Africa Books

Often books about mother daughter relationships fall into two categories: over sentimental or sappy, or vengeful and dysfunctional. This book is in a totally different category all together - about two main characters who are human, who have had some bad cards dealt to them, but who both remained, well, human. Its also a travelogue as well, as the daughter is in India searching for her mother's past. The descriptions of modern India remind me a bit of the ones in Kipling's Kim, enough for the picture of the land, people, and problems to give you a good picture of the places she goes. Its also not a heavy or deep book - not that I haven't read many of those and enjoyed them, but sometimes one wants a good salad instead of a steak dinner. Its good, enjoy!

This is an exceptionally moving story of the discovery of self in relation to one's parents and the world at large. Anna and Rose tell their stories in tandem. At first seemingly alienated from each other's lives, it becomes clear, as events, both present and past unfold, that they are indeed closely bound to each other. I was deeply affected by the slow and tender exposure of the vulnerability of these two women. The author paints pictures that seem to unfurl in the mind's eye. Whether reading of the small town in Maine,where Rose writes her memoir, or the crowded streets of Varanasi or Calcutta, indelible images are created. Ms. Bacon has given us a story of great texture and content, a lesson in how judgement yields to understanding, empathy, and ultimately binding love. I urge you to read this book.

I loved this novel with so many levels of stories and characters. So often an exotic setting becomes more important than the characters, but although India is intriguing in Bacon's writing it does not override the story. For me the characters have remained vivid long after I finished the book, and I hated to see it end. My only reservation is that I couldn't make sense of the mother's behavior toward her children, which didn't seem to fit the interpretation her daughter comes to. But I like puzzling it over, and appreciate a novel that makes me do that.

I love this book! Such beautiful imagery, and a gripping story makes for a fantastic read. Her depiction of India is not overly romantic, but not pessimistic. I highly recommend this beautiful novel!

Here we find a man who is middle-aged ...
... and experienced with life - taking a part of his life to devote to bettering the lives of others. The altruistic Peace Corps helps him to reach that goal. In the process - he discovers bureaucracy of governments and the inefficiencies of worldwide networks of people down the smallest scale of community and survival. Some of the Peace Corp's elite do NOT (I repeat- NOT) appreciate his candor as he exposes the rather seamy side of international aid as it relates to human interaction at the most basic levels. If you are looking for a perception of the glories of the Peace Corps - this book is not it. If you would find interest in observing personal interaction with nature and communities that are totally foreign to what a successful life might hold in America - the Fred delivers with a raw and critical narrative. I think if Fred had the backing of a government grant to dress this book up with better pictures and maps - the book could attract a wider audience, but the people who get those kinds of grants are already wrapped up with professorships at elite universities and film budgets and advance fees from PBS. Fred casts a jaundiced eye at the system. For this - he is not welcomed among some of those the system favors. His observations could be helpful to anyone looking for a real flavor of volunteerism in Africa. As Fred notes - it is good to volunteer - but it is also good to do so with your eyes wide open.

I am recommending this book to anyone who is interested in Peace Corps. I knew the author while training in the same program, but I was stationed in a different county and experienced many similar trials and tribulations. I hope that this type of experience in the Peace Corps might not disappear even as expatriot Americans increasingly worry about security, the Equitorial rain forest increasingly comes under threat, and Peace Corps focusses on areas outside of Africa.

I think this book represents a typical white American male experience with the Peace Corps in Africa. Mr. Pitts was in rural development, which is typically based further from major cities and towns than other Peace Corps roles. He does an excellent job at displaying a range of emotions typically from culture shock and isolation in the beginning to a greater appreciation of his host culture. This seems to be an honest account without too much romanticzing, although it is often hard to not get nostalgic when volunteers look back on their service. Prospective volunteers can learn from Mr. Pitt's experience to help them make important judgement calls.

Things Are Different In Africa is the personal account of Frederick Edward Pitts life in an equatorial village located deep inside the Congo for almost a year. Pitts describes in vivid detail his dangerous encounters with animals, risky skirmishes with robbers, dealings with corrupt cops, and more. He also describes the beauty of the Congo, as well as an African culture that can evoke laughter, frustration, and anger. Pitts also describes a motorcycle crash in the jungle some 360 miles from the nearest medical care, as well as being drawn into political unrest, city violence, and eventual evacuation out of the Congo to neighboring country near the Sahara desert. Strongly recommended reading, especially for armchair travelers wanting to know something about the culture and geography of far flung countries of the world, Things Are Different In Africa is a compelling read revealing a unique, sometimes irreverent personal journey that left the author with a greater understanding of life in a vastly different culture on the other side of the world.

I don't usually like to spend nineteen dollars for a paper back, but
I'm sure glad I did. I was totally surprised at the frankness of THINGS
ARE DIFFERENT IN AFRICA, the way it told the story without any regard
for political correctness, and how nobody was spared (not even the Peace
Corps). I liked the descriptions of the villages, the people, the
contryside and the rainforests, but even more I liked the way I was taken on
an emotional ride that ranged from anger to laughter, anxiety to
relief, understanding to frustration. Anyone who wants a highly informative
view of the Congo and its culture, told with straight up language,
cannot go wrong with this book.

What can I say, the author is my revered grandfather. His is a remarkable story of personal courage and fortitude, only a part of which is told in the book. As a personal memoire of combat experience, "Through Hell and Highwater" compares favorably with Guy Sajer's the Forgotten Soldier. In his book, you'll find how my grandfather faced exhaustion, fear, cold, confusion and death with the taciturn resolution of a man who had no other choice. In the process he became an exemplar of leadership and a hero to his country. When men like my grandfather are finally gone, we may never see their like again. As for the book, as a source of history, it's been good enough to figure prominently in Pulitzer Prize winning historian Rick Atkinson's new Liberation series on the U.S. Army in World War II.

An honest, realistic and introspective account of war. This book was given to me as a present from my grandfather almost ten years ago. In classic youthful, ignorant fashion, I dismissed it as the ranting of a nostalgic old man. Recently, I discovered the book in the sweater drawer of the clothing dresser in my room, the cover and binding still in immaculate condition and the text largely unread. I was surprised at what a quick and enjoyable read it was, full of important lessons. This eloquent account of a young man's experience in a war all but forgotten among those in my generation has brought me to realize that it is foolish not to listen to the old wartime stories of our grandfathers. Thanks Grampy!

An honest, realistic and introspective account of war. This book was given to me as a present from my grandfather almost ten years ago. In classic youthful, ignorant fashion, I dismissed it as the ranting of a nostalgic old man. Recently, I discovered the book in the sweater drawer of a clothing dresser in my room, the cover and binding still in immaculate condition and the text largely unread. I was surprised at what a quick and enjoyable read it was, full of important lessons. This eloquent portrayal of a young man's experience in a war, all but forgotten among those in my generation, has brought me to realize that it is foolish not to listen to the old wartime stories of our grandfathers. Thanks Grampy!

An honest, realistic and introspective account of war. This book was given to me as a present from my grandfather almost ten years ago. In classic youthful, ignorant fashion, I dismissed it as the ranting of a nostalgic old man. Recently, I discovered the book in the sweater drawer of a clothing dresser in my room, the cover and binding still in immaculate condition and the text largely unread. I was surprised at what a quick and enjoyable read it was, full of important lessons. This eloquent portrayal of a young man's experience in a war, all but forgotten among those in my generation, has brought me to realize that it is foolish not to listen to the old wartime stories of our grandfathers. Thanks Grampy!

I was hooked from the start - young New Yorker goes from radio pioneer to OSS agent and learns to survive. That it is a true story only adds to the enjoyment.

Brought me through a part of WWII I had never known about. The author describes feelings, choices, preparation and then takes you along for a dangerous ride. Well written, I kept having to get back to it to see what would happen - and I was never disappointed. Spy chasing, hasty exits, from the tremendous heat of Casablanca to the most bone chilling cold of northern Russia.

My only wish would be for a sequel - but in real like I guess that doesn't happen.

As president and editor of a Merchant Marine Veteran organization it is my job to search for stories that tell about being at sea during WWII. This book is a great testimonial to the hazards of the Merchant Marine and the OSS in WWII.
His duties as a sailor and a spy put him in harms way.His ships sailed in convoy to Russia. These waters were the most hazard of all. We lost many ships and lives in the North Atlantic. This was his duty on the sea. Then he had to face great danger with his undercover work on the land. The world of spys, spooks, and shadows makes for great stories. He writes with such skill that he puts you with him at every turn. A great true adventure story that takes place on land and sea. Well Leon Wortman did both and lived to tell about it. I Couldn't put it down.

Told in the first person-present. A tough job for any writer. Wortman, by this technique, makes you a participant in all his tasks.

This is a fascinating true-life story of how a young Brooklyn radio engineer wound up chasing Nazi double agents in New York, posing as a Belgian in Morocco, and getting in big trouble spying in North Russia during WWII.

The book opens up innocently enough, nice Jewish kid grows up in New York City immigrant family during the depression and gets job at radio station. Then, the war breaks out. Instead of joining the army, the author winds up in both the OSS and the Merchant Marine.

From there the book takes off. The OSS' training is tough, but it doesn't prepare our hero for the surprises and perils ahead of him. He chases spies, fights Arabs and Nazis, braves dangerous North Atlantic and Arctic Ocean crossings, and meets characters that must have been prototypes for James Bond villians.

The writing style is easy-going and straight-forward. The tone of the book is warm -- like sitting down for an after-dinner reminisce with your Father or Grandfather. And, there is plenty of humor at sea and on land to balance the tension of the war drama.

This is an outstanding book with many original and personal accounts of what brought South Africa to a negotiated abandonment of minority rule. Objective and beautifully written.

An excellent read if you know at least a little about South African History. It's a "who's who" of the inside story of Africa's "Negotiated Revolution" and could count as a "cliff hanger" if we all didn't already know the outcome of the story. But for anyone who would like to know how the worlds most remarkable political transition was pulled off without a bloody coup, who all of the players were, and why one the worlds most brutal and racist governments kept the world's most enigmatic man alive; then this is the read for you.

Allister Sparks tells a story in a brief, a reporter kind of a way, where he leaves out the details and gives you the key facts plus an explanation of them. By the time you finish the book you'll get a picture of the past and present of South Africa. You'll probably be clued in as much as people who leave there.

Tomorrow is Another Country is the sequel to the Mind of South Africa. It described the transition from apartheid state to the Rainbow Nation. Allister Sparks is a South African journalist (and is currently teaching at Duke University) who sought to get "the real story" before the actors started to forget. He found collaboration from all sides so everyone would know the sacrifices made by both sides to form the new South Africa.

An excellent balance between being comprehensive and being readable, Tomorrow is Another Country is not a difficult read but not nearly as inspiring as Nelson Mandela's book, Long Walk to Freedom. It does however capture more of the Afrikaaner experience, something Long Walk to Freedom often fails on doing.

This detailed book that contains 6000 heavily interpreted personal names is likely the biggest book collection of African personal names. Just as with his other books on names, written quite recently, Musere goes into dedicated detail in showing aspects like the origin of the name and the meanings (which can be one or many). A lot of the names are shown to be associated with aspects like proverbs, significant occurences and traditions. African names are shown to be unique in that analyzing them provides a wealth of information concerning cultural practice, migration, and assimilation. This is a study and naming guide that gives detailed examples of God/ Goddess, war, natural phenomena, and season related personal names. Many are examples of names that depict the behavioral characteristics, physiological or physical condition of the newborn. Indeed many African names illustrate the state of mind of the namer, states of bereavement or jubilation, and so forth. This book is heavily referenced and indexed unlike most other books on African names.

"...the topic [of personal African names] is sufficiently rarely treated as to merit close attention. ...[The book's] introduction is a splendidly informative essay. In it [Musere] explores the origins of African names. Just as we have many names revealing the activities of our ancestors, such as Archer, Fisher, Smith, Taylor and many others, the same applies to African names. [Musere] gives examples such as canoe builders, executioners, rain-makers and cattle-keepers. The reverence for human relationships is perpetuated in many names, while a variety of birds, animals, fish, trees and other natural phenomena are the bases for others. Africa has long been one of my favourite continents and I have numbered many Africans among friends. ...Musisi means "earthquake" and...Bukenya means someone who acts ungraciously or reluctantly. ...Musere's book is packed with information and it is easy to consult. It is equipped with a useful index, so you can be directed to all those names derived, say from eating and harvesting, lakes and
roads, trees, witchcraft and a host of other topics and activities." K.C. Harrison, Founder President, Commonwealth Library Association in "Languages and Literature" Reference Reviews 14/5 [2000] 29-36.

"'A thorough exposure of African name meanings encourages and stimulates people of both African and non-African descent into feeling comfortable about taking on such names.' ...such as Sindushwa (I cannot be surpassed); Mbarushimana (God is on my side); Nkurunziza (Good news). ...Okot (Born during the rainy season). ...This is a fascinating book. ...it certainly brings home the fact, of which I was previously unaware, that the uses and the choices of names have quite different connotations and expectations in different societies." (Sheila Allcock, University of Oxford, in "African Research & Documentation" No. 85, 2001).

"Some examples are 'Libbila (m): setting sun; [name] given to one born at sunset'; 'Kimenyi (m): the one who knows a lot'; 'Shumpa (f): a name given to a child who is troublesome'; 'Baliza (f/m): they cause to weep [or mourn, or cry].' The 6000 [name] examples [in the book] are fascinating to read, and will most certainly open up a new area in the field of nomenclature. In addition, an interesting index will lead the user to specific works found in the definitions, such as lakes, plants, gardens, and food. This is an impressive volume and should fill a void in the area of etymology. It is highly recommended." (Carol Willsey Bell in "C&RL News," May 2000, pp.428-429).

Until the publication of this book, it has been extremely difficult to find any primer that collects and defines the meanings of African names in English. Africa is a continent with thousands of cultures, traditions and languages. Names are part and parcel of the enriched African tradition. Unlike other parts of the world, virtually every African indigenous name has a distinct meaning or connotation. African personal names run into the thousands, if not millions. Therefore, it would be next to impossible to compile a comprehensive thesaurus of all these names, let alone their synonyms. The book compiles about 6000 names from key central, eastern and southern African countries, such as Burundi, Congo-Kinshasa, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Although the compilation of African names is not entirely a new phenomenon, what distinguishes this book from previous ones is its simplicity in name descriptions and definitions. This volume looks at the in-depth meaning of indigenous as well as adopted African names. African personal names have multitudinous functions such as the association of one's occupation, habits and personality. Many African names emanate from one's ancestry through clan, ethnic/tribal or religious affiliation. Names can also be named as the result of ancient wars and conquests. Since most of these names emanate from the "Bantuphone" region of east, central and southern Africa, it is not uncommon for many of these names to have a similar meaning albeit different pronounciations. A word such as Muntu connotes a person, but actually is derived from the ancestry of people in this region. It is therefore least surprising that the word, "ntu" is common amongst most ethnic groups in the region. For example, a word such as "Gahungu" which denotes a small or young boy, has a similar connotation amongsts the Hutu, Tutsi, as well as the Twa ethnic groups of Rwanda and Burundi. The author also includes new African words that have been adopted from Western political as well as cultural contexts. For example, the word, "Democracy" in most African contexts is pronounced as, "Demokrasi." Like other African names given to people during a certain historical phenomenon, this word has been given to some newborns born during the current democratic struggle on the continent. The alphabetical listings of these names as well as its well-prepared index will be very helpful to those that are not familiar with African appellations. This book is highly recommended for scholars and students of African anthropology, linguistics, literature, history, politics as well as those in the African/Black diaspora that are very interested in learning more about African culture.

From cover to cover, the powerful images in this book took my breath away. This book depicts the evolution of the human spirit from primal to potential. As each new section presents itself you are immediately thrust into a different environment. Each distinct, each equally captivating. The images show the beauty of Southern Africa and the fire that lives inside of its people. The photographs are impeccable. From the lighting to the subjects, each picture tells the story of those in it. Whether the faces are smiling or stoic, the strength displayed by the people is almost palpable. The elders are the wisdom that from their experience throughout and the children are the hope for the next generation. The book has a general uplifting feeling that speaks to the wonder of all that makes up South Africa. This book is a must-have for anyone wanting to go on an emotionally fulfilling journey. The best part of purchasing this book is knowing that the proceeds go to the people depicted in it. This is a strong reccomendation! Jump at the opportunity to make this a part of your library.

Gordon Clark's riveting collection of photographs bring the mystery, beauty, and infinite power of the South African psyche up to your amazed eyes with the stellar skill of a master. From the first page of this must-have for any lover of photographic art, the South African landscape and it's inhabitants, the people, seem to welcome you with deeply interpretive eyes and impeccable composition. Clark's use of color here is revelatory in that it envelops the viewer like a velvet sunset. In other words, the images early on are inviting and strangely familiar in their human qaulity. Whereas many photographs of Africa are general in their topic, making one feel that it is untouchable and removed, Clark's book beckons one to become as vulnerable and generous as his vibrant Southern Africa. The warmth he uses to portray the rugged danger inherent in the people of this region and the land itself causes one to realize that perhaps their are qaulitites about the subjects that are not far removed from the viewers': Strength being the prominent feature, the strength of the human will to persevere. Ultimately, Clark's genius is that he allows Southern Africa to become a metaphorical mirror, peering into one's one emotional landscape and thus truly connecting to the subjects of his passionate collection.
Transitions is a book that lives up to it's title. Clark and his subjects take you along a journey, beginning at the peremiter, into the center of his subject's joy and struggle. I was shocked to see the unbelievably intimate, almost Rockwellian scenes come to life like a moving painting towards the conclusion of the book. The delicate beauty of Brassai's photographs came to mind. By then, I was so saturated with feeling, my emotions had to be released and they were, as I walked through the homes of these beautiful people. It is truly an experience and will be a great artistic progenitor on the viewers voyage to become connected to this important part of our world, and in the mission to heal South Africa. It is a priveledge to view Gordon Clark's Transitions.

I purchased this brand new book because of Oprah Winfrey's Foreward. What an incredible surprise inside! This is the definitive book on the region's beauty, rich heritage and infinite potential. The words and pictures create an indelible impact. The images are so beautiful -- from the hopeful children in their natural environment to the soulful eyes of the elder natives in their village huts. This fresh, visual look inside the whole of South Africa has to be unpralleled. Oprah's Foreward began a journey that will stay with this reader forever and ever.

This is a remarkable collection of exquisite photographs which capture the dignity and humanity of people in Southern Africa. There is a rare, soul-stirring quality to these images that make this an important book for anyone with an appreciation for great photographic art or an interest in Africa. Gordon Clark's artistry clearly reflects a deep love for his nation of origin, as proceeds from Transitions go to fighting HIV/AIDS in South Africa and caring for children orphaned by the disease.

Incredible story of trekking from Namibia's Atlantic Coast to the Indian Ocean (ending up at Zanzibar). Although the author's attacked by neither man nor beast (just insects aplenty), he has his share of troubles, starting with recalitrant wild donkeys, and finishing up with a week of malaria treatment (apologies if that proves a spoiler). Terrific writing skills and a great sense of humor make this book one of my top books for the year. Highly recommended.

I have to admit firstly that I'm English, and secondly that I loved Africa as an inhabitant for over 20+ years. Consequently, the description for this book on Amazon seemed like the ultimate indulgence. It was. However, unlike many indulgences throughout my life - and throughout Mr Sandham's journey - this was immensely memorable... for all the right reasons. Mr Sandham expertly describes, with infinite humility, his traversa from the Skeleton Coast to the Indian Ocean 5000 km away. I allowed myself the pleasure of only a chapter a day as I wanted to really savor the pleasure of devouring this memoir for as long as I possibly could. Sandham never truly reveals, in fact I'm not entirely sure he knows, the reasons why he really undertook this trek - but I am immensely glad he did. His pinpoint almost staccato descriptions of people he meets leaves a lasting impression and visual image of those people. I don't think I will ever look at a man named Dan quite the same way again! During his 50km a day walks through Africa he discourses on such idiocies as where do flies go at night? I found myself laughing out loud, smiling, grimacing, shaking my head and even empathising at..... and with... Mr Sandham and the people, insects, flora and fauna he comes in contact with during this amazing journey. He expertly weaves history and the stories of the great explorers into this memoir providing a multi-layered view of human idiocy, kindness, ignorance, arrogance and humour in such a way that I learned much about the continent that I love. This book is ideal for people who enjoy the sardonic, understated part of English humour; those who love a story of myopic refusal to veer from the goal; voyeurs of human nature and those who overall appreciate the indomintable spirit of an individual who is driven by the need to do something that noone has quite done before - and lived to tell the tale. I was genuinely sorry that Mr Sandham hadn't decided to cross another continent so that I could vicariously continue his journey.

It's hard to read many travel books without a sense of 'Why? Why are you putting yourself through all this?' and Traversa is no exception. Those who sit at home may not understand what drives some people to these lengths, but that doesn't stop us lapping it up and asking for more.

In this enthralling book, Sandham brings his solo walk from the aptly-named Skeleton Coast to the Indian Ocean to life. He comes across, variously, as courageous, determined, bloody-minded, and completely insane. By the end of the book, it's easy to feel, as he does, that he has earned his right to be in Africa, even among people so poor that a man who has scrimped, saved and given up chocolate biscuits to be there, is immeasurably rich.

Throughout, Sandham places his experiences in a historical context, evoking the horror of being preserved from shipwreck only to die of thirst, the shame and waste of the slave trade, and butchery in wars over territory that match anything Europe has achieved in that line. As his traversa progresses, he moves from a theoretical understanding of Africa to a genuine affection for the place and its people.

The book is filled with dry self-deprecation and humour--there's a disastrous donkey, and we can only imagine Sandham's problems with his mule, as he declines to go into details--and some of the characters he meets are portrayed as so much larger than life that there's a temptation to believe they're imaginary. Perhaps the best example of the man's courage is when, having invested time, effort and money in a donkey (diseased), a donkey-cart (beautifully painted), and a mule (disobedient), he's able to walk away from all three. Many people would have persisted even in the face of so much discouragement, but Sandham knows when to cut his losses. He probably wouldn't have made it across Africa without that knowledge.

Apart from the not-so-tame domestic animals, there's lions. Real, live, traveller-eating lions. Fortunately, the threat they pose is more perceived than actual; some people have been eaten, but Sandham gets through. There's also explosive diarrhea, a very unpleasant, if probably inevitable, attack of malaria, and, of course, blisters. Yet day after day, he gets up, and gets going. Even after side trips to investigate mules or donkeys, he insists on being driven back to the point where he stopped walking, so he can start again. He knows when he's idled somewhere too long, and somehow gets himself going. There's no cheating on this journey, even though the temptations must have been enormous.

This book entertained and saddened me by turns, and I heartily recommend it--reading what Sandham has to say is the only way even partially to answer the question, 'Why?'.

[review written by Debbie Moorhouse of GUD Magazine]

There are many things to admire about Mr. Sandham's book: the fact that he underwent great hardship at times in order to write it; the way in which he has unveiled some little-known parts of Africa to a wider audience; or his eloquent turn of phrase and sometimes biting self-deprecating humour. But what stands out for me is in the way which he stuck to his task and wasn't seduced by the touristic, bombastic way to travel through a country. I don't mean that he didn't occasionally stay in a hostel,(after hundreds of kilometres across lion country you might too), or that he didn't occasionally eat Western-style foods in souless supermarkets. What I mean is that he stuck to the task at hand and didn't go to see something or attempt to do something just because a guidebook said he should. It is extremely hard sometimes to resist the pull of the mass-market. I myself have been to countries where I thought I had been to every 'must-see' site in an area and then found that to my disappointment there was one I had missed. But those were not the real experiences and stories which will stay with me. Real meaning can be found in the tapestry of human interactions and the beat of a way of life different to your own. In an era of travel being accessible to so many more people, how refreshing to hear an account of someone who decided to tread a more personal path.

Mr. Sandham did things 'his way' and I am sure his mentors Messrs. Livingstone, Stanley et al, would be proud.

Your book will definetly help students and patrons alike find information on a period of American art that has not been fully covered.

Carl W. Peters: Ameican Scene Painter from Rochester to Rockport is magnificent and as a seasoned bibliophile it's a superb production in every respect. My highest praise for its scholarship, reproduction, and encyclopedic content about Peters.

In Carl W. Peters: American Scene Painter from Rochester to Rockport, Richard H. Love, with scholarly expertise, tells the story of a pioneer American regionalist whose career developed amid the conflict between modernisn and realism. Not just about Carl Peters, Love's book is rich with stories of American art. His coverage of the art scene in Woodstock and Cape Ann, America's first art colony, is a fascinating contribution to art history. What a place Gloucester must have been in the early twentieth century! John Sloan's description gave unique insight, "there was an artist's shadow beside every cow in Gloucester, and the cows themselves were dying from eating paint-rags."

Carl W. Peters, American Scene Painter from Rochester to Rockport.is the first comprehensive look at the American Scene and mural painter. Art historian, artist, gallery owner, and former media personality Richard Love, a consummate scholar and cultural commentator, contrasts the European-inspired traditions and modern movement with "home-grown" American realism. Throughout the book, Love's extraordinary grasp of American artistic and cultural events enriches the story of Peters' life and art in a marvelous way. We conclude that Peters was a distinctive American artist. This remarkable book, beautiful in design, dense in delineation of all aspects of American culture, and rich in expression will long be the scholarly standard for the life and works of Carl W. Peters, who rose from humble origins on a farm in the Genesee country to become an outstanding painter of the American Scene.

Im new to the world of historical fiction and this book got me reading all sorts of historical fiction. Just after the first page you cant put it down. Its great at the begining, middle, and end. I HIGHLY RECCOMEND this book. Best of all after the end it explanes some of the things at the end about some things that happen in the book that you might not understand or know about in the book. I've read other great books but this is in its own league.

This odyssy-like adventure takes the reader from the embalming tables of ancient Egypt in Greco-Roman Alexandria, in a treacherous voyage across the mediterranean, to many of the major sites and into the path of many of the major players of the era. Damon, the young medical student from Alexandria, and his best friend seek to take a message to Damon's Roman soldier father and in the process they meet Cleopatra, Cicero,and Caesar Augustus. They attend a gladiator fight at the Colloseum, they witness a peasant uprising, and they view Caesar's war in the border area of far off Spain. Moving from one action packed calamity to another, the excitement never slows. This well-researched historical novel is fun to read as well.

Damon, a young medical student in Alexandria, and his friend Artemas set out on a journey to find Damon's father. Damon's mother has just died and the two boys wish to tell Litigus of his wife's death in person. Their journey is full of peril and excitement -- from shipwreck to shark attack, from meeting Cleopatra and being sent on a mission by her to meeting Caesar. The adventure never ends for these two boys. The setting is Ancient Egypt during the time of Cleopatra, but don't let that discourage you. This book is highly entertaining. Each chapter leaves you at a suspenseful moment and you can't wait to continue. Perfect for a read aloud. There is a glossary and an author's note in the back. The glossary will be especially useful. Highly recommended.

This story kept me hooked from first sentence to last! I don't want to give away juicy details, but the author reveals the culture of the time in vivid and exciting scenes. It all becomes so real and you find yourself caught up in Damon's adventure. Wow! Boys and girls alike will eat this one up.