N Books

I read this book because someone gave it to my mother while she was undergoing chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. It changed my life. It is really not limited to breast cancer, it teaches women's health in general. There are lists of everyday foods in the back of the book as well as receipes that have really helped my physical symptoms. I would recommend it to ALL women.

This book gave me information which would improve my breast care, and not only that by doing the exercises daily it would and has improved my energy. I recommend this book to ALL women.

This book gives the reader a sense that they can be in charge of their body and how disease effects them. It gives some commons sense and not so common sense ideas of how to take care of yourself when dealing with cancer. I would recommend it as an alternative therapy resource and guide to making positive changes.

Dr. Nan Lu, extensively trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), founded and developed The Breast Cancer Prevention Project. He is also a founding director of the Traditional Chinese Medicine World Foundation, Inc., and is involved in SHARE, a self-help organization for women with breast and ovarian cancer. He is also a Qigong master and martial arts champion.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Woman's Guide to Healing from Breast Cancer, Dr. Lu describes how ancient TCM techniques can help prevent, treat, and aid recovery from breast cancer. He emphasizes throughout the book that "TCM is dedicated to helping the individual treat the source and not the symptoms of his or her problem."
Dr. Lu presents lots of general information about TCM, natural laws, and Qi, repeating that "everything has a connection and everything has an effect on every other thing." He then applies those principles specifically to breast cancer. He says that "headaches, stomachaches, PMS, or menstrual irregularities. . .are not normal conditions for a healthy body." He regards them as symptoms that should be heeded, to prevent future difficulties.
TCM can be used in many simple ways. For example, doing a monthly breast exam is a source of stress for many women, because it focuses their thoughts on having breast cancer. Dr. Lu recommends "telling yourself instead, that wherever you touch, you are sending in healing energy to protect that location so that you will never have breast cancer." He includes many other ways to conserve, increase, and use the natural healing energy each human possesses.
The healing information is presented in a way that allows each woman to customize the techniques to fit her own needs. All the techniques are compatible with modern medicine and may be used in conjunction with other treatments.
Dr. Lu says that "many of the self-healing techniques I've talked about can help keep your organs working in harmony." Bodies that are in harmony and balanced do not suffer from physical problems, including cancer.
The Woman's Guide to Healing from Breast Cancer is a valuable reference for everyone, regardless of age, sex, or current physical condition.

I had breast cancer on the same breast twice, in 1983 and again in 3/2001. I want to find the root cause as I do not want it to happen again. I find the book easy to read and understand. I will start the Wu Ming Meridian Therapy which seems easy to do. I will also start to take the healing food and herb listed in the book. Thank you Dr. Lu for helping me to heal. If I had a book like this in 1983, I probably would not have breast cancer again in March 2001. I have been recommending this book to other breast cancer survivers at my support group.

My emotions experienced a roller coaster ride of laughter, tears, sadness and joy. I admire Elizabeth's honesty in sharing her husband's battle with cancer and her personal struggle to be supportive and to endure. This skillfully crafted book should be read by anyone who has lost a loved one to cancer; it provides all readers with insight and coping skills. I found Wednesday's at the Fluff 'n' Fold to be a beautiful celebration of life!

This groundbreaking book invites the reader on a very intimate and beautiful journey. Ms. Cabalka provides insight into the world of those who care for the sick and dying from a very personal perspective, her own. Written with compassion and humor, 'Wednesday's At The Fluff And Fold' takes us on a difficult yet beautiful journey through the experience of death. I highly recommend this to anyone caring for someone who is ill, and everyone else. The story will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

From the first pages, I was hooked immediately on Elizabeth's down-to-earth, conversational and poignant style. The metaphor of a Fluff N'Fold is brilliant and I enjoyed delving into each chapter and recognizing the symbolism. Her easy sharing of difficult feelings and often taboo subjects are refreshing and real. I was deeply touched, saddened with her in the process, and uplifted at her loving and inspired approach to caring for someone you love as they die. Highly recommend and will give it to others as gifts! I will also use this in counseling those who are caregivers!

This book is a heart touching love story that shines new light on the partners needs while on this life changing journey. You'll laugh out-loud and shed a tear as you see the human condition revealed in this great read!

I wasn't sure I was going to get anything out of this book since I'm not a caregiver -- I'm the one in the relationship who is ill. But I found it to be so helpful to read about some of the things my husband might be going through and feeling. And it has taught me to be more patient with him -- because even though he's not sick, he is going through a traumatic experience and has a right to his own feelings.

I loved that the book was a breezy, quick read. There are so many technical and "preachy" books out there on this subject, but so few that are easy-to-read, honest and personal. A caregiver is already overwhelmed; the last thing they need is to wade through some weighty tome. I thought Elizabeth's book had a good balance of storytelling and fact-giving.

I also value Elizabeth's insights into life and death. And I've been so inspired by the fact that after all she's gone through, she still considers the experience a gift. It's helped me to see my illness from another perspective.

How could Amazon.com post such a scornful, personal review of a literary work? I live in the neighborhood where Willie Perdomo was raised and he is definitely not a disgrace to his people and his neighborhood. If I had a nickel for every time I heard a young and old Puerto Rican or African-American man or woman say they read his book and were affected, I would be rich. And now he is making contributions to children's literature with a new picture book called VISITING LANGSTON. People from all communities respect Willie and what he stands for. I buy this book regularly for people who live in our inner cities and need a witness. Please, the next time someone tries to post any kind of vicious attack on an author and his work, please refer to them to a therapist. Next thing you know he'll have a rabbit boiling in his kitchen. TCB

I have to agree with some of the others. Willie Perdomo is a gifted and talented voice. I recommend that people who buy this go ahead and buy Smoking Lovely. The combination of the two is very powerful

A couple of years back, a friend of mine gave me a grocery bag full of books. I found an exquisite piece of work beneath the pile - Where a Nickel Costs a Dime. I live down south - way south and life here can be homogenous. With this book, I saw el barrio without leaving mine. I walked up 125th street without moving my feet. I cried, lived and died in Harlem. The collection of images is sharp. I won't compare Willie Perdomo to anyone else. No se puede. (He can't be.)

Where a Nickel Costs a Dime - a must.

I wrote an earlier note on this under a different account but just wanted to add to that under this new account. I first came across Willie and his work live at SOB's back in 1996, right before this book was published. I'd been to a couple of poetry slams at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe and enjoyed them but hearing Willie was the first time poetry ever really connected for me. I FELT what Willie was saying - related to it like he was one of my boys - but at the same time realized that THIS WAS POETRY! It was a revelation for me as a fledgling writer looking for my own voice and, as a more established writer these days, I can honestly say that that is the most you can hope for from your writing - to touch someone deeply. Buy this book now!

I love the poems in this book, particularly one called "Postcards of El Barrio".

Favorite line : the violent revolutions of red and white police sirens upset the sky blue peace of neon crucifixions

These poems have a rhythm and a style than can only come from years of being exposed to life in the mean streets of El Barrio. So be aware, you'll need an inner city bent to fully appreciate the language in this book. But, there is no denying the lyricism in its pages.

As for the performance CD included, it's not bad, but it feels like Perdomo is reading it at a break-neck pace. It makes it tough to sit back and appreciate his words.

All in all, this is a great book. Worth the money.

Just to reiterate. My [...] teacher, Mrs. Childs, from Madison Elementary in Ogden Utah read us this tale, daily, but only if we were good. We lived righteously in those days, just to hear the tale. I have bought it now, to read to my grandkids. Maybe the best book I remember as a child...right alongside Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, of course. A MUST READ! Please, don't let a chance to read this with your kids, or grandkids, pass.....you will never forget the experience.

This story was read to me in 4th grade in a small 4 room school
house in Wyoming, just about 60 miles South of the town of Wilson in Star Valley, Wyoming. My teacher read to the class for about 1/2 hour after the lunch recess to calm us down. I have never forgotten this book and at age 60 now am recommending it to a book group of women friends, most I have know for more than 30 years. We will go from the Bay Area of California, to Wyoming near where these events actually happened and review the book. We will go to Wilson, to the little town named after the author.

The book fascinated me as a child and as I have re-read it recently, I know it stirs my imagination and wonder again about the real experiences of this young boy with incredible courage and good luck. At his age I would have loved nothing more than to have done just as he did. Knowing the experiences he had, so very well expressed, I can imagine any child or adult with an active imagination for a life in the "Old West" will dream to have been this "white" Indian Boy. I recommend it as a gift for both young girls and boys to see the past from the perspective of a boy who really did go to another culture and had an incredible adventure. I wish it could of been me!

Uncle Nick is my great, great, great, great grandfather. I have heard and read the stories many times. I own Among the Shoshoes which came after The White Indian Boy. I have been trying to find a first edition of this book if anyone can help please let me know. My E-mail address is hunterik1@comcast.net

Thanks!!

This book was written as a series of stories told by the author early in this century. It was first published in the early 1900's and has been republished multiple times since. All of the versions, variously titled "The White Indian Boy", "Uncle Nick among the Shoshones", or "Among the Shoshones" have the same text and pictures. For many years it was required reading in the Intermountain West during Elementary or Secondary School. Whenever I give a copy to someone, many of them remember loving this book when they first read it or had it read to them by a teacher 50 or more years ago.

It really is that good. The tales are direct, simple and entertaining. You will remember them 50 years later just like all of those who have read it before.

Nick Wilson ran away from his Utah pioneer home in the 1850's, soon after Utah received its first settlers. The mother of Chief Washakie, a prominent Shoshone chief, had lost her 2 other sons and dreamed they would be replaced by a white boy. Nick was an 11 year old who spent his days herding sheep, working on a farm and living on "lumpy dick" and "greens", which are just as good as they sound. He had a facility for languages and had picked up Goshiute from an Indian Boy who was his childhood friend. When Shoshone Indians heard him speaking an Indian language, they offered him a pony, adventure, venison and grouse and, best of all, no tiring farmwork.

He left without a word to anyone and spent 2 years with the Shoshone as they wandered over Idaho, Utah, Wyoming and Colorado. He learned Shoshone quickly and learned Indian skills. He hunted, travelled and participated fully in Indian life. He shot arrows at grizzly bears, gathered serviceberries and was an eyewitness of a large Indian battle between the Crow and Shoshone. He met Indians who knew Lewis and Clark.

The book also includes later adventures as a trapper, original Pony Express rider, Army Scout, and many other adventures. General Albert Sydney Johnson of Civil War fame was so enamored of his skills that he tried to talk Nick into going to the Civil War with him. Kit Carson spent a winter at his cabin. Nick was even shot in the head with an arrow and left to die.

This is the authentic article, well-told and gripping. The last year of his life, Nick Wilson was bedridden and his mind began to wander. He never spoke another word of English and spoke only Shoshone until his death. He recognized the faults of his Indian brothers but loved them dearly and wasn't afraid to say that the faults were mostly on the side of the white man.

Recommended highly.

Years ago, this book was given to me by Perry Driggs, the son of William Driggs who helped Nick Wilson record his stories. I scanned it at the time, but it has only been recently that I fully read it along with my 9 year old daughter. Neither one of us could put it down. Besides fascinating stories, this book gives very interesting insights into the early pioneer life, indian culture, and the indian-white man conflict. There are even very subtle insights about the influence of the Mormon Church in the life of young Nick.

Above all, I have the strong impression that these stories were told exactly as remembered by Mr. Wilson-- without hyperbole. He shows humility in freely admitting his weaknesses throughout the book and only a scholar could have reproduced the details as he has portrayed them. Some may be offended by the seeming "political incorrectness" in this book. I find it a refreshingly honest, unsanitized look at the way things were in the old frontier.

Written in a very simple style, this book is an easy and enjoyable read for even young children.

Thius cookbook has so many great recipes even my boyfriend has started enjoying cooking!!!

This collection of cookbooks from Williams-Sonoma rocks! With over 40 recipes in this one book alone you're set for the casual backyard BBQ with friends or a more intimate dinner with the one you love! The pictures alone are reason enough to buy this book. From grilling vegetables to pears with raspberry-Grand Marnier sauce this book covers a wide spectrum of mouth-watering recipes. **The baby back ribs with honey-jalapeno marinade are to die for***.

Be sure to add this to your cookbook collection -- and don't stop here... there's nine more on this website and even more at Williams-Sonoma stores to make your collection complete!

Happy Grilling!!!!

This is a truely wonderful addition to any cookbook collection. Unlike most cookbooks that require you to spend a lot of money buying ingredients you most probably will only use once, these recipes mostly require olive oil, garlic, onions, peppers, the basic seasonings (e.g., oregano, salt, black or lemon pepper, etc.), and occasionally one more fancy addition (making the dishes MUCH less expensive, and allowing the true delicious taste of the meats and vegetables to come through). The book also offers a nice variety of dishes. It includes recipes for grilling chicken, fish, meat, mushrooms, AND deserts! (Did you know you can make a desert on the grill?) As a last point, these simple dishes can look fancy enough to impress anyone. I made a whole dinner for my husband on our two year wedding anniversary. I served the Shrimp with Lemon-Garlic Butter and Grilled Portobello Mushrooms with Basil Oil over rice, the Grilled Red Pepper, Sweet Onion, and Tomato Salad on the side, and the Grilled Pears with Rasberry-Grand Manier Sauce for desert. It took me about 45 minutes to prepare all the rubs and sauces (just because it was my first time putting it all together), but about 10 minutes to cook everything at the same time, and 3 minutes to serve. The meal was such a hit that my husband wants to make a new grilling dish every Wednesday night! By the way, for the novice grillers, the book also offers a glossary and an instructional section discussing types of grills, preparing the grill, checking for doneness, etc. I hope you enjoy the book as much as we do!

This book makes me pumped for summer! The recipes for the marinades and sauces look and sound really good. They are also explained very easily. One thing that I really liked about this cookbook, among others, is that the variety of meats, vegetables and all that good stuff is pretty big. It's not your 'regular old down home grillin' guide'. It's got pizazz, and I like that. I would recommend this cook book to anyone who likes grilling. Or, if you don't like grilling, get it for someone who does.

Wow. what a find. I was hesitant to buy the Williams and Sonoma book because I thought that the recipes would be too complicated and require expensive ingredients and be too fancy for the way I like to cook, but the dishes are easy to prepare and extremely elegant - without being too time consuming. I love this book. Got this book in the mail two weeks ago and have used it half a dozen times so far.

The plot of the story takes place in Holland during World War II, it shows the challenges Dutch people faced while coexisting with the Germans. One thing I disliked happened during the winter period when the oldest members of the family made the little kids go from door to door begging for food while they sat at home waiting for them. One thing I liked was when the Verhagen family took the youngest kids into the house and supplied them with food, shoes, and warmth. I also liked that they had joined into the resistance of the Nazis and took in the Jewish army men.
The setting truly showed how hard it was to live during World War II, in occupied Holland. The author showed me this by having the Dutch have a curfew. If they were caught they would be chased down until they were captured. One of the Dutch was so desperate he rode on the wings of the windmill to stay safe. The windmill also played an important roll in the story because that is where they would live and even hide people in them.
The conflict of the story is that the Verhagen family doesn't have any good crop growing soil so they can not produce any food. This conflict is man vs. man and man vs. nature. The resolution is that the Verhagen family destroys the dike and water floods the whole farming community. This in turn waters the soil so it can produce crops. Since they did this the family is rewarded with many presents like food or other household items. One thing I enjoyed about this conflict was that it was realistic and showed that anything could happen. I disliked that it was something someone would have done.

I loved The winged Watchman when I was growing up and am pleased to see that it has been reissued for a whole new generation of readers. In my opinion, it should be required reading for all kids-- it depicts a family living under Nazi occupation and facing it with courage. The Vorhagen Family lives in the Netherlands, and as the occupation and the war proceeds, the family becomes more drawn into the resistance movement.

They shelter several refugees from the Nazis-- Trixie, a baby whose mother has been sent to a conentration camp, Charles, an airman who is hiding from the Nazi troops, Koba and Betsy, who take refuge with the Verhagens because they have nothing to eat in their own home, and Hildebrand, a student who wishes to study rather than fight. With frequent visits from Uncle Cor, who is active in the resistance, the family draws together, determined not to succumb to the brutality they see all around them.

This book serves as an excellent example to children of a family's bravery and of the importance of doing the right thing. It's a terrific book and is one that will touch your children's hearts as it is teaching them a valuable lesson.

The Winged Watchman is a fictional story about a Dutch family, the Verhagens, who live in a mill in the middle of WWII. They include Mother, Father, Joris, and Dirk Jan. Throughout the process of the book there are many additions to the Verhagen family. They include Trixie (a little Jewish girl who's parents were taken away at the beginning of the war), Freya (an abused dog rescued by Joris), Charles (an English aviator), Uncle Cor (a member of the Underground Resistance Movement), Koba and Betsy (two young girls who came to stay with them because of lack of food at their own house), and Hildebrand (a young man who was interested in studying rather than working in the resistance). The Verhagen family eventually becomes very involved in the resistance movement. It is sad when Uncle Cor dies, but the book actually has a very happy theme to it. This book mixes adventure, history, and suspense, and it's okay for children. They do mention shooting and concentration camps, but they aren't graphically described. They don't happen at the same time. They are mentioned as something that happened somewhere else. This book is a perfect example of the spirit of teamwork.

This book was about how a boy, who lived in holland during WW2 survived. He took part in helping the resistance by housing a pilot and acting as a distraction. He also helped to keep Holland from flooding when the electric pumps went out. I would recommend this book to others because it was veary enteraining.

I first heard of Hilda Van Stockum when I bought a used book by her, "Pegeen" for a mere quarter a few years ago -- oh my! What a find!!! Couldn't put the book down, started researching all of Mrs. Van Stockum's books, and read them as fast as I could find them. Bought several from amazon and ebay, and they are WONDERFUL. They're written for children, but utterly held the interest of this 51 year old reader. What a shame these books aren't still widely circulated and read by today's kids. If you read the reviews posted here, you'll get an idea of The Winged Watchman's story -- a riveting account, clearly truth-based, and perfectly told. All of the Van Stockum books have made me cry with their impact, yet they are told in an utterly natural way, no grandstanding. These are the kind of characters that stay with you, in the best sense, like Francie from "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" or the Moffats, or Scarlett O'Hara. They are unforgettable. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND The Winged Watchman and all of Hilda Van Stockum's books. And you should Google her! A fascinating and accomplished person, her life will impress and inspire you. Sorry to ramble on! Thanks.

This was a fun book to read and reread from cover to cover. Each chapter was entertaining and informative with interesting tid-bits, historical caveats, and famous quotes. If you want to impress (or bore) your friends with seldom-known facts or off-the-wall stories about their favorite drink, then buy this book. This book is the best accompiament to a good dram of single malt scotch.
Cheers!

This thing has the most unbelieveable facts! I feel like I need to be taking notes to remember all of them; I might start doing just that. I would think this was a parody if I didn't know any better, but all these stories are either fact or at the very least well established theories.

Completely fascinating book! ...especially beacuse I LOVE the booze :)

My husband is a wine writer for our local newspaper so I purchased this book for him. He liked the book so much that he did a side-bar to his last article with the following review:

More than just a book about wine this is "a collection of useful and useless information as it relates to the history and consumption of all manner of booze." There is a remarkable amount of information packed into this entertaining and offbeat book. You're likely to find yourself reading it two or three times because it is impossible to remember all the frivolous and factual trivia Lender offers up. For example, an Italian café owner created the beverage Compari in 1860 but it became wildly popular in the U.S. during Prohibition where it was considered a digestive bitter, not alcohol. It just happened to be 48 proof.

Lendler has crafted a simple yet engaging book on the history and peculiarities of just about every alcohol type we know -- he peppers his succinct and interesting descriptions of the beverages' histories with a rapier wit in a conversation-like tone (e.g. he writes out the word "Natch" in place of "Naturally"). It is a fun book to read.

This is a must-read for anyone with a passing interest in any particular genre of alcohol, or for anyone who just enjoys good reading.

If you like to tip a few here and there (and who doesn't?)this is a great read with pieces of trivia that you need as someone who enjoys a drink or three. It's not a novel so you can pick it up and put it down-even if you only have a minute.

Enjoy the book and dazzle your friends with your knowledge of a pastime that you are sharing.

5 stars!

I truely wonderful book dealing with the sisterhood, The stardom and fall back to beliving that you are part of a family. I truely enjoyed this book and have added it to the reading list for my art students. I belive it doesnt matter what social group or what age you are, everyone can learn from this wonderful story.

I read this when it first came out and reread it last week. Great book, great writing. Waiting impatiently for her next!

Spent a late summer afternoon completely enchanted by this remarkable novel! The writing is poetic, so beautiful. . . Cammie McGovern is an extraordinarily talented writer. What is so remarkable is that this was her first novel! The story of these two sisters is told with great insight, the dialogue at times heart wrenching, and other times humorous. It all rings true. I will most definitely share this wonderful book with my sisters! Looking foward to more from Cammie!

Recently, I had the occasion to observe a stunning sculpture with a perceptive friend who commented on its graceful lines and delicate interplay between light and shadow. This sensitive, eloquent commentary bespoke an understanding not only of art, but of life itself. It it a gift of seeing, and it is exploring that gift which constitutes the challenge and triumph of Cammie McGovern's exquisite "The Art of Seeing." Her debut novel traces the evolution of the troubled and nuanced relationship between two talented and tormented sisters, equally troubled by the limits and possibilities of their own vision. McGovern's insights are subtle and quiet, their strength owing to the complexities of her character's personalities and the painful interplay betweem them. "Seeing" resonates with truths, not the least of which is that love often exists between people despite the mistakes they make with and for each other.

Jemma, the youngest of the sisters, labors suggestively in the shadow of her older sister Rozzie. Begrudingly acquiesing to subordinate status, Jemma, at five years of age, realizes that she is "a pathway to my sister's approval" and "as easy as breathing" determines to accept this role. Alienated and sensitive to her differences (both outside and inside her family), Rozzie exploits Jemma's willingness to do "whatever is required to ensure...she will never be truly seen again." The two develop a balance based on misgiving, silence and perceived acceptance of role; in reality, both envision themselves intertwined with the other in a complicated mathematics of expectation, subservience and dependence. Although as an actress Rozzie appears distanced and detached, Jemma's choice of photography as a means of artistic expression requires identical traits.

The metaphor of vision haunts both sisters. As Rozzie loses her sight, she fights the very invisibility she affected. Jemma's photography tends to focus on isolation and periphery, and as she begins to study the dynamics of her relationship with her sister, ruefully admits that in her own way, "I am missing too." If clarity sets humans free, both Jemma and Rozzie have built walls, shutting down their capacity to see themselves and each other as authentic people. Both women, talented in portrait and interpretation, lack the art of seeing their own hearts. This terrible irony lends a tragic tint to their relationship, but to McGovern's credit, the author does not exploit it for sentimental purposes. Instead, the author encourages her characters to use their deficiencies as the basis for renewal and change.

Consequently, Cammie McGovern elects to challenge readers to reflect on the limits of their own observations. Have we unfairly sided with either of the two sisters? Are we blinded by our own perceptions? What must people do to attain a sense of artistry in their own sight? Jemma and Rozzie quietly grapple with not only their own individual artistic imperatives; they use their talents to retrain their hearts. "The Art of Seeing" becomes its title, a work of art that permits us a clearer vision of ourselves.

I agree with one of the other reviewers: This is a book to buy for your sister. Cammie McGovern writes great dialogue, and she creates touching scenes; the book hooked me with its premise and kept me hooked with its subtle character development and evocative writing. The descriptions of Rozzie's blindness were particularly vivid. This is a fast-paced novel that will sear your heart...even if you don't have a sister. Can't wait for more from McGovern!

I really enjoyed this book for several reasons. First, the engaging style that invites the reader into the world of Octavian and many of his contemporaries such as Herod the Great, Tiberius, Cleopatra, Cicero, Livey, and many others. You come away from this book feeling as though you experienced something of the past. It is though you were there and lived through it yourself. Second, this book is a history of religions in that it focuses on the world religions of the first century all over the world. You learn about the religions of Rome and how they were evolving, as well as Judaism, Christianity, Buddism, Mithraism, Hinduism and many more besides. The story of the Roman and Greek gods are told. Third, festivals and there meaning are focused on. This is particularly true of December 25th and how the various religions treated this date. Other festivals are taught about as well, like the Jewish passover. Fourth, the calendar and how it come into being is another great feature of this book. One learns about astronomy and astrology as well as how all of the months and days of the week that are currently used in the west were named. Fifth, the founding and history of various cities are told. Finally, one can not leave this book without sensing that he has taken a trip back in time. The one negative about the book was that the author takes a religious stand that "all roads lead to god". There is very little negative treatment of the various religions. Most people and religions are cast in a very positive light. Octavian was likely a little meaner and cold hearted than he comes off here. Of course, if Octavian was telling the story himself then he may have told it like this since we are all the hero of our own story.

One of the best all-ages history books. :) Gorgeous illustrations, useful family trees, all told in a friendly and familiar style; not dry and academic at all.

What a wonderful book and introduction for a young person to learn about the Romans, and the way they lived! I remember first being introduced to this book in the 9th grade, when I had a mild obsession with the Roman Empire. This book has stuck with me for a long time. It is written in an entertaining manner, and makes these people seem more real and human than some stale 3rd person account of how things were. Each historical figure is depicted as people with the same basic fears, hopes and desires as everyone else, in relation to the society in which they live. It of course being for children is toned down as far as some of the facts we know or speculate today about these people (ie I, Claudius) but it gives a great account of how an individual of the day might have lived, and it is not just about Octavian/Augustus himself, but the people around him and alive at the same time, sometimes even in another country. This was the world of that time, and was a fascinating period of history. This type of book can easily open up a historical interest for a young person for life. I myself searched 10 years ago to find a used copy of this gem, remembering it from high school over 10 years prior, and successfully found a copy in an old book shop. I was thrilled to death to read it again, even after reading several translated histories from the Roman Empire.

I cannot say enough good things about this book! I just finished reading it before using it for homeschooling, and am amazed at how much I learned! If only they used history books like this in when I was in school, I may have had an interest in history.

The books covers from Octavian at age 18 (when his uncle Julius Caesar is killed), through his death. The beauty of this books is that it covers world events during the time period as well as daily life in Ancient Rome. It's wonderfully well rounded and the illustrations are a nice bonus.

I will absolutely read her other historic fiction books and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this one!

One of the great bonuses of parenting is that you get to introduce books to your own kids that wowed you when you were a kid yourself. Sometimes your children love the books as much as you did; sometimes they don't. But in either case, you get to revisit with old friends and see how much you and they have changed and retained over the years.

Some of my best book friends when I was a kid were the wonderful illustrated histories of Genevieve Foster, and the one I loved most was *Augustus Caesar's World.* I recently introduced it (and a few others: *Washington's World*, *Lincoln's World*, *John Smith's World*, *Columbus's World*) to my 8 year old, and he's discovering the magic in them I did so many years ago.

There are three qualities to *Augustus Caesar's World* that make it so entertaining and educating. The first is that it's incredibly well written. Foster has the gift of breathing life into historical accounts. In reading about Cicero's execution or the life of Siddhartha, for example, one experiences all the dreadful waste of the one and the liberating wonder of the other. Second, the book is wonderfully illustrated by Foster herself. The illustrations are themselves instructive: along with individual scenarios, she provides time-lines, illustrated most fetchingly, that conveniently encapsulate events and persons. Finally, Foster's histories are really world histories. In *Augustus Caesar's World,* she focuses on the events leading up to the end of the Roman Republic and the establishment of the Empire (roughly, 44BCE to 14 CE). But she doesn't limit herself to Roman history; she also examines events taking place across the world during the time frame in which she's working: the druids in Gaul, Hindus in India, Confucius in China, Mayans in the Americas, and so on. She even includes intellectual history: the origins of Christianity and Buddhism, the Upanishadic culture of the Hindus, etc. Her aim is to give the reader a wide angle of vision, and she succeeds wonderfully.

I'm grateful that Foster's histories are being republished. They don't patronize kids by resorting to silly gimmicks that supposedly make learning more palatable (or at least more marketable). Instead, they make history fascinating the old fashioned way: by showing that it's a great story in its own right. They're a great discovery for my son, and a great rediscovery for me.

As great as the photos are the text is almost as good.

Very refreshing; especially in the winter and in light of $250 million player contracts.

This is a fantastic book for anyone historically inclined. It focuses on an era- in the context of baseball. The descriptions with each amazing photo show how America viewed baseball as a microcosm of the country. A great discussion book. Highly recommended. An added bonus is the classic, unretouched photo of Ty Cobb sliding into third, knocking the third baseman off his feet.

I have been a reader of baseball history for most of my 45 years, and I never heard of George S. Conlon. I know him now. This book is nothing less than fascinating. The photos are marvelous, but every printed word is interesting, starting with the preface. I could not put it down.

This marvellous collection of the greatest baseball photographs ever taken qualify as one of the very best contributions to both baseball literature and serious photography. The consummate images of rough-hewn blue-collar stock named Wagner or McGraw or Overall silhouetted against rickety hardwood bleachers, rusty wire screens, and smoke-baptised brick houses; unmown grass and pock-marked infields beneath them; the smell of pancake mitts and hickory bats and unwashen wool uniforms in their nostrils; coal-dust and farm soil and blistering summer sun etching character into their faces. These, I say, seem to me the very breath and blood of the grand ol' game of baseball, all gloriously frozen in time in its purest splendor by the sensitive eye of Charles M. Conlon. These indelible images from the tool of a genius ARE NOT JUST BASEBALL PHOTOGRAPHS! Who can shake the documentary immediacy, mental peace, or aesthetic excitement aroused by the breath-taking images of Bob Rhoads warming-up his soupbone, shadowed by the hand-operated scoreboard at the wood-and-spit Hilltop Park? Or a flailing Tommy Leach squinting a pop-up into the merciless Brooklyn sun? Or Ty Cobb, his jaw curled into a fist, ruthlessly showering dirt and hellfire into a helpless third-sacker? Or muscular Tim Jordan gracefully balancing a heavy-weight stroke of his massive war-club? As the authors state, Conlon deserves to be ranked with Ansel Adams and Walker Evans, and compared with Eugene Atget. His undying images provide a unique look at a time and way of life gone by. P.S.: What I want to know is, WHERE IS THE SEQUEL? Conlon left 8000 negatives; and many of his most extraordinary--such as Russ Ford warming up by the Hilltop's trumpet-clutching "p.a. announcer"; or Hank Gowdy burnishing in the sunlight, warming-up on a Polo Grounds sideline in 1917--have been reproduced in a baseball card set, the discontinued "Conlon Collection," issued by the Sporting News. But the reproduction of these wonderful photographs in the set are inferior to Constance McCabe's sensitive care; and are much smaller, besides. Neal, if you're reading this, PLEASE put together another volume of Conlon's brilliant images!

Were Charles Conlon still alive, I would track him down and kiss his feet for capturing in such vivid detail the historic giants of baseball. The book features remarkable photos of the greatest baseball players of most of the first half of this century. Suitable for framing, the photos typically depict individual players and small groups, often in game action. The well preserved photographs provide an important window on a truly beautiful game and its players in an era when outfield fences were optional, and a "baseball club" was just that. My favorite of Conlon's gems shows Hall of Fame shortstop Honus Wagner gripping his bat. Under his fingernails is Pennsylvania coal dust. His chipped, oversized piece of lumber looks unwieldy by today's standards. And his sinuous forearms are testament to the power that we remember him by. Other photos are paired to show the dramatic impact of age and the outfield sun on players of yesterday. Picture Wes Chandler spunky at 25 and then battle weary at about 50 and you'll understand why so many players strive so hard for a moment in the sun: they want to enjoy it before it's all gone.