Maine Books

Edward Ives became interested in a ballad entitled "The Plain Golden Band." It was a popular ballad in the northeast and Canada's maritime provinces. Ives began hearing stories about the song's writer, and he began a research project to find out more information on Joe Scott. What's remarkable about this book is that Scott had died long before Ives had met him and Scott wasn't particularly famous. Consequently, Ives used oral history interviews and folklore study to discover a wealth of information about Joe Scott. This biography is such a vivid portrait of the singer that I felt that I had met him personally after reading this wonderful book.

This book is one of the best biographies of a musician that I have ever read. What is especially interesting, is that the musician was virtually unknown, and I have never even heard any of this musician's works. Yet, I came away from this book with a profound appreciation for Joe Scott and an even deeper appreciation for Edward Ives's writing abilities. Ives uses fieldwork techniques from folklore studies and oral history research to develop a life-history of Joe Scott, a ballad-maker and ballad-singer who was previously known only for penning a tune known only within a small northeastern region. Ives completes thorough research on Scott's life, pulling together information from obscure sources and from the commonplaces of local memory. He develops an in-depth biography in which he places Scott's musical creativity within the context of an interesting life. Ives not only demonstrates ways to glean fascinating insights from snippets of information but he also provides an incredibly interesting presentation of the results of his finding and conclusions. His conclusions about artistry, poetry, and creativity are intriguingm, and they are backed by credible and well-reasoned arguments. Ives is a first-rate writer, and the story that he tells about Joe Scott is reads like a first-rate novel.

This is a beautiful book. The pages are heavy, the type clear, and the pictures are very high quality. I was impressed at the quality of the book for the price. For those interested in sailing and wooden boats in particular this book is a feast for the eyes. The plans of Joel's boats which constitute the 2nd half of the book are wonderful - the best I have seen for this type of book. The text of the book while interesting is not as engaging but that is more than made up by the incredible pictures and plans. If only we could convince the authors and photographer to do a similar book on Olin Stephens. I recommend this book.

This is really a beautiful book that celebrates the life of boatbuilder, designer and ardent sailor Joel White. There's lots of color photography of the boats that he designed set against the scenic coast of Maine. All the photography was taken by Benjamin Mendlowitz, one of the very best marine photographers ever, IMO. There are sail plans and construction plans for each design, as well as technical analyses. It's important to know that the authors and photographer were good friends and sailing partners with White and provide a very intimate and readable portrait of a talented, special man. If you're into wooden boats and beautiful photography I can highly recommend this book.

This book is one of two put out by former Maine columnist Marjorie Standish. Her recipes are easy, delicious and typical of a chef who knows what the "crowd" likes. I give these two books (Cooking Down East) as gifts to those who truly care about what they serve :)

Marjorie Standish Cook Books are wonderful cook books for everyday food. She uses ingredients which would be commonly found in many home pantries or the corner supermarket. Her instructions are easy to follow for the novice cook and produce wonderful results. I have used her first cook book COOKING DOWN EAST for many years, and the purchase of these cook books are for another generation of budding cooks!

First of all--this book was recommended to me--thank you!

I am taking a line from the introduction of this book for the title of this review. In this book, this line refers to the words of Abraham Lincoln, in praise, of the women of the United States during the Civil War.

This booklet is a tribute. Well written and informative, I have learned more in these pages than I ever have in hours in the classroom. I would like to thank the authors of this book. I will look forward to reading any future works by the Libby/Novak team.

To the person who recommended this book to me--thank you!

The title for my review is taken from a line in the introduction of this book. The line in the introduction refers to a statement made by A. Lincoln. He was referring to the nurses of the Civil War. I use this line because the entire booklet is a tribute.

I was able to learn more from these pages than from hours in a classroom. The authors have a definite flair for writing interesting and informative material. I will be excited to read future works by the MacCaskill/Novak writing team.

Devour these poems. Lick the juices off your fingers and smack your lips in satisfaction. Praise this poet who teases every sense with her delectable rendering of the intimate landscape of the vegetable. Claudia Manz creates a garden of lines that vibrate and burst. These poems are clearly written by a culinary artist with a profound understanding of vegetables, from their origins to their colors to their sizzle in a hot wok.

*Stephanie Heit, teacher, dancer, author of Quiet Anatomy

In The Last One Eaten, Claudia Manz does for the common turnip what Sophia Loren did for pasta, give it phenomenal shape and bring it gloriously to life. She lifts even the most disreputable vegetables into the light, narrating their histories with humor, lyricism and unexpected passion. Manz casts such a deft and lovely spell, you will find yourself dreaming of these lush and leafy poems long after the book has ended.

*Max Regan, teacher, author of Faithless, All*s Faire, and Harbour

Never before have vegetables been so seductive and evocative. Through the poetry of Claudia Manz, I was led into a secret world where the histories, culture, and desires of vegetables were revealed. I was enlightened, educated, and entertained. I recommend this book.

*Nancy Curtis, Founder of High Plains Press, Co-editor, Crazy Woman Creek

Who would have thought it? Learn about your favorite vegetables and read beautiful, lyric poems about them. Rich and sensous writing enfuses these poems with a lustrous feeling about the physical world. For all who want a journey down a rarely traveled path, I wholeheartedly endorse this excellent book. I can't wait to read more from this talented poet.

The book was excellent! You have got to read it! It had an awsome plot and great characters in it! I loved the author and can't wait to read another one of her books!

It was an awsome book that you've gotta read

This book is about two hundred +/- written pages. If you had hunted as a kid like I had, or If you didn't have much of a father son relationship, or if you are just wanting to read a feel good book. This is the book for you. As you read this book so many thoughts go through your head. Like the time I see Grey Ghost or just the envy of the relationship of a father son, or the laughing so hard at reading of one chasing and whipping a bull moose through the Maine woods. You will be reading this book and the next thought you will realize that it has taken you into the Maine woods. This book was written so that everyone will enjoy it. As you read the last page of this book, you will have the same sad feelings that I had, this adventure is over. My only hope is this father son team will share somemore of their adventures. I'm sure when life gets me down and I need to get away. This book will be read again.

This book was excellent! Even though I am not a hunter I think that anybody that grew up in Maine - or even New England should read it at some point. It is filled with tradition and will leave you wanting to be with family. I recommend this to anybody that has ever had an interest in the Maine woods.

Jimmy was a clam digger from Maine who joined the Military before Pearl Harbor and was present on December 7th, 1941. This is a story of a man who suffered and the love of his family. He experienced extreme medical problems from Malaria and overwhelming bouts of depression. The account of Jimmy's life is sad, but uplifting. This father had faith like we all wish we could have.

'Love Jimmy: A Main Veterans Longest Battle' is a true love story; the story of the love a daughter has for her father. As you read, your tears will swell then dry up, and a smile will crease your face - all for the love of a family.

Ms. Osier writes a very touching, heartwarming story. This is one you will want to read.

Reviewed by award-winning author, Bobby Ruble, author of Have No Mercy and co-author with wife, Kam, of Black Rosebud: Have No Mercy II.

"If you hear a book described as a memoir, and think "Mommy, Dearest" and groan, you are in for a pleasant surprise. "Love, Jimmy: A Maine Veteran's Longest Battle" by Nina M. Osier is not a sarcastic book written for revenge. Rather, it is a lovingly detailed book about the author's father who came home from battle in World War Two only to battle depression for the rest of his life. Set in the town of Friendship on the coast of Maine, the book tells the life of a clam digger struggling to make ends meet. And yet, this is not a book of sorrow for a wasted life. It is a celebration of the man, exactly as he was. The riches forged of that life live on, in the talented author, Nina M. Osier. Well worth the read."

I thought I knew all the trails!
Buy this book if you have any intention of ever riding a bike in Maine.
This is coming from a guy who thought he would be able to write such a book.
Seriously worth it, they offer great detail about specific times of year and how it can effect trail conditions, clear directions, great maps, and local policies.
See you at Katahdin!

Usually these types of books are about as fun to read as the phonebook; a maze of cookbook directions and boring narrative. Mountain Bike! Maine is an effective guide to riding which will please anyone who loves to ride and wants to explore the diverse trails of Maine. The authors have thoroughly researched each ride and done a great job of cutting away the fat and leaving in the spice. Each trail description includes helpful information and history on the area in addition to accurate directions. I've lived in Maine for 20 years and practically every ride was new to me. From gearhead to mudbuster and nature lover to history buff, I recommend this guide as a great way to put some fun into your riding!

Excellent book for the railroad buff.Easy communication and fast shipping.

If you want to see older pictures of the Maine Central as it used to be this is your book. Not only does it have great color photos of MEC, but it has interesting info about the trains and the areas in which they traveled.

If you remember the Maine Central in it's old Green and Gold, Marron and Gold, or Harvest Yellow and Green this is something you need to look at. It brought me back to those days when my father took me to the train yards to watch the trains leave for there many diffrent destination.

Get this book and you won't be disapointed.