Virginia Books

A simply incredible book. The Columbia educated son of Blair Mountain hero Bill Blizzard wrote this in the early 1950s. It sat unpublished for over half a century while professional scholars wrote about the mine war and lamented the supposed lack of material on Blair Mountain(Shogan, Savage, Corbin...). This is the real deal written while Bill Blizzard was still alive. The appendix contains pictures and copies of documents that have never been seen by the public. The author is still alive(91) and can be seen on the History Channel special: Hillbilly The Real Story

Written by the son of one of the leaders of the Battle of Blair Mountain, this book is the REAL story of one of the nation's historic moments. The story follows the United Mine Workers from its birth to the fights to unionize mines in Mingo County, then to the 1921 Battle of Blair Mountain, the treason trial of battle leaders, their acquittal, the near death of the UMW, and finally to the rebirth of the labor unions under President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
William C. Blizzard wrote the articles that make up the book in the 1940s and early 1950s, while many who figured prominently were still alive. Such a treasure of "real" history about such historic events.

A very educational, historic book. After having visited Mount Vernon in VA, my kids and I were excited to find a kid's book about it. The book depicted George Washington's estate wonderfully and kept everyone's attention through the antics of "Liberty", George Washington's cat.

A charming glimpse of 18th century Mount Vernon through the eyes of a fictitious cat named Liberty. Captivating for children and adults.

Maybe I'm just biased because I love my sister so much (she is featured in this anthology) or because I'm very proud of my state, but I think this book is a great edition to any library.

By Mary Sue Kessell Rosen

Wild Sweet Notes Fifty Years of West Virginia Poetry 1950-1999 is a quintessential collection that depicts the sensibilities of West Virginians to their landscape and gets the reader thinking about what matters. This book reminds me of a choral group singing loud and clear, the kind you know has no pretense. The sounds are coming straight from the heart. Such sounds resonate throughout West Virginia. Many of the poems can be sentimental or confessional, but all the writing is accessible. Therefore, this first collection has been a tough act to follow.

However, Wild Sweet Notes II has an entirely different feel but is equally pleasing. "New voices" are striking thus creating a literary democracy in West Virginia. Both books tell me there are plenty of `serious' poets in West Virginia. Among the contributors in Wild Sweet Notes II are those with impressive academic credentials as many have had careers in education and/or are currently serving on college faculties. Other professions such as law and medicine are also represented, but in general, academic institutions are well positioned in this collection, including Marshall University, West Virginia State College, and West Virginia University.

The strength of Wild Sweet Notes II rests in the representation of a wide variety of forms and styles; therefore, it is an excellent reference to have in terms of understanding the expansiveness and flexibility the poetry genre offers. This collection as a whole, offers a lulling or lyrical quality, and also elusiveness. The reader can be motivated to analyze and "play" with interpretation and meaning. Elusive writing calls for re-reading and re-thinking or "critical thinking." Among the contributors, those with the rigors of academic training in writing and literature come through with clarity.

No doubt some readers who have the first edition will wish some of their favorite poets were represented in Wild Sweet Notes II. This is only natural, but the good part is that this edition celebrates more writers. For far too many years, Poet Laureates have come from the Northeast, but that is beginning to change. I sincerely think the nation is ready for a Poet Laureate from West Virginia. If Publisher's Place keeps the editions of Wild Sweet Notes coming with all new contributors for each publication, there will be well documented evidence that throughout West Virginia, there are large stakes in advancing poetry not only within the state but on a national level.

We must believe that among West Virginia's many natural resources are its gifted poets who address not only the rich heritage of the past but the needs of the present and our dreams for the future, not only for West Virginians but for people everywhere.

Bio
Mary Sue Kessell Rosen is on the writing faculty at The New School, New York City, and on the governing board at Pen and Brush, Inc. in New York City. She has authored a poetry book and contributes to small press publications. She was born and raised in Charleston, W.V., and is proud of her West Virginia roots.

Wild Virginia is a unique work that clearly presents information about wilderness areas in the state. I have been unable to find a good source to have on hand when planning trips, and now that I have discovered this book, I am excited to take it along. It is obvious that the authors have been thorough in their research, and have taken great pains to hike and explore every trail they discuss. Their presentation of each area will make it easy for any newcomer to enjoy the wilderness of Virginia.

Wild Virginia is the ultimate hiking guide to one of the most beautiful states in the eastern US. Whether you're looking for day hikes or extended trips, this is the guide for you. This book not only offers an informative overview of hiking in the wilderness areas but also provides a description of each trail in great detail. If the authors state that the trail curves sharply to the left or there is a fork in the trail, you know it's there. The maps are also true representations, making this guide essential while planning at home or hiking on the trail. I can't wait to see their West VA guide!

Just so buyers know beforehand, this is a great, descriptive book. However, it is best used as a supplement to field identification guides, as this one contains only drawings that, although well-drawn, are black and white and are not included for every species. Still a great resource though!

Turning my photographic endeavors more toi nature, I decided to start doing my homework, so that I better understand the wildlife in my area.

I must say that I thought there would be photos, but I found illustrations instead. But hey are excellent, although not every animal variation is shown. The author goes into amzing descriptive detail - much more than I expected.

Whether you are a nature photographer in the Maryland area, nature enthusiast, or student, this book is a steal at less than $15!

As a big fan of Colonial Williamsburg, I purchased this book years ago. The story of the restoration is really interesting. The beautiful photographs capture the essence of the story--so it's a nice "coffee table" book as well as an engaging read.

I have checked this book out at the library looking for 'GOOD' photos of some of the older homes and the resconstructed homes from the 1700's. The photos are absolutely breathtakingly crystal, clear, show wonderful asthetic views, and give a simple and linear time frame of ownership and construction/demolition, reconstruction of many of the homes in the Williamsburg area. This book is worth every penny if you buy it for research and historical purposes. Of all the books on Williamsburg that I have ever read (dozens and dozens), this one is the most excellent!

It is refreshing to finally hear from a very well-educated author about the unbiased truth of history and the Saxon people.
His footnotes and sources(unlike most liberally biased propaganda)CHECK OUT!

"The Wolf and the Sheep" is an enjoyable short book somewhat akin to Orwell's "Animal Farm". People are basically either wolves or sheep. Wolves eat sheep - that's what they do, and Sheep try not to be eaten - that's what they do.

In the past, our nation (sheepfold) weeded out wolves like rapists and murderers. We were left for the most part with a homogenous, upstanding and righteous society.

However today the Wolf has gained entry into our sheepfold. Rapists and murderers are protected from the angry masses, and after serving several years, they are often set free to repeat their crimes and to breed more little wolves into our society.

The time has come to restore our sheepfold to its former glory.

An excellent book for those interested not only in wolf conservation, but for those interested in the ongoing debate over the role of humans in the natural community. The various authors each bring in uniqe perspectives and ideas about what should and should not be human responsibilites towards shaping the ecosystems we live in. I was impressed with the great variety of opinions and ideas that are in this book regarding wolf conservation. This book definitely made me think about my ethical, social, and political values and will no doubt continue to help shape these values in the future when I re-read the essays in here.

Wolves And Human Communities: Biology, Politics, And Ethics is a compendium of informative commentary by leading contributors and experts in the field of wolf restoration activities in the American west. These essays address complex ethical, biological, legal, and political concerns surrounding wolf reintroduction. The contributors specifically comment on the social, cultural, and ecological values that are a part of the on-going national debate. Specially addressed are the views of stakeholders in the Adirondack decision; historical trends in public perception of wolf restoration; the legal and policy context for species preservation; biological and political lessons gleaned from the Yellowstone, Isle Royal, and Great Lakes states wolf restoration experiments; and the meaning of wilderness in both humans the wolves. Wolves And Human Communities is a seminal, significant, highly recommended contribution that will be greatly appreciated by environmental and animal rights activists, ecologists, as well as wolf population and habitat restorationists.

This book takes you step by step in helping one understand the concept of investing by breaking through the financial jargon. Every page has chart/examples and illustration that make it much easier to understand and comprehend.

As a registered investment advisor, I read this book in preparation for a seminar I conducted for a women's financial program. Obviously in obtaining a license to sell securities 5 years ago, I had already become familiar with the terms and concepts of the book. I find that it is a wonderful introduction to the complicated world of investing and it is refreshing to have been written from a woman's point of view. I have ordered several copies to be kept at my office to distribute to my new female clients because I think it is vital in making a new client feel at ease with the industry terms and jargon that we can be surrounded by each day.

This book should not appeal just to historians, but to anyone who grew up in, or had family that originated in the area. Volume II is also a must. Regardless of your age, if you enjoy nostalgia, and wish to see what Woodbridge Township (including Fords, Sewaren, Colonia, Port Reading, Hopelawn, Keasbey, etc.) looked like either in your youth or before you were born, you will love this book. It's a glimpse into the photo albums of many families throughout the area, and I'm delighted that the authors saw fit to arrange this compilation.

If your into local American history, then this book is for you. Many pictures of historical buldings and the first families of Woodbridge. Check out Volune Two of Woodbridge. Both books offer the reader great information about this beautiful small American town. Woodbridge NJ is home to the Cross Keyes Tavern, a tavern were Gen. George Washington spent the night on his way to New York to become our first President. Woodbridge is also the first town in the colonies to raise the new American Flag.