Publications Books

This is my third copy of the Cosmic Ray book; the other copies have been "borrowed" and not returned. The maps are amusing, and it fits into a jacket pocket pretty easy...Good book if you like a cartoon type picture.

I have both hiking books--Best of Phoenix and Best of Flagstaff/Sedona. In fact, I am on my second copy of both as I have lent my first Phoenix copy to a friend (it disappeared) and wore out the first copy of my the Flagstaff/Sedona book. The maps are easy to follow and the topographical maps are awesome. Whenever I go hiking, I have two little girls (ages 1 and 4) in tow, so it is necessary to know the terrain inside and out before ever leaving home... Cosmic Ray is so detailed and so accurate that I never worry about being misinformed. Buy a copy for yourself and buy one for a friend... That way yours won't go missing!

Just got back from Arizona- and we used this book extensively as it was easy to read, the maps accurate, and the book is quite entertaining. My 6 year old son stated that the Lava River Cave trail "changed his life" (in a good way). The trail trips turned out to be the highlight of our trip!! The authors advise is excellent and the designation of level of difficulty is on target.

This is it...look no further...

Trail maps and information as well as local business area beta....covers all the well-known hikes and even some of the lesser known...

A must hiking guide for Northern Arizona.

Both Sedona and Flagstaff are covered....the book is stout and put together very well; this sturdiness provides needed protection in your pack!!

As a transplanted Montanan, I don't trust much advice on hiking in Arizona. I thank you for the Favorite Hikes book. I used to hike in the Glacier and Bozeman area but have been out of the action for a few years since moving to Flagstaff and having a baby. I have found this guide to be accurate and reliable when planning hikes with my son and/or dog. Thanks again. Buying this book is the best 10 bucks I ever spent.

As a young idealistic college student protesting on behalf of humankind I was arrested on one occasion. And when they took all my "valuables" from me, I happened to have a copy of this book in my pocket. The police officer said, "Yeah, Every Man for Himself, that is just what we need more of in this country." And I said, this is not a selfish book about every man acting out of personal greed and selfishness, this is a book about how Mankind could serve its own interest in trying to do good for one another. And he said "Yeah, yeah, yeah - put this butt-head in cell # 4.
So as you can imagine this book has a significant personal memory for me. I will bet if I read it over today there is not that much that I would disagree with. I am now 65.

In this book the author gives an overview of his thinking on humanistic ethics, which is interesting from a speculative/philosophical viewpoint, but falls somewhat short if viewed from a scientific perspective. The book has an optimistic tone, as do many others by the author, and this makes the reading more palatable. If the ideas in it could be fleshed out with real scientific analysis, with supporting data, it would be a significant advance in the study of human psychology.

The author explains his optimism, interestingly, by reference to his experience with patients in his psychoanalytic practice. He speaks of encountering the strength of the strivings for happiness and health exhibited by his patients, which he believes is the natural embodiment of humans. "There is less reason", he says, "to be puzzled by the fact that there are so many neurotic people than by the phenomenon that most people are relatively healthy in spite of the many adverse influences they are exposed to". The statistics supporting this are overwhelming, and without a doubt are on the side of optimism.

The book is not a "pop-psychology", "self-help" book though, but instead a theoretical attempt to shed light on the problem of ethics and psychology. The author's goal is to get the reader to ask questions, and not to expect to find advice on how to obtain "happiness". The author's main goal is to find a validation for humanistic ethics that does not collapse into moral relativism but is based upon human nature and human's inherent qualities. The character structure of the mature and "integrated personality" is the origin of virtue, and vice originates from the ignoring of the self and "self-mutilation". To have confidence in values, the author argues, one must know oneself and be aware of one's capacity for doing good and being a productive human being.

The author carefully distinguishes between humanistic and authoritarian ethics, with the ethical norms of the former originating from humans themselves, while the latter some other entity. It is important for him to clarify the definition of "authority", one being "rational" authority, whose source is "competence", and "irrational" authority, whose source is always power over people. Rational authority he says, is based on the equality of the authority and the subject, with both of them differing only in the skill level in their respective fields and always having mutual respect for each other. Irrational authority on the other hand is based inherently on inequality, and denies the human capacity to know what is good or bad.

In humanistic ethics, as the author sees it, is formally based on the principle that only humans can determine the criteria for good and evil, and completely rejects any transcendent source of values. What is "good" is what is good for humans, and the "bad" is what acts to their detriment. Humanistic ethics, far from suppressing individuality and self-realization, encourages it, and there is no room in it for ethical doctrines that do not take into account the needs and nature of human beings. It is a life-affirming ethical philosophy, one that taps the human capacity for genius, and encourages responsibility for one's own existence. The crippling of human powers is the ultimate vice.

The problem then for humanistic ethics is to find out exactly what humans do in fact need in order to develop a healthy psychology. Throughout the book, the author attempts to characterize what such a psychology would be. In many instances throughout the book he makes some unexpected commentary, if judged by the overall theme of optimism in the book. For example, he views the human capacity for reason as both a "blessing" and a "curse". Viewing reason as a distinctly human capacity, not shared by other organisms (and this is troubling from the standpoint of current evidence to the contrary from biology), the author puts humans into a state of "constant and unavoidable disequilibrium". No matter what the level of accomplishment, humans will always be discontented and perplexed, and consequently driven to find new solutions, resulting in an endless restless cycle of achievement and discontent. But many humans do not fit into his sweeping generalizations here, but instead are very contented with their lives on this planet, and find the challenge of life fascinating, and who mourn only the prospect of it ending.

Because of his professional status as a psychoanalyst, it is not surprising perhaps to see a somewhat elaborate classification of what constitutes a healthy versus a non-healthy personality. There are "receptive", "exploitative", "hoarding", and "marketing" characters, which are non-productive and signs of personality "disorder" in his view. He gives detailed descriptions of these different types, but unfortunately does not quote case studies or any studies in the literature to support his views. Do individuals who have these personalities find it difficult to live and adjust in soceity? The author would probably argue that such an "adjustment" could be done, but that by itself does not mean that the individual at hand is not following a healthy course of action. The author seems to be getting quite dogmatic in his classifications here, and leaves the reader with a somewhat narrow view of what constitutes a truly healthy personality.

With more scientific research and justification put into his ideas, the author could have given the reader a more accurate view of what constitutes a healthy, integrated personality. The book is a good start though, philosophically speaking. Sometimes philosophy can encourage further scientific research, and sometimes it can clarify the issues involved in such research, but it can never take the place of science. The author's optimistic view of human nature is, to repeat, totally justified from a statistical point of view. And his view is somewhat rare, surprisingly, if one examines the statistics: the vast majority of humans are healthy, productive, and proud of their inner capacity for genius, and are without doubt fine examples of the humanistic ethic.

"There is no meaning to life except the meaning man gives his life by the unfolding of his powers." This sentence may be one of the most important themes in this wonderful book.

....and toward a celebration of human-centered values: Fromm makes his case for it in psychological terms not to be missed. (He'd have liked Herbert's distinction between law and justice.) And yet, and yet...while this book is splendid, I can't buy making man the measure of all things; somehow there ought to be a recognition that some situations may harm and even kill the self (as in "self-actualization") that nevertheless feed the soul. Anyhow, well worth the read.

Can there be an ethical system that does not rely on moral absolutes on the one hand or moral relativism on the other? Is there any other way? This book says yes and -- amazingly, brilliantly -- lays it out in a way that makes perfect sense. The only value we can know, the only value we need, and the only value that can have any real claim on us is OUR value, human value, and that is neither absolute nor relativistic. If this sounds absurd or offensive to you, skip this book. If you see the brilliance in it, you're in for a treat. I've read this book several times and can't get enough. Fromm is an underappreciated genius.

This is a terrific story of a young white man's time with the Piegan Blackfeet. James Willard Schultz came west for adventure and joined an Indian trading post 45 miles north of Fort Benton, Montana.

He not only traded furs, gold, liquor, and dressmakers goods to the Indians, but became fluent in the language of the Blackfeet, sharing in their hunts and wars and even taking a young Indian wife.

It's a somewhat self-conscious story from a masculine vantagepoint during a time when warrior bravado was in vogue and the buffalo were still thriving. This book portrays a segment of Native American life and culture just before the buffalo were diminished and the people were forced to reservations.

Given that _Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: an Indian History of the American West_ by Dee Brown contains only 2 or 3 pages in reference to the Blackfeet, a book such as _My Life As an Indian_ is a superb addition to one's bookshelf. Recommended.

I just came online to see if it was in print. I have had a copy of this book from the 1935 paperback that my Grandfather gave me when I was a boy. Not that I was a boy in 1935, it was actually in the early 70s. . .I was captivated by the stories JW Schultz lived! Helping his friend steal his wife from under the nose of the ever watchful father. It still grips me even today. Alas, my old copy is just that, old. That is how I came to write these words. Ordering a fresh paperback.

I cannot recommend this book more highly!

This is an excellent first hand account of the major transformation of Plains Indian culture that occured during the nearly complete extermination of the buffalo which was so central to their life. It starts with the buffalo in plenty and ends with reservation life. This is a bittersweet book. Schultz marries into a band of the Piegan branch of the Blackfoot confederacy. But although he lives among them, and loves them and their lifestyle, he never completes his assimilation. This is evident when he writes with almost distant amusement of some of their religious beliefs. Adding to this is the problem that while he loves the life of the buffalo days and deeply laments their end, his occupation as a trader in buffalo robes is hastening the end of the very thing he loves. His description of the post-buffalo, early reservation life is the most distressing, complete with corrupt reservation Agents, and sometimes rascist newcomers.
His stories are not all downers though. His writing is a very detailed, intimate, and at times amusing description of his life and those around him. I've loaned my book to a number of people and they all have liked it. If you read this and like it too, you'll be glad to know he wrote a whole series of books of his life in early Montana, and of the lives of prominent people he knew. I've read many, but not all of them, and I prize every one.

This is a eye opening I can't put it down book! Seeing how the Blackfeet lived, their culture, social structure, horse raids, war, etc., through the author's eyes is fascinating. As he joins their society, marries into the tribe and lives as the tribe did you will find it informative and insightful. As the old ways pass away you feel his sadness and the end will break your heart. A beautiful, lively, fun book that takes you into another time and place as you ride with Schultz and the tribe. A must have!

I absolutely loved this book, I couldn't put it down! I have been to the Blackfeet Reservation and Glacier Park many times, and while reading this book I could just imagine how it was back then. It gave me a new perspective on Indian life. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story about the old west and the Indians.

Both the plot and the characters are vivid and engaging. The main and supporting characters are unique, interesting, and have detailed backgrounds (details are hinted at just enough to be fascinating but not slow down the plot). The universe is well thought out and populated with all sorts of amazing, strange, and internally consistent beings and cultures. The plot moves fast, and it is impossible to put this book down until finished. If she writes more in this series, I will mail Ann Maxwell a kilo of chocolate and a dozen roses, for brightening my weekend. And if she doesn't return to this series, I will remain glad she gave us these delightful three books to appreciate.

I have read many of Lowell's books, this was the first of her sci fi, though. The character's are so complex and well drawn, a great story. My only warning is that this is the first novel in an unfinished series. But it is GREAT! I absolutely loved it. The relationship between the main characters is just wonderful.

A terrific blend of romance and sci-fi. the character are absorbing and you plot fixes your interest. whether a sci fi fan or a romance fan you will like this book. I've read this as well as the other two I only hope the series continues soom

I read the unfinished Dancer series (Fire Dancer, Dancer's Luck and Dancer's Illusion) as a kid and I wanted to re-read the books as an adult. I bought a used book online and it's even better than I remembered.

It's very much a pulp sci-fi (almost fantasy) adventure series. This book is in the romance section because of her other books, but this truly is an action adventure story not a romance.

Ann Maxwell does a great job at writing compelling characters. The fire dancer Rheba is exotic and exciting. Her mentor Kirtn, the furry Bre'n, is an interesting and unexpected counterpoint. Additional side characters are so interesting that I wish she had written whole books about them such as the mercenary fighters on planet Loo. When I read the book as a kid, I didn't care for the young boy (I don't want to give too much away so I'll stop there), but now I have more empathy for his character. Maxwell is just extremely creative.

Another strength to her writing is that she keeps the plot moving fast. Every chapter ends with a cliffhanger or some other twist on the story. This book is an easy, fun read with some sparkling creativity.

On the downside, the main characters get a little too lucky a little too often toward the end.... there are some gaps in believability that allow the plot to keep moving at a lightning pace. However, the book is so enjoyable that my only real complaint is that I wish she had written more books!

I'm not certain why this series has been placed in the romance section, there really isn't any romance involved, it should be placed in the sci-fi section!

Firedancer is the story of a young girl who has lost her planet and people in the supernova of her system's sun. As far as she knows, only she and her Bre'n (her partner-protector-symbiote, not reproductively compatible) have escaped. As she seeks other of her kind who might have been off-planet for the disaster, she runs into more trouble than she expected...

As a teacher of the gifted I find reader's theatre a creative avenue for teaching literacy and creative dramatics. Aaron Shepard does a great job providing interesting, well organized scripts with a rich selection of myths, folktales, and legends. I greatly appreciate this valuable resource!

I love all of Aaron's books. As a future teacher who believes today's students don't know enough of the world's folktales, I know I will be using this book in my future classroom. I especially like the story of "The Sea King's Daughter." It is a wonderful story and Aaron Shepherd has done a wonderful job of adapting it and the other stories in this collection for readers' theater. I can't wait to see what he will do next.

Do you want an engaging activity to use with elementary students that fosters reading, performing and listening skills? Aaron Shephard's book is a wonderful resource for K-8 teachers to use in the classroom. This book has a variety of texts adapted for Reader's Theater from all parts of the world. It has been a great addition to our reading lessons!

The grade and school where I teach stresses folktales, legends and myths. I also wanted to try to get this in a "Reader's Theater" format. This book does just that! Bravo!

As a teacher of children with learning disabilities, I rarely find an activity that relates to the standards, a child's IEP, and is one that students rave about. This is entertaining as well as educational.

Some have commented that Weinberg's brilliance surpasses that even of his illustrious father. This tour de force through the Humash gives us ample reason to suspect that this is true. And yet, there remains within me a fundamental uneasiness about the theses of this book. While filled with virtousity and exegesis, one wonders whether this book can really be called Torah. Where are the mekoros from chazal? Why does he expand so much on peshutto shel mikra. One wonders.....

Over the millennia, the human drive to uncover and explore the book of Genesis has never ceased. Today, the contributions keep on coming, as new approaches and perspectives are being added to this ever-expanding enterprise of Biblical exegesis. Frameworks is a novel and extraordinary addition to our corpus.

Rabbi Weinberg presents a remarkably lucid and involving exploration of these ancient texts. Wonderfully didactic and filled with a subtle and sensible appreciation for divergent approaches and methodologies, Frameworks takes nothing for granted. Always fresh yet always grounded in the traditional Jewish 'framework', this book will gently force you to encounter the deeper currents and concepts floating underneath. Weinberg steers clear from the moralizing pulpit that so many unfortunately revert to. I don't know exactly what the previous reviewer means by stating that there are no 'mekoros' in the book. Hardly a page goes by without numerous quotes and insights from across the whole gamut of Torah thought. The ýpeshuto shel mikraý that he refers to is the bedrock of our understanding and involvement with the text, and Weinberg carries no illusions into his journey, staying remarkably close to the text and itsý graphical texture.

This book continuously surprises me. It has been a wonderful comrade throughout the year. The writing is deft and sensitive, poetically charged yet almost never straying into romantic effusiveness. Sources are abundant and apparently Rabbi Weinberg takes great joy in presenting quotes in multicolored and varied hues, as the book is teeming with relevant metaphors. Along with a precious few other new releases in the Jewish academic world, this book is a profound treasure.

Over the millennia, the human drive to uncover and explore the book of Genesis has never ceased. Today, the contributions keep on coming, as new approaches and perspectives are being added to this ever-expanding enterprise of Biblical exegesis. Frameworks is a novel and extraordinary addition to our corpus.

Rabbi Weinberg presents a remarkably lucid and involving exploration of these ancient texts. Wonderfully didactic and filled with a subtle and sensible appreciation for divergent approaches and methodologies, Frameworks takes nothing for granted. Always fresh yet always grounded in the traditional Jewish 'framework', this book will gently force you to encounter the deeper currents and concepts floating underneath. Weinberg steers clear from the moralizing pulpit that so many unfortunately revert to. I don't know exactly what the previous reviewer means by stating that there are no 'mekoros' in the book. Hardly a page goes by without numerous quotes and insights from across the whole gamut of Torah thought. The `peshuto shel mikra' that he refers to is the bedrock of our understanding and involvement with the text, and Weinberg carries no illusions into his journey, staying remarkably close to the text and its' graphical texture.

This book continuously surprises me. It has been a wonderful comrade throughout the year. The writing is deft and sensitive, poetically charged yet almost never straying into romantic effusiveness. Sources are abundant and apparently Rabbi Weinberg takes great joy in presenting quotes in multicolored and varied hues, as the book is teeming with relevant metaphors. Along with a precious few other new releases in the Jewish academic world, this book is a profound treasure.

Many of us have grown up hearing that "none of the Torah's words are extra", that the parashot are not arbitrarily cut off, and that every detail is meaningful. These are truism that are hardly examined, or if they are, are quietly pushed away . Because much as we hate to admit it--many datails DO see arbitrary,the stories often seem to go nowhere, and there ARE words that appear superflouse.

In this book, the author has managed to show that all these truism are, in fact, true. Through a series of essays on the traditional sections (the parashot) of Genesis, Weinberg examines different aspects of each parasha, bringing out the hidden patterns and the message that is being conveying through the choice of words or setup.

The essays range over a wide veriety of subjects, exposing us to the Torah's attitude to ageing, individuality, love, medicine, dreams and jealousy...the impressive list goes on. The result is a book that is both beautiful and meaningful. It exposes some of the undercurrents in the Bible narrative, showing us what is being said without preaching.

The writing is poetic, and Weinberg's eloquence and brilliance left me feeling shaken with the depht of truth in the Torah. These essays are alive and passionate and real. I found myself nearly crying at times, and being turned introspective with many.

In addition to the classic commentaries, Midrash and Kabbala, Weinberg also brings a wide range of sources from a divergent list that runs from Shakespeare to Gould, Tennyson to Oliver Sacks. With its many cross-references to biology, psychology, liturature and the arts, this book can change the way you look and Torah, religion and --I found myself agreeing wholeheartedly with the side flap--even life.

rabbi weinberg has a unique ability to take the torah portions and their themes and create a vision of reality. based almost entirely on text he shows how the torah teaches more than just "religious practice" but is infact life. this makes every word of the parshiot ring not only with truth but with life and allows the reader to find themselves therein. gone is the childish reading of "bible stories" what we now find are practical thematic views on life.

This is a nice book an the subject. Nice large plates, a must for any good art book. That's it--if you like paintings from this genre buy it.

I saw the collection that the Met had last year of this artwork and it was just amazing. It was provocative and raw, and just incredible. I can't wait for the paperback to come out of this so that I can afford it.

Finally an excellent review of what the first World War did to German culture and psyche. This book lays it all out. Hitler was a logical consequence. Unfortunately the Western world did not pay enough attention to these portentious signs. The book has beautiful color reproductions, great detailed commentary on each artist featured and enaough historical commentary to make it all plausible.

This is the catalogue for a beautiful exhibition held at the Met last year. The paintings reproduced here are among the best examples of the New Objectivity, a movement that was able to depict the atmosphere, the soul, the world of the Weimar Republic, that brief time span when pre-war Germany enjoyed freedom in the arts and in the minds. These gripping paintings show how ultimately doomed that world was and how the artists were the first to sense the tragic developments that were to succeed it. The front cover, a detail of one of Christian Schad's best known paintings, is a perfect illustration of a society that seems to have enjoyed life knowing that death would come too soon, with the end of that joyful and poetic decadence that was the Berlin of the 1920's.

Twice viewed the exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum here in New York. German art in the 20s is raw, obscene and decadent. A raucus reflection on hard times there. They had just suffered WW1, in the midst of fascism, insane inflation, etc.
Highlight: Otto Dix is a wild artist, forever a favorite now. Also a DaDa artist.
I am a frequent art museum visitor. Therefore, in my opinion, this catalogue did the show great justice which is not aways the case.

Many people who have been burnt out from a message of legalism should read this book. This book will restore the message of true holiness without the spirit of legalism. In one of his chapters he addresses a whole chapter on legalism. He defines what legalism is because there are many who have a misunderstanding what legalism is all about. He also addresses in another chapter on grace.

Dr. Michael L. Brown has written a very easy to understand and Biblically based book on a subject that is underemphasized (if not totally ignored) and misuderstood by the majority (in my opinion) in the Christian community. His logic is clear and his Biblical support is without question or argument. I doubt any capable theologian would be able to challenge Dr. Brown on this subject.

By far, chapter 4, "The Fateful End," is the most convicting and heart-searching.

I would also recommend reading Charles G. Finney's views of sanctification in his "Systematic Theology" and J.C. Ryle's, "Holiness."

I have read this book several times, mainly when I feel I need a wake-up call. Michael Brown has written a powerful book here against sin and for holiness, something that is woefully lacking in the contemporary church. I like the way he challenges our choices in entertainment also, it's strange what professing christians choose for their entertainment.

He really paints an ugly picture of sin and gives some good practical advice on how to avoid it.

He quotes extensively from the puritan writers such as John Owen, and from Charles Spurgeon the great preacher of the 1800's. I highly recommend that you get your hands on as many books on holiness as you can and search your heart as society today is headed for hell and wanting to take you with it!

Thanks Michael Brown for writing this, it spurred me on to better things and encouraged me to study this oft-neglected subject. I also recommend the writings of Jerry Bridges on this subject, and check out the puritan sermons as well.

Dr. Michael Brown is a skilled writer. He does his homework on a subject and always fills his books with Scripture. This book is no different. Dr. Brown tackles the issue of holiness. This subject once could be heard in every English speaking pulpit but today we shy away from its teaching because of our pragmatic approach to ministry.

Dr. Brown challenges the Body of Christ to hate sin, love God, and preach the truth in love. Matthew 1:21 tells us that the Son of God was to be called Jesus because He would save His people from their sins. Many people want to be "His people" without being free from their sins. Jesus came to die for our sins (Galatians 1:4) and to set us free completely from a life of sin (1 John 3:6-9). How can we continue in sin (Romans 6:1-4)? We must pursue holiness (Matthew 5:48; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16).

What an awesome book! Straight from Browns own experiences and stories while digging deep into the Truth. I have not read a book so convicting and genuine. This is a must read for all Gods people in todays world, where compromise is the norm. It has help unveil the eyes of my heart to Gods Word, and straightens out all the decieving lies we believe as we try to be set apart in a culture that has given itself up to lust, greed, abuse, drugs, alcohol, smoking, etc. Jesus is coming soon and this book will help prepare you until He comes again.(but His Word should always be the First book we read)God Bless!

Granny Quilts: Vintage Quilts of the 30s Made New for Today Beautiful pictures,easy to follow instrutions,this book would appeal to all types of quilters.

If you admire quilts from the past but want to put an updated twist to them, you will enjoy viewing and putting your own touches to these patterns.

The book is excellent and I'm very happy that I was able to purchase it. I have always wanted to quilt a granny quilt and I finally have the pattern to do so.

I never get tired of looking through this quilt book, and that's more than can be said about many others I own. But even beyond that, I have already made one quilt (Peek-a-Boo Baskets) from it, and have expectations that I will go on to make make two of the others as well. There are so many classics in here, you can hardly wait to try them. That's evidence that the book is truly inspirational!-- not only loving the pictures, but going on to actually make something from the book. The patterns and instructions were perfect.

Like all quilters we need a cat's nine lives to do all we imagine inquilting. This book has great patterns for Aunty's, clothsline, feedsacks etc. If you like those prints this book is a must. I have quite a few books on quilting. I collect books like fabrics (not quite). I love my library of books and fabrics but I am fussy. Most of the books I have bought are thoise that have been given 5-4 star ratings when I am looking for specific content.

This one is well worth the price and will stand a quick holiday-at-the-beach read or a more careful, detailed approach. The illustrations are an unexpected treat.

This book may not be as well known among mystery fans as it deserves to be. Wonderful plotting, touches of humor, a memorable detective, and a fascinating setting - what more can one ask for? I think one mark of a great mystery is that it can be re-read with pleasure, and this one qualifies - read it twice to catch all the red herrings you fell for the first time!

For anyone who likes a good old-fashioned mystery; this book even has illustrations. The focus is on Whodunit and not the detective's dysfunctional life or menangerie. The descriptions of a World War II military hospital are detailed and even shocking to modern notions of good medical practice. We've come a long way. The characterization is thin but believable. Unfortunately, the rest of her mystery novels seem to be out of print.

I am an absolute nut over Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers, and I've read a number of their contemporaries as well such as Marjory Allingham and Ngaio Marsh. I thought I'd mined the entire Golden Age Detective story authors, and then I discovered Christianna Brand! Her Inspector Cockrill is a marvel, and this book definitely deserves to be rated as her masterpiece. It has a complex and intriguing plot, with a delicious sense of humour woven in between the pages. The novel takes place in England during the Blitz, and the setting is a country military hospital. You'd think they'd have enough natural deaths in such a setting, but it appears that a murderer is loose in Heron's Park hospital. Brand works with a small group of suspects (6 only), but even with that it's not easy to figure out. And small chain-smoking, dishevelled Inspector Cockrill is a gem. Need to read more of these!

Born in 1907 in Malaya, Mary Christianna Milne Lewis worked as everything from a governess to a nightclub dancer before discovering her niche as an author with the novel DEATH IN HIGH HEELS. Although she is now best known as the creator of the "Nurse Matilda" stories for children, by the time of her 1988 death she had written seventeen mystery novels; while not as well known in the United States as the works of Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, and Nygio Marsh, they have remained popular in England and Europe and are often considered classics of their kind.

Published in 1944, GREEN FOR DANGER is generally regarded as Brand's best work. Set in an somewhat impromptu English hospital at the height of the Blitz, the story opens with the unexpected death of a patient during what should be a routine surgery--a death which draws the unwilling attention of Brand's re-occuring detective Inspector Cockrill, who is more than willing to dismiss the idea of foul play until one of the nurses involved in the surgery is found stabbed to death on the same operating table. As the investigation evolves, it becomes clear that the killer must be one of six involved with the unexpectedly dead patient, a situation which allows for considerable tension as the story progresses.

Although the plot is remarkably clever and the characters extremely well drawn, GREEN FOR DANGER is particularly famous for its medical setting. Brand presents the surgical proceedures of the era with tremendous clarity and readability; few have equalled her presentation, much less bested it. The novel's war-time period also adds considerable interest to the story and is equally central to the work. These two elements interlock for a fascinating read from start to finish.

As already noted, Brand's novels are not particularly well-known outside of England and Europe. This is a pity: she is a witty, surprisingly ironic writer who knows how to spin a classic English mystery. Fans of the genre who come to her works for the first time are sure to be delighted.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer