History Books


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History Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

History
Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present
Published in Paperback by Harlem Moon (2008-01-08)
Author: Harriet A. Washington
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Average review score:

Presumed Consent - De Corpe Gettin' de Shaft - Grave Robbing!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-30
"Harvard Medical School was move from Cambridge College to Boston in order to be in closed proximity to poor colored people. This gave them access to a huge supply of poor and powerless experimental subjects."

So now I understand why all the teaching hospitals are generally in poor black neighborhoods. By locating these areas, medical staff have a unlimited supply of people to use as guinea pigs.

I thought this book was fascinating, and I would absolutely recommend. However, she contradicts herself quite often. She is telling us about all the experimentation and abuse of black Americans and their African slave ancestors. She even said something to the effect that the experimentation and abuse doesn't occur anymore. Yet she discuss several relatively recent experiments and clinical trials. So it is like she giving me the a fantastic dinner and telling me it's poison, but then setting a plate before me to eat.

I find Ms. Washington to be quite contradictory and annoying at times. The following made me say huh:

"I am in no way suggesting that this predominance of black body parts was deliberately engineered, but the confluence of presumed consent statues and the appearance of black homicide victims on coroner's tables explains why their organs and tissue dominates body part scandals." She annoys me. Why is she stating a fact, then backing down.

This is what she said in the previous paragraph to the statement above::

"Legal bias also exist in the form of presumed consent statutes, which were enacted in the 1980s to increased the number of organs donated for transplantation and research via various presumed consent statutes, which presumed that the descendent would want to donate his body parts."

Oh hell naw, if I ain't signing nothin', I aint donating squat. I have told my family I am not donating nada. They know. So how can the government presume anything. This is fraud. This medical apartheid.

Ms. Washington continues with "Many blacks do not wish to donate their bodies or body parts. Only 5 percent of Black Americans surveyed by DePaul law professor Michele Goodwin considered presumed consent a legitimate source of body parts. Eighty six percent of blacks she surveyed thought presumed consent should be illegal." It is blacks who organs and tissue are most likely to be appropriated via presumed consent by coroners after autopsy."

"There is no such entity as a crack baby. - Washington

"Birth control & abortion are turning out to be a matter of Eugenics steps. But if they had been advanced for eugenic reason, that would have retarded or stopped the acceptance." - Frederick Osborne, a Population Control Founder.

I give this book a five star, even with Ms. Washington's back peddling. I absolutely recommend this fascinating book. I would encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with term "presumed consent." This means that doctors can confiscate your organs immediately after death without your consent before death or the consent of your family after death. This sophisticated grave robbing. Please visit my book blog for June with your review of the book and review thread "De Corpse Getting de Shaft.

There was a lot of pain and ugliness in this book. Those poor slave women being tortured and brutalized could have been me, had I been born during that time. My family could have prayed that I would die in the summer. So my body would discompose quickly so that it would me it worthless for the grave robbers.

I encourage all to read this book, but most especially, my people.




are there photos in this book?
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-16
Can anyone tell me if there are photos in this book? graphic images? how many? I'd like to get this book for my high school class during black history month, but I'm concerned it may be too graphic. Thank you...sorry to post in the comment section but I can't find any info.

It's always useful to be reminded...
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-19
Although I would like to think that I couldn't be tempted (as a medical researcher) to break the rules and to impair human dignity, it was a very disturbing eye-opener to read this book! It made me remember a few events in my medical education when I saw my teachers cross the line, not as dramatically as most of what Washington portrays, but nevertheless the start of the slippery slope, and I know the temptations to "cut corners" in pursuing your goal of completing your research project. Once you give in to that, much worse can follow. I agree with other reviewers that this book has rendered a great service and should be required reading.

Medical Apartheid
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-18
An incredible scholarly work that exposes a virtually untold story in American history. Rich with detail, compelling ,,, and shocking.

Accurate, thorough, shocking.
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-14
It is clear from the thorough treatment of the subject, the suprisingly constructive conclusion, and the rich, powerful prose of Medical Apartheid that Harriet Washington is a genius. For dealing with such controversial and emotionally charged issues her tone is far more expository than accusatory, and she masterfully explains the history that has led our country to its current state of inequality. Her message is hopeful and clearly summarized. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in inequalities in medical treatment in the United States.

History
Out Of The Darkness: The Story of Mary Ellen Wilson
Published in Paperback by Dolphin Moon Publishing (1999-03-01)
Authors: Eric A. Shelman and Stephen, M.D. Lazoritz
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Average review score:

READ THIS BOOK!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-20
This book is a book that anyone who is considering a career in any type of child services needs to read. I myself am going into social services and this book made me realize what I will be seeing on a daily basis. Mary Ellen was such a brave little girl and I applaud her for surviving her early life!

Amazing
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-05-13
The book Out Of The Darkness is an awesome book. It shows the hard time that a little girl named Mary Ellen had to go threw. She has such a hard life, but in the end everything work out. I recommend this book for everybody. This is an outstanding book, everybody should read it.

If you've read this book, share your thoughts with others!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-05-03
I'm Eric Shelman, co-author of Out of the Darkness. I just wanted to ask that if you buy this book, come on back and write a review of it when you're done. I've never had anything but positive feedback about it, but others can use YOUR personal experience with it to better judge it prior to purchasing. I thank all of you who have read and commented on our book.

A must read for all Human Service Workers
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2005-11-05
The authors of this book have created a wonderful window of understanding how child abuse/neglect has evolved over the years. This book should be required reading for anyone interested in the human service field. Through the heart-felt story of Mary Ellen, we can see why there is such a strong need to protect children and continue to evolve for many more years. Thank you to Shelman & Lazoritz for telling such an important story.

A must read for social workers
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-06-27
Review of Out of the Darkness: The Story of Mary Ellen Wilson by Eric A. Shelman and Stephen Lazoritz, M.D. Dolphin Moon Publishing, 2003

I chose to review this book because it explains the job of a social worker in the early days of the profession. The book appealed to me as an author and advocate. Set in New York City immediately after the Civil War, this book offers a powerful story in a historical context. Using an original style that combines journalism with fiction, the writers completed a work of art that is based on a true story. The protagonist, Mary Ellen Wilson, was a real orphaned child who experienced devastating cruelty at the hands of the first woman to be tried and convicted of child abuse, Mary Connolly. The story climaxes when Etta Wheeler, a social worker; Henry Bergh, the founder of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; and Elbridge Gerry, ASPCA attorney, come together to rescue Mary Ellen. It's nearly inconceivable that animals were awarded victims' rights before children.

Thomas Wilson was an immigrant from Ireland who fled the potato famine to shuck oysters at a New York City hotel. In 1861 he married Frances Connor, an English immigrant who he'd met while she was a laundress at the hotel. While he was on the front lines during the Civil War, she gave birth to their daughter, named Mary Ellen. The year the child was born was the same year that Tom Wilson died in battle, 1864.

Frances found it difficult to work and care for her child, so she sought the services of a woman named Martha Score. Childcare for the working poor in the tenements of New York City provided meager nutrition and crowded conditions with no sanitation. However, Miss Score took good care of the baby while Frances worked long hours at the hotel. Travel through the tenements was treacherous at night, so Frances could not visit her child as often as she wished. After her husband died during battle, Fanny turned to alcohol for solace, leading to the loss of her job. Eventually, Fanny died in an "inebriate's asylum." When the war ended, working women returned to housekeeping as their husbands went to work. This left Miss Score with no income, thereby having to abandon the then two-year old Mary Ellen to Blackwell Island almshouse. Mary Ellen was illegally adopted to the evil Mrs. Connolly, where she suffered for seven years.

Etta Wheeler worked for St. Luke's Mission; she cared for the "outdoor poor" and frail elderly in the slums of the city. When neighbors spoke about the cries of a child called Mary Ellen, Miss Wheeler used all available resources to rescue Mary Ellen. However, she was often told by pastors, police, and lawyers to not interfere in the family's business. Undaunted by the advice, Etta persisted in her rescue efforts, eventually aided by Henry Bergh of the ASPCA. In 1874, with police assist, Mary Ellen was carried out of the abusive home, covered with a horse blanket provided by the ASPCA. The court proceedings set a precedent: "There had never been a recognized way to remove a child from an unfit home." The jury trial resulted in felony assault charges against Mrs. Connolly.

Etta Wheeler's sister, who lived on a farm in upstate New York, legally adopted Mary Ellen. Etta continued her social work in the tenements of New York City, where she was needed most. Mary Ellen eventually married, and her daughters spoke of their mother's burns and cuts that never fully healed. However, Mary Ellen lived until the age of ninety-two, surviving her husband by thirty-one years. Meanwhile, Mr. Bergh founded the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Mr. Gerry was responsible for forming the initial laws pertaining to the rights of children.

This story will cause the reader to wince at the cruelty and rejoice at the rescue. Perhaps the most poignant message in the book comes with the ending: "Perhaps we should see Mary Ellen not as the victim of abuse, but as the survivor, and as a persistent reminder that the efforts of a few people on behalf of one child can make a real difference." As a social worker, that is my hope.

History
A Sense of Honor: A Novel (Bluejacket Books)
Published in Paperback by US Naval Institute Press (1995-04)
Author: James H. Webb
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Average review score:

A Sense of Honor--redux
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-01
I read this book when it was first published and was completely taken by it. I entered the US Naval Academy in 1968 (Class of 72)--my plebe year was 1968-1969 (I flunked out a year later, joined the Army, went to Vietnam, returned, finished college then joined the Marine Corps, retiring as a Colonel after 31 years total service). The events and characters in this book were so close to those I'd experienced (to include the setting--I was in 32nd Company, my company officer, Maj Stensland, MUST have been the model for Capt Lenahan) it completely blew me away. Most poignant for me is the part about training for jump school...I participated in that; reading the book was like reading a chapter of my own life. If you want to know what this little bit of history was all about; if you want to "taste" a snapshot of the times...being part of an institute demonized by anti-war sentiment knowing that upon graduation you were going to Vietnam (in my case, never coming to grips with what calculus had to do with fighting NVA) this is the book for you.

I Truly Received the Messages but I Didn't Appreciate It
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-18
I bought this book based on the reviews posted on this website. I too, served for 10 years in the Navy. For some reason, I got very bored with the centralized theme: discipline at the USNA. I'll even admit that I started (and stopped) reading this book several times but I was determined to finish it (like Dean running the wall). The transformation of turning teenagers into military leaders is the purpose of the Academies but why does Webb beat you death with this point. I know there are other plots to the book but everything comes back to the discipline element. Webb's military career is well documented and he does a tremendous job bringing the reader into this environment. His character development in Sense of Honor is very strong. The plots are easy to follow. He satisfactorily brings each to conclusion at the end. I am giving it 3 stars because 1) I finished the book and 2) due to the over emphasizing of discipline. It would be kinda interesting if Webb had to choosen to follow up these characters. He did with Fogarty but what eventually happens to Dean might have made a great sequal. This is a good novel but not a real turner.

True to life
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-15
I wasn't there in the 60's, but I can tell you it was very accurate for 1985. The are still a few Fogartys running around there. I had a squad leader just like him. This is a very good read. Webb is underappreciated as a writer.

Another great Webb book
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-10-19
"A Sense of Honor" is classic Webb, and that's a good thing. For those readers unfamiliar with James Webb and his works, he graduated from the Naval Academy, went to Vietnam as a Marine Officer, and eventually used his experiences to write his most famous novel, "Fields of Fire". Both "Fields" and "Sense of Honor" have as central themes the warrior's distaste for the tyranny of guidelines and rules over common sense. Webb excells at creating choatic enviroments, where leadership breaks into difficult choices of judgement and morality, where there are no 'right' answers. In particular, I found 'Sense of Honor' great because of its simple contrast of characters. Fogerty is the poster-boy Annapolis First Classman, and consumate warrior. John Dean is the new 'plebe', subject to the whims of the First Classmen (think of a recruit in a Fraternity). Dean is about grades and class; jumping through whatever hoops he must to simply graduate and continue a civilian life. Fogerty pushes Dean, in the words of 'Sense of Honor', to be 'bigger than himself' - to be a leader sacrificing for his companions, rather than a civlian out for himself. This is all set during the Class of 1968, the summer of the Tet Offensive in Vietnam, in which Annapolis graduates fought, bled, and died. Sacrifice and death were by no means simple abstractions. Anyone interested in leadership, the military life, or simply a great drama would do well to buy this book. It is as relevent to current events as it was back when 'Sense of Honor' was written.

Quelled on the wing like eagles struck in air. . .
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-12
It's been 15 years since I read this book the first time as a Midshipman. While quite a bit has changed in my life since then, I am amazed at how quickly A Sense of Honor took me back to my youthful days at USNA. As I read Webb's story this time, I was amazed at how differently it affected me and how greatful I am for my own experiences and relationships I took from the Academy. They call Annapolis "the great conundrum" because while you are there, all you want to do is get away, but once you graduate, all you want to do is get back, and Webb's story helps to demonstrate why. While the particulars of the story will be more familiar to former Midshipmen, there are terrific lessons to be learned for everyone and I would recommend it without a doubt.

History
Basic Writings of Nietzsche (Modern Library Classics)
Published in Paperback by Modern Library (2000-11-28)
Author: Friedrich Nietzsche
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Average review score:

Kaufmann Translations with all Footnotes
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-03
The Birth of Tragedy-75 Aphorism-Beyond Good and Evil-The Genealogy of Morals (3 Essays)-The Case of Wagner-Interpretations/commentaries

A great collection, though a strange chronological leap from BOT to BGE. Right for the price and a great review of the later published books of FN. All of Kaufmann's footnotes are maintained. You'll at least want to have had read The Gay Science before coming to this, or even TSZ; Beyond Good and Evil and The Genealogy of Morals are NOT the place to get your feet wet and FN is not joking in Ecce Homo when he says that a close reading and familiarity with his earlier writings is necessary to delve and dredge up all that he has thought through--and to then move on to further possibilities presented by the various threads lain therein.

But if you are really eager to get to these later works, do at least have some familiarity with Hegel and read the Untimely Meditations and then make the leap to this volume.

Caveat: I cannot recommend the Zarathustra translation by Kaufmann, as available through the Viking Portable Library or Penguin; it is truly facile. Hollingdale's translations of the TSZ, Twilight and the AntiChrist are much preferable, thought they lack K's commentary.

Essential works by important thinker
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-10
Whether you agree with him or not, Nietzsche's thought is pivotal in understanding modern Western society. This one-volume compilation provides an excellent introduction to his core philosophy.

Pleasurable and rich!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-06
Nietzsche changed my life. This translation and selection heightened and developed my sensibility more than any other philosopher or work of fiction. I think the difference in dynamic plays a role here: in works of fiction the characters represent man in various and hyperreal circumstances, but it is only a representation. With Nietzsche, the life of the real man and what he wrote underscore each other.

Nietzsche is utterly enjoyable. One almost feels a wicked pleasure as he dismantles the various and prevailing constructions of the world. But he always fights fair: he allows his targets to live on the page and fight back.

I love the aphoristic style. The way he briefly but profoundly treats a topic, and then returns to it again with a new twist or perspective. It is rich!

Oh, Nietzsche
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-16
I've typed that name what seems like a thousand times in the last month. I used Beyond Good and Evil for two papers this semester, and he gave me an idea for a short story. What a writer! Not a guy you'd like to be on a desert island with, but his philosophy could be purposely misinterpreted and made into a somewhat logical or at least palatable set of ideas. The interpretation seems to be pretty good...I also used Kaufman's Nietzsche for the research paper I did, and he seems to be pretty knowledgeable and unbiased. I can't wait to read some of the other pieces in this.

almost perfect. all you'll ever need, but maybe not all you'll want.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-25
a great collection...i don't think it includes 'thus spake zarathustra', though. if it does, my apologies. if i'm right, then that's an odd omission. otherwise, i love it.

History
The Dark Valley: A Panorama of the 1930s
Published in Paperback by Vintage (2002-01-08)
Author: Piers Brendon
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Average review score:

Disappointing
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-17
Apparently I'm the only one disappointed by this book. I found it a mish-mash of political, social, diplomatic & economic history that flitted around the world without going into much depth in any country. Brendon is a bit like a gossip columist, writing brief tidbits & then moving on to the next item. Also, he mentions the major diplomatic events, Rhineland, Austria & Munich, only in passing. I had hoped there would be more emphasis on diplomacy & politics, as in "Munich" by Telford Taylor. I found the chapters on Spain & Italy most interesting, perhaps because I've read very little on the Spanish Civil War or Mussolini's dealings with the Vatican & the war in Ethiopia. The chapters on France are also good, but " Collapse of the Third Republic" by William Shirer is much better. The chapters on Britain are the worst. Brendon is biased against Churchill & doesn't do the man justice. I skipped the chapters on the U.S., Japan & Russia (except for the last chapter), so I can't comment on those.
Maybe this is good popular history, but I found it rather superficial. On the plus side, Brendon is a good writer.

Very Well Done
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-26
I just completed this book and found it to be very well done portrayal of the 1930s. Brendon vividly captured both the individuals at the heart of the decade -- Roosevelt, Chamberlain, Stalin, Hitler, Mussolini and a cast of others (including the shifting political leaders in France and Japan) -- but also brings to life the trends and experiences of the millions of anonymous "masses." Particularly compelling were the chapters on Stalin's 1937-38 purges and the chapters on Japan. While lengthy (692 pages) the book reads at a good pace and keeps one interested.

Fantastic Stuff
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-06
This is one of the best books I have ever read about that period or any other period of modern history. Brendon knows how to connect countries, people, events and even fleeting vignettes with the utmost mastery. You really get a global vision about those years and the spirit that animated them. Last but not least it must be mentioned the elegance of Brendon's pen. His ability to depict leaders or secondary characters with one stroke, one line, one adjective or two is amazing and always with a drop of sly humor.
In his best moments he remembers that other great history writer and wit, E. Gibbons.

Scintillating history
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-06
Comprised of a set of chapters in three or so rotations on such splendid characters as Hitler, Mussolini, Petain, Franco, Stalin, and even Hirohito and his generals. I could not stop reading this hefty volume and regret that it ended where it should have logically ended. The book bears comparison to the more breathless writings of Anthony Beevor and I heartily recommend it to specialists and to the general reader. Bravo!

Government against the people
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-25
Ah, the 1930s: "Japan annexed Manchuria and tried to conquer China, challenging Britain's position in the Far East. Italy seized Ethiopia & flexed its muscles in the Mediterranean, which, when Franco subjugated Spain, seemed in danger of becoming a fascist lake. Germany occupied fringe territitories, tearing up the Treaty of Locarno as well as the Peace of Versailles & upsetting the balance of power in Europe." "Statolatry," the worship of the state, lay at the heart of the matter. It wasn't the stock market crash of 1929 that doomed the decade, but (argues this author) governments' responses to it that engendered 'The Dark Valley' of the 1930s, particularly by the middle of the decade. The perceived panacea of state planning, instead of surmounting the turmoil engendered by 1920s stock market irrational exuberance, actually was akin to pouring salt on the wound. As "governments abandoned laissez-faire in favor of protectionism" "this encouraged 'have-not' states to create 'co-prosperity spheres' of their own, in defiance of the feeble League of Nations." In other words, "economic nationalism easily developed into political agression." Concomitant to this, propaganda was elevated to an art form. Said one participant: "And why do I insist on proclaiming that October was historically a revolution? because words have their own tremendous power." The words could easily be Lenin's, but are another coup leader's actually, uttered by Mussolini after his October 1922 seizure of power. The communists were no slouch herein, either, of course. The USSR had its show trials (after a 1934 state funeral for Stalin's potential rival, after Stalin had the later killed). And Hitler, all the while, was gearing up for war while denying it . But why did not "the truth will out" across Europe and across the sea? In Britain, blame the "moral paralysis" of the decade on Fleet Street's "habit of suppressing or 'playing down' unpalatable news." Witness how they hid the truth about Mrs Simpson's relationship with their king. "It helped to justify the newspapers' deceit about appeasement and the imminence of war," the author concludes. Meanwhile, the French were afflicted with a "Maginot mentality;" wallowing passively behind their wall, praying that it would protect them from Hitler; an affliction not at all helped by Neville Chamberlain's pacifism. (Neville was, after all, but one fine example of Theophile Gautier's maxim that one can pass through one's own age without seeing it.) And "America further destabilized the situation by refusing to pull its weight internationally." But it was Italy that takes center stage in this book. Or, rather, it was the West's failure to confront Italy that emboldened the forces rising round the world to push their luck. In particular, "The most fateful turning point in the period between the wars," (in historian B Liddell Hart's view, the author offers) was Britain (through the League of Nations) not calling Mussolini's bluff in 1935. "Damaged by its impotence over Manchuria, the League of Nations, as many had anticipated, was destroyed by its failure over Ethiopia." To boot, in 1937, not taking a stand against Mussolini because such could be "dangerous" (as Chamberlain argued) was akin to telling Hitler to sabre rattle to his evil heart's content. In Hitler's own view: "The brown shirt would probably not have existed without the black shirt" (Mussolini's original fascistic stormtroopers). PS: This book has 76 pages of notes which is indicative of the thoroughness of Piers Brendon in this weighty tome. (06Jul) Cheers!

History
Edge on the Sword
Published in School & Library Binding by Topeka Bindery (2003-12)
Author: Rebecca Tingle
List price: $15.80
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Average review score:

Great fun
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-05
First of all this is a teen book and I'm 28. That being said, I loved the book. For advanced readers it's a fast read, but thouroughly enjoyable. I could picture the places the author was describing and picture Æthelflæd easily. With so few historical fiction novels being directed toward great women, this was a welcome read, and the author stayed true to the history of the time.

An Amazing Twist of Historical Events and Fiction
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-15
"Surprise, stealth, unbalancing her enemy, these were the ways her guardian had taught her to save herself, and to win," are the words that are featured on the back of the book, The Edge on the Sword, because the things her guardian taught her is a crucial point. Making history come alive, Rebecca Tingle mixed magnificent facts and fiction together to make an unforgettable story, where any girl can escape. In 2001, it was published by Penguin Putnam Books. Beautifully, remarkably, and magnificently done, the front cover illustration of The Edge on the Sword was drawn by Karen Savary, a memorable artist.

At the end of the ninth century, Flæd was now on her fifteenth year of living. Living in the burgh, staying with family, and learning her languages were all she knew, since she had done that for all her life. Her father was King Alfred of Wessex. He had a passive kingdom. As Flæd grew up, her main companion was her brother, Edward. They enjoyed their ambitious adventures among the forests around the burgh. Eventually, these trips got slim because Flæd began her education in writing, Latin, and Greek under her instructor, (w) Bishop Asser. Little did she know that soon her life would dramatically alter.

As instructed, Flæd headed toward her father's private chamber. Inside the small room she entered, sat King Alfred, who had been waiting. He gestured for her to sit. Alfred looked at her for a second then said gently, "Æthelflæd, as women grow they obtain more responsibilities. Now, that you are almost sixteen, it is time for you to be married. At the end of the summer you will travel to Lundon, Mercia, to be married to my friend and partner, Æthelred." Being the daughter of a very powerful man, Flæd had known this was coming, but it still shocked her. Soon, she would leave everything. She would lose her family. Permanently, she would leave home. Immediately the next morning, a warrior and envoy from Lundon came to be her guardian and warder. His name was Red. Flæd had always had a strong, enduring friendship with her brother, but as that last summer came and went, that friendship was almost lost, but that friendship lasted. No longer could they go on their private adventures in the woods, because of Red, Flæd guardian, who followed her everywhere.

At the end of the summer, Flæd equipped herself, packed up, and prepared her gifts for Æthelred in preparation for her departure to Mercia, because it would be several days before they would arrive in Lundon. As her protection, she had been trained in the arts of the sword and had a minute band of warriors with her. Leading them, Red rode at the front, followed by two wagons and a small amount men on horse back. They followed the river. Surprisingly, they were attacked and many of the men fell in battle, leaving Flæd with a few desperate men and little hope. Could they arrive safely after this tragedy?

This book has a fantastic twist of history and adventure, as if the excitement is literally bounding off the pages. As a great source of entertainment and much more, every pre-teen and early teen girl should read this book. Over all, The Edge on the Sword is an astounding masterpiece, because of the unforgettable story and amazing use of words, which is a charismatic combination.

* A Brave Soul Named Flaed! *
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-22
A teenager named Aethelflaed, is the daughter of the king. That means he picks the husband for her! Her dad picks a man that's about his age (which is about in his fourties!), which she's never met. She sadly can't refuse her dad on this, and is now tortured by the thought of what he looks likeand who he is.

Her dad hire's a protecter for her, since there is a big deal of raiding in the area. Aethelfaed is annoyed by the man who watches her because he follows her everywhere(she is very independant!) She eventually befriends the man, and he teaches her to defend herself, and she teaches him a few tricks as well.

There is a lot of stuff that occurs that I don't want to give away, so you'll have to read it! I'll warn you that there is a sad part, but a happy one fills it in! This book has a slow begining, but gets you hooked!

This was a awesome book, and if you read it you'll enjoy it as much as I did, and I enjoyed it a lot!

Amazing Book!!!!!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-10-19
I absolutly loved this book. I think Aethelflaed is an amazing heroine. It was sad in some parts, happy in others, with a great plot. Aethelflaed seems so real, and sort of like me. I hope other people can relate to this book as well as I can.

Adventure, excitement and a great historical fiction!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-10
This is definetly one of my favorite books! I've read it countless times and I also love the sequel 'Far Traveler'. The characters are all lovable and the plot is excellent. Another great thing about this book is it is partially a historical fiction novel. The author Rebecca Tingle wrote this book wrote this looking at historical notes. AEthelflaed was a real person and did many great things. Enough great things to be known as Lady of the Mercians.

Flaed is a girl that's only lived fifteen winters but her father King Alfred is making her marry a man named Ethelred of Mercia...a man that she's never met... He's also many years older than her. But Flaed must agree and her father tells her that she cannot be left alone any longer. She must have a bodyguard...a man named Red.

While Flaed and Red are together Red teachers her many things on how to defend herself. She learns how to ride faster and better (which will let her show off to her future husband soon), she uses the sword and many other things. But little does Flaed know that when she leaves for her new home trouble will follow.

History
Fighter Combat: Tactics and Maneuvering
Published in Hardcover by US Naval Institute Press (1985-10)
Author: Ro Shaw
List price: $29.95
New price: $110.05
Used price: $52.00

Average review score:

The Bible of Fighter Tactics
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-12
If you have any interest in this area this is a must have book.
Simple and generaly fast reading,with lots of images to further extend the meaning of the text. Written by someone who knows about the art of fighter fighting. Good for real and virtual pilots alike (so many people say)

Fighter Combat: Tactics and Maneuvering
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-30
A very competent insight on the dynamics of ACM and the relationship of the aircraft and weapon systems.

Excellent Text Not For The Casual Reader
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-28
This book is a serious educational tool for modern fighter pilots. I tried reading it in high school when I thought I wanted to "grow up to be a fighter pilot." The best thing about it is that I learned that being a fighter pilot requires a lot more knowledge of math and physics than I'd ever imagined. Real fighter jocks have to be a great deal smarter than they are portrayed in movies.

The subject matter is fascinating, and the book is clear and well-written. If you read it carefully, you will certainly learn something, but unless you are also sitting in a cockpit day after day, you won't have any context for the information you've put in your head.

I suppose a die-hard combat flight sim pilot might be able to improve his or her air combat skills with this book, but, honestly, for a civilian, the only reason to read this book is because you are so obsessed with air combat that you simply must immerse yourself in this subject matter. I doubt someone who has never flown into real air-to-air combat will ever have a true appreciation of the knowledge this book has to offer.

If you are serious about Combat Flight sims...
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-11
... then this book is a must-have. However if you are a pretty casual flight simmer and just are out for fun, this will just complicate your approach unnecessarily.

I got it with the intention of getting more serious, but unless you are a young person with ambitions of joining the air force, you may be better off just getting what info there is on line already.

This book covers all aspects of ACM, and it is excellent for that. Just that after having read the book, I found I lacked the time to PRACTICE the maneuvers covered therein. And practice is the only way you will be able to translate what's in the book into anything more real. If you have an interest in combat flight, you may enjoy the book anyway, on another level.

All in all I'd have to say that it was a good addition to my library- now just trying to get the time to implement it in my fav sim.

The definitive book on air combat
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-12-13
Fighter Combat by Shaw is the definitive book on air combat in any decade.

Like so many others have said, Shaw's book is utterly comprehensive, covering everything from the most basic of basics, to advanced maneuvering tactics for fighting when faced with superior odds and superior aircraft. I originally purchased Fighter Combat as an aid to my knowledge in combat flight simulators, but I quickly found that even small portions of Shaw's book contained a level of knowledge that absolutely dwarfed my own.

Highly, highly recommended. If you're a flight-sim enthusiast, a jet fighter enthusiast or the like, there is no more authoritative work.

History
Hack Attacks Encyclopedia: A Complete History of Hacks, Cracks, Phreaks, and Spies over Time
Published in Paperback by John Wiley & Sons (2001-08-22)
Author: John Chirillo
List price: $64.99
New price: $15.99
Used price: $3.00

Average review score:

five stars on the scale of worthless-ness
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2002-05-30
this book is culled from sources across the internet, almost all of the information is freely available somewhere. in most cases the author has not even bothered to change the filenames or unique file extensions. the book itself is barely an index of the cd-rom, with the first paragraph of a file serving as a description. there is some (un)original writing done by the author himself, comprising a miniscule amount of the actual text. if you would like to learn what these files are actually about, you would be much better served by going to the sites they were taken from

this is a copied book
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2005-01-09
This book is trash. This is just a printed version of textfiles.com that gives you all of the "lost" files for free. This is just a horrible book that takes advantage of people not using google first to find free information.

I think this book is equivalent to somebody filling up a bottle with tap water and selling it for 20 dollars as pure water found in the most secret places.

Gain Insight of the Mindset of Hackers, Crackers, Phreakers!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2002-10-18
The widespread availability of computers and access to telephone and Internet technologies has contributed to the sharp rise in the number of people going online over the years. Unfortunately, many of these people found their way online through less-than-honest means, and once online, they would set out to perform a great deal of mischief and damage to various computers and computer information systems.

Hack Attacks Encyclopedia edited by John Chirillo serves as the ultimate source for collected information on the history of hacking, cracking, and phreaking. The book features nearly 2,000 text and HTML document extracts that includes news articles, online postings, and other snippets of insightful information. Some of the accounts are startling. Readers will quickly pick up just how clever some hackers, crackers, and phreakers really are. The following snippet exemplifies available talent in Northern America:

"Silver Spy has everything going for him - comfortable surroundings, a father who is an engineer. He ranks in the top 3 percent of his high-school class. His SAT scores for college admission totaled 1,400 of a possible 1,600. He wants to attend Stanford or the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. But in the eyes of the phone companies he is a thief, and in the eyes of the law he's a criminal. Such is the portrait of this 17-year-old computer "hacker" and "phone phreaker" who lives about 20 miles outside Boston. He spoke with U.S. News & World report on the condition that neither his real name nor home town be revealed."

The Hack Attack Encyclopedia is broken up into major sections by decade - the 70's, the 80's, the 90's, the Millennium, and a special historical synopsis. From beginning to end, readers will be able to follow the history of mischievous behavior. It will be an eye-opening experience for anyone to follow the advancements made in communications technologies and how they can be easily circumvented and otherwise compromised to carryout further activities. Although some of the technologies disclosed in the book are outdated and have been replaced, readers will still gain helpful insight of the mindset of hackers, crackers, and phreakers operating today. They are a force to be taken very seriously.

An extensive 217-page glossary of terms will enlighten readers about the slang talk used in the hacking, cracking, and phreaking communities. As a special bonus, the CD accompanying the book features full-length editions of the article and snippet extracts included in the book, hundreds of computing and Internet exploits, and a sampling of useful utility programs.

Hacking, cracking, phreaking, and virus infection still poses problems for many people today. This book will open the eyes of many people - including business people, IT managers, and law enforcement officials. It will serve as an excellent starting point for taking necessary corrective action to prevent further mischief and harm caused to personal and company computer systems. I can't wait to see an updated edition. Highly recommended reading.

five stars on the scale of worthless-ness
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2002-05-30
this book is culled from sources across the internet, almost all of the information is freely available somewhere. in most cases the author has not even bothered to change the filenames or unique file extensions. the book itself is barely an index of the cd-rom, with the first paragraph of a file serving as a description. there is some (un)original writing done by the author himself, comprising a miniscule amount of the actual text. if you would like to learn what these files are actually about, you would be much better served by going to the sites they were taken from

I would give it zero stars if I could.
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2004-02-12
The book looks damned impressive from the outside; it's 960 pages! Surely, this must be the most complete discussion of the hacking and phreaking subculture ever published! The cover, a sunset-colored affair with barbed wire and neat lettering, tells you it'll have a more up-to-date sensibility. Everything said this would be my next purchase.

My heart sank as I read through the book.

The vast, vast, VAST (over two-thirds) majority of the book consists of the first paragraph of BBS textfiles, with a line telling you the filename included on the CD that comes with the book. In some cases, Chirillo deigns to visit upon you a single-line description, but many don't even have that. So now, imagine this: page after page of filenames, then descriptions, then the first paragraph, of files located on a CD that's in the back of a book. What a horrible waste! There's a computer "glossary" in the back which looks suspiciously like similar documents available on the web, although I can't be sure. Also, there are a few tiny chapters giving general descriptions of the hacker and phreaking subculture. If you were to remove the filenames and descriptions and paragraphs, I doubt this book could get past 100 pages, if that.

History
Inside Passage: Living With Killer Whales, Bald Eagles, and Kwakiutl Indians
Published in Paperback by Perennial (1992-09)
Author: Michael Modzelewski
List price: $9.00
New price: $14.01
Used price: $0.40
Collectible price: $14.85

Average review score:

Interesting but too idealistic
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2005-04-01
Quick read. Definitely worth it if you have been or are going to be in the region. Some of his scientific stuff is a little off but it's not the right book if you are looking for exacting detail on these subjects. Modzelewski's perspectives were very idealistic and I found it a little difficult to believe that the experiences he relates were quite a spiritual or mind altering as he sometimes makes them seem. The author does pull series of stories or facts together well. The chapters addressed themes - like the tribes, animals, the island's owner, etc. Modzelewski doesn't try to tell you everything there is to know about any of these subjects but selects what he thinks is interesting and relates it briefly. Often the points he makes or the stories he chooses to tell are not ones that you might have expected.

Real Deal
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-25
I live in Alaska and a friend recommended Mr. Modzelewski's book. And now I recommend it to the world. Sure, there's the usual descriptions of animals, ocean, weather and solitude but what makes this book special is the author goes so much deeper into the Spirit behind things. Haven't stopped thinking about his experiences and it's been a month now since I finished the book.

PURE DRAMA
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-06-19
I'm an actress and read scripts, rarely books -- but after a producer friend recommended Inside Passage to me, I couldn't put it down! In fact, I read it three times. It was like watching a movie -- that's how vividly Michael Modzelewski writes. Alaska is a far different world than Los Angeles and I escaped completely to a pure and inspiring reality. Thank you, Michael! You are gifted and blessed. And who knows? Maybe we can turn this captivating story into a film, with the author and animals the main characters and could there be a more beautiful setting than the Inside Passage to Alaska -- as evoked so wonderfully in this poetic prose.

Inside Passage -- Captivating!!!!!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-09-08
A wonderful voyage in mother nature's womb, evoking feelings of awe, and revere at the colossal universe, inhaling the powerful imagery of wilderness through Michael.

Beyond Human
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-08-10
Michael Modzelewski writes like a wild animal. If the beasts could speak it wouldn't come out much different than how Michael describes them. The author knows no limits -- extending into and giving shape to all animate matter in super insightful poetic prose.

History
Korn
Published in Paperback by Omnibus Pr (1998-10)
Author: Doug Small
List price: $14.95
New price: $10.52
Used price: $0.06

Average review score:

i need advice
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2003-06-08
which book is better this one or life in the pit?

To who wrote this book
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 14 total.
Review Date: 2000-02-06
I wanted to do a book report on korn my favoret group but it curses to much wy do you havto do that micster37@hotmail.com

Korny Midge
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 1999-12-18
this book is realy good, it offers so much info on how the band started and little extras that you may, or may not have wanted to know. i wasnt expecting it to be this good

This is an excellent book!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 1999-12-11
This book has a lot of great information about the band. If you ever wanted to know how they started out or just some tidbits about the guys just read this. I did notice that some of the pictures are backwards. Like the tatoo is on one arm in one picture and the other in a different picture.

KoRn is # 1! ! !
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 1999-12-04
This book is great for all the KoRn fans. It tells you the whole story behind KoRn and it also has many colorful photos to look at. This is my favorite book in the world and KoRn rules! ! !


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