Mitchell Books

As a Baltimorean born and bred, I grew up with vivid stories of Baltimore's and Maryland's roles during the Civil War, including some of my own family's exploits. I confess that much of it confused me. Marylanders owned slaves, and all of the state lies below the Mason-Dixon Line, yet Maryland remained in the Union and is called "The Free State." The riots that broke out on Pratt Street as Union soldiers marched from one station to the other (experiencing one of the joys of traveling through Baltimore in those days) clearly belied any notion of Maryland's solid loyalty to the Union. My great grandfather followed Stonewall Jackson around the South even as his brother was busy smuggling an abolitionist rabbi from Baltimore over the Pennsylvania line before his congregation tarred and feathered him.

So where did Baltimore's and Maryland's loyalties really lie? What was it like to be in Maryland from 1860 to 1865, and what forces were at play?

Charles Mitchell has done a masterful job of weaving the overarching plot from the strands of personal memorabilia and biography to paint a living picture of a state that was in some ways a microcosm of the larger war. And for anyone like me who was raised with conflicting notions, his painstaking historical detail helps flesh out not simply the internal conflict but also the essential stability that kept Maryland in the Union. Contemporary letters and articles demonstrate not only immediate reactions but also the evolving mindset of the people in power, the citizenry, and the fringe element, all of which helps one get a sense of the dynamic of the times.

The last section, "Freedom," is made all the more moving by its acknowledgement that racial strife would continue in Maryland for another century. The Baltimore of my childhood in the '40's and '50's still had separate water fountains and bathrooms, and the local amusement park was closed to blacks. Much of Maryland--especially southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore, but also parts of Baltimore and Anne Arundel Counties and even a few neighborhoods in Baltimore City--retains some of the feel of the Old South to this day, though its political majority makes it dependably "Blue." MARYLAND VOICES both captures and explicates that paradox in a way that leaves us newly enlightened not only about the state as it was 150 years ago but about contemporary Maryland, as well.

My summer reading this past year was never so vivid! I found Charles W. Mitchell's Maryland Voices of the Civil War to be a perfect complement to simultaneous readings of, David McCullough's John Adams and James Michener's Chesapeake. Like these books, Maryland Voices of the Civil War presents known and little known historical facts and details which impart keen insights into the historical development of our young nation. Mr. Mitchell's collection of original source writings describes everyday life of blacks and whites, from the poorly educated to the highly educated, with a wide range of viewpoints regarding the national conflict in their region. Through reading their diaries, articles, and letters, I felt as if I walked among these individuals, just as I walk among neighbors! I reveled in the 1860s vernacular of these written communications which coupled with photos, drawings, and posters create historical authenticity in the mind of the reader. I could readily imagine the clandestine activities on Baltimore's cobbled streets, the raucous troops and their sweltering, smoky campsites stationed in the neighboring localities, all a stones throw from my reading chair on the back porch! Maryland Voices of the Civil War recreates through public and private writings the personal nuances, as well as authoritative perceptions of the age, the environment, the varied attitudes and trepidations of Marylanders while under the allegiance to the Union. How appreciated it is to know the genuine origins of each and every writing. I'm left wondering if our contemporary writings could ever reveal modern times as clearly to future generations, as these writings of the 1860s that Charles Mitchell presents throughout his Maryland Voices of the Civil War!

Submitted by DJ Snyder December, 2007

I originally found this book in Maryland magazine. Bought it for my brother-in-law who is a civil War buff.

As a native Marylander and a reader of civil war history I was pleasantly surprised to learn so much from this book of Maryland voices. Reading about these times through the minds and hearts of individuals who were on the scene was enlightening. The author brings out the political differences between the eastern shore counties through Baltimore to the western counties through letters. The chapter on the confederate army marching through Frederick was particularly good and did I hear someone writing about the cattle lowing as they followed the troops through the city? I never realized that cattle were part of an army's supply but I do now. The contrast between the handsome soldiers on horseback through the minds of young girls and their grief as to the later casualties. The chapters on the slave issues were very livid and the inequities forced upon a race of people who had very little recourse to a better life. The court system in the "southern counties" and its brutal adherence to the southern way was very informative. Many Maryland families are mentioned in this book and if I were from one of them I would not miss reading this excellent treatise. I highly recommend this book to all and congratulate the author for his diligent detail.

This is a beautiful book and I'm happy to find myself mentioned in it as part of an end-note on page 530; however I'm not happy that Mr. Mitchell did not look closely enough at my publication "The Complete Chronicles with Abstracts and Works Cited" (Fukuoka Jo Gakuin, 2001), because it clearly states on page 122 the needed citation to clear up his confusion about the details of Joseph Shaw's murder in Westminster, Maryland, on Monday, April 24, 1865. Shaw was not "lynched" as Klein's "Just South of Gettysburg" states (echoing Scharf's misreporting of the matter in his "History of Western Maryland"), but was stabbed in the left armpit and left to bleed to death on the tavern floor of Zachariah's (Anchor) Hotel on Anchor Street, Westminster. The Baltimore Sun under the title "Trial of the Parties Charged with the Manslaughter of Joseph Shaw," reported the details of Shaw's murder by Henry Bell and three others, in its Friday, June 2nd, Saturday, June 3rd, Monday, June 5th; Tuesday, June 6th; Wednesday, June 7th; and Thursday, June 8th, 1865 editions. These newspapers were all available on microfilm to Mr. Mitchell had he taken the time to look. Instead, he offers this bizarre comment on page 460, as if the details of a man's death were a mere matter of "either/or": "Accounts vary about what next transpired: Shaw was either hanged by the mob or, on April 24, shot and stabbed by four men at Zachariah's Hotel in Westminster." Does Mr. Mitchell discount The Baltimore Sun paper's on-the-spot reporting as a source? (To this and any researcher the Baltimore Sun would be the best source of all!) Moreover, The Baltimore Clipper, as well as other newspapers unavailable to Scharf and Klein reported Shaw as still being alive after the Westminster mob destroyed his presses. And finally, nowhere in my publication did I say that Shaw was shot. In fact, I indicate that it was rather miraculous that he hadn't been.

Please Mr. Mitchell, go back and check these sources. They're not hidden away, but freely available to anyone who takes the time to thread microfilm through a viewer. While I hail your book as a great addition to the studies of Maryland's involvement in the Civil War, I am greatly puzzled as to why you didn't do the work of an historian in this case and report what the primary records show.

This is a great picture book for big and little baseball fans and for all our daughters. This book is based on the true story of Jackie Mitchell, who at seventeen years of age struck out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, in the same inning no less!

My husband is a huge baseball fan and he'd never heard this story before.
We both love it and so do our kids.

Mighty Jackie is great book for young readers to be introduced to short biographies. This David and Goliath account of Jackie Mitchell is almost unheard of to avid sports enthusiasts. This is a great way to show young children that no matter what gender you are, hard work will pay off for those who try to reach their goals. Illustrator C.F. Payne had very good depictions of the baseball greats from the past that Mighty Jackie made history with in 1931.

April 2, 1931 was an important day in baseball history. On this day the Chattanooga Lookouts played the New York Yankees in an exhibition game. Thousands packed the stadium to see Lookouts' pitcher, seventeen-year-old Jackie Mitchell, pitch against the Yankees using her "lefty pitch with a low dip." Jackie made baseball history because she was the first professional female pitcher. This slice-of-life biography explains how Jackie grew up playing ball with her father and how at age eight she learned to pitch from Dazzy Vance, a star pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers.

The mixed media colored illustrations show movement and emotion. The full-page close-ups captures the intensity of players when the umpire yells "strike three." Jackie, surrounded by male players, looks undaunted and determined.

Just the cover of the book alone excited eight to twelve year olds. Children listened intently to the story and talked about the book with excitement. They thought it was great to have a female pitcher and yelled "strike three!"

Covering the amazing achievements of one of the finest pitchers - woman or man - of all times, Jackie Mitchell, this picture-book biography is sure to fly off the shelves and engage even emerging readers, with it's intense, bright illustrations and cliff-hanging text. The story centers around Jackie's determination and hard work to become a great pitcher, fighting sexist discrimination and bad press. It's a tale of what someone can do with their dream, and would be an inspiration to all young people, ballplayers or not. The illustrations perfectly complement the text, and serve to make the story more intense and easy to relate to. This would be a great read-aloud for any classroom or library story time, and might be used to inspire older children to write stories of times they persevered with their dreams. Book has an author's note that lets kids know what happened to Jackie later on and a brief bibliography in the end papers.

Jackie Mitchell set high goals and dreams to become a professional major-league baseball player. Even though there were the stereotypes about girls not playing baseball, she didn't let that hinder her determination in becoming her very best. Through hard-work and lots of training, she became a major league pitcher. On April 2, 1932 she carved her name into history by becoming known as the "Girl Who Struck Out Babe Ruth." This book depicts that the support of family and the determination of a girl, dreams are possible. This book does a fantastic job to portray the history of Jackie Mitchell in her major-league debut, but also gives information pertaining to her minor-league career and also baseball's formal ban of women from major and minor league. The illustrations make the reader feel that they are sitting in all different areas of a baseball field from right behind home plate to the outfield. I would definitely recommend this book when studying about influential females in history.

I loved the Mitchells as a child--in part because my mother lived in Washington during the war and her family were friends of the author. Recently, I pulled out the book to read to my seven year old daughter. She loved it! We both shed tears of joy when the war orphaned Una meets her grandfather and when the Mitchell father comes home on leave from World War II with a special gift (I won't spoil the surprise).

This book tells about a family in WWII and what life was like. Food was rationed, blackout drills were held, and their father and uncle were in the war. It is funny and touching. Angela is the funniest character. She gives very original names to her dolls. Traincrack and Surshy are the funniest names of her dolls in the book. I liked it when the Mitchells befriended Una, a war refugee from England. It was pure luck that Mr. Spencer was boarding with the Mitchells because Una got to meet him. He turned out to be her long lost Grandpa. My favorite character was Mr. Jenkins, a parrot who always had something special to say. All in all, it was a really good book.

This book is about a family of 9 people. There are 5 kids, a
grandma, a mom, a dad, and an uncle. This takes place
during World War II. Their dad left for the war at the beginning of the story. The kids start a club to help the war. There are 8 kids in the club. The 2 youngest are mascots, and there are three of the other kids' friends.

The eldest girl finds a baby squirrel, names it Blinky, and keeps it as a pet. The family gets many more pets, one of which they find in a big house that no one lives in that they call the White Elephant. They decide to have their club meetings there but... Then a family decides to move into the White Elephant. Now they have to find a new place for their club meetings.

What I liked about this story was how everyone got along and
how they always had fun together. My favorite character in
the book was the youngest boy, Timmy, who was 1 1/2 years
old. The reason why I like him is because he likes to have a
food fight. My Favorite part is when Timmy throws his toast at
a lady across the table (Mrs. Merryvale). this book was funny enough for me to enjoy, but I don't think my friends would think that there is enough excitement in it.

This is a wonderful story about a family during World War II. It gives a glimpse into life during that time period from Victory Gardens to rationed food. I love how the kids all try to help out and usually get along with each other. They are a typical family that work together to survive the war. I am loaning these books to everyone I know who has kids who love to read. This should be on reading lists at schools. The story is well written and entertaining.

In addition to being entertaining, this book was also informative. Prior to reading it, I didn't even know what a victory garden was! I loved the characters and found them to be realistic and recognizable. Angela was the funniest. I love the stupid names she gave her doll. Traincrack was certainly an original name. Even today I laugh about Traincrack.

On a more serious note, I was quite moved when Una/Eunice was reunited with her grandfather. The drawing of them together really touched my heart. It is a book I will never forget and am glad to say I own. (I lucked into this book -- I bought it at a book sale some years ago). This is a classic that should be revived. It is wonderful.

The More You Know" by Bill Mitchell is a must read for anyone who is concerned that their spouse has been unfaithful. An experienced and astute private investigator, Bill Mitchell puts power into the hands of the vulnerable victim with his clear, concise script of what to do and how to go about doing it.
As a relationship writer and speaker, I have read and used Bill's book successfully. I consider it a necessary tool, not only for those hurt by infidelity but for lawyers, clergy, therapists, and any one who counsels. I do not exaggerate when I say, it is the best book around.

Kristen Houghton, Marriage Editor
[...]

Licensed private investigator Bill Mitchell, also known as "The Seven-Day Detective" for his ability to garner crucial information in a single week, The More You Know: Getting the Evidence and Support You Need to Investigate a Troubled Relationship is a straightforward guide for individuals, investigators, attorneys, clergy, and counselors - anyone who needs to know right away whether a spouse is cheating. Chapters cover the eight telltale signs of adultery, how to obtain proof of infidelity which can be used in a court of law and can influence asset and custody settlements, and how to pick up the pieces of one's life and move on. An absolute "must-have" for anyone concerned that their relationship may be at risk.

Licensed private investigator Bill Mitchell, also known as "The Seven-Day Detective" for his ability to garner crucial information in a single week, The More You Know: Getting the Evidence and Support You Need to Investigate a Troubled Relationship is a straightforward guide for individuals, investigators, attorneys, clergy, and counselors - anyone who needs to know right away whether a spouse is cheating. Chapters cover the eight telltale signs of adultery, how to obtain proof of infidelity which can be used in a court of law and can influence asset and custody settlements, and how to pick up the pieces of one's life and move on. An absolute "must-have" for anyone concerned that their relationship may be at risk.

This well written book gives you direction when you have experienced the ultimate betrayal - adultery! If your partner's behavior hoists a red flag, read this book!

Licensed private investigator Bill Mitchell, also known as "The Seven-Day Detective" for his ability to garner crucial information in a single week, The More You Know: Getting the Evidence and Support You Need to Investigate a Troubled Relationship is a straightforward guide for individuals, investigators, attorneys, clergy, and counselors - anyone who needs to know right away whether a spouse is cheating. Chapters cover the eight telltale signs of adultery, how to obtain proof of infidelity which can be used in a court of law and can influence asset and custody settlements, and how to pick up the pieces of one's life and move on. An absolute "must-have" for anyone concerned that their relationship may be at risk.

I bought this both, for my 2 year old daughter and for me, an avid unicorns lover/collector. If it's about unicorns, I buy it. Didn't care so much of story, just saw a unicorn. After reading though, I was touched by the story. Never since the Last Unicorn have I read such a wonderful unicorn story. Unlike Last Unicorn, this story keeps my daughter's attention as well, till she gets older. Always in unicorn folklore you hear "nobody rides a unicorn". You can attract it, pet it, talk to it, and capture it, but riding was all but impossible in most true unicorn stories. It only seemed natural that a little "nobody" was allowed to ride a magnificent beast. A wonderful story for all ages and most of all, unicorn lovers!

I bought this book for my daughter's 8th birthday. I appreciate the valuable lesson it teaches that it is never too late to do the right thing.

Adrian Mitchell has written a wonderful fairy tale, complete with evil king, beggar girl turned heroine and happily ever after ending. Zoe is "nobody's" child and lives alone on the outskirts of town. Her voice is soft and sweet. When the king wants to capture a unicorn for the magic in its horn, he tricks Zoe into helping him. He sends her into the forest to sing softly and when a beautiful unicorn comes, lies down and puts his head in her lap, the king's men capture it. But Zoe is angry, defies the king and sets the unicorn free. After she is banished from the kingdom, she sets out to find her special friend. Nobody Rides the Unicorn is a lovely, sensitive story, with a message, the whole family will treasure. Children will begin to understand the rewards of doing what is right and listening to their consciences. The story is complimented with beautiful illustrations and the artwork is as special and appealing to youngsters, as the tale itself. As a great bedtime story and a must for all home libraries, this book will be a part of your family for many years to come.

This picture book is captivating. With a simple message of hope woven through with inspiration, follow Zoe in her quest.

This will capture any child's imagination with the simplicity and magic of the story and the superb illustrations. Sure to be a favourite.

As my 4 year-old daughter added Nobody Rides the Unicorn to our ready-to-check-out pile of books at the library, I had no idea what a permanent part of our lives this story was going to be.

Immediately, Rachel was drawn to this tale. We have had many long discussions about the importance of doing the right thing, protecting animals and treating them kindly, and how the unicorn finally rewarded Zoe's humble heroism with a ride on his beautiful back. We read this book every single night for the 3 weeks that we had checked it out from the library.

I surprised Rachel with a hardcover copy of this book for her 5th birthday. We had a birthday party at our home, with most of her preschool class in attendance. I was so surprised and pleased when Rachel brought me her new copy of Nobody Rides the Unicorn and asked me to read it to the children as part of the birthday party! I can say that every little person listened intently, and both the children and parents were moved by Zoe's story.

This book would make a cherished gift for a child, and I can also say, as a First Grade teacher, that this book makes an excellent read aloud for primary students.

This particular book is an essential for teaching and/or use in historical research in Old Testament history. This publication is very clear, concise, and accurate in its presentation.

Now in a revised and updated second edition, Old Testament Survey is a textbook designed for Bible students. Written by professor of divinity Paul R. House and assistant professor of Old Testament and archaeology Eric Mitchell, Old Testament Survey focuses upon the literature and narrative of the Old Testament in its methodical overview, which walks the reader through the biblical stories as well as the motives and reactions of principle characters. Charts, illustrations, sixteen full-color maps, and an index round out this excellent Bible reading companion.

Why get too excited about an Old Testament Survey textbook? I am excited, and here is why.

Paul House and Eric Mitchell combine to write this new second edition (first one published about fifteen years ago) of a text designed for use by "beginning students". In other words, this will be a required text for seminary and Christian college students for at least the next ten years!
But don't let the words "required text" fool you into thinking that this is a dry volume of facts and figures. House and Mitchell write with passion and purpose.

The passion comes from their solid belief in what the text of Scripture is:
"...the authors of this text want to make clear they affirm the inerrancy and infallibility of God's Word. Therefore, they also believe that the Bible's historical writing is based on solid historical principles. They believe there are good reasons to affirm what the Bible says on historical matters and that there are good reasons for using sound historical research when studying the Bible."

And what is their purpose? Stated in many ways, the goal of the book is to "help students learn and appreciate the UNITY of the Old Testament" (emphasis mine). They want students to delight in and learn about both the trees and the forest, breaking through to a level of understanding and appreciation for the unity of the Old Testament and hence an appreciation for the unity of the entire Bible.

They state:
"For centuries Christians and Jews alike considered the Old Testament a unified work. Jewish readers viewed the Hebrew Scriptures as a thorough account of their faith and history. Christians treated the Old Testament as the natural introduction to their New Testament. Neither group failed to acknowledge the many types of literature in the books, but both communities of faith found underlying themes and characters that bound the whole together.
In the last two centuries, however, the diversity of the Old Testament has been stressed. Children are taught that the Bible is not a book but many books. College and seminary students often analyze each biblical book in isolation from other Scripture. Few people can fit specific stories into a larger biblical picture. Lacking a grasp of the overall Old Testament plot and purpose, Bible students struggle to understand particular passages. This book attempts to chart some elements that unify the Old Testament.
They are men on a mission, and they accomplish their mission well.

They write as men who know the difference between wishy-washy preaching and bold proclamation, and they seem to be men who would prefer to hear and preach the latter. The language of the Bible is more sublime than Shakespeare, but at the end of the day we must remember we are not plowing the fields of literary criticism when we handle the Word of God. No, we are taking a living Word from a living God and bringing it as faithfully and forcefully as we can to a church of saints and a world of sinners.

So, for example, when the authors come to the introduction to "Joshua-Kings", they set the context as such:
"Deuteronomy leaves readers in suspense. Israel has set up camp just outside the Promised Land, poised to complete God's promises to Abraham. Moses has said they will succeed, but he is dead. Israel was at a similar pivotal position in numbers and failed to conquer. Will the people waste a second chance to claim their homeland? God has promised to fight for them. Will this second generation of Israelites believe Yahweh or be as rebellious as their parents?"

A resounding pastoral heartbeat beats throughout this text.

But the pastors are wondering how they would use the book outside personal study. Well, don't think for a minute that you couldn't use this within the local church. You can and you should! Wherever you might find some pastoral interns or men and women who want to dig deeper, or perhaps some mature highschoolers or homeschoolers. Ask around and see if there are even a few who will take you up on the offer to teach them the Old Testament at this level.

And don't miss out on the student guide, sold separately. Pastors, take a look at the student guide and all the fill-in-the-blank quizzes and maps and drills. In so doing you will realize that you did in fact sleep through much of your own Old Testament survey courses. You will be drawing blanks left and right as you try to answer the challenging drill sheets. This will prompt you to go through the textbook and guide for your own benefit too!

This book and the corresponding student workbook come highly recommended. Professional scholarship and pastoral sensitivity unite in a compelling textbook "for beginners"... and count me in that group because I am profiting from this one!

I'm a 32 year bible student and this book is one of the greatest surveys of the bible that I have seen. I'm going to recommend this book to all of my peers

The author presents Old Testament truths and historical viewpoints like other Scripture surveys and Bible study books. However, this author has a passion for the Old Testament that is rare among modern scholars. His passion for the subject caused me to be more interested in the subject matter and lead to more enjoyable study as well as increased retention.

A very interesting and inspirational life story about overcoming impossible odds.
The author just passed away and local newspaper said the book was out of print, but Amazon as usual, has an amazing collection of items available.

As an archivist who works extensively with autobiographies and memoirs pertaining to pre-war and wartime eastern European Jewry, I can attest to the fact that Dr. Jack Brauns is one of the last remnants of a rare breed. From his impressive family pedigree dating back to Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Sweden to his earliest years growing up in Kaunas, Lithuania to his postwar years training as a physician in Milan to his professional medical career in the United States, I could not help but be impressed and captivated by everything that Dr. Brauns has managed to achieve in his rather full life. As if that alone weren't enough, Dr. Brauns' account of Jewish life in pre-World War II Kaunas helps shed further light on the history of this once vibrant cultural and intellectual center of Lithuanian Jewry, which was all but decimated in the Holocaust. From the dual perspective of a researcher and the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, I thank Dr. Brauns for the multifaceted lessons I have garnered from his uniquely inspiring autobiography.

Rivka Schiller, MLIS
Gruss Lipper Digital Project Archivist
YIVO Institute for Jewish Research

I read the book in one sitting. I came away taking the incredible journey of survival that Dr. Brauns experienced as something that I was living while I read his words. The power of Postive thinking and appreciation for life; the struggles that came with the help of angels that enter our lives. This book represents Hope in the midst of Horror. Dr. Brauns allowed me to come away seeing how God actually intervenes without religious beliefs or doctrines; but acts of kindness without reason or reward. Especially in the darkest hours of one's life. These are the threads of humanity that keeps us from losing hope in our fellow man. For those who perished we mourn and remember; but it is from those who lived that we should learn. This is what I came away with after turning the last page. I recommend this book to anyone who would be open to be inspired.

When Jack and Joyce called us several weeks ago and told us about Jack's book we were thrilled and couldn't wait to read it. I must say that I read and digested every word. The first part of the book reads like a Dickens novel. The tragedy of the holocaust is ever more gut-wrenching as seen through the eyes of this innocent boy who matter-of-factly tells us his personal story of the horror and unbelieveable suffering that he is witnessing every day of his young life. Amazingly there is no hate - just disbelief and bewilderment. And an incredible ability to survive in a situation where most of us would have surely perished. And most did. I was also amazed by his ability to remember so many people, places and specific happenings. Jack's unique personality and intelligence, even in his formative years, were obviously instrumental in dealing and coping with the many crises and near fatalities. His Guardian Angel was certainly working overtime! Jack obviously, even at a young age, had the unique ability when he was up against overwhelming odds to see an opportunity, seize it and take control of his destiny in a way that not many of us could have . A combination of intelligence, charm and eternal optimism. Which describes the person that Karina and I met in October 1973 when I joined Jack, Don and Mark in their surgical practice. I have always had great respect for Jack as a person and as a surgeon but now having read this powerful account I am absolutely humbled. We cherish the time that we spent with Joyce and Jack and their lovely family. Thank you Jack for writing this book and sharing a story that had to be told - and told it was!
I should also add that the account of Jack Brauns, M.D. frrom Medical School through internship and residency and into the practice years is an one that should be read by every young aspiring surgeon and doctor. It is full of wisdom and practical advice, from both Jack and his dad, that would benefit even a seasoned surgeon such as me. In fact just after reading Jack's book I had a patient who had sustained chest trauma. We weren't sure whether or not she truly had had a pneumothorax. Of course I told the radiologist "make sure that you take an expiratory film as well!". Thanks again, Jack. (And I bet that Dr. DeBakey, if he read this, would smile).
David C. Rilling, M.D.
Surgeon
Sellersvillie, Pa.
October 31, 2007

I have known Jack Brauns for many years, and always urged him to write his memoirs. The result is far beyond even my expectations: a moving account of childhood before the Second World War, of suffering and pain during the war, and of rehabilitaion, perseverance and achievement after it. This book should serve as a beacon of encouragement to anyone who finds difficulties on life's road.

This book is excellent because it is exactly what I needed, that is an account of Edmund Burkes thinking, what it is he contributed to our understanding of government.

This small title is actually a letter that the author wrote to a friend in France. When Edmund Burke wrote this letter about the French Revolution (where the king was overthrown and beheaded by the masses aka Jacobins), English scholars agree that the result was the finest piece of prose in the English language; only a few poets have succeeded in writing something finer. Whether you agree with Burke's interpretation or not is not the point; he penned the finest piece of literature ever in the English language.

As a historian and social commentator, Burke is a "structural functionalist" decades before that term was dreamed up. He recognizes that the French are not only creatures of their culture, but prisoners. And to compare them to the English colonists and other insurgents in the American colonies who revolted against the British government is to compare apples and oranges. Whereas the Yankee revolution of 1776 was Biblically-inspired and the propaganda for rebellion preached from the pulpits, the French were railing AGAINST the Catholic Church for keeping people ignorant and in their Dark Age.

Burke says the French Revolution is a revolution without its moorings, without the necessary principles to guide individual behavior, and without the maintenance of institutions that long provided stability and security. What the French philosophes were writing was mere balderdash, says Burke. Without their traditions, customs, and institutitions that had slowly brought the French out of barbarity and into a civilized manner of living, Burke saw in revolution a rapid decline and fall of the French people into a visciousness of dog-eat-dog.

In short, Burke saw the French Revolution as lacking virtue and descending into terrorism; whereas the Yankee Revolution was virtuous and grew into a democracy.

Whether you agree with Burke or not, and I do not, his writing in this letter to a friend is the finest example of English writing to be found and should be read by everyone simply for that reason alone.

Edmund Burke (1729-1797)wrote REFLECTIONS ON THE REVOLUTION IN FRANCE in 1789 which was four years before the rise of the fanatical Jacobins and the execution (murder)of Louis XVI. This book was not only well written but very prophetic on the tragic events that were part of the French Revolution. Burke showed historical insight and warned both the British and the French what was going to happen.

Burke cited conditions in France prior to the French Revolution. He certainly did not give a false representation of the economic and social conditions in France, but he was clear that, while not perfect, the French had advanced culture and tolerable living standards. He also warned the French that abrupt changes without recourse to tradition and legal norms were dangerous and would end in tyranny. Readers should be aware that Burke's assessment of the French political system was that the French had reasonble politcal freedom and prosperity. To destroy this political system would end in political disruption, social and political violence, lack of law-and-order, and the rise of tyrannical military leaders.

One should note Burke's assessment of the members of the French National Assembly which was vacilating and subject to the whims of any "political interest group" was serious. He suggested that military officers would be among those "pleaders" would be military officers who would be difficult to control. He also warned that when someone who understood the art of command got control of the military officers, the days of the French Republic and the National Assembly were over. The military commander would be in total control, and this is exactly what happened when Napolean I (1769-1821)started to exhibit military genius, he quickly got power by a coup d' etat in 1799 and became the French Emperor by 1804.

Burke's warnings of disaster and tragedy were fullfilled. From at least 1792 until 1815, the French were almost constantly at war with most Europeans. While the French Empire expanded beyond anything prior French monarchs ever dreamed of, the collapse of the French Empire came quickly, and the French empire was ended by 1815 at terrible cost in both blood treasure. Burke warned of these dangers, and his predictions were accurate.

Burke lived just long enough to see the rise and fall of the maniacal Jacobins which included the Reigh of Terror (1792-1794)and the execution of King Louis XVI and his wife, Marie antionette. Had Burke lived a few more years, he could have resorted to remarking, "I told you so."

Edmund Burke has been defined as a conservative which is true. However, Burke was not a reactionary. Burke realized that progress, whatever that may mean, is often slow and within the confines of historical tradition, legal norms, and established law. Burke warned his readers, to use modern parlance, against "wipe the slate clean." Burke clearly understood that to "wipe the slate clean, meant mass dislocation of men and ultimately mass executions (mass murder). Subsequent modern political revolutions vindicate this view.

Readers may wonder why Burke expressed support for the American Revolution but strongly opposed the French Revolution. A careful examination of these revolutions provides the answer. The American "revolutionaries" were arguing for their "Rights of Englishmen" which had a long tradition in Great Britain. Henry II (1154-1189) started the use grand juries. The English had the right of trial by jury by the time of Edward I (1272-1307). The fact is the American colonists wanted to rules of common law and long established legal traditions to apply to them. The British wanted to rule the American colonists with administrative law using clever bureaucrats, as Burke would probably have called them, rather than use British Constitutional Law and the Common Law which many American colonists demanded. The French, on the other hand, wanted to replace a weak monarch with "clever bureaucrats" which Burke knew very well could not work in France.

Readers should note that Thomas Paine (1737-1809)wrote a response to Burke's REFLECTIONS ON THE REVOLUTION titled THE RIGHTS OF MAN. While Paine's views were different than those of Burke's Paine's book was just as brilliant as Burke's. Readers should read both works if they want exposure to profound political thought and excellent writing. This is much preferred to the current political nonsense that is pushed by media talking heads and journalists who cannot think or write. Burke and Paine were well read men and offered readers history lessons as well as politcal lessons.

Edmund Burke's REFLECTIONS ON THE REVOLUTION IN FRANCE is highly recommended regardless of one's political persuasion. This book is not a light read and takes time. However, one will be better informed and wiser for doing so. Again, this reviewer suggests the reader should read Thomas Paine's THE RIGHTS OF MAN to draw comparisons and contrasts.

In 1789, the year of the French Revolution, Burke received a request from a good friend living in France to provide his thoughts on the Revoution. The result- one of the finest pieces of political discourse ever written. For those encountering Burke for the first time, his adament defense of the crown, and of hereditary succcesion, seem to make a hypocrite of this self-proclaimed liberal. Burke, however, was not defending an absolute monarch who ruled under the charter of divine right, but rather, pointing out the danger of a perfect democracy, whose sovereign (the national assembly) was compelled not to a moral authority such as a Church, nor to a fixed consitution. In short, liberty was safer restricted in civil socity, than left unchecked.

Whether you find Burke's analysis, consistent with your political leanings, or more likely, you find his writing very offensive, you can appreciate both the efffect of this work on American and European political though, as well as the reason and intelligence with which it was written.

This is an indispensible essay for anyone who has ever been interested in politics. It is composed of beautiful prose, crisp logic, and perennially relevant material.

You must read Burke to understand the why it is worth being critical of the French Revolution and to understand some major reasons for the counter-revolutionary movement in France.

In Slim's Table, Mitchell Duneier describes and analyzes social interactions among a culturally diverse group, based on his observations and interviews conducted with regulars of the traditional cafeteria "Valois" in Chicago. The customers are mainly older black men of the lower working class living in the nearby ghetto, but also include members of the white population, younger age groups, and members of the middle-class. Duneier shows that his impression of the black men's identity differs greatly from the negative stereo-typical image, but he also admits that his findings are not representative and, therefore, cannot be generalized.
Duneier divided the book into four parts, starting with observations on the micro level and ending with considerations in more general terms on the macro level. Part One, "The Caring Community", focuses on the social and emotional relationships between the regulars of the "Valois" cafeteria. Illustrated by a variety of examples, the reader receives an insight into how the value system of the black lower working class is shaped by a strong sense of tolerance, friendship, responsibility, and respect for others and themselves. Subsequently, Duneier points out the black men's attributive roles and images, then compares them to his own findings.
After a description of the "Valois" cafeteria and its significance for the regulars, Part Two, "The Moral Community", deals with the standard of respectability expressed by members of the black lower working class about their own class and the black middle and upper classes. The discussion includes the thesis that not only the economically successful members of the black middle and upper classes can function as role models but that the morality of the lower working class can be considered exemplary for the black youth as well.
Part Three, "Membership in Society", focuses on the position of the African American population in a white society. Referring to the particular setting of the "Valois", it is reported that the interactions between black regulars and members of other social groups, especially white people, seem to be free of any racial prejudices. Although it is obvious that these positive interracial relations at "Valois" do not reflect reality outside, inside they help both blacks and whites achieve a source of mutual respect, leading to a better feeling about themselves.
Finally, in Part Four, "You're White, He' Black, I'm a Sociologist: Who's Innocent?", Duneier asks who can be held responsible for the long-lasting negative image of African American men of the lower class. In this context, he refers to the innocence that members of the white population feel and express about their negative depictions. Moreover, he criticizes the superficial manner in which journalists, as well as sociologists, investigate and oversimplify the black culture.
Mitchell Duneier sees his book at the beginning of a new tradition which will portray the African American people in an appropriate and truthful way. His sensitive, respectful, and credible representation of the black male regulars at "Valois" as an exemplary community suggests the necessity of redefining the identity of the black ghetto-specific masculinity.

Whether its your major, for an intro class, or just for fun, everyone can walk away with something from this book. Its written well, and really makes you think about our society.

Whether its your major, for an intro class, or just for fun, everyone can walk away with something from this book. It written well, and really makes you think about our society.

Last spring I took a course from Mitchell entitled Urban Sociology at the University of California Santa Barbara. Mitchell would read us exerts from the book and I found it very intriguing. This summer I decided to purchase the book so I could have my very own copy, it's great! The men Mitchell writes about and talked about in class seem to be on my mind; these men are normal men, making the streets their home. I enjoyed their humor throughout the book and Mitchell's too. I highly recommend this book and highly respect Mitchell. I can't wait to read his other book entitled Streetwise.

I've read other sociological works on inner city residents and was invariably disturbed by the soulless way in which the subjects were portrayed. No doubt, the authors of those works would defend their method as being objective and showing rigor. However, at some level, the objectivity becomes stultifying and numbing.

Duneier cuts through all of this by portraying real people as human beings for whom he cares deeply. At the same time, he is able to pull back from the personal stories and draw conclusions that are intellectually sound. One feels a deep sense of pride in the men whose lives are profiled in Slim's Table and a lingering sense of regret that they seem to be a dying breed.

This book is the rare work that appeals in equal parts to the intellect and the soul.

Over the years, I've had the opportunity to read a number of books about basic investing that were extremely helpful. In this book, the author's goal was to explain the terms that most everyone's heard but does not necessarily understand. This, so that the new investor could be equipped with the knowledge necessary to approach the process in an intelligent and thoughtful manner.

In my opinion, this is an outstanding book regarding the basics of investing. After reading it (and, it's a very quick, one-sitting read), anyone from high school student on up will have an uderstanding of the basic terms, and that will make it easier to learn what needs to be learned as they advance in the investment process.

This book is not just for the young, however. Anyone, of any age, who invests in the market will most likely find this book very useful, either as a refresher of that which they already know, or as an explanation of that which they should know.

By the way, as indicated by the title, Mr. Bollinger used nursery ryhmes and very simple examples to make it even easier to understand. Very clever. I'm not sure how he came up with the idea but, in my opinion, he pretty much did it perfectly.

Well done!!

A Great primer for new investors, both young and old. Bob Bolinger puts a simple rhyme and reason to the complicated stock market with his excellent book Stocks and Bonds for Jack & Jill. Start your children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces off with the perfect holiday or birthday gift with this book. Maybe they will thank you years later for the lessons found in this book by naming you in their will.

This book is really easy to read, it summarizes different types of investments for the novice or someone who needs a refresher course. Tying the nursery rhymes in keeps book entertaining and informative, a must have for new investors!

I know too many people who throw up their hands and proclaim that they will never understand investing. They will all be getting copies of this book, if for no other reason than that our cocktail party chatter will be more interesting.

It's a quick read that anyone over 12 will understand and enjoy, but it won't insult the intelligence of adults.

OK ... I said it! As one who has been in and around the stock market for years,
this little book made clear concepts I should have known but didn't. Fun Read!