Bailey Books

What can I say, the author is my revered grandfather. His is a remarkable story of personal courage and fortitude, only a part of which is told in the book. As a personal memoire of combat experience, "Through Hell and Highwater" compares favorably with Guy Sajer's the Forgotten Soldier. In his book, you'll find how my grandfather faced exhaustion, fear, cold, confusion and death with the taciturn resolution of a man who had no other choice. In the process he became an exemplar of leadership and a hero to his country. When men like my grandfather are finally gone, we may never see their like again. As for the book, as a source of history, it's been good enough to figure prominently in Pulitzer Prize winning historian Rick Atkinson's new Liberation series on the U.S. Army in World War II.

An honest, realistic and introspective account of war. This book was given to me as a present from my grandfather almost ten years ago. In classic youthful, ignorant fashion, I dismissed it as the ranting of a nostalgic old man. Recently, I discovered the book in the sweater drawer of the clothing dresser in my room, the cover and binding still in immaculate condition and the text largely unread. I was surprised at what a quick and enjoyable read it was, full of important lessons. This eloquent account of a young man's experience in a war all but forgotten among those in my generation has brought me to realize that it is foolish not to listen to the old wartime stories of our grandfathers. Thanks Grampy!

An honest, realistic and introspective account of war. This book was given to me as a present from my grandfather almost ten years ago. In classic youthful, ignorant fashion, I dismissed it as the ranting of a nostalgic old man. Recently, I discovered the book in the sweater drawer of a clothing dresser in my room, the cover and binding still in immaculate condition and the text largely unread. I was surprised at what a quick and enjoyable read it was, full of important lessons. This eloquent portrayal of a young man's experience in a war, all but forgotten among those in my generation, has brought me to realize that it is foolish not to listen to the old wartime stories of our grandfathers. Thanks Grampy!

An honest, realistic and introspective account of war. This book was given to me as a present from my grandfather almost ten years ago. In classic youthful, ignorant fashion, I dismissed it as the ranting of a nostalgic old man. Recently, I discovered the book in the sweater drawer of a clothing dresser in my room, the cover and binding still in immaculate condition and the text largely unread. I was surprised at what a quick and enjoyable read it was, full of important lessons. This eloquent portrayal of a young man's experience in a war, all but forgotten among those in my generation, has brought me to realize that it is foolish not to listen to the old wartime stories of our grandfathers. Thanks Grampy!

Anthony Bailey's somewhat misleadingly titled Vermeer not-quite-biography is meticulously researched, lovingly detailed, and suffused with a powerful affection and appreciation for both Vermeer's painting and Dutch history. It is only ever less than fascinating when dealing with the old master himself.

So little is known of Vermeer as to leave his biographers only slightly better off than those of Shakespeare, imagining that this document indicated this mood, this painting signifies that political opinion...such supposition is not terribly interesting to the lay reader.

But in his detailed recreation of 17th century Delft and his lush and delicate descriptions of the major canvases, Bailey makes up for the limitations of his subject. This period of Dutch history is so rich it seems almost a shame to spend so much of the text on a figure about whom so little is known, and Bailey recounts it beautifully.

An excellent book, then, unless one really wants a biography of Vermeer.

Anthony Bailey is the ideal author to write about Vermeer: like his subject's paintings his prose is quiet, calm, introspective, and serene. He illuminates Vermeer and his work, but as in the paintings discussed the light is gentle, and golden, never harsh - like a good poet, Bailey leaves plenty of room for the reader to reflect on his/her reality as he describes his subject.

It's wonderful to think of Vermeer painting his silence-drenched, calm and mysterious images amid the noise and tumult of his house filled with eleven children. Perhaps his paintings were a world of perfect order and quiet that he could retreat to when his messy and noisy surroundings became overwhelming. I also liked Bailey's point that perhaps Vermeer painted so few images because almost all of his best work had sunlight streaming through a window, and the Dutch climate doesn't offer too many sunny days to paint from!

The book opened with a bit more 15th and 16th century Dutch history than I would have cared for, but hold tight, once he switches his focus to Vermeer's paintings the book takes flight, and you will never look at the paintings in the same way again. The black and white reproductions don't do the paintings justice however - I'd recommend having a book of color reproductions of the paintings (there are only 37 known Vermeers!) next to you as Bailey gently helps you see these familiar images in wonderfully new ways.

Anthony Baily's biography of the elusive Vermeer is really a study of the Netherlands, or more specifically, the town of Delft, in the mid-seventeenth-century. I suppose there is no other way to write a biography of a man of whom so little is known, and Baily's efforts are resoundingly successful. His descriptions of city scenes, cultural events, churches, houses, markets, etc., are rendered with astonishing skill and verve. His thumbnail history sketches are always lively and never seem rushed. There are surely more detailed studies of Vermeer's work, but Baily is far more interested in placing the artist in his context than he is in producing the definitive read of the master's painting. And while readers interested in all of Dutch culture in the Golden Age might find Simon Schama's "Embarrassment of Riches" a more detailed and global work, I think Baily is by far the superior writer, and the reader comes away with a full and stimulating picture of Vermeer's world.

I'm certainly no expert on the non-fiction genre and definitely no expert on art history but I do know a well-researched and enjoyable piece of work when I come across it. I came in the backdoor on this one having become fascinated by Vermeer after reading Tracy Chevalier's Girl With A Pearl Earring. I followed that one up with Susan Vreeland's Girl In Hyacinth Blue and then came across Anthony Bailey's book. What a wonderful way to continue my journey into this author's own portrait of this master painter and what a surprise to find that it contains black and white and some color pictures of Vermeer's paintings as well.

While very little is known about Vermeer's life, through the genius of Bailey, you come away from this book feeling you know the man. What we do know is that he lived in the mid 17th century, was a Reformed Protestant until he married the Catholic Catharina Bolnes and fathered 11 children as well as 35 masterpieces. At a time when painters were in abundance in Delft and industry was striving, the picture of Vermeer is still that of a struggling artist trying to feed and clothe a large family. It is a wonder, Bailey points out, that amidst all the noise and commotion that must have gone on in his house and the financial problems that must have weighed heavily on his shoulders, that he was still able to paint such masterpieces that put the beholder at ease merely by their stillness. Vermeer was never an "all-inclusive artist" notes Bailey and none of his paintings incorporate a single flower. He favored the use of the "local colours" of yellow, white and blue. Bailey also notes that he was "fond of rendering the effects of sunlight and sometimes succeeded to the point of complete illusion."

The author mentions the trademarks found in Vermeer's paintings -- the white wine jug, the map on the wall, the bowl of fruit on a carpeted table, finials in the form of a lion's head at the back of the chair and, my personal favorite, the black and white floor tiles that helped the artist establish perspective. He also explains Vermeer's possible use of the camera obscura to focus his view. There were so many interesting things presented by the author, one of which was the different way Vermeer signed his name. Bailey shows five different signatures all playing around with the V and M in Vermeer's name. Another thing I found engrossing was how Vermeer put things into his paintings and then painted them out. We can only see this now because of modern X-ray and infrared equipment.

I could go on and on about all I learned after reading this book but some of the more interesting parts occur after Vermeer's death and have to do with Hitler's possession of some of these masterpieces as well as Van Meegeren's forgeries of Vermeer's works in the 1900's. Of the 35 known Vermeer works, one painting, The Concert, is still missing, having been stolen in 1990.

I culminated my fascination of Vermeer with a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art this week to see the Delft/Vermeer exhibit. Having just read Bailey's book, I felt quite knowledgeable not only concerning Vermeer but all things Delft in general. Upon exiting the exhibit, I walked directly into the gift shop where Anthony Bailey's book was not only on sale but being purchased by all those around me. So not only do I congratulate this author on a work well done, but also on the best timing possible for publication that one could imagine.

I'll end this review with my favorite lines from the book -- those that sum up Vermeer's life in the eyes of Anthony Bailey. "He remains in some respects, the missing man in some of his own paintings: the person who has just left the room, or who is expected at any moment. He is impatient to be found, to be seen, but while he waits, he paints stillness."

Anthony Bailey has made Johannes Vermeer come alive for me with interesting stories, things that might have been and a wonderfully descriptive Delft region by which Vermeer was obviously inspired. To me he is no longer lost, but found on the pages written by Bailey.

Watercooler Wisedom is a great book for anyone having to deal with others in all kinds of work situations. I work as a freelancer and handle all aspects and interactions of my business myself. I recently had a negative interaction with a client on job I was doing and the advice form this book really helped me to put matters into perspective by putting a strategy into place so that things could be resolved; issues that really mattered were effectively communicated with no harm done, ultimately saving more me than just income.

Collaborative, relevant, insightful. A treasure book of coping and thriving wisdoms with an intuitive and reasoned focus on what works and why. The authors detail a clear and cohesive path created from the many lives of those who have flourished in challenge. Highly recommended.

I love this book! No job is ever going to be perfect. You're always going to have to deal with difficult people, changing times, and a heavy workload. These authors understand this and they give you the skills and information you need to succeed despite your circumstances, not because of the them. Watercooler Wisdom gives help for real-world work problems.

As soon as I opened this book I knew it was just what I wanted, practical ways of dealing with many of the difficult things I have to deal with at work. I found so many useful tools, to use in my work life, but also in my personal life as well. This book is so easy to read and apply right away. I don't know anyone who couldnt find something useful in this book. It has given me a clearer insight in how to deal with all the different personalities I come in contact with everyday. The section on Getting in Step With Working Styles really has been so valuable, instead of getting frustrated with the people I work with and getting nowhere I now can recognize their unique styles and am able to have a better rapport with them. It's brillant!

Due to the nature of the diseases, FSH, Cogenial, Limb-Girdle, and Mysenthia Gravis, all of the Muscular Dystrophy family, the medical profession failed to recognize the symptons of these debilitating diseases and diagnosed this condition as depression which resulted in being in several state mental hospitals for years and given powerful anti-psychotic drugs causing hallucinations which reflected to a beautiful childhood. However, with the quick response of a didicated team of drs. from California the correct diagnosis of MD was discovered and treatment was given and the book tells of a beautiful love story as its ending. Not always the easiest read because of such a trauma but it shows the reader the awful consequences resulting from a physical illness such as muscular dystrophy mistaken by outstanding doctors for a mental illness.

I have just finished reading this book and am anxious to see it go to the top of every reading list and a movie, too. It is such a captivating read and also such a revealing study of personal experience in a mysterious world of the mind out of control because of mind altering drugs even if they are being prescribed by doctors. It was so very incouraging to see there is hope and life afterward. Frank Wray, I applaud you!

I found this book to not only be uplifting but also very rewarding. For those who face obstacles in their life, this book will surely be uplifting and rewarding!

It is one thing to have the courage this author has to have survived such a truama and, another to have written this true story and, yet another and most importantly to have the courage and stand up and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. This inspirational book is one that will touch many lives and will live forever in ones heart. It is also a most beautiful love story that will make grown women and men cry.

This has become my camping "bible". (In point of fact, it was a contested item in dividing marital property following my divorce.) Informative, easy-to-use, fun to read, excellent descriptions, and the only way to plan a camping trip. My partner and I tent it, and this book has proven to be extremely useful in finding a site well away from the electrified gulag. The overviews of each park's campsites allow one to make an informed choice regarding a site. The detailed description of each park's history and special features make this book an ideal way to find exactly what you're looking for in the way of year-round outdoor recreation at any of Wisconsin's state parks, natural areas and forests. A very minor criticism is that the photos used in the book are very much in need of up-dating.

This book is a must-have if you plan on camping in any of the Wisconsin State Parks.

Not only does it contain the usual maps and information for each park, but it also has descriptions of the campsites by campsite number! In my opinion, the campsite descriptions alone make the book worth buying.

I frequently make reservations at a campground before I visit a particular park for the first time. In the past I was assigned the next available campsite number and I had no idea what it is like until I arrived at the park. Several times I arrived at the park only to find that my site was quite sloped or too small to put my tent on!

Now, before calling in the reservations I read the book and pick out a few campsites that are level, grassy, and partly shaded (my preference!) and ask for them by number. It makes the entire camping trip so much more enjoyable.

This book is very complete and informative. I was only familiar with Gov Dodge SP. After buying this book we planned 2 more camping trips to places we were unfamiliar with!! The details are great. Down to which campsites are shaded, gravel, good for RVs, etc.

Highly recommended!!

Living in WI and doing a lot of camping in state parks, I had been looking for a book like this for years. I actually started collecting all the Park Newspapers and creating my own scrapbook of parks, campsites etc. Then 3 years ago I found this book. WOW is saved me alot of time it has all the info for all the parks inclding campsite descriptions, hunting, hiking, fishing and concessions stand info.

As invaluable to someone recreating in WI as the Wisconsin Gazateer Map!!!

After Nietzsche, Schopenhauer is often credited with being the 2nd most quoted philosopher but in spite of this he is probably among the least referenced 'major' philosophers. So considering that Schopenhauer is not really taken very seriously by academics one has to wonder who is quoting S and what value they find in his thinking, or his writing in any event. If you are reading this review I will assume you don't own this book and are probably new to the writings of S so I gear it towards that group of people in particular and hope you find the suggestions useful.

This small collection, just two excerpts from his larger and also last work, Parerga und Paralipomena (1851), is an ideal starting point to understand the appeal of S but I think only after one is loosely familiar with S the man and the broad outlines of his thinking should one read this collection. This assumes your interested in how he comes to his conclusions and are not just quote mining. S makes the point over and over again in these essays that knowledge from books alone is a groundless and untethered species of thought that has no cogent frame of reference and beyond being used deceptively in conversation or argument is useless and even dangerous. I'm not sure how to recommend that you get the experiential knowledge of what he talks about but you can certainly dig a bit more into the ideas behind the observations in this book.

Unfortunately, to really understand S you must also understand Kant and as that won't be a reasonable or enticing enough task for most people to commit to I think some path might be offered that can help simplify that work. The path I would have taken is a bit long and is really only for those really interested in S. First the books of Bryan Magee. Magee is the ideal expositor of S and his writing, like S's, is a model of clarity and it genuinely reeks of honest and harshly critical self evaluation. There are three books in particular from Magee that are of interest, 'Confessions of a Philosopher' which explains Magee and offers nice broad summaries of Kant and S that will be a useful foundation. 'The Philosophy of Schopenhauer' is Magee's seminal work on S and is required reading of course but so is the 'Tristan Chord' his book on the philosophy of Richard Wagner. The Tristan Chord is an excellent summary of the cultural and intellectual econiche near the end of S's life, the revolutionary mid 19th century . Magee introduces the sages of that age, S, Feuerbach, Marx & Engles, Hegel, Bakunin and Nietzsche as well as the most important artist of the age, Wagner, who was deeply influenced by all of these men, especially S, and had frequent discourse with many of them. With these three books behind you you can then dig into the World as Will and Representation. Starting with Volume 2 I believe is the standard recommendation. As you read S's one and only masterpiece you can dip into his 'self help' books, they are therapeutic, entertaining and have a grain of truth about them, but even as they are solid models of clarity and are eminently quotable they do not, in my opinion, stand alone as examples of his thinking and it's deceptive to view them that way.

"Philosophy" is often refered to as a field of study in which questions regarding the nature of reality, beauty and man are taken up with vigor. Those who are interested in these topics and all of their tributary subjects are said to be "philosophers" or "philosophical" in nature. Others, whose concerns are strictly material, are considered to be "unphilosophical" in nature. They have no philosophical disposition towards anything: it is as if their behavior is guided by their immediate circumstances and that they are prey to interests that are common and trite. It is this very distinction between the "philosophical" and "unphilosophical" that I wish to refute by appealing to Schopenhauer as an exemplar of what it means to have a philosophy of life.
All of the reviews below adequately convey the merits of the book itself. But what is also important is understanding what this book represents within the context of philosophy itself. And what we discover from reading this book is that even the most vulgar man, a man considered by all measure to be morally and intellectually inept, has a philosophy of life. Schopenhauer was a genius and therefore had the capacity to articulate his thoughts in a powerfully original manner. His outlook on the world stands out from the rest precisely because his intellect is capable of penetrating to the heart of things and describe them in a manner that is at once lucid and compelling. Most of us, however, do not have the mental power nor the luxury of time to express our views on life in general. But I believe this book, when taken as a whole, will help us understand that every life is ultimately guided by a point of view which, underlying all its idiosyncratic characterstics, refers to philosophical assumptions and hence a philosophy of life. In sum, our relation to life is and always will be philosophical in nature. The difference between an ordinary man and Schopenhaure is merely a qualitative one. Schopenhauer's book proves that, and I invite you to see how it does.

arthur schopenhauer had a more accurate and realistic outlook on life than his student, friedrich nietzsche, who i also have a great deal of admiration for. which is not to say that going on tirades against life and intellectualizing everything is the way to go, but which is to say that anyone who recognizes the basic facts of existence is hardly going to reply with a tremendous "YES TO LIFE" as nietzsche so ridiculously and psychotically suggested. is schopenhauer a decadent, as nietzsche claimed? by his standards, yes, but let's remember that by nietzsche's standards he himself was a decadent of the worst kind. he had very few interpersonal relationships that were successful, he was an utter failure when it came to women, he was filled to the brim with bitterness and contempt for religion, and he was for the most part a solitary neurotic, who tried to conceal his own fear of life as some sign of nobility or superiority. i disagree with schopenhauer's supposed 'renunciation of life', but i am in decided agreement with his firm and unyielding belief that ultimate satisfaction and total happiness, those absurd myths which themselves bring terrible unhappiness to those who imagine they exist, are fictions created by society. both philosophers contradicted themselves constantly, but of the two i would say that nietzsche was by far the more hypocritical and blind to his own failings while so harshly critical of the failings of others. nietzsche preached the virtues of creativity and self realization as the highest possible goal man could reach for, and yet he attacked everything strange, odd, interesting, as 'decadent'. there is no better way to discourage creativity and perpetuate bourgeois values than to contemptuously dismiss everything unusual and unique as 'sick'. and all that 'will to power' BS gets pretty tiresome after awhile, especially considering that nietzsche himself was utterly lacking in any kind of power whatsoever, save that of the intellectual type. nietzsche dismisses with disgust everyone and everything that doesn't strive for worldly influence and domination, and yet three sentences later he will admit openly that the universe is basically subjective and that all meanings and goals are equally legitimate and equally relative. if that's the case, as i believe it is, why not enjoy ourselves and stop stressing about things like 'power' and 'greatness' that don't really matter in the bigger picture? anyone with the slightest experience of life will immediately agree with schopenhauer that our 'inner wealth' is what really matters, not the accidental and meaningless distractions of the external world. if this is decadence, roll in the decadence! this book is a must.

I have to disagree with the other review I read on this work. I prefer Schopenhauer's 'pessimism' (which by the way, is written with great wit and humor and had me laughing quite a bit) to Nietzsche's destructive, puffed-up idealistic gas. This is not because I think pessimism is a good thing taken by itself, but rather that there are a great many things in life that SHOULD be avoided. I will say, however, that I think those who enjoy Nietzsche will have a true appreciation for this book (Nietzsche was deeply unfluenced by S.). He discusses an array of subjects, such as the emptiness of those things commonly pursued by the masses (money, status/position, vanity, sensual pleasure, etc.), and those most commonly ignored by most (temperance, good health, character, individuality, and developing one's mind). It is an eye-opener for people absorbed in their careers entrenched in the politics and daily grind of life.

Though riddled with hard-nosed realism and misanthropy, the book was positively entertaining and enjoyable. His style is fluid, prosaic, and imaginitive, unlike most German philosophy. In lieu of modern world events, it is probably more relevant a work today than ever before.

This was the best book in this series. I loved the fact that Lizzie and Quinn's relationship has progressed so well. You can feel the love between the two. Also, Lizzie follows leads that lead her to her mother. What a fantastic well written mystery. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn't stop reading this story. I read it in one sitting. Excellent, Excellent.

It is a wonderfully diverse mystery. Lizzie travels to Chicago and New Orleans in her search for Becca, a truly unique MOM classification, where she finds government manipulation, mafia and Black Panther members. I will not presume to give a review of Becca, Becca must be experienced.

Expect the unexpected and enjoy.

Professor Lizabeth Stuart finds herself in this fourth novel of the series professionally successful and yet full of deep conflict. About to embark in a new position at the university in Gallagher, Virginia and deeply in love with, Quinn her boyfriend and Chief of Police of Piedmont State University, everything should be just about perfect. But, "Lizzie" has a health issue to deal with as well as her legacy and isn't able to move forward until she resolves issues in her past.

Lizzie never knew her mother having been raised by her grandparents. Now, as she approaches forty and is contemplating what it would be like to be a mother herself, she has a need to know why her own mother, whom she knows as Becca, abandoned her all those years ago. Her recently departed grandmother took secrets to the grave with her and if she can find her mother and talk to her she could learn a lot including the name of her biological father.

The search won't be easy because the trail vanishes after she was at the scene of a multiple shooting in 1969 in Chicago. Becca, a blues singer, involved herself with gangland figures as well as African American radicals and was there at the scene of the shootings. What she did or encouraged to happen is at question. People died and she vanished, no doubt to reinvent herself elsewhere, but the question is where did she go and can Lizzie find her if she is still alive today. Once found, will she tell all or will she take her secrets with her leaving Lizzie with still more questions than answers. Thanks to Quinn's contacts and the need by those still alive to meet the daughter of the beautiful and notorious Becca, before long Lizzie is on the ground in Chicago retracing her legacy every step of the way in a suspenseful trail that may ultimately uncover things she will wish she had never known.

The result is a rich read full of atmospheric details that engage the reader and pull one deep into the world of Lizzie Smart. The past as well as the present comes alive on every page making one feel like they are right there with her on her journey. A twisting, occasionally violent journey that constantly interjects history in small snippets into the tale as pieces of character development. In so doing, author Frankie Y. Bailey, currently a criminal justice professor at the University of Albany, shows a real story telling ability as she never slows down the pace of the novel. Back story and legacy are huge parts of the novel and both work well as do the other elements to provide an engaging moving tale sure to capture reader attention. A very good book that works well as an introduction to the series and will also work well for those already well aware of the good series and this clearly very talented author.

Kevin R. Tipple (copyright) 2008

In her fourth appearance in the series by Frankie Y. Bailey Kentucky criminal justice professor Lizzie Stuart investigates a case that hits dangerously close to home. In 1969, four years after abandoning her days-old infant, Becca Stuart disappeared after being implicated in both a drive-by shooting as well the murder of a Chicago gangster. Determined to discover why her mother callously rejected her as well as the identity of her father, Lizzie joins an investigator in Chicago and soon encounters the murdered man's son and even more casualties left by the beautiful and possibly deadly Becca. Reluctant to give up her search and confused by university police chief John Quinn's presentation of a ring, Lizzie follows her mother's trail to North Carolina and New Orleans, fearful of the truth yet unable to avoid it.

Frankie Y. Bailey has created a wonderfully real, witty, and very smart heroine who draws readers into her world and keeps them fascinated until the very end. In a deceptively fast read Bailey incorporates numerous relationships between parents and children and explores how the baggage and expectations of the former affect the latter. Through Lizzie Bailey as well reveals extensive knowledge of the history of the cities of Chicago and New Orleans, as well as shining a light on the turbulent atmosphere of the late sixties. Even though Lizzie is warned off her search for her mother and the possibility that the knowledge she seeks will only be hurtful, Lizzie's desire and obligation to know truth wins out and makes her more admirable than foolishly stubborn. One of the aspects I found most refreshing in this novel is that while race is acknowledged, in both the history of the sixties as well as her own interracial relationship, it never dominates the story and instead takes a backseat to the conflict between parents and their children. Although this latest in the series can be read as a standalone, the humor, engaging characters, and fascinating lore will have readers hunting down her previous appearances (including a short story in the collection Shades of Black). This is a series that should not be missed.

This is a genre I don't read very much, but i have read the usual popular big-sellers. This novel ranks up there with any of those. Lots of twists and turns, good guys skating close to the edge of morality, the latest in international news gets pulled in, and an ending that could go any direction right up to the last minute. can anyone say "screenplay"?

1787 is a taut and suspenseful thriller that marks a superb counterpoint to the author's New York Times bestselling non-fiction. Brilliantly crafted and richly textured, this gripping story is as provocative as it is topical. The story never relinquishes its grip, and Bailey's gritty descriptive style embellishes both character and setting with a heightened realism that is hugely compelling. I couldn't put it down!

I love this exciting and thoroughly well-researched work. I simply couldn't put it down! Suspenseful, well-written, and spellbinding, it ranks with the likes of Tom Clancy and Ken Follett. A sensational first novel, it would be remarkable as a tenth novel. I look forward to more great work from this author.

Anthony P. Bailey is gifted and poised in his writing and is well on his way to becoming a household name. If you do not already own his collection of poems, order it now! Bailey brings wisdom and insight to how everyday experiences should be handled appropriately in our community. His work is graceful, strong, humorous and thought provoking.

I wholeheartedly recommend Anthony's work to those who long to hear poems of love, life, family, overcoming challenges, and spiritual commitment.

This book is very thought provoking Author Anthony Bailey expresses feelings and views on life that are ignored by some and never expressed.It restores thoughts forgotten back to life as a page turner. Heart-felt

Author, Anthony Bailey, gives vivid descriptions of what his thoughts and life are like; from growing up, to loving his best friend. The best part about this is, anyone of us could have written these lyrics. AB captures what so many of us have lived and has decided to "put it down" for others to share in our experiences. The essence of "Generation X" is displayed in this book, and I encourage ALL black people to own a copy, then share with your non-black friends and associates. Go 'head, AB!

I have had this book for barely over a month, but it is by far the greatest history book I have ever used. Every word flows very effectively, and it is easy to understand. At the beginning of the year, I thought preparing for the AP Exam would be very tedious and boring. This book has made it a lot easier, as I find I can read a lot in one sitting, as it keeps you interested - almost like a good novel. The book I had last year, The American Journey, was by far the worst I have ever had. Boring, mundane text filled the pages, forcing me to stop after every 1-2 pages. This book more than makes up for that, as I cleared up some issues from last year quite quickly and effectively with it. Any US History course should make this book a requirement, as it is one of, if not the best out there.

The American Pageant: A History of the Republic is my third U.S. history textbook. I used one in middle school and am using another in my current A.P. U.S. History class. In order to start reviewing for the A.P. exam in May, I borrowed this book from a friend. I find that reading this book is much more enjoyable than my current text, and the author does a much better job forming connections between specific events in History.

Some may not enjoy this textbook. Its depiction of U.S. History is presented in a novel-esque fashion, but there is clearly great substance to this text. I have always detested History classes, but I find myself re-reading chapters in this text purely out of interest.

Due to its amount of content and its enjoyable presentation, I recommend David Kennedy's textbook to anyone interested in U.S. History or preparing for the A.P. U.S. History Exam.

From: An AP student.

For my APUSH (AP U.S History) class, our homework usually consists of reading and outlining ten pages of this masterpiece. From the first ten pages, I was hooked. The descriptions of pre-Columbian America are very beautiful.

And that is why it is criticized. Many feel that it is too much opinion than fact, it's too flowery, too fanciful, too novel-esque. But that is why I enjoy it so much.

For example, when we completed the section on the American Revolution, I felt a sense of happiness and resolve that has never happened in previous history classes.
What other text book can do that? The author decided to sacrifice a collegian tone to one that brings history to life, therefore allowing the audience to enjoy it and appreciate history. For that, he must be respected.
This is a really enjoyable read, if you don't mind Columbus being the "World's greatest successful failure" or the North and South being compared to "Siamese twins, bound inseparably together", then you'll see why this book is such a wonderful read!