Black Books

This book is beautifully produced and seems to be what Stephen Crane originally wanted. The book looks expensive and has a binding like a classic which it was and will continue to be. It is amazing how current Crane's poetry is even more than 100 years later. Pastore should be complimented for continuing the legacy in its original form.

This is a wonderful version of the difficult title to find in its original format. This is just spectacular and Mr. Pastore should be proud.

This Crane book will set new standards for the way classics should be handled. The editor has taken a big risk and comes out on top with this beautiful volume. What a great addition to my library.

This was THE surprise book of the year. What an innovative idea. This is a must for all Crane lovers everywhere.

What a lovely book! Crane's poetry, usually so stark and fresh, is made all the more wonderful by this edition. Crane deserves this book as a tribute to his lasting memory.

I am so confounded by the author and her views and studies. It is simply the greatest, I repeat greatest book on the Black American psyche. Although a little tough to digest and understand at times, she will re-emphasize her point so that we the reader don't miss out on the facts. I understand our workings more and how I view sexuality and other races. GET THIS BOOK since you are reading this review and you know this is the type of topics that interest you!

This is another breakout of brilliance from Patricia Hill Collins. Collins has broken to a new level of analysis of the intersections of race, class, sexuality and gender, and offers transformative interpretations of black popular culture. BRAVO, Ms. Collins! This book is a must-read for any black individual that cares about the lives of the black diaspora, especially in the new millenium.

with regard to sexuality and its relation to society today. From the fake, hypocritical outrage by Americans at the Janet Jackson/Justin Timberlake incident at the 2004 Superbowl that led to wasteful congressional investigation to the ongoing probe of R. Kelly's involvement with underage women that were taped at various times and places in the late nineties that were surfaced on the video shelves aroung the nation back in 2002 The saga and the media hype involved in the 2003-04 Kobe Bryant's rape case, the incessant media attention at Michael Jackson's child molestation case, another hypocrical outrage by media pundits over Serena Williams catsuit that showcase her behind at one of her tennis matches in October of 2002.

The ever growing love triangle/babymama drama of Britney Spears, Shar Jackson, and Kevin Federline and their kids by tabloid media. The ubiquituous, scantlily clad "video dancers" on MTV, BET, and VH1.

Bill O'Reilly's sanctimonius commentary on out of wedlock births by Blacks while ignoring the problem in other ethnicities on his nightly TV show. He continues to denounce hip hop as the source of all pathology in America and often urge his viewers to boycott Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Ludicris in his many crusades against the corruption of "mainstream youth."

In December 2003, Essie Mae Washington-Williams revealed to the nation that she is the late U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond's daughter. Less than two years later, she released her autobiography of her life. The 2004 MNF skit which involves the basketball star and the lady from a popular Sunday night show. Also, sexually suggestive movies and videos from Nelly, 50 Cent, Snoop,etc., the revelation of Prince Albert that he had fathered a son by a black flight attendant as well as the lack of coverage regarding missing black women such as Latoyia Figueroa in recent months. Also, not to mention Fantasia Barrino's revelation of rape, illiteracy, and having a kid out of wedlock by a man who battered her prior to her break on Amer. Idol. And more recently, P. Diddy's perfume ad campaign raised a lot of stink in the heartland and the Bible Belt because of its sensual suggestedness. More recently, the Duke University rape crime involving a struggling black college student and white members of the lacrosse team at what it supposed to be a bachelor party in March 2006.

This book trace the origins of racial/sexual stereotypes from slavery onward and how they are affecting society today as well as black and interracial relationships. It also talks about homophobia and the ongoing hostility toward interracial relationships as well as the strained relationships between black men and women due to racism, classism, heterosexism, and the stereotypes perpetuated by the mainstream media today.

I thank Ms. Collins for having the guts to say about the current state of affairs with regards to black sexual politics and its implications in American society.

I am not afraid to look the reality of colorism in the eye and acknowledge that it does exist within the black community. It is my greatest hope and dream that someday the dark skinned black and the light skinned black will be seen as the one family in the future. I want so much to love the lightskinned sister and brother as my own reflection and not be divided from them or made to feel that one is treated better than the other, but sadly, that day is not here and this book bravely and powerfully illustrates that point to the fullest.

I am a medium brown colored woman, my mother was very dark skinned and I have witnessed the evils of skin color prejudice all my life. In most situations, it was Black Men who were prejudiced against myself and the women around me beccause of our coloring. These men felt no shame or limit in their racist intra-family prejudice and measured their entire lives by how many light skinned or white women they could attain and how light brite their children could come out. It's everywhere and anyone who denies it is both a fool and a liar.

That is why I highly recommend THE BLACKER THE BERRY by Wallace Thurman. There is no truer portrait of the self-hatred among our people than the one extolled in this book, and what makes it even sadder is that this book was written in the 1920's. So that only shows how deep this kind of evil runs.

Lately, I have become very interested in this subject and I have searched for other books that explore this subject with intelligence, honest, beauty and wisdom and I have found several that I consider to be classics on the subject of Colorism.

(1) MARITA GOLDEN'S book "Don't Play In the Sun" is definitely the most modern up to date book of the bunch. It expertly weaves the story of her life experiences in the 1960's Black Power movement with the current struggles of women like Serena Williams and India Arie to find their way in the world, even in the midst of being shunned and ignored by the black community itself. The book's analysis of the Hollywood casting system and the "Mulatto Follies" of BET and MTV is priceless.

(2) "The Bluest Eye" by TONI MORRISON is by far the most riveting and painful book that I have read on this subject of colorism. I believe that her book, more than any mother, gets to the psychological and historical root cause of the problem and exposes the mode in which we pass the problem on generation to generation. The destruction of an innocent black girl named Pecola Breedlove will leave you heartbroken and shocked as you see the bold naked truth unfold right before your eyes. You can't ignore this book, because the story being told is the one that you are all too familiar with no matter what color you are.

(3) "Flesh and the Devil" by African novelist KOLA BOOF is another deeply powerful book that examines colorism, but not out in the open. This book is unique in that it focuses on a very enchanting love story between a Black Prince and Princess and follows their reincarnations through history as they struggle to find their way back to each other. Through detailed moments in black history, both in Africa and the United States, the provocative author highlights the way that black people originally viewed their beauty and humanity and then juxtuposes it against the way they see themselves now in the modern world. The result is nothing less than devastating. I love this book so much, because the storytelling is so rich and the depth is so sweeping and grand. Anyone who loves good writing and is proud to be descended from the Black race will find themselves literally changed forever by the powerful images depicted in this very poetically moving story.

(4) "The Color Complex"--VARIOUS AUTHORS, is a very simple, straight forward analysis from a sociological point of view. Much research and statistical facts are used to illustrate that our communities are infested with these issues.

(5) "The Darkest Child" by Dolores Philips is another great novel that shows us the poor blacks who live under the poverty line ingesting these complex social hierarchies based on color and how they not only expose their children to them, but force the entire community to live by the "color code". Everybody is used to it from slavery and the system goes on and on unchallenged. In this book, Tangy Mae, the darkest of 10 children by the white-looking mother Rozelle, struggles to find her dignity and confidence in the midst of her evil light skinned mother inflicting one horrid abuse on top of the other. One thing I will say for the evil white-looking mother, Rozelle, is that she treated all of her children hiddeously and with contempt, from the whitest to the blackest. But she killed the child who was born looking like Tangy Mae and that spoke volumnes. This book is a very real metaphor for what goes on. Very real.

Professor Hill Collins asserts that Black Americans will not be able to advance at the rate they could unless they develop a progressive gender politics. Many activist black women have critiqued the overall community for not taking gender issues seriously. Still, this book gives it a fresh perspective that takes multiple identities into account, especiall in the post-civil rights era.

Hill Collins does a fantastic job in stressing that Black Americans are not a monolithic group. In her discussion about the media, she looks at black portrayals dividing depictions by gender and class-based groups. In discussing marriage, she analyzes "same race, opposite gender" mandates as they affect straight sistas, straight brothas, and Black gay men and lesbians separately. She understands that identities do not work in isolation by sit side by side continually interacting with each other.

Hill Collins does an excellent job in showing how all Black people are affected by any oppression. She shows that straight Blacks are harmed by heterosexism too since that same system that deems gays deviants deem Blacks globally as hypersexual. In a chapter on gender violence, she claims that Black men who dismiss the rape of Black women may feel differently given that so many Black men are being raped in jails.

Many talking heads say that older Americans are not as eager to employ new technologies. However, Hill Collins, a graying woman, does well in mentioning how the internet and other new technologies are affecting Black folk. Her analysis of J.Lo, the film "Booty Call", and the rap "Get Yo' Freak On" shows that she is very knowledgeable about youth culture.

I was disappointed how little sexual orientation matters got brought up in her "Fighting Words." However, in this book, she demonstrates thoroughly that she stands against homophobia. Not only is there a whole chapter dedicated to condemning heterosexism, gay issues are laced into every chapter. Like Guy-Sheftall's recent work, she is really trying to push Black thinkers that only want to talk about race, class, and gender (purposely in that order) to the exclusion of sexual orientation. She even praises media depictions of Black lesbian and gay characters.

It's funny that bell hooks is the most famous Black feminist when Hill Collins outshines her here by leaps and bounds. Hill Collins isn't as repetitive and demeaning. Her work isn't dependent upon personal anecdotes. She takes sexual orientation seriously and not just as a side issue. She dedicated to helping Black gays and lesbians and not just yelling that straight Blacks aren't homophobic. I can't wait for the day when Hill Collins gets all the credit she deserves.

Many might not like this book. She offers many critiques and close to no concrete solutions. The introductory chapter is full of caveats and can be easily skipped. Hill Collins cites Cathy Cohen, Dorothy Roberts, Professor Guy-Sheftall, and other progressive womanists so frequently, one may wonder what original ideas she is even proposing. Her discussion of blacks in the media is overly pessimistic.

Still, I loved this book. I think both academic and common readers will be able to digest it and find it useful. I predict great things ahead for this right-on sista.

Black Sheep is a desperately needed wake up call for the lost generation of Black youths in today's society and the professionals who are trying to save them. In addition to offering insight and intellectual nourishment, Black Sheep also gives us hope.
Achebe Toldson invites the reader into a world filled with social stigmas, systemic challenges and ill fates and fortunes that are the familiar stumbling blocks for African American youth. A haunting suspense novel, Black Sheep is told through the eyes of Duce, a prominent graduate student who has become obsessed with his thesis. In the mist of his self absorption Duce loses sight of reality and begins to live through his fears and nightmares. He soon discovers that his greatest challenge will not come in the form of a research paper, but in learning how to fight the demons of his past and confronting his present fears.
Toldson does a remarkable job of challenging the reader's current perspective on life as we know it by offering hard core comparisons that help us to understand the present state of our inner city youths. The human mind is tantalized with psychological proses, biblical quotes and sometimes just the plain truth as he pushes us to the brink of reality. A modern day Harlem Renaissance writer, Toldsons' impressive style will surely leave a mark in the literary world.

With realistic, believable dialogue and powerfully drawn characters, BLACK SHEEP is a stirring account of one man's struggle to find his life's purpose. Emotionally evocative, this is a truly captivating read with much food for thought. The reader cannot help but empathize with Duce as he forges ahead on his life changing journey, all the while hoping that for Duce, this journey will end up being one of self-realization and not one of self-destruction. (RAWSISTAZ Rating: 4.5)

Reviewed by Autumn
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

I finished reading your book last night and I must admit it is one of the most powerful depictions about the African American males I have ever read. You are on your way to becoming one of the best authors of our time. Your book is like an abstract of my own life. I wonder if you took some of this story from my life, because I can relate to every thing Duce went through, from love, to school, to the streets and the woes of a white society. I have walked through all these aspects of life. Thanks for inspiring me though your words. You said this book was fiction but to me these characters are so real because I have walked in their shoes and their struggle is so real. I have walked with duce, Jason, the Professors, Dana, havanna, and all my people fortunate to be labeled ghetto. and yes I have escaped the deadly touch of Lucifer. and yet held on to my beliefs. Thank you so much for caring so much to write a blueprint of guidance and perseverance, I hope your words become universal like the sun and timeless like the pages of the bible. keep writing brutha because you are the prophet of the lost tribe, lead us to a better tomorrow's wrote these lines for you.
I stood among the killas and I wasn't moved,
I danced with the devil, yet I kept my groove.
Mentally I got abused but I never was bruised,
Aristotle would be confused if he wore my shoes,
I drank from muddy waters yet I quenched my thirst,
I found the tree of knowledge and uprooted its curse,
like a Moore I brought knowledge to my enemies' door,
I gave my education but he wanted more,
My decent is what they feared because the time is near,
Great armies we can build if we enter their ears.
Thanks for the jewels. (numbers,3:24)

Where do I start? I can't tell you enough how much your book has affected me. My uncle gave me the book saying it was the best he had ever read. Books are our common ground, but I admit I was a little doubtful about the "deepness" of the book. The first page proved me wrong. The characters you developed touched a part of me that I had forgotten about. This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. Even though I am female, I saw parts of me in Duece that made me dig deep into myself. I think we are all haunted by a Lucifer in every aspects of our lives, many of us are not as fortunate as Duece to find and fight those demons. It is very hard for our people to seperate "pipe dreams" from reality sometimes, we tend to live in an ignorant state of mind, never coming to realization. Havanna also touched my spirit, she was a sista that I admired. Her character reminded me of that forbidden fruit that you know you shouldn't taste, but the alluring aspects of its beauty can't keep you from it. Also, at first I thought of Lucifer as a character, an actual FBI informant, but after I talked to Lael, he opened me up to something I had missed. Lucifer was a state of mind, that voice in everyone's head that you know you shouldn't listen to, your demons. He knows all your secrets and manipulates you while setting you up. It's like you took me back to the beginning. You made me remember the struggle that still goes on today. Your work has caused me to examine myself and the world around me. The wordplay challenged me mentally as well as opening me up to a new aspect of psychology and philosophy. Being a business major, I had never heard of the "I-thou" or "esoteric", these words caused me to look deeper into psychology. It's almost like a college student gets so caught up in his/her category of study, that they miss the rest of the world, and other means of knowledge. I work at a non-profit organization and see alot of at-risk youth, but I'm there for the business experience, not realizing the real reason, the youth. I almost felt ashame that I was blindly striving for success without looking around me, I felt almost like Dr. Cox in your book. These are just a few revelations your book opened me up to. This book deserves national attention and should be distributed in every ghetto, substance abuse clinic, prison, and juvenlile center where blacks struggle to find a reality. Thank you for writing such a deep and dedicated piece of work that did not doubt the intelligence of your readers or the forget the struggle that we all still face today.

Dr. Toldson's book will provide the reader with an exceptional experience that touches on many topics relevant to people from all cultures and backgrounds. The book provides a gripping account of the life of Duce, a young African-American male who struggles with his identity as a student, friend, spiritual being, and minority. Avid readers who love reading stories with underlying themes related to psychology, sociology, and existential issues will not be able to put this book down. I was engaged from the first page of the book until the last page. The book had me reflecting on my own life and the lives of many of my friends. I look forward to Dr. Toldson's next book...

I thought I'd read this book in my spare time....Black Spider is a compelling story, I couldn't put it down. Yoder has done a very good job on it. It is a fascinating story about a phase of W. W. II that few readers have ever encountered. Once you start reading the book, you can't put it down. Wayne C. Lee, author of 56 western novels.

James Yoder is a great story teller. The literary style captivates the reader...Yoder captures the inner turmoil, the outer chaos, the faith, the glimmer of hope...Dr. Ann Westermann, Clergyperson and Counselor.

Black Spider Over Tiegenhof tells a taut and gripping story of a faith challenged by the face of evil. Highly recommended. Library Journal.

The black spider is a reference to the Nazi Swastika. The book is about a Mennonite family who struggles to stay loyal to Christ in the midst of a hostile government. The book covers the period 1940-1946, and concludes with several short chapters in what seems to be the 1980s.

Gerhard and Esther Claussen try to hide a Jewish girl in their home, but their Nazi housekeeper turns her in to the Gestapo. The story then skips ahead to the end of the war when the family is forced from their home by the incoming Allies.

There are some touching and heartwrenching scenes throughout the book, and the last chapter will give you chills.

I liked it very much. It is easy to read, and will hold your attention.

In reviewing three W. W. II era books, by far the most somber, and...the best of the novels...The brutality done to Ruth simply screams from the page. Yoder's sentences are spare and powerful...deeply moving.

My 8 year old daughter had a project on African American Women who have contributed in science; however, the Internet did not provided anything on Dr. Green who I truly admire. After we purchased this book which came righ on time (it took 3 days!!!!) we read it from end to end and found more information on Dr. Green then anywhere else. This book really helped us.

Jose

So little is known about African American women pioneers in the sciences. Otha Sullivan has written an illuminating book for young readers that will fill in the gaps. Every parent concerned with teaching their children more about pioneering women in American history should purchase this book. It is also a good resource for science, social studies, and history teachers.

So little is known about African American women pioneers in the sciences. Otha Sullivan has written an illuminating book for young readers that will fill in the gaps. Every parent concerned with teaching their children more about pioneering women in American history should purchase this book. It is also a good resource for science, social studies, and history teachers.

This is a wonderful book. Not only is it packed with interesting facts, but the interviews and writing style are so personal and intimate that one feels as if, for example, Mae Jemison is right in the room sharing her life story. The women are candid about the obstacles they met and overcame. I think a young adult of any race will find this book very inspiring...I know if it had been around when I was a kid, science and math would have been much more relevent to me!

This book is about African American women scientists and inventors, a rarity indeed.Reportedly African Americans in general comprise 4.5% of all science and engineering professionals today.So to read about the significant contributions of these pioneering women is both revealing and uplifting.Some of those profiled are somewhat well known;such as Madame C. J. Walker.She is known for her million dollar hair care business. Others are not so well known, such as Dr. Angela Furguson who joined with Dr. Ronald Scott in researching sickle cell anemia at Howard University.
Unfortunately the African American women scientists and inventors have been left out of mainstream history even as some African American men scientists have been included. Most of us are familiar with the contributions of George Washington Carver, who is credited with discovering 100 uses for the sweet potato and more than 300 uses for the common peanut in his lab at Tuskegee Institute. Also we are equally aware of Benjamin Banneker, who is widely hailed as inventing the first clock and assisting in the laying out of the design for the Nation's Capital, Washington, DC with Charles L'Enfant.
The author makes a laudable contribution for filling in existing historical omissions regarding African American women scientists. He brings to our attention warm inspiring stories along with factual historical information.
Teachers, other educators, parents and anyone else involved in the unending search to supplement traditional textbooks in order to ensure broader inclusion, will welcome this book. In doing so they too will expand their own knowledge and understanding of the subject. One does not need to be in the fields of science, engineering nor medicine to appreciate the message in African American Women Inventors. For the message transcends traditional borders or disciplines of study. The biographical descriptions of the featured women are of tremendous courage, high intellect and a lot of hard work. The stories in this book are exciting and geared to fostering a sense of empowerment to studenta and adults alike who read it. Students at all grade levels, genders and ethnic groups can readily relate to thses stories of personal triumph and achievement. However the author has written it to target ages 9 through 12 year olds.

A 12-year-old boy, Colton, tries to get a job with the Pony Express in this unusual "western". There are no Indians in the story, but race plays a part with the hero as a son of a white man and a free black woman, but who can pass for white. The family is moving west with a wagon train but is beset by the troubles of the trail--no doctors, difficult childbirth, broken wagon wheels, lack of food. A gun accident while in Nevada precipitates it all: the depressive father accidentally shoots the son in the leg, then takes off in apparent remorse, leaving the family to fend for itself. Racism is a theme of the story, but it is also about a boy's doggedness and the importance of cross-country communication on the eve of the Civil War. The prose is easy, in a colloquial style. Those who like horse stories and action-adventure will appreciate this one. I could hardly put this book down, and despite having to go to work I finished it in less than 24 hours. This book is heartily recommended, and should appeal especially to middle schoolers studying the pre-Civil War era as well as to horse enthusiasts, male or female. It would work well as a read-aloud for middle school, since the audience will be anxious to know how it turns out. It is devoid of love interests, but despite that it should serve a high school audience well, too.

In my book, Black Storm Comin`, Colton, the twelve-year-old boy who is the main character, is very responsible and knows everything he needs to know to travel by himself and knows how be a man. One example of that is that Colton has to work with his dad every day. Colton has to wake up at 6:00 a.m. in the morning he doesn't stop working until 8:00 p.m. And he has been doing that for 5 years straight. Another example of that is that he has good manners. Colton calls a lady ma'am and a man sir, he is really polite and he says please and thanks you. Colton also became the man of the family. After pa left after shooting Colton accidentally at the leg while he was asleep, Colton had to stand up and was forced to take responsibility for his whole family and he was doing everything. Colton helplessly needed a job so, he thought he could get a job at the Pony Express because it would cover up the pay and it would take him and his entire family to Sacramento, California that everyone needed to go there and he got the job. At the middle of the story Colton's ma gave Colton a letter to give to her half sister, then at the end of the story, Colton gave it to the half sister, but then ended u running for their lives meaning his pa and himself. Colton was the perfect kid at his time as I have already told you how.

I'm not usually a fan of westerns. I don't get that whole prairie, horse, dirt thing that many find appealing.

But this story is not a typical western.

It's the story of a 12 year old boy and his family - a 12 year old who's forced to take responsibility for his family (an occurrance common enough in the past).

There's a lot of historical information and environmental vibes packed into this book - it fairly places you in the shoes of a biracial child who, quite guiltily, can pass for white in a time right before the civil war. It gives you an insight into the Pony Express - a wonderful group of kids who kept the country connected and informed.

In all, this is a good read, especially for young boys, which will open the mind and the heart.

(*)>

Like all of Diane Lee Wilson's books, we get some excellent historical background to a great story. Her characters are always interesting and nuanced, not the stock character so often found in young adult fiction. Her stories are set in interesting times and we always learn something we didn't know. In Black Storm Comin, we get an insiders look not only into the Pony Express but also the challenges faced by the bi-racial rider. And the horses! Wilson can write about horses like no one else - she's taking over where Marguite Henry left off. This is a great read and I look forward to her next one. I recommend it for any reader, young or old, male or female.

Based on Wilson's research about the pony express, this story is filled with fascinating facts and tidbits about the old west. But what is so delightful is the intensity of the story, excellent horsemanship, and relationship of a small boy and his horse. It kept me on the edge the whole time. The young protagonist is also bi-racial, adding an interesting twist and subtheme to the entire story. I learned much about the pony express and its riders, as well as the challenges of being bi-racial in early America.

Although I'm about 2-3 times the target age now, I remember this book very fondly from my childhood. It stands out in my mind among others like "The Westing Game" and "The Egypt Game" and so on, one of those children's books that actually sticks with you and you re-read a few times, rather than being something to read and forget the next day. It's not as deep or involved, and is aimed a slight bit younger - maybe - but it's still quite good.

Also I wanted to note that as the title of the review says, I first read this book under the title "Beepers from Outer Space."

I liked this book because it was all about an alien and a boy named Calvin and his friend Kathy. The alien's cloaking device malfunctioned so he couldn't bring attention to himself. His breathing device which allowed him to breath the earth's atmosphere also stopped working and would only be able to breath the air for a few hours.
The story ended with Calvin and Kathy finding the spaceship and getting their alien friend back home.

It's got cats and Spock-revering Star Trek references! I love it! I first read it some time ago, but I'm 18 now and I still love it. So I read his Star Trek novels too, and am keeping an eye out for the Star Ka'at series.

I thought that this was a really good book, and I'm not a sci-fi fan. There are giant hairy aliens, spaceship rides, melting cats... this bok was awesome!

This book is among my all time favorites. I couldn't wait to read it every day. I recommended it to friends my age. I'm 10. I will read more books by Mr. DeWeese.

I have yet to read a Raphael Sabatini novel I didn't enjoy. I would rank this book among my favorites (the others being The Sea Hawk, Love-at-Arms and The Sword of Islam). Set when Henry Morgan, governor of Jamaica, is charged with clearing the Caribbean of the pirates that used to be his brethren, The Black Swan is the story of Henry's trusted lieutenant who, supposedly en route to his retirement, runs into the last pirate at large, and finds himself and the beautiful governor's daughter traveling on board at his mercy. To save his life (and hers) he convinces the pirate that he's turned against Morgan and that the lady is under his protection. What follows is an adventure fraught with peril and suspense as our hero tries to balance his story and actions against a pirate determined to double-cross him at the first chance he gets, for the treasure and the girl.

It's a great story. The Maureen O'Hara - Tyrone Power movie is a toothless, fluffy version of the story. A better movie to compare the feel of this story to would be "The Glass Key" with Alan Ladd. Our hero is as cool-headed and calculating, and never loses sight of his ultimate goal.

I collect Sabatini novels, and when I occasionally re-read a few, The Black Swan is one of the first I'll revisit. It bears almost no resemblance to the Tyrone Power/Maureen O'Hara film; in fact, it's much better. While traveling from a British Caribbean colony to England, Priscilla Harradine and family friend Major Sands encounter Sir Henry Morgan's lieutenant (and former buccaneer) Charles de Bernis just before they are all captured by the notorious pirate Tom Leach. While de Bernis sets about convincing Leach he's on his side, Priscilla quietly falls for the Frenchman and Sands reveals himself to be a pompous old fool. In the end, of course, the hero de Bernis has something up his sleeve and things work out in typical Sabatini fashion.

The plot isn't as complex as most of Sabatini's other works, and it is one of his later books. But while it's a bit lighter, it's still an entertaining read. One interesting difference from the author's other works is the near absence of the misunderstanding between the male and female lead characters that keeps them apart for a while.

This is definitely one I'd recommend.

Rafael Sabatini's The Black Swan takes you through the jadegreen waters and tropical islands of the Caribbean into the violent,adventurous world of pirates and buccaneers. Priscilla Harradine is on her way to England after her father's recent death, accompanied by Major Sands, a devoted but pompous and dull-witted friend of her late father. Just before the Centaur, the ship on which they are traveling casts off, a tall dark stranger bound for Guadeloupe boards. Major Sands resents the presence of the dashing Frenchman, especially after learning that he is a former buccaneer. Priscilla however, much to the indignation of the Major who hopes to marry her, is fascinated by Charles de Bernis. She and the mysterious adventurer enjoy each other's company in the short time before he is to be put ashore at Sainte Croix. But the tranquility of the voyage is soon shattered when Monsieur de Bernis sights a dark image from his past on the morning horizon... The Black Swan is an intriguing, well written book that will keep your attention riveted to its pages. Readers who enjoy it will also like The Sea Hawk and Captain Blood by the same author.

Perhaps the best pirate novel ever written, Sabatini takes you right there, to feel the salt and sun, the fear and the joy, the fearsome loyalty. A classic adventure, magnificent wordcrafting and verbal choreography. When Sabatini describes a swordfight, you hear and see every clash, grunt and splash. They don't write like this anymore. Only George McDonald Fraser comes close these days.

Rafael Sabatini was scoffed at by many critics of his day who did not enjoy his melodramatic historical novels but remained popular with the public. (Just goes to show that sometimes the public is right. His best working period were the teens and early twenties of the twentieth century during this time he wrote the Sea Hawk, Captain Blood, Bellarion and Scaramouche. His later books have not quite the ramantic charm but they are still quite a lot better than your average modern historic novel.

The plot is basically a contest of wills on a south sea island between a French corsair who is defending a lady passenger and a rather nasty English pirate. The suspense is well portrayed and there is a rather good suprise ending. (It's not giving anything away to say that no one could forget the severed head scene) I found the heroine to be somewhat dim-witted at times but I really liked the hero, Charlie.

The movie version of this book does not follow it at all (it only borrows a few characters names) so viewing is no substitute for reading the real thing.

This is the most important book on art to appear since Aristotle's "Poetics"! Sure, the real-life noms de reality of the Velveteria's curators are Carl Baldwin and Caren Anderson, but the breadth and depth of their contribution to modern appreciation of art put them more in line spiritually with the Renaissance Medici family - for, like the Medicis, they know talent when they see (or in this case, feel) it. Like all true art patrons, they make art appreciation an art in and of itself, and have had the pizazz and wherewithal to pluck otherwise unheralded auteurs such as Richard Bustamante, Ce Ce Rodriguez, and "Juanita," from the slums of obscurity and put them in the sparkling art-world penthouse that is this book. This book has more entertaining photos in it than J. Edgar Hoover's secret files, circa 1968, but what will surprise the uninitiated is that it also is full of more wacky, wild, and woolly stories than the Warren Commission Report! Carl and Caren are true characters, and their passion for their art and each other comes through in spades here. They have a lust for life, a gift of gab, and a knack for picking the very best in Unicorns, 18-Wheeler Jesuses, nude Polynesians, Mexican Banditos, and Cigar-Smoking Filipina Hill Tribe Women. The Velveteria is the type of place the word "psychotronic" was invented for, and this book is the type of thing your credit card was issued to buy - that is, if you have a smidgen of coolness (and money) in you. Carl and Caren have done their part to make the world a weirder, cooler, freakier, more mind-expanding place - have you?

This wonderful book opened my eyes to the people and talent behind these mainly overlooked pieces of art.

My initial impressions of velvet painting was that there probably wasn't much past the standard clowns and snarling Elvis. While that's what I was familiar with, this title brought to life an entirely different group of artists who produced artwork that I found to be both surprising and stunning.

I truly enjoyed the writing style, the wonderful color photographs, the story behind building this collection and the way the book was broken into subjects make it a pleasure to thumb through. The actual velvet cover was simply the icing on the cake!

Well done!

While most people think of neon paint and goofy subject matter, the collection of the Velveteria runs the whole spectrum of black velvet painting from tropical nudes to quirky clowns, sad eyed children to black power homages, shimmering landscapes to dead rockstar tributes. This book collects them for your viewing pleasure along with a thorough intro & history of the art, as well as a how-to instructional. Even the cover has velvet on it. A fun book for your bookshelf or an even better gift. When in Portland, OR visit their museum.

Almost everyone has a story to share about black velvet. The stories that authors Caren Anderson and Carl Baldwin share in their book will both astonish and delight you. Black velvet isn't just for Elvis! Sure, this compendium delivers the standard kitcsh but there are also some wonderful surprises: lush landscapes, luminous figures, and truly skillful painting techniques. Anderson and Baldwin invite readers to appreciate how the works of artists such as Leeteg, McPhee, Tyree, and Rodriguez transcend the mosh pit of clowns, banditos, and poker dogs. The design by Reed Darmon is clever and the photographs pop from the pages. A wonderful addition to any home library or a terrific gift for your favorite art snob!

The full color photographs - approx. 200 - are gorgeous and are almost tactile in the way they convey the lush texture and rich color of the velvet paintings. I also enjoyed the authors' writing style: chatty and interesting, covering everything from the history of velvet painting and painters to the authors' personal collecting stories. So...great photos, great writing, and a front cover artfully decorated with black velvet - makes the book itself a bit of a Black Velvet Masterpiece!

I was also lucky enough to visit the authors' Velveteria Museum in Portland and can attest it's well worth the trip.

"Black Women in White America" has truly opened my eyes to a lot of the hardships of the African American woman.

"Black Women in White America" is outstanding. Naturally the book provides some remarkable documents about slavery, but there is so much more covered in this fabulous book. The experiences of African - American women seeking to get (and give) an education, the experiences of African-American women as mere sex objects (and their stories of being objectified by men of all races), the crusade against lynching ... I was floored by the variety and amount of sources contained in this book. It is quite comprehensive in its breadth and scope.

As a historian and teacher, this is a marvelous resource. As a student and American, it is a moving true-life story that is regretfully often untold. Highly recommended reading.

Prior to ordering Ms. Davis' book, I had always held her in great esteem, due to the courage, intelligence, and sensitivity, which she portrayed during the civil rights movement. As a late blooming "flower child," I was too timid to be a part of the movement, yet it did not prevent me from watching from the sidelines, agonizing and suffering along with my brothers and sisters. No matter their race, color, or origins; no matter which side of the battle they were on; there was a great deal of suffering and inhumanity existing during those turbulent times. After reading a poem she wrote (from an anthology) regarding the demands placed on Aretha Franklin (as a star), I really connected with her message. Therefore, I ordered her book. Due to a great deal of "drama" currently occurring around me, I have not had an opportunity to read her writings. But in my heart, I know that she has put forth a lesson from which I can learn.

Compelling enough to keep me from ever thinking that I have it rough. As black women, we've endured sorrow and acheived greatness...all of which is found in this text. Black Women... gives an excellent account of the early history of African women in America.

This book does an excellent job of documenting the lives of African American women from slavery to the 20th century. It gives a portrayal of their strong abilities to move forward, their religious faith, and their degree of hope and self-pride in the meantime. I sincerely recommend this book to everyone in hopes that it will serve as a guide in their present lives.