V Books

Makes a change to be able to get books on the subject out here.

Forrest combines history with suspense and comes up with an interesting and very readable instalment in the Kate Delafield Mystery series. An unpopular tenant is poisoned in a slightly seedy apartment block peopled by Hollywood employees of the forties and fifties. These eccentric and enchanting characters bring to life the era of McCarthyism and the House Un-American Committee, as well as nostalgia for the glamorous Hollywood of that time. Of course, lesbian detective fiction wouldn't be complete without romance, and Kate Delafield finds that in the Beverly Malibu. This novel has a strong story line and keeps you guessing until the last moment - I recommend it.

I found the Beverly Malibu a fascinated book. It held my interest till the last page and I couldn't guess the murderer. It think it will be difficult for anyone to even though the evidence is there in front of our faces. We can't see it because like a magician, Forrest focuses our attention elsewhere. I thought the dynamics of the relationship which developed between Kate and both Grant women quite interesting and she pulls a twist on that one too. All in all, a very satisfactory read. On top of that, we learn a lot about the House on Un-American Activities Committee. It just amazes me how a committee could gain such power and igore due process. Sometimes it makes me wonder just how much freedom we truly have. It is a scary thought and we should never allow such a witchhunt to happen again. In fact, I found the subject so interesting that I ordered Scoundrel Time by Lillian Hellman (from amazon.com, of course). I want to learn about what life was like in that era from someone who lived through it and suffered from it.

This, along with Nightwood, is one of the best reads in the Delafield series. The murder plot and details are simple, as opposed to those in Apparition Alley or Liberty Square, and the story of the new relationship is unforgettable.

Owen Sinclair, a B-movie director is murdered in a hideous manner. This makes Kate Delafield think the murder was one of revenge. Through sleuthing, she finds that Sinclair was a "friendly witness" during the McCarthy witchhunt era. He spoke to HUAC (House un-American Activities Committee), which was the House arm of McCarthy's own Senate hearings. Hollywood was especially vulnerable at this time. Forrest skillfully weaves in information about that period through her characters but never allows it to overshadow the mystery. There are red herrings galore and Kate lets herself get emotionally involved with several of the people and there's even a romance in it for the lonely Kate who feels that she must protect the people she loves from the horrors of her job. She is also isolated because she is gay and must remain closeted to be able to do her job. The LAPD has a policy not unlike the military: Don't ask, don't tell. Every Delafield book reveals a new facet of Kate and this is no exception. If Forrest wrote mainstream detective mysteries rather than mysteries with a lesbian heroine, she would probably be as popular as P.D. James or Ellis Peters or Elizabeth Peters. It's unfortunate because all her mysteries are first-rate. As I said, the politics never get in the way of the story, although this book did introduce me to Scoundrel Time by Lillian Hellman, which I later bought.

I found the book a very quick read because I just couldn't put it down. The author definitely has done her research as I am a M.Sc. (Mathematics) graduate.

We enjoyed this book immensely and recommend it to all readers who enjoy history. The book captures the struggles of women who persued higher education in a time of world governmental and social change. The romantic twists and turns of the characters are sure to keep the reader's interest from cover to cover.

I highly recommend this book! From the very first page, the story engages the reader and the writing dazzles. This true story is about the trials and struggles of a brilliant, Russian female mathematician, Sofya Kovalevskaya, in the late 1800s. This was not a popular time to be a woman in Russia, and certainly not popular to be a smart woman -- especially if you wanted to study mathematics! However, the development of mathematics and science in Europe at this time was on fire (as was the politics), and Sofya was right in the thick of it all.

This work of historical fiction is well researched, with information gathered from many sources (including translations of personal letters), and masterfully retold. It's romantic, exciting and fascinating. A true gift to be able to walk these years in Sofya's shoes.

If you've ever struggled against societial prejudices, or struggled to succeed in a field of work not intended for your race, sex or color, you'll find this book an inspiration.

I anxiously await the sequel!

This is a true piece of art, a compelling love story wrapped into the trials and tribulations of humanity's pursuit of balance with being true to oneself and to those you love. This true story is beautifully told of the tribulations faced by a woman in pursuit of mathematics in a world unaccustomed or accepting of women. I couldn't put it down!

It is difficult to realize the nature of the contemporary world without the perspective of history. This book tells a story of what a talented woman had to go through to gain an education in 19th century Europe. Sofya Kovalevskaya engaged in a sham marriage to gain the education unavailable in Russia, and very difficult to obtain in Europe. The turbulent world, the vortex of politics, nihilism, the Paris Commune, all intervened to make her quest even more daunting. Her success as a mathematician was impressive, and one must remember the tremendous handicaps she labored under to fully appreciate them. Contrast her experience with what she might have obtained in the 20th century, and one feels a joy that in some ways we have stepped a bit forward.

Joan Spicci manages to tell the tale with skill, and she has the big advantage of telling an interesting love story as well, for the marriage, became a marriage in fact as well as name. No fairy tale romance, but a relationship filled with conflicting goals, and the constant intrusion of the world. It is a story of men and women trying to juggle science, politics and complex personal relationships. This book is well worth reading, but I suspect easily missed, so don't let it slip by.

Swami Tripurari uses the Bhagavad Gita as a backdrop for a solid, basic introduction to the theology of Gaudiya Vaisnavism.

Though somewhat dogmatic at times, this commentary brings together those loose ends that seem to get scattered around in the various gaudiya writings you find on the web.

If you've ever wondered just "what they're talking about", this book will give you the basic outline of the beliefs behind all that terminology.

With honesty, love and solid scholarship Swami Tripurari shows you a much fuller picture.

As a yoga teacher and yoga teacher teacher trainer I am pleased to finally come across an edition of the Bhagavad Gita written in contemporary language with an authoritative voice, that, although remaining faithful to tradition, is devoid of fanaticism. Swami Tripurari's edition of Gita is by far the most readable edition I have yet encountered, being easy undrstand even to those new to the Gita. The translations are accurate and the comentary clear and consise. The printing and binding are high quality to last a lifetime.

The Bhagavad Gita is a series of instructions given by the Lord Krishna to his friend Arjuna on the eve of a fratricidal war. Krisha brings the chariot to the center of the battlefield as arjuna surveys the field.Whether it is allegorical or historical, the verses that have followed are sacred lierature to 800 million hindus, and countless others [myself included] have taken great succor in their wisdom and grace.I received of copy of this Gita from the swami's ashram in California. The first thing I noticed was how well done the volume is. Heavy bonded paper, l0vely endpapers,three ribbon markers adorn the book. So it is pleasant to the eye and touch. Then I started the book. Swami B. V. Tripurari is a either former hare krishna or still one[cant tell] and he dedicates the book to the founder of the sect,Swami Prabhupada, the author of Bhagavad Gita as it is, the bestselling gita in the world, and the most difficult to read. Its purports are tough, esoteric and truthfully, difficult for me to read. This volume, is none of that.Perhaps it is the grace of Swami B. V. Tripurari being english speaking? Either way, the purports are not pedantic[blessedly] are clear, and attempt not only toconnect them with modern life[the perrenial philosophy] but puts the Gita in its historical context[this is not the first time that Krishna is at Kuruksetra,which is where the Bhagavad gita takes place]. Each verse is in Sanskrit, then broken down in a word by word englih trans;lation, then an explanation[or purport] of eACH VERSE IS GIVEN.His tone, again, in explaining each verse is easy, almost quiet, not overwhelming. Swami B. V. Tripurari seems to be less on a crusade then writing this for his own edification[as he states in his preface],though I think this somewhat self deprecating.i HAVE 15 OR SO GITA TRANSLATIONS THAT i OWN AND USE,FROM YOGANANDA'S MAMMOTH TWO VOLUME MASTERPIECE, TO THE LIVING GITA BY SRI SWAMI SATCHIDANANDA[WHICH IS MY FAVORITE], this volume can stand with any of them. It is very,very user friendly, its translation seems pretty good[Though the best translation,period is in Bhagavad Gita by WINTHROP SARGEANT, }.Swami B. V. Tripurari has done us a service withthis volume, obviously his labor of love. Very very well done, lovely to look at and to hold, and a blessing to read.

All glories to Srila Prabhupada. The Gita As it Is, is beautifully done and a must-have, unfortunately I find it difficult to get through.

I praise Swami B. V. Tripurari for bringing this version to us. I found it to be very understandable and reader-friendly. A Gita version that both the scholar and lay-person will appreciate and gain from.

When I was younger, I found myself drawn to reading Bhagavad-gita. I tried reading several editions, but found them rather difficult to read. When I read A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's Bhagavad-gita As It Is, it was as if a veil had been lifted. I found the presentation accessible and lucid. Since then, I have read many other editions, some by scholars and some by practitioners, and found much merit in most of them. Only one or two, though, found their way to my personal library.

However, Swami Tripurari's edition, Bhagavad-gita: Its Feeling and Philosphy, went straight to my bookshelf (except when I'm spending time with it, which is often). Whereas Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's opens the reader's mind to the world and our place in it from Lord Krishna's perspective, Swami Tripurari's gives us glimpses of Krishna's heart not readliy apparent in other presentations. This book is a delight to the senses, mind, and heart. The cover is beautiful, the paper luxuriant. The writing is accessible, clear, and sweet. It's the perfect complement to Prabhupada's Gita, and I expect that I'll over the years I will have found it it as important for spiritual succor as I have Bhagavad-gita As It Is.

I have had the honour of reading numerous papers by Vernadsky and find as always with genius, a hidden underlaying dimension of truth. The Biosphere is without hesitation a work of scientific spirituality as well as pure scientific genius! In a time when environmental destruction is ramp, and politically controled scientific stupidity proliferates, logical hope and science is at hand. With Vernadsky science personifies a bridge between life and its meaning. Science is indeed the search for truth, and Vernadsky biosphere is a must for youth!!!!!

I'm very happy that Vladimir Ivanovich Vernadsky becomes little by little known for the English speaking public. Although his "Biosphere" has been written over 70 years ago, even now its ideas remain fresh and actual. Indeed, the "Biosphere" provides a new level of thinking which permits us to consider Vladimir Vernadsky as a deepest naturalist of our century. And now I'm looking forward to the time when they will be translated and published his subsequent books - first of all the book on the noosphere: "Scientific thought as a planet phenomenon".

I have read this Vernadsky's books in Russian - his works is the cornerstone of modern culture. Vernadsky's work will be as important for human civilization in new millennium as books of Newton, Darwin, Einstein and Plato now. I'd like to read English Edition. Vernadsky's works are important for EVERYBODY, not only for biologists. Semyon D. Savransky, Ph.D. (Physics & Materaials Science, TRIZ)

A biology graduate studying under Lynn Margulis, I was fortunate enough to be involved in preparing "The Biosphere" for publication; and even the raw typescript I transferred onto disk was impressive! Let me eagerly recommend V.I. Vernadsky, as the unsung Charles Darwin of geological and ecological science. In his time, Academician Vernadsky was a groundbreaker: the first to appreciate the vast scope of life's chemical influence upon the Earth ... this planet, which owes its own uniqueness to the very "living matter" of which we, just as all other organisms, are a part. To the readers of today, Vernadsky's own words tell us the historic beginnings of the discipline this brilliant, long-uncredited scientist's ideas founded. No student or advocate of global ecology should miss this thought-provoking, eye-opening book!

It's hard to read this book without coming away with the impression of a powerful, original mind at work. Many of Vernadsky's ideas remain unappreciated to this day. In particular, the idea of life as a cosmological phenomenon, as a means by which energy is stored and transformed on a planetary scale, should become increasingly important as the science of astrobiology develops a rigorous intellectual basis.

I was hopeful I'd enjoy this book when I purchased it, and it more than exceeded my expectations. As a physician, I found myself almost entranced as I read about the adventures of Dr. Lucas. The best part is, though, that you don't have to be a vet or a doc to thouroughly love this book.

I enjoyed reading Dr. Lucas' book about life in rural Iowa . The book touched on all the human emotions . I laughed many times throughout the book, yet I also found myself close to tears . Dr. Lucas portrays an honest , uncensored look at life as a veterinarian. A real eye-opener to the good , country life that many people are looking for.

James Lucas is a seasoned veterinarian playing his trade in southern Iowa for more than 36 years. He kept notes of his experiences with the people and animals he encountered throughout his career. In Birth In A Chicken House, Lucas draws upon those personal reminiscences to spin out his humorous true-life tales that will engage the reader's rapt attention from first page to last. Highly recommended reading for anyone who loves a good yarn well told, Birth In A Chicken House provides perceptive and very funny descriptions of the animals and culture, the beauty and history of a rural farming community, and the dedicated veterinarian that served their needs.

As a farm kid and a veterinary student, I found this book to be extremely realistic and funny. I enjoyed his stories recalling veterinary school and farm calls. Dr. Lucas tells it how it is. It is a good eye opener for people interested in large animal veterinary medicine and the life one has because of it. If you come from a farm you will certainly enjoy this book.

Birth in a Chicken House is a great read for anyone who has experienced life in a rural setting, and it's a must read for anyone in the 50s' plus era. As you read the stories, it's as if Dr. Lucas is sitting across the table from you telling a story. He writes it just like it happened. I found myself laughing out loud many, many times as he related his personal accounts of people and animals...I think almost everyone can identify with his experiences. The short story format makes it a great book for busy people to pick up for a few minutes and read a story. However, once you start reading it, you'll probably not want to put it down.

Having managed to read every other volume in this series except 'Dark Shadows' I can state as a fact that this is one of the most important volumes in this series about Rin, Manji, and the hunt for the Itto-Ryu who killed Rin's parents. It takes the thematic material introduced earlier and starts the process of making a series of story arcs into a narrative whole.

For the first time we discover that there are others hunting Anotsu Kagehisa and his ruffian band of super killers. Moreover, there are others just as anxious to court what they perceive is Anotsu's rising power. Some of Anotsu's motivations are clarified, and we meet Magatsu Taito in new circumstances. Magatsu will come to play an important later in the series.

The Mugai-Ryu are introduced as opposition to the Itto-Ryu. Led by Hyakurin, a woman assassin, they are little different from the 'bad guys.' In fact, they may very well be worse. However, they are anxious to recruit Manji, taking advantage of his fighting skill and his commitment to Rin's quest.

Rin, on the other hand, begins to realize that she is much more than a vengeful sword fighter, and much less as well. She came from a gentler Samurai tradition than the rough fighters that are now part of her life. Even Manji, who shares at least some basic understanding of duty and honor is a far cry from the world of her father. But Anotsu's followers and their opponents are something else entirely, and the young woman begins to question her own actions and rue the strength she lacks.

Hiroaki Samura has an easy talent for moving from extreme violence to the simply grace of a woman's play with the man she loves. And back again. It is as if to remind us that the killing that moves the story forward is only an agency, not the purpose of the story. There is a quirky justice to what befalls many of the characters in the stories to come, and the reader should not assume that blood is the only possible resolution.

The first half of this book mainly concentrates on the Itto-ryu, especially Magatsu and Anotsu, and Itto-ryu's future. The second half is about Rin and Manji meeting the ominous Shira.

This is the book that introduces us to the mysterious Akagi assassins (Mugai-ryu), a misfit group after the Itto-ryu (the sword school that killed Rin's parents) for *unknown* reasons.

Shira and the Akagi play an important part of the next volume "Heart of Darkness," probably the best, most disturbing, and most violent BotI book.

The artwork is quite amazing and disturbing, especially in the later half of the book the scenes with Rin and Shira.

I felt that this was the worst of the BOTI series to date. The plot was good, but brief, and the new cast members were fun. The problem I had was Rin. While she has always been a little slow to catch on to the real world, she seemed almost dumb to it in this book, as if she could not handle the real world. After watching her slowly wake up in the previous episodes, that was a draw back.

The pace of Blade of the Immortal doesn't let up in this sixth volume, and it doesn't let the readers down. The Itto-ryu have wiped out the other sword schools of Japan. While the previous volumes have focused on Rin, whose father was killed and mother raped and killed by the Itto-ryu, this volume presents us with a wider scope: the Itto-ryu are moving up in the political world, and they have made perhaps deadlier enemies than Rin and her immortal bodyguard, Manji.

As always, the artwork in Blade of the Immortal is superb, and the writing and characterization are as strong as the previous volumes. If there's a flaw here, it's that the focus of the story leaves Rin and Manji (with whom we've basically remained throughout the previous 5 volumes) for too long--they're in less than half of this volume. But that's a quibble, really; watching how the Itto-ryu is growing and splintering all at once, and how its enemies have begun to move is fascinating. As always, this is a violent story, but it could hardly be otherwise with the characters involved. If you've read previous volumes, you know what to expect; if you haven't you need to--both to understand what's going on, and just because you need to if you're at all interested in comics.

In 'Dark Shadows', everything changes for this multiple award-winning manga. For those new to _Blade of the Immortal_, flick over to the first of the series, 'Blood of a Thousand'. An understanding of what has gone on before is essential to fully enjoy this sixth graphic-novel installment.

Before, the story arcs of BotI fell into a comfortable pattern: Rin and Manji wandering around until they met a member of the Itto-ryu; the usual banter and posturing before blades are drawn; Manji getting carved on to lesser or greater extent; Rin struggling with and attempting to moralize what is essentially a revenge killing spree. Using this pattern, Samura explored a number of themes, such as obsession/compulsion ('Conflict'), ethics ('Cry of the Worm'), duty ('Dreamsong'), redemption ('On Silent Wings').

With 'Dark Shadows', however, Samura dramatically changes the formula, and just in time. Not that the story was getting stale--far from it--but some overall progression was needed, and here we have it: in this volume characters and situations are introduced that will effect the rest of the work as a whole (12 or so compilations worth in Japan), and Anotsu Kagehisa slowly begins to take his place as the manga's true protagonist, a man willing to do anything to save his country from what he perceives as steady stagnation. If there are casualties along the way, so be it.

Manji and Rin show up only in the last third, and there isn't much in the way of 'action' (at least in comparison to bloody epics like 'Dreamsong'). Still, one can feel a tension slowly building under the surface, a conflict-in-waiting that explodes in the next comp, 'Heart of Darkness.' And the repercussions of this volume are long-standing; in terms of plot development, this the most important volume (next to the first, of course)released so far. Not to be missed or overlooked.

I am the author of this book and would like to know which geographic areas are represented among the people ordering BLAST MAN. Is this possible?

The book was filled with action from start to finish. A very easy read and very true in the accounts of munitions and job function of the program manager. Good detail of family, work, conflict, and resolution. The book gives a hope for a sequel. I look forward to more work from Robert V. Spelleri.

Blast Man Standing is a thrilling, techno-terrorism drama by Robert V. Spelleri that kicks off with a nighttime ambush and escalates into a desperate battle as Tom Malone struggles to save his family and his own life. An action-packed saga rife with looming threats and sudden twists, Blast Man Standing is deftly written, attention engaging, thoroughly entertaining read.

I enjoy reading the works of Tom Clancy and Michael Crichton and this new novel by Robert Spelleri is a real thrill-ride! The first chapter whets the reader's appetite for the action and suspense to come. I easily identified with the protaganist Tom Milone and his plight. Far from fanciful, the author's descriptions of the terrorists and their plans for destruction were realistic and unsettling given the unsure times we live in.

The book has plenty of plot twists and turns involving Tom and his endangered family and the conclusion is the most hair-raising that I've read in recent memory. The author hints at future adventures for the Milone clan and I look forward to the next installment.

I liked the book. The first paragragraph was a grabber and the book maintained my interest to the finish. Admittedally, I had to put the it down several times when the action became too intense.

This book blew me away, it is simply fantastic. It is sad that Eugene Burdick died at age 46. If you want to be enchanted, mesmerized, read this book, it is simply magnificent. I shall treasure it in my own library because it is the kind of book you may read over and over again. If you have not read it, you are in for a treat.

"Jack Nash" is one of the best short stories I've read in a long, long time.

This book has many factual chapters about the Pacific Region, and five tales that are representative of some elements of the area. The Black and the White is arguably one of the most important fictional stories of the Pacific: A French man who escaped the wretchedness of his nation to discover that his adopted culture was heartbreakingly shallow. It is one of those few stories that will leave you thinking, and you may very well read again and again. It was a great loss when Burdick died at a relatively young age.

A great example of a excellent book that could become a classic without being confused with world literature. A strait forward discription of the South Seas and their peoples and geography(how coral attols and volcanic islands are formed) without being dry, but rather using it to help the reader better understand the stories he has to tell. Anyone who loves the South Seas and the stories of Jack London and Somerset Maugham will love this book. It is the #1 book I have everyone read that comes to visit me. I always receive five thumbs up.

I read this book first in 1966. Today I'm buying a new copy. It's a collection of unusual short stories about the South Pacific. Most, if not all, are true and will capture your heart and make you yearn to go there.

My university is putting on The Blue Room this Spring, and I wanted to purchase a copy of the script so tha I could more readily work on the production. Excellent seller, quick shipment. Recommend to all!

David Hare's adaptation of Arthur Schnitzler's "La Ronde" is nothing short of amazing. The twisting strand of relationships that course through the scenes is filled with mirror images of ourselves. Either in the lives we lead, what we invision in our mind, or in the world we see around us. There are so many difference's between the ten characters, but what makes it truly interesting is when you realize just what might be the same about them.

This play is a first rate pick!

I for one adored this play. Did not see the Broadyway play but from the reviews I heard it only cheapened this excellent work by David Hare. It goes into not the act of sex but the before and after scences displaying the casualness of sex in our society. Definately something worth thinking about. Recommend Skylark by David Hare as well.

I for one adored this play. Did not see the Broadway play but from what I heard it apparently cheapened this excellent work by David Hare. It goes into the before and after scenes from which the curtain closes. It is not about the sex but how society and individuals view sex and how commmon day our culture holds it. Any open minded individual interested in how individuals and societys behaviors correlate must read this play. It is short and easy reading for anyone to enjoy.

David Hare's dry humor underlies most lines in this play and, as a result, it is a funny enough read. Prior to reading Hare's adaptation of La Ronde, I saw the Broadway version. The audience at the theater failed to laugh at the underlying humor as it was not emphasized. The text, however, brings out this facet of the play very well. Overall, however, there is nothing special about the the play itself. It is a cursory analysis of sexuality and sexual politics. But it's not the Kinsey report.

This is the single best history of Bluegrass. I've purchased several volumes, because I lend the book to others who are becoming interested in the genre, unfortunately noone ever returns my loaned copy.

Rosenberg draws from his experiences working with Bill Monroe and other bluegrass musicians in this compelling and intriguing history of bluegrass music. The early chapters sketch out an interesting history of folk music genres that laid the foundation for bluegrass. Rosenberg then provides special attention to Monroe's role in helping to create a new sound. I especially appreciated the metaphor between playing bluegrass music and playing baseball. Rosenberg explores the symbolic and literal connections throughout the book to provide a great way to understand how the music (and game) is played.

If you're interested in the history of bluegrass music, I would recommend that you begin with this book. Rosenberg is an engaging writer and a fine historian. He also performed with Bill Monroe and has continued to maintain a strong presence in bluegrass music. The work rightly focuses on Monroe's early contributions to bluegrass music, and Rosenberg demonstrates how the musical structure and context is linked to major social issues and cultural expressions in American life. The connections that Rosenberg makes between bluegrass and baseball are fascinating and right on the money.

Bluegrass music's greatest practitioners have always been plain-as-burlap folks who wouldn't give a hoot about dissecting and intellectualizing the music that pops out of them as naturally as sweat. As an appreciator of real deals, I wouldn't have it any other way. However, I'm glad that folklorist/musical historian Neil V. Rosenberg has been around for several decades now, poking his scholarly nose into the fascinating haystack that is bluegrass and putting the needles into cultural perspective. This sweeping and heartfelt book, Rosenberg's crowning achievement as the planet's foremost bluegrass oracle, will stand as the last word on the subject for a long, long spell.

Unlike rock 'n' roll, whose Big Bang genesis one fateful day in Memphis reverberated like a sonic boom, bluegrass had more fitful beginnings. The music's raw ingredients had been fermenting in Appalachia for untold years in the form of homemade "hillbilly" music before a shy Kentuckian named Bill Monroe began distilling them in the 1930s into a distinctive musical form. Monroe deliberately crafted the sound and personality of bluegrass and, much more round-aboutly, gave it its name. As the central figure in bluegrass, Monroe's patriarchal spirit looms magnificently large over Rosenberg's history, which, after all, is ultimately Monroe's story.

Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, arguably the next most important innovators in bluegrass, also figure prominently. In the 1940s, the two had been underpaid sidemen in Monroe's Blue Grass Boys band before abruptly striking out on their own in 1948 and becoming Monroe's main competition. Heavy turnover was a fact of life with the Blue Grass Boys, but the mercurial Monroe was outraged by the pair's defection and didn't speak to them for over twenty years. Transformed in the Sixties by television ("The Beverly Hillbillies") and movie ("Bonnie and Clyde") exposure into world-wide icons, Flatt & Scruggs achieved fame and commercial viability the likes of which bluegrass - including its inventor - had never known. Rosenberg's delineation of the famous Monroe/Flatt & Scruggs "feud" is one of the best things in the book.

Rosenberg's writing style can be stiff and he tends to exaggerate the significance of certain events, such as the use of a bluegrass soundtrack on an obscure experimental art film called "Football As It Is Played Today." Also, his laborious investigation into how the term "bluegrass" came to be applied specifically to the music is a bit of a yawn. The book is thorough almost to a fault, but it's petty to criticize Rosenberg's leave-no-stone-unturned work ethic. He has written the definitive bluegrass bible and clearly done it from the heart. If you appreciate true country music, of which bluegrass is the truest, this book will both delight and enlighten you, as it did me.

447 pages (including index), extensive notes, bibliography and discography, 40 pages of photos.

Rosenberg is a practing academic, and it shows in his attention to detail and writing style. However, he is also a former Blue Grass Boy and manager of Bean Blossom, and it shows in his thorough love of the Music. Fascinating details alternate with a comprehensive picture of how Bluegrass fits into the wider context of American popular music. The Big Mon (Bill Monroe) comes out as a true creative genius, yet still very much subject to outside forces, for example, the folk music revival. Rosenberg avoids sensationalism, which sometimes limits the "juicy" stories that can be told about Monroe and many others, and instead focuses on the movement and the social forces around it.

Highly recommended for fans and scholars alike, even if somewhat hard reading for non-academics.