Maryland Books

Maryland is a diverse state, locally referred to as Little America, for having every geographical terrain in the United States outside Deserts. Now in a newly updated second edition "Hiking, Cycling, & Canoeing in Maryland: A Family Guide" by Bryan MacKay is a thoroughly 'user friendly' guide to taking advantage of this vast and beautiful array of nature available in a small area. Covering over twenty hikes, sixteen cycling paths, and nearly twenty rivers worth considering to canoe, "Hiking, Cycling, & Canoeing in Maryland" is a must for any outdoors lover who is either living in or planning to visit the state.

At last a perfect guide for hiking and biking in Maryland! I don't have children but found this book to be a great resource for the short hikes and bike trips I enjoy with my husband. We went to the Cranesville swamp and had a difficult time finding information. This guide had the trails, directions, and plenty of interesting info on the natural history and ecology of the sites. I have used it for two of the other sites and have dogged-eared several more. I find it to be the perfect companion.

From the standpoint of a cyclist who doesn't live near Baltimore, this book is no help at all. It offers a description of 16 bike rides, most of them near Baltimore or Anne Arundel county, and a few rides in Pennsylvania and Virginia. This may be helpful for anyone near the city, but I feel calling it a guide for Maryland is misleading.....However, their descriptions do go into great detail about directions, what kind of traffic you can expect, and the wildlife you may encounter. There are about 10 pages for each trail described.

If you're looking for good biking near the city then I highly recommend this book.....

I first purchased this book a few years ago and have used it so often that I may have to invest in a new copy. As a lifelong outdoor enthusiast and Marylander, I was surprised at how many little known gems Mr. MacKay packed into this one book. The trip descriptions are accurate and complete; directions are easy to understand; and the natural history info is authoritative, sharply observed, and truly fascinating. It's the best Maryland guidebook of its kind. Thank you Mr. MacKay. I've recommended it to so many new paddlers, cyclists, hikers, and out-of-towners that I should probably get a commission...

This book helped me get through what could have been a messy divorce. Thanks to their advice, I was able to get the divorce finalized quickly with a seperation agreement. This book is very thorough and self-explainatory.

I had decided that enough was enough, but was concerned as to whether I could be on my own and still take care of the children. After reading the information provided in this book, I realized that there were legal ways to make my husband help. I was not interested in destroying his life----just taking our children and starting over. Having information that was specific to my state of Virginia gave me the cnfidence I needed to move forward and talk with an attorney.

This is a sure fire way for MD., VA., & DC residents to learn how to file their own divorce cases. If you don't have a phone, you may not have a lawyer, but if you can read and follow instructions and you have the cost of this book, you can, if certain requirements are met, be your own lawyer and lean to obtain your own uncontested divorce.

Feel free to look through this book to learn the basic concepts that you'll need to know if you're going through a divorce, but do _not_ rely on this book alone without consulting an expert, _even_ if your divorce is simple and uncontested.

One of the most important things that this book provides is sample documents for filing in the various jurisdictions. However, it does not do that well.

I attempted to use the sample "Bill of Complaint" to file in Virginia. However, I found out _after_ I got to court that the sample form is completely inadequate. It fails to make key requests, such as that the Court grant a divorce, and that the Court merge a settlement agreement into the Divorce Decree. Fortunately, the Court Clerk was kind enough to point this out to me so I could redo my papers.

My advice to the do-it-yourselfer: Instead of buying this book, go to your local Courthouse, request to see other divorce files (which are all public records, by the way), and look at enough examples until you are comfortable enough to do your own. There's no shame in copying language from a lawyer's filings in a substantially similar case.

I read this book when I was 12 or so (1967) and really enjoyed it. I am anxious to read it as an adult and see if it is as good as I remember. Back then, I recall that it made me really want to go to the Maryland's Chesapeake Bay. Haven't made it yet, but still want to go.

The author's fictionalized autobiography tells of his childhood days growing up along the banks of the Chester River on Maryland's Eastern Shore. The book has been in print since 1957 and still offers the reader a flavor of life in rural America before World War I. Byron writes in the vernacular of a 9 or 10 year old and the book has been compared to Huckleberry Finn. It is an easy read,and the language is deceptively simple. Each chapter can stand alone as an independent short story, but collectively they provide and interesting view of an average family struggling to make do: "We were poor and didn't know it."

This modest book describes much more accurately the life and times that visitors to the Eastern Shore seek than do more commercially succesful writers such as Michiner and Barth.

Eastern Shore, please, with a capital E and a capital S. Gilbert Byron grew up in Chestertown on the banks of the Chester River in Kent County on Maryland's Eastern Shore in the first decades of the 1900s. Now, that century is coming to a close. But, Gilbert Byron's books about this part of the world - insulated, isolated in another time -will live forever. This work is not just for children. Adults will enjoy it, too. My father was a friend of Gilbert's growing up. And I knew Gilbert Byron well as editor of the Kent County News. He kept writing to the end living in a cabin he built himself on San Domingo Creek near St. Michaels on the Eastern Shore. By the way, he also was instrumental in sending Harold Baines to the major leagues, thanks to Bill Veeck. But, that is another whole story. Enough. Read The Lord's Oysters. Read Chesapeake Duke and fall in love with Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. Read Mr. Byron's poetry, especially These Chesapeake Men. If you want to know the Chesapeake and The Shore read Gilbert Byron.

This book was given to me for Christmas and I read it before New Years! It has been compared to Huck. Finn, And rightfully so. The story of a young Noah and his adventures on the Eastern Shore of Maryland is very realistic. It is also informative to older folks who may not realize that across the bay from Baltimore & DC there was a little piece of America still holding strong to God, Truth, Innosence, and ofcourse the mighty Blue Crab!---And you know what? there still is!!!

Mark Reutter has done extensive research to create a very readable history of the rise and eventual fall of the American steel industry. The powerful, ultra-rich lifestyles of the moguls are contrasted with the rank and file laborers who toiled in the Bethlehem Steel company town of Sparrows Point, Maryland. The technical and industrial processes are well presented and the political and social contrasts emerge in a well-told story.

Reporter and business and law editor Mark Reutter presents Making Steel: Sparrows Point And The Rise And Ruin Of American Industrial Might, a historical chronicle of the rise and fall of American steel industry that especially focuses upon what was once the world's largest steel mill at Sparrows Point, Maryland. Scrutinizing the business of steel, its production, daily lives of the workers, and the fallout as corporate leaders elected to enhance their own security and wealth at the expense of employees, community, or innovative technology. A poignant true tale, brought back in a new edition featuring an author's preface, 26 pages of black-and-white photographs, and a telling chapter on Bethlehem Steel's bankruptcy titled "The Discarded American Worker", Making Steel is enthusiastically recommended to economics students and professionals, historians, and lay readers alike.

Reporter and business and law editor Mark Reutter presents Making Steel: Sparrows Point And The Rise And Ruin Of American Industrial Might, a historical chronicle of the rise and fall of American steel industry that especially focuses upon what was once the world's largest steel mill at Sparrows Point, Maryland. Scrutinizing the business of steel, its production, daily lives of the workers, and the fallout as corporate leaders elected to enhance their own security and wealth at the expense of employees, community, or innovative technology. A poignant true tale, brought back in a new edition featuring an author's preface, 26 pages of black-and-white photographs, and a telling chapter on Bethlehem Steel's bankruptcy titled "The Discarded American Worker", Making Steel is enthusiastically recommended to economics students and professionals, historians, and lay readers alike.

The first 350 pages of this book by Mark Reutter were incredibly researched and dogmatically detailed. Cost figures, inane but helpful facts about weights and manufacturing norms were all included. Interviews with those who rememebr the mill from the 1940's and war-era booms had profound effect on the reader. The detailed background to Sparrows Point and to Charles Schwab was particularly unique and helpful, as were the details on figures like Frederick Wood and Dr. Abel Wolman. These crucial storylines create the background for a mill that was very powerful but also very tragic for workers, families and the environment. Meticulous in documentation the reader is provided a visual of factory life for the first 50 years in Maryland. Truly a gem....for the first 350 pages.

Beginning with the period of the 1950's Reutter begin to accelerate his pace notably. Facts are more vague, details fewer to come by, and the years are treated in a flurry of activity that seems to gain more pace the further one reads. The latter part of the book seemed to be determined by other works/authors (i.e "Good to Great" or John Strohmeyer) with less depth and meaning then any of the quoted sources achieved in their works (I read all of them). Ken Iverson of NUCOR fame is treated as a bit of a god-like prodigy, business realities are discarded and the author succombs to compassionate story tales of the union worker and his fate at the hands of "irresponsible and reckless management". Wilbur Ross, though not a choir boy according to anybody, gets unfair trteatment for his conduct in this situation. Also....glaring error/ommission in management history of Bethlehem Steel with Donald Trautlein and early 1980's.....completely misrepresented by author.

Overall I would say it was a good body of information, but as a student of the industrial revolution and Bethlehem Steel in particular, I have no praise for the vague generalizations Reutter inserts as thought in the book's conclusion. As a citizen of a locale near Behtlehem itself, I reject and find fault with Reutter's portrayal of Maryland superiority in steel and management......there is little if any historical evidence to prove this bias. Throughout the book Bethlehem is treated as a fumbling colossus and Maryland the reason for it's success, which is only partly true. This book deserves a much more powerful ending, and more substance to describe such a complex situation/predicament that was created in the reader for 350+ pages. Too much bias, too little business/historical objectivity and too quick and ending for a stellar review.

Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (9/06)

Jordan was raised as an only child by her single mom. She never knew her father or his family. Her maternal grandparents died when she was young. As she grew up she received visitations from them. When she was a young adult, she fell in love with Martin. As their relationship progressed, she began to receive disturbing visions that made her feel that something bad was going to happen. After she became engaged to Martin, he died tragically in front of her. Her gift of being able to receive messages from the afterlife continued with him. Martin would let his presence be known. Occasionally, he left notes for her on her windowsill, like he did when he was alive. Shortly after his death, her mother dies from brain cancer. Jordan continues to receive comforting messages from the other side, however now she is grieving the loss of the two most important people in her life.

As a result of her mother's death, Jordan unexpectedly discovers that she has inherited wealth and she meets family members that she never knew existed. She is comforted by these new people in her life; however, she continues to have difficulty letting go of her grief. She visits with a fortuneteller who gives her guidance on the messages that she is receiving. She tells Jordan that her ability to communicate with those in the afterlife is a gift and not something to be feared. This does help Jordan on her road to recovery. In time, Jordan begins to start a new life. She slowly develops a relationship with a man who she feels a tremendous connection with. Martin's visits let her know that this is what she is meant to be doing and that he is happy for her. Jordan becomes ready to let go and to move to her new world.

"Notes on the Windowsill" is a beautifully written story about love, loss, and the healing that follows. This is more than a paranormal romance. The visits from the other side give me hope that there is more out there beyond this reality. Jordan's innate goodness, in spite of all that she has had to overcome, also sends the reader a strong message in the power of being the best that we can be in spite of our circumstances. I really enjoyed reading this novel because it really touched my heart. "Notes on the Windowsill" would be a great selection for a romance readers group. It would also make a great gift for someone trying to heal from losing someone.

NOTES ON THE WINDOWSILL by Jennifer LB Leese


Jordan Raven had her first ghostly experience at the age of four when her grandfather died. She didn't fully understand the concept of death at that time, but she knew somehow that he was in a better place. Later that night while she slept, her grandfather visited her, she wasn't afraid; in fact she smiled, and welcomed him. Her vision of him was clear; there was a bright purplish white light that surrounded him, and he wore a white suit, so bright that it appeared blue.

He floated towards her with his arms extended, and a smile on his face. When he was just about four feet in front of her, he spoke to her, and the words he said, she would never forget for as long as she lived. "Take care of your mother Jordan. You will face some very difficult moments in your lifetime, but I'm here to tell you that I'll be here for you. I love you." Then he disappeared.

Jordan experienced several other visits from friends and family
members who had "passed on" all appearing in dreams within a few years of each other. Some spoke to her, while others didn't. Those who did speak told her that they were doing well, but the strangest thing of all was, they all repeated what her grandfather had said years ago. "You will have some difficult moments in your lifetime"

When Jorie first met Martin he was a sophomore in college, she was a freshman. He stood out amongst all of the other guys on campus, she remembered the first time that she looked into his emerald green eyes thinking how confident he looked, and friendly. Almost every morning they would arrive in the college parking lot around the same time. He'd look over at her as if he knew she'd be there. He'd smile, and then run off to catch up with his friends. Then one morning he finally gotten up the nerve to approach her and ask her out on a date, she accepted, and from that day on Jordan and Martin became inseparable soul mates!

They fell in love and dated all through college, brought their first house together, and were talking about marriage. Whenever Martin had to leave to go out in the morning's he would leave Jorie a little love note on the windowsill telling her how much he loved her. Everything was right with their world until that tragic night in October.

A night that should have been one of celebration; a night that should have been one of the happiest nights of their lives. Instead it would be the night that turned Jorie's whole world upside down.

In the blink of an eye two lives are changed forever!

Ms. Leese has written a beautiful and haunting love story that draws you in from the first chapter to the last page turned. I can't compliment her enough on a job well done. Her story had me riveted, and eager through my tears to finish yes tears that I could not help but shed in joy as well as sadness. If you are in the mood for a truly touching and heart felt read, then I invite you to read, "Notes on the Windowsill" The best way to describe this story is to say that it's a "Gift" and a testament to love. It deserves a re-read and will be added to my keeper shelf. I look forward to reading more from this talented author!

Charlene Smith © Copyright September 2002--For ParaNormal Romance Reviews

Jordan Raven had grown up with only her mother. She had no idea who her father had been and she always wished for a father's influence. When she enrolled in college she decided to be a psychologist. Her mother told her at age five that she would be good at it because she had the gift of listening to the problems of others.

Since she was a small girl, she had been visited by the ghosts of her grandmother and grandfather. Rather than being frightened she took it in stride. They had been part of her life. She always noticed a young man that parked near her and was surprised when one day he asked her out.

Martin Corbette was amazed at the attraction he felt for Jordon. From the first moment he asked her out he knew she was the one for him. He took her to romantic places and continually had little surprises for her. He would leave her notes on the windowsill for her to find when he wasn't around. But would this love last forever? She kept having dreams of him disappearing.

In NOTES ON THE WINDOWSILL, Jennifer L. B. Leese brings a fascinating story of ghosts visiting from the dead, a fortune teller to explain these happenings, and a search for true happiness. It was a hard book to lay down in the search for the happy ending. Ms. Leese is an very good writer and this book is an excellent choice for those that like the paranormal genre.

NOTES ON THE WINDOWSILL is a paranormal romance that will make you laugh, cry, and think about the many signs and signals around us that we don't always notice.

The characters of the author's creation are real and vivid. The story centers around a young woman named Jordan, the main character, who has lost the love of her life, Martin. Through her days of mourning and trying to heal, she reminisces about their amazing relationship and surreal bond. The intensity of their love was on a higher level than normal relationships, each feeling they were meant to be together, soul mates even. Jordan realizes her many dreams and visions had given her signs about the fateful night Martin died.

Months later she still feels his presence and receives notes on the windowsill, a sweet gesture he began when they moved in together. She isn't sure whether she is going crazy or if her love is trying to tell her something. Through visits to her psychiatrist and a kind fortune-teller, she finds pieces that unravel many of the symbols she ignored. As Jordan tries to move on, she meets a new man who has many similarities to Martin and begins to fulfill a promise, a dream she was meant to fulfill.

Jennifer L. B. Leese paints a very sentimental story that draws you in and haunts you after finishing the story. You feel compassion and sympathy for the trials and tribulations the main character is forced to go through and you are right there with her. I highly recommend NOTES ON THE WINDOWSILL -- a touching love story. You may want to have the Kleenex box nearby as you read.

This is merely an old book scanned and reprinted. Type is compressed and unclear.
Selections are dated, obscure and inferior in quality.
If you love Mencken, buy Chrestomathy, his own collection of his writings.

These are some of Mencken's best essays collated together by an HLM aficionado and scholar, James Farrell. The muckraker/libertarian/critic/journalist/satirist is in top form as he rips into everyone from Teddy Roosevelt to chiropractors, and every institution from the American Legion to democracy in general and American democracy in particular.

Mencken's rich, inimitable stylistic flourishes complement his acerbic, lacerating wit. He criticizes criticism--and criticism of criticism. He takes on the South in the classic "The Sahara of the Bozart"--not ad hominem, but cultural criticism of a bastardized postbellum region, with fair regard for the genteel culture and society of its past. A cynic through and through, Mencken nevertheless displays his ability to appreciate the bright rays peaking through massive gray clouds--Whitman, Conrad, and Twain, among others.

The book is well edited and gives us a wonderful picture of a scribe at the height of his powers--in style and substance.

Mencken helps to keeps me sane. When I can no longer stomach euphemisms, political correctness or the praise of mediocrity, along comes Harry to slay the idleheaded icons of modern American society. He accomplishes the task as effortlessly today as he did in the 1920s. It shows he was either ahead of his time, or things never really change. While those not familiar with Mencken might be unacquainted with some of those harpooned by him, a little research and reading will clear up the unfamiliarity. As for Mencken's style, vocabulary and content, one word describes them: priceless. Prejudices and Mencken's Chrestomathy should be required reading in every school across the nation. This book, like most of his writings, is not for the weak, for those easily offended or those who measure all things with the modern yardstick of self-righteous indignation. These people will be screaming half way into the first page. Keep your generals, kings and the like. If there were one person from the past I could sit with over a schooner of beer it would be the Sage of Baltimore.

I have recently finished "Prejudices," by H.L. Mencken. I knew little of the author, save that which I had gleaned by reading one of his other books ("A Discourse on the Gods," I think it was.) But, after coming away from the Satanic wag's essays, I am inclined to accord him a place in the pantheon right next to Nietzsche, Mark Twain and Socrates. An evil, little man! Acerbic, brilliant, roaringly funny! History buffs will appreciate the insight these essays will give on the values and mores of the Early 20th Century and the light his intelligence throws upon the world around him--and around us today. Because, as it turns out, the greatest accomplishment of this witty court jester, this slayer of phonies and defender of common sense is his talent for uncovering atemporal, universal principles which are as true today as they were a hundred years ago . . . or a thousand! A brilliant work from a glowing mind, the secret thrill in reading it is seeing how little everything has changed and what a short distance we've really come since the Age of Troglodytes.

Genealogist V. L. Skinner, Jr., resumes his transcriptions of 17th-century Maryland probate records with the fourth volume of his series, Abstracts of the Testamentary Proceedings of the Prerogative Court of Maryland. The first volume in the series, released in 2004 and covering the period 1658 to 1674, was transcribed from Libers 1A-1F, 2, 3, and 4A-4C at the Maryland State Archives. Volume II, covering 1670-1674 and based on Libers 5 and 6, overlaps chronologically with the previous book. Volume III spans the period 1675-1677 and 1703-1704, and is based on Libers 7, 8A, 8B, and 9A (1-371). This volume, the fourth in the series, concerns the years 1677-1682 and 1702-1704 and is transcribed from Libers 9A (372-524), 9B, 10, 11, 12A & 12B. Volume V in this series consists of abstracts of Prerogative Court of Maryland records for the period 1682-86, as found in Liber 13 (1 through 432). Volume VI extends to 1686-1689 and 1692-1693 and is based upon Liber 13 (Folios 432-519) 14, 14A & 15A. Volume VII consists of abstracts of the records for the period 1693-1697 and completes Libers 15 and 16.

The Prerogative Court was the focal point for probate in colonial Maryland. All matters of probate went directly to the Prerogative Court, which was located in Annapolis, Maryland's colonial capital. Eventually, administration of probate was delegated to the several county courts; however, many documents related to probate continued to be filed at the Prerogative Court and not in the corresponding county. It should be noted that the Prerogative Court was also the colony's court for equity cases--resolution of disputes over the settlement and distribution of an estate.

Volume IV in this series consists of abstracts of Prerogative Court of Maryland records for the period 1677 to 1682, as well as some inventories for 1702 to 1704. (Beginning in 1674, inventories and accounts were recorded in a separate series.) Mr. Skinner has combed through administration, bond, will, inventory, administration account, and final balance entries to produce this collection. The abstracts are arranged in chronological order by court session. In every instance, they give the names of the principals (testators, heirs, witnesses, administrators, and so forth). In many cases, we also learn the details of bequests, names of slaves, appraisers, and more. In all, what we have here are probate references to over 6,500 17th-century Marylanders whose existence and activities would otherwise remain hidden in some rich but very obscure records.

Genealogist V. L. Skinner, Jr., resumes his transcriptions of 17th-century Maryland probate records with the third volume of his series, Abstracts of the Testamentary Proceedings of the Prerogative Court of Maryland. The first volume in Mr. Skinner's series, released in 2004 and covering the period 1658-1674, is transcribed from Libers 1A-1F, 2, 3, and 4A-4C at the Maryland State Archives. Volume II, covering 1670 to 1674 and based on Libers 5 and 6, overlaps chronologically with the previous book. This volume covers the periods 1675 to 1677 and 1703 to 1704 and is based on Libers 7, 8A, 8B, and 9A (1-371). This volume, the third in the series, spans the period 1675-1677 and 1703-1704, and is based on Libers 7, 8A, 8B, and 9A (1-371). Volume IV covers the years 1677-1682 and 1702-1704 and is transcribed from Libers 9A (372-524), 9B, 10, 11, 12A and 12B. Volume V covers the years 1682-1686, as found in Liber 13 (1-432). Volume VI covers the years 1686-1689 and 1692-1693, and is based on Libers 13 (433-519), 14, 14A, and 15A. Volume VII consists of abstracts of the records for the period 1693-1697 and completes Libers 15 and 16.

The Prerogative Court was the focal point for probate for colonial Maryland. A judge and various clerks staffed the court. All matters of probate went directly to the Prerogative Court, which was located in Annapolis, Maryland's colonial capital. Eventually, administration of probate was delegated to the several county courts; however, many documents related to probate continued to be filed at the Prerogative Court and not in the corresponding county. It should be noted that the Prerogative Court was also the colony's court for equity cases (resolution of disputes over the settlement and distribution of an estate).

Volume III contains abstracts of records of the Prerogative Court of Maryland for the period 1675 to 1677 as well as some inventories for 1703 to 1704. (Beginning in 1674, inventories and accounts were recorded in a separate series.) Mr. Skinner has combed through administration, bond, will, inventory, administration account, and final balance entries to produce this collection. The abstracts are arranged in chronological order by court session. In every instance, they give the names of the principals (testators, heirs, witnesses, administrators, and so forth). In many cases we also learn the details of bequests, names of slaves, appraisers, and more. In all, what we have here are probate references to over 6,500 17th-century Marylanders whose existence and activities would otherwise remain hidden in some rich but very obscure records.

See also the other volumes in this series:
Volume I: 1658-1674
Volume II: 1670-1674. Libers: 5, 6
Volume IV: 1677-1682 and 1702-1704. Libers: 9A (372-524), 9B, 10, 11, 12A, 12B
Volume V: 1682-1686
Volume VI: 1686-1689 and 1692-1693. Libers: 13 (433-519), 14, 14A, 15A
Volume VII: 1693-1697. Libers 1B, 15C, 16
Volume VIII: 1697-1700. Libers 17, 18A
Volume IX: 1700-1703, Libers: 18B, 19A
Volume X: 1704-1707, Libers 19B, 19C

The Prerogative Court was the focal point for probate for colonial Maryland. A judge and various clerks staffed the court. All matters of probate went directly to the Prerogative Court, which was located in the colonial capital. Eventually administration of probate was delegated to the several county courts; however, many documents related to probate continued to be filed at the Prerogative Court and not in the corresponding county.

The work at hand consists of abstracts of Prerogative Court of Maryland records for the period 1658 to 1674. Mr. Skinner has combed through administration bond, will, inventory, administration account, and final balance entries to produce this collection. The abstracts are arranged in chronological order by court session, and in every instance they give the names of the principals (testators, heirs, witnesses, administrators, and so forth). In many cases we also learn the details of bequests, names of slaves, appraisers, and more. In all, Mr. Skinner identifies some 6,000 17th-century Marylanders whose existence and activities would otherwise remain hidden in some rich but very obscure records.

I've read this book twice now and both times I have learned something new. I also teach high-school history in Arizona and use a chapter of it for my class to help my kids understand the German/Soviet conflict. It is a very well researched, outstanding book. Fun to read too with tons of good info. Highly recommended for any WWII buff or anyone studying the Eastern Front.

Mr Lucas once again displays his talent of presenting information from the German point of view, as he is a British writer. The book is a very good account of the command structure and tells how the plans were meant to work, followed by how they actually did work. If you are looking for an "Infantryman's war stories", this would not be that type of material; it is written from a field officer's perspective. Von Manstein, Kesselring, Von Arnim, they are all here. It is not their words, however, that you read. Mr Lucas makes you feel like you are observing only the German viewpoint while remaining neutral.

Theis book provides very interesting details on subjects rarely addressed on the Russian Front. I loved it. Much has been written about the tanks and infantry, but theis book teaches about the self propelled artillary, the rockets, staying warm, marching, terrain etc!

This book is unashamed to detail the bravery, endurance, guile, skill and professionalism of the brave German soldier and his equally brave Russian foe.

His writing style is excellent, the chapters and topics are short and sweet.

As Civil War histories go, this one falls on the upper end of the middle of the pack. The articles are, overall, well-written and well-presented. Although better histories of the 1862 campaign do exist (see James McPherson, "Antietam: Crossroads of Freedom"), this is a good collection of essays.

This may be a bit petty to mention, but the book is square (as opposed to rectangular), and does not fit well on a bookshelf.

I agree with the previous reviewer.

This book hits home and goes deeper into the background of the causes and conflicts arrising from the Maryland Campaign of 1862.

Take this book with you when you visit Antietam National Battlefield. You will come away with a better understanding of what took place before and after America's Bloodiest single day battle.

Highly recommended!

After reading Murfin, Sears, Priest, and various magazine articles, I thought I would go a little deeper into the wheres and whys of September 1862. What a treat! Dennis Frye is the authority on Harper's Ferry ( who's fault? Miles, McClellan, or Franklin?) Robert Krick must have been a rebel because it seems as if he was right in their midst, and standing next to R. E. Lee at that, as they crossed the Potomac. As for A. Wilson Greene, he knows and has studied McClellan with the best of historians. George Brinton McClellan could have ended the war on several occasions but instead prolonged it and then patted himself on the back. And finally, Gary Gallagher shows us "a season of opportunity...in perspective" splendidly.

The copy I received was in great condition, and was even autographed by the author. The information is very helpful when going through Baltimore.

Buy one of Mr. Okonowicz's books and you will buy them ALL!!! They are charming, witty, interesting and spooky. You will not be able to put his book down once you open it.
If you get the chance to see him give a presenation--DO NOT PASS IT UP! He's even more charming and entertaining in person!

Over and over again I run across ghost books that contain mostly old unsubstantiated legends and very few real ghost stories. Legends and folklore are fine but I strenuously object to buying a book that purports to be about ghosts only to find that the title was meant to deceive. This book contains several old legends and some chapters don't deal with ghosts at all. For example, the chapter that deals with grave robbers has not one ghost, it is certainly a creepy story but there aren't any ghosts. There is also a chapter concerning the legend of Black Aggie and another chapter basically deals with the who's who of Baltimore history that can be found buried in Green Mount Cemetery, including the grave of John Wilkes Booth. All of these chapters are highly interesting but they contain nothing about ghosts. The difference between this book and others that contain several non-ghostly tales is that this author is entirely honest and has included the words legend and lore in the subtitle. Honesty, that's all I ask.

The stories mentioned above, while containing no ghosts are extremely creepy and informative. After reading the chapter about grave robbers I now know where the term "rot-gut whiskey" comes from and I also now know where to find the infamous Black Aggie statue. Ed Okonowicz is quickly becoming one of my favorite "ghost" authors, not only because his writing is so informative but also because the stories that do contain ghosts are very well written and witty. One absolutely hilarious anecdote that Okonowicz includes in this book concerns the curator of the Edgar Allen Poe house. It seems that after he first started his new job the curator, when asked what he did for a living, would tell people that he worked at the Poe house. Many people responded by commending him on his generous spirit and at first he was simply dumbfounded by these responses. After a while though the curator figured out that many people understood him to say that he worked at the po' (poor) house. Baltimore is still a very Southern city it seems.

As I mentioned earlier, the ghost stories in this book are superb and each and every one of them is backed up by recent eyewitness testimony. As an added bonus a group of ghost hunters have rated each haunt discussed based on the activity at the location. The rating is called the Haunt And Unexplained Reports rating, HAUR (pronounced horror) for short and is based on one to five tombstones.

In the introduction the author says that he collected far more stories than he could squeeze into one book. I hope this means that there will be a sequel out very soon.

REVIEWER'S NOTE - In the second edition of this book Mr. Okonowicz has added an award-winning story about a very strange performance given by someone just like himself to a very appreciative audience. This added bit of fiction is a very imaginative and spooky way for the author to end this superb book. It is a fictitious story isn't it Ed?