France Books

Good introduction for kids of all ages to viruses, germs, the body's immune system and consequently, the importance of good hygiene.

My 3 1/2 year old son loves this book! I'm forced to read it to him every day, and he now tells me: 1. "Lymphocytes are the smartest cells and make antibodies that knock out the germs...I want to be an antibody!" 2."Macrophages are garbage collectors" 3. "Virus turn my cells into virus machines" 4. "Fibroblasts pull my cut together"

He is still a little confused about the whole "blast" part of the fibroblast...thinking that they should somehow makes something explode...

I read this book for the first time when I was 3 or 4 and adored it. I explained to all of my friends how vaccines worked (because after it knows about the threat your immune system can build an to fight the real virus). It has fun and accessible metaphors.

However, don't assume that this is just a kid's book! I'm now a medical student, and I find this book useful to explain immunology to my classmates and patients. It is full of accurate and detailed information.

I bought this book for my ten year old son. He read it through in one sitting. Actually, he reread it 3 times on the same day. The simple yet interesting text and excellent drawings captured his imagination. It kept him thirsting for more! He wants me to order all of Dr. Balkwill's books which I did. What an excellent way to introduce science to the uninitiated. I hope Dr. Balkwill will continue to write more of the series!

Cell Wars is a great way to introduce science. It is written in a straightforward manner using easy to understand vocabulary. It describes, in a fun manner, the way the human body fights off bacteria and viruses and tells why we get vaccinations. The illustrations are colorful and fun. The pictures and the story make it fun for both young children and grade school students

I am in total agreement with those who have praised this book. It is a model for all scholars and merits a major book award. Avoid any other publication that presents itself as accurate.

The Chevalier de Saint-Georges: Virtuoso of the Sword and the Bow is the biography of Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745-1799), the illegitimate son of a French planter and a young African slave. Educated in France, his skill in fencing and amazing talent as a violin virtuoso earned him a distinguished place in French high society and the court of Versailles; yet he was not content to simply bask in court life, choosing to support the abolitionist movement, take part in the Haitian slave revolt, and join the French Revolution in the hope of ending slavery. Considered the first classical composer of African descent, his music is best understood in the context of his vivid life. Black-and-white photographs, illustrations, and sample scores, and reproductions of primary source documents round out this in-depth study of a singularly remarkable musician, politician, and fighter.

One of the problems in researching Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges is separating fact from fiction, due to the popular myths propagated beginning with Roger de Beauvoir, and continuing with Alexandre Dumas (fils). These and other semi-factual accounts of Le Chevalier's life led many to believe that it served as the basis for the character D'Artagnan in The Three Musketeers. In contrast to these myths, surviving well into the twentieth century, Mr. Banat's thoroughly researched study is factual.

Banat, a retired violinist from the New York Philharmonic and a specialist on the violin works of Mozart, is ideally positioned to understand the significance of this historical figure. It turns out that Le Chevalier was a major contributor to the symphony concertante genre, until recently thought to be Mozart's creation. As a musician, Le Chevalier was a violinist and composer, mastering the classical style and creating multiple compositions for orchestra and violin that remain underrepresented in the academic and performance Canon today.

Not only a prominent musician and athlete of his day, Le Chevalier was one of several African descendants who made important contributions to European elite culture. Born in Guadeloupe to a French plantation owner and his enslaved mother, Le Chevalier was educated in France, with substantial periods in England, where he was a champion fencer. In the latter part of his life, Le Chevalier became highly involved in the Haitian Revolution.

Mr. Banat began his study on Le Chevalier with an original article from the 1980s. Twenty years later, Banat's recent book reflects his dedication and enthusiasm toward his subject matter. The extensive documentation he provides for his assertions makes him the authority on Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges.

The second half of the 18th century from St. Petersburg to St. Louis was a socio-political mess as men and women of faith and courage strove to overthrow the imperial tyrannies oppressing their lives and stultifying their cultures. Supported by his white planter father and adored by his black slave mother, Joseph Bologne, born on Guadeloupe, captivated the Court and Parisian society by his extraordinary fencing ability and musical genius. Nor did it hurt that he was both handsome and intelligent. His violin playing, his original compositions, and his orchestral conducting assure him a place among the handful of outstanding musicians between Bach and Mozart. His military acumen and his political idealism on behalf of the downtrodden not only in France but also in Haiti made him a distinguished brigade commander in the Revolutionary army and led him, at the pain of a long imprisonment, to help stop The Terror. At the end of his life, the world he had bedazzled was gone and the world he had hoped to establish was falling to Napoleonic power.
The sad, powerful tale of this romantic hero's life and genius is all movingly here in Banat's scrupulous research and genuine affection--just waiting for an intrepid director and a first-rate actor to make a brilliant film that would really speak to our time.

This book is far more than a biography of the 18th-century fabled composer/violinist/swordsman Joseph Boulogne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, born in 1745 in Guadaloupe, son of a plantation owner and one of his slaves. Based on rigorous scholarly research, the author presents a vivid picture of the social and historical background of the period in France, and the picaresque life of an extraordinarily gifted individual. The book is informative as well as an exciting read. It is enhanced by numerous illustrations, reproductions of original documents, and musical examples.

In 1959 my English teacher handed this book to me and said read and review this for the class. I did and was forever moved. I have told my children and grandchildren about this book but could never find it for them to read in the author's own moving words. It personalizes an event beyond understanding and makes history readable. I recommend this book as simply good reading and educational.

I read this book in high school as required reading back in the 70's. It is a moving, sad, reflective account of the author's experiences in a concentration camp during the terrifying rule of the Nazi's. This is one of the best books I have ever read and I have never forgotten it.

I read this book several years ago as a young girl and I have never forgotten it. Tanguy is a young boy torn from his home to live in the concentration camps during WWII. A very powerful story, I have reread it several times, and I believe it ranks right up with The Diary of Anne Frank. I promise you will never forget this story and the courage this young man exhibited in order to survive during one of the bleakest and cruel periods of history. Originally I read this as a library book and I have spent several years trying to track down a copy, only to find one and then somehow lose it. I am thankful that this service exists on Amazon.com so that I may replace my copy as it is a book I will reach for again and again, and I highly recommend it
to others.

Child of Our Time is a gripping, powerful account of a child's experiences during World War II. We are with the main character Tanguy as he struggles to come to grips with a world in which he has never had control. The boy's wants in life are simple--a friend and a dog. And it is these simple things that are always being taken away from him. Despite that, he continues to persevere. Michel del Castillo illustrates the horror of war and the concentration camps in a touching, simply expressed, and emotional story.

A griping novel about the misfortunes of a young boy sent to a WWII concentration camp. His survival is aided by a compassionate concert pianist.

Are you a great poem and fairytale reader, because if you are then this is the book for you? Cinderlily is by David Ellwand and Christine Tagg.

This book is a fairytale and poem book because it has a fairytale part and a poem part.
The main idea of this story is about a girl flower that has two mean stepsisters. They like her because she has to clean up everything but doesn't. They have beautiful cloths and she has holes in her rags. One day an invitation came in. It said "Ladies should come to the castle to dance with the prince because he wanted to get married." To find out what will happen you will have to read it.

The drawings were very interesting because the illustrator put flowers instead of people.

I recommend this to people who like poems and fairy tales. You will adore it! Read it!

This is absolutely an enchantingly, unique version of the Cinderella tale. Ellwand has done a beautiful job creating characters from beauiful flowers and leaves. It is truly whimsical. This and Fairie-ality are must haves!

David Ellwand has produced another wonderful book 'Cinderlily' as only he can. His stunning exhibition at the worlds largest and greatest store Harrod's, London, England, May 2004, shows both Cinderlily and Fairie-ality in stunning limited edition prints. Quite breathtaking in their beauty. David Ellwand is a truly great designer and photographer. May he go on to give us a chance to see more of his wonderful work.

So original (though reminiscent of Saxton Freyman's vegetables), and beautifully presented. With creative use of the computer and knowledge of ballet and gymnastics moves, the team has put together a fresh re-telling of the Cinderella story using various flowers to represent the characters and some of the settings. It's a play in rhyme with each page being a visual and aural delight! It probably would be most appreciated by someone (of any age)who has had at least some ballet, and/or
loves flowers.

Just when you thought the Cinderella tale has been told in every way you thought possible, David Ellwand creates this beautiful photo collection using flowers as his actors. As stated in the previous review, his positioning and posing of the flowers shows a genuine knowledge of how gymnasts or ballet dancers move and keeps you engrossed in the story if only to see what ingenuity the next page will bring. Tagg's retelling is very creative as well with clever rhyming and a fresh perspective of the classic story. In addition, the typeset of the text is well done changing fonts at the right times for emphasis and not just for novelty. Altogether a great book for kids of all ages, artists, gardeners, fans of fairy-dom, photographers, dancers...

I found this book by accident and after reading it I am very glad I found it.This book is a great way for anyone wanting to start a spiritual path but are not sure how to go about it. You don't have to be Wiccan to use this book as not all Pagans are Wiccan. It gives you a brief history of the God/dess of the month,practices and prayers to do etc.A different approach to a Pagan way of life.

I absolutely love this book. I often buy Wiccan books that reveal details about the months of the year, solar and lunar celebrations, traditions, rites and rituals, prayers, etc. This lovely book takes us to Classical times and reveals myths, celebrations, and related events of each month. It's wonderful. You can really see how so many of later Wiccan beliefs and even Christian beliefs came out of Classical Rome. If you are a Wiccan, a lover of Classical times, or even a Medieval lover, you will really enjoy Dr. Bernstein's hard work. A great edition to any collection of myths, gods, goddesses, celebrations, and rituals. Lots of nice details.

Classical Living has opened a part of Roman life that is not portrayed in history books. The calendar, festival and life cycle events make ancient Rome real and connected to living today. After reading the book, I now see how many of our contemporary holidays and celebrations have their roots in Rome. While the recipes did not always sound exactly like what Roman's prepared, I certainly can see that the were appropriate and representative of the spirit of Rome.

It takes you on a journey back in time thousand of years ago to a place hauntingly strange yet familiar and you may find that you want to stay there or at least bring a little of it back with you. This is a beautifully written book encompassing the very essense of pagan Roman Religion and the Via Romana (Roman way). It depicts the ancient Roman culture as inclusive, diverse and deeply rooted in religion, tradition and duty. The thorough and reader friendly format revolves around the calendar, the foundation of Roman Religion, and offers up a guide to monthly observances that honor the ancient rituals and beliefs in a modern context. Highly recommended and used by the Temple as a great introduction to the Religio Romana.

What a wonderful book to discover! I read it in one sitting and longed for a "Classical Living 2000 Calendar" to go with it, not to mention a cookbook, tour of Italy, likeminded group to share it with. Bernstein generously shares her knowledge in a sumptuous read that has inspired me on a fresh spiritual quest.

I was amazed when I discovered that "Crushed" was dedicated to me. That was because my aunt, Frances Lynn wrote it. I am sixteen and normally, I read books like "Catcher In The Rye" and "1984" but I even though the book is for 11-12 year olds, I really enjoyed it. I knew it was for younger readers than me, but I thought it was very funny and it read well. My only criticism is I wish I had read it when I was 11 because I think I would have enjoyed the book even more. I don't have sisters, but I have a little brother so I could somewhat relate to the story. I always have crushes on boys so that's why I thought "Crushed" interested me. I also thought the drawings were really cool, considering I cant draw myself.

written by CAROLINE DE LONE

Reviewed by Sarah Wilborn (age 12) for Reader Views (3/07)

The book "Crushed" was a very interesting and fun book. It was about a girl in England, named Door. She was determined that she was adopted. Her sister got everything she wanted, yet Door got nothing. Door was a bit gloomy, and Dee was stuck up. Door was also not as pretty as Dee, and didn't have as much talent.

Their Mom was unlike others and favored Dee more than Door. Their father was in his own little world; he wrote books about history. At times he would be zoning out and thinking about being back in time, and what it was like, at other times he was writing about what he thought. His life was centered on his books.

Her parents seemed to have cared more about Dee than Door. As well, Dee did get everything, including a date with Door's favorite singer. All's well that ends well, Door finds a humongous family secret Dee doesn't know, and she gets a super popular and a awesome boyfriend.

This should be a 5 Star book. I absolutely LOVED it!!! My rating for it is 5.

I really liked this book. It was funny and it was realistic. At times I would laugh and think what I would do if I was there. Sometimes I would think that Door is stupid, sometimes I thought their parents were clueless and dumb. The author, Frances Lynn, gave very, very, very, very good details, most of the time. It didn't get boring at all. The hardest part was to put the book down to do what I needed to do. I could see this book being someone's life, although it would be horrible.

"Crushed" is a book for any age and can relate to those that have someone in their life that favors someone else. All they want is attention, and one or two simple dreams. Door wanted to play the drums and her parents said no, yet Dee was a ballerina and went to practice almost every day. Door has a big problem with her mom never understanding. They have so many fights and those are big and scary.

"Crushed" was such a good book. I absolutely want all my friends to read it, and I know they'll go crazy for it. Like I said, this book isn't for a certain age group or certain kind of person. Anyone with a love for reading, or need something good to do needs to read this book!

'Crushed' is one of the funniest books, if not the funniest, I have ever read. I thoroughly enjoyed the wit, which was razor sharp with the most hilarious unforgiving character descriptions ever penned. I don't consider myself a fast reader, especially novel size books, but it took me only a few hours to finish it because I was so hooked. I didn't even eat dinner because I didn't want to interrupt my reading. I just had to keep going to find out what was to become of Door and her odd but endearing family. There's not a wasted moment in the story. I never felt like I was being carried off on a tangent that had nothing to do with anything. Every disastrous event builds something in the development of the story and the characters. After I finished reading it, I felt like I would miss the Brevingtons. Exceptional work, Frances. I'm impressed.

CRUSHED is a delightful read. The twin girls are deftly drawn, and, in these cynical times, are innocents (along with the whole eccentric Brevington family) from a different era. Planet even. (Door wonders if she is indeed an alien).
The book is about - and doubtless for - young teen-agers, and has the freshness of being written by a talented peer. One who draws as well.

"Crushed" by Frances Lynn

If you happen to be the father of teen twin daughters you could learn a thing or two here.
Mr. Brevington, aka Pa, is a nifty escape artist who manages to maintain his serenity while living in poverty in the eye of the storm created by the three female members of his chaotic household situated in one of London's poshest barrios. While the tempest rages around him his writer's studio provides a shield as well as gateway into an ancient world of mystery and thus deserves special attention.
Meanwhile his wife Ma and twin daughters Door and Dee work overtime to steal the show. Their emotional outbursts may be a result of a general hysteria that Central London living generates, what with the constant pull between classical heritage and contemporary pop culture. Elements of The Ugly Duckling blended with the mythological Eve versus Lilith or the more recent Nicky Hilton versus Paris Hilton will show young women from Tokyo to West Virginia what fun they could have had if fate had only tossed them into the life of being groomed in the capital of British pop.
After reading Crushed one is left with little doubt that London was built on top of an elevator shaft that has been pouring talent and glitter and sparkles from the secret world of fairies and goblins at the centre of this planet ever since time began. And author Frances Lynn seems to be an authority when it comes to a twenty-first century version of Middle Earth.

Ulla Ward de Mora

This is an exquisite book, both heartbreaking and inspiring at the same time. Emmanuelle Laborit was born deaf into a hearing family, at a time when using sign language in public was a crime in France: it was considered obscene, and the law wasn't changed until 1976, well into the author's childhood. This created a tragic set of circumstances for those born deaf in France.

The author was blessed to have college educated parents who were willing and able to look outside of their own culture to find what their child needed, and when her father decided they should learn sign language, he brought the family to Gallaudet University in Washington, DC for a month, where mother, father and child took part in an intensive sign-language immersion program.

Laborit writes eloquently about the first seven years of her life, a time in which she had no formal language to express herself with. Until her parents made the decision to learn formal sign language, Laborit and her mother made up their own signs, but the problem with home signs is that they are understood only within the environment where they were created.

I highly recommend this book to hearing parents of deaf children, as well as anyone working with deaf children and young adults. The insight provided here is invaluable.

Author recounts troubles of a person born deaf in france,compounded by the fact that sign language was outlawed there as "too sensual" until 1979. It's also a beautifully written book which captures the softness and gentle love of words often found in many english-as-a-second-language authors {except,for her,english is a third language!}.

I lost all my hearing suddenly in 1999. The whole world runs like a silent movie. I am excluded and don't understand what is going on around me anymore. This book offers insight,direction,hope. Maybe it will make people more sensitive to the cruel isolation of deafness.

Emmanuelle Laborit writes her autobiography with such expressive detail. Some parts were hard to believe what the deaf have to go through to let themselves be heard for others. I recommend this book for any parent of a deaf child. What choices they have to make in the education of their child. There are so many different choices. Emmanuelle expains how her education was, she did nearly everything. When she started to learn sign language the world became more understanding to her.

Author recounts troubles of a person born deaf in france,compounded by the fact that sign language was outlawed there as "too sensual" until 1979. It's also a beautifully written book which captures the softness and gentle love of words often found in many english-as-a-second-language authors {except,for her,english is a third language!}.

I lost all my hearing suddenly in 1999. The whole world runs like a silent movie. I am excluded and don't understand what is going on around me anymore. This book offers insight,direction,hope. Maybe it will make people more sensitive to the cruel isolation of deafness.

This book caught my eye, because I really only read non-fiction. My interest in human development has been encouraged by my rather stilted childhood. This book is written with such candidness, that you are literally enveloped. I have laughed out loud, shed some tears, and loved every moment.

You get immersed right away into Nemirovskys' world. Right away with "The Ball" you get the discomfort rapport the mother and daughter have. "The Ball" is an absolute terrible tale and well rendered. Opening sentences are crucial, with "David Golder" you want to know what happens to this fellow, he is firm and refuses yet has remorse and is weak at the same time he manipulates and is manipulated. Once you let go the story about the author, we all know Irenes' terrible fate how she perished in the concentration camps, you are able to isolate and focus on her ability to write, she was not just an author, yes she published, she was a writer with a capital W. Words seem to land perfectly. A few sentences are absolutely beautiful. I stop and read again, several times over and over the same sentence to decorticate and learn to read again. How she describes lovers in bed, the intertwined legs and bodies, their shadow shown on the ceiling reveals the image of a bouquet of flowers. There is more, four short stories in this volume, but much more in her complete oeuvre, I urge any curious and avid prose lover to read and discover Irène Némirovsky.

While not as consistently good as "Suite Francais," this volume has as its best selections David Golder and The Courilof Affair. "Golder" is intriguing in that it was used by her husband in an attempt to free her from the concentration camp. An unflattering portrait of its title character, it begins with a scene that reminded me of the opening of "Citizen Cane." The closing story will please those fond of Kafka. It is rife with issues of ethics and government. The Everyman edition is also a very handsome volume.

I have almost finished this book and so far it is quite a compelling, interesting,with unusually fresh and insightful glimpses into many psychological facets of the characters portrayed. Her insight and portrayal of their psyche's is one that will be forever memorable to me. I particularly liked The Ball. I can readily see a teenage girl feeling and wanting to act the way that Antoinette did to avenge her mother's cruel treatment of her. The Snow In Autumn evokes feelings of sad longing for home and the past for a refugee.All in all, a remarkable and unforgettable book.

There are many reasons for loving a book ... of course content, the manner in which the author has painted a picture for the reader, a love for the time period in which a story is set, perhaps a specific character - heaven knows - I have fallen in love with a protagonist in my younger days. With this book, aside from all the talent that the words spread on the pages, I love the book.

The paper is heavy weight - not glossy - not harsh. The ribbon bookmark reminds me of days when books were made this way ... I enjoyed reading this book because of the quality of the construction .... now on to the inside.

Nemirovsky has a way of developing the ghosts of one's past. Regardless of how well her characters do in life there seem to be parts of their beginnings that they cannot shed ... a genetic tattoo, a social ingraining that continues to come through regardless of how they change over the years.

I felt the pain of David Golder; I wanted to throw Mrs. Kampf to the dogs and delighted in the vision of little pieces of paper floating down the river; I could feel the heat of the wood burning stove and the cold of the chilling Russian wind in Snow in Autumn. Brilliantly written in simple language, if you are looking for paperback literature - this is NOT the book to read.

I am hypnotized by Nemirovsky's work and hope that you are too!

Némirovsky was a convert to Catholicism who died in Auschwitz. The Nazis managed to cause the deaths of many Judaic converts (Edith Stein was another). The Nazi movement seemed to be serving a hidden god; many would be shocked to learn the identity of that false god. It's a death penalty offense in Orthodox Judaism to convert to Christianity. Did Hitler's movement serve the agenda of the Orthodox rabbis? You don't be believe it? Read the statements of Ovadia Yosef and other Israeli rabbonim on Hitler as their "divine instrument of punishment." Némirovsky's writing was of a high order. "David Golder" displays tremendous psychological insight. May her memory be honored.

The Devil's Own Work is a little jewel of a novella: polished, enticing, and beautifully crafted. A modern Faustian tale narrated by the friend of a famous writer, it is at once a straightforward mystery and a moral parable on writing and success. The plot is best left a surprise; its patient unfolding is what makes the novella irresistible. Indeed, this is a remarkably effective work considering its neglect of characterisation, for which it hasn't space. Perhaps this has something to do with Judd's writing which, stylish without wasting words, is pointed, vivid and insightful.

A spare but meaningful read. Copies should be automatically sent to all newly-appointed 'literary darlings'. A must read for 'serious readers' as well. Do we settle for too little in the name of contemporary fiction

So you want to become a famous writer? One way to achieve this success is to sell your soul to the devil, a price not unheard of since Faust willingly paid that price in works by Marlowe and Goethe. Alan Judd's little novel, THE DEVIL'S OWN WORK, reworks the Faust legend with humor and a literary economy comparable to Hemingway. The novel is a mixture of strangeness and mystery; it was written as an homage to Ford Madox Ford and THE GOOD SOLDIER. This story explores the supernatural nature of creativity and the perils confronted an artist with more ambition than he perhaps has talent. It is a delightful tale that not only examines the nature of the creative act as well as the demon temptations to which an artist may be subjected, but also the vacuous literary elitism that often honors personalities above their literary merit. Alan Judd, author of a critically acclaimed biography on Ford Madox Ford, has also written four previous novels

I was lucky to find Devil's Own Work in a discount bin with Stephen King's praise, "Best novel I read this year" on it. And it was a great novella, so great I wanted to teach it in my English course. But it's out of print. There's no justice in the publishing world. This classic needs to find a reissue--fast!

Its been said that the extraordinary Jack Ritchie wrote entire novels disguised as short stories. Alan Judd seems to be able to do the same thing. This story is "fat-free", stripped of all nonessentials, a taut, high grade piece of work. At 115 pages, this book can not be confused with a door stop, nor would you want to use it as such.

The Devils Own Work is the story of a writer possessed, as told by his closest acquaintance (the author has no real friends--his work is all consuming). This Faustian allegory works as a deal with the Devil story and as a commentary on authorial integrity and control. Either way, it's and engaging little tome, and well worth your time.

The reason why you see such a high price tag on this book [...], is because it is a "How-to" guide that explains how a president in a Republic acquires dictatorial powers and changes the Republic into Empire.

The model for this insightful, "spill-the-beans" work is Louis Napoleon III of France. Louis was elected president of France in 1848 in an election that was probably more legitimate than ours in 2000. The Constitution of the French Republic limited a president's term to four years. Louis was able to convince his parliament to extend this so Louis would have time to implement his policies. Louis then staged a coup d'etat and seized dictatorial powers, passing new constitutional statutes masking his power and Louis reigned France as a dictator for 20 more years.

Due to the new century and the militant foreign policy of the neo-cons, today's America is in this same position. (chillingly, super neo-con Harvey Mansfield is listed as an editor of this Political Theory Series). Following are passages in the "Dialogues" that run parallel to the political tactics of today:

Machiavelli: "I will start by having my coup against the state ratified by popular vote. In a carefully crafted message to the people, I will show that we were in a crisis situation". "On the very next day after my constitution takes effect, I will issue a series of decrees with force of law that will do away with these liberties and rights...". (PATRIOT ACT-2001).

Montesquieu: "Indeed, you've chosen your moment well. the country is still terrorized by your coup d'etat" (9/11). "As for your constitution, nothing will be denied you, since you could take everything".

Machiavelli: "But I hasten to assure you that the liberties I suppress I shall formally promise to restore after factional strife has been quieted". (THE PATRIOT ACT WAS LIMITED IN YEARS AND HAD TO BE RESTORED WITH THE PATRIOT ACT II).

Machiavelli: [Regarding the Press] "I could suppress all of you. I haven't yet done so but I can I'll let you live, on one condition, that you don't try to block my progress or descredit my power...I reserve to myself or my agents the right to judge when I am being attacked...the third time you will be suppressed". (WHY THE PRESS IS MUZZLED ON 9/11, IRAQ, AND SOON IRAN).

Machiavelli: "I shall count the number of newspapers that represent what you call the "opposition". If there are ten in this category, I shall have twenty pro-government". (MASS SUGGETION as explained in my review of the book, Propaganda. "I will put a certain number of newspapers that will adopt the official line of things in a straightforward way. They will defend my acts unreservedly. (TELEVISION TODAY-FOX NEWS).

Machiavelli: "Some malfeasance by a public official, I shall forbid the newspapers to speak of it. Silence about such things, rather than noising them about, is more respectful of public decency". (TODAY, OMMISSION OF KEY STORIES AND EVENTS).

Machiavelli: "...see how I will use statements in the press to prepare the ground for official political acts...For several months, each of my newspapers will play upon the public mind in their own fashion and then recommend a course of action. One fine morning, this course of action is officially adopted". (AGAIN, SEE "PROPAGANDA" AND THE INFLUENCE OF MASS SUGGESTION).

Machiavelli: "I would give a certain number of my newpapers the task of constantly exalting the glory of my reign while holding other governments responsible for the shortcomings of European politics". (CLINTON ALLOWED OSAMA BIN LADEN TO GET AWAY).

Machiavelli: "Do you know what SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY is? When individuals are wronged by government agents performing their duties and bring them before the courts, judges must answer them thus: "You have no legal recourse here". (BUSH INVOKES SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY ON THE 600+ LAWSUITS AGAINS HIM, ROVE STILL INVOKING THIS TO GET OUT OF TESTIFYING, ETC.)

Machiavelli: "...the source of lawsuits will dry up. Public opinion would become so tame that total reliance would be placed on the official opinions of the government for the meaning of the law. At certain moments, when there is a good reason to fear that some controversy may arise over some point of law, the government will declare as an advisory opinion that the law applies to this or that situation or that the law extends to this or that case". (NSA WIRETAPPING, TORTURE, ETC).

Machiavelli: "If this district has only a small population, I simply redraw it and put in into a neighboring district where opposition voices will be drowned out and...". (REPUBLICAN TOM DELAY'S REDISTRICTING SCHEME)

Machiavelli: "I will control 19 of 20 men, all of whom will follow my instructions. In the meantime, I would pull the strings of a sham opposition, clandestinely enlisted to my cause". (CONGRESS DEMOCRATS-ALL PAID FOR).

Machiavelli: "...there is a particular way of presenting the budget to disguise rising costs". (COST OF IRAQ WAR)

Montesquieu: "...whom you will ask of such capital and for what purpose?"

Machiavelli: "Foreign wars are a great help in providing a rationale". (SELF EXPLANATORY PARALLEL).

"These financial giants would be able to manipulate the markets at will".

Machiavelli: "The wars that will occur in my reign will be undertaken in the name of the liberty of men and the independence of nations". (IRAQ)

Machiavelli: "I have brought into being around me a formidable school of political men...in all branches of government there will be veritable miniature Machiavellis, who will trick, dissimulate, and lie with an imperturbable sangfroid. Truth will not be able to come to light anywhere".

I must end this, the despair is immense...

Joly's work is important. Reading this obscure 140+ year old text tells much about the past, present and future. It is almost prophetic.

Waggoner does an excellent job and I thank him mightily for allowing us access to this text. The commentary is a bit extensive, as I did not look forward to reading it upon completion of the consuming Dialogue. However, it is helpful, necessary and worth getting through.

I had not read "The Prince" nor "Spirit of the Laws" prior, but had general understanding of them. Needless to say, next are they on my list. My motivation for picking this one up was the "Protocols" scandal. All in all, I consider this a remarkable work providing insight on the tyrants of the 19th/20th centuries and the ones presently budding. Those especially for which the Dialogue proved a heavy and indirect influence vis a vis the forged "Protocols". Perhaps it makes sense such a telling tome remains obscure, as the masses seem to prefer their dose of soma (McDonalds, iPods, TV...) rather than actual thought, in this "brave new world".

Before I can even begin about the book, the story BEHIND the book is amazing. It would not surprise me if Cheney had a copy of the German version somewhere in his desk as Bush probably wouldn't understand a third of the amazing ideas put forth in this formerly banned book.

Watching the news is like watching Machiavelli's Dialogue come to life. Listening to Democrats is like hearing Montesquieu's feeble attempts to say that in the end, the good guys will win because of Justice and Liberty. If the Dialogue were a swordfight, Machiavelli would have not only killed poor Montesquieu, but eviscerated and beheaded him as well. Waggoner's commentaries and insights are a little dry when compared with the excellent text but are a good read and do well to put some of the outdated points in the text into context. I strongly reccomend this for anybody who is questioning the course of events that our world is being swept up in.

I read this book while researching the "Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion." Clearly "Protocols" was heavily plagiarized from this work and was a forgery to boot. In any event, this is a captivating tale of a conversation between Machiavelli (counselor to despots) and Montesquieu (philosophical and political father of the U.S. Constitution.) Machiavelli claims to be misunderstood but as the dialogue progresses it seems painfully evident that he is generally not.

While Machiavelli and Montesquieu both claim to be followers of Christ, it becomes clear to everyone but Machiavelli that he operates out of self-interest rather than the good of society. His self-delusion is phenomenal and is readily seen in politics today. The book is obscure, true, but I found it to be a page-turner. Do not pass judgment on this book because someone later used it for anti-Semitic purposes. There is nothing anti-Semitic in this original tale.

As noted in every book I've ever read about the infamous forgery, _The Protocols of the Elders of Zion_, this book was the source, edited beyond recogintion by the Czar's secret police.

_The Dialogue in Hell_ must not have done very well, or more people would have recognized the _Protocols_ as a forgery sooner.

Sadly, political forgeries continue today. Dan Rather and Mary Mapes lost their jobs at CBS over forged memos; how odd that today's American liberals haven't learned from the Czar's secret police's mistakes.