Washington Books

In the last two decades of his life, Washington Irving produced a number of biographies intended for "the family library." In many ways, these works resemble the brief biographies currently being produced by literary figures for the Penguin Biographical Series. With a strong emphasis on the narrative events, while recounting the general literary and cultural traditions that enliven his subjects, Irving produced highly readable and intelligent works, among then studies of Christopher Columbus and George Washington. Published in 1850 after Irving returned from his tour as Minister to Spain, "Life of Mahomet and His Successors " was initially a sketch for what Irving hoped would be a longer study of the Islamic invasion of Spain and its effects on Spanish culture. At the request of a friend, Irving lengthed his intial sketch of the Prophet, revising it years later, again at the request of a friend, and adding an appendex, "Of the Islam Faith" that examines Islamic articles of faith and the daily religious practices of Moslems. Although Irving is a product of an Enlightenment education, he is by no means dismissive of the aims or beliefs of Mohammed. For instance, in discussing the various miracles attributed to Mohammed, Irving notes that Mohammed himself said that the only miracle was the Koran. Irving also notes the reactions of Christians and Jews during the foundation of Islam--that many said he was anti-Christ, that many signs and portents in Constantinople excited the religious authorities throughout the Mediterranean world. Irving's harshest criticism is reserved for the transformation of Islam during the prophet's life into a political force, often of violence and intolerance, which in Irving's opinion, distorted the spiritual truth of Mohammed's earlier visions. Despite these criticisms, Irving ultimately offers the reader the argument that the truest measure of Islam and its founder can be located in the beauty of the Koran. Read with Karen Armstrong's study of Islam, as well as NJ Dawood's translation of the Koran, this forgotten biography will extend your historical understanding of this important man and the world religious movement he founded.

In the last two decades of his life, Washington Irving produced a number of biographies intended for "the family library." In many ways, these works resemble the brief biographies currently being produced by literary figures for the Penguin Biographical Series. With a strong emphasis on the narrative events, while recounting the general literary and cultural traditions that enliven his subjects, Irving produced highly readable and intelligent works, among then studies of Christopher Columbus and George Washington. Published in 1850 after Irving returned from his tour as Minister to Spain, "Life of Mahomet and His Successors " was initially a sketch for what Irving hoped would be a longer study of the Islamic invasion of Spain and its effects on Spanish culture. At the request of a friend, Irving lengthed his intial sketch of the Prophet, revising it years later, again at the request of a friend, and adding an appendex, "Of the Islam Faith" that examines Islamic articles of faith and the daily religious practices of Moslems. Although Irving is a product of an Enlightenment education, he is by no means dismissive of the aims or beliefs of Mohammed. For instance, in discussing the various miracles attributed to Mohammed, Irving notes that Mohammed himself said that the only miracle was the Koran. Irving also notes the reactions of Christians and Jews during the foundation of Islam--that many said he was anti-Christ, that many signs and portents in Constantinople excited the religious authorities throughout the Mediterranean world. Irving's harshest criticism is reserved for the transformation of Islam during the prophet's life into a political force, often of violence and intolerance, which in Irving's opinion, distorted the spiritual truth of Mohammed's earlier visions. Despite these criticisms, Irving ultimately offers the reader the argument that the truest measure of Islam and its founder can be located in the beauty of the Koran. Read with Karen Armstrong's study of Islam, as well as NJ Dawood's translation of the Koran, this forgotten biography will extend your historical understanding of this important man and the world religious movement he founded.

"Washington is Burning! The War of 1812" is a student edition of our popular reading program, Reading Essentials in Social Studies, that we market to schools throughout the United States. This book contains a historical fiction story and nonfiction chapters that historically support the story. It includes archival drawing, maps, and paintings.
It also contains bolded vocabulary words with a glossary. Children will be able to identify with the young, main character and learn about an important event in American history at the same time.

The book begins with an overview of the War of 1812- the conflicts, the declaration of war, and the peace treaty.
The historical fiction story centers on Sophie Turner and her father, Cyrus. The Turners are slaves owned by President James Madison and his wife, Dolley. Cyrus believes that if he helps fight in the war, he will be granted freedom. As he prepares for the Battle of Bladensburg, he tells his daughter how the portrait of George Washington that hangs in the President's House stands for freedom. Sophie isn't convinced, however, and is worried when news of defeat at Bladensburg reaches the mansion.
When they are warned about British soldiers marching toward Washington, D.C., Mrs. Madison, Sophie, and her Aunt Tillie prepare to flee to the countryside for safety. Sophie insists that the first lady save the portrait of Washington.
From their refuge in the country, Sophie and Aunt Tillie watch as Washington is burned by the British. Sophie is glad to learn that her father is safe and prays that her father's dream of freedom will come true.
The last four nonfiction chapters of the book provide details of the war leading up to and following the invasion of Washington, D.C. A brief biography of James and Dolley Madison helps readers understand their involvement in the War of 1812. Insights into the role that black Americans played in the war are highlighted throughout these chapters.
This is an excellent children's book to be read and shared during Black History Month!

This is a great book written by a great man. I should know I am his granddaughter. I am honest just like he was and I wouldn't say it was a good book unless it really was. I miss you grandpa, love Rachel!!

This book is a history of the first 100 years of the newspaper, though much of it is a summary account of the major news events of the times. Founded by a southern Democrat (a white supremacist), the paper was second-rate until the 1930s when Eugene Meyer bought it at a bankruptcy sale. His son-in-law Philip Graham took over and then Graham's wife, Katherine, became publisher when Philip committed suicide. The paper took on a more liberal slant beginning in the 1950s, but didn't become a really dominating national force until the Pentagon Papers appeared and Watergate stars Woodward and Bernstein brought great attention to the paper. Roberts's account is interesting, especially as the paper evolved after WW II. Best read, I think, along with Katherine Graham's excellent autobiography PERSONAL HISTORY (1997).

WOW! this hold all your quarters. Its great. I bought it today and its so fun to save your quarters and display them. Its a good investment! §§§Thanks§§§

A great way to keep your collection of change in a handy thin book.Your coins stay in place, and are not easily lost. Most have dates and mint marks, that way you can see what you have or still need. Some books even give a little information on the coins you have. Great for the beginner or exp. person.

This bag is great. I got it for my hubby for christmas. Every one who saw it under our tree loved it and asked where I got it. Highly recommend! Also highly recommend amazon!! This is the best site to buy from, super saver shipping was such a big help, and they ship fast. Amazon prices are lower then walmart on some items I purchased.

This is a very nice large gift bag. It is sturdy, colorful and nicely detailed with team logo and name. It was a great b-day bag for my husbands gifts.

This river/fishing guide was just what i was looking for. The detailed maps and fishing success charts by month & species are great. I wish these guides were available for all states.

The maps in this book are very detailed and show all kinds of back roads to access the rivers. The seasonal species/hatch/average flow/recommended tactics charts are also a great feature. You can save a lot of time getting to know the main WA rivers with the purchase of this book.

I wasn't sure about Washington University before reading this book but now I think I know it much better. I'm happy to have found such a well written guide on this college. What really impressed me was the detail of information given and the fact that it was written by a student. I think anyone looking at this university should get this book. You won't be disappointed!

In the last ten years Washington University in St. Louis has grown into one of the country's premiere liberal arts colleges, drawing more and more prospective students to the midwest for a look.

This College Prowler guide is the ultimate companion to a visit to St. Louis. The book's 29 chapters give you hundreds of uncensored student opinions on topics including the best and worst campus food, Greek life, campus dating, the best dorms, the intramural sport scene, and which professors to avoid at all costs.

Prospective students can pick up some Wash U slang, read about how to dress for the horrible St. Louis winters, discover the quirky stores on South Grand Blvd., or read up on campus traditions like Thurtene and WILD. Learn what frat parties are like, the prevalance of student drug use, and even track fashion trends on campus. Above all you'll find out the best and worst things about living and studying at Washington University.

You're about to pick a place to spend the next four years of your life. This College Prowler guide helps you make the right decision by giving you the opinions of those who know the school best -- real Washington University undergrads. Written by students for prospective students, it's an honest and essential aid in making your big decision.

You'll also find in the guide a wealth of information about things to do in St. Louis and at Washington University, so if you decide to attend, you'll already have a head start on diving into the clubs, arts, sports, business, and social life of the area.

Please feel free to contact me, the book's author, at dan.carlin@gmail.com

This is a very well researched and loving look at a very mediocre at best expansion team. During baseball's expansions of the 1960's, teams were doomed to years of frustration. This didn't stop fan's from loving their teams. JIm Heartley is obviously a very devoted fan. Season by season accounts, player interviews, and a well done statistical index make this a very worthwhile book for both reference and fun. If you ever had the pleasure of seeing Frank Howard hit one into the upper deck at DC / RFK stadium, you will enjoy this book tremendously. Let's hope Washington will soon field another big league team.

Washington's Expansion Senators (1961-1971) is a comprehensive look at the last years of baseball in Washington, DC. Year-by-year summaries, former players' reflections on their careers and memorable moments, photos, and every statistic that a Senators' fan could want combine to form a "must read" for any fan of the Washington Senators.

History buffs and civilians alike will enjoy little known anecdotes surrounding a well known person, place, and the people behind both.

Good Book. Some great facts in there. Must have for George Washingtonphiles. Quick read. Author seems to know his subject really well.
REcommended to all history buffs, especially NYS.

I read this book in the early 1990's. There was considerable interest in the subject back then. There were numerous other books about the U.S. war on Nicaragua at the time. I believe that this book will endure as the best book about that era. Ms. Sklar paints the picture, entirely documented with exacting precision of the U.S. undeclared war against this tiny state, population of 3.5 million. The U.S started it and maintained it. How many Americans know that the World Court in the Hague found the U.S. guilty of war crimes in Nicaragua in 11/84. What was the U.S. response-we walked out of the World Court, rather than obey it's verdict. Read about it in this book-p.170. Only three countries ever walked out of the world court in it's entire history, Iran,Iceland and Albania. I don't know about Iceland but the other two put us in pretty undistinguished company. In this latter day, when Iconization of Ronald Reagan is the mode people should read this book to see just how obsessive the man was on the subject of Nicaragua and the Contras. Ms. Sklar shows how illegal and ruthless that obsession was.

The war against Nicaragua is staring into the same memory hole that other unpleasant chapters of American history get dropped into by politicians, much of the media, and ultimately the people.

Way, way back in the 80s, the US launched an illegal war OF terror against the mighty Central American empire of Nicaragua, which was threatening to destroy the United States and our very way of life. So evil was this nation, so dangerous, that they had to be crushed, to the point that it's easily one of the most dirt-poor nations in the hemisphere. Starting up their own Reich, eliciting the support of the Evil Empire (since no one else would help), Nicaragua is a classic example of what happens when puppets no longer follow orders and want to go off on their own.

Holly Sklar has written an in-depth, meticulously researched book that betrays little bias, since the well-known and easily verifiable facts speak for themselves. The story is very ugly, indeed. So egregious was the US that we were condemned by the World Court for 'unlawful use of force', a nice euphamism for, well, aggression, terrorism, etc. After hearing this unacceptable verdict, the US responded by walking out of the World Court, and escalating the war. The contempt for international law continues unabated.

The book is very detailed, and well-indexed. You can focus on certain chapters without losing the overall story, and indeed many Americans will recall all the hoopla, nicely spun by the media then and now. Of course, some of the very players are still on the scene today, with Oliver North now a respectable Fox News employee, and John Negroponte displaying his characteristic dedication to the Third World in his new role in Iraq.

Highly recommended reading for any American, this book will not be found next to your latest fashionable pundit's 'book'. It does, however, give an insight into how world powers behave, then and certainly now.