Virginia Books

I will never be able to write a suitable review for this book - the scope of what lies between it's covers is far too great to do justice to in a review, and I am vastly inadequate to the task in any event. So, the one I write today comes from the heart - as one of the "posterity" they speak of as they went forward in their remarkable undertaking. As one of those they "did it for."

The constructive writing of the "Articles of Confederation" was especially intriguing. The pesky issue of slavery presented an immediate and daunting problem early on within the erection of the articles of confederation. It forced an issue never dealt with before, from those educated, mostly wealthy men who would "free themselves from oppression" but had obviously never before seriously considered the oppression of others - or that it would present so large a problem in the overall picture of establishing Independence "for all". They struggled with it, agonized over it; and as can be imagined, could not agree over it. It was spell-binding to watch the process unfold - not from the pen of the "historian" but from the rapidly evolving mind of the Rebel himself - because no matter how you view it, these brilliant men were elitists within their own, considered themselves to be conceived in somewhat of a Royal Nature, too, while at the same time viewing the Crown itself as a symbol that could not longer be tolerated. The "free labor population" (Benjamin Franklin himself would have been categorized into this second group early in his career) presented essentially the same problem to them as did the slaves in the proportioning.

As a result, they found themselves dealing with their own consciences too, something that may have been a unique concept for most of them - an exercise much needed of themselves as they extended their own quest for Independence and found themselves having to deal with "all of us" into the bargain. They knew they would have only "one shot" at establishing the best of it; and amazingly they were honest and earnest in that Quest. (try that today with the political assortment we have now)

In the "republican legislature" and "revisal of the law" section of this original accounting, the struggle for the distinct separation of Church and State is one of the most important conquests ever undertaken; uprising from a birth in the human mind; and clearly demonstrates the chasm of thought processes that existed between Jefferson and other honest, though less broad-minded men who still clung to the "status quo" and did not possess the courage, judgment or the vision to want to support the concept which became a cornerstone of our Constitution.

The 'original papers' poignantly illuminate the intimate, internal working of the mind of Thomas Jefferson for the reader as nothing else can, something the "historical accounting" written by others somehow leaves wanting in the translation. To read the words straight from the mind and the pen of the "original", uncensored language, spelling, phrasing and all - is an experience anyone interested in keeping the torch of the Forefathers burning will enjoy.

This book highly recommended.

At approximately $10.00 I expected a little more material than this 32 page, index card size book, provided.

Mr. Jefferson was a brilliant man. I enjoy reading his works and appreciate this opportunity to gain insight into his logic and thought process as it evolved throughout his lifetime. His intellectualism and that eternal curiosity about his world place him head and shoulders above those men of his time. He bought Louisiana upon the suggestion of Thomas Paine and our nation spread westward as a result. He no doubt made major contributions towards the creation and founding of this nation. Thousands of accolades for his brilliance and achievements are in order. I'm not putting him on a pedestal, there was a dark side. He did own slaves. He was however in many ways morally and intellectually bound by the time he lived in. His thoughts regarding the mentality of slaves scream racism. His solution was to abolish slavery and export them back to Africa. He believed most would never fit in to American culture based on their resentments against enslavement and the racism they endured from white society at the time. His letters to American Indians in which he addressed them as "My Children" and assured them of his eternal blessings belied the fact that their lands were being taken away from them and they were being forced to be assimilated or slaughtered. He did not foresee the industrialization of America and wanted to leave manufacturing to the Europeans to preserve the American way of life. In short, Mr. Jefferson was all too human, who no doubt would be appalled at the antics of modern day Republicans and Democrats.

I have this book (I checked the IBSN#). It's 32 pages of quotes, and that's it. No papers, no index, etc. I think the other customer reviews are innacurate in that they are probably about an entirely different book.

So about *THIS* book, I love it. It's got the well-known quotes like "Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." and lesser-known quotes like "When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on."

It's not a scholarly work. It doesn't have citations to explain where the quotes came from, but it was exactly what I was looking for.

If you are a fan of Liberty, this book is a must buy.

What a difference of few decades make. When I was a youngster the founders were all revered and taught in school. Nowadays, they are almost ignored and condemned for not conforming to our modern view of morality. Of course, the present view is both arrogant and ignorant because we assume that future generations will believe as we do and lacks the humility to realize that the human condition is fraught with weakness and sin as well as triumph and wisdom.

Thomas Jefferson was one of the most remarkable men this country or any country has ever produced. All you need do is sample these writings and you will begin to understand the powers of his mind, the charisma he manifested, the range of his interests, and the paradoxical foibles as well. The writings included here are his autobiography, his Notes on Virginia, all kinds of essays, letters, speeches, and selected other papers.

He writes of philosophy, English prosody, natural history, political observations, the history of the Founding, theological beliefs, and many other topics. Both of his inaugural addresses are included as well has his notices to Congress (what we now call State of the Union Addresses used to be handled in a letter). There are also letters to Indian tribes that are quite interesting.

The idea that the Indian tribes would want to remain as they were seemed a mistaken to notion to Jefferson and his contemporaries. They needed to understand that realities of their world had changed forever and they had great opportunities for improving their lives (as he saw it). Their rejection of overtures to assimilate seemed evidence of an imprisoned mind rather than what we would call a "lifestyle choice".

This is another of the great volumes from the Library of America. It includes a chronology of Jefferson's life, great notes on the texts included, and an index.

Something you really should have on your shelf of American History and our Founding.

If you want tour relationship with your family, friends,and the one you love. You have to read this book, it will help you to understand your self and how interact in your relationships.

If you want tour relationship with your family, friends,and the one you love. You have to read this book, it will help you to understand your self and how interact in your relationships.

If you want tour relationship with your family, friends,and the one you love. You have to read this book, it will help you to understand your self and how interact in your relationships.

I know I've been frustrated and angry with no understanding of why or how to deal with it. This book was insightful and reasuring. I could hardly put it down! Still, its uses transcend mere use in everyday relationships. As a management major and a manager in trade, I can see how my decisions and comments affect myself and others. Its not just for friends, family, and significant others. It can also be helpful in the job place to be more effective, less hurtful, relieve stress, and just create a more positive work environment. The book explains how to leave the past for a positive future. This is how we find the smiles from frowns. In a word, this book was enlightening!

This is a wonderful book that gave me the keys to improve relationship with knowledge I (and others) already have. It shows you how to use this knowledge and implement it into my life. This has been one of the best resources I have come across in helping me help myself and my relationships.

I had the good fortune to meet and talk with Ronnie Lee before I read a single poem of his.
He is clearly a genuine and thoughtful person with much to say. His poetry in "A View into My Soul" is truly direct, heartfelt and inspiring, if (at times) a bit rough on the edges. "Silver" Silver his second book of very personal poetry is even more mature and more focused. In "Silver" the poems "Pieces" (p. 19) and "Everyone Needs to be Touched"(p. 31) are among my favorites. Accessible and easy to read, this poetry is inspiring and truly comes from an inspired person. Ronnie Lee tells me a novel is next, which I will read with great interest, since as a person he is such a great story teller.
Be sure to start with his poetry which will indeed tell you what is in Ronnie Lee Mickle's SOUL.

I'm sure [...] poetry since high school, and even then I hated it - but I really liked this work. I think it's because it doesn't sound like someone trying to write poetry, but rather someone who has something to say who was able to say it through poetry. Plus, you feel an incredible amount of emotion - clearly Ronnie Lee is sharing a part of himself instead of just telling a story, so it feels more personal. Something different that will make you stop and think.

The poems within this book easily adapt to specific situations of one's life that also fit the emotion. I could find an event in my life that virtually fits each poem. The short lengths of the poems do not require an overwhelming amount of thought, making them easier to interpret. I honestly think I will refer to this book for the rest of my life for assistance and motivation. I strongly recommend purchasing this book and also sharing its contents with others as I will continue to do.

This is a great book of poems. Anyone who thinks they don't like poetry, should read this book, It isn't just poems, it is a true story of one young person trying to find a reason to survive in this sometimes cruel world we live in. As you read it you will feel the pain and feel the emotions of a young man all alone with nothing but his thoughts to keep him going. He has more power in his words to change the lives of others than most teachers could only dream of having. One day this young man will be a well known writer. Hopefully I will still be around to see it happen. This type of talent is very rare. Thank you GOD for sending him to us.

I ran into the author online after reading his website, I commented about something I'd read on his webpage and we chatted a bit. I purchased his book and we even chatted about another young author who he is friends with. I bought his book too. I'm glad that I met Ronnie Lee online. His poems touched my heart. I could feel his emotion in his words. There were two that I had to share with the man I love. I did give Ronnie Lee credit, two of his poems put into words how I feel about my own love. Thank you Ronnie Lee Mickle for sharing your soul with us.

I am taking this book slowly and am nearing the end. It is terrific and I find, on the days I take off from reading it, that I miss Virginia Woolf and want to go back to the "place" that is her life. I thank Ms. Lee for giving me a closer intimacy with Virginia Woolf.

this is the best biography of Virginia Woolf to date. The book is broken into four parts based on four broad periods in VW's life: 1882 - 1904; 1904 -1919; 1919 - 1929; and 1929 - 1941. The chapters, however, are theme-based; for example, Chapter 15 is "Bloomsbury"; Chapter 19 is "War"; Chapter 24 is "Monk's House"; and Chapter 37 is "Fascism". This then serves as a wonderful reference book to go back to read about specific events (war) or themes ("Bloomsbury") without having to search through an index for disjointed entries. Of the four biographies I have read of VW (Quentin Bell's, Hermione Lee's, Julia Brigg's, and James King) I recommend this biography as the one to start. King, 1994, was willing to write more about her personal relationships (read, "sexual") and is a good follow-on.

Of the many literary biographies I've read, only Peter Ackroyd's "Dickens" seems to me as "definitive" as Ms. Lee's terrifically compelling book. One finishes it with the sense, however illusory (see Janet Malcolm's extraordinary "The Silent Woman" for a convincing argument that it must be), that the Virginia Woolf found in its pages is essentially identical to the actual woman who lived and wrote and died. Anyone with even a slight interest in her must consider this book essential reading. I found it a real page-turner throughout its considerable length despite being unconvinced of Woolf's literary eminence (except for her sparkling correspondence) and finding her character unattractive (i.e. snobbish, frigid, a false friend, etc.) even by the usual standard for writers.

Probably the best bio of Woolf we are likely to see for some time. Lee has succeeded brilliantly and gracefully in that most elusive and troublesome task of capturing the "spirit" of another human being and then conveying that without simplification or reduction. What is most moving is that Lee allows Woolf her complexity and contradictions, her courage and cowardice, her generosity and meaness, without indulging in a sort of inconoclastic glee in smashing received images of Woolf as victim or feminist icon (or any other of the several and various "Woolfs" to be found these days.) Lee's bio is a stunning feat of sympathetic imagination and rational scholarship which ranks with the other "best" bio of the last 20 years or so, Deirdre Bair's marvelous and beautiful "Simone de Beauvoir." I am grateful to both of these writers.

I enjoyed the book, but have a fairly detailed knowledge of Woolf & her contemporaries. I think a new reader of Woolf & her work might get lost in the maze of essentially unexplained personalties & their relationship to Woolf & her circle.

The Blue Ridge Parkway, almost 450 miles long, connects Shennandoah National Park in Virginia with Great Smoky Mountains National Park astride the North Carolina - Tennessee border. In between it traverses some of the most beautiful mountain areas in North Carolina and Virginia. Although it provides splendid views from the road itself and from its many roadside overlooks, it is much more than a scenic drive. It is a ribbon of land administered by the National Park Service, at several places broadening into wider mini-parks. All of those parks as well as various other spots along the parkway's route have hiking trails that give visitors a closer look at the many natural wonders there. This book, as a comprehensive guide to those trails, is the one most indispensable guide to getting beyond your car and the overlooks in this remarkable National Park Service land. All of its official trails are rated in this book as to difficulty, from very easy to quite strenuous. Thus there are ample hikes for whatever level of wilderness adventure you're up for. Each hike is described in details, with points of interest described in the order you'll encounter them, with mileages to each from the trailhead. Some hikes described herein also get beyond the parkway's own lands, into National Forest lands that border the parkway in many places, as well as occasional adjacent commercial attractions such as Grandfather Mountain. Any visit to the Blue Ridge Parkway should be quite rewarding, and this book is one of the best resources for making it even more so, showing that you'll never be very far from places to park and take a walk for a more intimate view. And you definitely should sample at least some of the shorter and easier walks, if not the longer or more challenging ones, depending on what you're up to. This parkway is a natural treasure well-worth exploring, and this book may well be the quickest way to learn that there is so much more there than meets a casual eye.

for a day trip, a weekend trip, or a long vacation. We have hiked and camped in several of the places mentioned. I have lived in NC all of my life and did not realize there was such enriching trails and escapades off the parkway. I wish I had known about this book while attending WCU! Take it with you, it is very worthwhile.

Designed as a "drive awhile - stop awhile" recreational road, the Blue Ridge Parkway is the most visited unit in the National Park Service. It has 17 million visitors a year as compared to 10 million a year for the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. But the Parkway is more than a beautiful drive; it is also a good base from which to hike. Adkins describes all the ways that we can get out of the car as we explore the Parkway. From a leg-stretcher to a view of Glassmine Falls Trail to the eighteen miles of the Shut-In Trail, Adkins gives a contextual introduction to the hike as well as step-by-step directions. He rates each hike from an easy leg-stretcher to strenuous.

My only objection to the rating is that the author considers too many hikes as strenuous. For example, Adkins labels the Snooks Nose Trail, eight miles round trip and described as "not well-maintained and hard to locate" as strenuous. The two-and-a-half mile round trip hike up to Mt. Pisgah, on a clear, well-marked trail, is also rated as "strenuous". Hikers will have to decide what strenuous means to them. Ratings aside, the book is necessary to anyone looking for a variety of hikes in the area. The appendices are also a wealth of information. He lists every feature on the Parkway along with its mileage, all the inns and campgrounds as well as a roadside bloom calendar

My wife and I have just come home from a 3 week trip along the entire parkway. We started the trip with Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway, but ended up buying Walking the Blue Ridge at one of the visitor centers. While Hiking was ok, we found Walking the Blue Ridge to be the better of the two. It was very easy to use, easy to find information, and full of wonderful tidbits. The way the mileage data was set up in a vertical way made it very easy to use while we were hiking the trails, simple to always know where we were. In the Hiking book we had to wade through a lot paragraphs just to match up the descriptions with where we actually were on the trail. Also, it was obvious that the author of Walking the Blue Ridge had actually walked every one of the trails he was writing about. It was also nice knowing that it gave descriptions of every one of the trails along the parkway, even if it was just a short pathway; the other book neglected some that we found to be truly delightful. In addition, its smaller weight and size made it much easier to carry while on the hikes.
All in all, we were happy to have found Walking the Blue Ridge and will be using it often.

The Blue Ridge Parkway, almost 450 miles long, connects Shennandoah National Park in Virginia with Great Smoky Mountains National Park astride the North Carolina - Tennessee border. In between it traverses some of the most beautiful mountain areas in North Carolina and Virginia. Although it provides splendid views from the road itself and from its many roadside overlooks, it is much more than a scenic drive. It is a ribbon of land administered by the National Park Service, at several places broadening into wider mini-parks. All of those parks as well as various other spots along the parkway's route have hiking trails that give visitors a closer look at the many natural wonders there. This book, as a comprehensive guide to those trails, is the one most indispensable guide to getting beyond your car and the overlooks in this remarkable National Park Service land. All of its official trails are rated in this book as to difficulty, from very easy to quite strenuous. Thus there are ample hikes for whatever level of wilderness adventure you're up for. Each hike is described in details, with points of interest described in the order you'll encounter them, with mileages to each from the trailhead. Some hikes described herein also get beyond the parkway's own lands, into National Forest lands that border the parkway in many places, as well as occasional adjacent commercial attractions such as Grandfather Mountain. Any visit to the Blue Ridge Parkway should be quite rewarding, and this book is one of the best resources for making it even more so, showing that you'll never be very far from places to park and take a walk for a more intimate view. And you definitely should sample at least some of the shorter and easier walks, if not the longer or more challenging ones, depending on what you're up to. This parkway is a natural treasure well-worth exploring, and this book may well be the quickest way to learn that there is so much more there than meets a casual eye.

Any girl who loves spring time would love this book. The title of this book is Happy Birthday Felicity and the author of this book is Valerie Tripp. The main characters are Felicity and Grandfather. Grandfather is generous, and understands what is imnportant. Felicity is a spunky, spiritual colonial girl, growing up just before the American Revolution in 1774. The setting is in Willamsburg, Virgina and the problem of the story is Felicity got a guitar from her Grandfather and she wasn't allowed to take it outside. But she did, and ended up getting it wet and now she has to take it back to where she got it.


In the beginning of the story Felicity and Elizabeth,her friend, were making fun of Elizabeth's sister (Annabelle) while she was playing the guitar and singing. Next, Felicity heard soldiers talking about a plan and when she told her parents, they didn't believe her so she had to fix it herself.


The theme of this book is always obey because you may have a problem like Felicity. This book reminded me of myself because I play the guitar just like Felicity was learning to. Girls of all ages would enjoy this book.

A.F. in Annapolis

I really enjoyed reading Happy Birthday,Felicity!
I't a spring time story by Valerie Thrip,and mostly about Felicity getting a guitar and a lamb for her birthday.
It was a good book,and reccomend it to any girl who loves American Girls series!

This book is great.! It took me less than a day to read. I thought this was a great book. You should read it if you have not. I LOVED it. I think that was the best Felicity book. I give it 5 stars because the book was great, as I have said before. I don't wanna spoil the story, so all I'll say is it's Felicity's Birthday, and she gets a great present. Sometimes I wished I was Felicity. Her present was an adorable ...... I can't tell you. You'll have to see!

Happy Birthday, Felicity! is one of the best American Girl books. Felicity is turning ten years old, and Grandfather has come to visit. He gives her Grandmother's guitar, but when she is told not to take it out of the house, she disobeys her parents and Grandfather. They are so angry at her that they refuse to believe Felicity when she tells them of a message she overheard that means danger for Williamsburg! I'll let the rest be a surprise, but don't worry, the book has a happy ending.

These books are perfect for any young girl (6-10). The girls in all the books are brave, loyal, kind, helpful, and many more quailities you might want your daughter to posess. And they have enough adventure to keep any girl interested. Read them all, get a doll, and discover the world of American girl.

This is far and away the best book I have ever read. It was a real page turner. A friend suggested I read it, and I suggested my mother and my daughter both read it as well. My mother said she actually cried while reading it (something she has never done over a book). My daughter laughed and said Willa Mae was "the Forrest Gump of West Virginia". It was a rich documentation of WV history, and included several events that I did not know. I am a WV native from near Hawk's Nest State Park, and was fascinated with its pre-history. What a wonderful book!

I bought this book for my mother for Christmas and she has not been able to lay it down since she started reading it. She loves it and I am sure that I will be reading it when she gets finished. My mother lived in Page, WV during her teenage years and has been able to relate to the area that she is reading about which only made the book more interesting, I'm sure. She lived there during the great flood of 1932 and this is discussed in the book. She would like to see more by this author and I can hardly wait to get started.

What a wonderful story. Only a poet with a heart as big as our mountains, the keen insight of a storyteller and a love of family that is burned into her soul could do justice to this story in the manner of Rebecca Cale Camhi.
This book grabbed me on the first page and never turned me loose, I don't think I have ever gone through so many emotions while reading a book as I did with this one. The Characters were so real I had to keep reminding myself that it was a story. I kept hearing echoes of my Father, my Mother, my Grandma, my Grandpa, my Uncles and my Kin.
There is a unique mystique about being a West Virginian that few who have not been born and raised here understand. It is so hard to describe or explain, because it is spiritual. Rebecca has captured it and woven it throughout her book. It starts where her story starts and ends, well it don't end, it is still here in these hills and in our hearts.
If you have not read this book you are robbing yourself of one of life's good experiences.
I sure hope there is more where this came from.

"Who says, "You can't go home again"? I just relived my West Virginia childhood through "Deepwater Mountain," one of the best historical novels I've had the pleasure to read.

"Had Thomas Wolfe grown up in the Appalachian Mountains of WV, as I did, I think he'd agree with me. NC doesn't hold a candle to WV.

"A Kincaid in Kincaid, next door to Camhi's Page, I remember my parents, Todd and Minnie Kincaid, taking me to visit Great Grandpa Poley, Great Grandma Lizzie, and Creedy in their little house with the toasty warm coal fireplace. They lived "just up the road a piece" from me.

I can't recall ever reading a book faster than this one. Saying I was mesmerized is a fact. Willa May and Daniel became my family in Chapter one and I simply felt overwhelmed emotionally when I had to leave them. I do hope Camhi will continue with their family saga. I recall feeling the same when I read John Galsworthy's first novel about the Forsyte Family.

"Camhi has that wonderful knack of capturing the reader and making her feel a part of history. Her characters are realistic and she teaches WV history, obviously having done her homework. I can see "Deepwater Mountain" becoming a required reading in WV English and History classes.

"In fact, I see Willa May as John Denver's Mountain Mamma in "Country Roads," which many people say put WV on the map. Anyone wondering about WV, the most Northern of the Southern states, the most Southern of the Northern States, and the most Western of the Eastern states, and the most Eastern of the Western states, should grab the opportunity to find out about Wild, Wonderful West Virginia by reading "Deepwater Mountain."

Shirley Dawn Kincaid Walker(formerly of Kincaid, West Virginia)
6309 Alderwood Bay
Woodbury, Mn 55125

I grew up in Kincaid, West Virginia, which is right next door to Page, Robson and Deepwater Mountain, the places that Rebecca Camhi brings to life again in her book, Deepwater Mountain. I traveled through these small towns for four years while commuting to college at West Virginia Tech. Becky has brought back the memories of traveling that wicked road, dangerous to this very day.

This book brings back vivid memories of my great-grandfather Napoleon Kincaid and my Uncle Harry Cale. I can still see Napoleon, "Poley," as we called him, delivering his moonshine on Page Road just a few miles south of Deepwater Mountain. (By the way, Becky, we were always told that "Poley" never got caught by the Feds, but that he had a lot of close calls.)

I can still hear my father and grandpa Tibb talk about Poley, Lizzie and Creedy. When I make my annual visit to clean the gravesites at the Kincaid Cemetery here in Kincaid, and see the gravestones of Poley, Lizzie and Creedy, it brings back all those memories that Becky described in this wonderful novel. It is hard to explain how we West Virginians feel about our state: when we meet another West Virginian, no matter where we've traveled, it's as if both of us have come back to the hills. It's in our hearts!! Becky has truly captured this spirit throughout her entire book.

Those in my generation who were born and reared in Kincaid, WV, can relate to Becky's book because we actually lived the life of her characters from 1940 to present. And when we look back through Becky's eyes, we can see ourselves at the very beginning. Becky has truly captured the motto of West Virginia "Montani Semper Liberi" (Mountaineers are always free!)

Once you pick up this book, you won't put it down until you have finished reading the entire book. Becky Camhi is a truly remarkable author. Each chapter is a surprise, and you just can't wait for the next one.

I look forward to Becky's next book, but will be hard for her to top this one.


Douglas L. Kincaid, Sr. of Kincaid, West Virginia

This remarkable book, superb bit of local history, deals with a refreshing topic, the little-known story of Virginia's decline between the American Revolution and the Civil War, tragic decline which is related with a cold eye and clear prose; and in that process causing Virginia's stagnation, pursuant to Dunn, Jefferson and Madison were not free of blame: she concludes that "the seeds of Virginia's decline had been adroitly planted in fertile soil by the great patriarchs themselves".

The slavery's role in the decline of the South is an old story. However, the author manages to narrate insightfully how Virginia (once the wealthiest and most populous state that produced so many colonial leaders and early presidents) slipped steadily downhill in the first decades of the 19th century. All that (and much more that I do not mention in this summary) is developed in 224 pages (notes excluded).

So I could not put it down, and read it in less than a week's time (content: 4 to 5 starts; pleasure: 4 to 5). I highly recommend it.

Other books on the USA I would also recommend would be the following: "America's Constitution: A Biography" by Akhil Reed Amar; "The Death Penalty", by Stuart Banner; "The Churching Of America, 1776-2005: Winners And Losers In Our Religious Economy" by Roger Finke and Rodney Stark; "American Colonies. The settling of North America", by Alan Taylor; "Battle cry of freedom. The Civil War Era" by James M. McPherson.

There is always more to learn about the history of Virginia--and Susan Dunn impressively examines a period that we seem to have forgotten--the later years of Jefferson and Madison and the rise of industrial America (outside of Virginia). There are lessons to be learned here, and relevance for our time as well. This is an eye-opening book, that will help you think about how regions advance or stagnate--and how difficult it is to "catch up" after a period of decline. It is an excellent read.

Very nice job by Dunn describing Va.'s retreat within itself to ward off attacks on slavery and elite power monopoly. Fans of Jefferson and Madison need to read this to get a good does of the truth! Only complaint--for some reason Dunn does not go very far relating Nat Turner's rebellion to the heightened sense of alarm slave owners felt.

This is an excellent and thought-provoking book that points to the direct connection between the issues of States Rights and Slavery in the years before the Civil War. It successfully attempts to explode romantic notions about the culture and politics of Virginia during the early 1800's.

The book is also illuminating to anyone interested in Jefferson. For me, living in Jefferson's hometown, there's a bit of local history in it, too.

Ms. Dunn may infuriate some Virginians, because she paints a not so flattering portrait of Virginia's leadership, at a time when the heroes of the Revolution were passing the torch to the next generation. But to me the cultural and political points of view that were dominant at that time, and which are explored in this book, still have a visible effect here.

I found it to be a great book to read after finishing His Excellency: George Washington, by Joseph Ellis. That book raises some similar issues in regard to the cultural and economic evolution of Virginia, which hampered the state's economic development -- specifically as that evolution depended upon the commitment to a slave-based economy.

This solid volume sets out to answer a question that has puzzled many of us who have lived in Virginia: what caused the Commonwealth to decline in influence from the commanding position it held during the colonial and early national periods? Susan Dunn offers a variety of explanations for this phenomenon as she focuses primarily upon the period prior to the Civil War. Among the most important factors, in her judgment, was the "cult of the soil" mentality--that is, the Virginia prior to the Civil War was the epitome of culture, gracious living, political independence, and harmony (even including relations with slaves). The Tidewater control of Virginia, which began in colonial days, and included both economic and political dimensions, was highly resistant to giving way to more modern influences, such as broader sufferage, development of manufacturing, and expanded public education.

Individual chapters are used to spell out in detail Dunn's arguments on topics such as the impact of slavery; resistance to developing top-quality public education; the failure to develop road, canal and railroad networks; a reluctance to venture too far away from an agriculturally-based economy; a fixation on states' rights ideology; limiting the sufferage to a fraction of the white male population; and reliance upon tariffs for economic protection. Running through the entire pre-Civil War period of course is the institution of slavery and the continuing dread that the northern-industrial-free labor federal government might well decide to terminate slavery once and for all. Hence, abolitionists become primary enemies, and fighting them drained off important resources that could have been utilized to modernize Virginia. Jefferson, Madison and other Virginia national pollitical figures come in for some effective criticism by Dunn. Her analysis has an epilogue which focuses on the period from the New Deal to the present in Virginia, where such topics as the "massive resistance" movement and the leadership in opposition to Civil Rights Acts is dominated by Virginia Senators.

Well, what is one to say about this indictment, if that is what it is? Has Dunn overstated or oversimplified the issues? She certainly has done an impressive amount of research--the book contains 63 pages of very pertinent notes and references which serve as support blocks for her argument. Has she ignored other pertinent considerations? These are extremely difficult questions, and I think each reader has to judge the strength of her contentions based upon their own background, historical knowledge, and temperament. I certainly found it a worthy book to read, and it stimulated some new synapses for me. But then again, I am only a former Virginian.

Besides teaching math in a middle school, I also sponsor a math club. It can be tough finding useful, stimulating activities that are enticing to students, especially when the alternative is free time to socialize. I borrowed this book from a co-worker and found that it was a real hit---full of great ideas that are fun and easy to use. I liked it so much that I bought the book for myself, and a copy for still another teacher, too! At the end of the school year when parents start asking me what they can do with their child over the summer to strengthen math skills, you can bet that I'll be recommending this book.

I use this book to get the kids in my classroom hooked on liking math. Most of the time they end up asking "Is this math?" because they've always believed it was too hard or boring, but this book makes learning math fun because of its interactive activities. I would say it's a must have for teachers too.

I hate math. Memories of trying to understand long division in fourth grade can still make me squirm. Algebra was a lost year of my life - I had no idea what the teacher was talking about. Wouldn't you just guess I'd end up with a son who could add two digit numbers in his head before he started kindergarten? (I'm over 40 and I still can't do it very well) He even thought it was fun to do so.

You can probably guess that the normal elementary school math curriculum did not thrill him. Fortunately, early on, his kindergarten teacher lent me her copy of this book, and suggested that it might help him get started on understanding some higher math concepts, while still being age appropriate. The words "higher math" were not exactly music to the ears of a math phobe like me. But within a couple of weeks, after trying out a few games, I was hooked, and bought my own copy.

During the time he was in elementary school, I think we did at least 3/4 of the activities in the book, not because I thought he should, but because he wanted to. And, to my enormous surprise, so did I. The games and activities in this book are so intriguing that even I began to develop a sense of what it must feel like to really love math. (And, amazingly enough, I even got a little better at basic arithmetic.) Several of the games were so much fun, they became obsessions. We played them day after day.

My younger child, who recently finished kindergarten, doesn't remotely share her brother's love of numbers, but this year I dug out my old copy of the book to see if it might get her more interested. Sure enough, it worked. The games of logic and the games designed to develop rapid mental arithmetic skills that so fascinated her brother don't really interest her. In fact, most of the book is still way beyond her skill level. But I've found quite a few games that are appropriate for a child still struggling to add and subtract single digit numbers. (She says they're more fun than the math games they play at school). And there are several activities (Tangrams, and Color Designs, for instance) that take advantage of her love of art to help her understand math better. At the end of kindergarten, my daughter told me that her favorite school subject was math. I have no doubt that her exposure to Family Math games had a lot to do with that. And I have no doubt that we'll be using this book more and more over the next few years.

Fantastic! Family Math puts math and problem solving skills on the kitchen table. A far cry from homework, these games and activities involve common household materials like toothpicks and dried beans. They are easy to learn, quick to play, and cover a range of mathematical abilities and topics. Definitely enjoyable for both adults and children.
The book is organized into different math topics (like Logical Reasoning, Numbers and Operations, Probability and Statistics) and each activity clearly states the age level that it is for and its purpose.
FAMILY MATH ends with instructions for setting up a Family Math class to teach parents and teachers how to use the material.

This was recommended by our son's 1st grade teacher, we borrowed hers and then bought our own. It's a great family book that incorporates math into fun games. We have a 1st and 4th grader and it works great for both of them. The reviews and suggestions are appropriate and easy to use. The activities are age/level appropriate also, it's a great way to spend some time away from the t.v. and computer.

Jamestown, founded in 1607, was the first permanent settlement established by the English in what was later to become the United States. But more attention has been given by most Americans to the 1620 founding of the Plymouth colony, partially because it is more easy to romantically mythologize the story of the Pilgrims who came seeking "religious freedom" than the largely commercial interests of the Jamestown colonists.

However, the Jamestown story has its own set of myths, the most obvious being the supposed saving of John Smith's life by Pocahontas. Horn does an effective job of demonstrating this to be a likely falsehood. Instead Smith is shown to be an arrogant leader who was despised by most of the colonists and ended up returning to England a failure. He was replaced by Sir Thomas Dale, who turned out to be a somewhat more effective leader. But it really wasn't until the discovery of tobacco as a viable cash crop that Jamestown became anything approaching a commercial success. Prior to this the colonists lived on the verge of starvation, dependent on the Indians for corn in order to survive.

But Horn also shows the high level of tension and violence that existed between the English and the Indians from the beginning. The Powahatan chief, Wahunsonacock, viewed the English with great suspicion that later grew into contempt and a desire to prevent any further incursions of English into Powahatan territory. This resulted in the Indian uprising of 1622, where hundreds of English were killed in a single day. But the English settlers continued to arrive in ever greater numbers and the colony was made permanent.

But this permanence was hardly inevitable. Spain was keeping a close eye on Jamestown as well. They sent several ships up from Florida to investigate. These were all turned back. But still the Spanish could have likely destroyed the Jamestown colony if they had made it a more significant priority. But they chose not to. The two primary reasons being that they had recently concluded a peace treaty in the Netherlands and didn't want to risk further hostilites as well as the fact that they thought it probable that Jamestown would fail on its own without any Spanish interference, an entirely reasonable scenario at the time.

Overall, Horn manages to tell the true story of Jamestown, sharing his vast knowledge in a way that brings this period of history to life and captivates the reader. I also enjoyed reading the numerous quotes he included from John Smith and other primary sources. Perhaps some more attention could have been paid to the arrival of slaves from Africa as well as the distinct class differences between the colony leaders and the workers, many of whom arrived as indentured servants. But still this is an excellent book and comes highly recommended.

As other reviewers have stated, most Americans know precious little about this early English colonial attempt in America; even fewer remember Roanoke, but many recall the Puritan landing at Plymouth Rock.

James Horn has attempted to correct this imbalance by writing this clear, lucid, and colorful history of the settlers at Jamestown - the only thing missing from his title is that this story is almost one of the colonial efforts of the Virginia Company more than just the story of Jamestown. However, the book does focus on the exploits, trials, and tribulations of the early settlers in Jamestown and surrounding plantations.

The book largely focuses on the early years of the settlement, including the exploits of Captain John Smith and the interactions with the native Americans, but runs all the way through the bankruptcy of the Virginia company and the transition from a private enterprise to a royal colony. Horn speculates as to the value of the Jamestown settlement at the conclusion of the book - although his speculation is well reasoned, it would take multiple additional volumes to bring to fruition his thoughts.

Like many people, prior to reading this book my knowledge of Jamestown and early American colonization were quite limited and could have fit in a thimble. Author James Horn has done what will soon be considered a classic and a masterpiece on this subject.
From the initial foothold onto American soil in 1607 by John Smith, Captain Christopher Newport, Bartholomew Gosnold, John Ratcliffe and a total of 144 adventurers, we develop an understanding as to the trials and tribulations of colonizing and conquest in a foreign land spanning two decades of time. Hunger, disease, Indian hostilities and moral fiber are at its tautest for establishing settlements in such a vast unexplored region.
Horn's respectable character analyses of Powhatan Chief Wahunsonacock and his brother Opechancanough, along with the great many other personalities involved on both sides, gives this rendition a profound and discerning look into how America began.
An authoritative and lively read.

I found this book to be most informative and interesting. Horn paints a picture of a dysfunctional settlement that barely endured long enough to become a colony. The conventional wisdom is that the Jamestown settlers were adventurers and younger sons of nobility who sought easy riches and refused to do the work necessary to sustain a settlement such as building and planting. In contrast, the Puritans in New England were hard working, pious, and a much better model for American colonization. I don't know whether the Puritan myth is true, but Horn seems to agree that Jamestown's myth is fairly accurate.

He seems to be ambivalent about John Smith: while he doesn't seem to like Smith much, he describes him as one of the few seeking to get the settlement self-sustaining rather than putting up with idleness and depending on the Indians for food. In this portrayal Smith is very arrogant and makes some serious mistakes, but no more than others, and he does try to establish productive relations with the Indians, which subsequent leaders failed to do.

I particularly liked the author's liberal use of quotations from source material. They made the narrative more lively and more personal. I hope Dr. Horn keeps writing.

"A Land as God Made It" tells in magnificent fashion the story of the formation of the Jamestown colony in what became Virginia, the first permanent British outpost in North America. Established in 1607 and therefore approaching its 400th anniversary, the colonists of Jamestown contended with an entirely new environment, with Native Americans, starvation, interpersonal difficulties, and a host of other challenges to succeed in creating this colony. The work narrates in an exciting and accessible fashion the dramatic actions of Captain John Smith and his troupe in Virginia. The most critical element of their early survival rested on Smith's relationships with the Powhatans, the native peoples of the region who helped the colonists through several difficult experiences. Author James Horns also tells here the story of Smith and Pocahontas, a story both more complex and intriguing than that offered in the Disney version of American history.

In search of wealth, glory, and the conversion of the natives to Christianity, the Virginia colony survived by a thread for its first decade. It survived a succession of crises until John Rolfe proved that tobacco could earn a profit, and thereby placed the colony on a path toward self-sustainment. The very success of the colony demonstrated that the British were a serious threat to the Powhatan way of life and in 1622 they rebelled in a bloody war that lasted several years before the native peoples were defeated. Although the Virginia colony survived this war, but just barely, it decimated the joint stock company that oversaw it, and in 1625 Virginia became a royal colony under the suzerainty of the King of England.

This is a very skillfully written account of the first twenty years of the Virginia colony, demonstrating very clearly how the British established a foothold in North America. It is a worthwhile and at times exciting reading experience. Enjoy!