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Robin Hood (Evergreen Classics)
Published in Paperback by Dover Publications (2000-03-24)
Author: J. Walker McSpadden
List price: $3.50
New price: $1.00
Used price: $0.01

Average review score:

The real Robin Hood
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-01
Thank you for republishing the book I remember from my childhood (back in the Jurassic)! I read it out loud to my sons (12 1/2 and 8 1/2) and they love it!

An exciting, fun read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-01-15
Gramercy! This is one of the best books I have read in quite some time. From the first page, the slightly archaic English prose lends an air of authenticity to the book (or at least makes it feel a little more old-fashioned). Nathless, I never had any difficulty keeping up with Robin's many adventures--and there are many of them in this book! For the most part, each short chapter contains an isolated episode, making this a great book to read anytime, anywhere. Occasionally, a lenghty episode may be split among two or three chapters. The Robin Hood of this book is a wonderfully believable character--well skilled at archery, but less so at some other activities. In sooth, while he seems to have good intentions, he can come off a bit arrogant at times.

From Robin's bold meeting with Little John on a narrow foot bridge to his humorous first encounter with Friar Tuck from the opposite bank of a stream, we learn how many members of Robin's Merry Men came to join the band. We see how Robin's men fall in and out of favor with authority, and we watch his growing interest in the lovely Maid Marian. Packed full with knights, castles, bows and arrows, daring rescues, odds bodikins, and a host of unforgettable characters clad in Lincoln Green, this book provides a much needed escape from the hectic world of today to the English countryside of eight centuries ago. Highly recommended!

robin hood
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2004-07-29
this book is a true life story of Robin Hood and his sweetheart Marian in England. the author had investigated a true life story and not a legend.and how Handsome robin hood met the charming fair maid marian met??? This biography in precise and accurate in every history happened in England for both of them. This book of Robin Hood and Maid Marian seems to be a heaven corresponded that these two birds shall meet when the ripe and right time comes.

Robin Hood and His Merry Outlaws
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2000-05-18
McSpadden stays true to the Robin Hood legend and in my opinion this is the best portrayel of Robin Hood I have read and I recently read five other book about Robin Hood and find this one the best. If you are looking to buy Robin Hood then get this one you wont regret it, trust me on this one. I like how Robin Hood is the best archer in Sherwood bet is not as good in other forms of combat so it makes him seem more human, but not ordinary like many other book about him.

A Delightful Version of this classic
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2000-07-25
This is a delightful version of the classic Robin Hood. I especially love the illustrations by Greg Hildebrandt, and the timelessness of this leather bound edition. We see Robin hood as handsome and brave. The romance between him and Maid Marian is bitter-sweet. The book is divided in chapters, yet can be enjoyed by children and adults alike without being boring. I personally keep it on my bookshelf, away from little hands.

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Romantic Dinners for Two: Create a Romantic Experience,Easy step by step instructions on how to Wine,Dine and Seduce your lover.Perfect for Valentines (Book & DVD)
Published in Hardcover by Romp Thru Concepts Inc. (2006-06-01)
Author: Chef Robert & Barb Catherine
List price: $29.95
New price: $11.42
Used price: $4.31

Average review score:

Gourmet Dinners for Two
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-10
Chef Robert and his wife Barb have been sharing romantic dinners for over 24 years. In their new book they show you how to create four course dinners. There are three dinners to choose from and there are extremely detailed instructions that anyone can follow. The shopping lists are especially helpful and they also include a section on tools and equipment so you have everything before you start cooking. The tear-out invitations are a nice touch and the romantic ideas throughout the book help to make your evening unforgettable.

The recipes from the third rendezvous include:

Shrimp with Julienne of Vegetables in a Zesty Cream Sauce
Salad Greens with Vegetable Tower
Pork Chops Stuffed with Spinach, Apple and Wild Rice Blend
Raspberry Flan

Now if this seems like a lot to cook all in one night then you will be happy to know that there is a "Seven Day Planner" for each evening. Most of the work occurs one or two days before you serve your dinner. In the first meal the planner says to make the Chocolate Mousse on Day 5 and then the rest of the dinner is made on Day 6. On Day 7 you are mostly concerned with cooking the main course (which is all prepared and in the refrigerator) and serving dishes you have already prepared (like the salad).

If you love to cook with your partner then you will want to skip to the third dinner where you can cook together. Each recipe has a full-color picture and detailed instructions. Overall this is an excellent way to seduce your partner with delicious gourmet foods. The "Conversation Igniters" also make sure you are talking about interesting subjects.

~The Rebecca Review

A unique and enthusiastically recommended addition
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-03
As the title implies, "Romantic Dinners For Two" is a compilation of recipes and menus for the creation of three complete dinners for two special people. But not just for courting couples wanting the perfect date! These are dinners that would ably serve to make a special dining occasion for anniversary celebrations, birthdays, Valentine Day, Christmas, special announcements and events (like getting engaged or having a baby), or a simple romantic evening at home. "Romantic Dinners For Two" is more than just another theme cookbook as it also includes an instructional DVD with step-by-step cooking instructions that can turn even the most novice of kitchen cooks into accomplished chefs. There are tear out Invitations; tear out Seven Day Planners and Grocery Lists; advice for creating romantic scenarios and settings; suggestions for Mood Enhancers; questions that will serve to initiate conversation, final preparation and serving schedules for perfect presentation from beginning to end. Superbly illustrated with full color photos of finished dishes, "Romantic Dinners For Two" is a unique and enthusiastically recommended addition to any personal cookbook collection.

What a fabulous cook book idea
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-05
What a great idea. Here is a very beautiful book, with DVD to show exactly how to make a five star gourmet meal for just you and your "Lov'er". Chef Rob'ert shares some of his secret recipes for the first time; and does so in such a pleasant, clear manner, that you can't fail to turn out an exquisitely romantic dinner. Even the setting, the ambiance, the conversation is all portrayed beautifully.And what an atttractive and charming wife he has to assist, and be 'ze objet de amor' ! ( They speak perfect english, you should be relieved..they are an American couple ). This is a great idea. I hope to see a whole series of these -as long as Chef Rob'ert is willing to reveal ...shhh..his top secret recipes!

AMAZING!!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-20
Relationships can sometimes become stale. Creating a romantic experience with the help of, "Romantic Dinners for Two" reminded me why I married the man I did. The evening was filled with anticipation and excitement. The meal turned out fabulous, the step-by-step instructions and DVD were easy to follow and I even used some of the Mood Enchancers the night of and throughout the week. It was an evening full of passion.
Even my husband said he would try the next rendezvous. Amazing!!

Great book!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-20
"Romantic Dinners For Two" is and instructional guidebook for lovers on how to create romantic evenings and ignite passion. This hardcover book also includes a DVD to help guide readers.

Chef Robert Catherine is a chef and culinary arts teacher in Windsor, Ontario. A lover of food, he has learned that not only can he please his eaters but he has also used it as a tool to seduce his wife! Barb Catherine has a passion for interior design and knows how to create an atmosphere. Together they have combined their knowledge for you, the reader, on how to create your own romantic evening without even leaving home.

It is easy for most people to get lost in the shuffle of every day life. Children, work, house, errands, finances, in-laws, family. Sometimes, we forget about the person whom is the most important in our lives. A book like this may be the simplest gift to give yourself (or someone else) and get the passion back into their life. The book and DVD include a shopping list, invitation ideas, a 7-day planner, romantic scenarios and conversation starters.

This book was easy-to-follow and offered some nice tips as well as photographs. The DVD was a nice addition. Chef Robert walks you through tips and advice on how to create a nice meal, while Barb helps us with setting the atmosphere! Some of the tasty recipes included in this book are: Raspberry Flan, Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing and Beef & Onion Marmalade in Puff Pastry.

There is no other book out there like this and would be perfect for Valentine's Day, Sweetest Day, an anniversary, wedding or a birthday gift!

Pick up a copy of "Romantic Dinners For Two", and one or two for friends!

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Roots of Home: Our Journey to a New Old House
Published in Hardcover by Taunton (2008-10-14)
Author: Russell Versaci
List price: $45.00
New price: $28.16
Used price: $25.96

Average review score:

Great Resource
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-12-12
My daughter is getting a Masters Degree in Historic Preservation and I purchased this book as a graduation gift. I know she will get many years of use from it since it will be a great resource for all types of architecture.

Explore this fascinating world of new home designs based on old world styles and traditions
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-11-08
Interior designers and their clients explore the interior and exterior housing design styles for ideas they can adapt to their own visions of an ideal living space. Explore this fascinating world of new home designs based on old world styles and traditions in the profusely illustrated pages of "Roots of Home: Our Journey to a New Old House". Author and professional architect Russell Versaci, brings part architecture and part history to tell the story of the French, Spanish, English and Continental customs that shaped regional house styles around the country. Included are more than 300 old maps, drawings and photographs of both historic house and new houses in historic styles. Roots of Home presents a rich, captivating portrait of the evolution of American homes and the movement of bring to life in new homes the rich tradition and influences of the past. Beautifully displayed in text and photographs by architectural photographer Erik Kvalsvik, "Roots of Home: Our Journey to a New Old House" is an impressive and recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and academic architecture, design, history and homes reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

Books to Share
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2009-01-14
This book is an excellent overview of the roots of American architecture. Written well with outstanding photography I use it as a resource and gifts for clients to illustrate how to capture traditional building elements.

Do You Love Old Houses?
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2009-01-17
Versaci is a student of all that's right about the rich architectural history we too often take for granted. Instead of rejecting the heritage of forms and styles that have grown from our culture like so many modernists of today, Versaci embraces them and shows us how much there is to learn from them. I have his earlier book, Creating a New Old House: Yesterday's Character for Today's Home (American Institute Architects) on the "suggested reading" list in my book, Designing Your Perfect House. This book is a must read for anyone who sees the beauty in traditional architecture and wants an expert guide to take them by the hand and show them how to add some of that magic into their new house.

Another Spectacular Book From Russell Versaci
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-15
What an amazing book! This book is both an architectural feast and a field guide. Russell Versaci's text and Erik Kvalsvik's photography make this book a treasure that all lovers of traditional architecture and home will want to own. The book is divided into four parts: Our Spanish Heritage, Our French Heritage, Our English Heritage, and our Continental Heritage. In each part, several styles of homes are explored. There is pertinent historical information in each section as well as descriptions of the details of each sort of architecture. There are maps, exterior photographs, interior photographs and detail photographs. Anyone looking for information on restoring or designing a traditional home will find plenty of helpful information in this book. This is not a book that will just sit on your bookshelf or stay on your coffee table. Rather, it is a book you and your entire family will pick up again and again just to read--and to enjoy--long after your building or restoration project has been completed. Versaci deserves a heartfelt thank you from everyone who loves old homes and homes built to look (and feel) like them. Whether you are looking for the correct dormer design or the proper chimney shape for your house--you can find it here. I would encourage anyone to buy this book without fear that they would be disappointed. It's that good!


My favorite chapters? The Swedish Log Cabin chapter and the Texas German Hill Country Ranch chapter. There is just SO much to enjoy in this book. There is everything from the Anglo-Caribbean Plantation to the New Hacienda--and every style of house is explored in detail and photographed in a way that will make it difficult to tear yourself away from this book.

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Roses (Time-Life Complete Gardener)
Published in Hardcover by Time Life Medical (1996-01)
Author:
List price: $16.95
New price: $3.95
Used price: $0.18

Average review score:

Almost a required book for "budding" rose growers
Helpful Votes: 15 out of 16 total.
Review Date: 2001-07-15
Along with Ortho's "All About Roses", and HP Books' Roses, How To Select, Grow and Enjoy", this is the backbone of the easy way to learn about roses. As an introduction to some or the "mysteries" about growing roses, this book and the other two mentioned have no equals. The illustrations are great and there are a lot of color photos of rose varieties, making a good picture book as well as a good "How To" book. I think everyone who has an interest in roses will enjoy this book and also the other two mentioned.

This book is wonderful!!!
Helpful Votes: 18 out of 18 total.
Review Date: 2001-04-12
I carry it with me to the nursery to make my selections. I'm a novice antique rose fancier with some particular geographic/climate needs, and this book makes it easy to determine what will thrive in my yard. There is a picture and detailed description of every rose in the book. The charts also make it easy to search for the right plant by color, flowering frequency, light needs, size, etc. I never shop for roses without carrying along this book.

Most beautiful pictures
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-03
This book was so well put together, pictures and illistrations were wonderful. would recomend to all.

Roses by Sunset Magazine
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-06
I must say, this book was well worth the money. The information provided was very descriptive and the up-to-date pictures and reviews on the most current quality roses out there were beautiful! I highly recommend this book for any new rose growers out there and for the more hardened, the gallery of roses is a must!

Must-have for novice or experienced rose grower
Helpful Votes: 21 out of 21 total.
Review Date: 2005-03-27
After carefully comparing other books that provided comprehensive information on roses, I chose the Sunset Roses book and have not regretted it one bit. When I purchased the book, I had 4-5 roses in my garden, and now I have 52 (at the time of this writing ;-). I still refer to this book as a reference for pruning techniques, disease, planting and placement, and just as a wonderful review of the next rose I must have!

The roses covered are certainly the most popular and easy to grow, and there is a section in the back that lists specific roses that are favorites of regional rosarians. So, for instance, if you are in zone 5-6 in Ohio, you can find best roses for the midwest/great lakes area, and so on. This is really valuable because a rose that will be a star for one gardener (such as Mr. Lincoln), might not perform well in another garden in a different part of the country.

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Ruthless Rhymes for Heartless Homes and More Ruthless Rhymes (Hilarious Stories)
Published in Paperback by Dover Publications (1998-01-27)
Author: Harry Graham
List price: $1.00
New price: $77.16
Used price: $23.51

Average review score:

I may be a sick bastard. But I received Ruthless
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-12-29
Rhymes as one of my first books from my much beloved "veddy English" granny. Granny has been gone a long time & I lost my copy 40 years ago. I never forgot it. I saw it on sale at Amazon & snapped one up. Not a classical book of poetry, maybe not even classy. Doggerel is the easiest type of poetry to remember. It is perverse, clever & cruel. You may even laugh out loud. I have not met a person who has not a least smiled. That may say something about the company I keep. It's the most fun you can have with poetry.

Cruel little poems
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-04
This is a very short book - there aren't many poems. They are very cruel, almost disturbingly so unless you have the sort of sense of humor that embraces Edward Gorey's little alphabet recital ("B is for Basil, devoured by bears"). I do share that sense of humor and so found this book to be entertaining, and a suitable gift for some similarly-minded people on my gift list. It has b/w illustrations.

Ghastly Little Willie
Helpful Votes: 11 out of 11 total.
Review Date: 1999-12-23
The antidote for Barney and Mr Rogers. These are short rhymes from a time when children were not so PC. A delightfully gruesome acceptance of children's fascination with the dark and gory.

A delightful collection of misanthropic mischief
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2004-12-16
"Ruthless Rhymes for Heartless Homes and More Ruthless Rhymes," by Harry Graham, is a hilarious collection of humorous poetry that succeeded in making me laugh out loud. A bibliographic note on the copyright page states that the Dover Thrift Edition "is a slightly altered republication of the works originally published in 1899 and 1930 by Edward Arnold, Ltd."

The book contains a series of vicious and macabre rhymes accompanied by entertaining pictures. The poems' topics include death, accidents, cruelty towards the elderly, firearms mishaps, illness, marital discord, and murder of children. A typical poem is "L'Enfant Glace," which begins, "When Baby's cries grew hard to bear, / I popped him in the Frigidaire." A savage mockery of the human condition, "Ruthless Rhymes" is absurd, grotesque, gleefully sadistic--and lots of fun!

Hysterical
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2001-08-28
The best in mean-spirited doggerel. The poetry's not great, but then again, its not supposed to be. If you like the twisted writings of Edward Gorey, this book will make you laugh out loud, and if you share it with people who do not share your outlook, will make them look at you like you just squished a puppy in front of them.

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S Is For Show Me: A Missouri Alphabet Edition 1. (Discover America State By State. Alphabet Series)
Published in Hardcover by Sleeping Bear Press (2001-09-17)
Author: Judy and Ross B. Young
List price: $17.95
New price: $7.12
Used price: $6.64
Collectible price: $20.00

Average review score:

Amazing!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-04
This book is not only entertaining and educational for kids, but for adults, too! The artwork is lovely to the eye and I'm looking forward to getting more of these books.

A is for A+
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-05-09
What a wonderful idea for a series of books. This is one of 50 alphabet books; there is one for every state. This one is packed with beautiful illustrations which contain hidden symbols, poetry, and tons of "unique to Missouri" facts. Don't just buy this one....collect them all. They are sure to be a valuable resource for teachers and parents alike. Despite it's ABC format, it is intended for all age groups.

Fantastic Book On Missouri For Both Kids And Adults!
Helpful Votes: 12 out of 12 total.
Review Date: 2001-11-27
This book is GREAT! As a school teacher, I'm delighted to have this book in my classroom. As a parent, I'm delighted to have it at home. It's an alphabet book, a poetry book, a textbook, and an art book all in one! Though I have lived in Missouri all my life, I sure learned some new things by reading S is for Show Me. I learned about the Kimmswick Bone Beds where mastodons used to live. I learned that nearly all corncob pipes in the world are made in Washington, MO! I learned about caves, springs, animals, ice cream cones, the Pony Express, the Civil War and so much more. This book should be read over and over because there is so much information that it just can't be absorbed in the initial reading. The illustrations are beautiful. Many of the paintings contain hidden details that my kids love to search for. The poems are fun to read aloud to young children and give them just enough information to spark their curiosity. But each page also has a sidebar of text that provides more in-depth information for older children and adults. S is for Show Me crosses all age barriers. I highly recommend this book to young and old alike, to anyone who is interested in the great state of Missouri!

WHAT A GREAT WAY FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES TO LEARN ABOUT THEIR STATE!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-03
This book is simply well done. I must say though, it is a bit misleading as it is not a simple ABC book even though it is set up in that particular format. It is so very, very much more. The author and illistrator have given us a wonderful oversite of a wonderful state, starting with prehistory and working forward to the present. The emphasis is on the outdoors of course, as Missouri, if nothing else, is an outdoor kind of place. The cities too have been well covered though, so there is something for everyone here. This book contains some pretty sophisticated information so, for the younger child, it might be a good idea to use this as a "read-a-long" book. The art work is great and quite detailed and fits the text perfectly. I have to admit, even though I am a native of this state, have lived here many years, I too, learned quite a few facts that I was unaware of. For an informative, well designed and fun to read book, I do recommend this one highly.

Retired children's librarian LOVES this book!
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2001-11-23
S is for Show Me fulfills a need of which librarians have been aware a long time. Finally here is a book that provides a great amount of information about the state of Missouri in an easy-to-read format all ages can enjoy. The magnificent illustrations develop great interest in the excellent poetry and interesting research material. Adults as well as children will gain much knowlege of Missouri from this informative and enlightening book. I cannot praise S is for Show Me too highly!

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The Same River Twice: A Boatman's Journey Home
Published in Paperback by University of Arizona Press (2006-10-05)
Author: Michael Burke
List price: $16.95
New price: $8.50
Used price: $0.93

Average review score:

Through the Someday Window...
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-25
There is often a schism between our everyday life and our dreams of someday. Someday often stays out reach of us like an carrot on a stick until circumstances that would have allowed the dream no longer exist. Michael Burke gently opens the someday window and steps through. He takes you with him. He gives a balanced and real look at what is on the other side. He speaks with a fine voice that puts you in the raft, in his head, till you smell the wet stuff and feel the angst. He makes a case for making someday happen while you can. He tells a tale that made me look forward to the quiet part of the evening, after the kids were in bed, so I could be back on the river again. The Same River Twice is fertile ground to plant you own someday seeds in. I found it an inspriation.

Michael Burke Reading
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-10-27
I guess I am lucky to be attending Univeristy of Maine at Farmington, where a lot of non fiction writing has come from recently (Gretchen Legler AND Michael Burke).
I went to Professor Burkes reading last night and it was so fun. His book is full of humor, at least, the passages he read were. I haven't read the whole book (yet).
But from what I heard, I am buying it and I would recommend it!

Very good book
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-16
I read this book almost in one sitting. Micheal Burke tells a good story and gives the reader the feeling of being on the river and experiencing the beauty of situation while taking us along on his own personal journey. Very good read!

WONDERFUL MEMOIR - MY KIND OF BOOK!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-03
This work is a delightful memoir that is a pleasure reading, starting from the first page, right along to the last word of the last page. This is the story of a man; a middle aged man at the time the story takes place, and at the same time is a history lesson, a journey of enlightenment, and a tour into one of the truly wild areas left in North America. It is also, and most importantly, a very insightful look at human nature.

The author, Michael Burke, dropped out of the University of California-Berkeley, and became, through faking his lack of experience, a white water river guide. Burke has apparently been guiding now for over thirty five years. The author obviously continued his education, as he now teaches at a University, and beyond a doubt, the guy can certainly write. In 1991, when the author was 38, he found himself with a pregnant wife, two step-children, an academic career, living in Maine and driving a station wagon. Now, although the author does not admit to the fact, it is pretty obvious he is probably losing some of his hair, getting less muscle tone than he had when he was twenty, and, most importantly,(again, not really stated)is feeling rather trapped. Gosh, it does not take much of a creative leap to figure out that a gigantic mid-life crises is about to descend on this poor guy. This is okay though, at least Burke faced his crises with class, like a man, and did not go the route of gold chains around his neck, a little sports car, a poor comb-over and chase twenty year old undergrads around campus; something we see all too frequently. Rather, he returned to the roots of his youth, the river!

The Same River Twice is the story of Michael Burke's journey down three rivers in the Canadian Wilderness of British Columbia. Using his old river raft, a left over from his youth, and in the company of a relative stranger, a fellow adventurer, who was chasing his own demons, the author starts on a very poorly planned adventure. The premise of the trip is to find and trace the territory traveled by distant relative of the author's, who himself was a famous river man during the Klondike glory days at the turn of the century. The author feels a connection with this long dead river man and wants to strengthen this connection with information. The story Michael tells of his trip is interwoven with stories of this old river man mixed with tales of the author's own glory days as a professional guide on some of the most famous white water rivers in North America. This three section story is wonderfully intertwined and the author has the ability to make you feel you are in all three eras with him, as he physically and mentally journeys through them.

Burke's ability as a descriptive writer is truly wonderful. His true love for the wilderness, for the wild places in our planet, for wildlife, solitude and yes, danger, comes shinning through on every page. You can actually squint in your mind's eye, as you read his prose and picture what he is seeing as he writes. The author makes a point that this sort of thing, once experienced, never quite leaves your blood. Great bodies of water have been apart of our souls throughout time...once you are hooked, you are hooked for life.

This work is truly a satisfying read, one of the better reads I have had in sometime now. I will quite likely give this one a second going over down the road. I must admit that I would love for this author to give us another book, telling of his adventures on the other rivers that he ran while learning his trade. The author can be quite humorous at times and I suspect was and is quite good at camp fire stories. It would be a delight to read some of them. NOTE: There seems to be a great deal of nonfiction writing coming out of Maine right now, and has been over the past few years. To be quite frank, the only thing I really knew about Maine was that they had Moose, potatoes, had a good store to order clothes from, and made good canoes...now I find the place is full of good writers...go figure.

Child of glaciers
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-07
What happens to white-water guides when they leave the rivers? Michael Burke gives us one answer: they never leave the rivers, and the rivers never leave them. Burke's story is part memoir, part "road trip," and part love story about the wild places that "can't be improved by changes." His tale of a 1991 trip down the wildest of British Columbia's rivers is one hundred percent enjoyment.

Having guided seasonally since he was a college student, Burke at thirty-eight was married, a professor at a college in Maine, with a baby on the way. This ambitiously planned trip was a three-week-long pilgrimage to the places where a distant relative, Sid Barrington, had lived a life of legend on the wild rivers of long ago. Burke, along with a stranger named Max whose only qualification was availability, set out with an ancient rubber raft, a heavy load of gear, a rifle in case of bears, and jury-rigged arrangements with bush pilots. From this unpromising start, Mike and Max had a soul-stirring experience in this "humbling land."

Putting in by plane to breathtaking Chutine Lake, they worked their way down glacier-fed rivers with wild names: the Chutine, the Stikine, the Sheslay, the Taku. Along the way they encountered black bears, grizzlies, moose, and on one memorable evening a wolf with two pups. Burke's deep love of the challenging terrain is evident throughout the book.

Stories of the old river runner, Sid, are woven in, along with some hair-raising stories of Burke's younger days as a guide; a wild, adrenaline-saturated life that he remembers with affection at this settling-down time of life. Thoughts of his pregnant wife are with him always but he was unable to resist the pull of the river.

Why do this crazy, dangerous thing? Burke writes about the meaning of memory as a defining concept; about freedom and control. But mostly it's because he loves the rivers. "Rivers," he writes, "are an experience of time. The river is more human than the ocean, limited like humans are, yet sweeping forward in its implacable way, like time itself sweeping past. We are proportioned to rivers..."

Have you ever stood on the slope of a mountain and felt its age and power? Looked up into the weird blue ice of a glacier and heard its deep voice? Or even felt the edge of a river on your ankles and known that it flowed according to forces older than time? Then you should read this book. The geography is bewildering but just put in at the beginning and let the current take you to the end, rapids and all. You're sure to feel the awe and beauty of the planet's wild places. Go there, even if it's just in a book.

Linda Bulger, 2008

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Sandplay, The Sacred Healing: A Guide to Symbolic Process (Home Study Continuing Education Units Series: Mental Health Professionsls)
Published in Spiral-bound by Trance Sand Dance (1997-12-21)
Authors: Kate Amatruda and Phoenix Helm Simpson
List price: $40.00
Used price: $195.50

Average review score:

A Guide into Symbolism and Sand Play as a Therapeutic tool
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2009-06-11
From Welcome:


"Welcome to the self-study course on sandplay therapy.

Sandplay therapy can open doors within the psyche to deep and mysterious places.

While this course will give a solid introduction to the principles of sandplay, it is considered essential that clinicians complete their own sandplay process with a therapist who has undergone a process. This is the heart of sandplay, and must be felt as well as learned."



From "Introduction: The Garden:


"In the psyche a garden grows. Over the course of a lifetime many seeds are planted. Some blossom; others wilt or are unable to break the surface. At these times the garden needs care.

The soil may lake nutrients, water or light. Weeds can threaten to take over and nothing new seems to grow.

Once in awhile there's something deep in the ground that hinders the growth of the garden. Digging to the depths is hard work requiring patience, dedication and courage.

When this is done, the garden will thrive. New seeds can be planted, and the harvest will feed both body and soul."


*****



TABLE OF CONTENTS

* Introduction: The Garden

1 - The Site & the Tools

2 - Resonance: The Gardener and the Guide

3 - The Initial Tray: Conceiving the Garden

4 - Defenses and Development: Honoring What is Already in the Garden

5 - The Descent: Digging Down and Sowing Seeds

6 - Night in the Garden

7 - Self: Germination

8 - The Ascent: Sprouts Appear

9 - Termination: The Harvest


* Epilogue
* Bibliography

* Self-test and Answer Sheet
* Evaluation Form

integrates wisdom and knowledge
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1999-03-25
Thoroughly enjoyed this Sandplay text. The authors have accomplished the integration of wisdom and knowledge in their writing.

Compassion, wisdom and depth!
Helpful Votes: 10 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 2000-06-03
I found this book to be extremely well-written and helpful in my journey to become a better sandplay therapist. The metaphor of the garden is very apt for this kind of therapy, where establishing the 'free and protected' place is essential in order to dig deep. The authors present vignettes and complete cases with great compassion and excellent clinical knowledge. I found the charts, especially the ones on development, defenses, and how trauma impacts the chakras very clear...I refer to them often. The section on development alone is worth the price of the book; with vignettes and photos for each developmental stage, and then the configuration in the trays tied to Erik Erikson's developmental model. It also was very helpful to see brief therapy cases presented along with long-term work with people. This is a great book for beginners as well as those who have worked deeply in the sand for many years. The book really does combine 'age old wisdom' with modern psychotherapy.

Great ! Multidisciplinary, innovative and well organized
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2003-05-07
Kate Amatruda's book is a wonderful gateway to learn about Sandplay!. Her garden metaphor and digging down is exactly what she allows us to do in understanding the sacred journey. She covers many extremely important topics step by step both of adult and child's process. She provides an intellectual understanding of nonverbal therapy with many specific examples to illustrate the concepts she teaches. It is digestable for beginners and interesting for advanced therapists. She has definitely done an important service to the field of Psychology and Sandplay in her book. I recommend it highly.

Got this book for class...
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2004-12-01
I am taking a Sandtray class as part of a graduate school curriculum and this book is the one we used for class. I think the book is a great beginner's book for Sandtray. It really explains the core of the theory, and also enables beginners to see the importance of this work. Explains very well the different types of items you should have part of your miniatures collection. Explains how to interpret some of the symbolism of sandtray work, (though most of that should be left to the clients!) It deals with case studies for both children and adults, which is the great...

Sandtray is a great experience for clinicians and all people, and is an effective means of communication. I highly recommend that you try it, if you have not, as it has really changed my life, and goals of my profressional career.

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Sayonara Home Run!: The Art of the Japanese Baseball Card
Published in Paperback by Chronicle Books (2006-02-16)
Authors: John Gall and Gary Engel
List price: $18.95
New price: $7.43
Used price: $7.21

Average review score:

A great art book....
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2009-04-08
Sayonara Home Run! The Art Of Japanese Baseball Card is a lovely book that gives you the history and development of baseball cards and related baseball collectibles. While it does not really get into a detailed history of the game itself it does give you a basic background of how it got started in Japan and, if you know American baseball, does compare how it is different or similar. Not knowing the history of American baseball or understanding how they rate players a lot of it went over my head. I can't really blame the book for that and do plan to correct my lack of information by reading a book on the history of American baseball. They even have small bios on the base Japanese players and some team histories.
BUT the book itself does have a flaw. The pages are thick, heavy paper, sown together and very solid. But the wonderful cover is glued on and came right off after only a few days. I am NOT rough with my books and there is really nothing that could explain this outside of the fact that the glue became too dry to keep the cover on the book. This is a shame because if the book had a better cover or maybe was a hard cover book it would have made a great coffee book and a great gift to those interested in either baseball cards or Japanese baseball. It is kind of sad that they went cheap on such a major detail.

Grand slam!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-12-31
This is a wonderful book, a collection of vintage Japanese baseball cards and a bit of the history behind them. I've been picking through baseball memorabilia and artifacts all my life (and have written two published books on the sport) and this ranks among the most fascinating books I've ever seen. I just discovered this book today at the bookstore of the Japanese American National Musuem in Los Angeles. To the authors: Grand slam, guys.

Will attract any with an interest in world baseball or in collectible ballgame cards
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-05-20
This could've been featured in our collector's section or even our sports section, but is presented here for its powerful artistic survey of Japanese sports through its lovely baseball card art. SAYONARA HOME RUN! THE ART OF THE JAPANESE BASEBALL CARD features player history, card art, and loved and hated baseball teams alike. It will attract any with an interest in world baseball or in collectible ballgame cards - and many a browser with an interest in neither!

Diane C. Donovan, Editor
California Bookwatch

Will attract any with an interest in world baseball or in collectible ballgame cards
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-05-20
This could've been featured in our collector's section or even our sports section, but is presented here for its powerful artistic survey of Japanese sports through its lovely baseball card art. SAYONARA HOME RUN! THE ART OF THE JAPANESE BASEBALL CARD features player history, card art, and loved and hated baseball teams alike. It will attract any with an interest in world baseball or in collectible ballgame cards - and many a browser with an interest in neither!

Diane C. Donovan, Editor
California Bookwatch

A Beautiful and Informative Book
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-20
Vinatge Japanese baseball cards are among the most beautiful baseball collectibles in the world. I discovered these treasures over ten years ago during a trip to Japan and became an avid collector. My passion for the cards eventually led to a on-line card business and a career as a baseball writer. John Gall and Gary Engel's new book Sayanara Homerun! depicts hundreds, if not thousands, of theese beautiful cards. The book's presentation is wonderful. Cards are gracefully portrayed as art but the accompanying text will statisfy both baseball card collectors and fans of Japanese baseball.

If you are an American baseball cards collector, come see what you are missing. If you a fan of Japanese baseball, come see great pictures of your favorite stars.

I spend hours paging through this book and expect that you will enjoy it as much as I have.

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Scented Room
Published in Hardcover by Clarkson Potter (1986-12-13)
Author: Barbara Milo Ohrbach
List price: $20.00
New price: $1.55
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $19.99

Average review score:

Great recipes
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2003-09-06
Nice collection of recipes for potpourri and sachets. Some ofthe ingredients are tough to find but I found most via the internet for the couple I've tried so far. Last half of the book is on flower drying, arraging and wreaths - not really my thing but I really enjoyed the first half.

In a class by itself.
Helpful Votes: 10 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 1999-08-18
Absolutely the best book on making fine potpourri (dry or moist) and much more. Also included are beautiful wreaths, dried flower bouquets, pomanders, cologne-type floral and herbal waters, bath bags, scent pillows, fabric sachets, drawer liners, etc. Gardening and flower drying information too. From cover to cover, fabulous ideas for elegant home decorating with antiques or inexpensive fakes. Gorgeous photographs.

I could almost smell the fragrances
Helpful Votes: 11 out of 11 total.
Review Date: 2000-08-02
This is one reference book that I read cover to cover, not wanting to miss a single wonderful idea. I bought the book mainly because I have a huge rose garden and wanted potpourri recipes, but I was enraptured by every chapter, including making sachets, door hangings, and dried arrangements, and the section on the centuries-old "meanings" that have been attached to many flowers. There is even an intriquing recipe for making "wet" potpourri, a concoction that I had never heard of before but now intend to try! This book is beautiful, nicely organized, and well written. I could almost smell the scents and see the colorful gardens as I read. A must have selection.

The Scented Room
Helpful Votes: 11 out of 11 total.
Review Date: 2000-02-25
This book is wonderful. I have had this book for about ten years and, although I have purchased many beautiful books since, this one remains a favorite. The pictures are beautiful and the instructions are easy to follow. Also, sources for purchasing any ingredients you would need are listed at the back of the book. Buy it -- you will cherish it!

very descriptive, good for amateurs
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 1999-10-27
i've had this book for two days and i love it. it truly inspires me. its easy to read and the fragrant recipes are simple and inexpensive to make. i created my first dried floral arrangement and i was amazed with the results. i love to walk into a room and be surrounded by pretty flowers and nice aromas. you can definitely achieve that with the help of this book. enjoy!


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