W Books

This review originally appeared in the 2 2008 issue of the The Duke & Duchess of Windsor Society Quarterly:

Erin Frances Schulz, in her debut book, which is the beginning of an expected "BEACH HISTORY: A Snapshot of the Past" series of books, does a completely entertaining and interesting job of recounting the story of Wallis and Edward, through the abdication. That is no small task.

Ms. Schulz does an excellent job in balancing historical fact with emotional tone. One would hope for that talent in what is essentially a very high level overview of the abdication. In lesser hands, this book might bore to tears which would defeat it's author's intended purpose: to introduce history to readers who would not otherwise read biographies or historical books.

Duke & Duchess of Windsor Society members are probably the best litmus test for the efficacy or veracity of any writings related to WE. Like most Society members, I've read just about everything that has been written by or about the couple. And yet, I found this to be a thoroughly captivating overview of their epic story that was a pleasure to read.
There are two important things that members should note about this book:

The first, is that the author has written the book based upon the Windsor's autobiographies, A King's Story and The Heart Has Reasons as the fundamental basis for the narrative. The author's notes at the end of the book are quite specific about this: "Note on the sources: the use of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor's memoirs as primary sources was intentional. The King and Mrs. Simpson, although researched extensively, is meant to be the story as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor wanted it be told."

I find the sentence above quite remarkable. Why should the abdication be told by any other authority than the two most principle individuals involved? Why would Stanley Baldwin's account, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother's account, Queen Mary's wishes supersede that of the two principle figures in this amazing drama?

Which leads me to my second point: This is not meant to be the new, defining book about the Windsors and the abdication. This book will hopefully introduce new generations who wouldn't normally learn about this story, which in my opinion, happens to be one of the most important events in the twentieth century as it was a catalyst for so much modern history subsequently.

Given Ms. Schulz objective which is to educate new readers to history, she makes a brilliant debut with this first book. The vibrancy of the Windsor story never seems to lose it's sheen.

This is a perfectly enjoyable and nostalgic look for the true Windsor-phile. And even the most jaded of readers, I include myself as such, will find this to be a refreshing and, most of all, promising, book about a story that should not be forgotten.

I hope Windsor-philes will do everything you can to help to get this book noticed. If you are a member of a reading club this would make an excellent reading title. You might give this book to all your friends as holiday gifts (In The Mitford Sisters Letters I read that the Windsors gave all of their friends Pursuit of Love by Nancy Mitford for Christmas one year). Or, you might suggest to have the author come visit your local book or library.

Why? Because Ms. Schulz and her book are on a mission to introduce the Wallis and Edward story to generations now and in the future. Which might, like it did me when I first read about their story, or currently, Madonna, send the reader off on a mission to read every book about the Windsors.

Mark Gaulding
Publisher and Editor
The Duke & Duchess of Windsor Society Quarterly Journal

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I lost myself in the story and I didn't want it to end. I knew the basics of the story prior to picking up this book, but Ms. Schulz did a wonderful job of highlighting and expanding upon the important cultural facts of the time, thus putting this very personal story into a historical context. The book brings these two people - King Edward and Wallis Simpson - to life. It's a very intimate look into the lives of two important historical figures.

I also think the concept of "beach history" is a great one. As someone who primarily reads history and biographies, I am always trying to get my fiction-friends to try out nonfiction. It's difficult to share my books with people who mainly read fiction because they often find the reading too heavy and frankly, boring. Beach history is a great way to introduce people to history in a thorough, yet fun format and to give readers a solid historical look at a specific topic.

This book is great for both history readers, as it provides a more intimate look into the lives of Edward & Wallis, as well as for those who don't typically pick up history books, as it is engaging and dynamic. I hope Ms. Schulz writes more beach history books on other topics!

What a pleasure to discover this little gem. A regal love story with romance, intrigue, lots of money and a happy ending,..sort of. And it is all true. This writer's crisp clean language never gets in the way of the story, just keeps moving us along on a journey devised to captivate and entertain. Only after I'd finished did I remember that I'd just enjoyed reading about an actual historic moment of great import. Now that's the way to do it!

This is the way I wish I had learned history!! Readable, enjoyable and insightful, not dry or boring whatsoever! I knew next to nothing about this story but the author presents a very interesting and detailed overview of King Edward's relationship with Wallis Simpson and the political crisis it caused, all while not losing the plot of a truly great love story. A very unique read which I strongly recommend. Authors take note... this IS creative nonfiction done right!!!

This book has introduced me to the wonderful world of "Beach History." It is ideal for someone who is interested in learning more about history without having to sift through mindless facts and figures or daunting chapters. Schulz's prose and writing style captures the reader from the beginning and carries them through to the end. Her attention to detail and vivid descriptions forces the reader to wonder whether the author was simply relying on her meticulous research, or if she was an actual witness to the events first-hand. An excellent choice for the novice and seasoned reader alike!

A great primer for those new to Fly Fishing. I bought it as an introduction for my nephews so that we could enjoy the sport together

Great result when you use a buying catalogue like Cabelas, Orvis or L.L. Bean and combine it with the information of this guide... they should make an spanish version

Bought this book before fly fishing for the first time. Great pictures and text. goes into detail that I won't "outgrow" for a long time.

This is a composite of three previously published L. L Bean guides: fly-fishing, casting, and fly tying. The first part is Whitlock's book on fly-fishing and is one of the best (the other being Rosenbauer's Orvis book) introductions to the sport of fly fishing. The Whitlock illustrations are always great, and the information is top-notch. You will find out everything you need from fly lines to fly rods to knots to basic flies.

Add the other two parts and this is an excellent overall view of all three areas. Because of the comprehensive approach, it is one of the best "how to" books on fly-fishing available.

Don't be fooled by the "L.L.Bean" title--the book does not promote their products. It is a top-rated introduction to fly fishing, casting, and tying.

This was a reccommended book for any flyfisherman. I bought the Orvis and i just had to have the L.L. Bean book too. Both are great products. L.L. Bean has outdone themselves what a great book for any fisherman. This is a father's Day gift and i can't wait to give it to my dad. He will love it.
Thanks,
Chase

I thoroughly enjoy this book. Just the right amount of topical information to let us know the history on all of the present day lake locations I love. I did not know the rich backgounds on so many familiar places where I have spent time. Some street corners and lake scenes look the same today. Others, only a trace of familiarity or none all. It is fun to look at the postcard to try to find those ties to the past that root me into the Lake Geneva of today. Wonderful variety postcards too!

Using vintage postcards was a unique way to tell the history of Lake Geneva. The postcards allowed the reader to see the beautiful mansions that surrounded the lake and let one imagine what life was like during this early period. I especially liked the chapters on The Lake Camps and Lake Fun with pictures of the boats in the early days.

What a delight to go back in my own history of visiting Lake Geneva beginning in the early 1940's and seeing a picture of WI. Power and Light where my uncle worked, Horticultural Hall where many a pilgramage was made from Chicago via auto or the Northwestern train (loved the depot pic) to the annual flower show and a special treat to dine afterwards at the Gargoyle! Even better was to get an appreciation of the area in the time my grandparents(came during the Irish potato famine in the 1840's) and mother (baptized at St. Francis de Sales-1898) lived and farmed in the Irish Woods area off Hwy 50. Thanks for this beautiful gift to my memories!

Smeltzer has done a marvelous job not only of describing life around Lake Geneva over the years but of gathering an astounding assortment of postcards to reflect that life. Having grown up around the lake area and spent many relaxing weekends there with my parents, it was a nostalgic journey to flip through the material. You will enjoy having this little treasure.

The vintage postcards of Lake Geneva brought back a flood of summer memories anyone can relate to
The book is well-organized and includes very interesting historical facts that one would not otherwise have discovered.The black and white photos create an atmosphere of serenity
I commend the author for taking us on a photographic journey back in time to those lazy, hazy days of summer in Lake Geneva Wisconsin

The updated, expanded edition of The Last Album: Eyes From The Ashes Of Auschwitz- Birkenau is out, and no less hard-hitting than the original. These black and white photos were not supposed to reach the world: the Nazi order to destroy all personal photos brought to each concentration camp was meant to destroy memories as much as evidence. Despite this mandate, author Weiss uncovered an archive of over 2,400 photos brought to Auschwitz by Jewish deportees across Europe - photos hidden and saved, at great risk to their owners. These photos accompany a traveling exhibition which is making its way around the world, presenting over 400 of these photos and how the deportees arrived at Auschwitz - and how Weiss came to discover them and to research their roots. A 'must' for any serious Jewish history collection - and many a general interest holding, as well.

"The last Album" by Ann Weiss is well organized and well written. It contains 400 remarkable
photographs that were brought to Auschwitz-Birkenau by victims in 1943. These photographs were taken
prior to the Holocaust and depict people bursting with life. This is an extremely unique book, and contains material that was lovingly researched for a period of 15 years. The beauty of this book is that the
photographs and the research accomplished brings to life people that were lost during the dreadful time of
the Holocaust. The book like the author is soft, sweet, articulate and brilliant

I read this book by chance, yesterday, Memorial Day 2003.
Been crying.
It's like Schindler's List or Sophie's choice.
How could they do it?
How can we let them continue doing it?
The animals still are around us, although using another names, another symbols, another motivations.
I kept reading, hoping to find some of the people to be safe at the end, but almost everybody was killed.
Binim, Rozak, Mayer, Bronka, so many of you.
I miss you, my friends.

After reading this book, I feel this should be in every house in every country. You hear so much about the people and the numbers killed that sometimes it doesn't seem real but this book makes it very real. The pictures are so powerful and at the same time so ordinary - they could be pictures of anyone's parents or grandparents. The most haunting pictures are those of the children - you have to wonder how many survived. The stories of the survivors bring it all home - "There's the aunt of the little girl I used to babysit", etc. I found it amazing that these pictures did survive 40, 50 years before being discovered again. Anyone who denies the Holocaust happened should read this book and then try to still say it never happened. Thank you Ann Weiss for bringing these pictures and the stores behind them out of the darkness.

This book is an amazing piece of history. The fact that so many photos brought into Auschwitz have survived is phenomenol as all personal effects were automotically burned by the Nazis murderers. When viewing the photos in this book, which were brought in by those of the Sosnowiec-Bendzin transport, it would also be advisable to read Tadeusz Borokowski's book "This way to the gas ladies & gentleman' as this book covers the particular Sosnowiec-Bendzin transport and outlines in gruesome and terrifying detail what became of many of those on this transport. The photographs bring back to life many who are gone and also tells you those who survived, which is a relief to realise that some of those from the Polish ghettos made it. These photos bring back a lost world that will never return and along with Roman Vishniac's collection of photographs are a piece of history that is very much worth investing in.

There are two editions. The newer revised edition is available on Amazon in both paperback (ISBN 0795379348) and hardcover (ISBN 097537933X). 100% of the net proceeds from the NEW editions are donated to animal rescue groups. (Unfortunately there are no donations from this old edition).
You can see the new editions at
The Canine Commandments (paperback)
The Canine Commandments (hardcover)

Artful and well-written, The Canine Commandments uncovers the true wisdom behind a dog's life. The lessons that W.R. Pursche delivers via our canine friends translate perfectly into our daily relationships with other humans, most notably friends and family. At the heart of it all is loyalty and unconditional love.

Although it will resonate especially strongly for pet lovers, Lessons to Live By: The Canine Commandments is a self-help book intended for readers of all backgrounds, regardless of pet ownership, that draws upon what humans can learn from their canine companions. Timeless wisdom, from the importance of living for the moment to loyalty to the treasure that is friendship and the power of everlasting faith and more - all these are virtues embodied within man's best friend, of which man (and woman) should take heed. "The next time you are with a group of people, count how often their 'conversation' is really nothing more than telling other people how they should behave. 'Don't do that!' 'Put on a sweater, it's cold.' 'Change the station.' Sometimes what passes for conversation is nothing more than a subtle - or not so subtle - series of comments trying to get each other to change - to do what they want, to be like them... Dogs just accept others for what they are, and love them as they are." 100% of the net proceeds of Lessons to Live By: The Canine Commandments will be used for the saving and care of dogs and other animals through the efforts of humane organizations. Highly recommended as an inspirational gift, especially for dog owners but sure to add a ray of cheer for anyone with fond memories of a beloved four-footed friend.

I just loved this book! It is really well-written book and the lessons are very inspiring. There is also a great story at the end where a dog 'tells' his story about being adopted and living with his people.

I can't wait to see if the author writes another book!

While I really love dogs, Pursche's book is really about life and living.

Real simple, fast to read, not too many big words or complicated concepts to digest!

Take an hour or two to read and gain a new perspective on daily living.

Lord Chesterfield's writings are by far the best guidelines for an up-and-coming, savvy gentleman to learn the ways of the society. Stanhope's many gems of advice are learned painfully by most through experience, or sometimes not at all. This book is truly a classic and one I will insist my future sons read before making their way in the world.

Lord Chesterfield is the 18th-century English father I never had. In these letters to his son, he gives stern but fair lessons in how to conduct oneself as a gentleman in society. Chesterfield, with his classical learning and lifelong service to the monarchy, is superbly qualified to give such social advice. His dry wit, strong-mindedness, and discerning eye make him entertaining to read, and, though repetitive ("the graces, boy, remember the graces!"), much of his advice is still very apt today. Taking us through the prime of his career to the twilight of his life, these letters show Chesterfield as the ultimate politician--keenly aware of humanity's selfishness, and always ready to use that selfishness to his own benefit. There is something endearing in this open devilishness.

The following, and my favorite, quote will no doubt provide a quick and definitive answer to the ageless question: are you upper class?

Dear Boy,
Having mentioned laughing, I must particularly warn you against it: and I could heartily wish that you may often be seen to smile, but never heard to laugh while you live. ... A man's going to sit down, in the supposition that he has a chair behind him, and falling down upon his breech for want of one, sets a whole company a laughing, when all the wit in the world would not do it; a plain proof, in my mind, how low and unbecoming a thing laughing is: not to mention the disagreeable noise that it makes, and the shocking distortion of the face that it occasions. Laughter is easily restrained by a very little reflection; but as it is generally connected with the idea of gaiety, people do not enough attend to its absurdity. I am neither of a melancholy nor a cynical disposition, and am as willing and as apt to be pleased as anybody; but I am sure that since I have had the full use of my reason, nobody has ever heard me laugh.

"All you learn, and all you can read, will be of little use, if you don't think and reason upon it yourself". This is merely one of the advices Lord Chesterfield gave to his natural son, Philip, in the many letters he wrote to him from 1737 onwards, and that this book compiles.

Chesterfield was an important stateman, who wrote these letters only for the eyes of his son, not for the general public, so he did express in stark terms what he truly thought about many controversial themes. It is, in my opinion, very interesting to read what he considered to be general truths, and to get to know his conception of life, society and politics. Whether you agree or not with his opinions, you cannot remain indifferent to this controversial book.

Lord Chesterfield places great value on appearances. He tells Philip that "If your air and address are vulgar, awkward, and gauche, you may be esteemed indeed, if you have great intrinsic merit; but you will never please; and without pleasing you will rise but heavily". The author is, evidently, a cynic who doesn't believe that the world can be improved. He points out that "The world is taken by the outside of things, and we must take the world as it is". Chesterfields profession is fairly evident at all times, for example when he advises his son "...to be upon your own guard, and yet, by a seeming natural openness, to put people off theirs".

"Lord Chesterfield's Letters" has been considered a noteworthy classic by many, but it has also been strongly criticized. For example, Samuel Johnson said that it taught "the morals of a whore and the manners of a dancing-master". I really don't agree with Johnson: I happen to like this book, and a lot. It is not only very easy to read, but also informative. The reader feels as if he were talking with an old but very experienced person, who played an active part in an enormous number of significant events, and who wants to transmit his knowledge not only on diplomatic affairs, but also about life and education. He often displays great insight, for example when he says that "You must look into people, as well as at them. Almost all people are born with all the passions, to a certain degree; but almost every man has a prevailing one, to which the others are subordinate".

All in all, I strongly recommend this book. It includes a high number of subjects, and I think you are highly likely to find it very appealing. If more is needed to convince you, I'll just leave you with one of the phrases written by the author, and I'll let its excellence to speak for itself: "Mind, not only what people say, but how they say it; and, if you have any sagacity, you may discover more truth by your eyes than by your ears. People can say what they will, but they cannot look just as they will; and their looks frequently discover, what their words are calculated to conceal". What else can I say?... Enjoy this book!.

Belen Alcat

Lord Chesterfield was an influential politician, diplomat and cabinet minister during the reigns of George I and II, and this book is a collection of letters of advice, counsel, and sometimes genuine wisdom, written by Chesterfield, over many years, to his son, Philip Stanhope, for whom Chesterfield had the highest hopes of success in the world. What you may get out of this book depends on who you are as a reader: casual readers would do better to stay with mysteries and thrillers; inebriate undergraduates would do better to skip it altogether; but ambitous men and women, actually working in the real world, will find so much here to consider and reflect upon, that it will take several close readings to absorb all that may apply to your career. That one's knowlege of the World must be learned by experience in the World, not in an ivory tower; that one's skills and virtues are of little practical value, unless carefully presented in a pleasing and artful Image; that multitasking destroys all hope of success; these are a few of the ideas which Chesterfield presents in elegant and polished prose. But Chesterfield's personal life, as it unfolds through his letters to its tragic and sorrowful conclusion, presents the most powerful lesson of all about ambition, life, and failure, for those readers who can read beyond what is merely written.

Buy this book. When it is delivered to you, savour each small chapter with curiosity, patience, diligence and a beginner's mind. When you're ready, take it to the piano with you. Sit with Dr. Overtone by your side, or right before you on the sheet music stand, and let him open door after door and guide you to the mysteries of sound and silence. Suddenly, you'll realise the piano is not merely what you have been expecting it to be. Within a few moments, you'll realise music is not what you thought it was. And eventually, you'll learn more about yourself, your community and the meaning of life than you thought your ears could teach you. Music, and music practice, then, will become a spiritual experience.

The way the book was written is lighthearted and really gentle, but the author very accurately tackles core concepts in a very hands-on approach. Expect to spend much more time making sounds than reading, to change a handful of concepts no matter how advanced you think you are in music, and to even perhaps change the way you teach your pupils. One of these gifts to Humankind a genious offers once in a very good while, this book is the philosopher's stone for everybody invested in making sound gold, from the pitch-challenged, wannabe singer to the super-concertist disheartened with their career. Even for those covered-ears souls who think they have not the gift for music. In essence, pretty much the next small step for a global cultural revolution. Do not just buy it, advertise it.

I gave this book to my son after reading it. It teaches basic skills to those who need some encouragement that, yes, they too are a musician. But it's also very entertaining and he tells some great stories.

This is a delightful collection of essays on how to sensitize yourself to and appreciate all the sounds around you, from frogs and birds to dinnerware clinks to foreign languages being spoken.

I read the book in Chinese, since that was all our library had. I only give the translation a B, but the meaning mostly came through, and I don't think I missed too much from the original English.

My favorite section was the one on musical composition. It contains several practical suggestions that I haven't seen in other books on how to compose your own tunes. I had discovered the notion of AMAPFALAP ("As much as possible from as little as possible") independently before, but Mathieu's approach provides a concrete and excellent starting point to developing your own musical ideas and stretching and firming up your musical muscles.

Mathieu ends with some thoughts on why his students would always say "thank you" for all they learned in his music workshops, but just "that was interesting" in reaction to his concerts of improvised music. He seems a bit miffed, but ultimately comes up with a rationalization he can live with.

Music is more than just Beethoven and playing the notes on the score; in this book, Mathieu helps you find out just how much more it is.

This books is amazing. It's very fun to read and really opens up your ear. My only issue is that sometimes he uses words that I can't find in the dictionary, so for that one sentence, I don't know what he's trying to say. But they don't affect what he's telling you. I think he puts stuff in there for himself. haha

anyway, get the book

W.A. Mathieu is utterly in love with vibrating air molecules, and this thoughtful, warm, and fun collection of short essays is bound to impart some of that to you. This is not a book about composition, about developing your own personal style or anything of that sort. It is a way of focusing on and developing your relationship with your ears, with sound, with what sounds good to you in music and in nature and in all of the world, both inside and outside of your head. In playful exercises for musicians and non-musicians alike, we examine the nature of a single note played on an instrument, or sung alound, or even just a series of spoken or drawn-out syllables. There are ways to bring music into a group of people; there are ways to draw it out of inanimate objects; there are ways to find it in silence. He's not trying to convince anybody that traffic, barking dogs, and 3 AM garbage trucks are as beautiful as a Bach piece; some things will sound better to you than others. But practice makes perfect: if you practice hearing, you will hear more, and you will hear better, and you will find more things that sound good, and you will get a richer enjoyment of them. This is "Discovering Your Own Music."

A Living Lens is a wonderful collection of photographs that not only demonstrate everyday life of Jews throughout the United States but it is accompanied by a rich text authored by witnesses to this history. Of all the photography books about the Jews of the 19th and 20th centuries thids one ranks at the top. A must see and read.

This collection and commentary was great....and more than met our expectations. It sits now on our coffee table for all to review and reminisce.

Beautiful book, well written. A book for anyone to share with their children to teach them an important part of our US history.

As the grandchild of Polish / Ukraine immigrants who read the Forvitz, this book lovingly captures the memories of a time long gone.

Earlier this year, I had participated in a tour, including the old Forward Building in Lower Manhattan, with our guide being one of the photographers for this beuatiful book. I was so happy with the book which arrived in exellent condition.

Thank you.

Renate Stone

This book is one of the best books in this field. Since many years I look it up, amazed about the rich content. It is a MUST to any neurologist.

Hi Everyone...This book is amazing. I'm going into Neurology Residency, and got this book to prepare myself. The text is really well written, thorough, very detailed, and easy to follow. Not as thick as I imagined though.

It is clear much care has been taken in the writing of this text.I am involved in medical student teaching and this book has been very useful. Neuroanatomy and related topics has always been a bit difficult for many students and this text puts things in a concise,thourough fashion.I have also used it personally on numerous occasions to help review some relatively uncommon clinical scenarios.

A book intended to instruct with quality, including the tiniest details of the complex neuroanatomy and its semiology. Every neurologist should at least read it.

Once you have mastered clinical neurology and passed the boards, you need this book. It contains all the neurotrivia, all the elements of clinical localization that you need at the bedside and simply can't keep in your brain from day to day.

I'm not talking about elementary stuff like the common etiologies of acute 3rd nerve palsy or the basic elements of the Brown-Sequard syndrome. That stuff is in here but it's assumed that you know it already. No, I'm talking about things like, for example, the differential of sector palsy of the iris sphincter, or the masterful discussion of simple ways to separate out a pupil blown from a Pcomm aneurysm from one that accidentally had some albuterol dripped into it.

Dry: yes, it is. Dull - if you flip it open at random, it makes excellent bedside reading for insomniacs, it'll put you right to sleep. But when you are faced with a physical finding and don't know how to incorporate it into the clinical picture, there is NO SUBSTITUTE for this book. If I were stranded on a desert island and forced to practice neurological diagnosis with only my extensive training and one book to help me, this would be that book.

In my haste I incorrectly wrote Saipan....I meant to write Peleliu

James Johnston gave a vivid, poignant and heroic account of his life with the Marines fighting in the Pacific during World War II. It was fascinating to read how it life was for the Marines in the Pacific as like he said, the media tended to focus on the European theater and thought of the Pacific theater as "easy."

Using letters that he wrote home, Johnston managed to add a personal touch to his account. It was interesting to get a glimpse on how he felt emotionally, the friendship that was formed between the soldiers and how a lot of times, soldiers are fighting as hard as they did, for their friends because they did not want to let their them down. When Johnston was the section leader, he was able to show the burden of responsibilities as you were not just in charge of your life but of others too.
Lastly, how he was disappointed with the Marines. He found flaws with the system but at the same time, it was very much part of him.

"The Long Road of War" is a wonderfully-written, highly-emotional story of Marine Corps combat from the "flat-trajectory" soldier's perspective. Johnston shares his own personal horrific views of World War II Pacfic combat. With stirring text, he shows the sudden transformation from Nebraska teenager to Green recruit to hardened veteran. This book is an excellent addition to any historian's bookshelf, once they can find the time to put it down.

In my haste I incorrectly wrote Saipan....I meant to write Peleliu

This was a book that I could absolutely not put down. Mr. Johnston's description of his transition from a Midwest teenager into a battle hardened, front line Marine is told with a grim honesty that is seldom found in books about war. This book does away with any glorification or self-promotion and gives you the tragic, ugly truth about the war in the South Pacific.