U Books

Joseph Lowery has a love affaire with Dreamweaver dating back to 1998 and version 1.0; that's why this book is more than just an expert writing about a piece of software, Joseph is passionate about Dreamweaver and the result is a real work of love. The book contains 10 chapters, covering different topics; each chapter stands on its own, allowing the reader to pick only one topic at time, there is no need to read from cover to cover here. The vast majority of the material available here is simply not available elsewhere; Mr Lowery covered things that may surprise even a seasoned Dreamweaver veteran like me. If you enjoy pushing Dreamweaver to its limits you can't miss this one

Beyond Dreamweaver covers one of my favorite things about Dreamweaver, which is its open-endedness. Web design is all about pushing limits -- of our own knowledge, of HTML, of browsers -- and Dreamweaver gives its users lots of room to push. So you want to adapt Dreamweaver to work with your company's Content Management System? This book shows you how. You want to work with the latest, greatest XML-based language out there, even though Dreamweaver doesn't *officially* support it? Dreamweaver can support just about anything you throw at it, and this book shows you how. And each chapter is written from a problem-solving, why-would-I-want-to-do-this perspective that makes it quickly useful.

This book will show you what you didn't even know you need to know. I am a medium to advanced Dreamweaver user and I learned so much from this book, starting in the first chapter. I think this book is perfect for people who have used the software for a while, but don't really push it to its limits. Mr. Lowery shows you important things in two general categories: how to accomplish things you couldn't before and how to streamline your workflow to be more efficient.

With an abundance of books on the market focusing on the techniques built into Macromedia's Dreamweaver MX product, reading this book was a breath of fresh air as it takes the product, and completely blows it apart.

The techniques in this book, such as integrating DMX into your content management solution, extending the product using C++ as well as dealing with cutting issues such as accessibility will make you more productive and your workflow more refined.

Lowery leaves no stone unturned, showing clearly how to integrate through the extensibility layer with Fireworks; and explains how to link data into Flash in a concise, easy to understand way.

The techniques discussed are also fully extendable to your own ideas so the book will lay down a very important framework.

A fantastic tome which should hold pride of place on your desktop.

If you have been working with Dreamweaver for some time now, and are ready to take your skills to the next level, Beyond Dreamweaver is the perfect resource. Through a concise and straightforward writing style, the author takes you on a broad exploration of development possibilities beyond Dreamweaver's "everyday" usage.

The book begins with an excellent chapter on the ease of integrating Dreamweaver MX with Content Management Systems. While this chapter may not seem as relevant to developers since Macromedia's introduction of their content management system - Contribute, it clearly demonstrates the extensibility of Dreamweaver. In doing so, it opens the reader's mind to virtually unlimited possibilities for creating custom integrations. Additionally, it continues to be a valuable example for developers using other Content Management Systems such as Interwoven or BlueMartini.

The next chapter provides an excellent overview of Section 508 website accessibility requirements. It also discusses new features available in Dreamweaver MX that will assist developers in ensuring that their websites are accessible.

Beyond Dreamweaver goes on to provide a great introduction to XML. Examples clearly demonstrate how to use Dreamweaver MX, both to export template content to XML and import XML into Dreamweaver templates.

The next few chapters present a variety of techniques that will enhance productivity. You will learn how to build Sequential Navigational Systems for both small and large scale websites; about Dreamweaver's ability to cross-integrate with other Macromedia products such as Fireworks and Flash; and how to go beyond Dreamweaver's built in capabilities and actually build your own custom cross-product extensions.

If you are interested in creating your own extensions, Beyond Dreamweaver explains how to use the standard classes and libraries that ship with Dreamweaver as a starting point. And if you really want to dig in and explore under the hood, it gives you an excellent example of how to take this even further by using C++ to create your own extensions to JavaScript.

The chapter "Making Flash Connections" was of particular interest to me as a designer/developer who specializes in Flash site development and dynamically generated database driven websites. A valuable example that was provided demonstrates the ability to pass data - either static or dynamically generated - from a Dreamweaver coded page to a Flash .swf file. Additionally, a second example demonstrates the new Flash Remoting features which allows Flash to send and receive more complete data structures. I particularly enjoyed exploring the possibilities of combining the Macromedia tri-product MX powerhouse - Flash, Dreamweaver and ColdFusion. Quite a combo!

Beyond Dreamweaver does not extensively delve into any one topic. Instead it provides the reader with a broad range of examples that can be used as a springboard for further exploration.

Lucy Hayes, wife of President Rutherford B. Hayes and Carrie Harrison, wife of President Benjamin Harrison, challenge the other First Ladies to speak in their own voices and write what it was like to be the wife of the President of the United States or whatever they want really. The book ends with Mamie Eisenhower, because we know about the later First Ladies. However, they are not left out, as they can't help interrupting the others' chapters. None of these ladies ever really learned to be silent!

What follows Lucy's challenge are twenty-nine chapters written in the Ladies' own voices. Feather has studied Presidential history for over thirty-five years and owns more than 1000 president-related volumes. She delved into the Ladies' lives and in her book they speak in their own voices with their own stories of experiences, hopes, dreams and thoughts.

Most of these women never intended to be First Ladies. Many found more sorrow than joy in the experience. The role of First Lady changed through the years as did the White House. Some were great entertainers and others wanted to stay to themselves. Some were ill or disabled. In this book, they speak from their own times, which influenced their lives differently than if they lived today. They usually talk about their whole lives, including the occurrences before and after they were First Ladies.

What is amazing is the diversity among these ladies. Their sorrows were great, as seventeen of them lost children, including Edith Roosevelt who lost sons to war. Four had husbands who were assassinated, and the Ladies tell of the scars these experiences left. Many wanted nothing more than to go home after their husbands' terms and sit with them on the porch of their home in another place and enjoy a simple life. Some did that. Many never got that opportunity.

They talk of feelings of wayward husbands, difficulties with in-laws, and their children's successes and failures. All of them are all delightful. They were all valuable people in the history of our country, some very much involved in the support of their husbands and their role as President, and others in the background, but all affected by their position.

Feather spent the first five years trying to make this work as a play. She says it was too confusing, and it was also about nine and a half hours long! The next two years were trying to figure out how to write it as a book. Once she got the basic idea of self-written chapters and dialogue boxes, the rest came a lot easier. Her viewpoints are fresh and unbiased, using the dialogue boxes where other ladies interrupt to add opinions and further information.

As a historical novelist, I truly believe in the value of learning history. Here the author teaches in such a delightful way, the learning comes with no effort. The reader learns more than dates and facts. Even if it is only conjecture, it is conjecture based on a great deal of study and thought.

When I picked up Feather Schwartz Foster's book, "Ladies: A Conjecture of Personalities", I'm not sure what I was expecting. Short essays about some of the First Ladies -- woo, hoo. These women aren't "has beens", or even "almost has beens" -- they are the consorts of has beens. Who remembers Lou Hoover or Sarah Polk? How about Julia Tyler? Some of these names are so obscure as to have dropped completely out of public awareness. How interesting could they be?

Boy was I wrong!

First off, the book itself is creatively constructed -- each lady is given a chance to tell her story while the others comment. It's like a big hen party where the ladies mingle. I imagine them sipping Earl Grey and eating snickerdoodles in homey companionability. This approach makes even the dullest of the presidential wives amusing. We see them through their own eyes within the context of their own historical time -- but we also see them through the personalities, mores and historical perspectives of other First Ladies.

For example, Mary Lincoln, Jacqueline Kennedy and Pat Nixon's snotty remarks about Andrew Johnson's obnoxious behavior at his inaugeration are in sharp contrast to Eliza Johnson's insistence that her Andy wasn't a drunk. The technique demonstrates how blind we are to the failings of our loved ones -- and how quick we notice the faults of others. It allows characters long lost in the fog of time to become human again.

I have to say that I loved this book from the first page, but when the various ladies began to chime in with their own reminiscences, catty remarks, sympathies and empathies, I found myself reading -- and rereading, certain passages with new respect for the impossible circumstances these women found themselves in simply because they were married to presidents.

Clever, informative and amusing, "Ladies" is well worth the read.

Never before have I enjoyed a romp through history so thoroughly. From the introduction by Lucy Hayes to the author's epilogue claiming fictional, yet plausible, conjecture on the part of the "voices" who wrote their stories, a full and satisfying story is told. The reader feels what our First Ladies are re-living as they tell about their place in history-or lack thereof, about their husbands and about the times in which they lived.

I got the distinct feeling several of our First Ladies knew they would have made better Presidents than their husbands did, if the times had allowed. In reality, only the times have changed; we humans are as raw or refined, as wild or as tame, as selfish or as giving, regardless of the century we inhabit.

Through the many friendships and rivalries, the politics, and the "place" each woman was expected to inhabit, we learn how they lived and loved. To fully appreciate these women who were our First Ladies, we must allow them to live in our minds, to breathe and function, to grieve and rejoice. Feather Schwartz Foster brings the stage and the characters to us. All we need to do is sit back and enjoy the ride!

Feather Schwartz Foster, in her book Ladies: A conjecture of Personalities, has done exquisite research on the First Ladies of the past. It is a wonderfully unique idea to weave the lives, similarities and differences of this part of our history through each others experiences.
One can only ponder some of the ideas she presupposes. Having done a lot of research myself on many of the First Ladies, her "fiction" rings true-to-life. I was fortunate enough to spend one afternoon and evening with Ike and Mamie Eisenhower. Her description of Mamie and her eclectic tastes took me back to that memorable day in my own life.
Whether you are a history buff or not, this is a great read to tweak your curiosity.

"Ladies: A Conjecture of Personalities" is a book filled with the voices of America's First Ladies. From Martha Washington to Mamie Eisehnhower, these vibrant, lively women speak from the past as modern day First Ladies comment from the sidelines.

The "moderns," as Lucy Hayes comments, already had their say.

Author Feather Schwartz Foster brings to life these fascinating women through dedicated chapters, written in the form of a letter from each Lady. Customs, houseguests, dinner, chores - no part of a woman's life is ignored.

Though this is a work of fiction, it is very much based on facts and filled with vivid details taken from over a thousand presidential history books. Readers will be lost in the past and feel as though they have seen a glimpse of each personality portrayed.

This book is unique in more ways than one. Comments from the "moderns" are interspersed throughout as they speak to one another as well as to the letter writers. They argue, compliment, agree and turn up their noses.

Particularly poignant is Mary Todd Lincoln's chapter in which the wives of other assassinated presidents speak with sympathy and empathy, while other wives in turn speak ill of her appearance and state of mind, even going so far as to malign her beloved son.

The wives of our presidents, both past and present, inherited by marriage a position of influence. From slaves to maids, to leaders of other countries, diplomats and friends, the influence of a First Lady can be measured only by the legacy she leaves.

"Ladies" will absorb the reader's attention from the first page to the last.

Wise, naïve, elegant, crass, refined and catty; all personalities are represented in this unique ode to the women who stood by America's presidents.

Feather Schwartz Foster's first foray into historical fiction is a stand-up clapping success. She is an accomplished song writer and has three decades of experience in advertising and public relations. Numerous links to her upcoming appearances and speaking engagements are listed, as well as links to interviews with Foster about "Ladies" [...]

Malloy's deeply moving words about love, loss and life are so intense that the reader is actually able to experience what the author expresses so beautifully. I continue to collect her works as I have yet to find another author that compares. Her words fill in our "lack of" when describing the incredible depths of our human emotions. The reader will know the author intimately and will find self-realization in the everyday life subject matter about which she writes. Powerful and insightful. Reflection and renewal of one's own emotional being will be envoked after the first page. Malloy is highly deserving of the recognition that she was never awarded. Only the Bible could be more moving. ....

I was introduced to Ms. Malloys words by my 9th grade English teacher while preparing for a speech tournament. I had never read poetry like that before, didn't know poetry could be like that before. Her words were honest and real and no holds barred.
Because of this one book I have been writing poetry for the last twenty years myself. Everytime I go into a book store I look for her books, old or, hopefully new. They are a rare find. I even wrote this poem in her honor, circa 1985.

Merrit

How could I know exactly
What you meant
Understand your heart
When I'd never seen your face.

I felt like you
Were close to me
It didn't matter that
We'd never met
You had touched me
With your pen
Said things I'd felt
All along
It was as though
You knew what I was feeling
Before I even
Felt it

I had met you
on paper
You were like an
Old friend
That maybe
I understood
your soul
Because you
Understood
Mine

I just wondered
How you Knew
Your words
Were on my mind

If you are looking for a collection of poetry to make you laugh, cry, and smile, then this is the book!

I was introduced to Ms. Malloys words by my 9th grade English teacher while preparing for a speech tournament. I had never read poetry like that before, didn't know poetry could be like that before. Her words were honest and real and no holds barred.
Because of this one book I have been writing poetry for the last twenty years myself. Everytime I go into a book store I look for her books, old or, hopefully new. They are a rare find. I even wrote this poem in her honor, circa 1985.

Merrit

How could I know exactly
What you meant
Understand your heart
When I'd never seen your face.

I felt like you
Were close to me
It didn't matter that
We'd never met
You had touched me
With your pen
Said things I'd felt
All along
It was as though
You knew what I was feeling
Before I even
Felt it

I had met you
on paper
You were like an
Old friend
That maybe
I understood
your soul
Because you
Understood
Mine

I just wondered
How you Knew
Your words
Were on my mind

I cannot recall who handed me this book of poems in 1976. Obviously it was someone who knew what an "incurable romantic" I was during my years as a single male. Although I was a big fan of Wordsworth, Byron, Keats and many of the pop music lyricists, I was so moved by Merrit Malloy's prose the all the so-called "classics" have never since seemed so lofty. Merrit and I were both living in L.A. at that time, and I could not resist finding her through her local publisher who offered me a mailing address. With my letter of gushing praise, I boldly included a couple of my own poems. Shortly thereafter, she actually wrote to me and included a phone number. We spoke -- she also has a lovely voice -- and set a date for tea (I think that was the beverage mentioned). Shortly before our scheduled rendezvous, she called to cancel, but said we could try again. I phoned once or twice after that, but do not recall ever getting through to her again. Merrit, if you're reading your reviews, I have not forgotten your poems and the kindness you showed by contacting this fan. We can still meet for tea whenever you're ready.

Well written, with really interesting vignettes of Eleanor's life. I found this to be one of the most (personally) motivational books I've read in a long time. It's a story of overcoming the odds, and bucking the social norms of her day, to voice her passion for particular social issues. I also appreciated the tie-in to current leadership theory and thinking...with great examples of her approach to people and problems.

This is the only nonfiction book I've ever read and completed voluntarily. In fact it is the only "self-help" book...which I think it fits in that category...that I have read past the first chapter. It is extremely compellingly written. I don't know whether it's the subject matter, or Dr. Gerber's style, but I started the book on an airplane, and was unable to put it down. It is for sure the only nonfiction book I have ever read that made me cry. Dr. Gerber makes points about leadership..what makes good leaders, the special role that women have in nuturing families, and how that is completely unrecognized in our society as having any value in preparring women for professional positions...how the simple concept of having passion for the cause you are leading is essential for effective leadership.....she makes these points in a deceptively casual conversational manner where you don't feel like she's teaching you, but in the end you realize you have learned a great deal...about life, about leading, and about yourself. Where I cried was where she said you have to be authentic in what you are leading.....meaning (I think) that you have to BELIEVE in it, which is different from having passion. Such a simple concept, but so true. How many leaders do you see, that truly believe in what they are doing? vs how many chairmen of departments do you see that appear to be there for the accrutriments?
This book literally changed my life. sounds ridiculous, but it did. Made me do a LOT of soulsearching.
I urge anyone, male or female, wondering whether you are leading as effectively as you can, or wondering whether you should be taking on a leadership position, to read this.

After reading about Colin Powel's style, Bush's War and Guiliani's book on Leadership, it was a nice break to read about one of history's greatest first ladies--Eleanor Roosevelt. It also served as a checkpoint for myself to have a peek at the early 20th century and the beginnings of the UN in light of recent events. This book was written by Robin Gerber who is a senior scholar at the Academy of Leadership which is part of the University of Maryland. Not only a biography of Eleanor, it's also a how-to on leadership and includes side information about how other women implement Eleanor's style in their lives today.
Key Takeaways:
Give Voice to Your Leadership--ER did not start out a brilliant and inspiring public speaker, she had to practice at it. She eventually managed to be an effective communicator through both speech and her writing in columns. She held press conferences at the White House for women reporters only--she identified an audience she could reach and began speaking to them.
Embrace Risk--despite many folks including herself being unsure of her and her role, at Truman's request ER took on a role within the formation of the UN and went on to be a leading proponant of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. She took this on shortly after the death of FDR--a time when she could have retired. Instead she started on a second life.
Never Stop Learning--this keeps coming up in the lives of leaders--they have an interest in the world and learning about it. ER traveled extensively in the latter part of her life and took a good deal of interest in learning about the world and the various cultures enhabiting it. She traveled throughout the middle east and India. She also used her columns, and speeches as a tool to educate others.

At 46, I found the book both affirming and inspiring. Ms. Gerber shows, through the life of the great ER, how painful life experiences can enhance both self awareness and empathy, and even more amazingly, how suffering a betrayal can be liberating. Her discussion on the special leadership skills developed through motherhood make clear the public interest in cultivating women leaders. The book is both a very accesible, good read and an effective step-by-step leadership guide.

At 46, I found the book both affirming and inspiring. Ms. Gerber shows, through the life of the great ER, how painful life experiences can enhance both self awareness and empathy, and even more amazingly, how suffering a betrayal can be liberating. Her discussion on the special leadership skills developed through motherhood make clear the public interest in cultivating women leaders. The book is both a very accesible, good read and an effective step-by-step leadership guide.

Lesson of the Harvest has many stories that just begin and end. The pacing of the plot is poor. This could have been an excellent book, but needed more details with better pacing to make a "book" not just 'stories'.

From the first page, I was drawn into depression-era Georgia. Through her heroine, Mattie, the author allows us to experience the good and bad of a culture that is disappearing. With Mattie, we live the bucolic lifestyle of a child, dreaming in the warm sun on a flat rock, swimming in the nearby swimming hole. We remember a day when contracts were sealed with a handshake. Then we see the dispair of poverty and meanness of racial hatred. Cover to cover- I didn't put it down.

A wonderful story which captures the reader's attention from page one about the trials and tribulations of Mattie a young girl growing up in the Deep South during the Great Depression. Rejection by her mother, loss of her best friend (Little Tom) to a cruel and unjust fate, and revenge for her sister, Rosie's violation brought to realization through a fighting, family spirit bred into Mattie's soul in rural South Georgia. This is one you can't lay down after the first page.

Even if readers are not knowledgeable about rural life, they will find themselves walking along Shanahan Lane with Mattie. Jenny Massey has done an excellent job of portraying Mattie's victories and anguishing pains life handed her. Senses will be aroused in the reader: the smell of the freshly ploughed dirt, the stench of burning flesh, the weltering of tears in one's eyes of love and pain, and the touch of God's hand in Mattie's life through her grandmother. Mattie's feisty spirit, determination, love and loyalty to family and friends personify why Lesson of the Harvest captures the hearts of reader's young and old.

Author Jenny Massey entices the reader with her heartwarming struggles of Mattie McCarey who embodies the essence of family, spirit, friendship, and goodness. She faces life in the old South with muster-never giving up. The reader cannot get enough of Mattie who compels one to want more as Mattie becomes alive in the reader's mind. Her struggles become the reader's struggles. She is a compelling character who draws one in immediately and intrigues one to the end.

[...]

I have to say this book is just wonderful! It is great as a casual read as well as excellent for the researcher and/or family historian! It helped me to fill some gaps in my families history (Daniel's sister, Sarah Boone) and gave other avenues in which to reasearch.

Wanted to read this book as a celebration of Daniels life Yet I found it to be long statements made directly following his death It is told that none ventured into writing of this man during his life I guess that makes it appealing The man had big family and was known to beat the Indians at there own gam that I found Admirable the book on a whole was simply a bore due to the accounts of how Boone tryed to purchase this or that But to those who want to build homesteads in the 1800s It will be to your liking

This is the one to get. This one, and John Mack Faragher's BOONE biography (Henry Holt, 1992). Anything by Belue is worth getting; he is precise to the point of obsession, and his works--four thus far--will stand the test of time.

Occasionally a book that has been available for a while deserves another look just because of its intrinsic value. In 1998 a book was published that combined the names of two legendary individuals who will be associated forever with the history of the American backwoods-Daniel Boone, the famous adventurer, and Lyman C. Draper, the renowned nineteenth-century interviewer and collector. It was only through the painstaking efforts of editor Ted Franklin Belue that Draper's highly significant tome on Boone finally came into being a century and a half after it was started. Before the ink was dry on the printed page, this book had become a backcountry classic. It instantly went to the front rank of Boone biographies. For the previous hundred years few but the serious historian had been drawing from Draper's handwritten manuscript on Boone; now even the casual reader would have the material readily available in print. Despite the fact that Draper never finished writing the biography and didn't take Boone's exploits beyond 1778, The Life of Daniel Boone (596 pages hardcover, $39.95, Stackpole Books) has proven to be well worth the long wait.
The book is a treasure trove of information about Boone, including such highlights as: his early years in Pennsylvania and North Carolina; activities during the French and Indian War; hunting in the Appalachian region; long hunting in Kentucky; adventures in Dunmore's War; the establishment of Boonesborough; and the first half of the Revolutionary War in Kentucky. While perusing these pages, the reader will be reminded constantly of Draper's monumental research that involved extensive travel to obtain interviews with people who had known Boone personally or with relatives and friends of such individuals. He also endeavored to collect important documents before they disappeared. His efforts were literally a race against time. Belue sets a standard for excellence with his very interesting preface as well as his editor's note (following the preface) that explains how the book finally came into being. The outstanding notes at the end of each chapter by both Draper and Belue are a further wealth of information. Draper's 44-page appendix provides a Boone genealogy and biographical sketches of many other frontier figures.
From Smoke & Fire News, November 2004, by Bob Holden

Lyman Draper wrote the single best account of the life of Daniel Boone. This source, while not well known, has been mined by virtually every biographer of Boone since 1850. This book and the biography of John Bakeless are the best two volumes ever to appear about the life of Daniel Boone. Also the Memoirs of Nathan Boone and his wife are of extreme value. These books provide the basis for the study of early Kentucky history.

Lincoln at Cooper Union: The Speech That Made Abraham Lincoln President (Simon & Schuster Lincoln Library) The book does a good job of documenting the impact of the speech and provides a copy of it. I consider the book to have given me thoughtful insights to Lincoln that are incidental to the speech but greatly enhance my understanding of him as a human being. It is very elegantly written. I appreciate the author's truely first rate descriptive abilities.

Harold Holzer's book on Abraham Lincoln's speech at Cooper Union gives a clarity to the importance of that speech and how it affected Lincoln as a speaker, politican and future candidate for his Republican Party. While Lincoln was well known among the western states, he wasn't that well regarded along the northeastern seaboard. One of the most important things about the book was how the author explained how this speech gave Lincoln so much creditability among the easterners and how that speech firmly put Lincoln on the political map national wide. This helped pave the way for Lincoln's nomination when others were looking for alternative choices beside William Seward who was at that time, the leading Republican front runner.

The book proves to be quite informative. Abraham Lincoln is obviously one person you cannot judge by your first impression. The author throughly explained the mannerism of Lincoln's speech skills and the way it contrast to his physical appearances which often led to initial misgiving by the audience before they roared in their approval at the end of the speech.

Its pretty clear that Mr. Holzer have complete command of his subject matter which is reflected on the superb writing and ease of reading material that only an expert can do to any subject. The book appears to be well researched and it was about time that a book on this subject came out (I think the last book about this speech came out before Mr. Holzer was born).

I would considered this book to be a mandatory reading material for anyone interested in Abraham Lincoln and probably a good background material for anyone interested in the coming of the American Civil War.

There are so many books written on Lincoln and many different prespectives on his life and presidency. Holzer looks at the Cooper Union Speech and shows how Lincoln, the master politician used the speech and his trip East to get the 1860 nomination. Many historians assert that the speech made Lincoln. However, Holzer shows a unique view of the trip and the speech and how Lincoln used the opportunity to campaign in the East before he was officially a candidate. Ironically, Holzer points out that Salmon Chase turned down the opportunity to speak at Cooper Union demonstrating just one more ocassion when Chase blew an opportunity to get to the White House.

While dispelling many myths about the speech and Lincoln's trip, Holzer also shows the brillance of Lincoln and the time and effort that he spent in preparation for this speech. He also shows how this speech became Lincoln's stump speech. Once nominated, Lincoln followed the tradition of the time and did not campaign but used the Cooper Union Speech as essentially his platform.

For the person just beginning their interest in Lincoln or the seasoned scholar, this book is well worth the read. To add to that it is a quick and enjoyable read.

I enjoyed this book immensely and now look forward to reading more from Holzer about this period. It answered so many questions I had about the messy circumstances surrounding slavery and the formation of the country. What I had always thought of as such hypocrisy was, as I now understand it, an incredible lesson in the human tension between reality and ideals -- such a Christian tension and so true to life, and on such a grand and significant scale. Rather than merely acknowledging the "stain", as indeed it was, the focus today should be on the triumph of overcoming it.

In his highly detailed telling, Holzer over and over exposes Linclon myths surrounding the event and that are, in themselves so revealing of human tendencies. While deflating so many of these myths, in the doing he does so much to explain the likely origins -- often humourous, sometimes self serving, but always understandable and enriching to his story.

And not just myths. One I found particularly poignant was repeated on occasion by son Robert who was at Exeter at the time of the speech. While it had been only about 4 months since they had seen each other, a visit to Robert was one of Lincoln's excuses for taking the time and incurring the expense of going East to speak. Lincoln ultimately made about 10 subsequent stops to speak in New England on his return trip to and from Exeter before heading home. While these speeches laid the foundation for his calculating father's ultimate nomination and election, Robert steadfastly maintained the purpose of the trip was to see him. I found that very touching -- it's one thing to be a father to your country, but still another to be so to your son.

At the heart of it all was the speech itself and the eager ears, eventually eyes, which took it in. While Lincoln's personality was a factor, the power of his words was what carried he day. I found this revealing and a tonic to today's politics -- an altogether different America then.

This was democracy at its best. There is clearly, to me at least, no ideal political system, as all can be manipulated. Now with Hamas the victors in Palestine, I guess even the current administration might be thinking this.

I could go on, but won't other than to quote the following recollection attributed to Lincoln and which might best be read with the thought of current schooling in mind:

I remember how, when a mere child, I used to get irritated when any body talked to me in a way I could not understand. I don't think I ever got angry at anything else in my life . . . I can remember going to my little bedroom, after hearing the neighbors talk of an evening with my father, and spending no small part of the night walking up and down, and trying to make out what was the exact meaning of some of their, to me, dark sayings. I could not sleep, though I often tried to, when I got on such a hunt after an idea, until I had caught it; and when I thought I had got it, I was not satisfied until I had repeated it over and over, until I had put it in language plain enough, as I thought, for any boy I knew to comprehend. This was a kind of passion with me, and it has stuck by me; for I am never easy now, when I am handling a thought, till I have bounded it North, and bounded it South, and bounded it East, and bounded it West. Perhaps that accounts for the characteristic you observe in my speeches, though I never put the two things together before.

PS As a graduate of Cooper Union, I did find Holzer's account of Cooper's amazing building a bit thin. Plans and photos are available on the web. The stage is on the West, not the North as Holzer says, and there are 18 obstructing columns, not 16. These inaccuracies have not altered my faith in his account. I have inserted a plan of the hall in my copy.

For anyone who wants to use the founding fathers as a justification for their belief system should read this speech and this book.

Lincoln in tight, careful reasoning lays out exactly what the founding fathers believed in regard to slavery. Eloquent, exciting and challenging.

This is much needed study to the speeches of Lincoln.

I cannot say it any better than the many other reviewers who have indicated that this is the "bible" of camera collecting references! Exhaustive references, historic information, pictures, auction selling prices, the "whole nine yards!"

The only camera reference book better than this one is Jim McKeown's next edition!

Jim McKeown's books are the most comprehensive sources of accurate information on cameras in the world. Period. Other books may give more information on specific cameras, but if you are to have but one source to refer to,choose McKeown. He will never disappoint you.
Another wonderful camera expert and writer (they don't always go together) is Ivor Matanle. His two books are treasures. But if you want facts, go with McKeown. You will return over and over to his book. Speaking face to face with him is most rewarding. You realize you are learning from one of the world authorities.
Wonderful pictures, camera values (prices) rarity,etc. This book contains cameras even experts haven't heard about. But McKeown is the expert of experts, and you will keep this large,heavy, over 900 page book near just for the fun of reading it. Am I enthused? Yes! I have bought his books since the 4th edition in 1983-84, and always been pleased.
A lengthy review? Yes, but this book deserves much praise!

I use this book often, I have found that in addition to the obveous use (prise guide) there is a fair amount of history that helped with research. Contains much useful information.

I have had the pleasure of owning (and still own) the 1976 Guide To Antique Cameras by Mckeown. It has been many years since then and the price for a guide has really risen. As an Antique dealer I found myself getting interested in collectible cameras once again. I knew I needed a guide and reviewed a 1996 copy a friend owned my McKeowen and was convinced this is the one to own. My library consists of at least 200 books on Antiques and 50 price guides on Art, Jewelry, clothing, Orientalia to name a few. I hesitated at the price for this guide, but after reasearching the options I knew this was the concise price guide for me. I own it and am happy I chose it and it makes me MONEY just owning it. I have 30 years of Amatuer collecting and selling under my belt and I really don't need a price guide just my wits, (that's what I told myself) but it just makes it soooo easy to reinforce my experience with a reference and value basis for my risks. Leica III,a,b,c,g, Mentor Reflex, Zeiss-Ikon Miroflex, Robot 35mm, Hasselblad, Kodak Field Cameras, Sept 35mm camera projector, TDC 3d projector & Nikon Cameras are a few of the cameras I have used this informational price guide in evaluating.

My McKeown's price guide has been an invaluable tool in selling old camera's at online auction sites. It not only gives you a solid idea of what a camera is worth, but it many cases it gives you some history and background as well.

There are pictures of almost every camera listed to help you identify your exact model, and it explains in detail the difference between similar models.

I can't think of anything that could be added to make this a more complete pricing guide.

I found this book fascinating, easy to read, and fun. The reader will not only learn about Goodyear and about the rubber industry, but will also meet interesting historical characters, learn about how they reacted under difficult circumstances (some honorably, some not so honorably), and will also learn interesting facts about life in antebellum America. I highly recommend this book!

Rubber...something we take for granted in todays world really has an interesting history. The race to make this into a functional material is traced in this book. I must say that I learned so many things about Charles Goodyear and his quest to bring rubber into our lives as a product that has so many applications. His early struggles with financial loss as a result of his quest underlines his obsession that would land him in the poor house on different occasions. This book is a great source of learning not only of him but the other players at the time who could see the potential of this product. Its a great history lesson for anyone interested in how rubber came to be a part of all our lives.

Some pieces of history just do not seem to be the stuff of entertaining books - such as the history of rubber. Mr. Slack turns this bit of history into a thoroughly entertaining and informative book. Of course, he had the whacky Charles Goodyear to help along the way. To say Goodyear was obsessive would be to understate the case.

Mr. Slack weaves the efforts of Goodyear and his rivals to make rubber a useful commodity into a compelling read. Goodyear's successful efforts - after years of amusing failures - are purloined along the way by a rogue's gallery of figures. The title would imply a greater role for Hancock than he appeears in the book, but Mr. Slack shows his scientific methodology and buusiness sense in contrast to Goodyear's lack thereof to great effect.

As we watch Goodyear trip and fall repeatedly on his way to stumbling onto the answer, Mr. Slack explains the science behind the experiments well. Adding to the book is Mr. Slack's ability to give the historical perspective. He relates well the times and the burgeoning industrial age, so that when the answer to production of rubber is found, its impact on the age is comprehended by the reader.

A terrific and well-written history. Strongly recommended.

I do not often write a review of something I have read, even when it is either good or bad, but when a volume as exceptional and enjoyable to read as this one comes along, it deserves praise. I particularly enjoyed the way Mr. Slack put the era in context and he was not hesitant to go off and explore and explain the background behind the players. He gives little stories that truly flesh out those individuals or companies whom touched Goodyear's life. My only complaint is that the book was so short! This is one that could have been expanded and I dare say it would not have been dull in the least! I also wish Mr. Slack would write more! Great work!

You would never know it by today's amazon.com sales rank where currently it is ranked 1,102,030!!!! Like most of the others who have reviewed this book, I found it to be superb. Charles Slack takes us back to nineteenth century America and one mans obsession with an idea. Many folks bought into his idea for a time and some of them lost a lot of money in the process. Most people considered him a fool. But Charles Goodyear devoted most of his working life to perfecting the art of vulcanization. His efforts resulted in a product with literally thousands of commercial uses. It is a truly remarkable story told in a most engaging manner. Never mind the best sellers.....give this one a try. I guarantee you that you won't be disappointed.

Old Mother West Wind was a gift for grandmother, who read her children stories from this series when we were young. Happy stories and illustrations for young elementary children. Good entertainment, useful for K-3 school. Loved it!

These stories were first told to his own children by Thornton Burgess. Then they were read to me by my mother over 60 years ago. They were long out of print when my own children were of the right age but they are back for my grandchildren. They are highly recommended.

This book was a gift to my 6 year-old grandson. He loves it; both the stories and the pictures. This is a book my mother read to me when I was little boy. My favorite character was Bobby Coon.

Thornton Burgess was a naturalist and the stories of animals in Old Mother West Wind are wonderful. The characters attitudes and behaviors are true to the animal portrayed. A wonderful way to get acquainted with nature. Perfect book for an adult to read to a younger child.

A book of short stories about animals who talk, _Old Mother West Wind_ is enjoyable for a child of about five years to about eight as a read aloud (or older, if your child isn't terribly worldly.) These short tales often attempt to explain "how", as in how the skunk got his stripe, and have, in addition to the animals, characters such as Mother Nature and the Merry Little Breezes.

Many of these stories attempt to teach a moral, though often it is not obvious due to the author's skill. These are old stories and they reflect the values of the time they were written in. My ADHD eleven year old read the book himself and enjoyed it and is looking forward to the sequel.

Here are the stories included:

1) Mrs. Redwing's Speckled Egg - Mrs. Redwing has just laid a beautiful new egg and the Merry Little Breezes must help keep it safe from Tommy Brown.

2) How Reddy Fox Was Surprised - When Johnny Chuck wanders too far from home, Reddy Fox decides to play a trick on him. But the joke's on Reddy Fox.

3) Why Grandfather Frog Has No Tail - Grandfather Frog tells the Merry Little Breezes why Mother Nature took away all frogs' tails.

4) Why Jimmy Skunk Wears Stripes - When Mrs. Ruffed Grouse's eggs are destroyed by "a pair of eyes," the whole forest seeks the culprit. When Jimmy Skunk is found out, his days of night camouflage are over. (This was my son's favorite.)

5) The Willful Little Breeze - When one of the Merry Little Breezes stays in the Green Meadow after Old Mother West Wind has gone home behind the Purple Hills, he foils Hooty the Owl and Reddy Fox's plans to eat Mr. Bob White and his family.

6) Reddy Fox Goes Fishing - While Reddy Fox sleeps, he dreams he can fish as well as Billy Mink, but Reddy Fox just ends up all wet.

7) Jimmy Skunk Looks for Beetles - As Jimmy Skunk looks for beetles, he doesn't make any friends, but is rather selfish and destructive. However, the adventure really starts when Peter Rabbit decides to help.

8) Billy Mink's Swimming Party - Billy Mink invites Jerry Muskrat and Little Joe Otter to a swimming party at the Smiling Pool.

9) Peter Rabbit Plays a Joke - When Peter Rabbit tries to play a joke on Johnny Chuck and Reddy Fox, the joke back-fires.

10) How Sammy Jay Was Found Out - When Happy Jack's store of nuts disappears, Old Mother West Wind forms a committee of the whole to solve the mystery.

11) Jerry Muskrat's Party - When Jerry Muskrat throws a swim party, many of his guests aren't having any fun. Then, Little Joe Otter comes up with an idea that saves the party.

12) Johnny Chuck Finds the Best Thing in the World - When Striped Chipmunk hears Old Mother West Wind tell the Slender Fir Tree that she's found the Best Thing in the World, everyone starts to search for it--and everyone imagines it as something different.

13) Bobby Coon and Reddy Fox Play Tricks - When Bobby Coon and Reddy Fox trap Johnny Chuck inside his home, Jimmy Skunk helps Johnny Chuck surprise the two of them.

14) The Tale of Tommy Trout, Who Didn't Mind - Though Tommy Trout's mother tried to warn him of the dangers outside of their little pool, Tommy Trout didn't listen.

15) Little Joe Otter's Slippery Slide - When Little Joe Otter, Billy Mink, and Jerry Muskrat build a mud slide on the bank of the Smiling Pool, Peter Rabbit's curiosity gets the best of him.

16) Spotty the Turtle Wins a Race - When Peter Rabbit, Reddy Fox, and Billy Mink decide to race to see who's fastest, Peter Rabbit teases Spotty the Turtle that he should join. Spotty the Turtle does, and uses his mind to win the race.