends and family? Who hasn't wanted to give their parents everything they'd need to be happy? Or, for that matter, own an ice cream factory?

The book is well rooted in history, imagination, and colorful storytelling. With a pedigree such as this, it's hard not to admire it thoroughly. And if you'd like yet another book to pair it with during your storytime, consider "The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge" by H.H. Smith, which is ALSO about the building of the George Washington bridge. Altogether this is an important book with a well told message.

I read this book the first time when I checked it out of the public library. I loved it so much that I had to have my own copy. It is a fascinating account of how the nouvo riche in the U.S. basically bought acceptance to high society for their daughters. You can just pick it up and read sections - it's not necessary to start at the beginning and work through. Not a summer goes by that I don't pick it up!

Every time I read this book it becomes more and more interesting. Meticulously researched, with great little anecdotes and etiquette tips.
This book is a lot of fun! I especially liked the many photographs of the designer gowns (most by Worth, if you please!) that are liberally scattered throughout.
If you're ananglophile you'll want to get this one!

Those few of us who have wondered why in the world a comfortable, cosseted American girl would want to marry an Englishman and live in a cold climate in an even colder stone castle will find answers here, even if the answers aren't satisfactory to the modern ear.

Think of it: wealthy American society girls, products of generations of men and women who gave lives and fortunes to escape a Royalist society, thought it a worthy investment of their lives, loves and wealth to buy an English title in the form of a husband. It's understandable that men who have no money and are saddled with huge estates and titles with no way to support themselves "in the manner to which they have become accustomed" would search out these women. It's another matter to understand the women, especially if they were bright and energetic (like the fabled Jenny Jerome).

Of course the first women to get involved in this weird method of social climbing didn't realize what was involved. (Though why American society decided that an English title was important in the United States, especially if it could be bought with money, still escapes me.) The problems included loveless husbands who paid little attention to their wives and carried on affairs; cold and drafty castles into which Papa sank tons of money to no avail as far as comfort was concerned; families who refused to accept them in spite (or because) of the fact that they provided the money to keep the lifestyle intact; servants who often were sulky and rebellious ("but we've ALWAYS done it that way"); children they handed over to nannies. The first brides must have kept the hardships and loneliness from the succeeding generation, for the rage for English titles prevailed from the mid-19th century almost through the mid-20th century.

TO MARRY AN ENGLISH LORD is a fascinating and complete look at these women and the lives they led. Illustrations showing the homes and households of the times and how they operated, fashions, maps, photographs of the women and their friends, families and husbands all combine to present the core of that particular section of society in that particular age.

The book is meticulously researched and includes a bibliography, a register of American heiresses, a suggested walking tour of the women's London and a very handy index. It's built around the stories of these women and the men who wooed and won them. Who they were, what they did and what the consequences were -- all adds up to an intriguing and fascinating read.

As the other reviewers have noted, this is a great romp through a part of American history you don't learn about in school. I read it through once and then re-read it just to savor all the little bits and pieces the authors have so generously loaded it with. If you ever wondered about all those Vanderbilts and all those Whitneys, here is your chance (from an American point of view!)to find out just how and why these ladies ended up in the postions they did- all for the love of Edward VII. I wish there were more reader-friendly books like this that make history so entertaining.

Who says that history is boring and stuffy? This well-researched book is chock full of anecdotes, pictures, and facts to make the period and the subject come to life.

This book discusses the phenomenon of the "dollar princesses": American hieresses who married into titles abroad, particularly England. Amongst them were Winston Churchill's mother; a woman who was the second-highest ranking woman in the British empire (after only the queen); and maybe the most famous of all: Consuelo Vanderbuilt, who begrudgingly became the Duchess of Marlborough in a marriage aranged by her social-climbing mother.

Written informally, with lots of pictures, this might be a great book to buy a teenager who is just transitioning into "grown-up" non-fiction, but finds most of it dry and uninteresting. It is also a must-read for anyone who plans on traveling to country-houses in England, as it gives a more accurate view of what it was like to actually have to live in one of those monstrosities! Anyone who is interested in the history of class in America, or of the British Aristocracy, would also be interested.

I bought this book because my parent's were celebrating their 40th anniversary. My brothers and sisters and I wanted some ideas so that they would remember such a wonderful day. There were many ideas for both parties and gatherings and presents.

Fun book filled with lots of inspirational ideas, sources and websites for gift giving, party giving, gift wrapping and more!
It's a great "idea book"!

I bought this book on the title alone. It is filled with hundreds of ideas for parties, gifts, etc. I recommend it for anyone who likes to be a little different and stand out in a crowd.

What an excellent book! Simple things come to life. Ideas you wouldn't think about. It definitely serves as an excellent innerway to creativity, as well as a catalyst for further expansion. This is a great piece of work. I love the pictures, and the entire format of the book. I'm waiting for the second edition. Why Bother Why not II?

We all want to entertain stylishly but don't always have the budget to accomplish this task. Or so I thought. After reading Laurin Syndey's book I realize that resourcefulness and creativity are all you need. She's given us a helpful map to chart out all the things we need to live life more graciously and stylishly. And unlike Martha Stewart, it's not so complicated...Thank you Laurin. What great tips and what a great way to approach life...

This was the next selection for my military history book club. It's a little on the old side, originally copyrighted in `73, but it's a well written book and obviously a labor of love. The author was not a professional historian, that is to say he was not a professor of history, but in many ways this is probably a plus. What he was as a professional was a journalist, publisher, and editor. Hence the readability and quality of the book.

The notes to the chapters are somewhat modest but written in a very conversational style adding useful information about the resources used. Although many of these are actually secondary sources or collections with comments on primary sources, the author uses them judiciously and critically.

Divided into chapters simply given as Roman numerals, I found it sometimes confusing as what the topic was to be until I'd read the sections under the heading. For instance Chapter I is actually a brief characterization of central participants, mostly those on the American side of the issue, while Chapter II presents the British point of view, especially that of the King and his primary counselors. I can certainly see why the vague headings were applied, however. The story requires many back tracks to explain events as they occurred, particularly in the prodromal phase of the war. Letting go of my need to attack a book in a cut and dried fashion, I found it much easier to read and to enjoy.

The very readable narrative style of the book literally carries one from chapter to chapter like a mystery or adventure story. Without the need to categorize his material or to drive the reader from point A to point B in a pedagogical manner, the book takes on the personality of a first hand account, which makes it much more personal and intense for the reader. The people aren't just static figures performing on the stage of history, they lived on the brink of disaster for years, some of them died miserably, others lost everything they owned, others were discouraged and defected, etc. Remember, they didn't know what the outcome would be as we do.

The book is much better balanced than the traditional story one got in high school about the American Revolution. The British, while definitely myopic in the policies directed at the colonies, definitely had legitimate reason for their irritation with them. Certainly it's obvious that much might have been gained, or at least great loss of life and fortune might have been prevented, had some finesse been applied to the situation rather than the stubborn and prejudicial approaches that were. That this was impossible given the time, the culture and the history of the people on both sides is pretty obvious from the book, and the "what if they had..." approach to the history of the period is mostly 20-20 hindsight and totally impossible given the reality of the period. If nothing else, the book definitely reveals that, although the outcome was not predestined, in fact anything but, the event itself, the Revolution itself, was. Replayed, the specific events probably would not have been the same, perhaps not even with the same individual personalities or even the same outcome, but the War itself, given the critical factors of the time, probably would have.

A superb and readable volume

While I tend to read books on military history, I have not read much about the American Revolution. Thus I picked up this book to fill in gaps in my research. I found this book to be a wonderful work describing the American Revolution from its origins through Washington's brilliant winter campaign at Trenton and Princeton.

Before covering the battles named in the title, Ketcham provides a solid summary of the origins of the war, discusses some of the politics and difficulties both sides faced. His discription of the conflict between not just the armies, but the citizenry was very interesting. The book describes the sad cycle of violence and revenge between Tory and Patriot as armies moved back and forth. For me it put the revolution in a new light.

The discussion of military operations begins with the campaign in NewYork. It is covered quickly, but in sufficient detail to understand the action. This is important because it sets the scene to understand the reasons for the titled battles, Trenton and Princeton. The book really shines in this coverage. I was entralled with the text and speed through it. It was a wonder to me that after the disasterous New York campaign Washington was able to keep his army together and perform a series of brilliant maneuvers that just completely stymied the British forces. After reading this book I have a new found respect for Washington as a military leader. He is frequently dismissed as a general, but I now think that his leadership in this campaign should rank with the greatest.

I found this book to be very memorable, and probably worth rereading at a later date. I recommend it for any one interested in learning about this period of the American Revolution, especially if you do not have a great deal of background in the subject.

Richard Ketchum does a masterful job of capturing the details and personalities that drove the American Revolution to its sometimes inexplicable conclusion. He spends time exploring the minds and temperments of key English characters such as King George III, Lord Frederick North, Edmund Blake and takes the time to explain the rationale for the war beyond the tired adages of "No taxation withourt representation" or "The intolerable acts" etc.

His discussion of the multiple missed opportunities for reconciliation by the British authorities is revealing. His examination of Washington's continual losses during 1776 and how the Americans were pushed all the way from New York to Pennsylvania sets up the the desparate plight faced by Washington in December 1776.

Ketchum examines the personality and character strengths and flaws of Johann Rall, the Hessian commander at Trenton to help explain how the Continentals pulled off their first victory of the war. He also describes decisions by the generals and their subordinate commanders on both sides that caused the fortunes or misfortunes we are familiar with all the way from Boston to N.Y. to New Jersey during that momentous year.

Ketchum's writing style is very contemporary, entertaining, magnetic and credible. As you read you can just imagine the Hollywood movie that should be made from his version of the decisions, personalities and events of 1776. His maps add immeasurably to the understaning of events and are integral to the enjoyment of this book.

Mr. Ketchum as an historian writing about the American Revolutionary War ranks among the best. His base of knowledge is broad and deep and his books read easily. If you want to learn about the major battles in New Jersy in 1776/1777, this book is a must.

David McCullough's 1776 was excellent, but Ketchum's Winter Soldiers is even better. This is the finest kind of narrative history. The mounting tally of disappointments after New York and the near despair of the Continentals as they retreated into Pennsylvannia is expertly captured in painful detail. The later descriptions of the long, cold night marches and harrowing battles at Trenton and Princeton made me feel the extreme fatigue, but elation, those men must have felt.
This is mythic ground, but told in a straight forward manner which allows the men and their actions to show us what great accomplishments these were and helps us to understand why these stories have been treasured by generations of Americans.

We are constantly reading this book not for the recpies but for the knowledge and history of different foods that we comonly use. We are lucky enough to be able to enjoy Zingerman's Deli anytime we want and they are top quality just like in the book.

Finally I understand why sea salt is so good; and how to choose olive oil. And I now know a few good brands to look for on my gourmet items. This has really helped me shop for excellent ingredients. And the recipes, esp the roasted beet salad, are delicious and simple, relying on the very best ingredients for flavor instead of complicated instructions.

For anyone who knows the name Zingerman's, chances are they know the name is synonomous with amazing food of the highest quality. For anyone interested in food, particularly imported, specialty and artisanal foods, check out this book and their website. You won't be disappointed.

I really enjoyed this book. As a lover of food, I was elated to discover this book. He includes history and just an over all knowledge of fine foods and how you can tell when you get your hands on them! The commercialization of fine foods (like balsamic vinegar) often times loses the art. I appreciate the art of creating fine foods and am grateful to now have a little extra "Zing" and knowledge when I'm shopping for them.

When it comes to food and cooking, this is one of my top 3 favorite and most used books. Though this has recipes, that is not where its value lies. This book is a guide to understanding and appreciating quality in your food. Some of the foods covered are olive oils, vinegars (balsamic and others), cheese, bread, pasta, chocolate, etc. Each section tells you what makes for quality and recommends brands to try. If you love good food, this is a MUST HAVE!