References Books

Anyone who has ever wanted to be a writer will hear from writing instructors all about the importance of constantly reading. Books on writing theory state the same thing as do works about writing by published authors. The importance of reading cannot be disputed, but many writers may wonder what would be appropriate to read. Fans of great writers may also wonder what would be a great next read. Ronald Shwartz has edited a book that answers these questions for all who wonder, what do great writers read and what books have inspired these writers to write?

The book includes many well known authors of both fiction and nonfiction, including notables such as Anne Bernays and husband Justin Kaplan, Robert Coles, Joyce Carol Oates, Penelope Fitzgerald, John Irving, Norman Mailer, and Anna Quindlen just to name a few. Some of the writers simply list the books, others explain why they include the books. Most of the entries are short and to the point, and all the entries are insightful. I only wish Norman Mailer had a bit more to say, but since he just published a book on writing, any questions I may have will probably be answered in that book.

Shwartz is a Boston trail lawyer with an unabashed love for the well-written word. In the introduction Shwartz wrote about reading, "I would read, as readers do, to tame the unfamiliar or see the familiar through new and enlightened prisms; to see how different or eerily familiar, another person's interior life could be from my own."

This is a book of short commentaries by 115 writers on the books they love most. And indeed it is hard to flip many pages without finding the word love. Shwartz set out to produce the very book he couldn't find in bookstores!

This is truly a book that your reading group could share. Buy one copy and bring it to meetings. It can give you a wealth of insights and ideas for books to read- read a book written by one of the 115 authors interviewed and then select a book to read that influenced that author. The bibliographical index is reason alone to buy this book. Shwartz has said that he always found himself asking what the authors themselves read; and here you'll find that answered both in text and in the index.

Penelope Fitzgerald, author of "The Bookshop" wrote in her commentary that "Fathers& Sons" was one of the books that made the greatest impression on her, "I still feel close to weeping when I get to the end. . . " John Irving, author of "The Cider House Rules" named "Great Expectations" and said, ". . .the intention of a novel by Charles Dickens is to move you emotionally- not intellectually . . . " And Anna Quindlen, author of "One True Thing" said, "The books I've loved most were the books I could inhabit."

Our interesting word selection was "Verity"" The quality or state of being true or real. Faithfulness to aesthetic truth.

Our favorite quote was by Anne Fadiman: "I was so ludicrously unprepared for Humanties 190 that the course nearly proved my undoing. With a doggedness born of panic, I defaced nearly every line of Aristitle's poetics with citron Hi-liter and crammed the margins with felt-tip notations."

Shwartz wrote that it was his hope that his book "might inspire people to read more. . . " Oh yes!

Ronald Shwartz was curious about what books writers read, how and what influenced them, so he set about to seek answers. This book contains 115 different viewpoints. Each chapter, written by a different author, begins with a brief biographical blurb followed by two or three pages describing the authors' choices. Some, like Mario Puzo or Norman Mailer, were quite terse, just itemizing their choices, but most of the other entries were a bit more revealing, giving us a feel for what the books meant to them, when they read them, etc. Their passion for books and reading were truly inspirational.

I kept a pad and pen handy as I read this book to make a list of the books mentioned that sounded interesting to me. By the end of the book I had a huge list of books that I wanted to find and read.

This book not only served as a great source for recommended reading, but provided a wonderful window into all of these authors' lives.

A wonderful collection of some of the most remarkable authors likes and dislikes and what books influenced them most. From childhood memories to adult appreciation, each author shares their favorite titles as well as how they came to appreciate reading and the written word.

As a fellow author, I felt like I had a window seat into the soul of many great writers. "WAR AND PEACE" won many votes as a favored choice.

Some authors distinguish between historic works and current favorites. Most agree that readers make writers! Each author seems to highly respect the written word.

Truly enjoyed the stories told about what was viewed as the catalyst to an early appreciation of books. My only negative comment would have to be on the size of the text. Personal opinion is that with so much written word on a page, you can lose the interest of the reader. These stories should be appreciated and read.

Easy to see why this would make an excellent choice for any adult book/reading group.

the only drawback of this book is that it will rob you of precious hours devoted to reading other books! i'm being facetious, of course -- this is a wealth of reflections to (a) place by your bedside table, (b) in the glovebox of your car, and (c) dare i say, in the bathroom to savor whenever you get a spare moment -- or to enjoy simply for its own sake. it's very much like sitting down face-to-face with a garrulous, self-reflective author (or grandparent) and hearing a lifetime of wisdom squished into a few minutes. so grab a pencil -- you're going to need one! -- and mark what sounds interesting. funny how often "the brothers k" gets mentioned, "moby dick" etc. but so many wonderful surprises in store, too. thanks to kurt vonnegut's (brilliant) short essay, for example, i picked up "candide" and am much the wiser. oddly enough, no one recommends "les misérables" -- i can't imagine why not -- or "musashi" for that matter. but "the tale of genji" is recommended, so all is forgiven. "for the love of books" = beautiful!

I continue to order these Post-Abortion Bible Study books for our local Pregnancy Helpline. Many clients have found this study to helpful both individually and as a group. We always have some on hand.

It is an excellent study book that has helped many ladies. I recommend ir for any lady who has gone through an abortion.

I have been using this study for years with individuals and small groups- it is amazing to see how women change after 10 weeks in the study and God's Word, the Bible. They truly are FORGIVEN AND SET FREE! I've been through the study, and my husband did the Healing a Father's Heart- we use what we've experienced to help others.

This study has proven to be very healing and I highly recommend it.

We use these books in our Post-Abortion classes and so many women have experienced God's TRUE healing because of it. Women no longer have to live in shame from their abortion. Once they're able to confess it, forgiveness abounds them! AMEN! I recommend this book to anyone who's needing to be set free from the bondage of abortion.

This psychology text arrived just in time for my class. In very good condition. Thank You!

I'm a psych major in college, so I naturally enjoyed reading about these important studies. However, I think anyone could enjoy this book. It's very readable and covers crucial research from all areas of psychology. Read about one study or all forty; this is a great book!

This book does an excellent job of summarizing the most important contributions of psychological research in its relatively young history. As a psychology professor, I plan to use this book in the classroom -- many of my colleagues already do. It gives students a great history lesson and also familiarizes them with past and current theories in the field of psychology. We especially love how the author includes more recent studies that have resulted from the original 40 studies -- current directions, so to speak. Great book!

this book is great! very interesting studies that psychologist have made throughout tHE YEARS. I USE IT FOR my psych class in college.

Book is in perfect condition and was received in a timely fashion. Thanks!

I love all of this author's books. This book made me weepy in spots (but am pregnant, so probably hormones) but was well worth the read!

I read this book a few years ago,but I never forget its message. When I hear of deer being hunted and shot, I think of the story told in this book. I feel exactly like the author and would have cared for the animals as she and her busband did - living up North - rather isolated as they were.

A favorite winter read. I first read this heartwarming story twenty years ago, and I've returned to it every few years since. Each time I feel I am rediscovering old friends. Helen Hoover's remarkable skills at observing and respecting wild animals in their own element, which I first discovered in her memoir, "A Place in the Woods", bring to life several generations of a family of deer who return each year to Helen & Ade Hoover's cabin in the Minnesota northwoods after they saved the life of Peter, a noble buck who showed up on their porch one winter night after having been shot in the eye. Their care for him, while respecting his wildness and not trying to tame him, led to a loyal trust in them, and each year he returned, bringing his ever-growing family with him. Hoover takes care not to romanticize or attribute human qualities to the deer; rather she brings to life the individual personalities of each of the deer, their family bond, and their innate wisdom. This is NOT "Bambi"; the deer live a hard-scrabble life, but with dignity and grace. Hoover's prose is well-crafted and beautiful to read. I come away from this book each time with a renewed appreciation of the importance of preserving our wildlife and their habitat, and a reminder that humans are not the only wise and intelligent beings on this planet. I am grateful for the gift Helen Hoover shares in this story. With charming line drawings by Ade Hoover.

The kind of story that must be pulled off the shelf and reread again and again.

When a injured deer finds its way to the Hoover's cottage, they didn't realize that in helping him, they'd find a friend. Peter, as the deer is named, comes back season after season, bringing other deer with him. The Hoovers' observations and personal narrative is a touching tribute to this gentle hearted deer.

What a special book this is! Written by a very special lady. Who had a very special husband. And they lived in a very special place. And they came across a very, very special deer which began their four year period of caring for wonderful Peter Whitetail and his progeny. And whatever wild creature came to them in need.

The reader will know what it is like to live in 30 degree below zero winters on the border lake between the U.S. and Canada and the struggle of wildlife to survive in such severe conditions. The reader will know what it is like when outlaw hunters gun tame deer and bear down for sport, leaving the humans who loved them in despair. And the reader will know what it is like for the animals to live in constant fear of and alert for predators and, as the deers age, to become more prone to know defeat.

But above all, one has the marvelous experience of getting to know Peter, Mama, a wonderful black bear whose life is cut very short by man, and a host of our forest friends.

Helen Hoover, as one reviewer points out, was a woman who was developed on the right and the left side of her brain. A superb intellect was accompanied by a magnanimous heart, by deep feminine feeling values, intuitive grace, and the courage at times to bear the almost unendurable. Her husband was a marvel too. Devoted and dedicated, and very kind. His illustrations are terrific and really capture the mystery and sternness and wonder of the setting and its inhabitants. That they picked up from city life and faced their almost impossible dream successfully is awesome.

As for Ms. Hoover's prose, she was a highly gifted writer but, more than that, at times she reaches the heighth (or perhaps I should say depth) of genuine and beautiful poetic prose. I believe, had she had a bent to do so, she could have been as well a highly accomplished poet.

This book is a great adventure story. It is Ms. Hoover's gift to humanity.

This book has been a great quick reference book to give me some quick information or to refresh my memory about certain terms. I'm an MA in English student and this book is a wonderful resource.

Abrams, accomplished scholar and critic, has created a monument for himself and the best, most reliable, and concise glossary of literary terms. Opening up the recent trends, but not as trends, as developments from within established scholarship and literary science. This glossary is special, with a good index of terms, one for authors, and dense, usable, clearly written articles with further reading, its form is unchanged since it first appeared in 1957. The 8th edition I purchased opens with the Absurd and closes with Wit, Humor, and the Comic. The articles are articles, not just key terms defined, but developments traced and contextualized. This is no replacement for an encyclopedia of literature or an Oxford Companion, but a vital tool next to these. None of us can keep every term in mind, and this is a serious book to help our feeble minds, for which we should be grateful and which delivers bang for the buck.

Every student of literature should have their own copy of this book. Non-students would get a lot out of this too. And while the price might appear excessive, I think in the long-term this book is a worthwhile investment. What makes this guide of literary terms different from others, is its comprehensiveness. Abrams goes into great detail on the important terms that one comes across most often in literature. There is information on theories and movements in criticism and terms such as modernism and post modernism, are clearly defined. there is also material on symbolism, metaphor and other figures of speech and so on. A Glossary of Literary Terms, now in its 8th edition, is written in a lucid style, and is a must buy for anyone who wants to expand their literary horizons. Recommended. 5 stars.

Abrams supplies very nicely written explanations of many terms you are likely to come across in literature, or more specifically, in literary studies. If you have puzzled over an "objective correlative", then he explains that it wasn't due to TS Eliot, as many believe, but to Allston. Though Eliot was the one responsible for popularising the term. Or, if you want to use "doggerel" properly when deconstructing some Bukowski poem, perhaps check Abrams first.

The reader who complains that the 8th edition is radically different from previous editions with respect to the definitions of literary terms such as sonnet and ode is entirely mistaken. The entries on these and other terms are either unchanged from earlier editions or improved and updated. Moreover, a number of new terms have been added.

This is the second edition of the compendium of Great Books. The first volume titled "The Great Conversation" -- updated by the Editor in Chief of The Great Books, Mortimer Adler -- explains why the 60 volume collection is organized as it is and what the three criteria were, established over several years' compilation, for inclusion in the set. "Influence" was not a criterion for selection, otherwise Hitler, Stalin and Lenin would have been incorporated, among other notable authors who were omitted (including Socrates!). Unless you read "The Great Conversation" and the two volume Syntopicon you will undoubtedly be bewildered about the organizational structure of these books. Be aware, this is not like a set of college textbooks. These are original works, dating from Homer in 900-800 B.C. through mid-20th century's Samuel Beckett. Much of it is difficult reading. It's a collection of the great ideas of western civilization, not simply books that encompass only one subject each. If you are looking for such a thing you will not only waste your money and time but you'll be very disappointed and your set will probably end up on eBay.

The general organization of The Great Books is by date written, but there are so many cross-references of the "great ideas" and "great authors" that you can find any subject, idea or author by using the Syntopicon as your guide. Adler and the editors have narrowed what they consider the great ideas of western civilization down to 102. Astonishing, when you consider the writing and authors span about 2800 years of western thought.

The readings include virtually all of the subjects considered the liberal arts: literature of all kinds; philosophy and theology; mathematics and the natural sciences; history, biography and the social sciences; and economics, sociology and anthropology. If you're not in a college program that uses the Great Books in their curriculum, Adler provides a ten year reading plan for the books in "The Great Conversation." Again, not for the faint of heart, but I guarantee if you manage to get through all 60 books you will truly be educated.

As an FYI, I'm currently in what seems to be the sole graduate program in the country that uses only the Great Books in their curriculum. It is also a distance-learning program and uses the Socratic method for discussions, which are held by telephone with tutors (what teachers or professors are usually called when using this method of inquiry and discussion). If anyone is interested I can provide the name of the university, which is fully accredited.

My husband had always wanted this set of books and, thanks to Amazon, I was able to purchase them for almost half the price of new ones. The volumes arrived safely and still wrapped in their original plastic, except for two books, which were in excellent shape.

Thanks, Amazon!

The Great Books played a significant role in my early education process and I have always placed considerable value in what they represent. Over the many years I managed to get separated from my original set. I've recently replaced them and was quickly reminded of their importance. I'm truly looking forward to re-familiarizing myself with them during this stage of my life.

Henry W. Kappel

These books are worth their weight in Gold. You can find most, if not all, of these writings for free on the internet since there is no copyright anymore; however, if you are looking for physical books then this is the way to go. Very well made and if you go to the Britannica website you may a good deal or at least a payment plan for the hefty price.

When I was 16, my father bought me a set of the Great Books. They changed my life. Tocqueville, Aristotle, Shakespeare, Tolstoy, et al.

They teach compassion, reason, understanding, social responsibility, and every other conceivable virtue.

Eva Zane wrote what I consider the best Greek cookbook, ever! (And trust me, I have many). The recipes are so authentic that my Greek parents, grand-parents and even one great-grandmother (Yaya) use it as a reference. Wonderful recipes for moussaka, youvarlakia (meatballs in avgolemano sauce), baklava, tzatzki, spanikopitas, wonderful fish and meat dishes and so much more. This book lacks pictures, but makes up for it with easy to follow, perfect-every-time recipes. Eva Zane also includes great stories and tidbits about Greek mythology, culinary history and culture. This book is out of print, so get a copy by any means necessary. You'll use it all the time!

My mom and I have both used the recipes in this book for many years, and the dishes I have produced always garner many compliments! I made moussaka and dolmades for my Greek employers, which met with high praise. Highly recommend.

As a non Greek married to a Greek, I received this book from my husband in 1971. He marked all the dishes that his mother cooked and I started to try to prepare them. Throughout the years I have used the book as guide and the compliments from my mother in law and Greek friends have been wonderful.I have tried other books however I keep coming back to this one. I have been told that I cook Greek food better than most Greeks. I purchased this book for my daughter and now she has become an excellent cook of Greek foods. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to learn to cook like a real Greek cook.

This book has been circulating in my family for 3 generations, and our "bible" when preparing all holiday meals!!! We'd never prepare anything without it. Being of Greek descent, that pretty much says it all.....enjoy!!!!!

I bought my first copy of this book when I was 15 years old. My mother was an exceptional greek cook, and I always thought this cookbook was the closest thing to my mom's authentic greek cuisine. (In fact some of the recipes are better) When I was first married, I used the book and it eventually fell apart. I searched and found another copy. The same thing happened to the second one. I'm looking for my 3rd one now. I have purchased several greek cook books in the past and I still think Greek Cooking for the gods has the best and most authentic greek recipes available today. I have been using it for over 30 years.

My grandson is 10 and he fell in love with this book as soon as he learned to read. He gets one every Christmas and will sit and read for hours.

Purchaed this item for my son for his 13th birthday. He spent the first couple of weeks looking at it daily. I think my daughter liked the 3D even more, but it was a great buy and I will continue to get updated editions for him.

I bought this book my eleven year old grandson. He checked out last year's book from the library, read through it over and over and loved it. So I knew hands down this gift would be a hit.

This is perfect for ages 7 to .... well 70, I guess - especially for those hard-to-buy for boys around 3rd to 5th grade. My son and his friends will spend hours pouring over this.

This is a cool book. Not only do you get the up-to-date list of the latest world records, but 3D photos as well (always loved that 3D glasses stuff when I was a kid). Some of the bizarre things people do to set world records never ceases to amaze (or amuse) me.

I must admit I'm a bit of an adict when it comes to records and statistics of any kind, and I've always loved this series of books. I buy a copy every few years and I'd rate this one (especially with the 3D glasses) the best edition yet. Have fun and have a read. Good stuff.

Great book. Focuses on the origins of their songs as well as the people who influenced them. Fantastic insight into the personal lives and minds. Relates what was happening in their lives and careers with how they expressed themselves in their music. Don't expect to hear much about controversial double intendres, etc. This book is based upon fact and states when conjecture is used. Much of it bears truth when compared to works written by people who spent a lot of time with them (e.g., Hunter Davies). You'll get a feel for how creative Lennon and McCartney really were, how they complimented each other psychologically and musically, and what destroyed Lennon's creativity and band leadership. A must have for any serious student of the greatest pop band in history. I recommend it as a companion book to Hunter Davies biography.

I love The Beatles and thoroughly enjoyed reading about each of their songs. I just wish there was more information! I felt as though some songs barely received any attention. I'm hoping to find a book with more detail.

Turner's book is another essential one about Beatles music. I have read a few of these "about the songs" books, and while another title, Beatle Songs, used to be my favorite, it was nudged out recently by A Hard Day's Write. It feels more substantial, is easier to read, and has some great pictures.

This is a book that focuses on the genesis of the Beatles tunes we know and love so well. It fills in a gap that the other books don't...they are more interested in the recording or instrumental aspects, while this one sticks with comments and quotes by the Beatles and other insiders that explain how and why they chose to write the songs they did. It is more about inspiration.

I love this book because it gives a peak into the minds of some creative geniuses. Reading this book is as close as you will ever come to having the Beatles over for lunch some day and getting the chance to pick their brains over BLTs. This is because the contents of the book are mostly from the Beatles themselves; this book is not just some blowhards interpretation of how Lucy in the Sky stands for LSD. The information is from the horses' mouths (not Henry's) and that is the premier source.

I like a lot of these new-fangled Beatles books. Improvements in technology have allowed new books on old subjects to be printed with more pictures, better quality, and good durability. It has a lot of the same information you can dig out of other books or interviews, but here is is collected and organized for easy access. This is another book that you can read straight though or as time allows. Pick out your favorite albums or songs, or just start from the beginning and see how the music evolved.

I purchased this book for my son-n-law and I almost kept it for myself! This book has a lot of really good photos and very interesting stories. I highly recommend this book!

This was a book that I couldn't put down reading the first time. Now, when I hear a Beatles song and have a question, it serves as a great resource book.

I teach math in high school, and I have found this dictionary more useful than the textbook. The definitions are more precise and understandable than in a book designed to be understandable. It's compact, lightweight (because it's paperback) yet it's packed with information. It has been one of my better purchases this year.

If you're anything like me, you enjoy reading while in the toilet, doing one of the necessities of human nature, this reference has a great "random open" feature, where you can just slide your thumb at any page and find an interesting term you can think and learn about, I dont know how much the shallow discussion to these complex terms is really useful, but it gives you interesting things to think about, it also contains some mathematics history and some information about famous mathematicians, the paperback cover provides for some nice comfortable format, this dictionary has replaced the old Almanac I used to open randomly when I'm bored.
A 5 star for the cuteness.

Enjoy.

Well written and edited. Definitions and explanations are clear and to the point. As I flipped through the book, I ran into many, many entries which I did not understand, but in that regard, an unabridged dictionary of the English language has many, many entries in it about which I know nothing.

I'm yet to find a better maths dictionary. Lots of definitions. Well organized/cross-referenced. As an undergraduate, I'm yet to look up something and be disappointed. Handy tables at the back.

It doesn't get 5 stars because of a few glaring misprints.

My job requires extensive technical writing skills in the form of developing mathematical algorithms or creating presentations or other documentation that frequently requires that mathematical concepts be clearly defined for the reader. Even when you think you know a good definition for a mathematical term, this dictionary will likely give you a better one. Good reference to keep around.

This is perhaps one of the best, if not the best, mathematics dictionary. But it is just that, a dictionary of mathematical terms and phrases. Do no expect it to teach you any subject in mathematics. It would be great for any student taking a mathematics course. If the student runs across a term that he/she might have forgotten, the student can refer to this dictionary for a quick reminder.