Missouri Books

This book was a GREAT pictorial representative of how the state of Missouri actually is. I gave it to a foreign exchange student from Germany who loved it!!!

'The Missouri Breaks' caps a short list of "anti-western" films that marked the death of the classic western as an American Icon. Writer Thomas McGuane skillfully weaves the counter-cultural mores of his own generation into the fabric of this non-conformist screenplay in which the "good guys" are the cattle rustlers and the "bad guys" are the law (or what passes for law in the west). Jack Nicholson (as a rustler) and a very scary Marlon Brando as a looney bounty hunter head up this cast, which reads like a rogue's gallery of great character actors such as Frederick Forrest, Harry Dean Stanton and Warren Oates. Many mainstream American critics panned this film, largely because of its refusal to fit within well-defined story arcs, yet foreign critics praised it for its rawness and superb acting. If you're a fan of films that stretch the limits of their genre, then 'The Missouri Breaks' is a must-see Western.

Former show cave operator H. Dwight Weaver presents Missouri Caves in History and Legend, the concentrated essence of a lifetime of history and research into Missouri's caves created by limestone bedrock slowly dissolved by groundwater. Bringing the reader on a tour underground, Missouri Caves in History and Legend reveals what caves have to tell us about extinct species and early Native Americans; how caves were used to mine saltpeter, onyx, and guano; how caves became hideouts for Civil War soldiers and notorious outlaws such as Jesse James; and much more. A handful of black-and-white photographs illustrate this fascinating tour accessible to readers of all backgrounds - the next best thing to visiting Missouri's caves in person!

Dr. Robert P. Forbes is no stranger to students of the antebellum era. His previous articles have been noted for their clear readable style and scholarship. Dr. Forbes states the book took a long time to come into being as a finished work. The result shows a well thought out examination and interpretation which makes the wait worthwhile. His colleagues, experts in the field of antebellum history, state they "learned a great deal from the work." The real value of this work is in its examination not only of the well known history of the Missouri Compromise itself --the formulation and passage of the legislation--but the even more important aspects of the effect of this compromise and the devastating result of its being revoked. The book has enough meat in it to satisfy the most discerning scholar and a facile style to satisfy the general reader. This is a volume that belongs in the library of every student of history, of politics, social movement, and ultimtely the disolution of the Union. Congratulations to Robert Forbes for a great gift to us.

Becky Homan's new book is truly an insider's guide to Midwest Gardening. Simply written, it covers all of the gardening basics and features personal tidbits from professionals, master gardeners and gardening friends. Great for the beginning gardener and a good reference for gardening addicts like me! I will be recommending this book to all of my Gardening 101 students and plan to give several as gifts to gardening pals and family.
A Kansas City, Missouri Master Gardener

The series by Mr. Schweitzer covering a number of states is an excellent starting point for most researchers as well as a handy reference to have. Mr. Schweitzer begins with a brief historical overview of the state's settlement, geography, industries, migration and the like which helps to paint a picture of what likely drew your ancestors there. Mr. Schweitzer's writing style is very plain and direct and he includes a wonderful county by county listing of resources for each state as well as overall statewide resources and records available at the Federal level. There are undoubtedly books that go into greater detail on each state but the Schweitzer series are a great starting point and well worth the money if you're researching there. His titles usually have to be ordered at local booksellers so Amazon is your best bet at getting these quickly and painlessly. One particular note is that this title was written years ago and some telephone numbers and addresses have changed and some groups or societies may be dormant or closed. Additionally Mr. Schweitzer does not make reference to internet sources or email addresses, which is just as well as they tend to get out-of-date quite quickly. I've gotten considerable use out of this title on Missouri and it continues to be very helpful.

some really unique stuff here...a farm family that was haunted ever after their young boys staged a seance, the Delta Queen's ghost, Missouri's yeti/abominable snowman/sasquatch...grave dowsers! Who ever heard of such a thing? But they are here. The ten new chapters are worth the price, even if you have the first edition. A lot of history worked into this, like Order No. ll which most of us never heard of before, but was a terrible thing. The illustrations are all new, different than the first edition, and there are dozens of new quotes about ghosts.

I bought this book while doing some (early) Christmas shopping. The book is intended for a friend of mine, who, himself is an outstanding nature photographer. I knew the photos inside the book would have to be "beyond belief" to appeal to my friend. When the book arrived, I could hardly wait to thumb through it. I couldn't believe my eyes. Each photo was better than the previous one. Not only does the book contain beautiful images, I (who am a non-birder) learned much about the birds of Missouri. Mr. Hackett also has a comprehensive forward in which he details his technqiue for capturing images such as the ones in the book. I highly recommend this book whether you live in Missouri or not.

This was the first book ever published on the Irish in Missouri (1984). It covers the entire state, but the main focus is on Kansas City, St. Louis, and the Irish Wilderness. This book is great for historians and for genealogists. There is a new edition in soft cover with added and updated pages (264 pages), The original title was "Irish Settlers on the American Frontier". The title of the new edition is Missouri Irish and is just now being released.

After reading this book, I realize how things have changed! It would be impossible today to repeat the Missouri kid's journey to California.

The way he wove his story is so Missouri (good old slow-talking but ever-so-charming)

Thanks to James Scott for telling his story of growing up in America!