Mississippi Books

Every time I look at a river, I think of Mark Twain and his adventures on the Mississippi. His writing, always funny and warm, tells us first of the history and stories of his beloved river, and then of his experiences learning the steamboat trade. I found his description of being a steamboat student very similar to being a medical student: two-hundred years later and in completely different trades, route memorization and gradual responsibility for people's lives still have much in common. This book made me want to travel the Mississippi, not as it stands today but as it appeared to Twain in his youth. I feel the same way about Gabriel Garcia Marquez and his Magdalena river. I think it is amazing how these inspired authors can make me love a river I have never seen.

This is the book that Mark Twain himself thought to be his greatest. It is basically a memoir in two parts of his life spent on the river with historical sketches, statistics, and other matters thrown in.

The first part of the book tells of Twain's early years as a riverboat pilot. He talks about being a cub pilot, about learning about the intricacies of the river and the difficulties of navigating it, and about his mentor Horace Bixby. Twain's love of the river and his pride in "mastering" it are made obvious in these chapters.

The second part recounts Twain's return to the river in 1882, mainly to "see it again" in preparation of writing this book. Starting in St. Louis, he first goes south through Baton Rouge to New Orleans. He spends a bit of time there and describes life as he sees it in the city (there's a funny chapter regarding the above-ground cemeteries and an argument about cremation). Then he heads north on the steamboat City of Baton Rouge, piloted by his old mentor Horace Bixby. He stops off in Hannibal for three days, just enough time to see how much the town and some old acquaintances have changed, and then continues all the way to St. Paul, Minnesota.

Twain's humor, as he recounts conversations with people, sights seen, reminiscences dredged up, and a myriad of other matters that fill the book, is always evident. It's one of the great books on the mighty river, and whether you are a lover of the works of Mark Twain or interested in the Mississippi River during the time period just before and after the Civil War, you will enjoy this book.

Let me guess: your total exposure to Mark Twain came in high school, when you were forced to read about the antics of Huck Finn or Tom Sawyer, right? Well, now that you've reached adulthood, you should make time to read _Life on the Mississippi_. It's mandatory reading if you live in a state that borders the great river, anywhere from Minnesota down to Louisiana. It's mandatory reading if you have come to that point in life when you can suddenly appreciate American history and post-Civil War stories written by someone who lived through that time.

Writing in the first half of the 1870s, Twain retraces the steps of his youth: the watery highway he knew when he trained to be a riverboat pilot nearly 20 years earlier. He speaks of how life _was_ along the river, and what life _became_. It's almost a "you can't go home again" experience for him, while the reader gets the benefit of discovering both time periods.

I have two favorite parts that I share with others. Chapter IX includes a wonderful dissertation about how learning the navigational intricacies of the river caused Twain to lose the ability to see its natural beauty. And Chapter XLV includes an assessment of how the people of the North and the South reacted differently to the war experience. If I were a social studies teacher, I'd use that last passage in a unit on the reconstruction period. So put this title on your vacation reading list, and don't fret: the chapters are short and are many -- 60! -- but you can stop at any time, and the words go by fast. _Life on the Mississippi_ should make you forget all about any Twain trauma and report-writing you may have suffered as a teenager. [This reviewer was an Illinois resident when these comments were written.]

In Life on the Mississippi the steamboat is depicted as the workhorse of Midwest expansion. Prior to the advent of the railroad efficient inland transportation was confined to waterways and the Mississippi river basin , with "about 1,250,000 square miles," was the "Body of the Nation." (Twain, preface) Mark Twain fulfills his boyhood dream of becoming a river boat pilot and, returning some twenty-one years later, writes of his youthful experiences and later observations

The steamboat was a technological phenomena. The vehicle that evolved to meet the unique demands of this particular environment was a special design of river boat. In his own inimical style Mark Twain captures both the excitement of the riverboat's arrival and describes its essential components:

"She is long and sharp and trim and pretty; she has two tall, fancy-topped chimneys, with a gilded device of some kind swung between them; a fanciful pilothouse, all glass and "gingerbread," perched on top of the "texas" deck behind them; the paddle-boxes are gorgeous with a picture or with gilded rays above the boat's name; the boiler deck; the hurricane deck, and the texas deck are fenced and ornamented with clean white railings; there is a flag gallantly flying from the jack-staff; the furnace doors are open and the fires glaring bravely; the upper decks are black with passengers; the captain stands by the big bell calm, imposing, the envy of all; great volumes of the blackest smoke are rolling and tumbling out of the chimneys...the crew are grouped on the forecastle; the broad stage is run far out over the port bow, and an envied deck hand stands picturesquely on the end of it with a coil of rope in his hand; the pent steam is screaming through the gauge cocks; the captain lifts his hand, a bell rings, the wheels stop; then turn, back, churning the water to foam, and the steamer is at rest." (27)

Within a period of ten minutes the boat has been offloaded, loaded and departed. It is an efficiency of system and design ideally suited to its unique purposes, but as the Civil War looms its days are numbered. By then the steamboat had already evolved to it most advanced state and the steam locomotive has become the dominant form of transportation

As a literary piece by a "brilliant travel writer and incomparable humorist" (Kaplan, in Twain, xvii) Life on the Mississippi earned its accolades, but, as a window into a period of time, one can extract an eyewitnesses truth. In Life on the Mississippi, Mark Twain describes the latter period of the steamboat's heyday dramatically cut short. Wartime technology did not improve the riverboat other than to convert it into an instrument of war. What doomed the steamboat to oblivion was the advent of the steam locomotive and the railroads. The steamboat well served the purposes of river life in its time but was eclipsed by the railroad.

That the steamboat was functional is indisputable, but if form determines function, it was a perfect adaptation of a water craft in conformity with purpose and contemporary technology. Combined with light weight and flexible wood construction the steamboat evolved into a shallow draft, wide beamed, low freeboard hull propelled by stern or side paddle wheels. The overall size of a steamboat was a compromise between maneuverability and economy. Power plant, fuel, cargo and passengers were accommodated within a superstructure rising above the hull. Bulk items, machinery, deck hands and low fare passengers were located on the main deck; superior public and private accommodations at higher fares were on the upper decks. Here travelers could enjoy incomparable luxury.

High on top of all was the pilothouse. River pilots, by necessity of their position earned through their experience and knowledge of the river, had the best view. By status, they were the pinnacle of river hierarchy. Mark Twain, on his 1882 return to the river, quaintly asks of a fellow passenger he suspects of being a river pilot: "Have you ever traveled with a panorama." The passenger responds, "I have formerly served in that capacity. [Twain's] suspicion was confirmed." (315) Only higher than the pilothouse were the tall stacks made so for the purpose of disgorging noxious black smoke and dangerous smoldering ash to the wind.

All components contributed to functionality, but perhaps the "stage" or ramp which bridged the gap between the boat and shore, contributed most to its versatility. It enabled the boat to be hailed from landings along the shore without the aid of a dock. As an apprentice, Mark Twain is left alone on the bridge for the first time by his mentor. His initial proud serenity is broken by a sudden awareness that the boat is heading for imminent impact with a "bluff reef." His panicked reaction throws the ship into reverse, but he is saved by the return of the pilot who calmly restores order and chastises him. "When you have a hail, my boy, you ought to tap the big bell three times before you land, so the engineers can get ready." (53) The "bluff reef" was actually a wind reef (from the effect of wind on the surface) and they sailed uneventfully through it.

The romance of the steamboat era is tarnished by frequent tragedy. Mark Twain loses his brother Henry, a cabin boy on the Pennsylvania, who died when the ship's boilers explode in June 1858. The hazards of operating year round and during night and day, plus the varying river conditions contributed to mistakes of judgment and probably just bad luck too! The pilot may have been king, but he was still human and suffered from the human faults of vain glory, unrealistic confidence, ego, and infallibility.

When he returns to the river in 1882 after an absence of twenty-one years, Mark Twain notes the changes that have occurred on the river. There are very few ships left in operation. Passenger travel is limited in frequency and destinations. The romance he once knew is gone, but a new one is beginning, the romance of the rails.

Today we know that the railroad too would have its heyday and, in time, its romance would also wane. But has the romance of the steamboat and rail eras disappeared? Today you can take cruises on Mississippi riverboats and luxury train trips across the continent. The difference now is that trips are for novelty and not necessity. The romance only comes from the remembrance of a time past and not the needs of the present.

I read this recently after having kept a copy around for years; I now wish I had read it years ago. It is witty, observant, and a wonderful slice of American history; the
now-vanished steamboat culture comes alive like nowhere
else. However, the best part is the contrast between the author's confident early youthful years and the much later, postwar years of bittersweet reminiscence and regret for what has passed, never to return. A wonderful book - I simply cannot praise it highly enough.

When wealthy restaurateur Ian Bentley's girlfriend proposes to him and gives him an engagement ring, he quickly heads to Mudville, Mississippi to personally work with Blythe Industries food scientists to develop a signature dessert for one of his new coffeehouse chain.

Piper Shephard is the chief food scientist for Blythe Industries in Mudville, Mississippi, population 1,200. Piper is responsible for creating the deserts that Blythe sells to restaurants around the country. Piper's job is somewhat hazardous because she's allergic to chocolate. Piper has been a bridesmaid so many times she could open her own bridal boutique with her bridesmaid dresses. When she learns that she is the last single girl of the 25 girls in her sorority, Piper realizes it's time to get serious about finding a man for herself, even hypochondriac Tillie has gone to hospital so many times she's bagged herself a rich doctor. When Piper discovers a guide on how to catch a husband among a box of items her Grandmother gave her, she decides to follow the book's advice, after all, it worked for Gran. Although the selection of eligible males in Mudville is somewhat slim, Piper is determined to stay in town so she can be close to her Grandmother. In fact, if Piper comes up with a desert good enough to get Ian Bentley to sign a contract, she will earn a large enough bonus to put a down payment on Gran's house.

Piper's attempts at attracting a man go hilariously wrong from the moment she begins. From the moment Ian leans over Piper when she's lying in a mud puddle, he's immediately smitten. The sparks fly between Ian and Piper but Piper is determined to stay away from Ian because of the ring on his finger.

This is a very funny book with charming, funny characters. I especially like Piper's neighbor; he's a hoot.

I enjoyed this fun story, and I thought the location was wonderful. It was great to get out of the big city. I also thought Pipers vocation was interesting, but imagine being allergic to chocolate! Stephanie Bond never disappoints, excellent writing and characters.

Bond's latest effort is funny and cute, and delicious! As usual, she creates interesting, quirky characters which break the mold one usually sees in Harlequin novels. I love the recipie at the end -- and the hilarious secrets the characters keep from one another. Keep up the good work.

Stephanie Bond is known for sassy, fun. In MANHUNTING, she adds intense sexual tension. Bravo!! Don't miss the recipe in the back. It's a keeper.

Stephanie Bond is a master of comedy, but in this book, she mixes her rare talent for "funny" with some of the hottest sexuality and quirkiest characters seen in Temptation to date. You can't help but love a heroine who willingly risks an allergic reaction to chocolate in the name of sensual delights! I can't wait for her next one!

I ordered a book before Christmas and it came in a few days and was in excellent condition. No problems at all I highly recommend this site.

A very thorough and detail book with great pictures, ads and company product literature. I never realized so many famous decoy factories operated in Pascagoula over a 50+ year period. Highly recommend to collectors and anyone interested in the outdoor sporting industry.

Finally, a duck decoy book on the Pascagoula Factories. Highly recommend.

Excellent history of the numerous factories from Pascagoula. Great pictures, and ads. Highly recommend.

Excellent photography, chock full of details and trivia, enough to satisfy any decoy enthusiast. Pascagoula's decoy makers contributed greatly to the industry and this much-needed book tells their story.

About the only objection I could have for this book was there wasn't enough of it.
But in reality, this is a very good and useful overview of an ancient and still-vibrant American Church movement. Origins are explained well, if not in too much detail, and the various ceremonies themselves are outlined with accuracy.

And then there is the art and the artifacts. Some fine examples of Peyote Visual Arts are featured like the sacred implements used by the Road-Man and his helpers as well as the personal items, fans, gourd rattles and cedar storage boxes.
There are great pictures of silverwork, altar cloths, hide and ledger-book paintings, and sacred staffs from differing fireplaces.

Probably what I like most about this book, is the respectful and dignified approach to the subject itself. Even the title expresses respect.
The institution of the Native American Church has been controversial throughout it's whole history, but Daniel Swan assumes the topic from the standpoint of what it is to the people who attend and worship: the Art of an ancient American religion, and it's symbols of Faith and Belief.

"Peyote Religious Art" has been selected for listing in "Religion and Psychoactive Sacraments: An Entheogen Chrestomathy."

Not only a wonderful book for the uninitiated, but a lovely work for those familiar not only with the NAC but also those featured in the book. Daniel Swan presents a well-written and enjoyable read on the topic.

The artistic traditions associated with the Native American Church are amazingly diverse and dynamic. Long neglected by scholars, Peyote Religious Art is now the definitive examination of this rich artistic field. While Peyotism is often misunderstood by both its detractors and its admirers, this clear and factual book is the result of Swan's long-term friendships with artists and other members of the church. It is beautifully written and wonderfully illustrated in color.

I am truely taken by this book. As a fan of Native American artwork, I found this book not only informative regarding the struggle for religios freedom taking place in our nations heartland, but the images to go with it were incredable. A must read for any one interested in current Native American affairs, Native American religious history, or Native American traditional artwork.

This book is highly recommended for people (both new and old) interested in exploring one of the largest and fastest growing African Diasporic Religions (Lukumi/Santeria). Full of beautiful pictures of actual costumes, plazas and thrones. This book would also be of interest to students studying anthropology, comparative religion, ethnic art, etc. New or used, the price paid for this little piece of work is money well spent.

So many books on Santeria write about theology and rituals and forget about the visual beauty of the religion. This book captures the beauty of the visual arts Santeria. The authors have included many, many photographs of Thrones of the Orishas, that is, shrines decorated with colored cloths. If you want to learn about rituals or theolgy, this is not the book. But, if you want to see the colors and creativity of the folk art aspect of Santeria, then you will thouroughly enjoy it.

From the point of view of a new Olorisa, (initiated Priestess) Santeria Garments and Alters was like a breath of fresh air in an environment which usually does little to support Traditional religious practises. The photographs are honouring to our Orisas and beautifully done. The authors tell the story of the creation of the works of art designed to pay homage to the Orisas in a way in which both the aleyo (non-initiated) and the experienced Olorisa may understand. Santeria Garments and Alters is a "must-have" for anyone who must build alters or other sacred spaces as well as for those who seek to learn about the artistic nature of our rich spiritual Tradition. Iyawo Omi Saide

I think this is the only book dedicated to the materials used in the Thrones of the Orishas as well as the Traje De Galas, Beautiful pictures of panios, coronas, ceremonial vestments. Informative. This is a good book for the curious who would like to see what our sacred initiation garments, Shrines, and altar items look like. Smnall into to some of the Orisha as venerated in Santeria.

This is not traditional ceremonial clothing as used in Yorualand, but that of the Lucumi Ocha followers of the New World. And let me stress, that the garments and thrones, are an Art Form in themselves. Beautiful Pictures.

If you are interested in Santeria and the garments utilized in ceremonies, this is the book for you. You will not see these garments elsewhere. The author is a very well recognized santero and the pictures are stunning. The information presented is geared to a nonpractitioner of this tradition. Forget whatever you have heard about Santeria; this is the real thing.

During the middle of the twentieth century, American black and white people lived in separate communities by law. White people never entered black areas while black people only entered white areas if they were employed as butlers or maids. This segregation created many impoverished black ghettos but there were a few black communities that prospered and this book is about one of them, in Greenville, in the American state of Mississippi.

The inspiration for - and focus of - the book is the collection of photographs by Henry Clay Anderson who died in 1998, a few months after selling that collection to Shawn Wilson. These photographs show successful black people going about their normal lives at school, at home, at weddings and a variety of other everyday situations as well as photographs taken in a studio. Most of these photographs would be unremarkable if they were of white people, but because most photographs of black people are of the poor and oppressed, these photographs may come as a revelation to some.

Supporting text by Clifton L. Taulbert, who remembers the area from his childhood (he was raised in a nearby community), explains what Greenville was like during the period in which these photographs were taken. Greenville is not one of America's more famous locations. I only recognize the name because it is mentioned in a song that I know well - Mississippi, by the Dutch pop group, Pussycat. As this book is about a particular period in Greenville's history, I (and I'm sure many readers of this book) would have appreciated the inclusion of a chapter about Greenville's history and culture to set this book in context, explaining what it was like before the period covered and hw things have changed since. In its absence, I have to drop the book (otherwise easily worth five stars), to four stars.

Another chapter is devoted to the rise of the civil rights movement and the murder of the Reverend Gus Lee, accompanied by some dramatic photographs that are not typical of the rest of the book, which set out to portray the good aspects of black people's lives. However, bad things happen to everybody and it was necessary to cover this episode in the book.

This book, despite the murder, shows that black people can be very successful. It's the kind of book that shouldn't be necessary and it's a sad reflection on society that it was felt necessary to publish this book.

This book is a moving pictorial testament to the daily life of middle class blacks in the deep South in the time of Jim Crow, as well as on the cusp of the civil rights movement. It is a slice of black life with which most whites at the time were unfamiliar, as most photo-journalists chose to capture the more sensational types of images in the black community.

Henry Clay Anderson was a black school teacher and minister who, courtesy of the G. I. Bill, studied photography and became a professional photographer. In 1948, he established his own business, Anderson Photo Service, in Greenville, Mississippi, where he lived. For more than forty years, he would photograph moments in the lives of Greenville's black middle class community, forever freezing in time images of a rich life that paralleled those of their white counterparts in the Jim Crow South, separate but equal.

The book has one hundred and thirty of his photographs, memorializing a time long past but one that continues to haunt America today. Clifton L. Taulbert, who was raised in Mississippi in a town not far from Greenville and is the noted author of the book, "Once Upon a Time When We Were Colored", writes a poignant and moving essay in remembrance of the black denizens of Greenville, grounding the photographs in the context of the times out of which they arose. It is as if it were a walk down memory lane.

Mary Panzer, curator of photographs at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., writes an essay that details Mr. Anderson's photographic involvement in the early civil rights movement, when he agreed to go travel to Belzoni, Mississippi in 1955. Belzoni had been the scene of the grisly shooting of Rev. Gus Lee, a black civil rights activist who had been involved in voter registration efforts. Mr. Anderson's photographs memorialized the shooting and its aftermath, appearing in magazines such as "Jet" and "Ebony", which were well known in the black community. Ms. Panzer grounds his photographs in the political context of the time, which affirm Mr. Anderson's political commitment.

There are also two essays in Mr. Anderson's own words that are culled from two interviews conducted by Daisy Greene for the Washington County Oral History Project and by Shawn Wilson, in whom the idea for this book germinated. The book is a loving tribute to Henry Clay Anderson. His legacy of photographic images will delight and haunt those who look at them, seeing in them not only America's past but its future. This is simply a beautiful book.

These photographs show proud and dignified human beings living in a culture that once really existed in America (believe it or not). You will not find pictures of people being chased by dogs or being subdued with fire hoses. You will not find pictures of lynchings or cross-burnings...

I am a Greenville native who just sat down and shared this book with my mother who still lives in Greenville, Mississippi. She remembers the photographer and we both knew people mentioned in the book and some of the people in the pictures. It is a great depiction of early Black life in the Delta and tells a compelling story of the photographer,
Mr. Anderson. It shows that not all black Mississippians in the early days were cottonpickers living on plantations. The town of Greenville has a rich history, this book gives a minor glimpse of it. I wish the photo index had of had exact names of the people in them, that would have made it even more personal and touching.

Separate But Equal is a unique gem. A combination of historic photographs and personal essays, it chronicles the lives of an African American working middle-class living in the Mississippi Delta during the years of segregation.

H.C. Anderson snapped the deceptively simple but beautiful photographs, and they are a revelation. Through the lens of his camera, he documented a segregated but proud society aspiring to its own version of the "American dream." Anderson provides us a personal glimpse into the lives of children and families celebrating special events - beauty contests, weddings, proms, birthday parties - and they are truly dressed for the occasion!
One of the more striking photographs depicts a mid-wife who has just helped deliver a baby in a family home. The bedroom floor is covered in newspaper, as the new mother looks on from her bed, covered by a clean crisp white sheet. Although the photographs primarily focus on the every day lives of their subjects, there are also powerful photographs documenting the burgeoning civil rights movement, and a grim reminder of the fate suffered by some individuals who chose to play an active role.

The essays accompanying the photographs provide insight into Greenville's history. As seen through the wide-eyed amazement of a child, noted writer Clifton L. Taulbert paints a vivid picture of his youthful visits to the prosperous and magical Greenville, the "Queen City of the Delta." Taulbert along with Shawn Wilson provides the reader with a fascinating insider's view of the process involved in bringing this book to print. In a personal and touching essay, Wilson reflects on how the search for an old photograph of his mother, long since deceased, led him back home to Greenville and Mr. Anderson. It was there in Anderson's now defunct photography studio, that Wilson discovered the wealth of photographs comprising Anderson's life long work. Reluctant but trusting, the aging Anderson handed over his photographs so that Wilson might share them with the world. In doing so, we have the opportunity to view images of a rarely explored segment of society, one that combines both the struggle AND celebration of life during the period of Southern segregation.

This wonderful book would make a great holiday gift for those that love history or photography!

What a great cookbook. Truly an example of Southern living at its best.
I'll definitely give this book as a gift.

Every Southern kitchen needs a copy of "Southern Grace" to be complete. It is full of all of those recipes that make "home cooking" rise to the level of Southern cuisine. It is beautiful to display as well, equally at home on your bakers rack, your library shelf or your coffee table. If you've ever wished your family had great recipes to pass down from generation to generation, you can get the traditions started with this fantastic collection! A must have for ALL cookbook collectors!!

I was astonished when I received my book and opened the cover. The photography alone is exceptional. My guests have raved about the stories and recipes displayed in this cookbook. A MUST HAVE!!!!

THIS IS A GREAT COFFEE TABLE BOOK AND MAKES A WONDERFUL WEDDING GIFT.

This book not only has wonderful recipes but it is a great read as well. This book makes great wedding, graduation, birthday, or Christmas gifts for just anyone. You don't have to cook to enjoy this great book!!

As a shade loving gardener, I found this book delightful. Not only is it very specific, but it is fun to browse through. It's always a challenge to find something new to grow in shade, but Jo does a great job of giving the details. I especially liked the "getting acquainted" part of each plant guide. It helped with overview and selection.

Just like Southern Sun this book is beautiful, interesting to read and provides great advise for the non-professional. You can enjoy the read and you can use it as a great work book. Pictures are beautiful.

My daughter took this book to her office and several people looked at it and got some great ideas. She gave them the info. on how to order them.

This book helped me transform my yard to a beautiful sanctuary. Finally, though the help of this book, my landscaping is easy to maintain. I have learned so much from the authors' explanations and photographs of the plants that do well in shade. I recommend this book and her other book, Southern Sun: A Plant Selection Guide, as a marvelous housewarming gift for new homeowners.

I find this book, Southern Shade and its companion, Southern Sun, to be excellent resources for the Southern gardener. Both books provide many plant options - some that perhaps you haven't thought of - which are beautifully photographed. The books are laid out in a way that makes them easy to read and access. I would recommend investing in both so that you have a complete outdoor gardening guide - they make great gifts, too!

It gives a good focus on the effects, causes, and statistics.

Clear-eyed and knowledgeable, John Gerdy demonstrates that sports has become an American Frankenstein's monster, far removed from its origins and corrupting every level of society it touches. You could not have a better guide to the world of sports in this country, or to the overwhelming need for its reform.
--Hodding Carter III
President and Chief Executive Officer, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

John Gerdy deals with all the critical issues facing athletics in a clear and challenging way. This is a must read for the real sports fan.
-- Dick Schultz
Former Executive Director, NCAA and United States Olympic Committee

John Gerdy knows sports inside -out. He grew up the son of a high school football coach. He has been a been a college All-American whose jersey was retired. He was briefly a professional player. Later he served as a YMCA youth sports director, as an associate commissioner in the Southeastern Conference, and as a legislative assistant at the NCAA. Currently, he teaches courses in sports administration.

Now, in Sports: The All-American Addiction, Gerdy brings his insights and observations together in a radical critique of the impact of sports on American life. Arguing that our society's huge investment in organized sports is unjustified, he refutes ardent boosters who say that sports embodies the "American Way" and develop winners by teaching sportsmanship, teamwork, and discipline.

In fact, Gerdy charges that modern sports undermine traditional American values essential to the well-being of the nation and its people. Like a drug, this obsession allows Americans to escape problems and ignore issues. Gerdy asks tough questions. Have sports lost their relevance? Are they just mindless entertainment? Is our enormous investment in sports as educational tools appropriate for a nation that needs graduates to compete in the information-based, global economy of the twenty-first century? Do organized sports continue to promote positive ideals? Or do sports -- in the age of television, corporate sky boxes, and sneaker deals -- represent something far different? Boldly making his case, Gerdy detects five causes for alarm. Sports have fostered a violent, win-at-all-cost mentality. A greater number of spectators are idly watching the few elite athletes. An anti-intellectual athletic culture systematically creates "dumb jocks". While bridges, inner-cities, and schools crumble, tremendous sums of tax dollars vanish to wealthy owners, millionaire players and college athletic programs. Studies show that sports are no more effective in promoting equality than any other American institution.

Can organized sports be restructured? The author concludes with a series of daring suggestions for change.

After reading his latest hard hitting, honest, revealing book about America's addiction to sports, one might think that John Gerdy hates sports. On the contrary, John has spent his entire life in and around sports. He is not a disgruntled parent or angry ex-coach with an ax to grind.

John Gerdy is a thoughtful scholar who has written a book of enormous value to anyone who cares about the affect of sports on American culture, values, and education. John Gerdy dispels all of the myths surrounding organized sports in America and exposes them for what they are.

Youth sports have been taken over by adults, and high schoo, collegiate and professional sports have been taken over by money. This book is a chilling indictment of what sports have become in this country, and it isn't good. John questions whether sports promote positive ideals and teach valuable life skills that will prepare us for competition in a global, information based economy.

My hi-lighter went dry, and I couldn't put this book down. This is the most significant contribution to the national dialogue on the desperate state of sports in our society. If you have ever wondered what was wrong with how we conduct sports in this country, this book will explain it all. On a scale of 1-5, Sports: The All-American Addiction is a 10!

Read this book and tell everyone you know about it. It is that good!

Regis Tremblay, Executive Director of The Foundation For Kids FIRST in Sports.

I came to this Bissell by way of Elmore Leonard. After reading Get Shorty and Pagan Babies, I did some research on Leonard and found that his writing style, the way he he writes dialogue in particular, was heavily influenced by this book.

Bissell was a Harvard-educated guy who spent time working on a steamboat on the Mississippi River. In this book he captures the experience: the grueling work, the long hours, the danger, and most importantly, the people and the way the talk. He doesn't coddle the reader one bit. There are very few explanations regarding the technical terms used and most of the time, I had no idea what he was doing other than the fact that it was work and that it sounded hard.

He makes a point of contrasting life on the steamboat with life on land. Most of the book takes place on the boat with brief excursions into the port towns up and down the river where he writes of bar fights, love affairs and... well, that about covers it, actually.

I saw a lot of similarities between Bissell and Leonard. Particularly in the way dialects were handled. Leonard uses dialogue to drive the plot forward. Bissell uses it more to set a mood. One thing I didn't like about the book: After he makes his way onto the steamboat and is established as a deckhand, the story just sits for long stretches of time (I'm sure that's what these men working on the river did as well). The fact that Bissell doesn't give much explanation to the terms he uses or the work he does makes the long descriptive stretches of daily life on the steamboat hard to get through. Despite that, I'll rank Bissell as one of my more satisfying surprise discoveries in a long while.

The chapters were about the lock at Keokuk, republished in the anthology on American Lit that we used, a few years after the book came out. I agree, more profs should teach Bissell. Bissell also wrote the Rivers of America volume on the Mononagehela, based on his piloting experience there, and the book (7-1/2 Cents) which became the musical Pajama Game. This was based on his experiences running his family's garment factory. Then he wrote Say Darling about how the musical was made. ASOTR was a hit when first published in July 1950--it was reprinted twice in July and again in October.

This is one of the greatest pieces of American fiction ever written. You must check out this hard-to-find classic. If I was an English professor, I'd definitely teach this book

Bissell's story of life on a towboat is a perfect complement to Twain's "Life on the Mississippi". I have spent almost thirty years working on the River and if I had to recommend only one book that explains what the people and towboat life is like, this would be the book. His depiction of river characters and their dialog is perfect. It may be more a reflection of the type of people who go to the river to work, you can draw a line from Mike Fink stories through Twain and Bissell and find those same people riding boats on the rivers of America's backyards. I believe I read somewhere that Mickey Spillane said Richard Bissells' writing showed him what dialog in a book should be. Bissell's other river book, "High Water", should not be missed. Both books should be available through the Minnesota Historical Society Press.

I am one of the few people out there who not only know who Richard Bissell is, I'm trying to collect all of his books! I actually bought a first edition of ASotR once, thinking it was the only edition, started to read it just long enough to realize how great it was, and lost it. I've read every novel and most of the nonfiction Bissell wrote, and this was going to be the last 'new' (to me, anyway) thing I read by him. I'd read about it plenty of times in glowing blurbs on the back of his other novels.

Now, I have to find another one. Do you have any idea where I could find a copy of either the paperback reissue or the original hardback edition? Help a man on his quest!

By the way, if you like Bissell, you should probably try reading Charles Portis, who may be even better.