Don Books

This Field Guide is the perfect resource for everyone from the casual hiker simply curious about the flowers they stumble upon to the more experienced hiker/botanist looking for a convenient field guide with plenty of detailed information. The small size of the book makes it ideal to carry along, without compromising the quality of the photographs or the wealth of information it contains. The headings are well chosen - quickly guiding a user to the most popular information and the notes give a more detailed and highly informative summary. I love it and highly recommend it!

I recommend this book to anyone who spends time outside, from casual hiker to experienced photographer or naturalist. I appreciate its size, layout, photography and useful information.

One thing I love about this book is its size--smaller than other field guides so it can easily be put in a pocket and pulled out at a moments notice, no need to dig through a backpack for it. Also, there are colored tabs on the tops of all of the pages that correspond to the flower colors and make it easy to know where to start. Each page features a different flower, with a sharp photo on the left and text on the right side. I find the photography more appealing than an illustration as photography allows the readers to see the flowers in their natural context--the color variations (such as shades of purple or blue, or colors hard to accurately name) and surrounding flora can often aid in identification.

The layout of each page in this book is so easy to use and understand! Headings are in bold and include everything I need to know such as when the flower blooms, its height, habitat and description of flower, fruit and leaf. Also, toward the bottom of each page there is a section called notes that adds a dimension other field guides lack. It's my favorite part about the book. This section includes interesting tidbits about the flowers, from nicknames, to historical uses, medicinal properties, to what animals eat or pollinate the flowers, to how they got their names.
A great book!

Ever gone for a walk in the woods and wondered what all the flowers were; or just drove along the highway and saw flowers in the median or on the side of the road and asked yourself, "What are those?" Pick up "Wildflowers of Colorado" and all your questions will be answered. Because they are arranged by color- it makes it easy to find the flower you're curious about. The pictures in this book are awesome! There is a wealth of information in the note section for each flower. I was fascinated by all I learned. This book is a "must have" for all you hikers, nature lovers and for those of us who just want to know, "What's that growing in my yard?"

I got this book when it first came out and love it. The easy layout and great photography combine to make it really user friendly. I have identified many, many flowers while out hiking in Colorado using this book. There is no better field guide to the common wildflowers of Colorado. The "notes" section is extremely interesting.

This book is filled with information on flowers and where they grow and the bloom times. The clear close up pictures of the flowers and leaves make it easier to identify them when I'm on hikes. And, the book is small and easy to carry in most pockets.

This was an admirable work by Dr. Nibley. In it, he demonstrates the role of the prophet in several different spheres and influences in the world around us. His examinations are more of a philosophical take on the world and the prophets, not so much a "scholarly" take per say, but nevertheless, he offers, to no surprise, a fresh and triumphant work that does not lack any less scholarship than any other of Dr. Nibley's work.

Really, this book is comparable with "Approaching Zion" and is indeed directed to more LDS audiences. Nevertheless, this book is a must for LDS and non-LDS readers alike to get an introduction to the LDS view of prophets and the world that they live in.

So, all in all, a fine book by a great scholar.

Hugh Nibley, to put it simply, is a genius. This outstanding work goes into the depth on prophets in the Bible, Early Christian Church, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (more commonly known as the Mormon Church). Its striking insights and parallels makes one to think. It is filled with information that deserve to be reread over and over again. A definite aid and an intriguing work. In fact, I think I am going to read it again...

Prof. Nibley's genius is evident in everything he writes. This book is astoundingly timely despite being written nearly 50 years ago. All of his statements about the times were true then, but 10 times as true now. I have six more of his books piled up in my books to read.

Hugh Nibley is widely considered one of the top scholars that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons) has produced. During his long career, he has written extensively on ancient history, Scripture, the Book of Mormon, comparative religion and other subjects. Prof. Nibley has been praised by non-Mormon as well as Mormon scholars, including some Evangelical Protestants, who consider him Mormonism's best apologist. (Incidentally, there are some scholars within the LDS Church that question certain aspects of his methodology and his use of sources.)

For those who don't know, Mormons believe that the Christian church fell into apostasy early on and the Church was restored with the prophetic work of Joseph Smith, Jr. (1805-1844). Although the Reformers challenged some of Rome's teachings, they accepted the idea that revelation was mostly over and placed it in an inspired book rather than an inspired church. The Mormons believe in continuing revelation and Nibley even speaks highly of the Charismatic movement. To a certain extent, then, Mormonism is a form of "restorationism" which was popular during the time of Joseph Smith.

THE WORLD AND THE PROPHETS is a collection of talks that Dr. Nibley gave on radio 50 years ago. Nibley concisely sets forth the Mormon idea of revelation (particularly the importance of prophecy) and contrasts it was historic Christianity, which tends to limit revelation to an inspired Church and an inspired book. According to Nibley, Christianity (if you can all it that) went off the wrong track early on with its emphasis on "mysticism, speculation, and rhetoric." Nibley argues that, on the other hand, Mormonism is a more "literal" and less "speculative" religion.

THE WORLD AND THE PROPHETS' biggest limitation is that inherent in brief lectures. There is a tendency to draw excessively sharp contrasts between Mormonism and more traditional forms of Christianity. For example, Nibley alleges that the rest of the Christian world is given to Greek speculation (such as the classical formulation of the doctrine of the Trinity and the Deity of Christ) yet the same thing could be said with respect to Mormons (in their doctrine of deification and the like). In addition, Nibley has the tendency to make historic Christians out to be something of frauds. In a couple places, he even implies that Church Fathers like Augustine were such blatant phonies that they even had to admit it. I checked out a few of Nibley's references and there are, to put it mildly, more charitable interpretations one could give them.

Even if one is not a Mormon, one can appreciate this book for the insight that it sheds on the Mormon view of historic Christianity. For a different perspective (which doesn't mention Mormonism or Nibley, however) one might consult Jean Danielou's work GOD AND THE WAYS OF KNOWING.

The first thirty chapters of this book were delivered as radio addresses by Hugh Nibley in 1954. In 1962 they were published as we have here with two concluding chapters. These lectures all discuss the nature of the prophetic calling versus what the world would praise as leaders. Nibley hammers home again and again that a prophet has nothing to do with earning the world's praise nor is he required to appeal to us. It is our duty to hear God's voice and get ourselves in line with what God would have us do. To do this we need to hear the Spirit who will confirm to us the words we hear from the prophet.

It is always interesting to me that we continue to turn to our own ways even after having the world's folly confirmed to us again and again. Yet, to the world the message of any prophet is foreign and strange to the point of being ridiculous. No wonder they mock and point. It is our job to ignore the world and stay focused on the words of life.

This book can help make following true prophets much easier with greater understanding, confidence, and focus. It does read as a series of talks rather than a treatise that builds up a single argument. Instead, each chapter can be read separately. You might gain by reading one chapter each day for a month and a day and meditate on each one for that day.

Written by the founder of "Stop Smoking Recovery Programs" and former three-pack-a-day smoker David C. Jones, Yes! You Can Stop Smoking Even if You Don't Want To: Recover From Nicotine Addiction is now in an updated fourth edition. A groundbreaking guide, Yes! You Can Stop Smoking treats smoking as an addiction; dissects the self-talk and harmful false beliefs that prevent one from quitting; advice for avoiding self-sabotage; true-life stories of people who quit smoking; and much more. Affirmations for the first ninety days of quitting smoking, each with a blank half-page where the one quitting can write down his or her feelings, rounds out this invaluable, keen-minded and encouraging guide.

This book changed my life! I stopped smoking years ago using the principles and information in the third edition of this book and I was very happy to see that there is a new, fourth edition. In fact, this book has more information and support than any other book out there on the subject. The author, David C. Jones, holds your hand through each of the stages of quitting smoking and gives you the knowledge and skills to succeed. It was a great relief to finally read about smoking as a physical addiction - a medical condition - and not just a bad habit that can be overcome by willpower. I always felt like I was a bad person because I couldn't stop smoking. But this book made me look at myself, and at smoking, differently. The true-life success stories and the daily meditations included in this book also inspired me a great deal. This is the best book out there for stopping smoking. Do yourself a favor: buy this book!

This book is simple and to the point. Smoking is an addiction and thats what the book focuses on. After reading this book (in just a couple hours) I've quit smoking. It's a great feeling to have your eyes opened!

This has to be the best book out there for stopping smoking and staying stopped. David Jones addresses smoking as an addiction and treats the person, not the cigarette. He addresses the proper way to withdraw along with healthy coping skills to become and stay a non-smoker. I am thankful for this book.

I honestly had no plans to quit smoking when I found this book, I was looking for yoga books at the library... I thought the title was interesting and checked this out instead. I read the book and took action where it gave exercies and instructions, and by the time I got to the last page I stopped smoking! I also used an Anthony Robbins NLP technique with this book to aid in making smoking seem horribly disgusting (which it is.) I quit eleven months ago and have had ZERO cravings. One caveat, you will only get out of this book what you put into it!!

If you find that you come home and collapse in front of your televison every night because you're "too tired" to do anything else, you should read this book.

This book should be required reading for every worker, manager and supervisor.

It was not too long ago that a 30 hour work week was predicted to become the norm for most US whitecollar workers. The average workweek today is almost 50 hours long. Layoffs, downsizing and the fears these management strategies instill have caused people to put in more and more time to survive, hoping to stay ahead of the next cutback.

This book explains why that reasoning is not only wrong, but achieves just the opposite result. This book suggests that a worker who goes home on time and has fun both on and off the job is more creative, more productive, and more successful.

A radical concept well worth exploring.

I first came across this book more than 10 years ago, when as a doctor I was asked to give a lecture on stress management. It was life-changing for me, both at work and in my leisure time, as well--because it taught me how to play again, and to allow myself to enjoy sports at the same time I was driven to excell.

I recommend this book all the time to colleagues, patients and students. And I'm now buying a copy for my teenaged daughter, a competitive athlete who is combatting burnout. These skills should be graduation requirements for every high school student.

This book made me realize that so many Americans take their work as the only thing they have in life to give of themselves. But they take for granted the most important aspect of life ... themselves and their loved ones. Read this book and you will realize that there is DEFINATELY a lot more to life than work. I enjoyed the book for that realization. I felt though that the suggestions were not as detailed as I would have liked and wished it had gone deeper into applying it to your everyday life. I guess the book is written to take you to the door, and you are the one that has to open it. I am recommending this book to friends. :)

This book changed my life when it first came out... I brought my toys to the office and started taking regular juggling breaks. Using some of the strategies in the book, I transformed myself and my team. Now, years later, I've found myself rediscovering the book, and sharing it with my new team -- although I'd incorporated many of the strategies into my work and home life, I'm re-applying some of the forgotten messages and strategies. This book is nothing short of life-changing. I also love the illustrations! The ONLY negative I have about the book is that I think the original larger format was a better package -- that edition had a very fun color road map / chapter listing on the inside covers that added a great deal to the look and feel of the book. (I was happy to find that the content had remained the same.) I recommend this book to team leaders as well as team members. DO THE EXERCISES!

I was very tired of work, when I found that book. The title made me curious. Actually I wanted to leave my job, but while reading I realised, that it was not only the job, it was me. I would have the same troubles everywhere. I now try to make some changes in my life and will see how it works.

This book is well-written, well-organized, and well-edited by debut author, Juliet A. Gipson. She writes with a flair that's easy to understand and a joy to follow. As a former guidance counselor, I appreciate the compact information provided in this book. Filled with practical advice for every type of blended family, many spouses and their children will benefit from reading this material. Based on Ms. Gipson's personal experiences as well as a mountain of research, she provides us with a perspective for everyone to easily comprehend.

If you're a first, second or third spouse, or even if you've never been married, you'll be able to learn some of the mistakes that you can easily avoid while contemplating marriage. I recommend this book to be a blessing to you and your loved ones. Read with anticipation, and you won't be disappointed.

Barbara Joe-Williams, Author and
Owner of Amani Publishing

Exceptional book. 60 to 70% of all American are part of a blended family. It is a must read for everyone.

Ms. Gipson, a lady with style and class, gives this wonderful advice from first hand experience. Having known Juliet for over 20 yrs, she always takes the high road when resolving any situation. A co-parent myself for many years now, I truly wish I'd had access to this insight thirty years ago. So many people today walk into a co-parenting marriage with rose colored glasses on and for all the wrong reasons, without doing their homework as Juliet cautions us to do. Do's and Don'ts is not only for blended families, but for all parents who struggle to discipline their kids without undermining each other, giving priority to the health and well being of the child/ren. Ms. Gipson's advice just as aptly applies to in-law relationships as well as spousal/child relationships. Anyone contemplating marriage for the 1st, 2nd or 3rd time should first read this book and think long and hard about what they are about to do. Do's and Don'ts is the perfect guide to a harmonious relationship for all parties concerned. I highly recommend it.
S.M. Haycock, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

Look at that cover!

This is a book with personality. That's how author Juliet Gipson writes, too. And promotes (disclaimer: she was a signing author at the Authors Coalition booth at the LA Times/UCLA Festival of Books that I am associated with). And lives life.

It is more important that she brings practical experience to this challenge of mixing families and working with past partners. Actually, any parent can benefit from reading it.
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Reviewed by Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Award-winning author of The Frugal Editor: Put your best book forward to avoid humiliation and ensure success (How to Do It Frugally)and The Frugal Book Promoter: How To Do What Your Publisher Won't, both USA Book News Best Book award winners.

Some people go through life never realizing their potential, nor the impact they may have on others. This author has yet, once again displayed his chosen gift for reaching out, embracing and healing us from the inside out. I read this book from cover to cover and felt his sincerity as well as his passion for life with the turn of every page. The "somewhat" humorous approach he takes within his writings give you the incentive to keep reading, even if it's only to see what he will say next. This book is filled with simplicity, encouragement and wisdom. Things in which we all need to become better parents and families. If this author lives his life by the standards he speaks of in this book they are a VERY lucky family!!!!
Thank you Dr. John, for not only being inspirational but for your devotion and persistence to the well being of "our children."
You are wonderfully talented! Thank you again Dr John........

I received this book this January and started using it with my family. We are an extremely busy family with no time. Dr. Mayer's approach is sooooo easy and doable even for my busy family. And most of all he helps us think differently about FOOD and THE WAY WE EAT. YES, he may say things we already know, but it is good to hear from a professional and expert how and why we should do things. The extra little tips and suggestions he gives that you may not think about are great. Many of the things you can get from this book are very subtle changes, but I have found that these are the best and most lasting when you don't even realize you are being helped or changed. My family and family life has changed emensely. Thank you Dr. Mayer.

I bought this book and used the techniques in it. Wow! This not only works, but helped our whole lifestyle. Buy this book for a friend. It's not just about eating well and losing weight, it is about having a happier, healthier family. A must read for every parent.

I am not sure why this book is not on the top seller list, because it is nothing short of amazing! I found this book in a pile of books that was donated to a book drive. I picked it up and thumbed through it. A few things caught my eye, so I sat down and started to read.
As I read, a woman and her three children rushed in, and seeing me with the book, came directly over. She explained that the book was dropped off by mistake, and she wanted it back. And, from what I read, I could see why. I went out and bought a copy for myself. After reading it, I bought copies for several people that I cared about.
I now know several families that have had success loosing weight and keeping it off! Not only did these families make fantastic progress in terms of weight loss, but they also encountered several unexpected surprises. Many delightful changes took place in their personal lives and the overall structure of their families.
This book is written to change the way families treat each other. And, also how each family deals with life and the surrounding world. The bottom line here is that, a healthy family is not a FAT family. It is not the FAT that makes the family unhealthy, but the ways in which they communicate, interact, and respect each other and others!
This book contains a wealth of sound advice on parenting, spousal relationships, single parenting, communication, problem solving, stress management, fun healthy food choices, resolving problems effectively, and so much more. It is well researched and nicely written. It has the power to change lives!
This book reaches down the throat and pulls out the stomach of the eating problem. After experiencing the power of this book, I highly recommend it to and family, or even single person who is still in contact with their family, who is dealing with a weight issue. You won't be sorry you picked it up. As they say, the proof is in the pudding-, which you won't want to eat after reading this book!

9,9 Coaching has been an extremely helpful book. It is an easy read with a nice touch of humor. Dr. Sarraco's approach is straight forward and effective. I have applied his techniques in my college softball program and have seen tremendous results.

This book is simply written and easy to follow, yet really reaches the epitome of management: I could apply this information to "coaching" the employees of the business I run.

9,9 Coaching is a simple & insightful book....a must read. Dr. Saracco provides numerous illustrations, along with practical applications and creative anecdotes in our complex world of human relationships, more specifically in the world of coaching.

A funny yet insightful book. Dr. Saracco provides a completely new look to coaching and why most efforts fail. Dr. Saracco also provides simple techniques for getting at the root of problems and how to implement solutions.

The Library of America's collection of original Lincoln source documents in two volumes is a wonderful addition to the library of any person interested in this portion of American history. The two volumes represent the best scholarship available today in terms of organizing and duplicating Lincoln's own words as they are found in personal letters, speech transcriptions, notes, memos, and other forms of written communication. This is a collection that is a fascinating look at the inner thoughts of Lincoln as he progresses from a congressional candidate in the 1850's, then as a candidate for President in 1860, and then as he prosecutes the war of the states until the time of his assassination.

The Library of America represents a rare and welcome to the world of print publishing. Funded from a continuous trust that is structured to keep every single volume perpetually in print, the Library prints only on the finest paper, using only the best inks, and implementing the best binding technology available. These books are true library quality, with ultra-high quality paper from Germany and bindings from the Netherlands, and truly represent the finest book quality typically seen in today's book world. The perpetual trust of the Library nevertheless keeps the price of these volumes at a reasonable level, with most volumes available between $24 and $40 dollars. Once you handle one, you'll undoubtedly see what a real value this series represents.

Lincoln's writings and recorded speeches are incredibly interesting to read. These works provide remarkable insight into this most unusual of people, and posterity is pleased that so much of these items were saved and eventually collated for later review. Can we make ourselves belief that this is largely a self-educated man who writes English prose at a level rarely seen even in the most educated of individuals? Following the logic posed in many of these letters, coupled with the piecing insights into human nature that Lincoln seemed to exude, can give us an experience that extends our thinking and challenges our views. Because Lincoln is canonized in history, we really don't understand the real man all that well. These personal writings of Lincoln help de-mystify the true person behind the persona, and make us see the man, not just the legend.

This volume provides Lincoln's speeches, writings and selected letters from 1859 through 1865. This period is the year leading up to his election in 1860 through his assassination in 1865. You will get to read amazing letters from the commander-in-chief trying to get his generals to fight and win the war, letters to all kinds of people covering topics public and personal, proclamations suspending habeas corpus and emancipation, his addresses to congress (our State-of-the Union Addresses used to be delivered by letter to Congress), and some of the greatest treasures in American history: the Gettysburg Address and Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address. It is stunning that in all this writing, so much of it powerful and worthwhile, that these two brief speeches so obviously deserve to be engraved in stone for all ages to read and take into their souls.

It is awfully moving to read the material related to the conduct of the Civil War. He was very strong in his determination to destroy the Rebellion, yet he has very touching notes about his sick child and is very human in his communications with intimates.

This volume also has a chronology of Lincoln's life and great notes on the texts. Note particularly the Associated Press copy of the Gettysburg Address that was contemporary with its delivery. The version most of us know is a finished copy prepared for publication. The differences are subtle and not all that important, just interesting to note for style and rhetorical power.

I strongly urge you to have these two volumes on your American History bookshelf. Simply, they are important and you will learn a great deal reading through them.

I purchased this collection of speeches and letters knowing little about America's most beloved president other than what I had learned in my high school history classes. My first impression was "Boy, where have all the good presidents gone?" Aside from the famous speeches we're all familiar with, Lincoln was a prolific man of letters and an amazing presenter of ideas ahead of their time. Our sixteenth president wasn't perfect, but neither was our nation. During perhaps the most crucial period in U.S. history, thank God there was Abraham Lincoln. I grew up as a Democrat, but if Lincoln were running for the presidency today, he would be the first Republican to get my vote. This Library of America edition of Lincoln's speeches and writings is a beautifully bound volume that I will cherish for years to come.

This is the second volume of the Library of America Project devoted to the works of Abraham Lincoln. It covers the period after the Lincoln-Douglas Debates and includes many of the records of the Lincoln Presidency and the Civil War. The standard Lincoln materials are included, of course, such as the Gettysburg Address, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the Inauguaral Addresses. But there is immeasurably more. We see Lincoln writing to his Generals, Cabinet members, and other national leaders in his attempt to hold the Union together. We see a lincolns agonizing over military discipline and frequently pardoning deserting soldiers. We see Lincoln dealing with Indian issues in his day; and we see him supporting the use of black troops in the War effort. This volume is highly useful in uderstanding the Civil War. Equally important it teaches the nature of leadership and fortitude. Finally, Lincoln is one of our Nation's great prose writers and the book deserves reading for that reason alone. The Library of America is to be commended for this volume and for its ongoing series.

The Library of America's collection of original Lincoln source documents in two volumes is a wonderful addition to the library of any person interested in this portion of American history. The two volumes represent the best scholarship available today in terms of organizing and duplicating Lincoln's own words as they are found in personal letters, speech transcriptions, notes, memos, and other forms of written communication. This is a collection that is a fascinating look at the inner thoughts of Lincoln as he progresses from a congressional candidate in the 1850's, then as a candidate for President in 1860, and then as he prosecutes the war of the states until the time of his assassination.

The Library of America represents a rare and welcome to the world of print publishing. Funded from a continuous trust that is structured to keep every single volume perpetually in print, the Library prints only on the finest paper, using only the best inks, and implementing the best binding technology available. These books are true library quality, with ultra-high quality paper from Germany and bindings from the Netherlands, and truly represent the finest book quality typically seen in today's book world. The perpetual trust of the Library nevertheless keeps the price of these volumes at a reasonable level, with most volumes available between $20 and $40 dollars. Once you handle one, you'll undoubtedly see what a real value this series represents.

Lincoln's writings and recorded speeches are incredibly interesting to read. These works provide remarkable insight into this most unusual of people, and posterity is pleased that so much of these items were saved and eventually collated for later review. Can we make ourselves belief that this is largely a self-educated man who writes English prose at a level rarely seen even in the most educated of individuals? Following the logic posed in many of these letters, coupled with the piecing insights into human nature that Lincoln seemed to exude, can give us an experience that extends our thinking and challenges our views. Because Lincoln is canonized in history, we really don't understand the real man all that well. These personal writings of Lincoln help de-mystify the true person behind the persona, and make us see the man, not just the legend.

The writings of Lincoln are pervaded not only by an enormous intelligence and great power and feeling for the language, but by a wisdom and humility. Reading just a small part of the speeches and letters collected here gives the feeling nonetheless that the political leaders and the American public of that time were far more demanding, disciplined and intelligent than the public is today. Can you imagine anyone today having the patience to listen to six three- hour debates as was the case with the Lincoln-Douglas debates?
Another aspect of reading this work is simply learning and knowing more being more in the presence of America's greatest President and perhaps most exemplary moral figure. In this sense the feeling is that this volume is for those who truly admire Lincoln and wish to know his thought in greater depth.
Lincoln was not simply America's greatest President he was also the President whose writing and thought were unsurpassed. This volume gives further evidence of the greatness which most will know of from his even more famous works, the Gettysburg Address, and 'The Second Inaugural '.

Abraham Lincoln was a great President. Where he falls on your list is a private judgment, but most put him at or near the top. It is true that there is a more vocal element of detractors nowadays, but those voices tend to also advocate versions of America that most of us would not recognize nor care to legitimate. This volume begins with Lincoln as a young man of twenty-three beginning political career.

The letters are quite interesting and cover a range of topics. It is interesting to note his private correspondence on various topics such as the Mexican War and compare those notes to his public speeches. While he is clearly a politician and aware of the need to garner votes, he uses his powerful intellect to find the line that will hold to his principles and still be convincing to the electorate.

This volume culminates with the seven famed Lincoln - Douglas debates when those two candidates contended for a seat in the Senate representing Illinois. Remember, this was before Senators were directly elected. These were debates to win popular support, but also to show political viability so when the public selected the legislature, the legislature would choose the preferred candidate for the Senate. These debates received national attention, which pleased both candidates. The format was this: first speaker for one hour, response by the second speaker for an hour and a half, the first speaker responds for a half hour. They alternated who spoke first with each debate. They went after each other directly with challenges, personal attacks, interruptions, and appeals to the crowd. Can you imagine any of our candidates even attempting such a risky format nowadays?

As I read the debates, Douglas seems to be a panderer and clearly supporting slavery in a way that seems odd for someone seeking office in Illinois. However, he was really positioning himself for the Presidency. Stephen Douglas did become Senator while Lincoln did not. However, two years later, Douglas did not get nominated as a candidate for President and Lincoln won the Presidency.

This great volume has a chronology of Lincoln's life and notes on the texts and an index.

I bought both volumns of this over the summer. I first bought Libary of America's publication of Jefferson which is a must have. Then Franklin. Those two are extremely good and I highly recommend them to anyone interested in raw historical material.

Now as for the volumes on Lincoln, don't get me wrong; they are also extremely good. As with all of these books, it is a rewarding reading experience to peruse collections of un-edited letters and speeches in their chronological order.

These volumes have every conceivable bit of correspondence imaginable. Lincoln apparently preferred the short letter, as there are several single paragraph letters to generals on the field and the like. He also wrote with simplicity and suprising bluntness. Volume 1 has a number of early speeches and famous debates which give you a sense of the lawyer turned politician. These of course are very lengthy. But also in volumes 1 and 2 there are numerous short letters which include urgent notes to General McClellan and others that would have made me quit the post had I been the receiver! In contrast there are letters revealing Lincolns more sensitive personal side.

I'm rating Lincoln's volumes just behind those of Jefferson and Franklin because there are no references detailing the circumstances for each writing. I felt a little lost not knowing what the impetus was behind the letters and correspondence. This is a departure from the Jefferson and Franklin books, which provide very detailed notes.

Finally I should say that Library of America's books are of very high quality for more than their authorship and reading content. All are bound nicely and printed on bible paper-like acid free paper. They are of exceptional quality just as books. I would say they are the best quality available.

Additionally, Library of America is a non-profit organization with the aim of distributing the work of America's essential writers without commercial gain.

I'm not much for self-help books! However, I wish I had found this book years ago. It is universal, timeless, and a "real" handbook for life. I want to give a copy to everyone I know. It's about much more than transforming relationships in the traditional sense. No, it's not another love book or "Women are from Mars and Men are from Venus" kind of book. It's about our relationship with ourself and our life as much as it is about our relationship with lovers, friends, parents, children, or co-workers. Emery in a very simple manner explains how to make our life and our relationships workable. He highlights ideas, perceptions, and self images that don't work for us (any of us) and explains where they came from. He explains the mechanics of it in a way that makes it easy to execute. This is a very simple book, easy to read, and one that I will read many times. It will be the first gift I give to anyone I have a romantic relationship with in the future.

I spent several years being a confirmed self-help junkie. I read everything I could get my hands on, went to seminars and was a passionate seeker. When I finished this book, I remember thinking, "I don't have to ever read another self-help book." Of course, I have read many others, but ACTUALIZATIONS remains my all-time favorite. It's profoundly full of memorable ideas and insights. You may find yourself quoting it to your friends. Quite simply, Stewart Emery is one of the best teachers I've ever encountered.

I have have owned many copies of this book because I give them away or people just walk off with them! I have been rereading it for fifteen years and always find new inspiration.

It is wonderful to know that such wisdom is at our fingertips and I just wish we could all read the same book--as in "You Don't Have to Rehearse to Be Yourself."

Whether you are looking for inspiration or trying to communicate with your loved ones better or looking for more success in life, this is definitely the book to read.

It's a classic.

About 30 years ago my then 20-yr-old son attended Stewrt Emery's 4-day workshop in San Francisco. It dramatically changed his life - forever!
The Actualizations book is the workshop in written form. Through the years I have given the book to several people with the same amazing results. I recently gave a copy to my married adult niece. After just starting it, this is what she wrote to me: "This book was written just for me. It is as if it were written directly to me from the writer. How does he know all these things that he knows?" Whatever the circumstances of one's life, this book applies.