South Carolina Books

The book contains very good information. We were looking to buy a couple of prints for collectible purposes. Thought the book might have a few more pictures than it had, but we were able to decide what we wanted to purchase and we are very pleased.

As an art dealer specializing in original Audubon prints, I hear from many people who hope the Carolina Parrot print they found in the attic will turn out to be worth a fortune. Finally, there is a book that will help them...and me!

This well-illustrated book is the first to read if you have an interest (old or new) in Audubon prints. The book covers the original prints, the valuable full-sized facsimiles, and the not-so-valuable undersized reproductions. Steiner discusses all the major categories (and editions) of original prints including octavo (small) and folio (large), the birds and animals, the copper-plate etchings and the stone lithographs. He also provides a helpful overview of the vast number of facsimile and reproduction editions in circulation. While not complete, it is remarkably comprehensive and will help answer many an Audubon newcomer's questions.

Novice collectors will find everything they need to begin either a serious or casual exploration of Audubon's art--biography, glossary of terms, authentication guidelines (much easier than you may think!), sample prices, information on dealers and guidance on how to buy or sell prints. Seasoned collectors will find previously unpublished information that disproves or amends rules-of thumb that have been gospel for years; they will also find many new sources for prints, books, and educational pursuits.

Steiner has strong opinions and personal interests with regard to Audubon, and they are reflected in the text, but he is diligent about labeling them as such, and putting the more esoteric of his interests where they belong--in one of the book's many appendices. Overall, he has done an excellent job pulling together information from disparate sources, making available to collectors for the first time much "dealer lore"--information previously known only by Audubon specialists. This is a quick-reading book, and one that both dealers and collectors will refer to for years to come.

Compiled by field ecologist and veteran bird-watcher Bill Steiner, Audubon Art Prints: A Collector's Guide To Every Edition is a first-rate guide to the many distinctive avian prints and paintings of John James Audubon (1785-1851). The informative and scholarly text definitively recounts what these great works of art have sold for, as well as the stories behind the creation of the individual artworks. A superb resource for collectors and an indispensable addition to academic American Art History reference collections, Audubon Art Prints is a superbly organized and very strongly recommended presentation enhanced with twenty-two color illustrations and fifty-five halftones.

One of the most common stories you hear while visiting purveyors of original Audubon prints is how they constantly receive phone calls asking "is my Audubon print an original?" Of course, this is due to the combination of two phenomena - people have the general notion that Audubon prints are valuable, but there are millions of reproductions out there which, although they may be aesthetically pleasing, are not worth much. How to tell if you hit the jackpot (an Antiques Roadshow moment) without making that phone call? Buy this book. Bill Steiner has written the first extensive treatment on Audubon prints from the viewpoint of the collector. There are lots of books about Audubon out there, and some scholarly books on the original prints (most notably by Susanne Low). But, this book lays out all the knowledge gathered by an avid collector, accumulated over many years of poking through print shops and galleries and examining large numbers of Audubon prints, of all kinds. If you don't have the time to learn all these details the old fashioned way, as Bill Steiner did, then this is your best key to the world of collecting Audubon prints. It is written in an almost folksy style, and is very accessible to the reader. Of great importance to anyone thinking of starting to obtain some of those actually genuine original Audubon prints is an evaluation of how to do this via auction, and in particular, via online auction sites. But, this book is more than just for the beginner, and long-time connoisseurs of Audubon will immensely enjoy it, both for validation of what they already knew, as well as to see if the author knows something they don't!

I got my copy a few months ago from Amazon.Com, and essentially read through it cover-to-cover, so to speak. I am an amateur collector of Audubon prints, and an enthusiast of Audubon's life, and the legacy he left behind for all the Americans. I think Bill Steiner's book is an invaluable resource that fills a major void about Audubon's prints - - It provides information on what to look for in collecting prints, which prints have significant value now and likely to appreciate in future, the technical details of production of Havells, Imperials, Biens, and the Octavos, some details on restoration and conservation, tips on internet-based sales, his own assesment of the Quality of various double-elephant folio prints (including modern day real high-quality reproductions such as the Amsterdams and the Princetons),and the names of several Audubon galleries (I didn't know some of them existed until after reading the book). Last but not the least, I enjoyed Bill's sense of humor (I particularly had a good laugh reading the recount of his experience at Christie's Auction House). I only wish his book were available to me a couple of years ago when I first started collecting the prints ! I recommend this book highly.

After the death of his wife, Kade Strong has spent the last few years mourning his loss and just focusing on his work and daughter. Deciding it's time to move back into the family home he shared with his deceased wife, Kade finds himself in need of a sitter and his brother's luscious housekeeper fit the bill. Already a part of his family and loved by his daughter, Garcelle Santos is a fiery spirit who reminds him how to smile. Garcelle understands Kade isn't ready to move past his loss so she will have to not only watch out for his little girl but also keep the man-hunting vultures away from her new boss and friend.

The heat in Holtsville turns up as the single women in town come out the woodworks at the chance to catch the eldest Strong sibling. Garcelle will soon find herself under his magic spell as too much friendship and time spent as a family lead to emotions neither are sure they're ready for.

In a series based around a well-respected and loving family, the story of Kade begins with a somber note with Kade still suffering from his loss and unable to see the possibilities of a future. Hot Like Fire brings a little Latin flavor and fire to a relationship built on friendship, trust and eventually love. Garcelle is the essence of fun, a woman with a great personality, a nurturing spirit and a volcanic passion for the man she wants. Niobia Bryant created a beautiful story that was sensual but still sweet. The slow building of this relationship allowed me as a reader to see that past the lust a true connection was brewing. The backdrop of family added additional depth to this romance and the multiple side plots made an already interesting story even better. I have to give Ms. Bryant additional kudos for the personality of Kadina, Kade's daughter, who was the reason for more than a few laughs and someone I'm sure readers will fall in love with.

Indy
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

It was a great read. I have always enjoyed Ms. Bryant's books and this was no exception.

Hot Like Fire is a fabulous love story which is the second installment of the Strong/Hot Holtsville Series.

Kade Strong is a grieving widower that has retreated into a shell upon the death of his wife. All work, raising their daughter, and just making it through another day has been his daily routine while being assisted by his loving parents. Kade finally makes the decision to reclaim his privacy and he and Kadina move back to their home and the games begin. Garcelle is a young, vivacious family friend that likes to shake her moneymaker whenever she gets a chance. She's attending college, taking care of the men in her family, and working to pay for her education. In the midst of babysitting, she's become Kade's personal bodyguard as she matches wits with the local hoochies in their quest to scheme their way into his bed with all sorts of enticing promises of lustful tricks and treats. Due to their daily camaraderie, this pair's initial attraction blossoms and ignites into a blazing affair.

Niobia Bryant has yet again penned another best seller that not only endears the characters to your heart with a realistic view of one of life's many heartbreaks but also sprinkles the triumphant light of second chances in love and life in this brilliant series. I love the creativity portrayed in the characters, the silver-haired theme (very original), the familial first names, and how she introduces each character and their personalities. All of these things pique your interest that much more and has the readers anxiously anticipating the next installation to this series. Excellent read! Another winner to me, Ms. Bryant! Continue to shine!

Reviewed by Tazzyt2bossye
for Urban Reviews

LOVED IT. great read for me i think i like this one better than the first brothers story. really a good quick read.

Very sensual. Passion between Kade and Garcelle jumped off the pages! Liked that they became good friends before lovers. Like Garcelle, her father was a straight shooter with his words. The little girl was a sweet touch too.

I'll admit that I'm biased, just like an earlier reviewer, because I've ridden with and consider Timm a friend. However, I've got to take issue with a reviewer who lightly criticized this book as being lacking for a "newbie flatlander."

In his Introduction, Timm makes no bones about the fact that "This book is about singletrack: twisty hardpack, slaloming through trees and roots and rocks, rising through heartbreaking climbs, and descending in sometimes frightening fashion."

I applaud the newbie flatlander for taking a mountain biking vacation. Really, I do. I think it's the coolest thing, and I hope he takes more of them. But most people who take mountain biking vacations ARE people who are looking for trails like the ones in this book. And we can't change the landscape here in western NC...the fact of the matter is we have a lot of up and down, a lot of rocks and roots, and we usually get a lot of rain. If we want easier riding, we either stick to the fire roads or we travel somewhere in the eastern half of the state.

This book has what so many guidebooks lack: personality. The reason it's a great book is because Timm makes the trails seem, on paper, almost as much fun as they are on your bike. I've owned this book for a few years, and it never fails to snap me out of my doldrums when I can't decide where to ride. Just open a page, read the description, and I'm ready to go! I may even go ride Kitsuma today...

I bought this book to assist with planning for a trip to the Mt. Pisgah region.

POSITIVES: The writing was in a fairly entertaining style, and the trail descriptions and maps had lots of details.

NEGATIVES: There was no flow in the Mt. Pisgah section--the trails weren't arranged in sequence, neither by location nor by difficulty. Also, there were precious little recommendations for newbie flatlanders such as my son and I. The author seemed more interested in reporting his own experiences than in considering the needs of all his potential readers.

The book's OK, but I would only recommend it as an adjunct to the excellent "Western NC: Pisgah" book by Jim Parham.

Although it is dated, and trails have changed since 2003 this book remains a must for NC bikers for its range of trails, readability, elevations. Sets a high standard for mountain biking books. Trails range from easy to hard. If I were to buy one book for NC trails this would be the one hands down.

I found this book to be a real comfort to my coming vacation.

The trail discriptions are right on, along with the Elevations made my selections easy. I can't wait to spend a week in the mountians of Northern Carolina..

If you're going to mountain bike N.C. you need to own this book. It's easily the best one I own. The maps, directions, and charts are great and easy to follow. The rides are varied with all skill levels included. And this guy Muth has a great writing style, loaded with pesonality. My only suggestion is that he includes Dupont when he revises. Thanks Timm!

Plantation was a wonderful low country story that made me feel like I was right there. I love this author and the way she draws you into the lives of the characters. I couldn't put this book down.

I have now read all of Frank's books and I love them all. Her characters are so well described and the humidity makes you feel like you are on the beach with them. Her books are the kind to keep for re-reads.

Another entertaining novel penned by Dorothea Benton Frank. The flavor of the Southern atmosphere is almost tangible......you can taste, smell, feel and see it all. The development of the characters is fast paced and memorable it is almost difficult to pick one personality over another with the exception of Miss Lavinia who is the most unforgetable, and spicy, character, to come along in quite some time. It was a book that I hated to put down and it most definitely was a book I hated to see end.

Plantation....I could not put this book down. I found myself waking up on the weekend early just to get to this book.
I have just finished it and wish I could read it again as I read it the first time.
GREAT SUMMER READING!
D. Bell

An EXCELLENT book. My first book by Dorothea Benton Frank, I was sad when this book came to an end....

This is a wonderful book for those who have been to Charleston or are interested in the history of this beautiful city. The artwork is fantastic and the information is true and fun to read!

Good books with fast service!
Thanks, Sent right away~

Thanks,
Gloria

Well written and hightly entertaining.
This small book captures the remarkable
charm and southern sleekness of this
city. AND the recipes are wonderful.

I've been going to Charleston since I was a small child, and I learned a few things from this fun little book. I bought it for the illustrations- I love maps and "Did you know" kinds of books-and thought this was the perfect marriage of the two. Charleston is so interesting that I think there is more to tell, so I wish it were a little longer.

My daughter had this book with her when we visited Charleston for the 2nd time. After reading it (couldn't put it down), we found more reasons to return to this wonderful area; learned more interesting facts about already viewed streets, homes and history. It is a light read with beautiful watercolor pictures throughout the book. Don't pass it up!

I loved reading the first book to this series written by Hilda Stahl. When I saw that her daughter wrote the second book in the series, I wasn't sure if it would be as good. But, I was not disappointed...this book was just as good as the first one, I only wish that the series had continued.

I just finished this book last night and i thought it was excellent! I have never before read any books by Laurie Stahl but know i want to read all her other ones.I bought it thinking it would probably be boring but right from the beginning it held my apt attention! There are a few parts that are kinda corny and someplaces where u can predict just what is going to happen, but it does not take away from the wonderful story that it is!

This book was so interesting that I couldn't put it down. It was very unpredictable. Now, where can I find sequel 3?

Right away I was skeptical about the book, thinking I would see differences between the sequel and the original, but I was completely wrong! The whole story line had flowed so well from the first book to the second that my grandma didn't even notice there were two different authors. The book gave me so many different emotions and I loved every bit of it!! From happiness and laughter to anger and sadness, I took in everything I could from this book and I feel that it has made me a better person. I encourage anyone who sees this book to buy it right away, along with the first one because the story line and characters will touch you in such a way I cannot describe. When I finished reading it I ran to the computer right away to see if there was another sequel, but to my despair I have not found one. Where is #3 Laurie????

What a refreshing continuation of the Women of Catawba. Laurie did a wonderful job of following the style and personalities of the characters in this sequel to the book her Mom wrote. We were pulled into another era with ease and felt the dedication to God these women had as they faced their own challenges in life. I agree, where is book III, Laurie?

Susan Sully's Charleston Style splendidly captures the unique beauty of my city. Sully's writing is gorgeous, lush and evocative as many of the homes she shows us. Her thorough research is obvious; then she takes the facts and, with words, weaves a beautifiul gossamer fabric representing one ofAmerica's most beloved cities. As a Charlestonian, I was introduced to places I never knew existed. The detailed photographs, artistic and architectural, complement the text. I bought numerous copies to give to friends who have visited Charleston in reality or in their dreams.

Susan Sully's book revived many delightful memories of my recent visit to Charleston. Her evocative prose paired with the beautiful photographs made as much of an impression on me as seeing Charleston's gracious architecture in person. It's not often that such a pretty book is also so well written, but Sully' elegant, beautifully crafted sentences do justice to the photos and the grand old homes themselves. After reading her book I wanted to book a flight back for another visit!

Just named one of the ten best books of 1999 about South Carolina by "The Nation," this winner rises above the usual book of stunning photography in the quality of Sully's writing. Her thoughtful and incisive reflections upon a complex city are rendered in delightful, sensual, intelligent prose. All this is compellingly presented in a classic coffee-table stand-out!

Praised in House Beautiful (May '99) for author Susan Sully's "evocative text [that] lifts this book a notch above many similar style books," Charleston Style was listed by The State newspaper from Columbia, SC as one of the top ten books by or about South Carolinians published in 1999. The State's reviewer, William Starr praises the book's "uncommonly attractive" appearance and notes that "the author combines valuable information with an artistic sensibility.... Among the book's virtues is Sully's willingness to look beyond the obvious into homes which give us some very different views of this most traditional of historic cities."

Despite author Susan Sully's grammatical errors, misspellings ("sheathes of wheat" instead of sheaves of wheat -- why, oh, why don't editors catch those anymore?), labored metaphors, and use of cliche' ("dripping with spanish moss"), I loved this book. Josephine Humphreys writes a beautiful and moving foreward. The photos (by John Blais) are literally breath-taking (to borrow another cliche'). Imperative reading for the student of architecture or design, or for those simply enamored of regional style.

I grew up in NC and my grandfather was an avid fisherman. I am learning saltwater pier and surf fishing now and I need something to give some basics, and some specifics about this avocation. This book explains so much about things I have seen my entire life and been curious about but didn't think to ask. I am sending a copy to my sister and mother as well. I think anyone that is going fishing along the coast of the Carolinas must get this book!

This book is about where one can coastal fish in the Carolinas and for what kind of species at different times of the year. I found it to be a very useful guide to plan future surf fishing trips. The author does not give a lot of specifics about rigging tackle. I think Eric Burnley's Surf Fishing the Atlantic Coast provides that information a little better. I plan to keep Goldstein's book in my truck when I am in the Carolinas, and I certainly will look to buy future, updated editions.

This book has lots of great information about fishing in the Carolinas. There is good information on different types of fish and locations and techniques for catching them.

It's pretty cool when the author mentions pier owners, bait and tackle owners, etc. by name. This book is really a must read for folks wanting to fish the Carolina coast!

Highly recommended.

If you're like me most fishing books are way too vague. Titles Like "Surf Fishing" or worse "Fishing the Atlanic" try to be a little help to everyone. This book is a lot of help for a few.

The book reads like a conversation with and old fisherman on a pier or in a tackle shop. The author covers all the bases like where to shop, what to buy, how to rig it up, where to go, how to cast, where to cast, how to set the hook, where to put the catch, how to cook it, etc. This is not the modern "magazine article" style of book, it's an old school how to catch fish book.

Something to consider...
The book is mostly text and some basic B/W images and illustrations. You must be prepared to do some reading before you go fishing. This is not a skim fast and go fishing today book.

If you live in the area or plan to visit, it is a great resource.

I'd have to say this is one of my favorite books on fishing and one of the most complete books on fishing a particular area that I've ever read...even right down to information on exactly where to fish for each species. This book is well written, easy to understand, and well suited to anyone trying to learn how to fish (or how to fish better) from surf, jetty, or pier. Highly recommended.

I am very pleased with this book. I use it quite often to read about N.C. things and places that I've always been curious about, but wasn't quite sure where to look. This book solves that problem, and having watched several interviews with Professor Powell on public television, I can obviously tell that this work is his magnum opus. It was lovingly compiled with supurb scholarly detail. For a one volume "encyclopedia," it is great. Of course its not going to be comprehensive enough for critics (despite 1237 pages), but that someone took the time to compile something like this is an achievement in and of itself. If you want to learn more about N.C. history, this is the book for you. I might add that I know the other compiler/editor, Mr. Jay Mazzocchi, and he too is a first rate mind like Prof. Powell. I recieved this book as a Christmas gift last year from he and his daughter whom I taught in an A.P. U.S. History class. I feel not only honored to have a signed copy of an outstanding N.C. history text, but have truly used it and learned new and exciting things about my home state that I did not know before.

A great book by a great historian. Not only is this an essential reference guide to all things in North Carolina, but it represents a culmination Professor Powell's career, one of North Carolina's greatest treasures. I purchased it not only because I wanted it but also as a means of honoring Professor Powell. In regard to the comment about the lack of biographies in this book, I assume that comment was made in jest. But for those not familiar with Professor Powell's previous works, he previously published (in the late 1970's and 1980's) a six volume "Dictionary of North Carolina Biographies."

Dr. William Powell, Professor Emeritus of History at the University of North Carolina, has published this huge book which contains everything you may ever wish to know about the history of North Carolina. It is well written and easy to use.

This book has lots of wonderful information about the Tar Heel State. I recommend the book to newcomers to our state as well as to NC natives. This would be a great resource for students in the fourth grade to use.

Encyclopedic guides to states, cities and regions are coming hot off the presses now. I was anxiously awaiting this one, but I've come away slightly disappointed. Most obvious to me at first are the serious omissions in the book: There are absolutely ZERO biographical articles in here. What happened there? There's an article for every imaginable institution of higher learning, including many long extinct, but not an entry for James K. Polk, William Tryon, James Iredell, William Styron, James Duke, Elizabeth Dole, Andy Griffith, Michael Jordan, Jesse Jackson, James Taylor, Tori Amos or Jessie Helms. Not all North Carolina natives, mind you, but all with profound impacts on the state's history. Some general entries (such as "Mealtimes") aren't immediately applicable to North Carolina at all, but are linked by a contrived peculiarity, as could be done for many other states in the country. Otherwise, this book is a nice compilation of popular topics related to North Carolina.

This book is certainly impressive in scope and not a failure by any means, but incomplete enough to justify a much improved second edition. I know that Dr. Powell is a highly respected and beloved historian in North Carolina, and I'm not trying to diminish his accomplishment. I just think he should add a good biographer to his staff.

Dare I suggest that the Encyclopedia of "Another" Carolina is a better book? Not the content, per se, but the format and editing of that book set the standard for these large volumes. Have a look.

I purchased the book "The Art of Jonathan Green' with the desire to capture and keep some of the southern charm felt and beauty witnessed on a recent visit to Charleston, South Carolina. The book is simply amazing from cover to cover. It is one to be displayed so that all can be captured by the beautiful imagery that reaches from beyond and through each page and touches the soul.

of color and of life. His vivid paintings make you feel glad to be alive

It is given to particular artists to do the impossible. Claude Monet paints light. Andrew Wyeth paints time passing. You can hear Jonathan Green's paintings. In "Bessie Mae", he paints not only the singer, the song itself springs from the canvas. "Silence With The Birds" transfixes the mind, making common imagery so new that you may as well have just been born. Green belongs with those rare artists whose work leaves you seeing and feeling the world in a new way. You can spend an hour with this book, go for a walk and see fresh grace in the movement of the human body, sense something new in your step. All that and more, you will find in this book. There is in every painting the identifiable signature and the present quest - something that goes to your belly, and makes you whole. This is world-class art, visionary, accomplished, redemptive. Green's work expresses the spirit of a people who endured hundreds of years of brutal oppression, created the greatest religious songs in the language and fought a revolution without guns. Here is love, made visible. As in Rilke's poem about Apollo: 'You must change your life."

Last month I went to Charleston, South Carolina for the first time and discovered the art of Jonathan Green at Gallery Chuma. If I could be a piece of art, I would be painted by him. The art is shown in chronological order and the evolution of style through his career is evidenced. There is one color plate per page so each piece is easily viewed. All are in color. The art section is prefaced by three lyrical, thought-provoking chapters about the artist, the relationship of Gullah heritage, African American aesthetic, and his art as an expression of the layers of experiences mixed cultures bring to humanity. One chapter mentioned the flowing movement in the artwork which is also what first piqued my interest. I just can't help but wish that all that is good in the world of Jonathan Green's art could be in everyone and make our world a better place.

a beautiful book of green's work
if you are a fan of his artwork--this book is an excellent compilation in both presentation and accompanying text