California Books

When I first started to explore Anza-Borrego, it was with obscure stories that were loosely related to even more obscure maps. It was extremely difficult to find a book with good and concise information about this wonderful place without having to read a novel-like book. This book has cross-referencing so you will never miss a thing. Places, people and occurrences are listed alphabetically and contain great stories along with location information. Definitely a must if you are exploring Anza-Borrego and care to do more than simply rip around in the dust.

This book is exceptional! It is so clearly written and interesting. I didn't realize there was soooo much I didn't know about Borrego! I just love it!

Anyone who has ever had any contact with the Anza-Borrego region, or anyone who might even have an interest in going there someday, will enjoy Anza-Borrego A to Z. Diana Lindsay has compiled an encyclopedia of information on the area that will be the standard reference work for many years to come. Only through years of contact and relationship building with a region can someone produce a book like this.

Lindsay has arranged her book alphabetically in the form of an encyclopedia. To look up information, turn to the subject and there it is. Cross-references at the end of each entry direct the reader to other related entries and an extensive index also aids in the discovery process.

However, the book is more than just an encyclopedia. Lindsay's prose makes the history of the desert come to life. As in her 1973 book "Our Historic Desert", hard to find facts and local historical gems are interwoven to form an intimate look at one of the most historically significant regions of the Southwest. Written as a companion to the guidebook "The Anza-Borrego Desert Region", co-authored with her husband Lowell, the Lindsay's now have compiled the most up to date information on the Colorado Desert regions of eastern San Diego County. When you hold these books in your hand, you're actually holding a historian and knowledgeable tour guide wrapped up in between the covers.

I had anticipated the publication of this book for quite a while, and when I finally had my copy, I came home and sat on the couch, planning to simply skim the book and get a feel for it. Several hours later, I discovered that I'd simply been reading through the book, page by page. This is definitely not your average compendium of encyclopedic facts!

Anza-Borrego A to Z is both an interesting and informative book on the Anza-Borrego desert area. I especially liked the organizational format used by the author. Lindsay's Introduction gives an overall historic summary of the area followed by an alphabetically listing of people, places and things relevant to the Anza-Borrego Desert. The author's encyclopedic entries with links to related entries will meet the needs of both the average reader and those interested in a more "in depth" study of the area.

Anza-Borrego A to Z contains a wealth of information and will be especially helpful for: readers who would like more in-depth information about the area, guides who lead hikes in the Anza-Borrego Desert, people who love the desert environment and those who have just been introduced to the beauty and wonders of Anza-Borrego.

Lindsay substantiates her dedication to Anza-Borrego by her pledge to donate all author royalties to the Anza-Borrego Foundation!

I live in the town of Borrego in the Anza Borrego desert. This book shows exactly what we see all the time. It is beautiful!!! I have a friend that had to move away for medical reasons and this book is a gift for her Birthday and a "get well" present. I hope it will make her happy.

IN the April 6th Sunday LA TImes Vani Rongachar reviewed the book. Rongachar writes: "No question, Anza Borrego is glorious in wildflower season, but true desert rats such as Ernie Cowan see the glory of the 600,000-plus-acre state park in all its seasonal moods. Cowan's new book "Anza Borrego: A Photographic Journey," celebrates the Southern California desert park in images - through close-ups of mating beetles, the patterned geologic oddities in Tule Wash and of course blossoms, brittlebush and ocotillo among others. The photos are evidence of a labor of love by Cowan, a photojournalist, former mayor of Escondido and a founder of the Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Association. At the end of its 96 pages, I found myself wishing for trail maps to go see for myself." Another book reviewer in the San Diego Tribune wrote that it should be a book kept permanently on the back seat of your car along with a map. The pictures and information found inside will never be outdated. A true classic! The San Diego North County Times also gave rave reviews. If you like me thought that the desert is nothing but sand, rocks and dried up old vegetation, think again. This phenomenal book filled with breathtakingly beautiful pictures will show you a side of the desert you never knew was there.

As a person fortunate to live in San Diego County and to have camped often at Bow Willow, in the southern part of Anza-Borrego State Park, I approached this book with eager anticipation, and found rewards greater than I had imagined. The book is a beautiful evocation of the immense pleasures of this very special park, in its various moods, and the text is appropriately complementary and reverent. I would anticipate this book to be a classic on this area.

It is wonderful in this critical time of enviromental concern to have photographer, Ernie Cowan, remind us this
beautiful area does still exist. The photos are truly
breathtaking. In the desert night sky you feel you could
almost reach out and touch those glowing stars and put one in your pocket. It is an outstanding work of art -- well
worth the read for every nature lover.

I had to read and review this book for a class, and I thought it was great. I had not read any of the books referenced by Ms. Marcus, so it was difficult to tell how sucessfully she represented the authors, but thats really my problem, not hers. I would say that I don't like such heavy use of literary sources in these types of books, but it is usually because I haven't read the books.

I'm happy I chose this book to review, between the nasty review and its mention on the board, (and Ms. Marcus's rebuttal) this will be an easy book review to write.

In Apartment Stories, Sharon Marcus takes the reader on a stunning tour of the interior spaces of the nineteenth century novel. The views that Marcus offers are always exciting. Following her from behind as she weaves her way through dark regions of apartment houses is often exhilirating. Particularly pleasurable is the way she bounces around London. And although sometimes she seems to bend over to make her point, even this rewarding

In an elegantly written and persuasively argued volume, Sharon Marcus uses the idea of the apartment building as a tool to comb out two sets of terms that tend to clump together in discussions about the 19th century: man=city=public, woman=home=private. In a work made pleasurable to the general reader through her clear and careful writing and her judicious use of footnotes, Marcus proposes a world of 19th century men, women, homes, and cities, that interact in more messy and interesting ways than we've learned to expect. I enjoyed it thoroughly.

There has been a recent interest in theories that undermine the undertakings of the Enlightenment and Modernism toward presenting a world made up of clear definitions and distinctions. This trend has thrown light upon those cultures and periods of history previously dismissed as irrational, decadent, or retrogressive. Further, owing to Post-Structuralist interests in language, scholars have increasingly turned towards realist novels and literature from the period being studied to unearth peculiar social environments that have remained concealed in the purely formal analyses of historical accounts.

Sharon Marcus in Apartment Stories identifies the novel as a significant mirror of everyday life. Literary criticism and cultural history, for Marcus, are intertwined disciplines that feed on each other. In Apartment Stories she uses an analysis of the nineteenth-century realist novel to illuminate a discourse about (not `on') apartment houses of the time. Employing texts that she calls `atypical', as a heuristic device for exploring the range and complexity of nineteenth century debates on domesticity and urbanism, Marcus sets herself the ambitious task of questioning conventional conceptions of the distinctions of private and public, interior and exterior, as well as masculine and feminine. She probes the text not only in terms of seeking social and physical implications of the described spaces but also in terms of the manner in which the narration itself inscribes spatial relations and establishes zones as exterior and interior, private and public, mobile and fixed.

Apartment Stories is divided into three parts. The first part, "Open Houses", discusses the apartment house as a space that refutes readability as a private, opaque, and interior space. The second part, "The City and the Domestic Ideal", discusses the cultural preference for the single-family house over the lodging houses (that resembled apartment houses) of Londoners. The third and concluding part, "Interiorization and its Discontents", deals with Paris during the Second Empire. The author claims that Paris became interiorized after 1850 and thereby challenges the established interpretation of the Second Empire Paris as one of spectacle, flânerie, and circulation. She also questions the famous notion of the Goncourt brothers that "the interior is going to die. Life threatens to become more public". Marcus, in view of the Parisian apartment house, explicates the impossibility of ever fully interiorizing the home.

Sharon Marcus's Apartment Stories provides interesting insights into the world of the bourgeois in nineteenth century Paris- though her ideas are not always convincing and not always substantiated with documentation. Her elaborate endnotes that occupy 81 pages at the rear of the book fail to provide the convincing evidence that more architectural drawings and photographs might. The book leaves the readers constantly searching through the text for `real' images of the physical character of the apartment houses to which they may correspond the analysis of the novel. In the absence of such documentation, the author herself feels the need to stop every now and then in order to summarize and locate within the overall scheme of the book what she had just written (which is also what makes the writing of the book-review easier). These impediments that occlude the understanding of her new insights are further assisted by what could be considered a methodological oversight. Her structure of discussions of the interior and exterior space rest upon the individual descriptions of interior and exterior space. The discussion does not flow from one to the other and that, I feel, strengthens the distinction between the two. A discussion of the in-between transition spaces, apart from perhaps the character of the portière, between the street and the house, that one would expect in a discussion of interior and exterior spaces, is also absent.

Marcus works from an impressive bibliography, one that partially compensates for her deficiencies in documentation and illustration. Apart from a slight error in quoting the publication date of James Stevens Curl's The Victorian Celebration of Death as 1872 instead of 1972, the bibliography, along with the book, becomes a wonderful resource for any scholarly study of nineteenth century France and England in the fields of feminist theory and criticism, geography, urban studies, architectural history, literary criticism, and interdisciplinary research on everyday life.

this is a great book. It covers in detail the jouneys of that great explorer/naturalist/thinker Alfred E. Wallace through Indonesia and addresses the current state of affairs and threats to its natural treasures.

The books goes through all the major parts of Indonesia and shows plenty of well-selected pictures of amazing flora and fauna of the archipelago. Pictures are 70% of the book, but it also provides a good scientific description of how the archipelago formed (10% of the book), explaining how so unique species developed and survived untouched. Around 10% of the book is devoted to the explorers, like Wallace, who first discovered the uniquness of the islands and tried scientifically describe what they found - some early maps of the region and pictures of explorers are presented. Last 10% expresses the concerns about the impact of the modern Indonesia on the nature of the region. Book is published by UC Berkeley/LA, which can only be a further recommendation.

Archipelago is an excellent book on several levels. First, as a photo essay of the biota of the Indonesian islands it must be beyond compare. The photos are simply awesome, leaf through it and see for yourself. Second, it tells the story of one of the worlds least known but greatest scientists, Alfred Wallace. Wallace was just as responsible for developing the theory of evolution through natural selection as Charles Darwin. If you are interested in the history of science or a biology student at any level you should be aware of Wallace's work. This is as good a book to learn about it as any. One slight complaint, in reading this book I felt that the authors felt that Wallace received a raw deal from Darwin and the rest of the scientific community. I don't know if it's true or if the truth will ever be known. I know that Wallace didn't feel that way so why include it here? Third, this book is so much a trip through time. Each chapter on Wallace in the islands is mixed with modern essays on life in the islands and what is happening to the environment there. As an environmentalist "call to arms" it is great, because it is backed by better science through a broader range of disciplines than any I have seen.

I'm not a big fan of the "Coffee Table Book" but this is an exception. While it might be tempting to only look at the pictures, the text is in such a interesting format that reading it turns out to be such a breeze that you will be done before you notice.

This beautiful coffee table book goes far beyond presenting the tropical and exotic beauty of this complex archipelago. True, outstanding photos highlight the natural splendor, rich culture and exotic architecture. But the authors also explore its historical significance, beginning with Wallace's 19th century discoveries in biogeography, continuing through the current, looming ecological crisis wrought by exploitation of the islands' natural resources. For those who have traveled to Indonesia, or have ever wished to, this book is a must.

Can't think of anything but praise for this fabulous book. The objects selected, the color photography, the insightful introduction, the artists' info in the back ‹ all top-notch. If you think the world is doomed, this will be great antidotal weekend reading!

A visit to the De Young Museum on my last day in San Francisco turned a time-filler into an experience of a lifetime. The exhibition itself was truly amazing; the collection superb. The lighting, layout and flow of the exhibition allowed me to get lost for a couple of hours. Here was true craftsmanship in its purest form from all over the world; even an Australian artist was represented in the collection!

A visit to the gallery shop was next on the agenda to see if there was a catalogue, but since I thought a lot of the presence of place would be lost I wondered how you could put that on to paper.

But there it was. A fine book with excellent production values and fine photography. It will be a great momento of my visit and comfort me to know that there are great people who support artists and help keep the barbarians from the gate.

Dorothy & George Saxe are amongst the foremost collectors of art made from traditional craft materials...glass, clay, wood, fiber...art categorized as coming out of the Post WWII Arts & Crafts movement. This book beautifully documents that part of their collection now on view at the DeYoung Museum in San Francisco.

Tim Burgard, Curator of American Art at the DeYoung Museum, writes accessably with the voice of a scholar. He contextualizes this art movement and documents the show from the Saxe Collection that he's recently installed at the DeYoung...THIS IS A GORGEOUS BOOK.

The Saxes have made a bequest to the DeYoung of 600 works of art from their collection. This book and exhibition documents more than 1/3 of these objects.

A MUST READ FOR ANYONE INTERESTED IN CONTEMPORARY ART!!

If you are interested in glass, this book will be of particular interest. The Saxes have pieces by Chihuly, Lino, Flora Mace, Bertil, Therman Statom, William Morris, and many other well known glass artists. Also beautiful ceramics, furniture, wood bowls, sculpture.... If you can't make it to the exhibit, buy the book. You won't be disappointed.

A monumental reference book! The title of the book in French (I have it both in French and English) would roughly translate into Anthology of Strategy in World History. It puts the accent on the concept of Strategy rather than War. And that's how I use it. I would even call it the History of Strategic Thinking. I am a management and technology expert and this book is one of my reference books on Strategy and on my shelf it sits alongside books on Strategy.

What I like most about it, is its historic depth and scope. There is, to my knowledge, no other work on Strategy which has such a historic scope ranging from Ancient history to modern days with so much information and intelligence.

I strongly recommend it to all those interested in the History of Strategic Thinking.

I am a regular reader of Mr Chaliand and when I read his books I have the same experience as when I read Nietzsche: a feeling of freshness.

This anthology provides a wonderful history of the Art of War in a compact and readable format. Presented in the form of brief biographies and historical vignettes, there is literally something for everybody in this treatise. Whether you are a student, organizational leader, or military strategist, this book has information you can put to work today.

A wonderful edited volume that makes a great introduction to the subject of military strategy. Organized chronologically, the works of nearly all the major strategists in history appear including non-Europeans.

This book is an excellent compilation of the best military writers throughtout the ages. The book begins with authors from ancient Rome, Greece and China and progresses through history. It goes on to include the best works of about 100 military geniuses. Excerpts are from Sun Tzu, Clausewitz, Alfred Thayer Mahan, Erwin Rommel and many others. If you want a book on military history and generalship through the ages, this tome will provide it. Be forewarned though, this book is over 1000 pages and not all the early writers are easy to read. But, overall, an excellent book for anyone who loves military history.

Roger Daniels's 1962 book The Politics of Prejudice: The Anti-Japanese Movement in California and the Struggle for Japanese Exclusion is a must for all voting-age citizens. Why a must? Because at first glance this book seems like obscure, dark history of a time almost now forgotten and because of the little attention devoted to pre-Pearl Harbor treatment of Japanese immigrants (Issei)and Japanese-Americans (Nessei). More importantly, it is a book that speaks of our national character and grows timeless in its treatment of immigration which of course is hardly a new phenomenon.

It is almost like walking into a timewarp! Substitute "Japan" for "Mexico" or "Latin America" and substitute "Japanese" for "Mexican" or "illegal alien" and you'd think Professor Daniels had written this book last night! The Tancreados, the Jim Gilchrists--even the more wishy washy Schwarzenegger-types of the period are all there! (Even Fabian socialist and Lenin-admirer H.G. Wells bought into the "Yellow Peril" paranoia.) Exclusionist groups like FAIR, the Minute Men and legislation like the Sensenbrenner bill, were all present a hundred years ago! The book also covers key propagandists like the Rupert Murdoch of a century ago: William Randolph Hearst. Nothing new under the sun, eh?

This is a slight book, crammed with information. The only problems are the tiny print (for my myopic eyes) and the lengthy footnotes. Also, once in a while, Professor Daniels slips into obscure early 20th century California politics, but that said, I would purchase used copies and mail them to choice legislators. Would that work?

Trotsky was mistaken. History DOES repeat itself (for those who didn't learn from it the first time, anyway, as the ancient Greek philospher said.)

Great facts and opinions about Japanese internment in the United States; everyone should read

Nice and short (not "long and boring" like many history books!) -- a very thorough examination of the causes of the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Professor Daniel's book is beautifully written and should be read by anyone who is interested in the topic!

The best part of this book is its organization. As a reader,having no background in subjects of politics nor Japanese American History, I was able to clearly understand the point of view of those people who were against Japanese immigration and how their actions effected the decisions to use internment camps for the Japanese American people during WWII.

Simple and straight forward writing, but not simple concepts. Taher tackles age old issues (revenge, redemption) with a kind of freshness that helps the reader see something new. He also gently leads the reader to adopt the appropriate cultural mindset so that the characters can be held close to the heart, not merely observed from afar. Sometimes, however, his writing is weighed down by awkward or repetitive descriptions . Since this is a translation, it is difficult to tell if the problem is the author's or the translator's. Anyway, it is not excessive and can be overlooked by the reader willing to forgive a little to get a lot.

Bahaa' Taher's short novel, following the earlier "Duha Said," and centering around the Copts of present-day Egypt, provides an engaging glance into the relations of Muslim-Christian while offering an interesting plot and narrative technique; As with the works of Naguib Mahfouz, it is not so much history as much as a well-wrought tale. While one wishes the author would write an historic novel based upon the relations of the monophysites and neighboring sects through the ages, Taher achieves something perhaps greater; creating his own byzantine while never imposing an entirely personalized view -or judgment- upon his very believable characters. This slim, taut novel is a very good answer to anyone who believes Egypt is only about Nasser, one-eyed Nefertiti idols, or political irresolve. Strongly recommend

This book deserves an official review from a known source - a review listing it as a "must read". With an introduction and a glossary starting the book, I expected a difficult book. (I rarely read Mideastern literature because I generally find it less than engrossing.) I only used the glossary once - for curiousity not meaning. And I'd quite comfortable but the introduction at the back ... The book stands quite well on its own, thankyou.

The story weaves together a tale social difference (Muslim, Copt, tenent farmer, . . .), family responsibility and social change. The characters are complex and realistic - the wise ones recognizing both the past and the future in a country just stripped of the Sinai in war. It provides a positive picture of Islam - a picture sadly needed in the West - as well as of the Copts, largely unknown in the West. Add it to your "must read" list - you'll be well rewarded

This is the first book I read for Bahaa' Taher, an author previously unknown to me. His novel is describing the life in a southern village in Egypt where Copts (Egyptian Christians) and Moslems (Egyptian Moslems) lived together in peace and harmony for centuries. Suddenly, a rumor was injected by some unknown source, in order to create hatred between the villagers. Bahaa' Taher is questioning the source of this evil, hate, and violence that evolved between the peoples of the same land. Bahaa's style reflects his tender feelings and a sense of nostalgia for the past, the 'good old' and peaceful days. This book should be a must read for all schoolchildren in Egypt to teach them about Egyptian history of tolerance and peace. The novelist's style is so tender and his words flow soft like clouds. (It would be great if he would consider writing a romance). I must acknowledge Barbara Romaine for her translation of this book, it is simply flawless. This is a fascinating novel by a fine and very distinguished writer.

I got this book because I loved reading Jill's "Out of this World" and was happy to see that it was almost as good.
Of all the chick-lit books I've read, this one is top 3 best in it's category.
I was glad the main character didn't waste any time listing the name brand items she owns or going shopping every time something wouldn't go her way. Sheesh! Name dropping is SO annoying! I wish other authors just kept it to themselves: We get it, you can spell Prada and DKNY, good for you!
Not J.S., she focus on personal emotions and relationships that actually matter to the storyline.
Hey Jill, I am waiting anxiously for your next book!

AUSSIE RULES by Jill Shalvis is the endearing tale of a high-flying, independent woman and the Aussie who broke her young heart years before. Surprisingly, he might just be what she now needs to stay grounded. ***** Melanie Anderson's entire life has always revolved around flying, even if it is on occasion flying by the seat of her pants. At 26, she is the owner of Anderson Air, her very own charter service. Unfortunately, her business and the other businesses in the airport she manages are barely scraping by. Mel works extra hard to keep things running, because the handful of employees she has are like family to her. The woman who practically raised Mel and owner of the airport, Sally, has gone missing leaving Mel with huge responsibilities. Just when Mel doesn't think the situation could get worse, it does. Bo Black returns to town. He was the object of Mel's affection years earlier and then he broke her tender heart and left. As if Bo's return isn't bad enough, he brought with him the deed to the airport. He claims that Sally lost the airport to his late father in a bet making him the current owner.***** Bo doesn't waste time trying to track Sally down, he believes she may be in possession of some extremely valuable property of his father's. He is also quick in attempting to rekindle a relationship with Mel as the cute sixteen-year old girl he left ten years ago has grown into a beautiful, sensuous woman.***** Mel's nature is to protect her heart since it has been broken so many times by those she cared for she is very slow to trust and even slower to love. Bo is a determined man and eventually Mel's resolve begins to soften. Will Bo be able to convince her that he truly wants her and not just the secrets that are hidden at the airport?***** Jill Shalvis has the incredible talent of creating characters who are intelligent, quick-witted, and gorgeously sexy while giving them just the right amount of weakness to keep them from being unrealistically perfect. The secondary characters in AUSSIE RULES are strong enough to be requisite to the story, but they do not overpower Mel and Bo or the feelings that they are discovering for each other. Readers witness Mel's painfully damaged emotions soften and grow for Bo and will admire Bo's sweet sensitivity to Mel's feelings.***** AUSSIE RULES is a book that I will be rereading in the future it has all of the characteristics that earn Jill Shalvis her very own row on my keeper shelves.

Melanie "Mel" Anderson manages more than just the North Beach Airport in California; she helps her employees and her business partner with their scrambled lives. To Mel this is her family though she misses her surrogate mother the airport owner Sally, who disappeared a few years ago.

Australian Bo Black owns the deed to the airport and plans to take control of it. He wants to find his father's missing plane and regain what should have been his except Sally conned his dad when they briefly married. However, his plan goes awry as he needs a revision because all he wants to do is sleep with the enemy who to his amazement he loves; even more shocking is Mel reciprocates Bo's deepest regard while everyone else thinks they make strange bedfellows while wondering if it is AUSSIE RULES or Yankee control.

The key to this fun contemporary filled with eccentric characters is the background North Beach Airport seems normal so anchors the delightful story line from veering to far from the tarmac. The war between Mel and Bo is fought on several fronts elating the audience as they skirmish in the skies, on the ground, and in the bedroom. Though the climax seems to gentle of a landing for such a zany soaring tale, Jill Shalvis rules with this fine battle of the sexes.

Harriet Klausner

Aussie Rules by Jill Shalvis is a witty, fun and sexy book.

Melanie Anderson lived to fly, nothing gave her the rush, the control and the freedom that flying did. Flying gave her the security that she has lacked all of her life. Her coworkers are her family and she will do anything to protect them. Suddenly her neat and orderly world is turned upside down by the return of her youthful crush, Bo Black.

Bo Black, pilot and plane restorer has come back to North Beach to claim his inheritance and clear his late fathers name. Bo is convinced the former owner Sally Wells stole from them and smeared his dad's good name. Only problem is convincing fiercely independent Mel of the truth and keeping his hands off the all grown up woman.

Mel and Bo both want answers, each feels that they are in the right. As they search for the truth someone wants them to leave well enough alone.

Aussie Rules, I feel is Jill Shalvis's best work to date. The characters are well written, flaws and all. Bo is a delightful Alpha male, he knows what he wants and goes for it. But he is willing to show his tender side to protect those he loves. Mel is a strong willed woman, her past has made her who she is today. She is so leery of Bo can he be for real? Once she lets go her whole world opens up.

Jill Shalvis writes keepers. The chemistry between the characters burns up every page. The secondary characters add such depth to an already knock out book.

In this curious autobiiography, Anthony Trollope sketches in the outlines of his life. He relates the misery of his childhood, the heroism of his mother, the tragedy and ultimate failure of his father. If not banal, at least typical material for an autobiography, and makes for good reading. The second two-thirds of the book summarizes his writings, and relate his ideas on everything from literary criticism to suggestions for young writers. Perhaps most interesting are his assessments of his own work, praising or condemning them with little emotion. Of course there is the famous analysis of his working methods, where he counts words and disciplines himself to an astonishingly regular routine of writing. He produced 47 novels, edited and wrote for magazines, all the while working full time for the post office. One distressing feature of this work is the almost complete lack of intormation about his wife and family....It is clear that he lived with and loved his fictional characters more than his corporeal family. Also, the grammar and punctuation are often awkward but this is still a highly readable and fascinating book.

If one has read a number of Trollope's novels, one would expect that Trollope would have written precisely this sort of autobiography. In fact, it is almost impossible to imagine it having taken any other form.

Trollope writes not so much of his life (though he does touch upon the major events), as of his occupation. Although employed most of his adult life by the postal service, Trollope decided to engage in a second and parallel career as a writer. He is forthright about his motives: the satisfaction of writing, but also fame, financial reward, and social standing. Looking back on his career, Trollope is proud of a job well done. The oddity is that he seems quite as happy telling us about how much he sold each work for, and the financial dealings with his publishers, as he does about his books and characters. In fact, near the end of the book he gives a complete list of his novels and how much he managed to sell each one for (with very few exceptions, he preferred to sell the rights to a novel, rather than getting a percentage of sales). What emerges is a portrait of the novelist not as an artist so much as a dedicated, disciplined craftsman. He explicitly denigrates the value of genius and creativity in a novelist in favor of hard work and keeping to a schedule of writing.

The early sections of the book dealing with his childhood are fascinating. By all measures, Trollope had a bad childhood. His discussions of his father are full of pathos and sadness. What is especially shocking is the lack of credit he gives to his mother, who, in early middle age, realizing that her husband was a perpetual financial failure, decided to salvage the family's fortunes by becoming a novelist. He notes that while nursing several children dying from consumption, she wrote a huge succession of books, enabling the family to live a greatly improved mode of existence. Her achievement must strike an outside observer as an incredibly heroic undertaking. Trollope seems scarcely impressed.

Some of the more interesting parts of the book are his evaluation of the work of many of his contemporaries. History has not agreed completely with all of his assessments. For instance, he rates Thackery as the greatest novelist of his generation, and HENRY ESMOND as the greatest novel in the language. HENRY ESMOND is still somewhat read, but it hardly receives the kind of regard that Trollope heaped on it, and it is certainly not as highly regarded as VANITY FAIR. Trollope's remarks on George Eliot are, however, far closer to general opinion. His remarks concerning Dickens, are, however, bizarre. It is obvious that Trollope really dislikes him, even while grudgingly offering some compliments. Quite perceptively, Trollope remarks that Dickens's famous characters are not lifelike or human (anticipating E. M. Forster's assessment that Dickens's characters are "flat" rather than "round" like those of Tolstoy or Austen) and that Dickens's famous pathos is artificial and inhuman (anticipating Oscar Wilde's wonderful witticism that "It would take a man with a heart of stone to cry at the death of Little Nell"). Even the most avid fan of Dickens would admit that his characters, while enormously vivid and well drawn, are nonetheless a bit cartoonish, and that much of the pathos is a tad over the top. But Trollope goes on to attack Dickens's prose: "Of Dickens's style it is impossible to speak in praise. It is jerky, ungrammatical, and created by himself in defiance of rules . . . . To readers who have taught themselves to regard language, it must therefore be unpleasant." If one had not read Dickens, after reading Trollope on Dickens, one would wonder why anyone bothered to read him at all. One wonders if some of Trollope's problems with Dickens was professional jealousy. For whatever reason, he clearly believes that Dickens receives far more than his due.

Favorite moment: Trollope recounts being in a club working on the novel that turned into THE LAST CHRONICLE OF BARSET, when he overheard two clergymen discussing his novels, unaware that he was sitting near them. One of them complained of the continual reappearance of several characters in the Barsetshire series, in particular Mrs. Proudie. Trollope then introduces himself, apologizes for the reappearing Mrs. Proudie, and promises, "I will go home and kill her before the week is over." Which, he says, he proceeded to do.

you should consider reading this too! Trollope writes candidly about his education (and about being a poor, mostly overlooked student), his lack of professional ambition (and how he finally got around to witing his first novel),and the ups and downs of his literary career (and his early rejections). He does all of this in the same conversational tone employed in his novels, making this autobiography feel more like a chat with an older, experienced friend than a learned, classic autobiography

Redolent of the Victorian Age, and beautifully written. Some of the amusement comes precisely from his occasional pedantic preaching of Victorian virtues. He is capable of being self-critical. If elsewhere he is self-satisfied, he has much to be self-satisfied about. A man who from the most unpromising beginning came to live life to the full.