Living History Books

This book is a wonderful resource for young history students. Like other books in this series, A Day In The Life of a Silversmith is beautifully illustrated and shows just why silversmiths are important in colonial days, how an apprentice can learn from the master of the shop to someday be a master himself, the tools of the trade, etc.

The glossary and suggested web sites for continuing learning are wonderful!

I can't recommend this highly enough.

We use these books in our homeschool to supplement our history lessons. The kids actually enjoy reading them, and they have even dressed up and acted out some of the stories! The books are a little pricey, but pass them down or donate to the local library (tax deductible!). HOMESCHOOLERS: READ MY OTHER REVIEWS!

This book is part of a great series of 6 books about colonial businesses. They include:
q Colonial printer
q Colonial wigmaker
q Colonial silversmith
q Colonial schoolteacher
q Colonial blacksmith
Each book tells a fictional story about a worker during the Colonial period. The books are illustrated with historical photos as well as line drawings. The important vocabulary is highlighted with a glossary in the back for student use. It also has Internet connections for further research. I used these in my classroom as a set. I gathered about 6 copies of each book from the local libraries. I made short questionnaires about each book. Students were required to read at least three, but most read all of them. Students used the information to give supporting details to their colonial monologues for their portfolios.

Friends of mine from Littleton Colorado told me that this book helped change the life of Columbine martyr Cassie Bernall. It is specifically mentioned in her life story "She Said Yes". This would have brought great joy to the author, Heinrich Arnold, who died in the same year that Cassie was born. A book like this is an amazing thing. The spirit that is captured in its pages waits quietly until discovered by a future generation who is then frees it for a blessing on their life.

I bought this book based solely on the publisher's reviews. I was looking for a book on Discipleship that would challenge my Christian walk, and also give solid answers to theological questions. In a personal, sharp way, Arnold does this. This book is a compilation of letters and notes that were put together by his community after his death. This makes the book great because there is no filler - it's packed with to-the-point insights. I recommend it to anyone. The only reason I give it a 9 instead of 10 is because only the Bible gets a 10! :

This is one of those books that you get and wonder how you ever lived without it. I struggle in my walk with Christ, but this book is something that I am continually coming back to for wisdom and insight. My copy is about 5 years old and has notes scrawled all over the margins, yet I'm constantly gaining new ideas each time I reread a section. With every read, whether it's the first or the 40th, you experience something fresh. One of the best things about this book is the spectrum of topics covered--no matter your age or experience as a Christ follower, this is a book you really need to read.

And while you're at it, check out Seeking Peace: Thoughts and Conversations Along the Way. It was written by J. Heinrich Arnold's grandson, Johann Christoph Arnold. Mind blowing writing seems to run in the family...

Dreaming In Color Living In Black And White: Our Own Stories of Growing Up Black in America by Laurell Holliday is about a girl name Sarah. She thinks everything around her is full of darkness because of her skin color.She is a good girl and a very smart student. She does everything just to impress her teacher and all the people around her. The people don`t even care how hard she works. No matter what she does or write in school that is good or even excellent,the teachers never believe that she did it,just because she was black. One day she decided to quit her job as a cook and follow the footsteps of Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. to change the world. I think the book was good because it shows us how black people suffered. I recommend this book to everyone. Everyone should read this book! BY: MOHAMED

This book was very exciting. It shows how blacks were discriminated. It tell story's about blacks from the 20 century or it shows you present day prejidism. This book open minds telling story's of great blacks you never even heard of. It shows how much blacks took and how blacks are taking it now. I reccommend this book to young people.

Wow! This book was so touching and emotional. I read this book a few days ago after I saw it in the library. It consists of many different experiences of African-American people who suffered discrimination and racial abuse. It goes deep and shows you how it really was like to be them and how they felt. The *N word appears numerous of times so it might offend some people. I would really recommend this book to anyone!

a very decadent look at the lifestyle of EM Italians. I enjoyed the authors style. He really draws you in with his description.

Not as jaw-droppingly fascinating as "The Incorruptible Flesh" but better than his book about blood, "Exotic Brew" is full of trenchantly rendered facts based on an insane amount of research. Camporesi's writing style satisfies the layman and scholar alike, and I love how he drops these super creative insights into the way people lived long ago so easily. It's awesome that so many of Camporesi's works have been translated in the last few years.

This incredible book describes the changes of manners and cuisine - and with them, an entire socio-cultural transformation - that the Enlightenment enabled in Europe. Camporesi, a Professor of Italian Lit. at the University of Bologna, gives the reader the sights, smells, and tastes of the tables of Europe, from the lowliest of the low classes, to the pretentious dining rooms of the ruling classes. He traces food history, the introduction of "new foods," such as spices, "unthinkable meats," and "unpredictable fruits," whether by the discoveries of trade and travel, or changes in popular attitudes. Flowers became a commodity. Food fads, foods as status symbols and tokens of refinement - are described. The birth of orangeade and lemonade, popular notions of the curative or restorative powers of one food or another, are all detailed - in an organized and satisying fashion. Camporesi covers a fascinating and thrilling subject with clarity and erudition. The book is organized into fourteen chapters, and each can be read as a separate and complete essay. Some of their titles: "A Blissful and Drinkable Eternity," "The Botany of the Palate," "Mad and Startling Names." This book is really a must-read for any student of European social history, culinary history, or popular culture.

This book is a visual delight! It has large, glossy pages replete with beautiful and fascinating photographs and diagrams supporting a variety of interesting articles. Considering the truly extraordinary presentation quality, the price is very reasonable. I suspect HHMI is deliberately asking a modest price in order to increase sales and therefore the number of people who might become interested in the topic -- they do other kinds of outreach to educate/motivate potential scientists. Kudos to them.

Any smart high school student or college undergrad who has had a good experience with a course in biology would probably be delighted by this book.

Exploring the Biomedical Revolution examines the work of frontline scientists and how they are changing the face of modern medicine, with chapters presenting articles on research enhanced by vivid color photos. Many titles on biomedicine are inaccessible to lay audiences; not so this book, which focuses on explanations which are easy to understand, yet with plenty of scientific detail added for those involved in health care. Highly recommended.

~This book is very well-written, composed of many short (c. 2 pg) articles on various subjects relating to biology/medicine, such as Sickle Cell disorder and Huntington's Disease. Not only are these articles very informative, they are interesting. ~On top of that, there are some really great pictures, including a pull-out poster of deadly microbes. ~The material covered in this book is fascinating, but it's not something that you think about every day (unless you're a biologist or you're really into biomedicine). It stimulates thought, and brings you to the realization that, yes, this is sort of cool. I was somewhat interested in the broad category of biology and medicine, but when I bought this book, I was affirmed in my belief that biomedicine is a remarkably intriguing field of study. ~I would strongly recommend this book to anyone remotely interested in biomedicine. It is a truly amazing book! 5 stars!

I just reviewed Volume 1, where I said the book contains a huge selection of patterns. Volume 2 focuses on patterns for evening dresses, bridal wear, sports wear, and outer wear. The chapters on accessories and trimmings contain some needlework patterns, embroidery and so on. I figure if I don't do the handwork I'll still have learned a lot about buying appropriate materials.

I bought both volumes, but they are organized so you can use them separately. Both contain the instructions for using the book and the special rulers that allow you to draft patterns to fit you. They also both have a big glossary, a bibliography, and two indexes.

Volume 2 has something really special though--a dressmaking manual. The book says it was rewritten from numerous rare original sources that are listed in the bibliography. But it's been rewritten so it doesn't read that way; you can't tell where any source begins or ends. That makes the manual a lot easier to use. And it's so long it could have been published as a book by itself. I'm glad to have it, because I've never been able to find a comprehensive sewing manual for this period. It even has corset-making instructions (the corset patterns are in Volume 1).

Both volumes are very well edited and produced. This is not a cheap printing job.

Anyone who does Old West reenactment or Victorian teas would love these books!

Frances Grimble shares her meticulous vision with us once again. A great two book series full of facinating information and patterns galore. I cannot wait to clothe many a pretty lady using them. Not for the faint of heart. The patterns are period correct and I would advise an advanced skill level, or a great deal of patience. Always do a mock up. Remember these are patterns of the age. So start at the skin and work your way out to a glorious new costume.
Enjoy.

This is a great book, but you should know that it is not a second edition of Fashions of the Gilded Age, Volume 1. It is the second volume of the anthology, and a different book with all different patterns. The title is actually Fashions of the Gilded Age, Volume 2: Evening, Bridal, Sports, Outerwear, Accessories, and Dressmaking 1877-1882. It's just as good as Volume 1, none of the information is the same except the intro on how to use the patterns, and the dressmaking manual is really unique.

I heard both volumes were published but it took me awhile to find the second one on Amazon because it was mislisted. So I thought I'd warn other people.

Co-authored by Susy Flory and Gini Monroe with the assistance of W. Ward Gasque, Using The Best-Selling Novel To Share Your Faith: Fear Not Da Vinci is an exclusive and conceptual study of Dan Brown's famous novel, The Da Vinci Code. Exploring a Christian response to various elements in the novel, Fear Not Da Vinci introduces readers to such ideals and explanations for Christians as to whether or not it is okay to read the novel, if Jesus really was married, if Mary Magdalene is pictured in "The Last Supper", if Jesus was merely a man or a God, if women are holier then men, and tactful ways to approach analyzing and discussing Dan Brown's novel with a gentle touch -- as opposed to an irrational and abrasively critical argument. For its in-depth study and articulated text, Fear Not Da Vinci is highly recommended for Christian readers when reading or discussing The Da Vinci Code.

This is a book on conversational evangelism. The authors have used the best-selling novel "The Da Vinci Code" as a challenge for Christians to take courage and communicate their faith. Flory and Monroe share tips, techniques, and examples to equip the reader to use the Da Vinci Code novel and movie as a bridge for witnessing to our culture.

The book reviews and highlights the key issues detailed in the novel that attempt to discredit the Christian Gospel and the authority of the Scriptures. Sample questions and answers help prepare the reader to defend Biblical truths against the claims Dan Brown has introduced through his fictional characters. The authors use testimonies, stories, illustrations, and personal examples to keep the text moving at a fast pace.

The book is thoroughly researched and well documented. The table on the themes of the Bible showing references where Jesus quoted from each book of the Old Testament was excellent and can become an excellent reference tool for every reader. I especially appreciated the table outlining the material from the Gnostic writings in light of Biblical teaching.

W. Ward Gasgue's contribution on Gnostic teaching added another dimension to this important book. The resource list provided at the end of the book provides recommend reading for additional study in refuting "The Da Vinci Code" and for help in personal evangelism.

This is a timely book for every Christian.

Fear Not DaVinci reflects the compassionate hearts of the authors, their love for their Savior, and their ardent desire that the biblical truths about Jesus not be distorted by Dan Brown's best-seller, The DaVinci Code. I found this book to be eloquent, understandable, heartwarming and practical. The authors are to be applauded for their exceptional writing skills, compelling stories, and mastery of complex theological issues. I know the Lord must be well pleased with the devotion, dedication and hard work of His faithful servants, Gini and Suzy. What a blessing!

From Holy Laughter to Holy Fire is perhaps one of the most important books for the serious believer. For those seeking a book to pass the time - Holy Fire is not for you. It is past time for the Body to stand up, speak up and become doers, not just hearers, of the Word.
ITS NOW OR NEVER!

I have been a skeptic about non-conformist activities usually sighted at so-called revivals. This book has convicted me of not being "ready" to receive Jesus Christ, even though I thought I was "born again", and in every way, a practicing, serving Christian. Well written, well researched, but easy to read. This book is one of those few things that might well be life changing! A must read for those who are searching for Christ's coming.

Dr. Brown gives a soul stirring treatise of the need for revival in our society. Taking past occurances and past revivalists he shows how we are so lacking today. He points out the glories and the pitfalls of the manifestations of revival as well. Makes you want to read more.

In "Frontier Living", Edwin Tunis follows out country's century long westward expansion from the Eastern Seaboard, over the Appalachian Mountains, into the Midwest and South and finally across the Missisippi River to the West Coast. Tunis' focus is not on dates and famous leaders but on the lives of ordinary pioneers. What makes this book so special are Edward Tunis' msterful pen and ink illustrations. He was one of the master illustrators of the Twentieth Century. Tunis' drawings of such ingenious things as flutter-wheel sawmills, bullboats and tree stump pulling equipment are absolutely fascinating. For those who love books that focus on material culture, be sure to check out eh works of Eric Sloane, another master illustrator. Highly recommended.

The subtitle says it all: "An Illustrated Guide to Pioneer Life in America, Including Log Cabins, Furniture, Tools, Clothing, and More." From about 1725 to the closing of the frontier, Tunis examines dozens of aspects of American frontier life in this sequel to his "Colonial Living," and even touches on history (the little-known Black Hawk War, the Santa Fe trade, etc.). His clear, detailed pen-and-ink sketches provide a perfect visual accompaniment to written commentary. (Check out the household articles on pp. 24-5, the tub mill on p. 40, the spinning wheels and loom on pp. 46-8, and--my favorite--the elementary prairie well-drilling rig on p. 157, to take just a few examples.) As is often the case with juvenile social histories, he manages to touch on things you don't learn in books written for an adult audience, so the volume should be useful to researchers of every age. My one complaint is the positioning of the page numbers, which are buried in the crack of the binding! This is a book I was delighted to add to my collection, and I recommend it to everyone who has an interest in pre-1900 America.

Frontier Living illuminates all aspects of daily life on the American frontier, from the log cabin to the ranchero. Black and white illustrations by the author provide embellishments to text which describe frontier daily life; from tools and clothing to food. A recommended pick for students of early American frontier days.

This book is a masterpiece, I have been seeking the path for a long time, and living in the west has made it more difficult, I have been reading many books but this one has given me many answers. Pandit Rajmani has done an excellent job in highlighting the path to be taken to liberation, the necessity for having a guru, and has discssued the merits or not of practicing rituals versus intellectual knowledge versus pure spiritual practices, facts on saints etc. This book is an absolute GEM, it reveals facts and truths that are not easily available, many thanks for a priceless book!

Bharat Vala Patel
Cincinnati, US/Lenasia SA

Rajmani is a student of Swami Rama. So I knew I would enjoy his book. He writes with knowledge about yogis and adepts (sages). Since he writes from a Vedanta background (non-dualism) he discusses with historical precision the men and women who made great contributions. He covers Shankaracharya as well as Dattatreya, and others. He has researched authentic writings. He also writes about Swami Rama from experience. The message is consistent, that without a disciplined mind, one gets nowhere. God is realizable.

In a nutshell, this book describes the lives of 8 saints who lived in the Himalayan mountains. The struggles they went through and eventually attaining Self-Realization is truly a source of inspiration for all those souls embarking on the spiritual path. It gives new hope to thousands of people who have decided to lead a holy life of Truth and Wisdom and are having problems in their spiritual quest. Most of the common problems faced by spiritual novices can be answered in this small and humble book.

In the last chapter of this priceless book, the author gives an in-depth perspective on the teachings of this book. This is indeed a valuable guide to all those deciding to do yoga and other spiritual practices.

In short, the only complaint I have about this book is that it is too short! 181 pages of wisdom does not reveal the true nature of spiritual "giants" who had lived in the Himalayas. Nevertheless, this book is a great introduction guide to these spiritual "giants".