Washington Books

What's not to like? The pictures are beautiful and the information is good. Prices are accurate too. One of the few items in my short history of collecting glass that I've found actually can be bought and sold for the prices listed. My only complaint is that a number of times they picture the same item twice. We love pictures, surely there were enough items available that pictures didn't have to be repeated.

Author Kenneth M. Wilson passed away before publication of his opus MT. WASHINGTON & PAIRPOINT GLASS - but he reviewed and approved the page proofs and had written two chapters of the projected second volume (which will be prepared in future using his research materials and illustrations), so nothing lacks in MT. WASHINGTON except the author's ability to enjoy his finished product. The Mt. Washington Glass Works and the companies after it make up America's second-oldest glass manufacturer: the factory opened for business in the mid-1800s and spun off another business in silver plating. Glass collectors will find MT. WASHINGTON & PAIRPORT GLASS the definitive encyclopedia of the manufacturer's works: the volume has been long awaited by collectors and provides an extensive company history to compliment an in-depth coverage of its many products. Chapters come packed with black and white and color illustrations and photos, providing descriptions and color illustrations of all glasses and silver-plated wares and reviewing design, craftsmanship and unique attributes. Add indexes of patents and trademarks, glass decorators who operated in the region from 1867 to 1902, and illustrations of ads, production records and more and you have a truly outstanding reference.

We have waited a very long time for a comprehensive book on this beautiful American art glass and Betty Sisk has provided us with a treat for the eyes! The photos are beautiful in full color and plentiful. I did not know that such examples of this artform existed until feasting on this book. All collectors of art glass must add this to their libraries. The information with each type of glass is insightful and just enough to ready the reader for the pictures to follow. The insight provided is both scholarly and from a collector's perspective. Prices are given in a fair range to give a fair market value. And what pictures there are to enjoy! Many glass types are well covered for the first time. This book will set a very high standard by which all other references on this glass will be judged in the years to come. We indeed owe the author a debt due to this subject's neglect until now. This is a must buy! We have waited a long time to get this book-thanks Betty!!

The history of the United States comes alive in the words of its presidents.

There comes a dramatic time in the life of a person, party, organization or nation that cries for the uplift and release of a speech. Someone is called upon to articulate the pride, hope or grief of it all. The speaker becomes the center of attention and the world stops to listen.

That responsibility is often shouldered by our President. Great Presidents not only act as the country's head of state, but also the voice of its people. They help define who we are and what we experience. In my opinion, their speeches constitute one of the best expressions of the nation's mood.

This book presents 40 of the nation's greatest Presidential speeches. Former Clinton Speechwriter Michael Waldman, introduces them, anchors them in history and explains their impact.

Acknowledging that speeches are written for the ear, not the eye, this book contains two CD that allow you to hear many of these actual speeches. Some of the recordings are more than 100 years old. The voice of every President since Benjamin Harrison is included.

This book takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the nation's history guided by the words of our Presidents.

I actually heard Michael Waldman (the author) give a lecture regarding the genesis of this book. Mr. Waldman was President Clinton's chief speech writer for 5 years. When Mr. Waldman once asked an aide for a reference text on the most important presidential speeches in history, he was told that no such text exists. It is my understanding that this was the primary motivation for Mr. Waldman to write this book.

I thoroughly delight in reading the speeches that Mr. Waldman has selected. In particular, I am in agreement with Mr. Waldman regarding the centrality of Abraham Lincoln's speeches in American History. I have come to agree that the Gettysburg Address is "the most important speech" ever given by a president.

This is a book that I have read over and over again. It continually inspires and challenges my views of myself as an American. I highly recommend it to everyone.

This book has a concept or format that is guaranteed to make American history come alive as never before. It's a reprint of the most significant speeches by all of America's presidents. In addition it is supplied with two CD's. These contain the actual voices of every president since Benjamin Harrison in 1889. It also includes comments by ex-presidents Ford, Carter and Clinton on the speeches that influenced them the most.

This book is a capsule of American history done in a way that brings it home faster and easier than any standard history textbook. It's a large format book and at 480 pages it can contain a lot of material and it does. It is a splendid book.

I really enjoy the book.I'm a Nine year old girl and I will be visiting WAshington D. C. with my family this summer. I thought the book was very interesting because it told me everything you can see in the city. It has really good pictures of things you can find. It has great maps, pockets for stamps and envelopes, and other lose items.It had very good background information. It has made me excited about my trip.

What a great book! Very informative and enjoyable for kids as well as for adults. Our children loved the different exercises, the interesting facts and the photos throughout the book. It made our vacation a lot more interesting and educational, which is exactly what we wanted. The kids are taking the book to school to show their classmates and teachers. We highly recommend this great book!

Hope to see one on U.S. National Parks soon!

Ed & Colleen Garcia

My seven year old had a great time iwth this book. It helped her get excited about our trip to Washington, made the tirp more meaningful to her, and has her looking forward to our next visit. Definitely a keeper!

I have purchased this calendar for many years, and order early online to assure earliest delivery. The paper accepts pencil and ink and erases cleanly. Each day has adequate room for appointments and ample margins for numerous, extra "notes to self". Blank inside covers are great places to post frequently used phone numbers. Fits in my purse for meetings. Pages turn easily and stay open. A high quality, matte photo of beautiful art each time you turn the page.

Having begun purchasing National Gallery of Art Engagement Calendars from Universe in 2002, the 2006 edition is my choice again for the 5th year in a row! This elegant product features 56 handsomely printed details of masterpieces from the collection of the Washington DC National Gallery of Art -- one for each week of the year. The approximately 6.5" by 9" format is the perfect size -- neither too small nor too large. When opened to a particular week, there is a space for each day's agenda -- Monday thru Sunday -- on one page and a superbly reproduced detail of a work of art on the facing page. For art devotees as well as others I heartily recommend this beautifully executed publication.

This calendar has a new masterpiece for every turn of the page unlike some art engagement calendars (especially the ones with frosted covers). The reproductions are done so well that I have visited DC and the NGA specifically to pick up a print based on what I've seen in past editions. FYI: Order early because these engagement calendars sell out EVERY YEAR! I've been caught out more than once, so fair warning. You will never find these calendars at half price after New Year's!

This book has the National Geographic glossy quality and lot of great information! We picked this up for our planned trip to DC. I will update this review when we take the trip. Well, we did the trip and we liked the pictures and information but I found the DK book better for current information and had additional information that this book did not have ....but it was still a good book to get a preview with.

I have already written reviews on other National Geographic Traveler Guides on Ireland ( Dec 4,05 ), San Francisco ( Jan 3,06), Interstates Crossing America (Feb 5,06 ),and California (Aug 23,06 ). I have given many reasons why these are excellent guides ;and after looking through the miriad of guides on the bookshelves,you won't be sorry if you choose National Geographic. They are of the highest quality and construction and make a great memory of your visits and on top of that the design and format is consistant. What you have to realize is that they are excellent as a guide to the history and places to visit. This is where Nat Geo shines over the others.This guide would also be a teriffic value to those who live locally or even as a reference of the areas and places for whatever reasons. In reading or following news ,it will be turning to them often. With other travel guides,one often discard after the trip , as they are generally mainly heavy on
Accomodation,Restauraunt and other information that quickly becomes outdated,printed on cheap paper and with minimal information and pictures,maps,drawings and information.
National Geographic are hard to beat in what they do.They are showing it again in Travel Guides.

This is a great guide to the sights and museums of Washington DC. The maps and descriptions of the sights and museums are excellent. The metro map on the back cover is very handy, and the detailed maps of the sections of the city are useful and easy to read. This is not a guide for hotels and dining, although some coverage is given.

For a Washington baseball fan like me, this book is a must-have, for those who want to read a very good account of the events in the return of baseball to the Nation's Capital, this book is the best that I have seen about it.

I am a longtime fan of Washington baseball, loving the Washington Senators in the 1960's, and have been studying the history of baseball in D. C. for years. I attended the 2005 Opening Night game that I had looked forward to for 33 years, and also many other games since then. Barry Svrluga gives a very interesting inside account of the July 5 game when Jose Guillen threw the ball over the catcher's head and all the way to the backstop, I had wondered what on earth was going on that night, I saw that happen in person. The accounts were interesting, and told a story that is not obvious to the average baseball fan who does not know what goes on behind-the-scene.

A very good book, I highly recommend it!

Many of us non-native Washingtonians see the Nationals as simply an overdue return of baseball to the DC area. But few of us are really privy to an inside behind the scenes view of the agony and ecstasy experienced by the die hard fans and baseball professionals who lived through this experience. If you thought baseball was just a game you won't after reading this compelling tale of just how DC came to have a new baseball team. If you want to understand more than just the current standings or statistics of your favority team and really want to know how the business of baseball is "played" grab a copy of this one. You'll find it an easy and thoroughly enjoyable read.

Attention baseball fans who are looking for the best reads in 2006...
The two outstanding baseball books this season are "National Pastime" and "Black and Blue." Why?? Frank Robinson is why. Robby is the "Man for All Seasons", as told in these incredible two extraordinary straight-forward non-fiction books re-capping the 1966 Baltimore Orioles and the 2005 Washington Nationals seasons. These efforts are sports writing at its finest by two of the trade's brightest and most promising upcoming reporters. I urge baseball fans to seek out and relish Frank Robinson --this 70 year-old legend and icon who epitomizes what is great about the National Pastime. "God bless you please, Mr. Robinson, heaven holds a place for those who pray. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you." Good luck, Skip, in 2006!!!!

Very detailed, scholarly work, description of landforms, geology, soils, climate, vegetation, habitats, animal life, marine life, water resources. Overview of Indian tribes. Bibliography for all subjects is probably 200-300 references. Kruckeburg is Prof. of Botany at University of Washington.

Whenever I have a question about plants, animals, geology, weather, tides, or history of the Puget Sound region, this well-organized book is the place I start. Kruckeberg is amazingly comprehensive and knowledgeable. The book is superbly illustrated, though in black and white. The writing is clear. While a new edition would be welcome, this classic remains timeless.

Commuting by ferry I always have a few books with me to fill the time either on the crossing or in the line of cars. This is a great book for just that, since it's full of interesting facts and it can be picked up and browsed at just about any place within it. It has lots of interesting graphs, illustrations and photos and has more information than any casual nature lover could require.

I was so pleased with the transaction and the book. It was a great transaction with fast shipping and super packaging. Thank you so much.

As an information junkie, I'm always turning to the Internet for fast and up-to-date information for my garden design business. This book has replaced my computer for first-glance information. Debra provides significant editorial value in this reference, which I find dog-eared and well-used in a few short weeks. A must-have for any gardener in the Northwest, and a brilliant gift for a gardener new to the area.

It's a Northwest garden enthusiast's dream come true! Stephanie Feeney has outdone herself and compiled information in this edition I will refer to again and again. The list of nurserys to visit is complete with directions, business hours, the types of plants they sell and what they specialize in, e-mail addresses, and any other helpful information that may be of interest. I especially appreciate the geographic locator in the very back that breaks down locations by region that makes planning a garden outing a breeze. I even found a few nurseries in my small town that I didn't know existed. Other chapters include organizations that help gardeners, clubs, foundations, societies and volunteer opportunities, education, gardening with children and young people, internet gardening, publications, professional services, gardens to visit, shows and exhibits, and the list goes on. And it's all written in a friendly personal manner.

This book is highly regarded among divers in the BC/WA/OR area. My only criticism is the latest edition (3rd) wasn't really updated much in that it still lists the Edmonds Oil Dock as a "working" pier. This hasn't been a working pier for a long time. But other than that, it's still an excellent book, highly recommended.

The third edition of this book is an improvement on the previous and includes new dive sites, 55 in all. The dive sites are located in Washington State in Puget Sound and Hood Canal. All include a picture of the site which makes it easy to find them, the written directions are excellent. The tide and current table calculations are great, even going so far as to let you know if you should plan your dive for tides or currents. He even includes information on things to do for non-divers while they hangout waiting for divers to return. The maps are exceptional, most have depth measurements and all include ebb and flood current information that really makes it easy to plan dives at these sites. I have dived some of the sites listed in the book and the descriptions are excellent. Highly recommended for those diving in the Pacific Northwest.

The information is up to date and correct. I use this book exclusively to plan my dives. I have met the author and trust his knowledge of the dive sites and the information given in the book.

This is an excellent historical fiction story about four girls who help an elderly woman make a beautiful, unique quilt of roses. It is set in the late 1800s on the Long Beach Penninsua of Washington State on the Pacific coast. While the plot may sound boring, Patricia Beatty makes the act of quilt-making (not to mention the search for just the right fabric) come to life, much as Laura Ingalls Wilder tells of her childhood experiences.

This title was recommended by the Washington State Centennial Committee in 1989, and was quite popular with upper elementar students in this area at that time. For students who enjoy books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, but would like to explore a different part of the country, this title and the companion books, "Sarah and Me and the Lady from the Sea," and "The Nickel-Plated Beauty," are highly recommended.

This is an excellent historical fiction story about four girls who help an elderly woman make a beautiful, unique quilt of roses. It is set in the late 1800s on the Long Beach Penninsua of Washington State on the Pacific coast. While the plot may sound boring, Patricia Beatty makes the act of quilt-making (not to mention the search for just the right fabric) come to life, much as Laura Ingalls Wilder tells of her childhood experiences.

This title was recommended by the Washington State Centennial Committee in 1989, and was quite popular with upper elementar students in this area at that time. For students who enjoy books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, but would like to explore a different part of the country, this title and the companion books, "Sarah and Me and the Lady from the Sea," and "The Nickel-Plated Beauty," are highly recommended.

This is an excellent historical fiction story about four girls who help an elderly woman make a beautiful, unique quilt of roses. It is set in the late 1800s on the Long Beach Penninsua of Washington State on the Pacific coast. While the plot may sound boring, Patricia Beatty makes the act of quilt-making (not to mention the search for just the right fabric) come to life, much as Laura Ingalls Wilder tells of her childhood experiences.

This title was recommended by the Washington State Centennial Committee in 1989, and was quite popular with upper elementar students in this area at that time. For students who enjoy books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, but would like to explore a different part of the country, this title and the companion books, "Sarah and Me and the Lady from the Sea," and "The Nickel-Plated Beauty," are highly recommended.