Europe Books

John C. McManus's "The Americans at Normandy" is the best work of history I've come across on the American role in the decisive battles comprising the Normandy campaign from the beaches of Normandy to the closing of the "Falaise Gap", which nearly suceeding in wiping out Nazi Germany's French army of occupation. McManus is a gifted storyteller, recounting numerous fascinating vignettes which showed how inexperienced American troops managed to hold their own against, and then finally defeat, a superbly trained force of Wehrmacht and SS soldiers. Although there have been many books devoted to the Normandy campaign, few have been as successful as McManus's book in rendering the events from the perspectives of those who fought in this campaign.

Though there isn't much in the way of significantly new historical research, I was certainly intrigued by McManus's poor assessment of General Omar Bradley as the overall commander of American forces. More than once, he indicates that Bradley wasn't as willing as his colleague General George S. Patton in waging an extremely aggressive campaign against the Nazis. Indeed the best instance of this is Bradley's own reluctance in closing the "Falaise Gap" by linking American troops with British and Canadian armies. If the gap had been closed successfully, McManus suggests that the war in Europe could have drawn to a close much sooner.

"The Americans At Normandy" is divided into three parts corresponding to each month of the campaign. "June" begins on June 7th, describing American attempts to expand the Omaha and Utah beachheads, followed by an ill fated attempt to seize the strategic town of St-Lo and the brutal assault on Normandy's largest port, Cherbourg. July describes much of the hedgerow fighting in Normandy's bocage country, the successful seizure of St-Lo, and the beginning of the breakout from Normandy at the end of July. August includes chapters devoted to the breakout and the ill-fated Nazi counteroffensive near the town of Mortain, followed by the nearly complete encirclement of Nazi troops in the "Falaise Gap". Most of the chapters are devoted to recounting what these battles were like from the perspectives of the front-line privates, noncommissioned officers, lieutenants and captains faced in dealing with a tenacious, determined foe.

McManus' detailing of the events of Normandy (post-D-Day landing) is just that - an awesome detailing of the struggles faced (and overcome) by the American Army in Normandy during the summer of 1944. I was struck by the absolutely appalling machine gun, mortar and HE fire that the American forces were required to endure in each and every hedgerow-bordered field they crossed. The lack of pre-planning by Allied commanders on how to effectively deal with an enemy entrenched in such ideal defensive positions is appalling. The number of lives lost due to such short-sightedness is sobering.

McManus' book does a great job of giving the background, setting the scenes and giving the reader the perspective of the men in the field. He liberally uses maps - but these are reproduced in the hardcover edition in a scale that is far too small to be as effective as they could be.

McManus' treatment of American leadership is honest and unvarnished. He - as could be predicted - discusses many of the Patton's foibles - but so have many other historians and biographers. I was struck by his less-than-admiring treatment of General Omar Bradley and Bradley's decisionmaking. McManus really takes Bradley to task for certain of his decisions regarding Operation Cobra and the northward pincer movement south of Falaise.

I enjoyed this book thoroughly. It makes me appreciate all the more the bravery shown by many American combat vets who were forced to learn - through trial and error at horrible cost - how to use combined arms to dislodge the entrenched Germans from Normandy's hedgerow country. Anyone interested in this theater of WWII should read this book.

The best book I have ever read ! Amazing detail and it shows the true horror of war.I am probaly the only 9 year old that would read The Americans At Normandy I don't know why because it is very interesting.

The best book I have ever read ! Amazing detail and it shows the true horror of war.I am probaly the only 9 year old that would read The Americans At Normandy I don't know why because it is very interesting.

With so many books written (many over the past few years) about D-Day, hedgerow fighting, and exploitation to drive the German war-machine back to the Fatherland, what makes John McManus' "The Americans At Normandy" special? In short, why should someone interested in World War II history pick up this book over any one of the plethora of other on the subject? Quite simply, "The Americans At Normandy" is a unique contribution to the genre as it brings material together from several distinct sources to tell a broad-portrait story of America's citizen soldiers and their fight to free Europe from the grips of fascism. Having said this, most of what McManus covers is not particularly new, nor does he shed new insight on old topics. Rather, McManus does what so few historians attempt, and so few other achieve - to tell an encompassing and gripping story that maintains historical depth while not causing mass sleep induction. Broad-portrait stories are most usually either shallow in depth, or deep but arduous reading. "The Americans At Normandy" falls into neither of these common traps!

McManus' first contribution to his Normandy duet, "The Americans At D-Day", was a solid book but lacked significant punch to set it apart from other works covering D-Day. Being American Army-centric one could also argue that "The Americans At D-Day" lacked depth necessary to convey the weight of the allied invasion of Europe in June 1944. However, with "The Americans At Normandy", McManus redeems himself wholly. Yes, McManus' second contribution is also American-centric but for this book he can be forgiven as the battles within, and breakout from, the bocage country involved the Germans and Americans almost exclusively - remember the Brits and Canadians were bogged down around and in Caen while the American Army slugged its way through the Cotentin, Upper Brittany and Bocage. In "The Americans At Normandy", McManus treats the reader to a detailed story of how the citizen army of the United States fought a tenacious opponent (seemingly always better on defense than offense) and drove a wedge through the tough crust to breakout into the plains of France and onto the Seine and Paris. This is a wonderful story, not told in such completeness of theatre and still from an American-centric position elsewhere.

In his acknowledgements McManus thanks his executive editor at Forge (press) for suggesting that McManus' work be broken into two volumes. As McManus himself states, "...this was fortunate...[and] reflects sage wisdom and knowledge of the publishing world and history in general". Indeed. McManus was fortunate to have an editor that suggested this approach. McManus did the work of researching and writing but the editors and publishers package the product. This was a joint venture for a home run!

This reviewer's critique of McManus' "The Americans At D-Day" (here at Amazon) was quite harsh in terms of credit given (or my perceived lack thereof) to researchers who walked the path before McManus. As a particular example this reviewer brought up the phenomenal work of Mark Bando in "Vanguard of the Crusade" which McManus used quite liberally in "The Americans At D-Day". Once again Bando's work comes into focus with "The Americans At Normandy". In this case McManus draws not only from "Vanguard" but also Bando's unique contribution to the Normandy literature - "Breakout At Normandy". But wait - unlike the apparent neglect to properly credit Bando's work in "The Americans At D-Day", McManus heaps praise on Bando's work in his notes to "The Americans At Normandy" (p. 464). Moreover, while McManus gave near-reverent thanks to "academic" historians in his acknowledgements to "The Americans At D-Day", while forgetting equally important historians not part of the ivory establishment (e.g., Bando), he includes these latter figures in his current acknowledgements - sandwiched amongst his academic peers. It thus appears that John McManus deserves this reviewers apology for previous suggestions that McManus played favorites with "academic historians" - I sincerely apologize!

In the end, John McManus' "The Americans At Normandy" is a tour-de-force book that provides a big picture of the American combat experience in Normandy, from D+1 (7 June 1944) until late August when the armored spearheads where rush across the French plains to Paris, that has not been presented previously. This is a serious piece of historical literature and will stand the test of time. Five solid stars!

DK eyewitness books are some of the greatest non-fiction books around. The distinctive white background and high-quality photography gives this book an edge over any other nonfiction picture book. And -- these pictures are real! They're beautiful museum-quality photos of all things related to ancient Rome, accompanied by informative captions and text.

Learn about life in Rome, the slaves and emperors who lived there, and SEE the objects they used everyday. If you know someone (young or old) who is fascinated by ancient Rome, then you must introduce them to this book!

The New York Times said of this volume: "Ancient Rome is another in the superb Eyewitness Books reference series for young people. Interesting, informative text combined with lots of great color photos bring the Roman Empire to life. . . . A great addition to a young historian's bookshelf." And I think that The New York Times has it right. I recently rediscovered a series of these works (published in the late 1980s and early 1990s, it appears) that I had purchased for my son a decade or more ago.

And what fun it is to rediscover this series of works for children and youth.

A knowledge of Rome is valuable for our kids today, to give them one important part of the cultural heritage that shapes the world--especially the West--today. There are, of course, many other cultural influences as well, and these need to be appreciated. But understanding the West without knowing something about Rome is a tough challenge.

The book notes many issues, from the city-state of Rome to Empire, to the Emperors, to the role of the military. But the volume also discusses engineering (critical for understanding Rome as it grew), daily life of Romans, medicine of the era, and so on.

None of the segments is discussed in much detail, so this is not a work to explore if you want detailed knowledge of Rome. But for the young, this is an accessible introduction to the subject. All in all, a terrific volume for our youngsters. . . .

This is an outstanding book to add to your classroom or homeschooling library. If you don't live near the British Museum or Museum of London, then this book is the next best thing! See a Roman gladius (sword) and gold and silver scabbards. Examine a Roman soldier's armor and impedimenta (baggage). Find out what life was like for women and children. There are photographs of actual children's toys, gladiatorial helmets, chariots, theater masks, even medical instruments and leather sandals.

The photography in this book is fabulous. Students can use this book to get ideas for reports or designing models. The pictures are bright and beautiful and really make the ancient Roman culture come to life!

A great book to learn about almost everything about the Roman Empire. Learn about their colture, army, the baths, their lives, what they did for entertinment, and more!

Being a bit of a fan of the Roman Empire, I had taken a look at this book and may I say that it was very good, for a beginners book. The photography was amazing and it was chock full of info for those who had not encountered Roman history before.

Really reccomended.

This is a highly recommended book about Anne Frank and her diary. Miep Gies tells her whole story from start to finish what it really like hiding from the Nazis. She was a friend of the Frank family from the beginning so this is first hand knowledge and a must read for anyone who is interested or has already read the Diary of Anne Frank. It deserves 10 stars but there were only 5 available to give. *****

This tape was so captivating I couldn't put it down. I think its the best book I have ever heard of. I think everyone should read it or listen to it on tape. It makes the hardships and danger of World War 2 come alive.

This tape was so captivating I couldn't put it down. I think its the best book I have ever heard of. I think everyone should read it or listen to it on tape. It makes the hardships and danger of World War 2 come alive.

Anne Frank rembered captured my heat and it will capture anyone's heart who likes to read about Jewish people in hiding. It tells of the hardships of people trying to stay alive during World War 2. This book is one of the best books I have read in my entire life. I know that millions or all ready millions that has read it will be touched by it.

This book was the most fabulous book that I have ever read! All my friends liked it and so did I. Thats why I am on aol looking for a website on her. If anyone finds one please contact me at my email adress Heatluver33. thank you and if any of you want to look at this book make sure to read it because you will love it out of your mind!

I have never met such a book. It is a plain pleasure to take it, sit down with a cup of tea and spend some hours (!literally!) on observing the life of those people or looking for all the hidden jokes made with the perspective, composition, citations, self references... So in fact anyone in my family is happy because of this Journey: my 3 years old son as well as my wife and me.

BTW we are Polish, so, as you can guess, there is no language barrier. Anyone on the world could take this book and just start to read and appreciate it.

Wonderful book. I take it on trips if I need a gift for a wide range of children. With no words, the reading level is not a factor. Full of visual jokes, historical buildings, modern characters hidden in the crowds, famous art and buildings, childrens games, similarities from one page to another ...

The parents love it even more than the kids. It takes days to spot all the interesting things hidden in this book and it's a painless way to talk about history and art with a child. PERFECT for babysitters to use.

As in other Anno works, an anonymous Everyman is seen in each two-page textless illustration. In this book, the traveler begins his trek alone, buys a horse and rides through progressively more populated scenes -- magnificent scenes, filled with literary and artistic allusions, mini-stories, children playing, panorama and touching detail -- all at the same time! Scenes are viewed as if you were just outside the picture and about 40 feet high. The reader/viewer cannot see the details of people's faces, but much human experience and emotion is contained in small details -- children despairing after a lost balloon, flirting lovers, a mother touching her child, etc.

Your child will appreciate this work through many 'reading' levels, and you will constantly make new discoveries yourself.

Mitsumasa Anno's books are not to be missed, and Anno's Journey is a beautiful example of the author/illustrator's work.

I am so glad I discovered this book. My children enjoy telling a different story every time we open it. The fact that there are no words in it makes the children invent a new story each time, and I believe it develops their imagination better in a way, than with a storybook with pictures. I also like the art involved in this book, the minute details that the author/artist had included are adorable! I enjoy reading it myself! Each page reveals several goings-on in a small town, it is so easy to imagine yourself walking among the characters.

A testament to the peace and charm of simple drawings executed with grace. A wordless book that, while made for children, is still able to captivate even the most jaded of us hipsters with its simplicity.

I recently received this book and have looked forward to reading at least one chapter each day. The story flows very nicely with an interesting read (by no means boring) and the multiple pictures supplement the story for visual support. The book gives an entirely different glimpse into this officer's life and what it was like for him during the war as opposed to just being at sea and searching for ships to sink, etc. I love to read about submariner's from the World War II time era and this is certainly one of my top five reads.

I am a fan of autobiographical history, especially WWII and U-boats. The authors really try to be as factual as possible.
The book is based on recollections and diaries of Werner Hirschmann.
It is a book that is hard to put down and really makes you feel like you are in his shoes.

I have reviewd books in the past, but only review books that have made great impressions.
It has parts that may be too techincal for some, but that doesn't take away from the story and could be enjoyed by anyone who liked the book "Iron Coffins" or the movie "Das Boot".

I'm a big fan of Werner Hirschmann and am glad he let me read his diaries.

Stevie

An excelllent account of the war time life of a U-Boat officer,other than the commander. An interesting account of the what it took to be in the Kreigsmarine during and after the war.

I found the book well written and could not put it down. I reccomend the publication to anyone with even a passing interest in U-Boats.

One of the services with the highest casualty rate during World War II was the German U-Boat service. Of the 40,000 men who served in that branch, 28,000 were killed. Werner Hirschmann was one U-Boat officer that entered the German Navy in 1940 and served until 1945 when he and his boat surrendered to Canadian forces.

This book covers several different subjects. The first few chapters deal with his joining the Navy and the training he received. Then it's to see on a destroyer, including excort duty for the Bismark when it left for the Atlantic raid. Finally he is transfered to U-Boats with more training followed by going to war. Finally came the sixth and last patrol, ending in surrender.

There are two appendicies to the book. The first is a Pictorial Tour of the authors boat, the U-190 and the U-889, both type IXC long range boats. The type of submarines that were used in the patrols to North America, the Caribbean, the southern Atlantic, the Indian Ocean and the Orient. This pictorial tour is well illustrated. Mr. Hirschmann was the engineering officer on the boat, so as you would expect, these pictures feature most of the technical aspects of the boat. There is even a picture of the quite rare four rotor Navy Enigma machine.

The second and somewhat smaller appendix is titled Life on a U-Boat. Again, it is fairly technical in nature.

This is a splendid book, especially for the technically minded

For the U boat buff's this is a very good read. I own over 60 books on U Boats and would rank this in the top 10. Its very different from other books since its a focus on a person not so much as the boat. I found myself living the writers life. I would say its a must read and again different from many other U Boat books.

The reproduction quality of images is very good. This catalogue allows to know some masterpieces of this genius, that like Caravaggio still remains one of the great realist painters.
This is a precious catalogue because it's difficult to find other Mancini publications.
Don't miss it!

Mancini is one of the most amazingly unknown artists of the 19th C. The texture that gives his paintings such a powerful presence also makes them impossible to reproduce, but I think this book does a decent job. It is a compelling read -- Mancini's story is very engaging. I hope this marks the beginning of more notice to one of
the greatest talents ever to pick up a paint brush.

This is a must have book for any lover of painterly naturalism.
Few artists have ever possessed the combination of the subtleness of Mancini's modelling and sensitive drawing with his highly expressive use of paint. His painterly talents are in par with Titian and Rembrandt. Among more recent painters, he can be compared to Nicolai Fechin. I wonder if Fechin was familiar with Mancini's work; it appears as if he was. However, this book and a book I have on Fechin by Mary N. Balcomb do not mention the link.

I had seen Mancini's "Resting" at the Art Institute of Chicago for years and marveled at its beauty and its mystery. Who was Antonio Mancini? Cudos to the Art Institute for their insight and willingness to hang this fairly unknown artist on it valuable wall space. This book answers all those questions. Mancini is first and foremost an excellent artist. The closest I can think of might be Fechen (Mancini's later work esp.) Fairly loose with tighter work in the face and hands. Every painting in this book has people as its subject matter. This book goes into detail about the artist fairly difficult life. He had a few mental problems. The reproductions are well done and most are in color. Considering this is the only book in english on the artist, we take what we can get. If you are at all into the current "Clasical Realist" or "Representationist" movement, get this book. You will finish it wanting more. Which is how a great book should be.

VERY rare opportunity to read a well written review of this artist and his life. After seeing the show, the reproduction leave a little to be desired but most publishers only do an adequate job at this price level. Overall, an excellent buy and tremendous research aid in the study of this enormously talented artist.

Though this book is written for a younger reader than myself, I found that it spoke to me in spite of that. I would recommend this book for all ages. The story touchingly portrays two females of different generations and much different backgrounds, who don't have much in common (besides family). We watch as they are finally able to connect and begin to understand each other. Like me, you may find yourself swept up in their world, their minds, and their hearts, as their beautiful and sad stories are told.

This is a fantastic beautifully written book for all ages. I, like many people, often forget that my elders were once young. One of the profound beauties of this book is that it allows the reader to share in the epiphany of the protagonist when she learns about her great-aunts youth as a young Jewish woman in Nazi occupied Europe. The revelation that her great aunt, whom she at first regards with some contempt, has lived though and survived so much, offers the basis for a beautiful bond to form between them. I was swept up in the story.

This short touching fictionalized biography of a wonderful aunt who survived a terrible time in an unusual place is targeted towards middle school children. But, its true story of an ordinary young Jewish woman caught in the maelstrom of the Holocaust and whose survival was due to her extaordinary bravery will be an inspiration to both youngsters and adults. The book is easy to read, hard to put down and when its 91 pages are finished , the lesson of how adversity and evil can be thwarted despite the heavy price that is paid will remain a lasting tribute to "Anya" and a lesson for all of us. Buy this book for your children and even more importantly for yourself.

This is a touching story. You get wrapped into the current and past history and the relationships that intertwine them. The writing is beatiful and engaging.

i read of course with trepidation since i am also a holocaust surviver, but talking with some frioends made me realize even more how deeply a young woman can express its sympaty with a person of another generation and bring it up as if she herself was there. it is a children's book but it has a style which can bring feelings and pleasure at any age.bravo esty for your wonderful heart and talent .

Review published in Library Journal, April 15, 1999. "This new series, focusing on France is a 'unique travel guide and handbook on contemporary art and architecture.' Stich, an art historian and curator, has brought together under one cover a complete, user-friendly guide to the French art world. She provides detailed descriptions of galleries, museums, film and video centers, public artworks, art bookstores, sculpture parks, and even a parking garage, sites that are not mentioned in other guidebooks. The main focus of the book is Paris, but there are chapters on day trips and excursions to other French provinces. Each chapter is organized by neighorhood and region and contains a map with numbers and site icons that are easy to distinguish. Stich's knowledge of and joy in the art world is evident throughout the book; a great addition to any travel collection."

Review published by NY art critic Walter Robinson in ArtNet "News", April 9, 1999: "Art lovers en route to France this summer will want to pick up a copy of Art-SITES FRANCE by curator and avid art traveler Sidra Stich. The $19.95 paperback blurbs all the important museums, art centers, galleries and public art works, famous and little known."

art-SITES, founded by art historian and museum curator Sidra Stich, is launching art-SITES FRANCE thic month and expects to release art-SITES GREAT BRITAIN & IRELAND early next year. A travel guide and handbook on contemporary art and architecture, art-SITES FRANCE provides maps and commentary on vanguard buildings, art fairs, film centers, even a patisserie with superbly designed cakes. "It's museums, but not just museums, and we provide text that's a very readable course on art at the same time," said Stich.

"Forget the Louvre's Renaissance masterpieces. This guide focuses its attention on the great museum's I.M. Pei-designed glass pyramid renovation. And in its pages Roy Lichtenstein trumps Toulouse-Lautrec. A San Francisco-based art historian, Stich casts a wide research net over this art-appreciative nation and offers a well-organized, well-written take on where to encounter the best painting, sculpture, architecture and film of the last few decades."

Sun. July 11, SF Examiner-Chronicle, Linda Watanabe McFerrin,(travel editor)wrote: "This is the inaugural book in an ambitious new series covering the world's contemporary art and architecture. Innovative, intriguing and refreshingly intellectual, it provides well-researched, well-informed guidance to the museums, art and film centers, galleries, bookstores, public art and notable buildings in France. Details about recent exhibitions and artists further familiarize readers with the often mystifying world of the avant-garde. Serious students of contemporary art will find it a satisfyingly comprehensive guidebook."

A work of art! You don't need a plane ticket to see what's inside some Italy's great churches and museums. Chock full of interesting details and artifacts, I was given a wonderful tour of Italy's "hidden treasures,'' many off the beaten path. As one who once lived in Italy, I would say this book is an essential guide for anyone who plans to visit one of the world's most beautiful countries.

Artful Italy is a wonderful book. I checked out Florence and Venice first because those are the cities that I really know. I was daring Artful Italy to come up with something I didn't know. And it did.. The Stibbert Museum which sounds like a delight I missed entirely. But the thing I really regret is not knowing about the Bomarzo Gardens, a bit of a trip from Florence; as a teen I was always after the odd, hidden statuary that you turned a corner and came suddenly upon.. Both sound like winners and make me eager to return to a place I thought I knew well.
Artful Italy's prose hits just the right tone, conversational without being condescending, funny without that guidebook jokiness that can be so off-putting. And it sometimes can take your breath away. When the 17th century architect , Borromini is compared to an origami master, suddenly we see again how Mannerist architects have turned stone into paper - to give just one example. And you have a nice discursive air that proves always to have a real point to it. The book is unique and a pleasure. It will make those who know Italy start looking for cheap air fares, and even those making a first trip to Italy will find the book valuable.

This book is for all visitors to Italy-even the jaded few who feel they have seen it all. Ann Brandon has covered
so much art that most of us have neither seen nor heard of. I was totally captivated by just reading the book, Ms. Brandon has great writing style and wonderful detail covering all of the pieces. What I found most exciting was visiting sites that I hadnt been to before-expanding upon the content. This book isnt just about museums!!-

I am recently back from a visit to Venice, where I used this outstanding new guide. I found it the ideal guidebook: highly readable, gets you off the beaten path to a combination of less mobbed attractions and some quirky fun places, and (my favorite) includes lots of fascinating historical and personal backgrouind on the sites and artists. This book is sure to enrich greatly your visit to Italy's major art destinations. And it's fun to read even if you are just dreaming about visiting Italy.

Even if one never travels to Italy, there'd be no harm in reading this book. It is well-written, entertaining, and loaded with fun and interesting facts. I disagree with the notion that this is a tour or travel guide; what it is in fact is a semi-scholarly appreciation of Italy off the beaten path. (It is meticulously researched and documented, to boot.)

Ann Brandon must be a kick at a cocktail party. Historical examples trip off her tongue and add just the right humor, import, and context for each bit of art appreciation. Reading this book is not a necessity for travel planning; the volume is a standalone orchestration of Ms. Brandon's love affair with Italy.

I have a few qualms with the book, but they are merely intellectual disagreements with some of its premises. First, I would not focus so much on art, but on the whole invisible lifestyle of the Italians, the life that "turisti" probably never see. I would also go beyond visual arts, and talk about music, as well as the culinary and design arts. Even in the visual arts there is so much architecture that one could find off the main trails. But Brandon promises more books in this vein, and will no doubt address these topics.

Second, I do not feel that the Parco dei Mostri qualifies as a hidden treasure. I consider it an excellent yet run-of-the-mill tourist attraction. A lot of people go there.

Finally, I disagree with the glowing assessment that Vasari's "Lives of the Artists." I have always considered this book at best uneven. It apparently draws its inspiration from Diogenes Laertius' "Lives of the Philosophers," which suffers from a similar spottiness in insight and accuracy. If I had to recommend a book that does what Brandon purports Vasari's does, it would be Burkhardt's "Civilization of the Renaissance."

All these quibbles aside, anyone who wants to learn about Italy should buy and read this book. It does not disappoint. I learned so much from this book, and it was as if Ann Brandon was telling me what I learned in a personal conversation. So warm is her style of writing that it just makes for a quick and delightful read!

This book was a real pleasure to read very slowly. It is a room by room description of Beatrix Potter's Hill Top farm house and includes the gardens. Beatrix started journaling about what she loved in a home from the time she was nine years old and this house is the cummulation of a life long interest in interior and exterior design theory. She fit in with the whole Arts and Crafts movement of the time. The house was deliberatly her largest artistic creation, she didn't actually live there very much. Again, it is a beautiful book and has many fasinating details about Beatrix Potter, her family and her times.

Being the big fan of Beatrox Potter, the woman and not just the author I was overjoyed to get this as a gift recently and the book is a treat for the eyes. While it has pages and pages of stunning photographs as well as her own water colours, it is the text and complete history of her farms that is awesome.

That and reading and seeing photographs of her as well as her farms and reading why she bought each property and the breeds of sheep she raised was of special interest to me. I loved seeing the inside of her farms, although I had seen the inside of a few, via the National Land Trust to whom she left her properties.

I loved the photographs of Beatrix and how she was so eccentric, kind yet firm and a woman ahead of her time. And it was nice to read that she was a true homestead style woman who had the waste not want not mentality, as well as a deep appreciation for quality and hated to see old bridges torn down for modern ones, although she was quick to make sure the stones and plants, wood and other things being discarded by some, didn't end up in some dump area but were recycled into new walls and buildings and plantings on her property.

This is a book a cottage gardener, keeper of sheep. painters, stone masons and anyone who loves working with their hands will love. As well as sincere environmentalists and organic gardeners and farmers.

A gorgeous collection of photos and information
about one of my most favorite children story writers.

What a beautiful book. Clear, inviting photos, and interesting information. A book you will enjoy reading and sharing.

AT HOME WITH BEATRIX POTTER is a delight to the eye and the spirit for those who love this children's author and her "little books." It is written by Susan Denyer of Britain's National Trust. (Potter's property was left to the National Trust.) The focus of the book is Hilltop Farm, the first farm Beatrix Potter acquired. Although she lived across the road in Castle Cottage, Potter often used Hilltop for its library, guestroom, and workplaces. She also used it to display her "treasures." This book reveals her love of nature, the English Lake District, and of old things--carved dressers, chests, spinning wheels are a few of the "gems" portrayed. Two-page color spreads convey the beauty of the Lake Area, where Potter became a major landowner, sheepfarmer, and a happily married woman. It is wonderful to see the original places, buildings, and objects that she incorporated into her books (examples are shown side by side). The book's layout, photographs, and design are first-rate. Reading this book reminded me of THE PRIVATE WORLD OF TASHA TUDOR and its wonderful photographs by Richard Brown. Like Tudor, Potter drew what she knew and preferred country to city life. (Tudor also was a working farmer in New Hampshire.) Finally, this book presents information about Beatrix Potter and the things and people she loved in an informative and respectful way. This book is not a biography, and Denyer avoids the biographer's temptation to "sum up" or "explain" Beatrix Potter. Rather, we draw our own conclusions after being exposed to the things Potter loved. The select bibliography at the book's end provides a list of works on and by Potter (her journals and letters have been published) that is very helpful to those who want to know more about this author. This is a book to treasure.