Illinois Books

This is the single best history of Bluegrass. I've purchased several volumes, because I lend the book to others who are becoming interested in the genre, unfortunately noone ever returns my loaned copy.

Rosenberg draws from his experiences working with Bill Monroe and other bluegrass musicians in this compelling and intriguing history of bluegrass music. The early chapters sketch out an interesting history of folk music genres that laid the foundation for bluegrass. Rosenberg then provides special attention to Monroe's role in helping to create a new sound. I especially appreciated the metaphor between playing bluegrass music and playing baseball. Rosenberg explores the symbolic and literal connections throughout the book to provide a great way to understand how the music (and game) is played.

If you're interested in the history of bluegrass music, I would recommend that you begin with this book. Rosenberg is an engaging writer and a fine historian. He also performed with Bill Monroe and has continued to maintain a strong presence in bluegrass music. The work rightly focuses on Monroe's early contributions to bluegrass music, and Rosenberg demonstrates how the musical structure and context is linked to major social issues and cultural expressions in American life. The connections that Rosenberg makes between bluegrass and baseball are fascinating and right on the money.

Bluegrass music's greatest practitioners have always been plain-as-burlap folks who wouldn't give a hoot about dissecting and intellectualizing the music that pops out of them as naturally as sweat. As an appreciator of real deals, I wouldn't have it any other way. However, I'm glad that folklorist/musical historian Neil V. Rosenberg has been around for several decades now, poking his scholarly nose into the fascinating haystack that is bluegrass and putting the needles into cultural perspective. This sweeping and heartfelt book, Rosenberg's crowning achievement as the planet's foremost bluegrass oracle, will stand as the last word on the subject for a long, long spell.

Unlike rock 'n' roll, whose Big Bang genesis one fateful day in Memphis reverberated like a sonic boom, bluegrass had more fitful beginnings. The music's raw ingredients had been fermenting in Appalachia for untold years in the form of homemade "hillbilly" music before a shy Kentuckian named Bill Monroe began distilling them in the 1930s into a distinctive musical form. Monroe deliberately crafted the sound and personality of bluegrass and, much more round-aboutly, gave it its name. As the central figure in bluegrass, Monroe's patriarchal spirit looms magnificently large over Rosenberg's history, which, after all, is ultimately Monroe's story.

Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, arguably the next most important innovators in bluegrass, also figure prominently. In the 1940s, the two had been underpaid sidemen in Monroe's Blue Grass Boys band before abruptly striking out on their own in 1948 and becoming Monroe's main competition. Heavy turnover was a fact of life with the Blue Grass Boys, but the mercurial Monroe was outraged by the pair's defection and didn't speak to them for over twenty years. Transformed in the Sixties by television ("The Beverly Hillbillies") and movie ("Bonnie and Clyde") exposure into world-wide icons, Flatt & Scruggs achieved fame and commercial viability the likes of which bluegrass - including its inventor - had never known. Rosenberg's delineation of the famous Monroe/Flatt & Scruggs "feud" is one of the best things in the book.

Rosenberg's writing style can be stiff and he tends to exaggerate the significance of certain events, such as the use of a bluegrass soundtrack on an obscure experimental art film called "Football As It Is Played Today." Also, his laborious investigation into how the term "bluegrass" came to be applied specifically to the music is a bit of a yawn. The book is thorough almost to a fault, but it's petty to criticize Rosenberg's leave-no-stone-unturned work ethic. He has written the definitive bluegrass bible and clearly done it from the heart. If you appreciate true country music, of which bluegrass is the truest, this book will both delight and enlighten you, as it did me.

447 pages (including index), extensive notes, bibliography and discography, 40 pages of photos.

Rosenberg is a practing academic, and it shows in his attention to detail and writing style. However, he is also a former Blue Grass Boy and manager of Bean Blossom, and it shows in his thorough love of the Music. Fascinating details alternate with a comprehensive picture of how Bluegrass fits into the wider context of American popular music. The Big Mon (Bill Monroe) comes out as a true creative genius, yet still very much subject to outside forces, for example, the folk music revival. Rosenberg avoids sensationalism, which sometimes limits the "juicy" stories that can be told about Monroe and many others, and instead focuses on the movement and the social forces around it.

Highly recommended for fans and scholars alike, even if somewhat hard reading for non-academics.

The footnotes in this book are extensive and as insightful as the contents. The legal actions and procedings surrounding the trial are given attentive details. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to know more about Mormon history, American legal history, or history of the 1840's in Illinois.

First of all, this is not a Mormon-propaganda book. It is a scholarly work, a study of law. It is an account of the legal proceedings that took place as a result of the murders of Joseph and Hyrum Smith at Carthage, Illinois in June of 1844. This book makes no attempt to convert anyone to Mormonism--in fact it doesn't even focus on the Smiths. Instead, it critically examines the trial of five men accused of participating in the murder of these two men.

I cannot praise this book enough for its objectivity. The authors remain completely aloof from bias, and focus instead on an analysis of the trial. One should not read this book with the intent of learning every detail about the Smiths' murder. For those interested in knowing about the legal proceedings that followed their deaths, however, this book will be a valuable tool.

This book is an invaluable resource--it unearths many facts and circumstances that I have not encountered anywhere else, and manages to make sense of just what happened inside the Carthage jail on that fateful summer day. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Mormon history.

Highly documented, as are all Mormon writings, it tells what happened at Carthage, Illinois. The murder of Joseph Smith and his brother Hiram told minute by minute, identification of many personalities, and clear reporting of the courst case. The atmosphere and surroundings of this incident has been repeated before and after, within societies that feel threatened by something they do not understand. Reading of this book will bring sorrow to your heart, and a rememberance of Waco and other unfair reactions to supposed threats. Very good book, reporting in detail what happened.

Governor Thomas Ford came to Carthage. Joseph Smith expressed concern about personal security for Hyrum, Richards, John Taylor.

Why did Governor Ford dismiss Joseph Smiths warnings of danger?
Governor Ford feared increasing numbers of Mormon immigrants in the state of Illinois. Governor Ford feared Mormon control of the political machinery because the Mormon influx represented the possibility of a power shift: new political leaders, democrat controlled state shifting to another party (whigs,republican), and new state laws submitted and ratified by Mormons.

Governor Ford promised the prophet Joseph safety telling him that a state militia would be disposed to ensure the safety of the prophet. The prophet expressed grave concern because of the persistent nature of the anarchist, mobs, or enemies of the prophet too take his life.

The prophet foresaw the incompetency of the militia to protect him correctly. Poor communication and undisciplined military response by the militia suggests they were under order, not to be in the vacinity of Carthage, at the time of the murder of Joseph Smith. Even as the enemy was forming a logistic line and coordinating an attack, the militia did not respond appropriately. The militia seems too have no intelligence or counter offensive plans against an attack.

Did Governor Ford conspire with Thomas Sharp to allow the Marytr of Joseph Smith?

No legal prosecution was charged against the governor, no committee was formed to research foul play, and no confessions record to implicate the governor in the plot. However, Governor Ford had opportunity and motive to assist in the conspiracy.

Joseph Smith was given a hand pistol by a Member during a visit. With it, Joseph Smith shot one attacker in the face, one in the arm, and one in the shoulder. Why were these men not found and brought to trial? What is surprising is the amount of evidence ignored by the court. The court was not following constitution law nor was it following rules of evidence. The court was following common or customary law rules. In fact one man was shot, managed to walk into a tavern, tell his story, and witnesses saw the bandages protecting the bullet wound. The evidence was not used to press charges against these men.

Bracken testified "He saw Wills, Voras, and a man named Gallaher, all wounded on the road between Carthage and Warsaw. The wounds he described matched those mentioned by Daniels - Gallaher was wounded in the cheek. All three men were indicted for the murders of Joseph and Hyrum, but they were never arrested, nor did they appear at the trial." Why were these men indicted? The seems to have usurp constitution law. Additionally, the adversarial forum of the court room broke down as the prosecuting attorney failed to perform competently, a mistrial should have been ordered and a new case submitted. The court seems to have rejected the federal mandates and guarantees provided by the U.S government. The court symbolizes rebellion against the union and possed the potential for seeds of the civil war.

Why didn't Worrel stand trial for his involvement in the conspiracy? Worrel used business connection and personal influence to avoid being cross examined by the court. Sufficient evidence existed to indict Worrel and bring him before the court to have him examined. Worrel not standing trial was a great injustice.

During William Daniels testimony, Daniel put Sharp and Williams at the scene of the crime; and Eliza Graham's testified about Sharp's boasting in at the Warsaw House; why did the prosecution build on these facts and cement the argument for a verdict of guilty? The court was not following constitutional law. Instead, it create a customary law, convenient to exonerate these men. The evidence was convincing enough to bring minimal punishment against them and circumstantial enough to bring capital punishment against these men.

How did the defense team make Daniels testimony seem uncreditable? The persecuting attorney was incompetent. The defense team immediately picked up on this fact and exploited it. This further weakened any chance for justice to prevail.

Should have Jacobs been prosecuted for conspiracy to kill even though he did not directly participate with the mob attack? Jacobs should have received punishment for his involvement. Even though Jacobs did not participate directly, he was an accomplice to the crime. Jacobs was stained by his association and involvement in the crime.

Did the fact William Grover, Mark Aldrich, Thomas Sharp, Levi Williams, and Jacob Davis belong to the masonic society influence their political ambitions and desire to kill Joseph Smith? The Masons were not directly involved in the conspiracy, however, the Masonic lodge provided opportunity and means for these men to meet and conspire against the prophet Joseph Smith.

The fact Lamborn dismisal of Daniels incriminating testimony against Levi Williams, Thomas Sharp, Mark Aldrich, Jacob C. Davis, and William N. Grove is outrageous!

Why did Benjamin Brackenbury's testimony that Grover boast he killed Joseph Smith had him acting for the community as a theme of rebellion of civil law? The greater tradegy of anarchy was the lose of life incurred in the civil war. The civil war divided a country and turned brother against brother in a contest to establish supreme sovereignty.

Why did Mark Aldrich gain back most his land for pennies on the dollar after he declared bankruptcy? This was pure theft and reflected the moral and legal decay in the community politics and legal system.

Why did Lamborn dismiss three of his most important witnesses? Lamborn was probably bribed to throw the case. Lamborn was known to accept bribery and could be swayed by an angry community not to vigorously prosecute the accused. Was Lamborn paid to throw the trial into confusion?

Why did captain Grover not hasten his pace to rescue Joseph Smith from the Mobs? Captain Grover should have been force on threat of court martial too justify his actions. The integrity of Captain Grover came under question because he could have raced his men, double time, too Carthage and rescued the prophet and the apostles from the mobs.

Why didn't the Carthage Greys purse the fleeing mob members? Captain Grover did not seem too be compelled to protect the life of the prophet nor capture the prophets assailants. Captain Grover seems have followed a precise strategy of being late and too exhausted to persue.

Given the testimony of Eliza Graham and the testimony of Daniels; why did defense attorney Browning claim even if his Sharp, Williams, and Grover had opportunity to comit the crime, no admitting they did, however, they would be justified because it they were acting on the old citizens desire to kill Joseph Smith?

Levi Williams lead the mobs into a civil war against the Mormons. Why did William seditious and traitorous actions not go unpunished by the law?

Why were gun shots heard but none of the mob members injuried?

Who killed Joseph and Hyrum Smith?

What was the political tension between the whigs and the democrats? Joseph Smith would have been the President of the United States of American. Business men in the East like the prophets political views. Popular polls indicated the Prophet Joseph Smith would have easily once the presidency.

The acquitals of these men marked the beginning of civil war. Rebellion against law. Great is his glory and endless his priesthood. Ever and ever the keys he will hold.
Faithful and true, he will enter his kingdom, Crowned in the midst of the prophets of old.
(Hymns, 1985, no. 27)

I found this book to be thoroughly researched and documented. Oaks and Hill have written this book in a way that the reader can understand the legal process of the trial of the alleged assassins of Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith. With many footnotes to back up their research, Oaks and Hill have effectively given the reader a clear picture of the events that led to the assassination of Joseph and Hyrum and the subsequent trial, without getting too carried away with "legalese" language. My complements to the authors on this excellent book!

I recommend this book to anyone who has interest in Trial Law, as well as Mormon History.

This is a truly excellent book for those who appreciate the fine building traditions of Chicago. The black and white plates are of a generally high standard, with a scattering of interior views to give atmosphere to the plans. The text is brief but informative, and the overall design of the book itself is of a high standard. Another classy production of the Acanthus Press!

Having been born in the windy city it was with great relish that I bought Mr. Harris' book. I was not disappointed. It is fascinating and full of details about the people who designed these dwellings and the people who populated them. Overlooking Lake Michigan these buildings were the envy of many cities. The natural shoreline provided a perfect setting for the imagination of the architects and builders who created these edifices for their wealthy inhabitants. The changes that took place as the city became more vertical and more populace is a truly exciting look into the growth of the United States. Mr. Harris has done a superb job.

This book was a gift from a friend, since I live in a lakefront high-rise and have an interest in Chicago architecture, I walk past dozens of these building throughout my daily travels in the city with a new appreciation now. The amazing vintage photographs plus the many detailed floor plans, along with splendid elevation drawings make this book both a joy and a valuable addition to any library.

This is a first-rate survey of the great apartment buildings of Chicago. The title is misleading since Professor Harris covers over 120 years of architecture with his nearly 100 buildings. The interior decoration shots are fantastic: there are modernist interiors alongside misplaced historical interiors, there are Elkins and Adler designs too. Harris'introduction is a wealth of sociological information. This is a must buy for anybody interested in apartment buildings in Chicago.

This is a gorgeous book, I really can't say enough about the quality of books Acanthus Press puts out, they are amazing. The black and white photos are beautiful, they are crisp and vivid. The book is quite thorough, and I found the text to be scholarly and highly informative. I was pleased that exterior as well as interior photos where used, the reader really gets a feel for the buildings and you get an excellent cross section of the top apartment buildings. Chicago is second only to New York in luxurious apartment buildings and this book does an amazing job of cataloging the best examples, I loved this book. The book even includes a silk book mark. If you are the least bit interested in this subject, buy this book, you will not be disappointed, it is first rate. A book for those who love books.

Every Chicago will debate the moments: How could they forget that? However, this book will remind Chicagoans why they love this city, even with the politics.

"Chicago Days" is an excellent chronological summation of some of the important events that have occurred in Chicago over the past 150 years. Each event is given at least one page of written description and one photo. It is good occassional reading and has something of interest for almost everyone, making it a great gift. Some featured events are historic, some sports-related, some fads or 'firsts' out of Chicago, some frivolous and some heart-warming. You needn't live in Chicago to appreciate the stories, events and historic news items found in this book.

As a professional tour director and author I am always on the lookout for good information to share with my clients. When I took out a tour titled "A Week in Chicago" I needed a reference that would give me an insight to the city that guidebooks truly don't have.

This was the book that I luckily bought!

Here's 150 one or two page articles of the most defining moments in Chicago's history. I shared the stories about Chicago Deep Dish Pizza, the Black Sox Scandal, Reversing the River, John Dillinger's Death, The Bi-level Commuter Train, and of course, the Great Fire.

I was able to give fresh accounts of these widely varied events to tourist on their first trip to Chicago. These are the stories that mature people really want to know or remember. And this book delivers 150 of them.

Whether you're a tourist or a resident, this a book to treasure if you really want to appreciate this great city. It's a professional tour director's secret resource for Chicago.

I had been looking for something with the history of Chicago and some good pictures. Despite the fact that this book doesn't really cover the history of the city, it does cover indeed most, if not all highlights of the city's history since the Chicago Tribune was founded. The texts of the 150 subjects have just the correct size, and most of the pictures are as breathtaking as you would expect from a newspaper as important as the Tribune.

With excellent photography and sometimes gritty, big city narrative, Chicago Days is the sum of Chicago's history in an easy to read, fast paces, well written book that you won't put down until you reach the end.

Objective and very tongue and cheek at times, the educational and nostalgic value of this work can't be put into words. It will evoke powerful memories and feeling in Chicagoans and teach volumes to those from other cities. It would also make an excellent primer for those re-locating to Chicago from other countries, dispelling the popular myths about the City and its people.

Covering people, places, events and accomplishments with impartiality not always found in books about Chicago, this is a must read. It deserves six stars.

Every required detail is available. All the reasons for which anyone would visit Chicago are in the book. It has 100% coverage, and a perfect guide to anyone who does not have taxicab-driver familiarity.

It has brilliant organization, separations by price, geography, and entertainment genre. If you want to know where The Billygoat Tavern is, or where to get the perfect Chicago-style hotdog, it's inside. If you need to get your Chicago pizza fix, have no fear. If you merely on a sight-seeing trip or a spending-big-money trip, this book is the only guide you'll need.

For those unfamiliar with the city, I highly recommend ripping out the perforated map that gives the essential details of the "El"; it's a life-saver.

I love Chicago, know it pretty well, and I'll use this book over and over. There is simply too much to see, do, and utilize in a one-weekend trip.

Just when you think you know Chicago, Laura Johnston (who, as it turns out, isn't even a native -- but it's hard to tell!) shows you more. I tried to highlight the "good parts" of this book, but now my entire book is marked up because it is just THAT good. From tremendously useful reviews of various sightseeing destinations and restaurants to helpful suggestions regarding bargains (i.e., a chart that shows you free admission days to various attractions), "Chicago for Dummies" is absolutely essential for the Chicago visitor who doesn't want to miss a thing.

Despite the title, this is actually an excellent guide. Written in the friendly tone of a Chicago inhabitant with an obvious love for the city, it offers the sites, restaurants and activities that you might come across were you visiting a friend. Highly recommended!

Laura Johnston keeps it simple. I'm a former Chicagoan and this book has just the right mix of the 'can't-miss' Chicago combined with 'off the beaten track' fun. Doesn't overwhelm with densely-written pages and more choices than one could possibly sample in a few days. Highly Recommended to anyone headed to My Kinda Town for the first time. A winner!

A thoroughly engaging guidebook written by a Chicagoan who steers you away from the tourist traps and into the hidden gems frequented by locals. Anecdotes, sidebars, insider tips, budgeting guides and detailed maps all help to get you to your chosen destination with the least amount of hassle. If you're going to the Windy City, it's a "must-have".

I read this book on the way to Chicago and by the time I got there I was ready to go check out the piece of history that is the Billy Goat Tavern(THE ORIGINAL). Obviously a quick read with lots of fun information.

Kogan nailed it all: a history lesson about somebody else's family turns into a cultural escapade in and around a neighborhood joint. God bless Lake Claremont Press for covering Chicago stuff like this and typical of their line of Chicago-themed titles, it works really, really well.
The real stories behind the legendary dive, er, tavern that is now a world-wide recognized icon. Like all true stories, real life is better than fiction and especially when in the hands of a top-shelf teller of tales like Kogan, whose ability to paint vivid images is what local readers (and listeners) know and love. If there's a torch being passed by Studs Terkel, Kogan is the guy who inherits it and TAVERN proves it nicely.

A small piece of Chicago history, brilliantly preserved. I really enjoyed it.

Mark Braun
Old Timers' Baseball Association of Chicago

This is an excellent book, easy to read, especially interesting to a native Chicagoian. Very nice photos. Extremely informative.

WGN radio personality and Chicago Tribune columnist Rick Kogan presents A Chicago Tavern: A Goat, A Curse, and the American Dream, the true story of a baby goat who fell off a truck in 1934, hobbled into a tavern owned by Greek immigrant William Sianis, and became a Chicago icon. Known as The Billy Goat Inn, Sianis' tavern gained a lasting reputation as the leisure pub of choice for newspaper reporters, policemen, politicians, and more. But did Billy put a jinx on the Cubs? After Billy and one of his goats were prohibited from entering Wrigley Field during the 1945 World Series, the Cubs eventually lost to Detroit - and kept on losing. Today the single tavern has become a prosperous chain of seven, including one in Washington, D.C.; A Chicago Tavern acutely on the folklore, daily life, humorous anecdotes, and more revolving around the classy establishment that started the legend. Numerous vintage black-and-white photographs add a you-are-there touch to this history of a beloved Chicago hangout.

I had an existential "A-ha!" moment in Rick Kogan's tribute to "A Chicago Tavern: a Goat, A Curse, and the American Dream."

Kogan says:
Around 1950, there were almost 7,000 taverns in Chicago. In 2006, there were fewer than 1,250.

This reviewer basically learned how to read while accompanying my father to visit his friends at Peg's Tavern in Hinckley, IL (They would give me nickels and quarters to play the juke box - so I learned P a t s y C l i n e and all her friends and all their songs.) There was a real sense of community and camaraderie among the regulars, like an Irish village pub/hub, that one doesn't encounter in the "fern bar" Chains of today, contributing, one can extrapolate, to the loss of neighborliness and sense of community in current culture. (See also Bowling Alone : The Collapse and Revival of American Community)

Kogan tells about a family of Greek immigrants who created a place where all collars, blue, white, and clerical meet and mingle; a tale of a Billy Goat's tail and the "truth" about the "curse" on the Chicago Cubs. Making appearances in text and photos are the Sianis family; various animal goats; various old goat humans: Mike Royko and Harry Caray; Aykroyd & Belushi (this is the real deal - where the "Cheezborger, Cheezborger! No fries . . . chips!" were made;) some presidents and other politicians; and even that Stinkier- than-a-Goat Devil & Demolisher of the 2003 Pennant Hope, Steve Bartman.

Docked a star because Kogan's choice to write the whole thing, even the historical stuff from 1916, in the present tense, riled this reviewer worse than a whole gaggle of sorority girl foo-foo umbrella drinks.

/TundraVision, Amazon Reviewer.

Growing up in Chicago in the late 70's I missed Bishop's Sven. I started out with the Ghoul and was hooked forever when Rich Koz opened his coffin on Ch 32. Since that time I've lost precious brain cells to the permanent memories of those classic parodies and skits. Mr. Robbers, 50 Ways to Blow Your Cover, and more.

So, I had to get this book. It is a quick read (nearly half is just a list of b-grade movies) and tells the tale of how Svengoolie came to be and where the whole thing started. If you are a fan of Svengoolie you owe it to yourself to take this fun trip down memory lane, or elm street...whichever.

I bought this book on a whim for my boyfriend who grew up watching Svengoolie on Saturday nights. He absolutely loved learning more about the show he adored as a child.

I grew up in Detroit, so I missed out on most of the programs covered here, except for the maniacal Ghoul (Ron Sweed, a Motor City favorite) and the wacky and still active Svengoolie, played by the talented Rich Koz. In spite of this, however, I loved reading this book because it captures the fun and the essence of what every monster movie fan of my generation experienced, from the happily demented horror hosts to staying up late to watch those glorious (sometimes gloriously awful) films we cherished so much. Remember, this was mostly before home video came along. The book is loaded with nostalgic advertisements for these movies, the kind of ads that made you drool in anticipation.

Some folks might question why there's an entire appendix devoted to a "100 Monster Movies" rating guide, but to me it's one of the most enjoyable sections of the book because it goes hand-in-hand with the overall history of this subject. How can you discuss monster movie programming without discussing the monster movies themselves? If anything, I wish they'd gone a step further and covered even MORE titles. A few of my favorite films were overlooked. Am I the only one who has fond memories of CREATION OF THE HUMANOIDS? (Maybe I am.)

The book is well researched, fun to read, and has lots of wonderful photos and graphics. It makes me sorry that I missed out on all the fun. But then again, I didn't. No matter where you grew up, watching monster movies on television was a universal experience. This book captures that experience beautifully.

Let me start by saying I am from Chicago and I am a Chicago History buff.

As a child and into my teens watching Creature Features on Channel Nine (the opening as a six year old terrified me), and then the Son of Svengoolie on WFLD, I loved local tv. Why do I say this? Simply put - I had high expectations for this book. The good news is that Ted Okuda and Mark Yurkiw exceeded them.

Looking for Elvira - you won't find her - but "Dear" clearly was a feast for the eyes. Now I finally know what my dad was talking about.

"From Shock Theatre to Svengoolie" is a needed part of the history of Chicago TV and Lake Claremont Press respectfully published a book others might take a pass on and remains a respected leader in local publishing of Chicago history. Well edited, designed and expanded in part by a solid and varied reference section which includes a solid list of films shown (and reviews), a heartfelt "Collector's Corner" with additional reviews, and a resource guide on where to find your horror needs - that alone would stand to qualify the book as a great resource; but yes - there's more.

The book is factual and warm about the subjects themselves - with wonderful chapters on characters such as Marvin and the curvacious and faceless "Dear" of Shock Theatre to Jerry Bishops "Svengoolie" concluding with the story of how Rich Koz's "Son of Svengoolie" became "Svengoolie" in his own right.

The book doesnt mince words. The Ghoul from Cleveland gets a chapter - and in that chapters lies the great story of the loyality of Chicago to it's city and to its broadcasters. That chapter alone made me smile - unfortuantely at an outsiders expense.

The book covers some obscure local attempts to compete against established programs as well - which goes to the detail the authors provided.

And then there was Sven.

While you can watch Jerry Bishop and Rich Koz on YouTube as Sven as a resource; the chapters on Svengoolie are detailed and worth the read.

I grew up and continue to watch Rich Koz as Svengoolie now in Chicago - and through this book you realize Sven's program not only entertains through horror but is also the last of the real local efforts to fight to keep local television creative, relevant and accessible. Koz is an important throwback to Garaway and other early Chicago broadcasters and deserves the praise and critical rsearch the book compiled.

In this book you can see why Koz is important as a local celebrity - and is up there with dare I say Studs Terkel and Oprah as important local personalities - even though Koz would likely deny this endorsement. WCIU should be credited for keeping a great program such as Sven on the air when others might just put an episode of "Night Court" on instead...yeech.

I particularly enjoyed the attention to detail; with photos of the old newspaper and TV Guide advertisements of the programs. If you loved those programs as a child - before there were so many options on cable; those ads were critical in promoting the programs and the movies we grew to love.

The book is lavishly illustrated and well written and referenced, footnoted and resourced. Time, effort and true affection for the material went into this tome.

In a book like this - there is room to be melancholy - and the authors avoid that trap. Lamenting on the fact local television is in most cases just the news; and all of TV's creativity is left to the networks would be an easy place to go - but the book is upbeat and most importantly a joy to read.

You want Creature Features? The book has it. Marvin and Dear - yep; its here too. Screaming Yellow Theatre and all of Sven? Yep - that too.

Clearly highly recommended.

I would write more - but my family is ready, the popcorn is popped and Svengoolie awaits .....

I bought this book at a book signing at "Horrorbles". The authors are really nice guys. The book is a must for anyone even remotely interested in horror, it discusses in detail the various TV horror hosts broadcast from the Chicago area. Its covers the inception of TV horror hosts to the present. It also does a good job of showing the evolution of the TV horror show. The book is well written and offers so much insight, there is a not only a wealth of information but resources for any fan of horror. There are plenty of photos that will surely evoke pleasant memories of sitting in the dark watching "scary movies". Makes a good gift.

I read this book for my history fair project that I was doing on the true story behind the musical "Chicago." This book was so helpful to me because it gives every bit of information about the crimes and it even has all of Watkins' Tribune articles from the time. The script for the original play is an added bonus, and it is fun for me, as a "Chicago" and Fosse fan, to compare the original play to the musical and movie. This is well worth the price and a must-have for any "Chicago" fan.

This publication of the play that inspired the hit musical is amazing. Not only is it the original script, it gives wonderful newspaper articles of the time period and gives a real sense of time and place. As an artist, it was amazing to perform this piece. While the musical is a hit, it owes everything to this beautiful and strikingly funny but touching play. I highly recommend it and enjoy!

This book is amazing if you are looking to find some history on the play. I have seen the non-musical produced in Ashland and will be directing it myself in the next couple of years. This book includes the full original script, which is amazing in itself, but also includes a fantastic introduction my Thomas H. Pauly. The articles are a joy to read because you really get a sense of Watkins' style of writing.

Watkins' days a court reporter inspired her to write the script for what was to become, itself, the inspiration for one of the best musicals of our time. The daily reports from the court trials of the real life muderessess in Chicago were certainly very telling. The fact that the women who escaped death row or life sentences were white women, society women, beautiful women, and most poignantly, women who killed their lovers - not their husbands.This reminded me of how people get caught up in the soap opera of life and love to glamorise all events. If you are a lover of the musical, this is an interesting book to read.

"This one's got the makin's: wine, woman, jazz, a lover."

The hugely popular Kander and Ebb musical, CHICAGO, meets its grandparent in Maurine Watkin's 1927 hit, CHICAGO (a.k.a. PLAY BALL).

For fans of the musical, this book provides a fascinating and almost documentary-style look at the real-life inspirations for Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly along with the original CHICAGO script. Also included are copies of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE articles Watkins wrote that not only made celebrities out of the two murderesses, but inspired the writing of CHICAGO itself.

CHICAGO fans will enjoy picking out lines and situations in the script that inspired the songs. But more than just a fun diversion, Watkins' script is a powerful reminder of how often we treat serious trials and news stories as entertainment and how manipulative and influential the media is. When reading the script, one can't help but recall O.J. Simpson's trial when Billy Flynn arranges a media circus for his client, and compare Monica Lewinsky's media make-over to Roxie Hart's.

Watkins leaves us with a scenario that sounds almost familiar. The Jazz Slayer, Roxie Hart, is found not guilty. Gunshots are heard down the hall. Another murder! This one worse than all the others, but what a story! The news reporters rush from the room and Roxie, who plans to use her celebrity status to become a vaudeville star, is instantly yesterdays news. Reporter Jake Callahan drags "Machine-Gun Rosie", as he has dubbed her, into the courtroom and despite her cries that the media leave her alone, ("No! I don't want in the papers!") Jake tells her, "Come on, sister, yuh gotta play ball: this is Chicago!"

Mr. Shelton's book looks beyond the technical aspects of good media production and provides thoughtful and practical guidance on how to plan, shape and organize media presentations that will surprise, charm, inform and influence audiences. His emphasis is on informational rather than narrative media. At a time when we tend to be bedazzled and distracted by the remarkable technology now within easy reach we need frequent reminding that the idea is everything and that all that follows must be designed to deliver that idea to our intended audience forcefully, memorably and persuasively. This book will show producers of documentary, sponsored and informational films and other motion-media (Mr. Shelton's term) exactly how to proceed. Particularly valuable are the many examples, format samples, check lists and illustrations he includes. The Communication Analysis Plan is the best and most complete I have seen. This book can teach and encourage informational filmmakers who of late tend to be over-shadowed by our Hollywood brothers/sisters. The fact is, however, our productions can be equally creative, well-crafted and moving if we remember that most of the work needs doing long before we pick up a camera as we ponder and analyze exactly what is to be done, for what audiences, in what way, with what result. Shelton's book will certainly help. I recommend it highly for those who want to become better and more efficient information media producers and as a text book.

Whether you're a motion media professional or a student of visual communications, this book is a "must read" for you. The author - drawing on some forty years of experience as a successful information motion-media professional - writes with clarity and authority about both the theory and practice of communicating ideas through film, video, and multi-media. Shelton argues persuasively that the main objective of all information motion media is to influence the thought and behavior of the target audience, and that all the resources - creative and technical - that a motion media specialist has at his or her disposal must be directed toward that end. But he cautions that creativity used for its own sake may result in failed communications and a waste of the client's money. Building on this theme, the author elucidates an array of time-tested principles that he strongly advocates should be applied in the design and production of effective motion media. Not to be missed is an appendix featuring some fascinating "quotable quotes" that the author has collected over the years (though perhaps some individuals might consider having been quoted a dubious honor). In sum, there is no better book available on this topic, and I recommend it without reservations.

I strongly recommend S. Martin Shelton's book to practitioners of any profession seeking to influence the actions or thoughts of others through the power of media, be it through the written word or the transmission of images. As a Foreign Service officer I should have had this book 30 years ago. Though the focus of his book is film and video, his explanation and exploration of the principles of the communication process has application in all facets of interpersonal dealings. To cite but one example, this is especially true in the field of advertising--print, video, or radio. Much too often, media fails to motivate audiences to do what the sponsor has in mind, from the prosaic act of choosing between competing brands of toothpaste to such altruistic goals as inculcating healthful life choices. Such failure, as clearly expounded by Mr. Shelton, is in large part attributable to a growing lack of understanding of the underlying tenants of the art of communications. For one, the seductive explosion of technology's rapidly expanding capabilities has led to a shift in focus from communicating a message to enthralling with pixel glitz. Incorporating Shelton's ideas garnered and developed over years of practical experience and a background rich in theoretical knowledge, will improve significantly what we see and hear in our daily lives-bringing clarity to much of the "noise" surrounding us. Kenneth Albright, US Foreign Service (Retired)

This book is the distillation and compilation of the knowledge Shelton has gained from many years of experience in tehse fields. It is well written and his comprehensive knowledge of the field is evident. He is sometimes acerbic but his advice is heartfelt and should be of great value to beginnners as well as professionals in these areas. His "FUNDAMENTAL VERITIES OF INFORMATION MOTION-MEDIA" will be of particular usefulness as it is pithy and to the point. The book could well be used as a text in a college-level course. I recommend it unreservedly.

Dr. E. V. Ruhnke, Sr., Professor Emeritus, Texas A&M University-Kingsville

Mr. Shelton's book on filmic communication is an important breakthrough in the understanding of how and why films work with audiences. For the first time in the many years I've been in the profession I've found a book that tells me how motion media works and how to make it work. With masterful insight he analyzes the very foundation of my profession-how to use film and video to motivate our audiences, how to get them involved. To anyone in our profession or to any aspiring students, Shelton's book may well be the key to your success.

I can't say enough good things about this lady's writing. These novels are such a delight to read. They are entertaining, comical and inspirational all at once. When I need cheering or feel the need to "visit" a charming hometown, I go to Partonville. I'm hoping she writes many, many sequels of these folks!

I love "Dearest Dorothy".....she is the best neighbor in the world. We need more "real live Dorothys". If you haven't read any of the "D D" books...start at the beginning and don't stop! You will fall in love with her and her friends!

This series of Dearest Dorothy books were so much fun! Great books for all ages.

Good fiction ought to make you stay up to read until there's no more to read and darn it, the book is over. That's how I feel about the Partonville crowd. Charlene has developed enough interesting characters that subplots can unfurl around Dorothy. I loved the fact that one of the main characters, Rick, isn't even present. This speaks so much more to my Midwest born and bred condition than Jan Karon's Southern Mitford. Can't wait for number six.

Dearest Dorothy continues to pull the people of their little town together in love and understanding and prayer. The characters of these stories tug at your heart and make the reader eager for the next story. I encourage anyone to read this series of books for a truly heart warming experience.