U Books

I've just finished reading this wonderful book a few days ago. It was sweet and simple, yet Mary was obviously such an elegant lady. I took my time reading each page, savoring every moment she described of her life in CT. I truly didn't want this book to end. How I wish I had personally known Mary and had been able to sit down and have tea and cake with her. I can't stop thinking about Mary, her 1st and 2nd husbands, and her friends and family. Most of all, I keep thinking about Smoky, her precious German shepherd. I cried about Smoky, and then I cried about Mary when I found out she had passed, also. This was an extremely memorable book.

To the reviewer from Modesto - please email me, I know Mary would love to hear from you.

Mary's book read like a conversation between friends as she reminisced about the challenge of making a barn into a home and then adjusting to life as a single woman upon the death of her husband. Although for me it was reminiscent of similar experiences as I was her neighbor, living just over the hill, everyone will enjoy her style. In her telling of the love and support she found among neighbors, she reminds us all of a life and time many of us knew but now has been lost.

This is one of the best reads I have expereinced. Must admit that I am partial because I live in CT and much of what she describes I have seen. It is a touching love story. A book about the value of women learing to be independent well before her time. It is richly written. Our book club will be reading this book next month. I'm looking forward to the second reading. A must read in my humble opinion!

Mary was delighted to hear your raving reviews of her book. I am sad to tell you that she passed away August 18, 2001 at the age of 96. She was in the process of completing a sequal to "The Widow Down By The Brook". Had her body not given out, believe me, her mind would have finished it. I was fortunate to have spent the past year trying to keep up with her. The immediate personal connection you feel reading the words in her book are the same feelings you had meeting her. She found humor in every day. She was a delightful woman, a precious one that got away. She will be truely missed.

If you are interested in Native American history and culture, this book (like all of Arden's books) is a great place to provide insight. Wisdom is the key point in this work as well as his others. A fantastic piece and one that will grab your heart, mind, and soul.

I have had the pleasure of knowing both Harvey Arden and Steve Wall for many years now. Their books have touched the heart of many people around the world. This book is one of their best ever! The photos and stories/histories of the Wisdomkeepers within awaken your senses in a profound way. Journey with these two former National Geographic icons and learn with them, through them, and find what you've been looking for - an understanding of what it is to be human, through the journey of these amazing purveyors of hope, wisdom and truth.

She:Kon (Sago)(Hello) To all who read this and hope you are all well. I personally know some of the Wisdom Keepers, Elders whose words are in this book and know them to be of good mind and person. I am Mohawk and Odawa and I come from upstate New York near some of the Reservations and I fully recommend this book for any person who needs to come back to the reality of the living world around them and bring them back to the basic relation between humankind and all the life that is on this earth and surrounds us in the cosmos.

Very informative, Well done and a listening pleasure...Something you can listen to over again and pickup something new each time....

The book is so well done, but the talking book is far better. You enter the jounery with them. You hear the wisdom of the spirtiually elders and long with the creaking of the doors and beatiful pow-wow/drumming in the background. You get a great opportunity to hear the calling of the eagle out of the sky at wounded knee that was prayered out of the sky by Frank Fools Crow. The best part that makes me laugh is when Steve Wall and Harvey Arden go and see one of the elders. Steve doesn't have a chance to go into his spell when the elder tells them I know why you are here you lost your orginial instructations. Also when they go and see charlie Knight and he asks them each time when Ya Leavein.

I had been looking for this Alice in wonderland tarot for a while and
no wonder I had trouble finding it, it's out of print. But luckily one of Amazon's vendor's had a deck for sale. Love the deck hated the "out of print" price.

I am an extreme fan of Alice in Wonderland and that is first and foremost the reason why I "had" to have this deck.

I am not a fan of the traditional Rider-Waite cards, so I will not be using this cards too often for card readings, BUT, I found it very funny as to how the characters of Alice in Wonderland were incorporated into the traditional RW style. Even more amusing was the fact that the Cups, Swords, Wands, and Pentacles had been changed in the oh so obviously Alice in Wonderland imagery of Hats, Flamingoes, Peppermills, and Oysters. Still, as the traditional imagery of the Tarot is used, this deck will work for begginers.

Interestingly though, it's quite remarkable as to how so many of the Alice characters fit very well with the Major Arcana. Some examples are:

The Fool~The Mad Hatter
Death~The Queen of Hearts
The Hermit~The Dormouse
The Devil~The Jabberwocky
Wheel of Fortune~The circle of animals that are running around after Alice's flood of tears
Judgement~The White Rabbit

The more familiar you are with the Alice stories, the more you will laugh as you recognize the scenes on every card. This is a definite must for any fan of Alice in Wonderland, even if you don't read Tarot cards.

Wonderful deck for those who love Alice In Wonderland and Tarot Cards in general. It might take a while to get used to them because of the unique imagery.

I bought this deck because I'm a fan of Alice. The pictures are based on the book, not Disney, so they incorporate characters like the Duchess, and the lion and unicorn. It is a Rider-Waite variant, and it would probably confuse people because the suits are different(peppermills, flamingos, hats, and oysters), as mentioned in other reviews. The illustrations are not quite what I expected, but are still very cool. If you collect tarot cards, or are an Alice fan, you'd appreciate these. Otherwise, it would be best to get another deck. I personally, however, love them.

A very nice addition to all collectors. This deck is based on Lewis Carroll's classic childrens tale. It is not the Disney version, however. The illustrations are based on the original renderings by Sir John Tenniel. This is a devoted and loving tribute to the classic. It fits well within the system of classical Rider-Waite Tarot.

This set works well for younger "Alice" fans. All of the major trumps translate well to the traditional symbolism. The Mad Hatter as the Fool, Alice as the High Priestess, the Queen of Hearts as Death, and the White Rabbit as Judgement. All resonate with the architypes accordingly. One familiar with the story can relate rather well.

Carroll used a psychological approach to his strange fable and it has since become a perennial classic through the years. I was personally confused and frightened at times with the story. Seeing it translated in a tarot deck is more effective for myself.

As for reading with it, the suite cards are changed to peppermills/wands/clubs, flamingos/swords/spades, hats/cups/hearts, and oysters/pentacles/diamonds. This can be confusing to some. The colors are not as vibrant as one would expect.The Rider-Waite based palette is paid tribute to. If you have a preference for Lewis Carroll's work, then this is a tarot deck for you. Children would also get some inspiration from this deck. Otherwise, there are many other places to begin.

Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (11/07)

Anita M. Smith (1893-1968) is not only portrayed as an accomplished writer, but also as an accomplished artist as she reveals Woodstock in this wonderful second edition "art book." What a breathtaking way to create a visual tribute to 20th century artists such as Konrad Cramer, Doris Lee, Andrew Dasburg, and of course herself, Anita M. Smith.

But there is more. Smith includes history and daily life. There is an extensive chapter on the Byrdcliffe Arts and Crafts colony as well a section emphasizing the Maverick music and arts festivals, the predecessor to Woodstock. This coffee table book also features nearly 200 photos accentuating local individuals and attractions.

Those of us that grew up in the era of the 1969 Woodstock Festival, even if we didn't attend it, will always relate to it. But, most of us, unless we live in the area, do not know the history of Woodstock. Smith gives the opportunity for us to visit Woodstock in a way we couldn't have in 1969.

"Woodstock History and Hearsay" is captivating to say the least. The local tradition and myths, along with the researched narrative and paintings captures the splendor and magic of one of America's oldest arts communities.

Several years ago I reviewed It happened in Woodstock which was originally published in 1959 and authored by a Philadelphia debutant, artist, herbalist and author Anita M. Smith. As I mentioned in my review it was a book not only remarkable for its good look, but also its amazing chronicling of the history of Woodstock from A.D. 1614 until 1971. The 1959 book was Woodstock's first official history and documented the run-up of events that culminated in the historic three day "Woodstock Music and Art Fair" that was celebrated in mid-August of 1969.

This second edition, Woodstock History and Hearsay published by Woodstock Arts includes an abundance of new material including a comprehensive list of endnotes, a bibliography and an expanded index. It is the recipient of the 2007 Independent Publisher Award and a finalist Foreward 2007 Book of the Year.

We have to thank the tireless efforts of Weston Blelock and his sister Julia for giving us the opportunity to experience through the writings of Anita M. Smith the history, art and lifestyle of Woodstock's inhabitants from its early settlement until the 1960s.

Moreover, with Woodstock History and Hearsay we can now fully appreciate the philosophy and art of such 20th century artists as George Bellow, Charles Rosen, Konrad Cramer, Henry Mattson, Yasuo Kuniyoshi, Alexander Archipenko, Arnold Blanch, Doris Lee, Henry Lee McFee, Alfeo Faggi and others.

It should be pointed out that Weston and Julia Blelock's mother, Nelle Thornton Jones Blelock was a close friend of Anita Smith and she had inherited from the latter all of her holdings, including artworks and written materials. When their mother died, Smith's estate passed onto them and they resolved to honor her and their mother through a program of restoration-including various buildings and gardens as well as the collection of intellectual property. Consequently, they had founded their company, Woodstock Arts which focus was "to embrace and celebrate a mindset and way of living that he been handed down to them from Anita." As a result, one of the first major projects was the development and publication of the second edition of Smith's 1959 Woodstock History and Hearsay.

As mentioned in the Preface, this second edition augments the original set of eighteen illustrations, always making sure that the images would be a reflection of Smith's own visual palate and sensibilities.

Divided into fifteen chapters and packed with historical detail, the book explores early settlement, frontier days, glass making in the nineteenth century which was an impetus for Woodstock's growth, Catskill farmers rebelling against feudalism, a comprehensive chapter pertaining to the famous Byrdcliffe Arts and Crafts Colony, the first Woodstock Festival, Rosie Magee who was a mother to a generation of artists, George Bellows and other leading artists, the Art Students League, Ohayo Mountain, upper Hamlets, Woodstock and World War II, and various local personalities.

It is quite obvious that Smith has done a tidy bit of research making the scenes of Woodstock, her inhabitants and neighbours from the surrounding areas come alive. And as an important added feature is the relevant Integration of 170 black and white photos highlighting works of art of several local personalities and landmarks and the book's 196 images include 7 maps and two portfolios with 19 reproductions.

Woodstock History and Hearsay will appeal to booklovers who relish a fascinating read reflecting, as Julia Blelock mentions in the Preface, "Woodstock-known internationally because of its art heritage and the 1969 festival-represents a special blend of imagination, creativity and commitment to an alternative way of life."

Norm Goldman, Editor Bookpleasures

Although I've had this book for a while, it's been difficult to find time to adequately praise it. Consequently, several others have beat me to the punch, superbly. As Ms. Borsos properly notes, Woodstock, N.Y. is known for its character and characters, the one influencing the other in ways that made the town a haven for "passionate, energetic, entrepreneurial, hard working and artistic" people.

These U.S. born bohemian types fortunately included the late Anita M. Smith (1893-1968), whose paintings Weston and his sister Julia Blelock have lovingly compiled in the latest edition of this book. How they came to do that is as much of interest as the book itself, for the Blelocks' parents had during their childhood rented Smith's home, while she lived in a cottage next door, adopted them as her "spiritual" grandchildren, and wrote the first, 1959 edition of the book.

The masterful current edition won the 2007 Independent Publisher's Award, presumably for its magnificent printing quality--and its fabulous content, including the introduction of Smith's 1920-1928 impressionist artwork, heretofore not in print. Smith's previously famous artistic renditions of New York's Catskill region had been shown in Chicago's Art Institute, Toronto (now Ontario's) Art Gallery, and Pennsylvania's Academy of Fine Arts.

But Smith was also first to write the Woodstock local history, which is far more scholarly and complete than most regional histories I have seen. Smith's life experience (recorded here in a time line) indicates the breadth of experience, knowledge and intellectual exposure she brought to her account, despite her grandmotherly familiarity with editors, during their childhoods.

Woodstock's Revolutionary-era Tory bent would not surprise anyone familiar with other rural New York areas. Setauket, Long Island, for example, has struggled (successfully) to retain its colonial feel, preserving even its circa 1730 Caroline Church, to which George II's Queen, Wilhelmina Karoline of Brandenburg-Anspach, gave its original alter cloth and Sacrament ornaments--and whose western side proudly exhibits Continental soldiers' bullet holes. Under British control for 7 years after the Revolution, Setauket was like Woodstock also home to Yankee boatmen whom the "damned Red Coats" labeled a local "Spy Ring."

Woodstock's Civil, World War I and World War II histories are also admirably recounted here, in a scholarly and equally engaging manner. Students of early American history will love the local color provided in chapters on New York's time along the budding nation's "western frontier," its liberation from Tory control, its 19th Century glass-making (a common art throughout the North East and into Canada) and rural agricultural disputes with large area landholders.

Then there are Smith's word-paintings of the beginnings and life in the original Byrdcliffe art colony, founded by Ralph Radcliffe Whitehead, Bolton Brown and Hervey White, the last of whom later split off to start another such early art commune, the Maverick.

As others have mentioned, the characters on Smith's word canvas include instantly recognizable popular, business, intellectual, literary and political names (Helen Hayes, Edward G. Robinson, John Burroughs, John Dewey, Thomas Mann, Eleanor Roosevelt and Pete Seeger) and less famous (Alexander Archipenko, George Bellows, Philip Guston, Yasuo Kuniyoshi, Charles Rosen and Conrad Kramer) alike. In a way, Anita Smith was rural New York's Gertrude Stein.

I can't recommend this fabulous 2nd edition highly enough.

--Alyssa A. Lappen

This book is a history of Woodstock, New York, with an emphasis on the development of its artistic community. Originally published in 1959, the book has been updated with endnotes by Weston Blelock and many new images and plates. Smith first arrived in Woodstock in 1912, when she spent a summer with the artists' colony. She soon returned to Woodstock to take up full-time residence, and in addition to painting, began collecting stories and anecdotes from townspeople. Her interest in local history became widely known, and in 1931, she began publishing papers about the history of Woodstock through the Historical Society of Woodstock. Following World War II, she compiled a history of the wartime contributions of Woodstock community members. In 1959, she published a volume of her historical research on town history, Woodstock: History and Hearsay. In this edition, family friends, Weston and Julia Blelock, have painstakingly reviewed Smith's manuscript, added endnotes, a new introduction, a biographical timeline of Smith's life, and hundreds of new illustrations and photographs. This edition includes an index, an annotated list of illustrations, a bibliography, and endnotes, as well as the World War II service record summaries from Smith's original work.

The book represents a massive work of scholarship, covering the history of Woodstock from its earliest European settlement through the period just after World War II. As well as being an active member of the artistic community, Smith was an avid collector of stories, and recorded firsthand accounts of life in Woodstock dating as far back as the early Nineteenth Century. In this book, she includes stories of frontier life, the glass-making factories, and a large section on the Down-Rent War, a rebellion against feudal land ownership. She then traces the development of the Byrdcliffe Art Colony, the Maverick Festival, and many of the artists who came to live in Woodstock. At the end of the book is a remarkable history of the WWII contributions of Woodstock residents, at the home front as well as in the services. In addition to the plates contained in Smith's 1959 edition, the Blelocks have added hundreds of photographs, color reproductions, and maps that make the present volume quite attractive as well as illustrative of Smith's stories.

The book is a delight to read, as well as highly informative. Smith writes in a down-to-earth narrative style, conveying the character of her interviewees. She clearly had a wide range of interests and cultivated friendships with people from all walks of life. She discusses some of the politics and personality conflicts of the original artists' community impartially, although she was a firsthand witness and participant in many of the events. Scholars studying artists who resided in Woodstock during these early years will find much of interest in the book, as she provides many personal anecdotes about her colleagues and mentors. Smith's details of the WWII contributions on the home front are particularly interesting for the information they provide about the effects the war had on the social climate of a representative small American town. Overall, the volume is a treasure trove of historical information, fascinating to read, and a pleasure to browse through.

The character and essence of a community is based on the quality and type of people who settle in it. From its early beginnings and into the present times, Woodstock, NY has attracted a cast of charismatic, passionate, energetic, entrepeneurial, hard working and artistic group of people to grace her historical stage. Different eras attracted a different type of characteristic in its settlers. All helped build the community into the dynamic, artistic community which it is today. Each person left his or her imprint and indelible presence ... Anita M. Smith the author of this book is no exception. She first became well known for her impressionistic paintings of the region which were exhibited at such prestigious locations as the Art Institute of Chicago, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and the Art Gallery of Toronto (now called the Art Gallery of Ontario). Such recognition speaks volumes about her artistic talent. Ms Smith had a strong presence in the community and was the first person to research and record the complex history of Woodstock which was published as the first edition of Woodstock: Hearsay and History. We can thank Weston and Julia Blelock for including more colorful photos of her paintings in the second edition. They also provided an outstanding biographical timeline of Anita's life which gives the reader an idea of how well traveled and broad her outlook on life was. I particularly enjoyed the preface where they provide a background of why this book is so important to them and how personally meaningful it is. When growing up, they knew Anita by the dimunitive "Nietsie" ...

This book is a richly textured volume, a multi-layered historical document filled with fascinating detailed accurate history obtained from local archives. It also contains anecdotal stories, similar to local legends about various residents from the Revolutionary War, Civil War, through World Wars I and II and into the present. Reading about local residents and their experiences during the Revolutionary War made this most important event in US history come alive with meaning. What stands out most is that prior to 1775, loyalty to the King of England was the expected political position. However, shortly thereafter *if* anyone expressed support for England it was considered treason, punishable by imprisonment or worse. Revolutionary War politics comes alive for the reader, making one realize that the mood of the people had shifted towards independence, to making a break from the Crown a reality. The following chapters are especially captivating, filled with many unique stories which engage the reader's attention from start to finish: "Chapter Two - Frontier Days: Indian Forays, Revolution and Liberty", "Chapter Three - Glass Making in the Nineteenth Century", "Chapter Four: The Down-Rent War: Catskill Farmers Rebel Against Feudalism".

Each chapter stands out for its well documented and researched contents, indicating meticulous attention to accuracy which makes the book so great. Along with real history, the hearsay keeps the reader hooked, wanting to read more. Anita interviewed local residents and preserved their human interest stories, providing amusing and entertaining tales from the past. Most especially intriguing are her insightful stories about the local artists who started two famous art colonies in Woodstock: the Byrdcliffe and the Maverick. Ralph Radcliffe Whitehead, Hervey White and Bolton Brown were the founders of Byrdcliffe. Later, Hervey White separated from the group and started the Maverick. He was also the founder of the first Woodstock Festival (not to be confused with the 1969 rock concert which went by the same name but was held on a nearby farmland). I loved reading about their life stories, as young adults when they broke with convention, travelled to Italy and experienced other cultures. The wonderful true stories about Rosie Magee a local resident who provided food and lodging to a generation of artists is a thrill to read. One's heart goes out to this generous, kind-hearted, hard working lady who was a kindred soul to the artists ... A most highly recommended book. Erika Borsos [pepper flower]

To be fair about it, this is a funny book. I am a democrat and make no apology for it and even so, in the interest of fairness can find humor in some of the gaffes and faux pas of public figures who are democrats.

I didn't view this as a slam on democrats per se. I viewed it as a compliation of funny stories and comments. Democrats as with any group have a myriad of personalities and abilities. Humor can be counted among them. Democrats have wonderful political humor - check out some of the clever sayings on bumper stickers!

Despite these 449 gaffes and faux pas from well known democrats, Dumbya has the dubious distinction of the leading edge. See, only 449 have been publicly taxed to democrats in this book. Dumbya far exceeds that figure. His verbal gaffes; mispronuciations; barbarisms; faux pas and malapropisms far exceed the compilations in this book.

This is just a little book of 138 pages,but it is packed with some great and humorous things Democrats have said over the years.Some of them may not have been too outrageous at the time,but in a while came back to haunt them.If you are a Democrat, with a thin skin,maybe you better pass this up and leave it for a Republican.I am sure you can find a similar book of Republican quotes which are just as funny.However,if you can get past political affiliations,you'll love this book.
Just to show you what you'll find in this little tome,here are a few I relished:
"If a president of the United States ever lied to the American
people,he should resign"
-Bill Clinton,commenting on President Nixon and the
Watergate scandal while running for Congress in 1974.

"I remember when I first came to Washington.For the first
six months you wonder how the hell you ever got there.For the
next six months you wonder how the hell the rest of them got
there."
-Harry Truman (president,1945-1953)

"Sex is a bad thing because it rumples the clothes."
-Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis (first lady,1961-1963)

"I have been called a 'stupid and pathetic country bumpkin,'
...compared to David Koresch,and blamed for a sixty-five
point drop in the stock market,but never have I been called
anything so repugnant...as a "Washington Insider."
-James Carvill (political consultant)

"I'm not going to have some reporters pawing through our
papers.We are the president."
-Hillary Clinton (first lady,1993-2001),discussing
possible release of Whitewater documents.

"Who is going to find out? These women are trash.Nobody's
going to believe them."
-Hillary Rodham Clinton (first lay,1993-2001),on her
husband's affairs.

"God bless the America we are trying to create."
-Hillary Rodham Clinton

"I have to borrow money from her (his wife)to get a soft drink"
-Jesse Jackson

" Thank you for saving me from the draft."
-Bill Clinton (president,1993-2001),in a 1969 letter to
retired U.S. Army ROTC Colonel Eugene Holmes,chairman
of Clinton's local draft board.

Even after all this,a politican is never lost for words!

I had a blast with this book. It really shows how these Dem's think! I loved the quote by Hillary Clinton "WE are president" if that doesn't say it all. Also, loved "God bless the America we are trying to create." -Hillary Rodham Clinton. Let's all hope she doesn't get the chance.

This is a funny book. Neither party is immune from "Foot in Mouth Disease" It's great that we can laugh at ourselves from time to time. This is very important! There are enough bad and tragic things in the world, and Ted Rueter does a good job showing us where our political funny bone is.

Thanks Ted..

Jeffrey McAndrew
broadcaster and author of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"

Carefully go down this list of famous politicians/celebrities and answer truthfully whether you like them or dislike them overall. If you like more of the R's than the D's what does that tell you?

(R) Ronald Reagan
(R) George Bush Sr.
(R) George W. Bush
(R) Rudy Giuliani
(R) George Pataki
(R) Arnold Shwarzennegger
(R) Bob Dole
(R) Roger Clemens
(R) Tony Danza
(R) Bruce Willis
(D) John Kerry
(D) Ted Kennedy
(D) Hillary Clinton
(D) Bill Clinton
(D) John Edwards
(D) Jim McGreevy
(D) Al Sharpton
(D) Michael Moore
(D) Ben Affleck
(D) Tim Robbins

"Republicans confront issues head-on and implement consistent structured ideals. Liberals use a more "conversational" approach of dealing with things on a case-by-case basis instead of using a set belief system."
-Vic Gola

I think that above statement is key because "liberal" literally means "one with untraditional, unorthodox values, one not concerned with authoritarian attitudes, views or dogmas and completely tolerant to the ideas and behavior of others." It seems that liberals favor more proposals for reform and prefer new ideas for progress rather than sticking to something that's been done for centuries (whether it's right, wrong, or indifferent that's the republican way). Conservatives (or moderate democrats who have some conservative tendencies) tend to look at those from the far left to be overly loose, broad-minded, morally unrestrained individuals, which often equates to "soft" or "wishy-washy." Which, if further translated can clearly (or subconsciously) equate to "flip-flopping" or being unfit to command.

So I think Kerry lost because with these troubled times in our country, Americans want a little bit more of an old-fashioned guy in power, mainly because he asserts that very "power" with his belief system. And all the famous people on Bush's side agree with that system as opposed to the rebels on Kerry's side. I think people want more of a "Family Ties" type feeling over "Will & Grace."

Are you more of a Michael Stivik or an Archie Bunker?

This was given to me as a present. I had never heard of the book before, and indeed, when I told people about it, I always got strange looks. But the 52 capsules of people's lives--not all of them well-known but they're people you should know about--are fascinating. Some personal favorites are the guy who invented the U.S. zip code and the founder of an AIDS group in a small town.

An enjoyable collection of obituaries written my Robert McG. Thomas Jr. These short (2-3 page) obituaries will make you smile and wonder what would be written about yourself. Some of the people you will recognize, most you will not, but you'll gain an understanding and appreciation for their time on this planet.

Recommended

When this book was first recommended to me by a friend, I must admit I was a little put off. A book of obituaries? Now there's a fun read! Although I know there are "die-hard" obit enthusiasts out there, I certainly don't count myself among them. All of this is leading to the further admission that I ordered the book with some trepidation. I needn't have worried. This book is an absolute joy. To say that it is well-written would be an understatement of Homeric proportions as Mr. Thomas had a subtle way with words that hints at Twain (I know! I know! They're "just" obituaries, but this gentleman could turn a phrase with the best of them!). Far from being ghoulish or depressing, these 52 McGs are fascinating celebrations of everyday extraordinary lives. Most importantly, each humorous account is filled with such warmth and respect that you don't get the feeling you're snickering at some poor dead guy "behind his back". 52 McGs falls into the category of "little discoveries that you can't wait to share with other people." Heartily recommended as an addition to your library or as a gift to anyone that enjoys highly skilled writing.

Regular readers of The New York Times will have noticed that while the paper's style has a certain consistently, some of its writers stand out anyway. Robert McG. Thomas was one of those writers. He made his mark not with flash, but with grace, and he did it in the most unlikely place of all: the obituary pages. Thomas (who died in early 2000) had an eye for detail, and an amazing touch in telling not just a life story, but the story behind it. Many obit junkies picked up on and actively sought Thomas's obits between 1995 and 1999; one was Chris Calhoun, who has pulled together this excellent collection of 52 of McG's finest offerings. They aren't stories of the most famous figures who passed on during his tenure. Quite the opposite, these are often people you hadn't heard of, but who, thanks to Thomas's style, won't want to forget. He could be serious, and he could be funny. He's as good writing about the South Vietnamese officer who famously executed a Viet Cong prisoner on camera as he is with "The Goat Man." He's as insightful on the woman who helped create soap operas as he is on the Greenwich Village icon who created nothing but a hipster reputation. Every miniature profile here entertains and informs, as the cliché goes. This is a great little collection; one could only wish for more.

Read 52 MCGS: THE BEST OBITUARIES FROM LEGENDARY
NEW YORK TIMES WRITER ROBERT MCG. THOMAS, JR. . . . this
is a quirky, fascinating compilation of obituaries about unsung
heroes, eccentrics and underachievers . . . among the inclusions were Edward Lowe, the inventor of Kitty Litter ("Cat Owner's Best Friend"); Angelo Zuccotti, the bouncer at El Morocco ("Artist of the Velvet Rope"); and Kay Halle, a glamorous Cleveland department store heiress who received 64 marriage proposals ("An Intimate of Century's Giants").

Thomas never got to put these pieces into book form. He died, but a fan of his work decided that his work should live on . . . and I'm glad this was the case . . . Thomas had the gift of being able to find something worth writing about--regardless of the subject . . . my only regret is that all obituaries in loca papers aren't as interesting . .. but as long as I don't come across mine, I won't complain!

There were several memorable passages; among them:
[in an obituary about Francine Katzenbogen] Her neighbors were
not amused that she planned to house 20 cats in a converted
two-story garage she had refurbished at a cost of $100,000. The
luxurious cat complex included tile floors, climbing towers,
scratching posts, skylights and cozy, low-lying window ledges
where the cats could stretch out and watch the world outside
their air-conditioned lair.

Not content to recognize a Brooklyn accent, Mr. Berger drew
on his broader knowledge of American speech and history to
develop a theory of just how the signature "Toidy-told Street"
evolved. It was, he theorized, a result of the close commercial
connections with the pre-Civil War South in which upper-class
southern speech, primarily from New Orleans and Charleston,
SC, was imported and hammered down to a lower-class
Brooklyneese.

A man given to gross exaggeration when simple embellishment
would suffice, Mr. McCartney also claimed to have visited every

state except Hawaii: His goats couldn't swim that far, he
explained, and if they could, they'd just end up eating the grass skirts off the hula dancers anyway.

One reason I bought this book is because my Greatgrandmother was Alex's Aunt. I visited Alex as a child with my Parents and Grandmother. Alex was always sending my Grandmother items , such as walking canes. He made my mother a rolling pin, which she still has. Most of all the book gave me many names of my relatives that ive been searhing for.

This was of special interest to me since I live near the location of this book. I simply could not put it down until I read it cover to cover.

A fascinating look at our early pioneer families, the hardships they endured, and the genius of their innovations.

A great read.

This is an amazing book about Alex Stewart, an Appalachian survivor. It is told from an interview style where Alex explains how he learned to make different utilitarian items that his family and community needed to survive. He also tells stories of how he learned what plants healed people from illnesses, learned the skills to survive the harsh locations of the Appalachian mountains and loved life with every ounce of his body.
My Appalachian born grandparents read it cover to cover over and over and then had to travel to the Museum of Appalachia in Norris, Tenn to see the common items they remembered with Alex throughout the book. John Rice Irwin, the founder of the Museum of Appalachia is a gifted historian and this shines through in any of his books, written to remember the people of Appalachia. He also seeks to capture this throughout his living Appalachian village, the Museum of Appalachia. A MUST visit and A MUST read for any Appalachian native.

i recently read the book about alex stewart and i have to say that it was so good. i loved it. alex was so talented and as the book stated "he was a national treasure." i would liked to have met him. any craft the author asked him about, he responded that he could make it. what a unique human being. he was warm, endearing, and a very kind and gentle man. he told completely the life of the pioneer to john brice irwin and the book is so well written. it was a joy to read and told in detail of the hardships the people of that era had to indure. i felt by the end of the book the sadness of alex stewart's death and that i had gotten to know him well.

I bought this book at the Museum of Appalachia (also founded by the author) on my first visit to Tennessee. The book is almost entirely a transcript of a dialogue/interview between the author and Alex Stewart. At first, I thought this would be a strange format, but as I read on, I discovered that this would be the only way to authentically capture the mind and spirit of Alex on paper.

If you're not from the South, you might find Alex's dialect charminging unusual. A few times I had to read a passage over and over again to fully understand what words Alex was saying. Here is an example where it took me a while to realize that Alex meant "Lord" when kept saying "Law":

"They didn't have no men folks, but they had several children. Making liquor was the only way they had of making a living. Law, they had it hard."

The author cleverly asks questions to get Alex to reveal his pioneer wisdom. More than that, though, the author's selections and chapter arrangements helped to organize the sprawling encyclopedia of Alex's mind.

By the time I reached the end, I was sad to have the "conversation" over. I felt I had known Alex a bit personally, and I mourned at his passing. It was joyous reading while it lasted and my heart ached to know more of Alex.

This is a fabulous book I can't recommend enough. 10 STARS.

All Rivers to the Sea was a wonderful way to end the Galway Chronicles. Once more I was moved to laughter and tears as I followed the lives of the people of Ballyknockanor. Martin's character was fleshed out nicely, Corrie and Ceili's story made a heart wringing sub-plot, and Mad Molly was as wise, humorous, and prophetic as ever.

Though it's nice to think of Kate and Joseph living "happily ever after," I would love it if the authors would continue this story in a different series as they have done with their Zion sagas.

Things were looking up in the fall of 1844 for the residence of Ballyknockanor. Kate is just about to pop with her and Joseph's son. Colonel Mahon is dead. And Joseph, still thinking he's a fugitive, has arrived back in London. But all is not well. Personal tragedy awaits the Burkes and the English will use anything to crack down on the Irish. Plus the biggest roadblock to Irish independence may be just around the corner in the form of rotten potatoes.

It's been way too long since I read the third book in the series and I had forgotten some of the details of it. The important pieces did come back to me as I read the events of this one, however. My problem with it is the story. All the events of the story pile on top of each other to make for a depressing read. I realize it was what was happening in Ireland during that time, but it still isn't pleasant to read.

The Thoenes have a gift of bring history to life. Unfortunately, it's not always happy. This is one such case. Wonderfully written book, it's just a shame the subject matter is such a downer.

The final book of the Galway Chronicles is a masterfully woven tale. Joseph Connor Burke is finally reunited with his wife and family after learning that he has been pardoned for treason.

Shortly after his return the potato famine begins. Joseph and Kate are faced with anguish and dispair as they try to keep their family and their people from starving. Their unfailing trust in God is what keeps them hopeful in this tormented time.
The addition of the Grogan family only adds to the story.

As you read this book you will learn more about the people of Ireland in the 1840's then you have ever before. The treatment of the Irish people by the English is deplorable. I was surprised that as the people of Ireland are starving ships are being sent to England full of grain and livestock to feed the English. Always new that the famine was horrible to Ireland but now I know the whole history of why it was so horrible.

I think I now have some insight as to why my Great-great-grandparents came to America.

As you read the books in the Galway chronicle you feel like you are witnessing first hand their joys and sorrows and their steadfast faith in God.

If you have not read the three previous entries in "The Galway Chronicles" series, you simply must read them first. But if you who have read them, you will not want to miss "All Rivers to the Sea", the immensely satisfying conclusion to the series. The novel commences where volume three left off, with newlyweds Joseph and Kate separated by adversity, and Kate expecting their first child. But there is hardship on both fronts. Away in London, Joseph finds his life threatened by murderers. At home in Ireland, Kate suffers the agony of the death of her own child. When Joseph and Kate are finally reunited, their suffering continues in the form of a potato blight which destroys the food supply of their staple produce, results in more suffering, pain and death. Even Joseph and Kate's marriage relationship is strained by sorrow and misunderstanding.

In "All Rivers to the Sea" the Thoenes not only portray the suffering of Joseph and Kate Burke, but also that of another family told in a sub-plot - the Grogan family. Suffering is epitomized in the Grogan family when they are cast out of their home, totally destitute. Daniel Grogan first suffers the loss of his wife, and then is forced to place his children in a workhouse. The horror of the workhouses is painted with stark reality, demonstrating the heartbreak of impoverished parents faced with death, and forced to part with their children by placing them in workhouses, where they suffered under the "charity" of a corrupt state church (p.117). The only light in the darkness is that one child of the Grogan family enters the Burke home. But even this is shadowed with darkness, because it occurs in a manner that has overtones of the birth of Moses (with the older sister watching the cast out child) and the birth of Jesus (with the family not finding room in the "inn" - in this case, shepherds). This is no coincidence, because the Thoenes make a strong connection between the suffering of believers and the suffering of Christ. Kate reminds herself that the scars of suffering "make you more like Him" (p.185), and some hungry children with simple childlike faith state that they must eat "The bread of Christ ... the bread of suffering." (p.199). And when the suffering are cast out of their homeland, they are reminded by angels "Remember Christ the Savior, the child for whom there was no room!" (p.302). The only flaw here is that Kate incorrectly insists that suffering must not be accepted as God's will (p.163), although what she means by this is correct: Don't be passive in suffering, but "Pray instead for a clear eye and a firm plan to bring your people relief. Work hard to make this hard life better for as many as you can." (p.163).

The significance of the title "All Rivers to the Sea" also has to do with suffering. Mad Molly says prophetically "We'll none of us survive! The river flows, don't ye know? It carried off man and beast, grass and flower, to the sea. Always to the sea! It's over for us." (p.153) Joseph later explains: "Life is about people, and not about things or places or land. A river that rises in the mountains only to die in a bog is a sad, useless thing, Martin. We must be like the stream that bursts through all dams and finds its way to the sea. To a new life in a new way." (p.270-1) And the angels admonish at the end: "Remember the River from whence you came! Remember the Sea which all are bound to cross one day!" (p.302) At the end of the novel there is some taste of justice and redemption. Yet the bitter taste of suffering remains, forcing Joseph and Kate and the people of Ballynockanor to take drastic measures to ensure their ongoing survival. With the last chapter of "All Rivers to the Sea", one chapter of their lives is at an end. The characters must move on to a new chapter, even if it is clouded with adversity and suffering.

Yet it is precisely this that makes "The Galway Chronicles" so appealing. Unlike many contemporary Christian writers, the Thoenes' do not offer us a "feel-good" pill with a "they all lived happily ever after" ending. In the "Galway Chronicles" they are not afraid to make their readers journey through the depths of tragedy and despair, nor to leave them with a bitter taste in their mouth. Some readers might prefer a fairy tale ending, but this is real life, not a fairy tale. And in real life, the presence of sin and suffering is ongoing, even at the end of a book. The solution is not found in a pretend perfect life, but the solution is found in the work of Jesus Christ who gives hope in the midst of a life of sin and suffering. The happy ending comes only when this last chapter of history comes to an end, and when He returns. In this sense the Thoenes' boldness in presenting a harsh picture of a life of suffering, and their refusal to provide a "happy" ending, is heartily refreshing. They do not do the gospel a disservice - as so many other writers do - by suggesting that believers on earth can expect happy endings here on earth, before heaven. These novels show that there is no heaven here on earth, but that the hope of heaven offers real encouragement in a life of earthly suffering. And that certainly makes them worth reading.

This work, the fourth in "The Galway Chronicle" series, has afforded me a much deeper understanding of "things Irish" in the 19th century. Frankly, I could have gleaned much information from textbooks or historical treatises. But this series goes deeper: it incarnates the history. My daily encounters with Joseph Burke have encouraged me to more deeply consider the challenge and possibility of squaring off against today's rampant and relativist postmodern mindset with truly biblical moral courage, compassion, and Christlikeness. So sorry to see this series completed; I would devour more.

The writing is straightforward and the story is fast-paced. The book furnished me with a far greater appreciation than I had of the difficulty and complexity of conducting a national campaign and of the demands made upon the candidates and the many workers, mostly volunteers, who surround and assist them. The personality and character of the narrators comes through quite clearly and with considerable honesty and self-knowledge (although I must add that Mrs. Lieberman's insights are often the more interesting ones). The narrative makes clear that these are real human beings with real children and parents and problems. When their lives are stirred into the soup of arguably our most chaotic Presidential campaign, a very interesting tale emerges.

The reviewer below - An.McCracken - is a fake. He reviews countless books each day but he does not read the books, just paraphrases other people's reviews. REPORT THIS TO AMAZON. Click on (Report this) link under the review, next to the voting buttons.

One cannot possibly read this book and not develop a greater appreciation for the sacrifices, courage, determination and faith that the Liebermans made throughout the campaign and throughout their lives.

Not only is this a "biography" but it is also an excellent book on the political process, namely the campaign process. Throughout the book, the reader becomes acutely aware of the amount of work, energy and choregraphing a national campaign requires.

In the last election, I did not know much about Joe Lieberman and that is because I did not give my self the opportunity to do so. When this book first came out, I scoffed at it, because it looked so "light" and yet after reading it I was taken aback, not only on what an interesting look it is into a presidential campaign, but also into the man himself.

Suffice it to say I agree with much of the man's politics, but that non-withstanding, this book was an interesting look at a family who lives their faith while working on the campain trail. It was touching as well as eye-opening.

In addition this book was able to tell its tale without totally stomping on the opposing party. It was obviously written by a man with good character and ethics. Perhaps it was released to coinside with his run for the presidency, but it has made me take a second look at this man and boy am I impressed!

It's a light, quick, fluff read. If you liked Gore/Lieberman in 2000 you'll like the book. Lieberman falls all over himself emphasizing his religion while feigning shock that it could be an issue. He also sidesteps any criticism from fellow Jews that his positions are decidedly unorthodox. He emphasizes that everywhere his wife ever went and everyone she ever spoke to always loved her. If something went wrong in the campaign, it was because he didn't follow through with his instincts. He even quoted an editorial where someone said that Lieberman can make an attack not feel like an attack. Hardball politico, but with a smile.

This is the bible for children's folksongs, with artwork by Barbara Cooney the icing on the cake!

Our family has loved this songbook very much. There are ninety songs in the book. Written by Pete Seeger's sister, American Folk Songs for children has songs each of them suggests an activity. There are songs for going places, songs for knocking on doors and windows, songs for eating, songs for dancing, and many others. I would like to buy a copy as a gift, and I hope there is a reprint date soon.

This is the book with the favorite songs from my long ago childhood. So I bought it for my daughter so she could sing these to my grandchildren.

It has the good songs. Songs with lots and lots of verses. Fun songs for older kids and songs to sing babies to sleep.

This book is a treasure! The introduction gives a wonderful background on these authentic folk songs and how they can be used with children. This is an essential book for music teachers, but also great for parents. Be careful, though, because once the children know the songs you'll hear them over and over again... :)

I own a copy of the original print of this book. It posseses some of the most whimsical little songs I have yet to hear. Its just...fabulous...and I don't even know how to play any instruments....lol