History Books


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History Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

History
Solo: Women Singer-Songwriters in Their Own Words
Published in Paperback by Delta (1998-08-10)
Author:
List price: $16.95
New price: $3.84
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $16.95

Average review score:

Yay!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2000-12-24
I learned so much about all of my favorite artists in this book. This book is tastefull done (unlike Building a Mystery by Judith Fitzgerald). The author actually talked to the artist and got their perspectives on many different topics and the meanings behind their songs, which makes this book true and somewhat autobiographical. It is good to see a book also where the artists are not portrayed as glamorous. These black and white photos seem the bring the artists back down to the same level that the reader is working on. It is a really nice book and an interesting read.

50% truth is..........
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 1999-05-02
Well, I am going to read the book, if I ever get a credit-card...which hopefully there's another option..( or I'll be broke before I get paid....) Anyhow, I'm sure this book is well worth reading..TO me anything by any of these great artist(s) who have inspired me in my darkest hours of frustration.. I will never give up the God given gift(s) thanks to you all!!!! (And hopefully we'll all Jam before New Year's Eve!!!!!) -C

Solo
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 1999-12-27
com) from Atlanta, Georgia November 14, 1998 Dear Emma and Marc, Solo is awesome, the images and narrative are both soulful and powerful. As a practicing artist I'm attracted to the imagery in your book. The photographs have a cinematic quality to them, in particular the series of photo's of Holly Palmer. When I look at the images in your book I feel spirit and emotion of the people represented through your imagery. Examples of what I'm referring to are images of Lucinda Williams (pg 290 and 300), Sheryl Crow (pg 273), Roseanne Cash (pg 246), Jewel (pg 224), Shawn Colvin (pg 39), and Sarah (pg 18)... I like the way the narrative and art work weave together like a quilt, your images make me feel good. More on Solo later... Peace, Love, and Understanding, Freddy Ciminelli

A Lilith Fair Bible!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 1999-05-04
This is the finest example of what beautiful photography and amazing storise can do for your soul. This book should be read by every woman in America at every age. The stories are personal, enlightening and truly amazing! There is so much to learn from SOLO... I return to it daily.

Thank you Emma and Mark
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 1999-04-06
The night I bought this book I sat down and finished the whole thing. I bought this book because I was a huge fan of Sarah McLachlan and Shawn Colvin, Jewel and Cheryl Crow, but I learned so much more from the other singers too. Sarah's interview struck me as the most down to earth, but every interview was intriguing and I just couldn't put it down. Some of the artists I had never even listened to like Ani Difranco but then next day I borrowed a friends CD and I have to say thanks to this book my CD collection has gotten a lot larger! Thank you Emma and Mark! The only bad thing about this book is......it ended! (and Tori Amos wasn't in the book, but was mentioned by Sarah McLachlan! =)So that was fine by me!!!)

History
Unspeakable ShaXXXspeares, Revised Edition: Queer Theory and American Kiddie Culture
Published in Paperback by Palgrave Macmillan (1999-12-03)
Author: Richard Burt
List price: $29.95
New price: $1.75
Used price: $1.99

Average review score:

Pioneering book
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2003-05-28
In his wonderful and fascinating book Unspeakable ShaXXXspeares, Richard Burt, the leading scholar of Shakespeare and film studies, pioneers research into the manifold ways Shakespeare enters into American popular culture. Concentrating mostly on film but attending as well to television sit-coms, Burt offers penetrating insight into everything from mainstream adaptations of Shakespeare to "low" spin-offs in which Shakespeare's language almost entirely disappears. Burt explores both what film and mass media have done to Shakespeare and also what Shakespeare enables our culture to do trhough film and other electronic media. Readers intersted in this book will be happy to know that Burt has since edited a related collection entitled Shakespeare After Mass Media and has co-edited Shakespeare, the Movie II.

Witty and moving analysis of Shakespeare's fate in media
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2003-06-26
One doesn't usually expect to find oneself laughing when reading a book of criticism written by an academic, much less a book on Shakespeare. But Burt's book is frequently just that, funny to the point of making me laugh out loud. Burt has a refreshingly off-beat sense of humor, and the materials he has discovered--such as an adult movie version of Hamlet--aer themselves often hilarious as well, though not always intentionally so. But far from being just a laugh riot, the book is also a serious, critically sophisticated analysis of Shakespeare's fate incontemporary mass media, where much of hte lnagugae is cut or confined to well-known quotations. Burt's final chapter on films about teaching Shakespeare is quite moving, and Burt has the courage to raise difficult questions without pretending he is able to answer them. He is right to think that the questions are more important than the answers. Burt is to be congratulated for writing his book in a clear and engaging prose style without sacrificing the complexity of his thought.

Accessible and profound work of cultural criticism
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2001-11-22
One of the many strengths of Burt's truly excellent book is that it not only discusses Shakespeare adaptations but uses Shakespeare, or of ShaXXXspeares, to discuss post-war American popular culture. Burt's theory of the loser as critic has ramifications for all criticism, not just Shakespeare. This is a profound, original, and engaging book.

A wonderful find!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2001-11-20
I happened to be doing research for my thesis on Shakespeare in the university library and, while looking for other books, I was intrigued by the three XXXs in the title of Burt's book on the shelf, so I pulled it off and looked through it. What a daring work of cultural criticism! When I saw the chapters on Shakespeare porn, I marvelled both at the courage of the man to write such a book and how at the publisher who took it on. Of course, I check it out and read it. I especially was drawn to the chapter on action films and Burt's point that while the films cannibalize others, no one in the films ever eats; the characters are anorexic. The book is full of similarly wonderful insights. I am a cinephile, and very much appreciated Burt's quite hip approach to ShaXXXspeare. Now, it's back to those other, rather staid books of Shakespeare criticism, I was orginally looking for.

On the Money
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2001-12-20
Whatever you think about Shakespeare, it is impossible not to agree with the points Burt makes in this book. His analysis is right on the money and you will never be able to look at Shakespearean movies or literature in the same way. A fantastic book and a must read.

History
A Year of Absence: [Six Women's Stories of Courage, Hope, and Love]
Published in Paperback by Elva Resa Pub. (2005-11)
Author: Jessica Redmond
List price:

Average review score:

A little disappointing
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-29
As a military spouse and after reading so many great reviews here and elsewhere, I felt the need to read this book. It was a little fluffy for my liking. I did relate to events and day to day life of the women. However, I felt as though a lot was missing from this book. I was left wanting to know more about the characters. I think it could have been developed a little more.

Extraordinary Book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-28
Although I am the wife of a retired soldier who spent 24 years in the Army with two tours in Viet Nam, I still could identify with these women during their husbands' deployments to Iraq. I was especially pleased to read about Baumholder since that was where we were stationed in the 70's. This is a different war from ours, the Army has changed, women are much more independent than I was in the late 60's and early 70's when my husband went to war; however, the loneliness, worry about your spouse, counting down of days until he/she comes home, sometimes the anxieties and sheer terror that you feel...those things remain the same. This is one of my favorite books about this war and I think that it is ideal reading for any woman who watches her man leave for war. I was glad to read that the Army has Family Readiness Groups and support groups for the families. A glimpse into these women's lives was so revealing and I felt their pain. Just an excellent read, in my old Army wife opinion.

Finally...
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-23
Finally, a book that got it right. I've gone through my husband's 6mo deployment in 2002 to Kosovo living by myself in Schweinfurt. Then the next deployment to Iraq in 2004 while stationed in GA. This time with the surprise of finding out I got pregnant sometime in the week before he left. There was talk about an extention for them, but thankfully, they came home 1 year to the day. We are now on our third deployment. This time Afghanistan. I'm now home with three dogs, a three year old and a new baby that was 3 mo old when he left. Each deployment has been totally different with our location and family size. I love this book because every woman's story was a bit different. In their job status, family size and coping mechanisms. All were right on! I know and knew women just like them. I read this book after borrowing it from the library on post. Now its going on my Amazon.com wishlist and will be recommending to anyone who will listen. Thank you Jessica for giving us an outlet to share with the world of what its really like.

Military Wife you are not alone!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-03
As an Army wife, having gone through one deployment, and at the end of the second one, this book made me realize that my feelings, and the things my husband and I go through, are natural. I felt as if this book described my feelings and my mistakes. It was a relief to read stories of women who have gone through what i have gone through. To those military moms who think that the wives cant feel what they feel just because we didnt give birth to the soldiers, you are wrong. We are the ones who have to hear their complaints, frustrations, and have to come up with wise words when they are down. Your love for your child is different and so is their love for you. You will always be their mom, just dont underestimate what it takes to stand by a soldier, be faithful, wise, and strong.

i cryed for 6 hours
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-29
all i can say is that by reading this book the last 3 deployments my husband has gone thru and the time i have spent by myself and the kids are finally validated.
im a army wife of 8 years, and 3rd deployment survivor.
i am german where my husband was stationed at for 10 years, and deployed to iraq twice from there.
i got the book and instantly started to read, and i couldnt stop, i sat on the couch for 6 hours crying and sobbing.
and realizing what i have been thru, some of the things i have pushed aside, as my husbandactually deployed from darmstadt in january, pushing into iraq right away, i pushed aside not sleeping for 2 years, while everytime at night i started to jump up when i heared car doors slam, checking the window as my heart almost stopped.
i am one of these women, and i feel after reading this book that i am somewhat relieved.
now that my husband is deployed for the 4th time in his career, i told him as soon as he gets home he will read that book to understand what i had to deal with.
i absoloutly love this book and will keep it for my kids to read, when they grow.
i am at peace in a sence.
thank you jessica redmon

History
All the Way to Berlin: A Paratrooper at War in Europe
Published in Audio CD by Random House Audio (2006-05-02)
Author: James Megellas
List price: $14.95
New price: $4.84
Used price: $4.84

Average review score:

The Greatest Paratrooper
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-08
It's a bit troubling to see a couple of reviewers here complaining about Jim "Maggie" Megellas being "self-serving" and a "blowhard" because he's honest about the 82nd Airborne Division's WWII mission. That mission was to kill Germans and win the war. Maggie was very good at this as was his platoon, the 504 PIR and the 82nd, the greatest Airborne division of all. How else were we to win the war?

"All the Way to Berlin" is the best Airborne book I've read and I've read a lot of them including S. Ambrose's "Band of Brothers". I've never understood why Ambrose, who taught at the University of Wisconsin passed up Wisconsin's greatest Airborne hero, Jim Megellas.

Not to take anything away from the 101st Airborne, another bunch of terrific, fighting paratroopers, but no one fought harder and longer with less against formidable opposition than the 82nd. And within the 82nd, the 504PIR, 3rd BN, H Company was one of the best.

My friend Bill Hannigan from St. Paul went all the way from Africa to Berlin with the 82nd. He became a squad leader in Maggie's platoon and is one of those paratroopers who knows Maggie best. Bill says Maggie was not only the best and bravest at killing Germans. "He cared about all of us. He did things for us. He's been a good man all his life."

Bill is one of the dwindling numbers of Maggie's platoon who continues to work for the Medal of Honor which Maggie was originally put in for after his heroism at Herresbach. The platoon killed and captured 100's of Germans during that battle and as they moved into the town, Maggie single-handedly attacked and took out a Mark IV tank that threatened his platoon. This part of the action was somehow deleted from the paperwork as it moved through channels. Maggie then received the Silver Star instead of the requested MOH. Several years ago, Maggie's platoon friends resurrected the original MOH request and it is now the subject of a bill in the House of Representatives.

Next month, Maggie - who is now 90 - starts a tour in Iraq where he will begin to deliver thousands of his books to the troops. Last year he visited his beloved 504 in Afghanistan where the troopers gave him and AR and 50 rounds of ammo and took him on patrol.

You will see in this great book how Maggie holds paratroopers in special regard. And if you understand paratroopers and the famed 82nd Airborne Division you will know why we love Maggie and this book about our WWII Brothers.

Tom Laney, Editor
Badger Airborne News
Badger State Chapter
82nd Airborne Division Assoc.



Incredible
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-04
After reading several reviews about this book, I felt compelled to comment.

I read Mr. Megellas' book after having the pleasure and honor of meeting him in the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. It was a real treat for me to have the opportunity shake his hand and talk with him for a few minutes. As time rolls on, opportunities to meet a veteran, much less a hero of World War II are few and far between. We talked a bit about Operation Market Garden and his plans to go to Holland. I can tell you that in my brief encounter with him that he was very proud, humble and personable.

With that said, I think that the critic's who accuse Mr. Megellas of being self-serving are very wrong in their assessment. This book is written in a style that is very direct, blunt, straight forward and "matter of fact". There are no words wasted beating around the bush or attempts at being politically correct. By his own accord, the author admits to us that it has taken him years to write these words because they are so painful to repeat. I do not get the sense that he is bragging. I get the sense that he is sharing his pain with the reader and giving us his impression of the unbelievable experience he lived through. It goes without saying this man is a hero.

This book is an excellent read and I would recommend it to anyone even remotely interested in World War 2 or combat. It's so packed full of action I can't believe they haven't made a movie about it.

All the Way to Berlin: A Paratrooper at War in Europe
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-17
One of the best combat narratives I have ever read. Engrossing, and compelling in its brutaly honest depiction of total warfare. Highly recomended.

Better than Band of Brothers
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-28
If anyone has read Band of Brothers as well as other war books, you will notice that James Megellas has been a resource for many. This book is a must read for anyone that enjoys War books. The book might not be elegantly written but you have to remember that this was written by a person that was there and not by some author embellishing the facts trying to make it a sexy book. Every once in a while I find myself picking the book up to re-read it.

Must Read American History
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-03
My wife and I had a few minutes to kill in Dallas/Ft. Worth before catching a connecting flight to our spring vacation destination. The airport was full of people. As we were cruising hte terminal for a bite to eat, I observed a distinguished-looking old man in full military dress uniform sitting quietly at a small card table precariously positioned between the throngs of traveling traffic and a tiny bookstore. On top of the table beside his folded hands was a small stack of books. The chaotic masses appeared oblivious to his presence. I noticed his chest full of medals.

Lt. James "Maggie" Megallas was the most decorated officer of the 82nd Airborne Division following World War II. From the rugged mountains of Naples in winter, and the beaches at Anzio, to the Battle of the Bulge, few men have survived more combat. 'All the Way to Berlin' is a sobering account of his experiences. I was awestruck by the daring and heroic crossing of the Waal River and the capturing of the bridges at Nijmegen as part of Montgomery's "vainglorious" Market Garden operation.

I pray that for the sake of the future of our nation you will remember these men and share their story with someone you love.

History
The Book of Tiki
Published in Hardcover by Taschen America Llc (2000-09)
Author: Sven A. Kirsten
List price: $29.99
Used price: $49.99
Collectible price: $235.00

Average review score:

Lives up to the title
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-03-26
This book is such a great collection of tiki decor and knick-knacks that you don't even need to read the captions to enjoy it. My wife and I want to turn one of our rooms into a tiki bar. We thought we would need to do a lot of looking to get a good idea of what real post-war tiki bars were like. Well, look no further. This book has it all. If you type in "tiki" in an Internet search engine, it wouldn't come up with this many ideas. This book reviews everything from the blue prints to the big tiki restaurants down to the coasters underneath the amazing assortment of tiki mugs. The title could not have been more appropriate. This is the definitive book of tiki. Have great fun looking through the book. Depending on your age, it might make you nostalgic for those lost days.

Jimbo
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-03-05
If you have the slightest interest in the subject, you have to have this book. it is an amazing piece of work, and a visual feast. It is one book I pick up again and again, and always notice something new. Buy it.

Sven Kirsten defines an era!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-03-02
Truly a wonder of nature this Book of Tiki. Chances are, you might so your parents or grandparents in the pictures, from the days before you considered them old.

The text of the book goes briefly through the various sources of Polynesian pop-culture, and where it branched off. From Michener's South Pacific, to the Lanai apartments in Anytown, USA.

The pictures, brought through the archives of time in the form of various postcards and of the now empty lots that once were Tiki bowling alleys and apartments, show us a fascinating time of tehnicolor wonder and primitive naivete. This was before PC was PC.

All around, a fantastic read, whether you're a full on tiki freak, or you simply wonder why grandpa wore a Hawaiian shirt to your wedding.

More Tiki Than You Can Shake A Torch At
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2003-12-23
Like all Taschen books, this book is visually STUNNING! Just leafing through the pictures never gets boring. The real treat is the book is also jam packed facts, folklore, drink recipies, and so much more. More information about Tiki than I ever knew existed.

Plenty of eye-candy in this book, but very well balanced with informative and fun content. A must have for the Tiki enthusiast!

Excellent book on Tiki, though a bit artsy
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2003-03-15
This book is a must have for anyone interested in Tiki or kitsch art. Describing themselves as "urban archaeologists" seeking remnants of Tiki culture, the authors provide a fun and informative look at this vanishing art form. The book does an acceptable job presenting the evolutionary history of Tiki, from the 1920s to the present. Key events, such as the establishment of Trader Vic's, and the Kon Tiki craze of the late 40s, are looked at in further detail. There is also a good look at the "artifacts" of Tiki art and architecture throughout the United States. The book is packed with color photos of Tiki mugs, matchbooks, buildings, and much more.

However, the book does lean a bit too much towards making the book eye candy. The Book of Tiki uses intense colors, and ultra-hip page compositions that make it difficult to read (typically Taschen, but I still found it distracting). Also, a consolidation of information would have made it easier to reference, such as a table differentiating the different "Trader" Tiki businesses. Also, some of the text ("Exotica and the Tiki style were denounced as contrived rituals of the imperialist establishment at the same time that the Vietnam war developed into and ugly mistake, with native huts and palm trees burning on TV."), had me wondering if they were being tounge-in-cheek, or were actually serious.

Nevertheless, this book is the current bible for Tiki aficionados, and is well worth having on your bookshelf.

History
Charlie Battery: A Marine Artillery Unit in Iraq (Hellgate Memories Series) (Hellgate Memories Series) (Hellgate Memories Series)
Published in Paperback by L&R Publishing (2004-11-08)
Author: Andrew Lubin
List price: $16.95
New price: $15.26
Used price: $10.68

Average review score:

Charlie Battery
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-03
This was a great book detailing Marine Artillery. There are very few books out about artillery and as an artilleryman I thought it was an accurate account for those who have not been around a battery. It is a must read for all military and military enthusiasts.

Engaging story of US Marines in combat
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-11
From the tedium of Camp Lejeune to the hell of An-Nasiriyah Professor Andrew Lubin writes an engaging story of a father's love and concerns for a son heading into mortal combat. You don't need to be affiliated with the Marines to appreciate how brave our soldiers were in one of the first major battles to take place during the invasion of Iraq. Personally, as an ex-Marine myself,I was fascinated at the precision,dedication,knowledge,skill and bravery of the mostly young, and untried, Marines of Charlie Battery under fire. I was even more impressed with the collective calm of the units' senior NCO's and officers in bringing about eventual victory. This book is a must read for military historians and anyone else interested at an in-depth look at why, and how, our United States Marine Corps is a force to be feared throughout the world. Good job, professor! Gary Carter - Author of the military/political thriller "For the Good of the Many" - MWSA Silver Star award winner 2007

Factual and Fascinating
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-26
This has got to be one of the best of the Iraq war books on the market today. Writing from the viewpoint of the parent of a deployed Marine, Mr. Lubin follows his son and his artillery battery as they sail off to Iraq, fight at An-Nasiriyah, and then thankfully, all come home. This is a well-written book; it has an easy and natural flow as the author works blends interviews with the parents and girlfriends with the stories of the Marines themselves. Highly reccomended ? You bet it is; every parent of a deployed Marine and Soldier should read this book!

Hard hitting!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-30
"Charlie Battery" is one of the best books on the war in Iraq on the market today. Author Andrew Lubin is a father writing about his son's being called to war on New Years Eve 2002, and then follows his son and the fellow Marines in Charlie Battery as they sail to Kuwait, live and train in Camp Shoup, and then fight and win at An-Nasiriyah. Lubin's descriptive and powerful prose made me feel as emotionally involved and stressed Charlie Battery parents as their sons go off to fight. "Charlie Battery" is the 2007 Gold Medal Winner of the Military Writers Society of America Military Non-Fiction category - the book is that good !"

Great Read
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-03
Charlie Battery was a book I just could not put down once I opened it. I recently re-read it and enjoyed it even more now that I've got a little more experience and understanding for the military.

Zach Blutner

History
Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo
Published in Paperback by Perennial (HarperCollins) (1991-10)
Author: Hayden Herrera
List price: $25.00
New price: $13.50
Used price: $1.00
Collectible price: $25.00

Average review score:

Brilliant
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-18
I bought this book after re-watching the movie taken largely from this exhaustive biography. As someone who has read many bios, let me say that this is a refreshing and encouraging alternative to the fawning and excessive grocery store drivel and/or the dull and fact-filled dissertations that describe most biographies. Hayden Herrera manages to combine a staggeringly comprehensive detailing of Kahlo's life with an easy prose that makes for an engaging read. I know far more about this artist than I could've imagined and it is largely first-hand accounts either from the pages of Frida's own diaries and numerous letters or the people who were there. Herrera keeps her personal opinions regarding the events to a minimum and allows the events to speak for themselves. The life of Frida Kahlo needs no additional padding or maudlin tricks to engender a connection to anyone with a heart and soul. When the author does speculate, it comes from someone who has clearly studied her subject thoroughly and backs up her theories with a wealth of compelling evidence and sensible arguments. While her appreciation for Kahlo is obvious, Herrera does not stop short of being critical, questioning Kahlo's motives, and revealing the stark humanity and insecurity that Kahlo tried to obscure with her public persona as the confident, outspoken, provocative enchantress sporting her exotic Tehuana finery.
However, the best use of Herrera's research and the clear compassion and empathy she has for this incredible woman is when she analyses Frida's paintings. I found myself continuously turning back and forth from the detailed observations and interpretation to the paintings and trying to understand what the author is talking about. It was fascinating reading and a wonderful exploration that shed light into the depths of Frida's intensely personal art.
Two last notes: First, the version I bought does not sport Salma Hayek on the cover but instead one of Frida's many self-portraits. Apparently the publishers corrected this unfortunate decision based on movie marketing. Second, I was fortunate enough to take in the amazing exhibit of Frida Kahlo at the Philadelphia Museum just a few weeks ago and it was a moving and special day. Seeing the actual frames dripping blood, the size and grandeur of some of the works juxtaposed with the smaller works, and the sheer emotionally gravity of her art was something I'll never forget. Having read much of this biography by that time, I was able to bring that much more to that exhilarating opportunity.
Frida Kahlo was not just an extraordinary artist but was moreover an extraordinary person. Herrera's heartfelt, deeply researched, and brilliantly written biography allows those of us who never knew her to feel as if we have and to share in the universal quality of her painful work. That alone makes us better people for having experienced it.

Magnificent and sad...
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-23
This is a paintakingly detailed biography, yet rather than making for tedious reading, it flows smoothly from the pages...Hayden Herrera has done an incredible job with the story of Frida Kahlo, the most famous Mexican artist in history.

Written in the late 1970s' (when many of Frida's friends and intimates were still alive to interview), this excellent book combines letters (to and from Kahlo), first person anecdotes and historical records (along with a decent selection of photos and paintings), to create a sweeping portrait of a very, very interesting life.

Everything you ever wanted to know about Frida (and maybe some stuff you didn't), is in this book.

"Frida" is highly recommended to anyone who enjoys Frida's work or just wants to know more about an interesting, talented, brutally honest (yet very vulnerable) woman.

What a woman!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-21
I learned about Frida when I took art history in college. I always wanted to know more about her because of her art work. She was so passionate! Although she was considered an abstract artist. Her art was very REAL. You can feel what she feels by looking at her art. This book really helps you understand what happened in her life and attached the painting that went along with that specific period in her life. Very well written.

Biography of Frida Kahlo
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-27
An inspiring Biography of famous Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. It was comprehensive, read like a documentary and at some points was long and boring with gory details. Frida was such an interesting person it was worth the struggle to get to the end. I now understand her and her works so much better. I think she was an odd and eccentric person that was gifted with natural artistic talent. I recommend looking at her paintings at the same time you listen to the audio since the audio is so descriptive almost like a narrative from a museum. It doesn't make sense unless you see the works at the same time. I found them on a website dedicated to her. There is nothing like her art, she is truly original!

There is no better Frida Kahlo biography available
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-10
Since her death, Frida Kahlo has become something of an exalted icon, representing for millions of people the alegría of a life fully lived. Hayden Herrera's insightful book both supports the artist's status, and provides devotees who never met Frida the chance to know their idol in depth, to familiarize themselves with her happiness and suffering, to experience her highs and lows.

The book's mixture of intimate biographical details (a thorough chronology and evocative descriptions of events), psychological analysis and art criticism create an intensely vivid picture of Frida Kahlo, the world in which she lived, and the means by which her art conveyed her mind and body's pain. Objectivity is retained throughout; unflattering and negative aspects of Frida's personality are discussed with attention equal to that devoted to the subject's positive traits.

As Hayden Herrera's biography shows, the benefits to Frida of putting brush to easel - with her deliberate, small strokes - were manifold: not only was painting a solace and diversion, it was also a visual expression of the pain resulting from a terrible bus accident in which she was involved when she was 18, miscarriages, and the hurt of her husband Diego Rivera's infidelities. She also used painting as a means of earning money and limiting her financial dependence on Diego after they married for a second time. (While during her lifetime one of Frida's paintings might fetch $200 from a private buyer, nowadays even small-scale works have sold for over $1,000,000 at auction.)

To me, an appealing aspect of Herrera's bio is its lack of pretense (appropriately, as pretension is something Frida disliked in any form): you won't find any flowery, purple prose here, nor do the author's analyses and assertions smack of arrogance. It is quite apparent that Hayden Herrera knows her subject top to bottom, but I never felt as if facts and dates were crammed into the text superfluously, simply as proof that she knew them.

If it happens at all, it will be many years before Hayden Herrera's "Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo" is replaced as the definitive biography on the subject. Having read it cover to cover three times, I can't imagine a better-written or more stimulating study of this truly unique, truly gifted person.

History
Guerra Y Paz
Published in Paperback by Planeta Pub Corp (2003-07)
Authors: Leo Tolstoy, Francisco Jose Alcantara, and Jose Lain Entralgo
List price: $22.95
New price: $11.95

Average review score:

Una obra incomparable.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2002-05-09
Sin duda es una de las mejores novelas que jamás se han escrito.
En ella se puede encontrar un relato sobre las guerras
napoleónicas y la participación de Rusia en ellas, pero también
un retrato de la vida de la alta sociedad rusa de la época. Estas
situaciones tan diversas están narradas con una gran viveza.
Aprovechando el trasfondo histórico de la novela, Tolstoi nos
proporciona también sus visiones sobre la Historia y
el papel que los hombres representan en ella. Estas impresiones

no rompen la narración, sino que la complementan de forma
magistral.
El gran volumen de la novela puede asustar a algunos lectores,
pero en el caso de esta novela merece la pena: cada página se
lee con verdadero placer.

Una obra incomparable.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2002-05-09
Sin duda es una de las mejores novelas que jamás se han escrito.
En ella se puede encontrar un relato sobre las guerras
napoleónicas y la participación de Rusia en ellas, pero también
un retrato de la vida de la alta sociedad rusa de la época. Estas
situaciones tan diversas están narradas con una gran viveza.
Aprovechando el trasfondo histórico de la novela, Tolstoi nos
proporciona también sus visiones sobre la Historia y
el papel que los hombres representan en ella. Estas impresiones

no rompen la narración, sino que la complementan de forma
magistral.
El gran volumen de la novela puede asustar a algunos lectores,
pero en el caso de esta novela merece la pena: cada página se
lee con verdadero placer.

Una obra incomparable.
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2002-05-09
Sin duda es una de las mejores novelas que jamás se han escrito.
En ella se puede encontrar un relato sobre las guerras
napoleónicas y la participación de Rusia en ellas, pero también
un retrato de la vida de la alta sociedad rusa de la época. Estas
situaciones tan diversas están narradas con una gran viveza.
Aprovechando el trasfondo histórico de la novela, Tolstoi nos
proporciona también sus visiones sobre la Historia y
el papel que los hombres representan en ella. Estas impresiones

no rompen la narración, sino que la complementan de forma
magistral.
El gran volumen de la novela puede asustar a algunos lectores,
pero en el caso de esta novela merece la pena: cada página se
lee con verdadero placer.

Una obra incomparable.
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2002-05-09
Sin duda es una de las mejores novelas que jamás se han escrito.
En ella se puede encontrar un relato sobre las guerras
napoleónicas y la participación de Rusia en ellas, pero también
un retrato de la vida de la alta sociedad rusa de la época. Estas
situaciones tan diversas están narradas con una gran viveza.
Aprovechando el trasfondo histórico de la novela, Tolstoi nos
proporciona también sus visiones sobre la Historia y
el papel que los hombres representan en ella. Estas impresiones

no rompen la narración, sino que la complementan de forma
magistral.
El gran volumen de la novela puede asustar a algunos lectores,
pero en el caso de esta novela merece la pena: cada página se
lee con verdadero placer.

Una obra incomparable.
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2002-05-09
Sin duda es una de las mejores novelas que jamás se han escrito.
En ella se puede encontrar un relato sobre las guerras
napoleónicas y la participación de Rusia en ellas, pero también
un retrato de la vida de la alta sociedad rusa de la época. Estas
situaciones tan diversas están narradas con una gran viveza.
Aprovechando el trasfondo histórico de la novela, Tolstoi nos
proporciona también sus visiones sobre la Historia y
el papel que los hombres representan en ella. Estas impresiones

no rompen la narración, sino que la complementan de forma
magistral.
El gran volumen de la novela puede asustar a algunos lectores,
pero en el caso de esta novela merece la pena: cada página se
lee con verdadero placer.

History
The Heritage Guide to the Constitution
Published in Hardcover by Regnery Publishing, Inc. (2005-11-07)
Authors: Edwin Meese, Matthew Spalding, and David F. Forte
List price: $35.00
New price: $13.00
Used price: $13.00

Average review score:

Great gift for graduate
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-30
This is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to understand the U.S. Constitution, but especially for high school and college graduates who know they want to go into law as a vocation. My grandson, who just graduated from high school, was really pleased that I gave it to him, since he's planning to study Constitutional Law.

Tax Avoiders Will NOT like this book!! YEA!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-21
I have a friend whose son is adamant that the Federal Income Tax is illegal(16th Amendment)...so I purchased this book...looked up the 16th amendment...and sure enough it is VERY LEGAL...only kooks try to avoid paying it...well I copied the pertinant pages from this book and gave them to her so that she could pass them on to her law-breaking son...If you really want to know what the LAW OF THE LAND is ...then read this book...read it multiple times and please read it to your children...so that they understand our Constitution.

Best Originalist Guide to the Constitution available
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-09
With each clause of the Constitution placed in historical context and reviewed in light of recent Supreme Court precedents, this academic tome brings together the brightest young and old minds in conservative and libertarian legal thought, including Eugene Volokh, Nelson Lund, Claire Priest, and countless others. Indispensible guide to anyone interested in an original meaning view of the Constitution. Not a better guide out there for originalist scholarly thought.

A Marvelous Book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-20
Every American Citizen should read this book. Understanding the relationship between citizenship and the rules by which the people authorize governance are very well described. With the press for democracy in the world, we tend to forget that the United States is not a democracy but a republic. Likewise, compliance with the Constitution prevents the establishment of an aristocracy. With the current arrogance of elected officials, we as a people have an obligation to become better informed on the roots of our sovereign law (which comes from the people) and what should be enforced; and that enforcement comes from our knowledge of the Constitution! The Heritage Foundation has done a superb service for all Americans in preparing this guide!

Balanced, scholarly, excellent
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-06
Edwin Meese was head of the editorial board for this guide, which is put out by the Heritage Foundation. That might suggest to some people that there's a conservative slant to the guide, but those people would be wrong. The Heritage Guide was first brought to my attention by a very liberal aquaintance who praised it to the skies, and then by a very conservative colleague who likewise praised it highly. They both had good reasons to praise it.

The Guide takes you through the entire text of the Constitution, line by line, article by article, starting with a three-page discussion of the preamble. It's written by around 100 contributors, all of them well-regarded experts in law and political science. Their discussion of even contentious topics (e.g., Amendment II or privacy rights) is dispassionate and clear, laying out for the reader the history and the case law behind contemporary constitutional issues and avoiding value judgements. The contributors write without legal jargon and with admirable directness, making the Guide accessible (not just accessible, but even enjoyably readable) to anyone with a good highschool education. The sophistication of their discussion, though, makes it suitable also for university students at all levels and for anyone who has any interest at all in the U.S. Constitution. No matter what your position is on presidential war powers or gun control, you come away from this guide with a clear and concise understanding of how the legal debate got where it is now. Each article in the Guide is followed by cross references to other passages in the Constitution, suggestions for further research, and a list of significant cases touching on the particular Article and Section of the Constitution discussed. Thus the Guide isn't just good reading on its own, but an excellent tool and springboard for further research on any constitutional topic.

This book should be required reading for university undergraduates, and for at least those few who will fall under my power next year, it will be. I intend to use this book in my classes on "Law and Literature" and "Law and Economics" as required supplementary reading. It will help clarify class discussions that revolve around constitutional issues, improve student papers, and make my students better informed citizens of the United States. That last one is the real payoff for everyone. I recommend this book far beyond the mere number of stars by which Amazon allows me to rate it.

History
Legacy of Honor: The Values and Influence of America's Eagle Scouts
Published in Hardcover by Thomas Dunne Books (2007-01-01)
Author: Alvin Townley
List price: $24.95
New price: $15.46
Used price: $12.95
Collectible price: $38.00

Average review score:

Legacy of Honor
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-06
Anyone with a background in Boy Scouting will love and appreciate this book. Oh my gosh, the memories that it brought back. I will definitely read this again.

Captures the positive difference that Eagle Scouts and Boy Scouts create
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-18
A great read, very uplifting.
Captures the positive difference that Eagle Scouts and Boy Scouts create in our world.

Former Scoutmaster, Eagle father twice
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-31
A second class scout, I left Scouting at 16, became a father at 21, joined as an adult leader when my eldest of two sons turned 11. Two months later, the Scoutmaster announced at a Court of Honor that his job had gone away and I was taking over as Scoutmaster, and I was too surprised to say no. Steve came home from his first meeting and announced that he was going to be an Eagle Scout as soon as he could, and two years and 4 months later, his mother pinned his Eagle on his shirt, and I, as his Scoutmaster, MC'd his Eagle Court of Honor. His younger brother took a longer route, with more encouragement, and after I despaired of his ever getting there, he decided he also wanted the honor, and had his board of review the eve before his 18th birthday. I bought 3 copies of the book, after reading it, to give one each to my two Eagles, and one to the troop, which I still serve as a troop leader and counselor for several merit badges, in the hope that it will encourage several more boys to achieve. Years later, their Eagle awards opened doors for my sons, and in a way, I am still "paying thier dues".
As an adult leader, I have organised and led our sons and others to most of the high adventure bases, and many other high adventure trips, and as many of those quoted in the book, get more out of Scouting than I put in.

Great
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-25
This is a priceless book for someone who is into scouting or who is an Eagle Scout. I bought this book for a family member who was extremely pleased. I would highly recommend purchasing this book!

A Great Book for All Eagle Scouts
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-02
Legacy of Honor: The Values and Influence of America's Eagle Scouts This is a great book for all Eagle Scouts, both new and old. Makes a great gift for a new Eagle. Solidifies the importance of the rank of Eagle latter in life. I bought two and gave them to knew Eagles. It was a great hit. Not likely to be a duplicate gift and something to refer back to as the scout gets older.


Books-Under-Review-->Kids and Teens-->People and Society-->Organizations-->Personal Development-->Scouting-->History-->31
Related Subjects: Baden-Powell Cornwell, Jack Boy Scouts of America
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