Maryland Books

As a native Marylander (Frederick) and Johns Hopkins alumnus, I have many pleasant memories of lovely old Baltimore. This book is a light read, but Bell knows the heart of the city well. The reader really gets the feeling of the old neighborhoods and their traditions, mostly due to the author's keen eye and flowing narrative style. He reminds me a bit of Andrei Codrescu.

Bell's interest in architecture becomes obvious almost immediately, and this is entirely appropriate considering the marvelous ensemble of historic buildings in Baltimore. The author's selection of neighborhoods to explore is necessarily selective, for brevity and for safety. Charm City isn't the most hospitable place in the United States, but it reveals a proud history and a truly beautiful cityscape for one willing to dig around a bit. Bell has done just that.

Trust your noodly master, Hon.

Mr. Bell has captured the atmosphere of Baltimore, especially it's unique combination of history and irreverence. When I was a kid (this goes back a few decades) one way people described Baltimore was as "the biggest small town in the world." This book captures the essence of that. Though Mr. Bell and his walking companions wander miles and miles they never seem far from the core of the place. This book is too much fun for any Baltimore reader to pass up.

I enjoyed this book, though that's likely because I grew up a few blocks from Madison Bell, and his stories were like strolling through my childhood and adolescent days. I think the book is well-written, but ultimately, it is a narrative book about several walks around town (going south on York Road, north along Charles Street, east to Fells Point, and then west to an obscure tucked away neighborhood).

Once finished reading it, I gave it away to my brother, a rare occurrence because I usually hang onto my books. I'm not sure that the book would carry over well to someone not already familiar with Baltimore.

The Crown Journey series asks established writers to wander through a city or area they live in or know well, and then write about it in a way that introduces the outsider to that place. I've read two others in the series, Christopher Buckley's one on Washington, D.C. (my hometown), and Chuck Palahniuk's one on Portland, OR (where I went to college). The former is pretty terrible, focusing on the standard federal and historical haunts while mostly ignoring the 500,000+ people who actually live here. The latter does a pretty good job of capturing Portland, with an emphasis on the quirky. After D.C., Portland, San Francisco, and New York, Baltimore is probably the next city I know reasonably well -- it's only a 45 minute drive north, and I've probably visited it somewhere between 50-75 times since the early '80s.

Bell is a 20+ year resident of the Baltimore area, and arranges the book as a series of walks through various parts of the city in the company of friends steeped in local lore. Many of these areas (Fells Point, Inner Harbor, Canton, etc.) are well known tourist destinations, others (Dickeyville, north Charles Street) much less so. His general mode is to embark on his promenade and alternate descriptions of present-day street life and architecture with odds and ends of local history. While some of this historical context is interesting, it does drag the book down at times, as does his preoccupation with architecture.The book is much stronger when he focuses on social history, rather than the "founding fathers" stuff that tends to dominate.

Similarly, Bell is at his best when he turns his novelist's eye to the various bars and characters he encounters along the way, bringing them vividly to life in a way he simply can't with the historical material. The dominant theme is one of constant change and transformation, running from the great fire of 1904 that leveled most of the old town and required massive rebuilding, to the scandalous land grabs of the '60s, to the rapid-fire redevelopment/gentrification currently underway throughout the city. On the whole, a quick and readable introduction to the city for the uninitiated.

Madison Smartt Bell's walking tour of Baltimore take us through a variety of neighborhoods, some well know and some rather obscure. Of course we get the low down on the touristy and trendy parts of town like Federal Hill, Fells Point, the Inner Harbor, and Canton.

With this city nearly 300 years old, Bell is able to sprinkle in an interesting look at its history with the descriptions of these places and how they've changed with gentrification.

Because of his local literary celebrity, Bell has access to some well-know locals and some colorful characters. For example, he visits a quaint, charming, but little-know part of town, Dickyville, with Laura Lippman, former Baltimore Sun reporter and now well-known mystery writer. She grew up in Dickeyville and provides insiders flavor to its description and historical context.

Bell, a guitarist, gives us a vivid sense of the Fells Point bar scene and sits in with a local band where we meet some great local characters. With his skill as a writer, Bell neatly weaves the long history of this area in with the local scene and its changing population.

Bell and I are close in age and both moved to Baltimore about the same time, more than twenty years ago. Reading this book took me back though these years and the many places that make Baltimore quirky and fun,with a unique mix of small city sense of place and big city attractions.

"Voice of the Terps" broadcaster Johnny Holliday has written this book from the heart. It's an often humorous but always sincere account of Maryland Terp basketball memories that stand out as Holliday's favorites. It is very selective but very cool, and the photos are varied and add much to the enjoyment of this book. A few things make Johnny's book worth having for every college basketball fan: a chapter on many of the veteran referees who were in the middle of the action. Their memories, quotes, opinions, etc are interesting. Coach Gary Williams obviously spent time with Holliday and his co-author Stephen Moore on chapters discussing program "turning points" and the 2002 championship, and Coaches Lefty and Bud give their views as well. Dozens of players talk with Holliday about their favorite moments. Holliday was also friends with Len Bias, and the chapter on Bias is very moving. Many fans are also featured. All in all, I think this is a book for every Maryland Terp fan.

In 2002 I had the honor of working with the legendary Johnny Holliday on his autobiography, "From Rock To Jock." This detailed account of the "Voice of The Terps" life was critically acclaimed as an entertaining and significant history of broadcasting, Top 40 radio, and sports through the eyes of Johnny. We became close friends during the two years we worked on "From Rock To Jock", and this friendship continued when we were asked to write "Hoop Tales," a very different book, with different goals.

For starters, "Hoop Tales" follows the publisher's format for this popular series. The recipe is assemble a collection of great pictures (and our book has some very good ones, several from Sports Illustrated, and the rest from UMD Hornbake Archives, the Athletic Dept, and personal collections), and select about ten stories that basketball fans will love.

I think we did that and much more. We uncovered new information, such as the earliest formation (and games) of the team; experiences of the veteran referees- in their words - of great players, games, and their interactions with Coaches' Bud, Lefty, and Gary. Coach Williams provides his overview of the turning points in the program's evolution. The chapter on Len Bias is Johnny's personal account of knowing Lenny, and describing his growth as a player and person over four years. Several Terp players have thanked us for this positive portrayal. Coaches Bud, Lefty, and Gary, and many famed players - from Keith Booth to Walt Williams- contributed time and candid accounts to "Hoop Tales," and the greatest living sports writer, John Feinstein, wrote the Foreword.

"Hoop Tales" is a written celebration of the Maryland Terrapins with great photos. I'm giving my own co-authored book a five star rating here - and I know some readers will be critical of this self-promotion - but I can't post this author's info without a rating. And we are very proud of this book and we hope Maryland fans will support it. Thanks, and GO TERPS!!

This very short, very readable history of Maryland University's men's basketball program is an enjoyable read, especially for Maryland basketball fans. That said it also has some drawbacks.

First, there really are not a lot of details here. I didn't really learn anything I didn't already know about the program except maybe some of the items in the first chapter about the program's origins and early years. For example, the chapter on Len Bias is short and non-analytical. I know much, much more about that sad chapter in Maryland's history than is presented in this book - which basically is "it's a sad story, Len Bias was a great player, it hurt the program." Ditto the run to their first Final Four and subsequent NCAA Championship Season.

This book is probably basically what it's supposed to be, a short synopsis of the team's history and is probably better suited for pre-teens and teens than adults who have followed the program for years. Overall, I can't say I was disappointed, but I didn't really get anything out of reading this book.

As life long Terps fan, this read is a must. I loved it. Mr. Moore really has captured what being a Terrapin really means to those of us that are die hard fans. Thanks.

Award winning broadcaster Johnny Holliday can add another title and experience to his long and illustrious career - Author!

In "Hoop Tales: Maryland Terrapins Men's Basketball" Holliday, and Stephen Moore, takes the reader inside the Maryland "huddle" to gain insight into one of the most storied programs in college basketball.

As a reader, one can sense the passion Johnny Holliday has for the program, and written words are as enthusiastic as his play-by-play call, or as sweet as the swish of a long jumper.

Len Clark

I read this book years ago and it captivated me. I have always thought that this would be a great movie with a young Michael caine In the lead role. I cannot vouch that this is a truue story (I have heard conflicting reports that Norman Leigh never Existed - his system doesn't work etc etc) However its a great read even if its a work of fiction. The Book ends with the "hero" about to depart for Vegas, I have wondered what happened Ever Since. Sounds like time for "Thirteen Against the Mobs bank!"

While the tale of a team of gamblers taking down a famous casino in Monte Carlo is an engaging story, here's the problem: The gambling system described is simply not possible.

When I read the book, I had my father write a program to simulate 100,000 spins of a roulette wheel, using each of the gambler's moves (the outcome of the spin affects each team member differently).

It took about 5 seconds on this massive computer (at Abbott Laboratories) to re-create 100,000 spins. Results weren't even close to making money. We ran it again, several times, same outcome.

I then had him invert the program, that is reverse the logic revealed by Leigh's system. Maybe, I figured, the author was altering his strategy to hide the real method.

Back to the computer, back to the same results - nothing that amounts to winning money.

Cash in on good readaing from a fun older book, but don't get your hopes up to make a living off a the author's gaming system.

I read this book as a teenager and enjoyed it immensely. Since then, I've often wondered if it was true. I recently decided to write a simulation program that plays the system exactly as laid out in the book. What did I find? Email me at jwoodger@sympatico.ca, if you're interested.

I read the book in less than two days....truly was hard to put down....if you are just picking up a book to browse through and try and pick up a system, then you don't want the book...the system is explained throughout...no charts or graphs or any other BS....I found it to be a great read and have used a part of the system(mostly red/black and high/low) 5 times in the casinos(hardly enough to prove anything)but have walked away with $100+ each time...Now I don't have the capital to get a "Mushroom" as they call it, but if you can consistently walk away from the casino with $100-$200 for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours of play...isn't that worth it.....Not quite as profitable as the European wheel, but it can still turn a profit with patience....BUY IT, READ IT AND ENJOY IT!

The fascinating account of how Norman Leigh took a team to break the bank at Nice using his roulette system. Dryly funny, it offers an insight into how gambling affects and alters personalties. It also illustrates a winning roulette system for those with the exceptional discipline, stamina and bankroll required to play it.

This book really appealed to me because I'm into acting, but I would recommend it for anyone. It has a happy ending, but the whole book isn't all happy-go-lucky, as is the case in other young adult books. There is romance, but also some sadness, and I think there is a good balance of comedy and seriousness. I've read this book SO many times and I recommend it to anyone who loves, or even likes, to read!

As a 13 year old girl I read this book, it made me want to join the theatre... I am now 21 years old with a BA in Theatre (much to my parent's dismay)! Whenever I wonder just why I am involved in this crazy business I open up this book and re-read it. No other book has ever expressed the essence of theatre clearer... its COMMUNITY... and so I applaud this book (it's what we live for anyway!)... : )

This book is a hilarious story of high school life. It shows, although sometimes a little exaggeratedly, how cliques affect teenage America. You meet many fairly believable characters, from lazy Marie to Simon of many moods to intelligent Tina. It also shows how putting on a play gets you into more than you expect as Simon struggles to direct an adaptation of Hamlet that Marie writes. For anyone who remembers or thinks of school as a life of exclusion from others because of different "groups." And the title is true.

The book, "Something's Rotten in the State of Maryland", is okay. In the begining you think that the lead character hates the director of the play and is in love her her jock boyfriend. Then, at the end you begin to think that she likes the director and dislikes her old jock boyfriend. This is like a romance novel. There is a lot about love in this book. Overall, if you need a book to read this one would be good.

I found this book to be absolutely delightful. It had the perfectly blend of humor, romantic tension, and drama. It tells the story of Marie Valpacchio --- a typically lazy girl who happens to write a modern version of Shakespear's 'Hamlet' for an english assignment --- and ends up helping put it on stage for real! The romantic male lead is the student director, Simon --- tall, dark, handsome...and arrogant as anything. Sparks certainly fly between the two --- dangerous ones! They're ready to KILL each other. Until suddenly they realize that their relationship is not one of hatred, but of love.

This book was absolutely charming. I loved the characters. The plotline was tight (which is rare for a teen romance novel) and had a very nice flow to it. It's told in first-person, present-tense, which is extremely rare, but Laura Sonnenmark makes it work well. The story was well-thought-out and superbly written. I'm in my mid-twenties and I STILL enjoy reading it.

"This is the ultimate guide to romantic weekend getaways."

"The authors introduce travelers to lesser known treasures of Maryland and Virginia."

"Wraps up lodgings (including many inns), restaurants and attractions in appealing weekend getaway packages.... A nice attention to detail."

A brand new edition of this unique guide to getaways in the tri-state region, including the Baltimore-Washington corridor. Well researched and laid out in easy-to-use sections that profile one trip each, this book covers Virginia's Blue Ridge, the Tidewater, the Shenandoah Valley, Chincoteague, Charlottesville, Central Virginia and the Eastern Shore. Maryland's favorite spots on the coast, in Baltimore and Anapolis, and to the West are also covered. In addition to the best places to stay and the finest spots to dine, the book is packed with things to do that will rekindle a romance... or get one started in the first place. Local cultural festivals, winery visits, carriage tours, balloon rides, plantation tours and more.

"... [a] unique perspective on traveling as a couple, pointing out places where privacy is paramount, lodgings offer special romance packages, and [places on] the Eastern seaboard to sneak a kiss."

Highly recommend this pattern book. Another great source of inspiration for classic Baltimore Album patterns and Elly's pattern ideas.

Great patterns for Baltimore Album applique lovers.

I found lots of patterns in this book. Great! However, all the pictures are in black and white and are taken from her other books. She tells us which OTHER books contain the instructions. In other words, buy "Baltimore Beauties and Beyond". You will get much more out of it.

This is the second book of STRICTLY Baltimore Album Applique Quilt Blocks, sized for 12 inch squares. (if you want larger squares you would have to enlarge the well defined blocks) There are about 6 pages of color displaying variations of the same and similiar simple blocks shown in the body of the book. Most of the blocks in this book are contemporary designed blocks from students of the author. However there are some complicated floral basket designs from historical Baltimore Album Quilts as well. This book is only for the experienced applique quilter who is familiar with Baltimore album Quilts - since it is primarily only patterns to choose from in making your own quilt. This book will not teach you how to make a quilt, nor how to applique etc as only earlier books by this author contain these instruction. Since I have all the authors books, I found this a delight to add to my collection.

Most of us are taught to believe that the War of 1812 was an American fiasco. Walter Lord's The Dawn's Early Light is an exceptionally well written work which depicts just how America sent the Brits packing for a second time and along the way earned not only international respect but also forged a sense of true national identity.

This is quite a fine work. Starting with the British burning of Washington, DC, Lord follows through to the defeat of the same army at Baltimore and the subsequent annihilation of the Duke of Wellington's finest troops, those that defeated Napoleon at Waterloo, at the Battle of New Orleans. While the battle sequences are extremely well done, the behind the scene negotiations are covered equally well.

This book delivers what most historians often forget. By defeating Great Britain twice, a very young nation, one whose ideas of self government were so uncertain that some of its own citizens though it would not work, developed a sense of self, one that was to set the tone for the rest of the world to follow.

This is a remarkably well written and structured work, sure to please all but the British!

This book is the first I have read concerning the War of 1812. In this book the author covers the period from August 1814 with the British marching onto Washington. Walter Lord offers a spendid account of the fighting at Bladensburg, the burning of Washington and the subsequent campaign against the British. The use of first hand account offers a splendid insight into the people, soldiers, sailors and politicians caught up during this period of history. A well researched and finely told account of this dramatic time in America's past. An excellent story!

I have read "Dawn's Early Light" several times and have found it to be the single most readable and understandable writing on a subject that is suprisingly not well known to most American readers. Lord uses numerous primary sources- diaries, letters, and memoirs of the participants, as well as thorough research and a tightly written narrative to tell the story of the British invasion of 1814. Especially effective are his characterizations of the British and American leadership. Walter Lord has managed to convey effectively the professionalism and cockiness of the British forces and the hopelessly chaotic and desperate American defense. It reads very much like a novel.

This is the first book I have read on the War of 1812 and I found it to be an excellent refresher. The book presents the battles and troop movements with striking detail. The author manages to avoid boring the reader with cumbersome details. His mixture of personal accounts & interesting details results in an enjoyable read. For a history book, it is rather exciting. I highly reccommend this book to any history buff.

I believe this book is a good lead in to the Antietam campaign.
Starting with the breakoff from the "Seven Days" battles, this book leads you through Cedar Mountain 8/9/62 and into Second Manassas. Good general maps, not regimental detailed however.
I used this book for a preempt to the Krick work of much more detail on Cedar Mountain and the Hennessy book on Return to Bull Run, again more detailed. If you are looking for a general overview of the eastern campaign summer of 1862 prior to Antietam , this fits the bill.

This is an excellent account of the end of the Peninsula Campaign through and including the South's first invasion of the North, Antietam. Clearly written, concise and with excellent maps, the interpretation of tactics and strategy is excellent. Given Lee's misfortunes and incredible blunders, it is almost beyond belief that McClellan would let him escape a second time. You begin to think that the South's best general was not Robert E. Lee but George B. McClellan.

In his final battle McClellan truly proves himself either inept or treasonous, you decide. Thank God Lincoln finally fired him for good. Be prepared for a little Southern bias.

4 1/2 stars...This is the only book that I could find that described in detail the period from the end of the Peninsula campaign to Antietam. Stackpole describes this period in clear, concise terms (if not a little slanted to the Confederate point of view) while at the same time making it very readable. We learn all about the troop movements that the Federals made to vacate Harrison's Landing on the Peninsula, while seeing the formation of Pope's Army of Northern Virginia. The plan to consolidate these forces and re-attack Richmond is very clearly covered, but ultimately under-mined by McClellan and to a degree, Halleck as the Federal forces couldn't quite coordinate this seemingly simple troop movement. We get Lee's perspective on this and learn that he had an amazing ability to "read" his enemies' leadership and he ultimately based his troop plans, correctly, on these assumptions. The battle of Cedar Mountain starts the battle sequences for this campaign and shows this ability as Stonewall Jackson advances North to Gordonsville with the idea of crossing the Rappohannock River. The standoff at Cedar Mountain should have given the Federals the momentum that they needed to continue pursuit of the Confederates back to Gordonsville, but we learn quickly that John Pope, although much more agressive than McClellan, is far too inept to lead this large a force. What we see is Pope ordering again and again, a confusing series of movements to try to 1) outflank Lee and then (when it's discovered that Lee has information concerning this troop movement plan and plans to counter-attack) 2) to retreat back across the Rappohannock and establish an entrenchment north of the river. Stackpole, again writng squarely in the Confederate mindset, describes Lee's decision to divide his army and send Jackson on a flanking movement that ultimately ended up in the battle of second Manassas. Pope is severly criticized by Stackpole for lack of leadership and egotistical behaviour and shows how this combination hurt the Union chances at 2nd Manassas. Incredibly, McClellan re-obtains leadership of the combined Army of the Potomac (shown through lack of clear direction from Lincoln and Halleck) and even though learns of the precise invasion plans Lee had of Maryland, he moves at the deliberate pace that epitomized his tenure and misses many major opportunities to destroy the Confederates at South Mountain and finally, Antietam. Stackpole manages to interpret all this complex history into an enjoyable reading experience while still telling history as it should be told. The criticism of this book, to me, is the maps. These are topography maps that really confuse more than help the reader...although, towards the end of the book, they seemed to get better. Regardless, they are plentiful and give the reader the minimum idea of what's going on. Another critique is the brief and vague discussion of the Antietam action at the Sunken Road (Bloody Lane). Stackpole gives 2 pages to this complex action while spending much more time and length to the other sections of the battle and to me, it seemed to detract from the narrative. Finally, the Commentary section that D. Scott Hartwig provides (a re-evaluation of some of the conclusions that Stackpole had that have since come more to light with increased avaialble scholorship) is a surprisingly apt ending to the book. I really must characterize this as an important study of that period of the Civil War between the Peninsula Campaign and Antietam and recommend it highly.

Originally published in 1959, Stackpole's book was revised and republished in 1993 as the 2nd (and current) edition..... Having read MANY books and articles on the Maryland Campaign (including the latest from Sears and Priest) and having visited each of the battlefields several times, Stackpole's book was a wonderful addition to my collection. His compact writing style, the inclusion of some rather obscure facts, and the numerous maps make reading the book a pleasure.....For the Civil War neophyte, this book is a good means of learning about the "rebellion" without being overwhelmed with minutia. For the more "advanced" reader, the book is a delightful refresher course, with bits of new information thrown in from time to time.......In covering the Maryland Campaign (Cedar Mouintain, Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam), Stackpole - out of necessity - could not go into the detail found in some more recent texts. And he does miss the mark on some facts, as known today. But on the whole, this work is extremely well-researched and well written.....I recommend it highly.

The book was way too long and overrun with facts that the average reader does not need. The title was what prompted me to buy the book as I am an Easten Shore native and have known about the horses for over 70 years. However, the book was MORE about the author and his problems than how the horses got to Assateague Island. I'm not sure that I would recommend it to someone who wanted to know about the horses....

Tom Powell

Mr. Powell, I respectfully disagree. It is a historical event that weaves itself into todays events. To understand that impact, you need the details the author lays out. Add the current case between Spain, Odyssey Marine (and now Peru), in which this case has been cited, and it brings to life the current ongoing drama. I can't believe what has happened in the court cases discussed in the book and how it may throw a monkey wrench in this current one - fascinating!

"The Hidden Galleon" is a magnet that will draw readers through its wonderful historic "connect the events" content......this beautifully illustrated adventure is detailed with archival maps and drawings and pictures that brings the reader into a fascinating adventure of the last days of the Spanish warship La Galga to its final resting place in Maryland's Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.
Author John Amrhein takes the reader on his lifelong journey to prove that the wreck of La Galga in a terrible hurricane in September, 1750 included the descendants of Chincoteague Island's pony population that attracts tens of thousands of tourists yearly to Maryland.
As a native of Baltimore, Maryland and a high school US History teacher here in Virginia with 40 years of classroom experience, I found that the book was impossible to put down and a delight to read. In truth, it brought back wonderful memories of the pony pennings that I loved so much to see whenever we traveled to Maryland's eastern shore in the 1950s.

The Hidden Galleon brings the thrill of many years of treasure hunting right into your own living room and makes you want to continue reading as you participate in the progression of the hunt. The final conclusions are rewarding and exciting.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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