Washington Books

In this superb novel the linguist Jeremy Cook (introduced in the mystery novel, "Double Negative," 1980), is hired by a marriage-counseling firm, the Pillow Agency, which "embeds" linguists in the homes of couples with troubled marriages, the theory being that so much marital strife is due to faulty communication. Jeremy's instructions are to follow the steps enumerated in the "Pillow Manual" he is issued, but he finds he has to fall back on his own training and good nature to keep things afloat. It is not necessary to have read "Double Negative" to enjoy this installment, but it is always satifying to know more of the background of the characters when encountereing them for a second time. The third title in the series, "The Error of Our Ways," was published in 1997. Obviously Carkeet was not pressured to keep Jeremy Cook constantly beofre the public, but the novels are all the better for that.

David Carkeet is known more for his young adult fiction, but I find him a very satisfying author of light adult fiction that carries a running intellectual thread. The characters are not so quirky that they are contrived nor so stereotypical as to be completely predictable; unfortunately they do demonstrate the suspicion that a higher education does not guarantee success in any endeavor. The ironies are not particularly inspired but part of the charm of this and also his "Double Negative" is the way events unfold with an unremarkable inevitability. I enjoy this book. I put it in the category of Patrick Dennis.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The Full Catastrophe is as compelling and potent as a mystery, despite the fact that the "detective" in this case is linguist Jeremy Cook, and he bumbles through several well-meaning attempts to discover what the "horror" in the Wilson's marriage is. Carkeet's wit is intoxicating, yet he manages to take a back seat to the characters and let the day-in-the-life story unfold with perfect pacing. I can't ignore the probable similarities between Jeremy Cook and Carkeet, but one thing marks a clear distinction: Jeremy knows nothing about marriage until Carkeet unveils it to him.

Linguist-in-residence Jeremy Cook returns for an unlikely debut as live-in counselor to a couple trying to fix their sputtering marriage. There are laughs on every page in this entertaining dissection of holy matrimony. Jeremy moves in with the prosperous Wilsons and tries his best to get beneath their language, to analyze the "horror at the core" of their relationship

A live-in linguist tries to save a marriage - a comic gem. Highly recommended

There is so much to this book than noted at first glance. First, we get a great dose of history told in a way children can understand it. Secondly, we learn some little known facts about our first president. Thirdly, we have animals, something neither kids nor adults can ever get enough of and fourthly, we get a story packed full of morals. But that is not all. The illustrations are very well executed and a delight. The text is simple an to the point and goes quite well with the illustrations. The book makes some very complicated situations and states them simply in a very nice story. I enjoy this one almost as much as the children do. This is a good work to read to the class as it generates good discussions. Recommend this one highly.

This easy reader is a delightful story to share with all students. The information gained about President Washington is unforgettable. Children will love that George named his dog "Sweetlips" and they won't forget that he was super kind and honest to one of his enemies! This book will be a staple in classrooms across the country and this true story of George may replace his "Cherry Tree" tale.

I used this title with a class I teach to American children overseas. They really enjoyed it as a read-aloud and couldn't believe that it was true! I like that the back page had a copy of the original note sent as well as photos of drawings/paintings of Howe and Washington. The illustrations aren't spectacular, but the children loved it.

This book is great for kids and parents. Teachers should read this book because it teaches good morals, foe children. I also like this book because of the dogs, and writing crafts in it. Hopefully Frank Murphy will keep writing kids books. If you buy this book you will be satisfied
SCOTT 11

My six-year-old son brought this title home from his school library. We read it together several times, and one night I found him meticulously copying a page from the book. My son hated to return the book, and I knew I had to buy it--for both of us! It tells a little-known story about Washington in a charming, beautifully illustrated manner that everyone (especially dog lovers) will love.

After a brief lull at Mount Vernon, the victorious general of the Revolution found himself harnessed unwillingly into the first presidency of the infant United States. Flexner handily traces Washington's first term, from the foundation of a new government on an untried Constitution to the internecine warfare in his own cabinet that threatened to split that government and sink the republican experiment.

I was somewhat disappointed when I received this book. When I looked for it on your web site, I did a search, and had asked for only hardcovers, so I missed the part on this item that indicated it was a hardcover. I normally collect only hardcovers, and would not have spent $38 on a paperback book. Now, I still have to keep searching for a hardcover version, and I'm stuck with this paperback.

Admittedly, this was my own oversight, so I can only blame myself, but maybe you can fix the problem with your search engine, so when looking for ONLY HARDCOVERS, that is what the result gives.

This book is the third in a series by Flexner on the life of George Washington. I highly recommend this series for anyone seeking to really understand the founding fathers. Flexner draws his material from many different sources to dovetail the life of Washington with those around him. His attention to detail makes the book a facinating read from cover to cover. It is quite a journey you are taking with a great man. I am so glad that Flexner took the time to put together such a magnificent compilation of data. I feel so much more appreciative of George Washington for all that he did to hold our nation together in its formative years after reading this book. A must read for those who love history!

This the third installment of a four volume series by James Thomas Flexner on the life of George Washington taking us through the years 1783 - 1793.

We see Washington returning to his beloved acres... Mount Vernon, after the British are finally leaving the American shores. Washington is exhausted and wants to retire and live out his life in the resplendency of his home and family. We begin to see Washington open up so to speak, relaxing in his quiet country life. But again the matters of the New Nation are begining to pull and strain the rather reluctant Washington to a leadership roll.

Being a very popular figure in early American life... Washington now is growing in popularity and as such is called to lead the Constitutional Convention for ratification of a new and untested government. Washington is elected to become the First United States President. Flexner gives us a lot of detail and put into the writing feelings and emotions felt at the time.

From the writings that were written about Washington from his peers and thoughs of Washington to others, we again see Washington's fallibility, a man wrought with insecurity and heavy responsibilities trying to cope with a newly emerging government. Even present that others from overseas were watching and waiting for the new government to fail, but proving to them a government viable and alive. But, alas, Washington is now aging and retirement is begining to take hold once again in his life.

This volume take us through Washington's thoughts and thoughs of Jefferson and Hamilton and how does Washington really feel. Washington is now working harder than ever trying to forge this fledging government into a working model of that written on paper. We see Washington's self-doubts again arise... troubling him with insecurities. Then again, who can he trust, to give correct counsil and if he left too soon would the government fail. If he stayed too long, would he be no better than the Kings he fought. We feel Washington's dilemma.

I found this book to be very well written with sound documentation.

George Washington and the New Nation is actually the third in a four volume set, and continues to follow the life of George Washington after the Revolutionary War. From the years immediately following the last withdrawal of British Troops, up through the end of his first term as the President of the United States.

Flexner does an excellent job of describing the man behind the legendary hero. Through the actual writings of Washington, and those of his contemporaries, we see not only the "Great General" and the "Father of Our Country," but also see Washington as fellow human being, just as fallible as the rest of us.

This is also a remarkably telling book about the nature of politics and how in over 200 years, very little has changed. As distrustful as we are of todays politicians, Flexner's book puts those of Washington's days in an even less favorable light - and he uses their own words to do it.

Through this book (and the other volumes in the set) I gained an even deeper appreciation for the one who was "First in War...First in Peace...and First in the hearts of his Countrymen." I heartily encourage this book and this entire set to all.

Easy to read and interesting short stories of revolutionary war heroes. Good for middle and high school history students.Has many history facts not covered in other books

There are a great many books available for young readers on the subject of George Washington and the American Revolution. What sets Marc Stockwell-Moniz's George Washington's Unsung Heroes apart from the others is an emphasis on the ordinary people who involved themselves in carrying out the campaigns that led to the founding of the United States of America. While there are chapters about John Hancock, Paul Revere, and Alexander Hamilton, the primary focus is upon such usually overlooked figures as Salem Poor (an African-American soldier who fought at the Battle of Bunker Hill and was with George Washington and the Continental Army at Valley Forge); Phillis Wheatley (the first African-American slave to publish a book); John Peter Muhlenberg (an ordained minister who became a brigadier general in the Continental Army and later served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives); Tench Tilghman (who served as Washington's aide-de-camp and secretary for two years without salary until Washington wrote to the Congress insisting that Tilghman be given a commission and a paycheck); as well as the stories of Benjamin Tallmadge (America's first "spy master"), and so many others. George Washington's Unsung Heroes is an important and recommended addition to school and community library American History and American Biography collections for young readers.

George Washington's Unsung Heroes tells the "behind the scenes" story of Revolutionary War America through the experiences of the men and women who made sacrifices for their new country. Some of the biggest names in American history are represented here (George Washington, Paul Revere, etc.), but this book shines when it tells the stories of little-known people who were also part of these turbulent times.

This is a great book for mid-school readers who want to know more about how the Revolutionary War affected the lives of "regular" people who weren't afraid to take a stand for freedom and independence. Inspiring and fascinating!

When it comes to history classes, my three kids have report after report due. George Washington's Unsung Heroes is the perfect resource book for those frequent assignments. The well-illustrated, clearly laid out hardcover tells the stories of many underreported or forgotten heroes of the Revolutionary War. Just what my kids need for their term papers!

One by one, the author walks the reader through more than 30 different, detailed biographies of heroes from the 18th century. It is written for an 8th grader but fine for a bright 5th grader. Many different types of heroism are discussed; each story includes personal sacrifice to make our nation come together.

The people in the book are a cross section of America at the time from an Anglo-Saxon man, to an African American woman, a Jew who helped finance the war, and many Christians. There are names you would expect, like Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, Henry Knox, and the Marquis de Lafayette. And there are names you don't see so often, like Salem Poor, Tench Tilghman, Mary Ludwig Hays, and the author's ancestors Daniel and Moses Stockwell.

If you have kids, it is a good purchase because you will use it for term papers for years to come. I saw it in my son's school library and I have been very happy to have this relatively inexpensive, securely hardbound book at home.

Mr. Moniz book teaches kids that heroes are not just the famous people of history. While it gives excellent accounts of the famous like Paul Revere and James Monroe, it gives homage to people we never heard of such as Salem Poor, an African American who fought at Bunker Hill.

The book provides an excellent incentive to young readers that one person can make a difference and every person should try.

The amount of research Mr. Moniz' put into this book is exemplified by the bibliograhy. The glossary does an excellent job of making archaic miltary and political terms understandable to youth.

I highly reccomend this book to be required reading for young students of American history. It should also be encouraged reading for young people who feel that they would like to contribute to their country someday. Many people in Mr. Moniz' book did so, selflessly, and to our shared benefit. This book is wonderful tribute to the "little guys" who made us a great contry.

This book captures the true spirit of a fighter pilot and why they are such special people. His war on Hanoi, waged with one hand tied behind his back by McNamara and President Johnson needed to be told. And he told it as only a fighter pilot could. You could be reading fiction, but it's real. Where do we get men that court death and face losing friends every day. Colonel Broughton is busy telling us about his fight with Hanoi and Washington. But, what also comes through is the daily struggle of men strapping on an airplane and doing their duty against great odds. The rules of engagement are discussed and how they affected the lives of those charged with enforcing them. Colonel Broughton had over 200 missions. He is a true American hero.

This is an EXCELLENT book written by an amazing pilot about the mess that was Vietnam. So many pilots died as a result of the idiotic "Rules of Engagement" that clearly stacked the deck AGAINST our pilots. This book and "THUD RIDGE" tell the cold hard and ugly facts how Washington made our pilots fight with both hands tied behinds their backs. America would've been out of Vietnam victoriously in a few months if our soldiers had been able to what they have been trained to do, and NOT be told how to fight a war by a bunch of politicians.

Like "Thud Ridge", also by Col. Broughton, "Going Downtown" reflects on the former fighter pilt's experiences driving USAF F-105's through the flack, SAM and MiG infested skies of Vietnam. Readers who missed "Thud Ridge' may remember Broughton's story appearing in the Yeagher biography - a decorated and venerable fighter-pilot, Broughton was loved by the men he led, despite the draconian restrictions placed on them by politicians. During one mission that Broughton didn't even fly on, two of his pilots received fire from a flak gun aboard a Russian freighter, and responded with their own cannon. Jaded by the experience in which his pilots were clearly in the right, Broughton removed the gun camera film from the noses of the involved F-105's, and destroyed them. A board of review composed of such noted officers as Yeager and Robin Olds cleared Broughton's men but did cite Broughton for destruction of the gun camera film, a move that effectively ended his career as a fighter pilot. Broughton hints at the incident - the "Turkestan Affair" in Thud Ridge, but apparently decided against saying any more. Having decided otherwise in "Downtown", Broughton must have decided that he didn't have enough for a new book complimenting the first. Theough "Turkestan" and its consequences take up the latter half of the book, the first part is a mixed gril, offering the USAF's painful transition to the early and crude jets, the complicated underpinnings of the Vietnam war and the cover-up over the Tonkin Gulf incident.

The problem is that much of this seems out of place here - especially the author's anecdotes about the Air Force's experineces with early jets between Korea and Vietnam. The jets, which are underpowered and have over-complicated fire-control systems kill more of their own pilots than the enemy, and some - like the F-103 and the F-107 - never make the cut at all. None of those planes ever appears in Vietnam, and certainly not in Broughton's narrative. So why does he bother here? It's as if he realized that he hadn't enough, apart from "Turkestan" that merited a new book, and quicly decided that, besides some anecdotes about the Veitnam airwar overlooked from the first book, he might as well just keep going back, and toss in soem historical background about vietnam and USAF for good measure. Concluding his survey of the famed "Century Series" fighter jets, Broughton says "something funny was happening in southeast asia." But it was nevr clear why he didn't begin with southeast asia and leave all that other stuff behind. It's important stuff, but would be of better use as something Broughton could reflecton while flying in vietnam - as more of a personal context than an historical one. Actually, Broughton sells himself short - giving equal time to all subjects when I'd prefer a whole book with him in the F-105. Considering that he flew the most pivotal missions of his career in that plane, it's incredible that my knowledge of it seems unchanged from when I first opened "Going Downtown."

I was fortunate that a good friend gave me this book. One of the best damn books I've ever read. It should be part of civics instruction for every high school student because, in real life and dramatic fashion, it teaches us two great lessons. First, in a Republic such as ours, the voting citizen needs to be vigilant of the political use of our military. Vietnam was a tough lesson, costing 60,000 young Americans their life. Second, in times of peace in the military, the flotsam rises to the top. Again, it requires vigilance from the citizen, demanding our politicians provide the civilian leadership that will promote and nurture the warrior class.

We owe our freedom to warriors such as Jack Broughton, who during times of war, rise to the call. They understand loyalty, leadership and sacrifice. They are of the nature and fortitude to bring intense, ferocious focus to incredibly tough times when answering the call of duty. If Vietnam had been a real war instead of a political fiasco, Jack would be a well-known American Hero. Instead, he is just an American Hero, not well known, but like so many of his type.

I've read both this book and the predecessor "Thud Ridge" as well as several book written by Vietnam war era pilots. Col Broughton knows his stuff and tells it like it was. If you ever wondered why we failed in Vietnam ,you will understand why after reading this book. Poor leadership by Air Force Generals( one couldn't be sure whether the enemy was the N.V. or the upper level command) from 5000 miles away, telling wing commanders how to do their jobs ( and having no clue as how a tactical fighter wing works), Washington's tying their hands behind their back with target selection and restrictive rules of engagement, micromanagement from above, all added up to a winnable war that they were not allowed win( except the guys risking their butts flying to Hanoi). I heartily recommend reading this book and also Thud Ridge for some fascinating insight of this era. Also I'd recommend Phantom over Vietnam , John Trotti and PAK SIX by G.I. Basel.

There are lots of characters to loathe and love in this one. Derek, Holly Elliot's stepfather was a real brute. Being in the army, Derek was able to prevent Holly's father from leaving Vietnam. If Derek had been in the Marine Corps, he would never have pulled this off. A Marine would not have left a dead or wounded man behind to die, no matter how close the enemy was!

Jason Cole was every girl's dream man, one of the few KS heros with no flaws. His quick intelligence allowed him to see the real Holly within moments of meeting her. Both were beautiful, smart, and in love. But, Holly had a lot of gall getting angry at Jason when if not for him, she might never have known her father's fate! She was darn lucky he cared enough to get involved! He went through his own emotional battle over this, too!

Raven was a wonderful girl who deserved much happiness. Nicholas was fine, handsome, and totally in love with her. But towards the end, there was a scene where he was furious with Raven and spoke pretty ugly to her, then upon realizing his mistake, he's back 'in love' with her. His lack of trust in her wasn't even an issue. I wouldn't have dismissed the incident so easily.

Lawrence and Caroline were also a fine couple, but KS turned Lawrence into another one of her overly sensitive, sappy, soft men, like Rafe in STAR LIGHT, STAR BRIGHT. What a mush he was!

This was the first Katherine Stone novel that I read and it is one of the most moving and beautiful romance novels I have ever encountered. The two primary characters, Raven and Lauren/Holly, are among my favorites in fiction. Both are seriously wounded spiritually but are amazing survivors who never give up on the hope or dream of love. Their stories are emotionally gripping, and for readers who love to go though the maelstrom of emotions, this is a terrific choice. I highly recommend it. I have read almost all of Kathernine Stone's other novels, but this is the best and most satisfying.

Raven Winters, high profile attorney to the stars, is beautiful, rich and longing for someone to love her. She engages in many sexual affairs from the time she was 13 to the present. Her sex partners have told her she has ice in her veins. What they do not know is that Raven has been longing for someone to love her, truly love her. While jogging she meets Nicholas Gault--well doesn't really meet him, he almost runs over her. There romance proceeds from here. Raven thinks Nick is a landscape gardener and he doesn't tell her different--that actually he is a multimillionaire. They love, she meets his children (he's divorced)and she hopes he truly loves her. Read on.

Story two is multi Academy Award winner both as an actor and as a director, Jason Cole. He will be directing and starring in the story titled "Gift of Love" written by Lauren Sinclair. Lauren does not want Cole to change the ending to her story. Jason agrees to meet with reclusive writer, Lauren, and Raven. After 17 years away from the states, well renowned writer, Lauren agrees to travel from her home in Klondike, Alaska and meet with Jason. Lauren is carrying a lot of baggage from the past. When they meet something develops between Jason and Lauren. Lauren's real name is Holly Elliott and she has much tragedy in her life. Many wonderful things happen between Holly and Jason and all beautiful.

Lawrence Elliott meets lovely, rich Carolyn Hawthorne while cleaning animals caught in the "Valdez" oil spill. An attachment forms and soon, they fall in love. Read how these stories entwine and enjoy this warm, tragedy filled novel with "Happy Endings".

This is the best Katherine Stone novel yet!! I could read this book over and over again, and still find love, hope and happiness on every page!! Everyone who I've lent this book to, has cried and said that it was FANTASTIC!! You must read it!!! You can not put it down until you finish it!!

I just finished this book yesterday and it was one of those that you can't put down. Raven is a wealthy and succesful entertainment lawyer who has searched for love and never came out ahead. Holly is a romance author who is hiding from reality. Nick is a single dad that is trying to protect his family and heart. Jason is a actor/director/producer who has bought the rights to one of Holly's books. Holly doesn't want him to change it even though he has a right to. They are all connected enough to maintain in the same story but it is like reading 2 or 3 different stories within one book. You would think it would be somewhat confusing trying to keep track of who is connected to who and how but in this book it flows so smoothly that you don't even really think about it. This book is a romance without all the explicit love scenes but it isn't just a romance it's about the characters finding themselves and helping each other.

This is the resource that at last got me making and taking
herbal teas, instead of just thinking about it. The author's
tone is both informed and empathetic. The explanations both
of how body systems work and of how the health properties of herbs support the body are fascinating, plus the photos
and illustrations are beatifully designed.

I love this book! I check it out frequently for information about ailments and practical holistic solutions. Informative and easy to read.

It's a 'must have' for every household!

I love the simple and accessible healing treatments illustrated throughout the book. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. Having this information is like knowing your grandmother's home remedies that really work. No drugs, just plain, simple ingredients that make us well and keep us healthy. Thank you, Dr. Washington!

This book was a pleasure to read, the author's tone is that of a good friend giving sensible advice. More importantly, I find myself referring to the book every couple of weeks. The recipes for herbal teas are wonderful; they so intrigued me that I started gathering wild herbs on hiking trips and added some key herbs to my garden--I'll never buy herbal teas from the grocery store again.

The book is visually pleasing and easy-to-use as a reference.

A beautifully written & illustrated reference book that is easy to read and apply to your personal situation. It is a book that I keep reading over and over. I highly recommend this book to you and your friends.

Being aware of the influence that Japanese print making had on European artists in the 19th century, but not having had much exposure to Japanese prints, I found this book to be a wonderful introduction. The essays that opened the book and the explicatory text that accompanied each print helped to establish a dialogue between the ideas that were exchanged between Oriental art and European art. I found this to be an excellent addition to my personal collection, and would highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in this area.

In the second half of the nineteenth century, Europeans and Americans discovered the world of Japanese woodblock prints and thus began an enduring love affair. One result has been the publication over the last century of literally hundreds of books and thousands of articles about the prints known as "ukiyoe," with a particular emphasis on such giants of the genre as Hokusai and Hiroshige. How then, in this crowded field, does one manage to create a must-have publication for readers who may already have well-stocked libraries on Japanese art?

One answer is to be found in "Hokusai and Hiroshige: Great Japanese Prints from the James A. Michener Collection, Honolulu Academy of Arts." Issued by the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco in conjunction with an exhibition, "Hokusai and Hiroshige" is typical of a new wave of "ukiyoe" books that combine excellent design (of layout and typography) with clear and interesting text. Every page displaying a print has a near equal amount of space devoted to text, and the book benefits as well from introductory essays by three established experts. The text in particular appeals to me, providing not only insights about the compositional nature of each print but also detail on the locales depicted by these two great landscape artists and appropriate historical information. There is room for improvement in "Hokusai and Hiroshige"--I would have preferred more standard romanizations for some Japanese words and the inclusion of an index covering well more than just print titles--but overall this is an excellent and valuable volume.

I have not "finished" this book, nor do I intend to for a long time. I take it out to admire, print by print, sometimes reading the informative text, sometimes not. This is not a comic book to rush through. Linger, enjoy.

This volume was the companion for the exhibits at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. It covers all the lerge number of works shown there, each with descriptions of what is depicted and some in the points of interest that highlight each artist's rendering of the scene. There are sections on the lives of each artist and the fairly primitive tools used to create these intricate multi-colored (and thus multi-pressed) prints. The full collection of sets, such as the Hokusai views of Mount Fuji, are very well done and would in themselves make this book worthwhile. The sum total of both these woodblock masters is awe inspiring and sumptuous.

I have not "finished" this book, nor do I intend to for a long time. I take it out to admire, print by print, sometimes reading the informative text, sometimes not. This is not a comic book to rush through. Linger, enjoy.

When one Edwin Henderson, a Harvard-educated African American physical education teacher - was introduced to basketball in Washington DC in 1907, he envisioned it as a method of organizing black athletes to allow them to excel at northern while colleges. In sports, he reasoned, blacks would get a fair chance to succeed. Hot Potato details the birth and rise of black amateur basketball in America, examines college basketball and the origins of the CIAA, and surveys the rise of black professional athletes. A truly outstanding sports history evolves.

Kuska has given us some details to back up the legends of black basketball stars from the first half of the 20th century. Many of the individual names are known and the New York Renaissance team has been heard of by real basketball fans. This book gives us some details and further understanding of what the individuals went through and what modern basketball owes to them. A GREAT READ!! Hope to hear more from this fine writer and sports historian.

I am the granddaughter of Samuel Buck Covington. I'd just like to point out in the editorial by John Grasso, from Guilford, NY, that my grandfather, Samuel Buck Covington was mistakenly referenced as "Cunningham". Samuel Buck Covington was an outstanding athlelete and pillar of the Washington Metropolitan community. He was honored to be part of the writing of this wonderful book and the naming of the title "Hot Potato". Growing up he told countless stories of what it was like breaking barriers and playing semi-professional basketball for the Washington Bruins against teams such as the Harlem Globtrotters. This is a wonderful tribute to those who came through during this time who had gone unnoticed. I am proud to say he was my grandfather. Unfortunately, he did not live to see the final product of this book. Samuel Buck Covington died in September,1998 . . . Cheryl Moore

There aren't enough adjectives to describe this important work on an oftentimes overlooked part of U.S. history/sports.

Bob Kuska takes the reader on an exploration of the development of black athletics at the turn of the last century, with his focus surrounding basketball teams and leagues in New York City and Washington, D.C.

The chapters are in chronological order by year and highlights the important personalities, teams and events in the two cities and throughout the country - from youth leagues to the colleges and beyond.

I am particularly impressed with Kuska's acknowledgement of many individuals that time had seemingly forgotten. The ten years of research he did certainly accomplished his goal of giving the reader a complete understanding of the era.

To set a clear path to the future, our society must have an appreciation of the rough paths taken by those who confronted the hideous Jim Crow laws and other forms of racisim & truly learn from the past.

America's game was changed forever, but not just on the hardwood floors. These heroes knocked down barriers and opened the door for others to pursue their dreams, no matter what the odds.

Seldom does a basketball historian find a book on basketball in which more than 75% of the material is new to him. Bob Kuska's new book - Hot Potato: How Washington and New York
Gave Birth to Black Basketball and Changed America's Game Forever is such a book.

It is a chronicle of the earliest days of Black basketball in the two cities where its impact was greatest and covers the period 1905 through the 1930s. There have only been a handful of
books written on basketball history of this period and none of them devote more than a few pages to Black teams.

More than a decade of research went into this work which includes a detailed reference section and twelve pages of photos.

The story begins with Edwin Henderson, the first major contributor to Black basketball and concludes with the New York Renaissance - the Hall of Fame team of the 1930s. Both amateur and pro basketball are covered.

Along the way the basketball exploits of such legendary figures as Paul Robeson and Cumberland Posey are detailed along with Fat (not Fats) Jenkins, Pop Gates, George Fiall, Bob Douglas and many others.

The intriguing title came about as a result of an discussion with Sam "Buck" Cunningham, one of the players interviewed during the research for the book. "The players today are much better than we were - ... but there is one thing that we could do better. We could pass the ball better than they can now.
Man, we used to pass that basketball around like it was a hot potato."

This is definitely a must addition to the library of a basketball historian. Thank you very much, Bob."

Fron the 1600's to the Present, this is the "go to" book for Hurricane history affecting the eastern coastline. But more than just weather and geographical facts, Rick "The Hurricane Man" Schwartz has conducted many personal interviews to put a human interest face in this well-read timeline of the Hurricanes' impact, and stories of miraculous survival and devastatingly tragic loss. As Mr. Schwartz reminds, "Hurricane history repeats" and "The Year of the Hurricane is coming"! Are we prepared?

Over the years any number of books have been written about the devastating hurricanes that have struck coastal New England. Likewise, there are a whole host of books available about the history of hurricanes in the great state of Florida. Yet, when he sought to do some research on the history of hurricanes in the Middle Atlantic states Rick Schwartz discovered to his great consternation that very little had been written about the subject and that no really comprehensive book on this topic had ever been written. So Rick Schwartz decided to correct this glaring oversight himself. After more than six years of painstaking research "Hurricanes And The Middle Atlantic States" was released in 2007. This is a book that proves to be well worth your time and attention.
As the complete title would indicate "Hurricanes And The Middle Atlantic States: A Surprising History...From Jamestown To The Present" traces the history of hurricanes in this region from colonial times until the present day. It is a fascinating study. Rick Schwartz conducted more than 100 interviews in putting together this superb book. He also unearthed old newspaper articles, personal letters and state and local government documents in attempting to cobble together the real story. Consequently, there is an interesting narrative on almost all of the storms Rick decided to cover in his book. Schwartz also made a very wise decision by choosing to include track maps on a good many of these hurricanes. This feature greatly enhances the readers understanding of the storms and underscores just how unpredictable they can be. In addition, the inclusion of more than 200 black and white photographs helps readers to gage the full impact of these powerful cyclones and serves to emphasize the need for coastal communities to carefully reconsider public policies that have allowed for reckless overdevelopment on the waterfront. The question is not "if" these areas will be struck by a major hurricane in the future but only "when". Then there is the enormous toll these storms exact on everyday people. For all too many, life will never be the same again. Schwartz devotes considerable time to those who are victimized by hurricanes as well as those public officials who must find new and creative ways to deal with the devastation. High winds, heavy rain, tornadoes and flooding can all combine to wreak havoc for residents in the affected areas. Finally, I would be remiss if I failed to make mention of some of the fascinating local folklore that Rick Schwartz managed to sprinkle in throughout this book. Outstanding stuff!
Every now and then I come across a book like "Hurricanes And The Middle Atlantic States" that really seems to be much more appropriate as a reference volume. This is no knock on Rick Schwartz. This book is extremely well written, meticulously researched and thoughtfully laid out. Yet the stories inevitably do tend to become a bit repetitive and I found myself losing just a bit of interest from time to time. This is hardly surprising when one realizes that this book covers more than 300 years of hurricane history! Having said that, "Hurricanes And The Middle Atlantic States" remains an extremely important addition to the literature on hurricanes in this nation and deserves a spot not only on the shelves of libraries in the Middle Atlantic region but in other parts of the country as well. It is a book that students, researchers and general interest readers will turn to time and again in the decades to come. Highly recommended!

Researched, compiled and written by hurricane historian Rick Schwartz, "Hurricanes And The Middle Atlantic States: A Surprising History, Jamestown To The Present" chronicles four hundred years of the Middle Atlantic region's significant tropical cyclones beginning with the experiences of the Jamestown settlers and continuing down to the present day. A unique and exhaustively researched study, "Hurricanes And The Middle Atlantic States" features a substantial chronology profiling all of the Mid-Atlantic hurricanes and major storms, examines the patterns and characteristics of the region's tropical cyclones, and provides a sound basis for comparison, planning and preparation with respect to Mid-Atlantic hurricanes. Of special note is a forecasting history chapter offering insights into past progress and current knowledge about predicting hurricanes. Ideal for weather and meteorology students, "Hurricanes And The Middle Atlantic States" is especially recommended for non-specialist general readers with an interest in hurricanes and climate-changed influences on storm behavior, frequency, and intensity. Enhanced with an extensive glossary, a bibliography, and a geographically oriented index, as well as track maps and some 200 black-and-white photographs, "Hurricanes And The Middle Atlantic States" is confidently recommended for personal, professional, academic, and community library Weather & Meteorology reference collections.

Fascinating Book!!! Very informative, interesting facts and interviews. A must read for anyone with any interest at all on this topic.

BOOK REVIEW - "HURRICANES AND THE MIDDLE ATLANTIC STATES"
Author: Richard Schwartz (Hardcover - 400 pages)

This incredible book is a first of its kind - dedicated to the storms that have affected the Mid-Atlantic States through the past 300+ years, from the "Year of the Hurricane in 1667" up through Hurricane Jeanne in September 2004. A great reference for all hurricane enthusiasts the book includes explanations of all commonly used technical terms, references, and internet sources for everyone to use. But mostly it covers all the storms that through this extensive historical period had an affect on the mid-Atlantic States region. And Rick has done this with a definite personal touch, going to great lengths to get a "people- perspective" on what actually happened, what people went through during these storms. And he does his best to educate all of us that we are never "out of the woods" as to the future. We may be in a lull for action right now, but that is definitely temporary, and more storms that form in the future will definitely have more profound affects on the Mid-Atlantic region. Anyone and everyone in the mid-Atlantic area should reach out and get this book to have as a reference and to learn about the great effects these powerful storms have on their local areas. As Rick put it, "An understanding of storms past is vital to preparing for those ahead..."