Oklahoma Books

I live in south dakota and reading this book makes me understand the area more. I have visited the areas he taks about. The co writers husband made the cofin for Siting Bull. and the co writer was the secertary for Siting bull. I have visited a stone church that is only a short distance from where Sitting bull was slain. a good book for anyone who likes history.

For an adventurous man who heard often "the call of the frontier" and responded accordingly, Ben Arnold's life is not that far out of the ordinary, though still remarkable. Apparently as an old man living in Pierre, SD, his daughter became interested in his stories and exploits as he related them to her, and she decided to write them down in notebooks. After his death in 1922, she worked on her notebooks and then took them to Lewis Crawford, head of the State Historical Society of North Dakota. He got them ready for publication. He decided to relate Arnold's story using the first person narrator - a good decision as it makes Arnold's accounts more immediate and personal.

Arnold relates nothing about his childhood, but begins with his soldiering in the Civil War. Three times he enlisted in Ohio regiments, deserting each time, the third time for good after getting into a feud with a fellow soldier near present-day Casper, WY. He headed west to Fort Hall in Idaho, where he operated a ferry (ferryman was a recurring occupation during Arnold's life). It was around this time that he changed his name to Ben Arnold (he was born Benjamin M. Connor).

The wanderlust bug struck and he drifted to Virginia City, where he did some mining, then bull-whacked around Fort Benton before going to Fort Union in North Dakota. Over the course of the next decade he was at Ft. Laramie, all over Nebraska, and was with Crook in his campaign against the Sioux as a dispatch rider, most notably at the Rosebud fight. Later he was a buffalo hunter in South Dakota and also homesteaded there. He died in Pierre in 1922.

The tone of the book is very matter-of-fact and to the point. Arnold was not a reflective man, apparently, for little of that is part of the book. Thus he is able to say, "A railroad was under construction [and] one of the engineers told me of a place where there would be a town; if I desired I could file on land within the proposed townsite. But I did not file. The town is now Douglas, Wyoming." That's that, no sorrow, no regrets.

The narrative stops about 20 years before his death because after that time he says "my experiences have not been unusual and are too common to be interesting." Perhaps. But what he's told us before, though not of the "I-fought-with-Custer" heroics, is definitely of interest. He was an adventurer in a land that was just beginning to be settled, a land that through his own exploits he would help create and define. The only wish I had while reading the book was for a modern editor, one who could annotate and explain further some things that Arnold tells about (Crawford attempts this in places, but not often, and gets some things wrong: Bovine, SD, a town Arnold founded, did not become present-day Capa but Van Metre.) But that's a minor quibble; I really enjoyed the book a lot. Highly recommended.

Whether you live in Oklahoma or plan to visit, Exploring Oklahoma Together is an essential guidebook for getting the most out of this great state. A companion to Exploring Oklahoma With Children, Exploring Oklahoma Together offers adults an easily accessible reference to getaway opportunities in every part of the state. The book is organized by geographical region; within each region cities are listed alphabetically and entries are given for attractions, golf, dining, shopping, accomodations and events. Each entry gives detailed information, including description and historical background, directions, cost, and other tips. In addition, Exploring Oklahoma Together features helpful travel articles, money-saving coupons, attractive black and white photos, and excellent writing. Sarah Taylor, an Oklahoma native, has created a product which is pleasing to the eye and helpful to travelers of all persuasions. I wouldn't plan an Oklahoma excursion without it!

Whether you live in Oklahoma or plan to visit, Exploring Oklahoma Together is an essential guidebook for getting the most out of this great state. A companion to Exploring Oklahoma With Children, Exploring Oklahoma Together offers adults an easily accessible reference to getaway opportunities in every part of the state. The book is organized by geographical region; within each region cities are listed alphabetically and entries are given for attractions, golf, dining, shopping, accomodations and events. Each entry gives detailed information, including description and historical background, directions, cost, and other tips. In addition, Exploring Oklahoma Together features helpful travel articles, money-saving coupons, attractive black and white photos, and excellent writing. Sarah Taylor, an Oklahoma native, has created a product which is pleasing to the eye and helpful to travelers of all persuasions. I wouldn't plan an Oklahoma excursion without it!

I purchased Exploring Oklahoma with Children last year and was checking for a third edition. I will purchase a new one each time it is released. The price ranges are accurate and the book paints a true picture of the attraction/location. We have visited several places recommended in the book with a four year old and a twelve year old and never been disappointed. Directions, phone numbers, and extra tips are extremely valuable.

As the end of the school year was approaching this mother of five wondered what to do with our summer. Our family was born and breed here in Tulsa, Oklahoma, yet we had never seen many of the natural wonders this great state has to offer. I certainly did not look forward to a summer of "paying" to be entertained at the movies, water parks or (eeek) in front of the TV. Oklahoma is rich in its Native American heritage. With a state that suffered the "Grapes of Wrath" image and then overcame to be a rich oil capitol, surely we could be entertained here. I purchased a copy of "Exploring Oklahoma With Children" in May. After a brief review of the book, I knew I had stumbled upon the key to an eventful summer. I spent every night for a week highlighting sights and events. I committed to the children "field trips" two days a week using our book as our guide. To fully appreciate this you must understand that this summer our children were: 8, 7, 5 (twins) and 1. We had the summer of our lives! We saw an old fort, Pawnee Bill's home, Will Roger's birthplace, a dairy farm, a port, many museums, parks and much more. These were all child friendly and were cheap to FREE! Our summers will never be the same. This year we will go further than one hour from Tulsa (our limit with a 1 year old). As the book is revised and reprinted each year (chalked full of discounts and coupons) I will be first in line at Amazon Books to purchase "Exploring Oklahoma With Children". We all look forward to exploring Oklahoma year round with the help of author, Sarah Lowrey Taylor. We'll see you in Oklahoma!

This book is simply awesome. Here, Raoul Berger focuses his in-depth analysis and attention toward the history and the original understanding of Article One-Section Eight of the Constitution: the powers of Congress. His conclusion is an inconvenient truth: most of the federal government under which we live is simply unconstitutional.

Berger first explains the true relationship between the federal government and the states: a dual sovereignty. The kind of powers the states were supposed to have retained for themselves are truly amazing. He explains in great detail the original meaning of the "necessary and proper," "supremacy," and "general welfare" clauses along with the 10th Amendment. The most fascinating part of the book for me was the in-depth analysis of the "commerce" clause. The power of Congress to regulate commercial trade between a state and another state is much more limited than one could expect; certainly far removed from what Congress is allowed to get away with today. Berger goes on to shred apart the majority opinion of Garcia v. San Antonio Metropolitan Transit Authority (1985) which declared that a local mass transit system within a state can be regulated by the federal government via the interstate "commerce" clause.

This short, but information packed read is truly a classic and is highly recommended for anyone curious about the true meaning of the Constitution. The insights about the true meaning of the "commerce clause" were my favorite.

~Federalism: The Founders' Design~ by Raoul Berger is an intellectually rigorous and accurate exposition of original intent, the compact nature of the Union, and dual federalism. Raoul Berger, an honest liberal, made the diligent effort to recover original intent, for as John Taylor held, "there are lights toward true construction." Professor Berger is the leading force behind the jurisprudential philosophy known as original intention. Strict constructionist philosophy commands judges to strictly construe the written law. Original intent binds judges to the supreme law, the Constitution. James Madison accurately surmised, "...the legitimate meaning of the Instrument must be derived from the text itself; or if a key is to be sought elsewhere, it must be not in the opinions or intentions of the Body which planned & proposed the Constitution, but in the sense attached to it by the people in their respective State Conventions where it received all the authority which it possesses." In point of emphasis, "all the authority which it possesses."

This book is a MUST HAVE for anyone involved in frontline firefighting. Before any operation starts you have to gain access. Expands on the Essentials Book to provide better understanding and technique.

I've owned a copy of this book since it first came out in 1987. It is still the most comprehensive book dealing specifically with forcing entry. It is clear and concise in describing a myriad of methods of safely breaking into strucutures. Although it is written for the fire services by the International Fire Service Training Association, I bought it and still use it for law enforcement high risk entries, especially SWAT. It is the only book I'm aware of any where that deals specifically with this complex subject. DEFINITELY worth the money.

"Freedom In My Soul" offers an intimate, poignant look into the world of Samgirl, an intelligent young girl whose dream of physical freedom--for it doesn't take long to know that she truly is free in her soul--drives her family to seek freedom from slavery. Reilly's portrayal of Samgirl as a compassionate, matter-of-fact woman who endures hardships unfit for any living creatures heightened my appreciation of the contribution slaves have made to the relative freedom that African Americans experience today. And yet, life, grim though it is for Samgirl, throws her a crumb of joy now and then through her relationship with her brother Samboy and her burgeoning love for Levi and his daughter Gracy. Reilly expertly weaves the minute details of life in the quarters into the story while offering a little known history of Chickasee slave owners. Yes, the book may evoke tears but laughter will soon follow as Samgirl navigates life on the farm of old John Stands-In-Timber. An excellent read, the book is well-paced and should be read by anyone seeking a personal understanding of life as a American slave.

Ms Reilly does a superb job of bringing the characters and thier emotoins to life in the telling of this story. The bonds that Samgirl, Samboy and Mammy and Pappy share are inspiring. Freedom In My Soul made me laugh, cry and more than once I had to look up from the book stareing in deep wonder at the trials, tribulations and determination of this fictional family and of the non-fictional families that surely existed during this period. I personally look forward to more writings from

Shaunna Reilly!!

Volume 7 of the "Kingdom in the West: The Mormons and the American Frontier", Gold Rush Saints is an extensively researched history drawing heavily upon documents and primary sources to chronicle the role that Mormons played and the effect they had in California during the Gold Rush era. The text is scholarly in tone yet accessible to lay readers as it presents exciting stories of travel, cooperation, success, and destitution. Focusing especially upon influential and charismatic Mormon personalities, the hardships they endured and the legacies they contributed to, Gold Rush Saints is a welcome and seminal contribution to American and California history shelves.

From 1846-1857 Mormons shaped events in California: they were the first American settlers of San Francisco. Narrative history blends with documentary accounts on California Mormon history: first-person accounts of early pioneers provide new insights on gold rush history and experiences. Chapters survey social and political controversies of the time between Mormons and between Mormons and other groups, examine the roles they played in settling California and overcoming the state's isolation, and include insights from the pioneers themselves. An excellent addition to California history.

Dana Gardner illustrates this survey by ornithologist Skutch, who here provides a general science guide arguing that principles of increasing harmony drive the living world. From biological concepts of how evolution proceeds despite paradoxes to issues of preserving biodiversity and understanding compatibility, Harmony And Conflict In The Living World provides a scholarly, involving analysis of concepts of nature, exploitation and conflict.

This is a fine example of intelligent but accessible writing in which science, philosophy and theory combine to inspire hope. Dr. Skutch has studied aggression and behavior of avian species,and he has witnessed a great deal of destruction in Meso-America. Amazingly, he is able to use his experience to illustrate a path for harmony in contemporary society. I may not agree with every detail, but his overall concepts and optimistic viewpoint are compelling and worthy of serious study by anyone concerned with our planet's future.

Rilla Askew writes about Oklahoma like no one else. In this novel, she perfectly captures the longing and despair, as well as the love and fragile thread of hope that keep Harlan Singer and his child bride Sharon moving, as they ride the rails, going nowhere during the hard days of the Depression. Askew's prose is lyrical (and every bit as good as Toni Morrison's and William Faulkner's) and resonates with beauty and pain. This novel will haunt you long after you turn the last page.

Harpsong. The title sings as does the story. Sometimes disturbing as good people struggled during the Depression, Harpsong is an anthem to the human spirit. Harlan Singer, a wanderer like so many of that era, steals the hearts of the Thompson family and their daughter Sharon. Soon he and his fourteen-year-old bride are part of an odyssey with others riding rails, hitchhiking and all with no particular destination.
Unlike Grapes of Wrath--a mostly incomplete account of Oklahoma during the Depression--Harpsong was written by a native Oklahoman, not a carpetbagger who never visited the locale written about. Rilla Askew tells a wonderful and desperate story of those who stayed behind to deal with their fate.
As one unnamed speaker says: "The Joads wouldn't have left out from Sallisaw or anywhere else around here on account of tractors and dust. They might have left, but it wouldn't have been due to tractors and dust, no matter what some stranger might have wrote in a book. Truth is, some left, but most stayed, dumb as lambs to the slaughter maybe, but we were determined to live with the devil we knew. That devil wore a few different faces."
With Harlan and Sharon, we live in hobo jungles, Hoovervilles and ride the rails in a giant figure eight with Oklahoma in the pinched middle. Always returning to Oklahoma, but never coming home, Sharon follows Harlan on his search for a somewhat mystical and mysterious friend. Along the way, Harlan Singer becomes another folk hero.
Harpsong is a love story blended with history, folk tradition, adventure and renewal. The harshness of the times and the generosity of those with anything to share is also part of the story. It is a story of despair and perseverance, of love and brutality; a story of wayfaring orphans searching for home only to find there is no home to return to. It is a story of hard luck people struggling in hard times Oklahoma, of bank foreclosures and failing farms. It is a story of faith and endurance.
Speaking to the Grapes of Wrath-created myths about Oklahoma, award-winning author Rilla Askew continues her exploration of the American story in Harpssong, a novel built on legend and historical event in Depression era Oklahoma. Drawing from newspaper accounts of events from this time period and her own Oklahoma heritage, Askew reveals that not everyone left Oklahoma with Steinbeck's Joad family and that many of Oklahoma's folk heroes grew out of this era.
Author Rilla Askew was born and raised in Eastern Oklahoma and knows whereof she writes. She is the author of a collection of stories, Strange Business, which won the Oklahoma Book Award and two other award winning novels, The Mercy Seat and Fire in Beulah.
For the rest of the story about Oklahoma's Depression years and its people, Harpsong tells it like it was.
Harpsong, is the first in the Oklahoma Stories and Storytellers series to be published the OU Press.

Reviewer: A reader from Southern Colorado - Northern New Mexico. An excellent aid for those of us researching our family roots in New Mexico. This book does much to explain and date the migration of our Hispanic/Indian ancestors in and from the Rio Grande Valley during the past 400 years.

In this book Nostrand describes the cultural geography and history of the "Hispano homeland" -- a region in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado with a distinct and interesting history and culture. He also traces the connections between this region and outside influences, from the early Spanish settlers, to the Pueblo Indians and Anglos, to relations with other Mexican Americans in the U.S. today. This book is useful in understanding borderland influences further away from the more often represented U.S./Mexico border. Covering over 400 years of history, it shows how border influences change and last through time. It's well written, extremely thorough with good maps tracing "intrusions" of other cultures into the region, and good tabular information, too. I found this book invaluable for my own work in northern New Mexico, but this book may also be useful for those interested in rural development, community studies, and sense of place, as Nostrand articulates well what the Hispano Homeland means to the people who live there and why it becomes necessary for some to leave. It is a good complement to Carlos Velez-Ibanez' Border Visions, which is less geographically based and focuses more on cultural place closer to the U.S. - Mexico border.