Historic Books

What a great book. Wish that San Diego's new Petco Park was included in the pictures. Its such a beautiful park. Great tour is available. We loved the tour.

I bought this book to inspire us to go on trips to see other ballparks. My BF is such a sports freak, I knew he would love this book.

Just a few comments and initial impressions: Far from being an authority on baseball stadiums, I received this lovely volume as a gift this year (the giver knew I love the game), and I absolutely love it. A lifelong fan of the greatest game on earth, I have often marveled at the evolution of the sport and the venues where it is played. The variety of different interpretations in use today at all levels in the US and Canada, from pee wee to MLB, is astounding. Baseball fields are not like those of other team sports: in NBA basketball, every court is the same. All NHL hockey rinks are identical in all dimensions. NFL fields are measured the same in every state. But no two baseball fields are the same--anywhere. This massive book explains why and how this came to be. The history of the baseball field is detailed in print, numerous illustrations and a large number of beautiful pictures. Major and many significant minor league parks are covered. Be warned: this is a LARGE book--great for the coffee table.

The author visited all the hotels, spent one or more nights, ate whatever meals were available so she has first hand knowledge, not only of the properties but also the services.

I am a guidebook writer and I completley enjoyed this book!

Liz offers up a portrait of a rapidly disappearing Texas in a beautifully produced book that is equally at home in your glove box or on your coffee table. Rich photos, useful details, and plenty of quirky stories take you straight into the heart of Texas, making this the perfect book for day trippers, armchair travelers, history buffs, and anyone with a love of Texana.

Enjoy!

These hotels still play their original roles and remain ideal stopovers for celebrating the charm, folklore, rugged settings and history that typify the Rocky Mountains of North America. It is possible to be guest in a hotel that once welcomed such frontier characters as Buffalo Bill Cody, Poker Alice, WildBill Hickok or Calamity Jane.

This is a historical approach to 27 hotels that remain ideal stopovers for celebrating the charm, folklore, rugged settings and history that typify the Rocky Mountains of North America. Included are phone numbers and addresses. Today it is possible to be a guest in a hotel that once welcomed Buffalo Bill Cody, Poker Alice, Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and many other frontier characters.

After buying several books and guides I have found that Historic Houses Castles & Gardens is the perfect guide for anyone interested in travel to Great Britain and Ireland. It is jam packed with color photos of each location it presents. It provides acurate information on such topics as opening times, availible options, and location. The book also provides a very helpful listing of recommendations of properties by Johansen and a useful calender of events. Also included is a list of sites that perform civil marriages and maps showing all locations featured in the book. This book is wonderful for anyone that loves architecture or is planning a vaction. It is a very concise guide to some of the most wonderful treasures of Great Britain and Ireland.

Historic Houses Castles & Gardens is a wonderful guide for anyone interested in looking at beatiful architecture and for anyone planning a vacation. It has very accurate information and includes opening times, what is availible at each site, and interesting facts. The book also in includes reccomendations on where you can stay when in Great Brittian or Ireleand. It is a very comprehensive and wonderful guide to some of the treasuers of Great Brittian and Ireleand.

These photographs will take your breath away. The landscapes are incredibly beautiful, and the quality of the images is of the highest caliber. Ya gotta love this planet...

The photographs are so gorgious and real that they make you feel like you are right there. From the cliffs to the sandy beaches and from the light houses to the huge watery rocks make this book extremely unforgettable.

This book took a time and a man, explained the truth of the time and captured my heart. Knowing there was King and how Mr. Reno went about proving his existance was interesting, intreeging, heart warming and fun. I can not wait for the next book!

"The Historic King Arthur" is perhaps not a book suited for first-time travelers through the murky forests of Arthurian history, searching for the reality behind fifteen centuries of myths and tales. It might be best to first read one or more other works dealing with this great mystery before tackling Frank Reno's highly detailed, deep-delving study of the ancient sources that shed light upon the question. That way, the journey through the writings of Gildas and Nennius and Geoffrey of Monmouth and various scribes and poets will not be quite so daunting. But make no mistake about it, once some fundamental grounding in the basics of the Arthurian quest has been obtained, then "The Historic King Arthur" (and its sequel, "Historic Figures In the Arthurian Age") should be read carefully. Reno minutely examines each source (and most of them are to be found with numerous variations) to lay out his case for his solution to the central questions of the Arthurian mystery: Who was King Arthur? Where did he live? When did he live? Who were his enemies? What was his role in history? And what was really his name?

Reno acts as a guide in this journey in search of historical truth, explaining his methods and logic in evaluating the evidence, but he does not rigidly insist upon the absolute truth of his conclusions. Frequently, he explains that there are other reasonable answers to the questions than the one he favors. Sometimes, such as in his analysis of the locations of many of the battles fought by Arthur (as described in Reno's "Historic Figures In the Arthurian Era"), he concludes that no single "best" answer is really possible. At times, his explanations are complex and subtle to the point where the reader may have difficulty following the path Reno is laying out. That is perhaps a natural consequence of the type of evidence that must be used and of the detail in which it is presented. Usually, however, Reno returns to the same subject of investigation later in the book to again address the questions and to clarify his answers. Thus, attention to detail on the reader's part is required and patience must be exercised as the author slowly builds his case.

And what are Reno's answers to what above I termed the central questions? He believes that Arthur was of a Roman-British background, operating as a high king primarily in Wales and the adjacent midlands, although also in southern England and northern Gaul, from the middle of the Fifth Century AD through the early portion of the Sixth. Reno contends that many of Arthur's campaigns were waged not against Saxon hordes fresh from Germany, but against Saxons who had been settled in Britain for one or more generations, these "English" Saxons being in league with leaders and forces of native British. And Reno believes that "Arthur" was a man known otherwise to history as Ambrosius Aurelianus and as Riothamus and finally as Arthurex, not a name at all but an epithet connoting his status as a great leader.

I will not claim that I am yet wholly convinced of this "triad" equation of Ambrosius Aurelianus, Riothamus, and Arthur but, as the author himself points out, rejection of this total identity does not negate the validity of many parts of Reno's overall work. I found to be especial important Reno's conclusions regarding Cerdic, a "Saxon" king with a wholly Celtic name, and Cerdic's people, the West Saxons. If Reno is correct, our understanding of the Arthurian era must be substantially altered, with a consequence that the course of events becomes much more clear. I expect Reno's conclusions to be challenged - this is inevitable in a field where evidence is scant and subject to multiple interpretations - but at the very least he has provided us with a provocative, comprehensive portrait of man and era.

To my knowledge there is no other Arthurian study available to the general public that explores the ancient sources in such depth to provide answers to the old questions. If I might be critical of some peripheral features, I do wish that the index was somewhat more comprehensive and illuminating (given the complexity of the issues at hand, I found myself turning to the index again and again to go back to earlier points) and the maps, although numerous, sometimes lack the visual clarity that could have been achieved. Nonetheless, "The Historic King Arthur" and "Historic Figures In the Arthurian Era" are books that should be of great interest to anyone seriously interested in attempting to glimpse the real King Arthur.

From the pages of Naval History Magazine comes Norman Polmar's Historic Naval Aircraft: The Best Of "Naval History" Magazine, providing readers with a close look at over thirty key U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aircraft drawn from the 'Historic Aircraft' column in Naval History magazine. Famous crafts appear along with nearly unknown ones to display fighters, bombers, trainers and more, with black and white photos accompany rich history on each aircraft type. A 'must' for the in-depth military, aviation or specialty naval library.

This book covers 30 aircraft that the U.S. Navy and Marines have used nad the 31st if you include the Spruce Goose, which was funded in part by the Navy. Some of the aircraft covered like the carrier version of the P-80 Shooting Star were kind of unexpected. Of course the old standbys of World War II are included: Wildcat, Corsair, Dauntless, Avenger. Strangely missing is the Hellcat, but this is a minor thing.

Some of the unepected aircraft include the PB4Y Privateer, the Navy's version of the B-24. Another is the Martin P6M Seamaster, the jet powered flying boat that worked quite well but got cancelled to provide money for the Polaris sub project. Another is the Pitcairn OP-1, the first rotary-wing aircraft used by the Navy. It wasn't a helecopter but an Autogyro. This is the first time that I've lot of this information.

Along with the descriptions of the planes, there is quite a bit of well researched information about each plane. This might include the various versions that were put into production, comments from a pilot, some of the history of the plane or other tidbits of information.

The book is based on the column - Historic Aircraft - that appeared in the U.S. Naval Institute's magazine "Naval History" from 1997 to 2002.

BOOK REVIEW

Historic New York: Architectural Journeys in the Empire State

Andy Olenick and Richard Reisem have done themselves proud in this spectacular new book detailing some of New York's most prestigious landmarks. Over three hundred color photographs along with informative text provide plenty of inspiration for New York sightseers and history buffs.

There's something here for everyone as the book covers famous structures like the Chysler Building and the Brooklyn Bridge. It also offers detailed spreads of some of the former dwelling places of famous New Yorkers like Mark Twain, Teddy Roosevelt, and Susan B. Anthony. But perhaps most interesting are the more little-known treasures: places like abolitionist John Brown's home in North Elba, or the Glen Iris Inn in Letchworth State Park.

The book is divided into eleven regions throughout the state - Long Island, New York City, Hudson River Valley, Capital District, Adirondacks, Mohawk River Valley, Thousand Islands, Finger Lakes, Western Erie Canal, Southern Tier, and Niagara Frontier. Local readers will be happy to learn that several Utica landmarks are prominently displayed including the Stanley Theatre, Fountain Elms, and Union Station. Shots of nearby Hyde Hall and the Oneida Mansion are also included.

Those who wish to venture out of Central New York will also find much for their imagination. Olenick's superb photography is enough to make anyone pack up for a daytrip and the accompanying text by Richard Reisem is both elegant and educational.

This book features beautiful interior and exterior photographs of notable architecture from throughout the state. It includes a nice mix of architects, periods, styles and public and private buildings. Expected buildings such as Grand Central Station, New York Public Library and the Chrysler building in Manhattan are featured along with historic homes from throughout the state, Adirondack Great Camps and university and government buildings. Regions from Long Island, the Hudson River Valley and the Capital District to the Finger Lakes, the Thousand Islands and the Niagara Frontier are featured. It highlights Utica's Stanley Theater, Rochester's City Hall and Union College's Nott Memorial. It even includes a houseboat and a Seneca Indian longhouse. The newest building featured may be the Bard College Performing Arts Center designed by Frank Gehry. These beautiful photographs are accompanied by informative and interesting text. The book provides a great overview of the architectural richness and diversity of New York State. I highly recommend the book to anyone who is interested in New York State architecture.

Speaking as a 58-year old native, if I could suggest one book as a fun and informative way to learn about Atlanta, this would be it. "Historic Photos of Atlanta" is a beautiful blend of fascinating photography (and captions) with a terrific narrative, written by the Executive Director of the Atlanta History Center. I thought I knew all there was to know about my home town, but this book proved me wrong. Great job, Michael Rose!

Filled with exquisite photos and riveting captions, Historic Photos of Atlanta offers a terrific glimpse of Atlanta's past. A city rich with culture, this book chronicles events ranging from before the civil war (1837) to the 1996 Summer Olympic Games and everything in between. The approximately 200 photos capture all aspects of life in the capital of the South: its streets, people, events, and locations.

For any Atlanta resident, past or present, or anyone interested in the city, Historic Photos of Atlanta makes a great addition to any coffee table or bookshelf collection.

This book is fascinating, representing a comprehensive visual account of some of the most important people, shows, and theaters in Broadway history. One of the book's many charms lies in affording us the chance to stare in wistful wonder at the exteriors and interiors of some wonderful old theaters that no longer exist, such as the gorgeous Casino Theater (torn down to accommodate a growing garment district) and the lovely Morosco (razed to make room for the hideous Marriott Marquis and the characterless Marquis Theater).

What makes the book compelling is that, rather than focusing on the well known stars and shows of recent memory, Jacobs skews his coverage toward older and lesser known people, places, and productions. I was especially pleased to see photos from obscure but significant shows that I cover in my Boston Conservatory course, including:

The Black Crook: (1866) What many historians consider to be the first American musical, actually just the first long-running, home-grown hit. A loosely plotted spectacle peppered with irrelevant songs as well as dances from a homeless troupe of French ballet dancers. The theater that the dancers were supposed to have performed in burned down, and the producer of The Black Crook simply added them to the mix, with no connection whatsoever to the show's Faustian plot.

Babes in Toyland: (1903) The first significant show with a score by one person, rather than a collection of previously existing popular songs. Composer Victor Herbert also made the first significant use of underscoring and connecting music.

Very Good Eddie: (1915) The first of the influential, but now largely forgotten, "Princess" musicals, so named because most of the shows played the Princess Theater (demolished in 1955). The production team of Jerome Kern (music), Guy Bolton (book) and P.G. Wodehouse (lyrics) came together to create a new type a musical, one that would attempt to integrate all the elements into a cohesive whole. The "Princess" shows (which also include Oh, Lady! Lady!, Oh, Boy!, and Sitting Pretty) were fluffy, fun, and economical, and greatly influenced such future greats as Richard Rodgers and George Gershwin.

Shuffle Along: (1921) The first successful Broadway musical produced, written, and performed by African Americans. The show broke color barriers on both sides of the footlights: it was also the first time blacks were allowed to sit in the orchestra. It was a separate section of the orchestra, but it represented the beginning of the end of segregation in the theater. The show itself was offensive by modern standards: the actors performed in blackface, and the song titles included "If You Haven't Been Vamped by a Brownskin, You Haven't Been Vamped at All" and "Uncle Tom and Old Black Joe."

Of course, the Jacobs book also features photos of such iconic musical performers as Mary Martin and Ethel Merman, and of such seminal musical works as Oklahoma!, Guys and Dolls, and Fiddler on the Roof. Plus, it's a great book for people like me: adults with ADD who don't always like to read things cover to cover, but rather just skim and skip around to our hearts' content. As the title suggests, the book comprises photos with captions, albeit in chronological order, but that doesn't mean you have to read the book that way.

What another book of theater pictures? Another shot of Carol Channing coming down the stairs at the Harmonia Gardens?

What a treat to find a book about the NY Theater that is NOT the same old tired pictures and dramaturgy.

The exceptional pictures - rarely if ever used before are a true theater lover's delight.

If you love the theater and or love New York this book is for you.

The author lovingly gives details for each of these pictures and it is clearly obvious that Mr. Jacob's knowledge and love of all things theatrical is far reaching.

Don't miss this, it belongs in your collection