France Books

Without a doubt one of the most intriging and engaging historical books I've ever read. The scope of his research and writing are awe inspiring. Its written in an older english style, but that also gives it a nice flavor. This book is a must read for any serious student of American history as well as those wanting a better understanding of the first explorers into the North American continent.

This new edition of Francis Parkman's early American history is a first rate republication by "The Library of America" and what a book! Parkman writes history like he was there when the events took place . You can see the Indians war paint and hear the great orator Pontiac as he stirs the tribes to follow him . Watch as the The British army learns hard lessons in the American wilderness . Watch as pioneers begin to spread across the Appalachian mountains . Parkman walked many of the trails he describes and much of his details come from eyewitness. His books are heavily footnoted with not just the source , but quotes verbatim in support of his writing . His histories are written in the style of the great epics of old like Romulus and Remus . This book goes to the passions of the participants , both sides . To be sure he writes from the veiw point of a Proud American but that does'nt mean he ignores the other sides veiw point and thankfully these were written before political correctness became to dominate veiw point . I have read no modern history better written or more in depth as to its subject. I recomend all his histories . This one in particular as it covers a little published time in American history .

Parkman's magisterial work on the role of France in the New World must surely rank as one of the high points of 19th century American literature. Certainly the editors of the highly-esteemed Library of America made that determination when they selected the complete set of Parkman's works to be included in the ongoing Library of America series. Only a partial read is required to understand why this multi-volume work, written over a thirty year time frame, is regularly compared to Gibbon's "Fall and Decline of the Roman Empire," for Parkman's mastery of narrative historical storytelling pours forth from the earliest pages in prose that is rarely seen in today's written works. This is truly a monumental work, and should likely be considered a critical component for anyone trying to truly understand the development of the New World from the European perspective.

Parkman begins his saga with the founding and settlement of the area we now call "St Augustine" in Florida, arguably the oldest continuous settlement in the United States, and routinely billed as the "Oldest City in The United States." To visit St Augustine today is to make Parkman's narrative come to life, for there we visit and see Ribault's monument, the Castillo de San Marcos, Fort Mose, and the so-called "Fountain of Youth." To those who are more familiar with US colonial history in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and in greater New England, this is a story that greatly predates the Revolution, and unfolds the stormy rivalry between Spain and France's claims in the New World. It is often a brutal epic, but also contains the awe and wonder of Europeans who for the first time explored the unknowns found therein after the long trip across the Atlantic.

After this difficult early series of episodes, the story turns to LaSalle and the many other French explorers who explored and settled in the area of the St. Lawrence Seaway, and the issues and battles that ensued as these early explorers met the indigenous peoples of the region. Any map of the United States will yield an abundance of French names through Illinois, Michigan, and all around the Great Lakes (the word "Illinois" itself is a great example, and "Detroit," actually "d'étroit," or "of the straights"), bearing witness to the history of French exploration and settlement in these early years.

Parkman's narrative is superb, a example of historical writing at its best. His source documentation is so thorough that the work can serve as a primary resource for a seemingly endless series of derivative studies. But whether you are a historian or not, Parkman brings the story alive, and lets you be a virtual guest through the centuries. Make sure you get both volumes.

Francis Parkman is one of the most talented writers of our country's history that one will read. He writes as if he is hovering about the situation and describes it so you feel as if you were there, not bogging you down with details. This is a must read for all history buffs.

Parkman is thorough and comprehensive, but the amount of information that this throws at you is almost overwhelming. Reading his books makes War and Peace seem like a quick read...lots and lots and lots of information.

Okay, so I'm probably not your kind of cook. I'm the geeky sort of guy who thinks Julia Child is a reasonable substitute for divinity, who worships the ground Chris Kimball walks on in a "Brocktoon" sort of way, who considers superstars like you and Emeril the people the Food Network employs to keep the lights on for Alton Brown. But you know, even if I'm not exactly a fan, that doesn't mean I don't respect what you do. So I have to say right now, if you've never heard of this minute masterpiece from 1930, read it, reread it, incorporate some of his stuff into your own recipes, and then lay a wreath on Pomiane's grave next time you and John are in France to shoot an episode of Tasty Travels, because this guy is your granddaddy just as much as the nice Sicilian fellow you're always talking about on the show.

I mean, look at this guy. He hits practically every French classic that can be done in ten minutes and he's got you beat on organizational technique (first thing you do when you get in the door and want to cook Pomiane-style: boil a pot of water. Doesn't matter why, you'll find a use for it.). The recipes are simple and tasty, and would do Julia, Simca and Louisette quite proud. He even provides menus to plan from, because life is more than meat and two veg. He hits a few of the classic sauces (though his "white sauce" recipe is written as a joke), features a good-sized section on vegetables, and provides a surprisingly diverse selection of meat dishes ranging from a simple steak to some surprisingly complex veal and pork dishes.

There is a sizeable and varied selection of soups (none of those annoying "stoups", fer chrissake) and some remarkably fast desserts, including a chestnut puree that the author was very proud of. A decent but concise section covers cooking techniques suitable for quick cooking, and the whole thing is topped off by a nicely informative preface by the translators describing how to handle Pomiane's recipes in a kitchen three-quarters of a century in his future. And did I mention this guy had a hell of a sense of humor, even in translation? Seriously, take a hint. Not one catch phrase anywhere, and he's still a hoot to read.

Rach, here's the deal. You're the reigning queen of convenience cooking and a kitchen superstar. Controversial, yes, but few have the luxury of near-universal love like Julia, and at the very least you've got it all over that bimbo Sandra. But you gotta give this guy props -- after all, like I said, he's your granddaddy.

Signed,
Brian from the Cape

This book should be a staple in every discerning cooks kitchen. Ten minutes or not, in the era of Rachel Ray (and I think she is lovely by the way) its nice to have a little class and soul in a "quick fix" cookbook.
Dr. de Pomiane is funny, insightful, and guiding. He not only gives you wonderful recipes to work with, he takes you by the hand and tells you just how to achieve the perfection you deserve and still have time to dwaddle over your coffee.

Extremely useful as well. I read it cover to cover the day it arrived (just last week) -- and I can't say that about ANY other cookbook! It is written (and translated) in a graceful and witty style, and is as enjoyable for the historical and cultural perspective it offers as it is for its culinary instruction and gastronomic joie de vivre. I have prepared two of Docteur de Pomiane's suggested menus and have greatly enjoyed both of them. I can see that with a bit of practice, I will indeed be able to turn out a 5-course lunch for two in about 15 minutes (not counting the time it takes to boil the water, of course).

With this book and a little (fun) practice, you can impress your friends, astound your dates, and enhance your own quality of life. So what are you waiting for?

This is one of my favorites among the cookbooks I own. I love to cook, although I hate recipes. Edourad de Pomiane's approach is perfect. His writing is funny and encouraging, and he teaches you to cook rather than simply giving instructions to copy a specific recipe. His recipes are exquisitely simple yet profoundly delicious. This one book changed the way I cooked steak, gave me confidence to try sauces for the first time, and taught me the key to making perfect omelets. Buy it. You won't regret it!

This is the perfect book for a beginner! It teaches you very basic techniques on cooking that everyone should know, such as how to make a sauce from burnt on meat juices. Its recipes also build on previous ones which makes memorization easier. What I loved most were the lessons on organization that will enable you to cook more efficiently.

In all, this is a great book to start anyone off as a cook. I made a sauce the other day by following the book's guidelines, rather than following a strict recipe and it turned out pretty good. The advice is great in that it gives you room to experiment without destroying your meal. In all, this is a great book to start anyone off as a cook. It's excellent!

I have used these calendar books for years. Anyone who likes France and looking at charming pictures of France will enjoy using these books as their combination daily calendar and address book.

i love these photographs! i feel as i am there! thank you linda for taking me to france every time i open your book!

This is the tenth year I've used a "French Country Diary" as my appointment calendar, and I don't know what I'd do if they stopped making them! Beautifully bound - a page a week - with just the right amount of space to mark several appointments each day along with notes, etc. I'm always complimented on the gorgeous souledo fabric hard cover. It's a discreet and lovely accessory that'll bring joy to your every day!

This item was for my wife; she really likes it. Perfect for her.

This is the third year I have used a French Country Diary and will continue to record my years in this fine diary as long as it is published. The photography is outstanding and reminds me of treasured visits to France. Quality is excellent. I was delighted to find it on Amazon.

I just finished this superb work a few moments ago. Warning: once you start, you will not be able to put this book down.

As others have said, this is a true story which reads like a finely crafted work of fiction of the historical "thriller" genre. The constant tension is palpable as our heroes, the downed American airman desperately seeking help in occupied France, the young, small town schoolteacher who decides to risk all to hide him, the brave French Resistance fighter, all attempt to evade capture and death at the hands of the Nazis. That's all you need to know. Treat yourself...get this book and find out what happens to them. As the story draws to its end, you will truly care. I promise.

I love stories of the WWII era in occupied Europe and have read many, both history and fiction. Alan Furst's works of fiction are good, especially the earlier ones. Robert Ryan's works, The Blue Noon and Early One Morning, are both superb. They are based on actual events and real persons, with additional fictional characters inserted. A central "real" character in the latter, race car driver Robert Benoist, appears briefly in The Shadows of War.

Airey Neave's They Have Their Exits is a thrilling true memoir of escape from a Nazi prison camp. Neave also appears briefly in Ryan's The Blue Noon. Clare Francis' Night Sky is by far the best fictional work I have enjoyed of this genre.


All these books are excellent page turners. If you only read one, however, read In The Shadows of War. Whether you are interested in WWII and/or clandestine operations in occupied Europe or not, you will love this book and be moved by it.

I first encountered Thomas Childers in his excellent courses for The Teaching Company. His full history of WWII and his course on Hitler's Empire are excellent. Childers is a highly regarded U. of Pennsylvania professor of history. I recommend those works as well.

This is a very well written story of both the French resistance and the story of one of our pilots that crashed and was helped to avoid the Germans in occupied France. It also documents the experience of the pilot when he is captured by the Germans. It is a chilling example of the cruel treatment the pilot and other prisoners had to endure.

Thomas Childers has done it again - a truly amazing recount, from a very personal view, of another air war story from WW-II. His previous "Wings of Morning" was spell binding and yet here is "In the Shadows of War", another captivating book to be read over and over.

this book is fascinating as it ties in a captured American pilot's story with that of the French underground. A sobering view of the stranglehold the Germans had on occupied France and the tragic and heroic struggle of ordinary people.

i must say i am not the most advid reader in the world but when i bought this book i could not put it down. this book has it all, great adventures rich with texture and amazing characters!
there are many subplots to this book which also help advance the story to a wonderful ending. what a great movie this book would make and the fact that it really happend makes it even more compelling. thomas childers is a wonderful rich story teller. thanks for a great read!

We keep buying this for children, but all the adults who see this are mesmerized! A winner!

This is a great book that my 21 month old daughter loves. She has been learning her colors and this book helped.

This is such a cute book! My 3-year-old daughter loves to have it read to her, and "read" it back to me as well. She always gets a kick out of the "wrong" colors for familiar objects. I plan on buying this book as a birthday gift for another young child very soon.

My grandchildren, ages 6 and 3, and I enjoyed this very simple but most pleasurable book. The kids giggled and I smiled. Beautiful colors; cleverly arranged cut-outs. The idea that lemons are NOT red and other items are NOT colors that they're not, has great appeal to these young minds.

A terrific book for thinking about color, enjoying beautiful art, and just having fun. Clever take on the tired color concept book. Your kids will be laughing and thinking and immersed in high quality art. What could be better?

Les Miserables is the best book that I have ever read (which is saying a lot given how much reading I do). Don't be discouraged by the length of the book. The minute that you finish it all you will want to do is go back to page one and start over again. I don't know anyone that has regretted the time spent reading the unabridged version. It is a powerful story of love, mercy, and justice being exercised in a dark world.

I admit to having been skeptical when I read accounts that this was one of the greatest novels of all time, but upon completing Les Miserables I'm inclined to believe that this sentiment does not go far enough. There are many novels which are entertaining--few which make you want to be a better man. Les Miserables is a beautiful story told in a manner that is both insightful and inspiring. It is quite a bit longer than the average modern novel, but upon reaching the end you will find yourself wishing for more.

Hi! I am the 15 year-old who wrote the earlier review entitled "The Best Book" We just got a program for our computer that can translate different languages to English, so I finally found out what it says on Valjeans gravestone. I thought that I would post it for those of us who can't speak french. Feel free to E-mail me if you have any questions of if you want to talk about the book.

He sleeps. Although the fate was for him very strange, he lived. He died when he didn't have his angel anymore; The thing merely of herself arrives, As the night makes itself when the day leaves.

Although Wilbour's classic translation of Les Miserables is excellent, readers may also wish to consider the newer unabridged translation by Fahnestock and MacAfee; apart from being somewhat more natural to Anglophone ears, the latter also contains translations of some of the French verses that Wilbour did not translate (e.g., see Saint Denis XII:6).

My two favorite classics of all time are LES MISERABLES and THE BROTHERS KARAMAZOV. Interestingly, I've read that Fyodor Dostoevsky was a great admirer of Victor Hugo and of Les Miserables in particular. To me, what these two authors have in common is the profound psychological and spiritual insight found in their work. Les Miserables, for instance, is the most heartbreaking but uplifting story I've ever read, and the life of Jean Valjean is the most inspiring I've ever encountered in fiction. That's why I've slowly come to prefer a good abridgment to the unabridged version: because the story of Jean Valjean comes into much clearer focus. Both versions are incredible, and I'd recommend reading the unabridged version to start with, but for me it's all about Valjean, about the love he shows, the sacrifices he makes, and his overwhelming gratitude toward God. I doubt I'll ever read another piece of fiction more moving and emotional than the final scenes of this book. Highly recommended.

I love this devotional book, especially for smaller children in the early elementary years like my own. I grew up with this book myself, and it taught me many great life lessons from the Bible, which I carry with me to this day. I'm so glad I can pass this legacy on to my own four children!!! It starts out with a Bible verse, then a practical story, questions about the story, and a prayer at the end. If you have older children, they can look up additional Bible verses. This has been great for my 7 year old, who just started looking up verses in his new Bible. It's a special family time that we cherish and look forward to each and every day. I really recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a nice family devotional.

My family and I have read through "Little Visits with God" numerous times. It is great. There are shrot stories and questions with Bible verses to follow.

It sparks tremendous conversation and little kids especially like being involved in answering the questions. My four daughters all were aided in their reading development by reading the sections in "Little Visits with God."

Highly recommended.

My beautiful wife and I have reviewed dozens of children's devotionals and this is far and away the best. The theology is sound, the applications are outstanding and most importantly, our children look forward to our reading the next chapter. Very, very highly recommended.

My mother read to me from Little Visits back in the 70's, and the familiar morality stories have been updated but retain the same lessons. My boys, ages 5 & 7, both enjoy a "little visit" every night in addition to our regular reading. This is a nice way to help reinforce values of kindness, responsibility, and the golden rule without being heavy-handed.

My parents read this same book to me and my sisters when we were children (the 1970's version). I bought it for my boys who are 5 and 3. We read one story every night at dinner and discuss the questions at the end. It has wonderful everyday life circumstances that they can relate to. They actually remind me on the nights I forget. I never thought I would hear my children say "Mom, can we do our bible lesson". I recommend this book to anyone with children!!!

It is missing 2 pages and some of the words are not spelled correctly, I don't know if it is the editors, publishers or whose fault. Makes you wonder if it is the original.

Es uno de los mejores libros y una buena razón para leer los clasicos. Me recuerda a Don Quijote - y aún hace una referencia al libro - en que hay muchos temas que desarrollan en el cuento: lealdad, fe, venganza, honor y, principalmente, el libre albedrío.
No hay ninguna sorpresa en el final, aunque cómo se llega al fin es muy entretenido. Es muy interesante cómo Dumas teje los cuentos dispares de los crímenes en el papel del inocente Edmond Dantés. Y aunque Edmond adopta su papel del angel vengador, aprendemos que hay nuevos principios para todos que siguen las palabras: esperar y confiar. Hay varias lecciones para muchas personas de esta època.

when i first started to read this book it leaved it marks on me,i didnt finished it because it wasnt my and i started to search it for about 3 months until i found it and i must say that this is the better book that i've read i'd pay 100 bucks for it....it doesnt have a price definitivamente un clasico.

Una de las mejores novelas que he leído y definitivamente la mejor obra de Alexandre Dumas. Expresa los sentimientos humanos y describe el ambiente de la época a la perfección en esta novela que combina suspenso e intriga. ¡Un libro que no se puede soltar ni un minuto!

This is the best novel ever created. It tells about a man, Edmont Dantes, who gets captured on his day of wedding by policemen. He had to sit in prison all his life, for a crime he did not do. The story tells how this enigmatic man escapes from prison, becomes overwhelmingly rich, and one buy one hunting down his enemies who put him in prison, not physically, but psychologically. I read this book 3 years ago, when I was 14, and beleive me, i got into this book so deeply, that I finished both volumes, each about 700 pages, in 10 days. That's an average of 150 pages per day. This is how interesting is this book. If you start this book, you'll see, you'll get into it very deeply, and you'll feel moments of revenge, sadness (your eyes might get pretty wet), and joy. It is very probable that after reading this book you decide to change your character and make it like the character of Edmond Dantes. This book is worth every single penny of its price and more.

Yes, yes, yes to all the earlier reviewers! That's why I put Madam, Will You Talk? on my listmania list of favorite romances - along with my alltime Stewart favorite: Nine Coaches Waiting. They both hold all the essential ingredients for a good read - not the least being excellent writing. It's all too true that most contemporary love stories, suspense thrown in or not, are written at an elementary school literary level. I've submitted 3 manuscripts to Avalon, all of which were returned with comments that my writing was excellent and my characters engaging but I spent too much time on plotlines and peripheral characters outside of the central love story - which is exactly what I prefer in a story! Thank goodness Stewart never followed Avalon's "Rules for Writing"! Unlike some other reviewers, I lost interest in Stewart with her Merlin series. It's her early first-person narratives that enthralled. Her sense of place, plot, and people cannot be beat in this genre! Sad to say, my local library does not carry a single one of her early romantic suspense novels, so I'm on a quest to build my own Stewart library. I don't reread many authors - but Stewart just gets better with time. Madam, Will You Talk? holds a line I've never forgotten over 30 years: "Who's Johnny?" Not what I expected the hero to ask in that scene but what an impact! Read the book and see if you agree. Lily's Sister

First Sentence: The whole affair began so quietly.

WWII war widow Charity Shelbourne whose holiday in France becomes life changing. It starts with a large dog and a young, clearly troubled, boy in Avignon and progresses with a suspicious step-mother, an Englishman who reads poetry and a way-too-handsome Frenchman via a thrilling car chase to a man who had been accused, but acquitted, of murder and is desperate to connect with his son in spite of others desperate attempts to prevent it.

I love Mary Stewart's pre-Merlin books. The story starts off placidly but you are told things are going to quickly change as all the players are in place. Stewart's writing is incredibly visual. Her sense of place is vivid to the point that you feel the heat and smell the flowers. Her use of analogy is wonderful. With only a few words, you know who these characters are. Her protagonist is strong, smart and very capable. Her friend, Louise, plays a minor role but is memorable in her own right. I don't always like the way children are portrayed but, again, Stewart has drawn a lovely character in the boy, David. Stewart creates and builds the suspense, but adds just a subtle, mostly off-scene, dash of romance to make a wholly satisfying read. Even the chapter headings add to the story. My only personal nit-pick is the use of portents, which is just a personal irritant for me, but so minor when compared with the rest of the story. This book was an absolute pleasure to read.

I first read this nearly 30 years ago (yikes), and it left such an indelible impression that when I recently started visiting this genre again, I had to have another taste of this story. There are a couple points where it's obvious this is an early work, but they are few and do not detract from the vivid descriptions and characterizations. By the end of the novel, I have been to Avignon and Marseilles, and I'm quite fond of Charity and her friends. Even Louise, a minor character, is well drawn and you feel you know her.

Time to revisit all of Mary Stewart's books, I think. I remember the Merlin series fondly as well. If you like this genre, you may also like the works of Victoria Holt, Susan Howatch, and Phyllis Whitney. And if you liked the Merlin series, I highly recommend The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley.

Mary Stewart writes great romantic suspense. This novel has the beautiful settings, fast-paced mystery and charming protagonist of all her suspense novels, plus an edge-of-your-seat climatic car chase that will leave you wanting to rush out and get her other books.

Nobody does it better. Nobody ever will. Even in this, Stewart's first novel, her prose is so compelling that you overlook some of the new-author awkwardness. Some scenes go on too long, and her fascination with cars/driving/car chases (a staple in each of her books) can get a bit tiresome. But you only notice that on your third or fourth reread. It's a shame that romance novels aren't permitted to be intelligent nowadays; authors are expected to write at a junior-high school comprehension level. No such rules in Stewart's day, and that's why she'll never be bested.

One of the best books for children ever written. I read it in Russian, when I was a kid. I reread it several times after. I read it to my sons. They both loved it. Why it is so difficult to find? This book should be available to every kid!

I read an abridged version of Sans Famille when I was little, and when I found this book I bought it without a second thought. And the story is just as touching and good as I remember. If you have never heard of this book, read it; you'll love it.

I read this book many years ago in Russian. It is still widely printed there, while virtually impossible to find in English in Canada. It is a beautiful story about a young orphan, Remi. The story begins with Remi finding out that he is in fact not his mother's son, but was found by her husband years ago on the streets of Paris. Now her husband has been crippled in an accident and money has became tight. So to get rid of the boy he secretly (from the mother) sells him to a travelling stranger he met at a tavern.

The book reads very fast and is incredibly emotionally touching. I reread it recently as an adult, and still found it as magical as I did when I was a child.

I read this book when i was less than 10 years old in Vietnamese and it took me almost 30 years to find it in English here. It's one of the most influential books in my life. It's a story of self sufficient, hamonious rapport, and integrity, imho. I would recommend this book and "Nobody's Girl" by the same author to all, especially parents for their children.

I was in third grade. It was the first library book I had ever read. I cried and cried it so emotionally touched me. I read it 3 times. It still is the best book I have ever read. Thank you Amazon for giving me the opportunity to read it again....