Oklahoma Books

What the amazon reviewer fails to disclose are the moments in this book that make it vivid: There is a queasy and scary scene where Charley escapes being gang-raped (while in male garb, no less), and another where she limps to a surgeon after being shot in the leg during a mugging! In fact, she gets shot a couple of times throughout the book!
You can read this book in one sitting and believe me, you'll want to--it's that riveting!

(...)

The wonderfully named Cuthbert Morton Girdlestone first published this guide in 1948. It has been frequently re-issued, also under the title Mozart's Piano Concertos, and gone through several editions, though all versions I have seen are basically identical.

At the time it first appeared Mozart's piano concertos were not as widely known and performed as they are today (no complete recordings of the entire canon were available, for example), so if Girdlestone appears to be making a special plea for their recognition, he had ample reason. With several volumes of trenchant analysis of the Viennese Classical composers and their output now available by such luminaries as Charles Rosen, Girdlestone's work may now seem old-fashioned to the point of raising smiles, an impression only reinforced by the handwritten musical examples (not very well coordinated with the text, incidentally). It is amusing to read the Concerto in B-flat major K. 450 described as "a well-bred gentleman," and such examples of what might be called musical anthropomorphism crop up frequently. Girdlestone was not a trained musical theorist and when he tries to talk of technical matters such as harmony or key centers he is fuzzy and at times downright wrong, no small matter with a master of tonal harmony and musical form. He also denigrates the musical worth of the early concertos in what seems an unnecessarily harsh manner, and his insistence that a benchmark of quality for a piano concerto be "collaboration" between the solo instrument and orchestra, by which he seems to mean dialogue and contrapuntal combination, is dogmatic as well. By his standards, for example, the so-called "Coronation" Concerto, K. 537, is an inferior work; but Rosen and others have pointed out how its compositional techniques anticipate those of Beethoven and subsequent early Romantic composers of piano concertos.

Nevertheless, Girdlestone's passion for Mozart's music, and his recognition that its charm and grace does not preclude deep and profound emotion, override his frequently flawed analysis, drawing the sympathetic reader in. It is hard not to agree with, or be moved by his statement that the piano concertos are a medium by which "we penetrate... into the inner sanctuary where the harassed and overworked man [Mozart] found afresh the radiant life which never ceased to spring up within him." In addition, his placing of the piano concertos within the context of Mozart's entire output is interesting and frequently provides valuable insight into the composer's general aesthetic. When my first copy of this book finally fell apart I searched for another copy to replace it, and found it here on Amazon. I recommend that all musicians and music lovers acquaint themselves with this pioneering, loving musical guide.

This book was actually written by my great aunt. My understanding is that there were only 50 copies ever published. It was only intended for family members. I have a copy of my own and treasure it like it were made of gold! Lorena's brother Benton Wilcox helped with editing and offering guidance on chapter content. Some of us in the family are talking about getting the book reprinted. It would sure be great to pass it on to our children and grandchildren.

It would be hard to fully understand recent and past work on shotgun performance and patterns without first reading this book. This is not entertaining reading, it is technical stuff for those who want to better understand shotgun patterns. I am glad I purchased and read it.

The myths of the Wichita are a mythic interpretation of the Place where the present-day city of Wichita stands, but they also are an important link to the world-wide mythologies of ancient times. They both offer an insight into the spiritual meaning of this Place, and have the potential for helping mythographers to understand where Native American myths fit into the larger picture of ancient culture. The ethnographer, Dorsey, has a genuine understanding of the Wichita and of the need to transmit their legends accurately and with a cultural context.

Following a series of recommended drives throughout the Middle South from west to east, this compact little book provides an excellent listing of sights (including brief descriptions) that a reasonably intelligent reader might enjoy. I read it with highlighter in hand, marking the sights that appealed to me, an approach I recommend to others.

Mr. White appears to be an active bird-watcher (he apparently has written other books on that subject). Readers who share that interest will find this book particularly interesting, since he highlights the best bird-watching spots along the Gulf Coast.

Any college-level holding strong in Mexican history and culture holdings will find National Narratives in Mexico: A History an essential acquisition: it examines different historical visions of Mexico as it was interpreted in its own time, surveying issues of ethnic identity, culture, and different concepts of history reporting and representation over the centuries. Modern Mexico can best be understood by realizing the differences in these approaches, and National Narratives in Mexico assures Mexico's volatile history is understood through the source documents making assumptions, assertions, and facts. Add black and white drawings by Raul Velasquez and you have an excellent, scholarly survey which should be a foundation pick for any serious collection.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

This fascinating book lists almost 200 U.S. Indian tribal flags arranged in alphabetical order. Every flag design, before being described and analyzed in detail, is introduced by a map locating the Tribe within the U.S. The text, rich in detail and well-documented from Native sources, is further illustrated by a set of 192 color plates, allowing full appreciation of these flags. You are invited to plunge into Indian lives and beliefs: the harmony between man and nature, wisdom, religious feelings, attachment to earth ... Through flags, the book allows you to discover a fascinating and ancient people, whose spiritual richness is only equaled by their diversity. It pays homage to Indian traditions, art and culture. Don't hesitate to buy this book, it will be an exciting adventure!

New in paperback is a college-level reference that is perfect for any serious Native American library: a survey that is the most important place names guide in print. American Indian words define North America: this reference blends history and linguistics with insights from Native speakers across the country, creating a scholarly 'bible' of reference detail key to any comprehensive Native American collection - and now very affordable in its new paperback format.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

I had the good fortune of using this book for a seminar paper. Truly, all that can be said is this is the most comprehensive source on Roman comedy you will find anywhere. It is well written and easy to use. Some knowledge of latin is a plus, but not really required. I would recomend this book to anyone looking for serious scholarship on Roman comedy.