Kentucky Books

This book should be requried reading for all people of faith in the US - we need to understand the history of the church's complicity in slavery to make sure something like this doesn't happen again.

Shattuck's work is a helpful historical overview as one seeks to understand the Episcopal Church's dealings with race. Unfortunately, his overwhelming desire to critique the Episcopal Church leaves this work unbalanced, uncharitable, and at times imprecise.

Shattuck seems to operate out of the assumption that in the history of the Episcopal Church, all white individuals were either racist or 'paternalist.' Shattuck uses the word 'paternalist' an astonishing number of times through the book, typically two to three times per page. His overuse of this word rapidly flattens out all sorts of more subtle distinctions that could be made about the diverse attitudes of individual white Episcopalians through the centuries.

Shattuck seems to have an overriding desire to point out the inadequacies of all white efforts at racial equality instead of highlighting those moments where individuals, either black or white, pushed back against the dominant racist culture in courageous ways. Attending to the former without the latter results in a narrative that feels unbalanced and, therefore, incomplete.

This work fills a gaping whole in the published histories of the Episcopal Church. Unfortunately, the author's passion for polemics hurts the overall product.

This thoroughly researched volume is much needed. Clearly written and well documented, Shattuck's book provides an excellent overview of the history of Episcopalians and race. This book helpfully points the way to possibilities for further research in this important area: the involvement of mainline denominations in race relations and social change. Highly recommended.

Another comfortable, fast read and engaging novel by Mr. Embry. One reading this will, in all likelihood, see someone that they know in one or two of the characters. Hard to put down.

Michael Embry has crafted a nice, easy read with Foolish is the Heart. His protagonist, Brandon Wilkes, is the kind of person most all of us would like to emulate---but we often are tied up too much in ourselves to make that happen. I like the sudden twists that Embry skillfully integrates into the novel, and his characters are easily recognizable in my daily life. Embry has made a nifty transition in his career from a non-fiction writer to a novelist, and readers will be looking forward to more from him.

Foolish is the Heart has plots and subplots that keep you guessing. The characters come alive and their depth identifies them as real people you could love, hate or even hit a few times. There are tender romantic moments contrasted with maddening, frightening moments as a stalker sets a trap. You will find yourself quickly turning the pages to get to the next chapter to see who or what pops up in this world of a professional sportswriter who has fallen out of love with sports and is looking for a deeper meaning to his life.

Cleo Roberson

Take a boy and make him a killer. Take some killers and put them in Kentucky. With land ahead of them inadequately defended by their American owners, the Yankee invaders knew it could be stolen. The author has written an exciting crime adventure novel that glorifies the Yankee theft of American lands. If you don't mind the good guys made to look bad for defending their land, and the racist, violent colonialism of the Yankees who ended up defeating the American landowners - killing them, and stealing their land, then you'll like this story's fast-moving plot.

Doing Homeland Security since 1492, the Americans have their hands full with Yankee invaders from the East - especially a team of five young men led by Henry Ware. These five wetbacks are called "forest runners", although they do swim across rivers in addition to running the trails.

The setting is Kain-tuck-ee "Dark and Dangerous Ground" and the Ohio River Valley about 200 years ago. The Yankees along the East Coast colonies are in rebellion to the government, which is headquartered in London, England. So when the Yankees violate treaties that the Americans have made with the British Empire and invade Kain-tuck-ee, the Americans under the Shawnee government of Red Eagle try to defend themselves against the illegal aliens.

The five immigrants led by Henry Ware baffle the American forces who try to defend the Appalachian border between Yankees and Americans. Two Yankee invaders, Paul Cotter and Henry Ware, are bringing arms and supplies to a Yankee outpost in American territory when Paul is captured by the Americans. Paul does a jail-break thanks to Henry, who has learned that the American authorities ("Indian League") is preparing to repel a Yankee invasion during winter.

The five immigrants go to the American villages and spy on them. Henry disquises himself as a Shawnee American and intercepts American war communications. Bringing those communications to the Miami Americans in Southern Ohio, they are discovered by Braxton Wyatt, a Tory Yankee on the side of the British government. The Americans have no quarrel with the British, just the Yankee invaders.

The five Yankee spies spend the winter hiding out on a "haunted" island in the middle of a lake, which is really an American burial ground. They survive the winter using many interesting survivalist techniques. And in the Spring they go back to the immigrant invaders and help them against the American authorities and the British government.

The heroes in this story are clearly the Yankee invaders. The American characters and British characters are stock characters, not developed. The villain is a violent Yankee turned Tory. Ultimately the Americans fail against the invaders.

Today, the American names are still with us - Ohio, Kentucky, Erie, Miami. But the American are gone. Where are the Miami today? The Erie? In a space of less than 200 years, they have vanished at the hands of the Yankee invaders, who the author glorifies in his book. And we wonder why the Yanks have no problem invading Afghanistan and Iraq today - it's what they do, it's what they've always done. Just ask a genuine American.

I have tried to inform Amazon three times that the reviews and links of this book to Visconti's book are in error.

The two boys, Henry Ware, and Paul Cotter, set out to carry powder from one settlement to another. They are attacked by Indians, and Paul is captured and taken to an Indian village. One of the scouts disguises as an Indian and rescues Paul. The book ends with a great battle between the Indians and a wagon train of pioneers.

Your review of Gallagher's book on the Battle of Fredericksburg has the date wrong. It was fought on Dec. 13, 1862, not 1863.

In collaboration with the University of North Carolina Press, Gary Gallagher has produced an amazingly insightful series of anthologies on various aspects of the American Civil War. This collection is one of the best. Its value is nicely summed up by a comment in the Introduction (p. xi): "Far from exhausted topics open only to increasingly minute dissection of tactical movements, the activities of Union and Confederate armies invite serious scrutiny by historians interested in a range of issues." Thank goodness that this new and refreshing way of examining the Civil War is moving us beyond an earlier romanticized guns-'n-glory focus.

All of the essays in The Fredericksburg Campaign are quite good. But for my money, the three best ones--and the ones that dramatically represent the new approach championed by Gallagher--are written by George Rable, William Blair, and Gallagher himself. All three might be seen as trying to make sense of that odd cry of exultation attributed to Lee after the massacre at Marye's Heights: "It is well that war is so terrible! We should grow too fond of it!"

Rable reminds us that the carnage from the vantage point of the soldier on the ground was nothing to crow about, and that even a momentary battlefield thrill is far outshadowed by the terrible reality of slaughtered men, wounds, amputations, sepsis, psychological trauma, and shattered morale.

Blair's essay, which deals with the effects of the shelling and routing of their town on Fredericksburg civilians, brings home the lesson that neither is there nothing in war to grow fond of from the noncombatant's perspective. Too often, military historians tend to overlook what today is fashionably referred to as "collateral damage." But in the Civil War, and especially in Virginia, civilians suffered horribly during and for years after the war.

Finally, Gallagher's essay points out that the famous Lee quote needs to be taken in context. Lee himself seems to have been extremely depressed by the Fredericksburg battle. The slaughter of Federal troops stopped the drive to Richmond, but it really gained the Confederacy (in Lee's estimation) no strategic advantage, and it hazarded artificially elevating Confederate self-confidence. Interestingly, Gallagher points out that Lee felt similarly about Chancellorsville: a "victory" that ultimately brought no advantage to the South.

All in all, an excellent collection of essays. Highly recommended.

A great collection of essays by those historians most familiar with the Battle of Fredericksburg. Burnsides excellent biographer, Wiliam Marvel, writes a very balanced essay on Burnside and his high command that was still full of McClellan political generals and some that were inept. Burnside shares blame for failed opportunities but was primarily let down by Franklin who proved to be incapable or neglectful in providing a strong attack on the Confederate right that was necessary to attack the heights of the town on the confederate left. The objective critic of Lee, Alan Nolan, writes an essay substantiating why this battle was Lee's greatest and how Longstreet was so capable that his great critic Douglas Freeman had to praise him. A. William Greene who spent many years with the park service at Fredericksburg (he's now at the new Pamplin Civil War Museum in Petersburg) writes of Burnside's last and lost attempt at continuing the campaign, the mud march. Difficult in bad weather but made worse by the political generals who contributed willingly to his failure. The other essays contribute to the realities of war, the carnage and the effect on Civilians and how the virtually destroyed Pennyslvania Division were later to shout "Remember Fredericksburg" at Gettysburg.

Most gardening books are written for the wonderful British climate. The extremes of the Midwest make for a different approach. The info in this book addresses these differences in climate and also varieties of plants that will do well. I was so glad to find this book.

I live in Kentucky and have found this book to be an excellent source for tips on how to better your gardening skills in the Lower Midwest part of the country. A must for all Kentucky gardeners! Doug Wedding

This is a "must own" for every newer gardener in the lower midwest states, i.e., Kentucky, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio. Even seasoned veterans will appreciate the information provided in this book. Originally, I had planned to use the library's copy, but when I started to bookmark every page, I realized that purchasing my own copy was the only reasonable and considerate option. Ms. Heilenman shares her hands-on experiences without flinching at the sometimes harsh realities of the weather, and she describes the plants that grow well, as well as those that have failed. Her dry humor, for example when noting her personnal failure with a plant that her colleges seem to grow with ease, is amusing. The book has only a few photographs (they are in color), but it did not deter me from making use of her advice. This is, as far as I know, one of the very first midwest regional gardening books, and it is still, in my opinion, one of the very best. The contents are straight forward, practical, and emanently readable. And considering the pricetag you can't do better!

I was particularly interested in reading about Confederate General Jo Shelby as my great-grandfather fought under him during the Civil War, serving in Co. A, Elliott's Battalion,
Shelby's Brigade. The book was fairly informative, but relied too heavily on the writings of Major Edwards, Shelby's Aide, who was not always objective, and given to hyperbole.
All-in-all though, it was enjoyable reading and gave me a lot of information about the man my ancestor served under.
I am in the process of visiting the battlegrounds where Shelby campaigned and this book will help in visualizing the various battles.

Many commanders, both North and South, thought Jo Shelby to be the best cavalry general of the South. From the black plume he wore in his cap to the large sorrel horses he rode (after getting three shot from under him at Cane Hill, Arkansas, he superstitiously would only ride sorrels) to his daring tactics, Shelby struck an heroic figure. A successful businessman in Missouri before the war and a prominent slaveholder, he raised a three-regiment cavalry brigade in 1862, taught it western fighting tactics, and conducted a number of raids in Missouri and Arkansas for the rest of the war. A real thorn in the side of Union leaders, Shelby's "Iron Brigade" inflicted much damage in raids all along the western border region. Most distinguished were his operations in Sterling Price's raid into Missouri in the fall of 1864, especially at Glasgow and Sedalia (both of which he captured), Waverly, and Westport. When the war ended, he refused to surrender, and simply took his men to Mexico to fight for Maximillian. But after Maximillian was killed in 1866, Shelby returned to Missouri. His popularity only increased in the hero-hungry post-war South, which was bolstered further after he appeared as a defense witness in the trial of the James brothers, who had ridden with him during the war. He died in 1897, and his funeral was the second largest in the post-war South for a Confederate leader, after only Jeff Davis's.

O'Flaherty's approach is that of a popular, rather than an academic, historian. So much conversational dialogue is included that sometimes the book reads more like a novel than a biography. At times he over-quotes sources: for example, he includes the complete transcript of an interview that appeared in the Kansas City "Journal" with Shelby just before the James Boys trial. It's interesting, but could have been abridged. His purpose, though, seems to be to present Shelby as a hero in the Sir Walter Scott mold: brave, loyal to a cause, fair and democratic, tough on the battlefield, concerned with the welfare of his charges. In this he succeeds admirably. [This is a reprint of the original 1954 edition.]

Gen. Shelby did remarkable things with his small command. His genius was unappreciated due to Jefferson Davis' myopic pre-occupation with west point pedigrees instead of ability and results. A Southerner can only sigh at the lost opportunity, if Shelby had been given command of command of the Army of the Trans-Mississippi instead of Theophilus Holmes.
This is a very readable volume about the greatest Confederate cavalryman in the war who led several different lives. About a half of it covers the war, another 1/4th the Mexico adventure, and the remaining 1/4 are split between his growing up and the post-Mexico (1868-97)years.
It features vivid descriptions of many battles in MO and AR, as well as the tale of his expedition to Mexico after the war. The details of his tactics at the Battle of Cane Hill, which he used repeatedly after that is fascinating. The author's style is a bit colorful and folksy, sorta like you're there talking to him. If you demand that your history read like a textbook that may spook you off, but if it doesn't it's a wonderful bio about a neglected figure

This book compiles "deathlore" in the isolated Pennyroyal region in south central Kentucky. It covers death omens, funeral customs and ghost stories and interactions with the spirit world. These stories are all first hand accounts compiled by the author and students of his at Western Kentucky University that were taken in the mostly taken down in the 1960's although most of these stories go much farther back than that. As an academic study on folk beliefs this was worth reading although as far as pure entertainment value I was disappointed.

I believe in omens. They are a carry over from the pagan beliefs of the British Isles but they are very personal and can often seem silly when being recounted to an outside party.

I believe in the supernatural, hauntings, ghosts or whatever you want to call this phenomenom but I also accept that in most cases people are just wrong and there is a "logical" explanation for what is happening. Also people exagerate to make the story sound better. Which is often made even worse when these stories are often told in second, third, fourth, etc person on down the line form and each person telling the story just adds more to make the story a little more entertaining. Besides that the stories are often lies from the very beginning.

Ghosts Along the Cumberland was an excellent book.It was very informative about many old traditions and folklore in Kentucky.I am from Kentucky and some of these practices and beleifs are still used today,mainly by the older people.I first read this book when i was very young and it has some really great ghost stories not to mention the history and the culture of people from this area.This is a great book for anyone who just likes a good scary ghost story or someone who has an interest in the history and culture of the people of Southern and Eastern Kentucky.I whole-heartedly recommend this book for just a campfire ghost story to someone doing research on these regions of Kentucky.

This book uses first-hand interviews and anecdotes to paint a picture of the superstitious and imaginative nature of rural America, particularly that part of America which has not been touched or moved to any great degree by the hand of progress or industrialization. This is excellent bedtime reading, full of bizarre and strangely disturbing images, like scenes from a half-remembered dream, premonitions and warnings from beyond this world. A well-organized text makes this a fun and informative read, perfect for anyone with a love of American folklore and a good ghost story. Highly recommended

Susan Shaw has done a great job of presenting the attitudes of women who are/were part of
the Southern Baptist Convention. Her extensive use of direct quotes, her selection
of photographs, and her summary statements create for this particular group of
women a picture of what we have experienced. It is positive, and not a whining, "poor me"
kind of presentation. I'm grateful that it is available.

This captivating book offers an insider's look at Southern Baptist women within southern culture. The theme of "soul competency" is thoughtfully explored through the eyes and experiences of many different women with a unifying result. "God Speaks to Us, Too" is both funny and provocative. The notion of being "raised right" is a humorous vein that runs throughout the book. From the "we speak in code" acronyms of WMU, RAs, GAs, BYPU, and others, to the carefully directed activities of coronation ceremonies and sword drills, this book is very funny indeed. And all is presented amidst the backdrop of the denomination's greatest crisis to date--the fundamentalist takeover of the convention in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This power struggle within the hierarchy, and the effect it had on the denomination and institutions of higher learning associated with it, directly influenced the lives of many different women. This is the continuing story of these women, their struggles, and their triumphs. This book will appeal to all women acquainted with the Southern Baptist tradition, and will enlighten those not familiar with this way of life. Well done, Susan Shaw!

This is a "must read" for every person ever associated with the Southern Baptist Convention. Or for anyone supporting those who grieve the losses that gender discrimination has created for women who have lived the story.

Shaw speaks with authority, laced with immense sensitivity!

While no longer a Southern Baptist, despite two decades working for it's various mission boards, I was honored to be allowed to tell some of my story. As one of the older participants, the book raises many memories and emotions for me. Yet I feel connected to so many of the other women who have struggled painfully with the identity crisis and personal losses created by fearful men who have manipulated the system and scripture in order to preserve power and privilege.

I beg to differ with one of the original descriptions of this book: After hearing far too many stories of collusion with clergy sexual abuse and other forms of oppression in the SBC, I no longer respect the leaders; and long ago, I ceased to be influenced by them.

However, thanks to Susan Shaw, parts of our individual stories, as well as the very important collective story, will live on. It needs to be told so that the next generation--both male AND female--will realize that they have many options, as well as obligations for accountability, whether they choose to stay or to leave this "established church of the South."

Dee Ann Miller
www.takecourage.org

jeff sheppard is one of my fav players of all time and after i had read this book i like him even more.I laughed i cryed i was totally moved. But i might be a little partial since he used to live right down the street from me.

Jeff Sheppard is the epitomy of Kentucky basketball. This is another "must read" for anyone who follows the mighty wildcats from the bluegrass state. Go deep inside the heart and soul of this year's "Comeback Cats".

My name is Amber. Jeff Sheppard is a HUGE inspiration to me. His book is just mixed emotions to me. It touched me. Deeply. Being his BIGGEST FAN, it truely inspires me. He truely does have a heart of a champion, and now he has inspired me to dig deeper. I am a basketball player and also have the number 15. He is such an inspiration. I would love to meet him and tell him how much he and his wonderful book has inspired me. Jeff, if you ever read this, you and your book are touching and mean so much to me and my basketball career since i first heard of you. Even me starting out as a sophomore in hs and playing basketball all my life, you and your book are truely my lifetime idol and inspiration.

This book goes into detail regarding the infancy of the NFL! It brings several previously forgotten teams to life again! I must for the NFL fan!

I bought the book because my grandfather, Lingel Winters, was a coach for the Ironton (Ohio) Tanks, a centerpiece team in the book and during the subject era. Even though Mr. Becker didn't spell my grandfather's name correctly, the book satisfied my curiosity about the team and his role on the Tanks.
Mr. Becker could have used a more vigorous editor. There are numerous run-ons and convoluted sentences that could have been shorter. That alone would have trimmed two dozen pages and made it a faster read.
Also would have preferred if footnotes within the chapters to avoid flipping to the endnotes to see the many cited references. In all an interesting read for fans of history and football.

Buy it now! Deserves Pulitzer Prize