Allen Books

Towne has given us a firsthand account of many of the significant American battles of WWII from a combat medic's perspective. This memoir is a must read for anyone interested in getting a factual historical glimpse of WWII.

This is one of the few books that deal with the combat medic. For the most part the medics roll is just a foot note in other works but this writing is all about the medics of the 1st Division.

Sgt. Towne basically took his day reports and added his commentary to give a more complete picture of the day to day activities of Company B. It is not a polished historical read like you would expect form Ambrose, but I feel Sgt Towne's perspective (as a true to life, been there done that) gives him the view point that other historians could only wish they had.

This book was of particular interest to me; do to the fact that my father was as a platoon leader in Company B, from April to August 1944. His name was briefly mentioned when he was wounded on August 6th (my father was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his action on this day). I was able to locate the general movements of my father but disappointingly not specific actions. Many of Sgt. Towne's commentaries refer to other platoons but not by name; however I feel that I did gain a lot of information that is not located in any other writing.

I would recommend this book to all.

I thought this book captured the essence of the tumult of three years of combat. I was spellbound by the way relationships developed and deepened. The author raised the question of why men respond so differently to the trauma of combat and war. A well-written story.

My father served with the author and is in a few of the pictures and anecdotes. I have a greater understanding and appreciation of what war is all about. Dad did not want to talk about what he saw and experienced when he was alive. He shared his scrapbooks on a few occasions, dodging some questions that were too close to him.

When Dad died, I sent a letter to "the outfit" as he referred to the men with whom he served. I had some wonderful letters and calls from men who had shared a part of his life that I never knew. But, I now know better from reading this book, the courage and determination that these men showed just to survive the day to day part of the war. The horrors that these men shared needed to be buried until someone could put them into a context for the rest of us to truly understand and appreciate them. The author has done that in a vivid, yet compassionate manner. Everyone needs to read this book. Thank you, Mr. Towne for revealing this part of the war to the rest of us.

If you want to learn what it was really like fighting to save lives with the U.S. Medical Corps in World War II, give this newly released personal account by Allen N. Towne a try. Mr. Towne relates his five years'service as a frontline medic with the First Infantry Division in North Africa, Sicily, Omaha Beach, as well as France, Belgium, and Germany. He carries you along with him as a former college student who finds himself in the thick of some of the war's bloodiest battles. You will find it difficult not to read it straight through in one sitting.

All the Seth books are worthwhile, arguably profound and life-changing, and this is no exception. At times Seth takes wing and, as usual, presents very original arguments ...at times with a concision and eloquence that itself suggests that Seth is an essence from another dimension (as he says he is). But the book suffers from too much comment (in footnotes and an epistle of an introduction) by Robert Butts, the husband of Jane Roberts and the person who actually produced the text dictated by Jane. Robert Butts seems not to realise that what he has to say is infinitely inferior to what Seth says...and yet Butts goes on at far too great length. Stick to Seth if you want the essence of these books.

Well, perhaps "wrong" is too strong a word, since there are truths embedded in each of the belief systems (or theories, if you'd like). But Seth's more all-encompassing explanation -- best read if you've started out with other Seth books first like "Seth Speaks" -- is shattering in its implications. Once you get your mind around the entire framework of it, it's also absolutely the most logical explanation, too, in my opinion.

Both Darwin and the literal Bible interpreters (Creationists) were/are working through a set of filters and by default, a more limited awareness of the true nature of reality. Seth's explanation, even if you don't buy into it 100% on the first read, is nonetheless extremely fascinating.

Also a comment on the excess verbiage by Robert Butts: Yes, sometimes he goes on too long with details such as, "Jane woke from trance a bit groggy." But all of Butts' comments are in italics, and I've learned from reading the other Seth books to just fast-forward over the italics. It's not that big of a deal once you program yourself to do that.

Having read hundreds of books on the qualities of consciousness, there are NONE superior to Seth's. My first book on the subject back in the 1970's was Seth and still, though many are fabulous, none compare to the DEPTH of Seth.

Where do we come from and why are we here. This book deals with the origin of mankind and the creation of this world in dreams. I'd not recommend it if you do not know other Seth books, and also not if you are looking of ways of how to improve your life situation (get Nature of Personal Reality in that case). However, it's excellent if you enjoyed Seth Speaks and Unknown Reality.

Seth at one point referred to this book as his masterpeice, the one that all of the others have been building up to. The concepts that he tries to get across here are actually pretty simple once you get your mind to thinking that way--it's a way of viewing oneself, the planet, and the interconnectedness of all relationships (sentiant and otherwise). All of his books are profound, so it would be redundant to say this one is too (but it is). A story within the book is Jane's rapid and dramatic physical deterioration, and Seth's dictation at times takes a back seat to Rob's records of her physical and mental state, and his notes about Three Mile Island and the Iran hostage crisis. When I reread, I will probably skip the notes and just read the dictation, if only to get a clearer flow.

A fantastic book with some magnificent pictures.
extremely educational for the equine world.
Well done!

This is the most technical book that Belasik has published to date, and it provides a visual counterpart to his outstanding audiotape series. The pictures are particularly useful; the best of them bravely show the master in the "bad" moments-- hanging on the inside rein, for instance. These pictures assist the rider in recognizing the fool's gold that feels like bend but is weakness; I return to the mirrors in my own school equipped with brutal honesty. His descriptions of the logical progression of training will help any rider to comprehend her progress with a young horse, or her relationship with a schooled horse. Although this book is a more technical treatise than Riding Toward the Light or Songs of Horses, it shows the same poetic voice that makes those books so memorable. In my humble opinion, this book-- in combination with the audiotapes-- is the best book to educate the rider about the purest principles of riding integrated with the practical means of achieving them.

This has to be the most complete book on Equitation to the highest levels, ever to be written. It is quite simply, a masterpiece- highly readable, yet totally scholarly, as would be expected from an author such as Paul Belasik, whose previous books have gained him a worldwide, and well deserved, following.

The photographs which lavishly illustrate the book are exemplary in every way- Belasik's seat is impeccable and the horses look at ease in their work- real harmony between horse and rider.

Paul Belasik's vast knowledge of Classical Equitation, is woven effortlessly with his own conclusions, arrived at through the odyssey of research that he undertook, and chronicled in his book 'Riding Towards the Light'.

This book is a must for anyone who sees dressage first and foremost as an Art, and only secondarily as a sport.

This book is an instant classic. It discusses in detail some points that could take one years to otherwise figure out, for example, the truly correct passage. Beautifully written, it is a masterpiece that belongs in every dressage riders library.

It is defenetly a great book, very philosophical one. However, I won't recommend it for beginner dressage riders.It lacks the simple practical riding instructions and tips, But still is a great book.

This "opus," of comparative cultural numerology and other mysteries, assists the metaphysics, spiritual, and intellectual masters on their individual journey to universal understanding. Eastern Mysteries is the first encyclopedic volume of the second volume companion book of "Western Mysteries."

The serious metaphysics, spiritual and intellectual students begin the verification journey with the Eastern Mysteries of numbers and language to continue with the "Western Mysteries."

Can anyone truly digest all the knowledge in this book and its companion the Western Mysteries. It is impossible, but as references for whatever you indulge yourself they indisposible. If you want to figure out sanskrit or hebrew, either to write or number, or even to explore the magical implications of language, these books are a must for your bookshelf. You will find something useful for whatever path you follow.

This book is the first volume of a two volume set that took me over 20 years to research and write. As a child I was drawn to the magic of the ancient alphabets. At nine years old, I had already committed to memory the Greek alphabet. I was able to write in my child's hand the Egyptian hieroglyphic phonetic alphabet. I also copied out from an encyclopedia the Phoenician alphabet, and saw the connections between Egyptian, Phonecian, Greek, and Roman script, and how our own English alphabet of 26 letters evolved from the picture images of these ancient scripts (i.e, A was a bull, and B was a house). In the late 1960s I discovered the number values for the ancient Hebrew alphabet. I was fascinated by the concept that every letter of the alphabet had a different number value, and that the range of numbers spanned from 1 to 9 to 10 to 900 to 100 to 900. This revelation somehow triggered deeply within me past life remembrances of previously studying the sacred nature of the alphabet. From my first exposure to Hebrew, I searched out other cultures and other languages that were isopsephic (i.e., languages that use the letters of the alphabet as number value in addition to phonetic values). What really fascinated me was that any word in an isopsephic language could be measured and numbered by the number values of the letters composing that word. And if two words equalled the same number, they served as poetic metaphors to define the mystical nature of that specific number. As my research progressed, more and more languages unfolded, until I discovered languages in both the east and west that held this mystical property. When I finally recorded all of my research, my occult archaeological discoveries fell naturally to two books, one dealing with the eastern mysteries and one with the western mysteries. The Eastern Mysteries contains so much new material that have never seen print before in English. This includes the numbering of Sanskrit, including a key to the letters on the flower petals known as the chakras. The Tibetan alphabet is also deciphered for the first time, as well as the stroke count of the Chinese language based on Taoist Spirit practices. A key to the actual layout of the I Ching is also deciphered for the first time, and connected back directly to the stroke count of Chinese calligraphy. Beyond these rare discoveries the middle eastern languages of Cuneiform, Hebrew, and Arabic are fully deciphered. There are also many appendices to the 6 chapters in this first volume that offer additional insight into the number philosophy of the ancient world, including the number system of Gurdjieff and the ancient eastern elemental system known as the tattvas. This work, though highly detailed, is aimed at the lay person, and does not require any previous knowledge of any of the alphabets or symbolic systems. I would recommend this book alone, on the merits of the last chapter. For I have written the best possible explanantion of the I Ching that has yet to see print. For in my research with the I Ching over the last 30 years, I had discovered the key to all of its symbolism. That key is the 8 basic trigrams that make up the 64 hexagrams. Once the reader understands these 8 basic shapes, then all of the complex oracular vocabulary can be understood. The Western Mysteries should also be purchased, since the two volumes complement each other, and were originally written as one large volume.

This book and it's "Western Mysteries" companion contain extensive amounts of interesting and valuable information. They truly bring together so many of the fundamental aspects that are shared across cultures and disciplines. Even though the books may appear, at first glance, somewhat complex, their many, many entry points provide easy access for both casual reading and deep exploration.

This is a excellent reference for all students of Magick.
The volume abounds in tables and cross references for many Magickal Systems, the section on Hebrew, is an outstanding resource. With corrispondances from a number of major sources, including Golden Dawn, Aliester Crowley, and Eliphas Levi. with correlations between them.

If you want a reference to Magickal systems, Alphabets, and corrisponding number systems, this book is Great.

I flunked algebra in high school. Now I'm taking a 095 algebra class at a local collage and now I'm getting A's and B's. It's a great book and ours came packaged with lecture CDs. It maybe the best algebra text book but you still have to do practice problems over and over to get good grades they don't just happen because the book was so good.

I used this book in my first back-to-college algebra class, and it is a great book. Easy to understand explanations and step-by-step instructions made algebra way easier than I remembered! Please note: the companion solutions manual has many wrong answers. The book itself, however, is great. If your class is using this book, you will do well.

I would really like to thank Mr. Angel for putting together a great book. I have to admit that I was afraid of Algebra until I started studying from this book.

Thanks !

I wish he had written all of my text books. Everything is clearly laid out with examples that are broken down into small steps to make understanding even clearer.

The book was laid out well and establishes a good flow with the reader. Contains helpful drawings and diagrams. This book is well suited for visual learners.

John Rushkin originally published this little volume in the winter of 1856/57. It promptly sold out and went into multiple printings. It is surprisingly still relevant today. Rushkin gives the reader many exercises beginning with a dip pen and ink and later moving to pencil and then watercolor (which in the 19th century was classified under drawing). I was so intrigued I actually bought a speedball dip pen and some india ink and began to practice the many exercises he gives. They work. By the time I finished the ink exercises I noticed a definite improvement from my early attempts compared to the later ones. And I am continuing the exercises.

Another fascinating aspect of this book is the snapshot it gives into the mind of a prominant 19th century art critic. Rushkin not only was a master draughtsman and painter but a widely respected art critic in his day. Monet was quoted by a British journalist to have said, "90% of the theory of Impressionist painting is in Rushkin's Elements of Drawing." A young George Seurat obtained a copy and admitted to having read it carefully. Now I'm no Monet or Seurat but I figure if these guys valued Rushkin's instruction I should certainly pay attention to what he had to say.

Rushkin explains exactly what the goal of each exercise is. He also recommends specific paintings or drawings to examine along with critiques of why this or that area in the drawing/painting is superior or lacking. He strongly believed it more profitable to study in-depth a few highly superior drawings/paintings to a wider assortment of middling/average execution. And he believed this even of famous artist's work - famous or not he advises to ignore for the moment their less masterful work and focus on the truly great ones. Rushkin pulled no punches. The entire treatise is full of his opinions right along side the exercises - yet I would say they are not opinions without merit. He gives you something to think about when looking at works of the art masters and something to strive for in your drawings and paintings so that you can become more than just technically competent. He addresses the heart and soul of drawing and painting. It made me think of why this or that particular line, shading or painting technique in an art master's drawing/painting touches me the way it does.

This is the best marriage between technical competence and artistry. And you grow in understanding that all the exercises he gives are only in service to the spirit of art. It is an emphasis that most modern how-to books don't touch. Analysis this deep in modern art books are left for books that are advertised as art critiques. Since almost all my art books fall under the "how-to" category (as anyone who's read my other book reviews will see) I found this critique aspect rather refreshing and wanting to read more such types of books.

I strongly recommend this book. Despite the lack of photos or modern step-by-step illustrations (the illustrations are line art - the most up-to-date technology for book illustration then available in an affordably priced book) I think it is very worth getting and reading. Perhaps artists who have been formally trained in universities or art academies will find this kind of instruction typical. But for someone like me who is entirely self-taught from the books he/she buys it is a great investment into expanding boundaries and knowledge of art in general.

I love this book. It's takes a no frills, 'no mercy' approach to teaching drawing. Surprisingly it has very few images but I find the text to be very readable. Written in the 1700's using the language of the time, it is at times very entertaining. It gives you instructions on the bare facts (including the pains required) on how to draw; in stark contrast to most current books which advocate the 'learn-to-draw-in-2-hours' approach. Indeed, Rusking is straight to the point enough to indicate the amount of time required to draw effectively - 160 hours! Ruskin was clearly a genius in the simple and effective approach on how he teaches drawing.

Written in the 1700's I found it to be a very fresh account and framework on how to draw in 2007!

Andrew Borg
[...].

I am enjoying this book. I'm an experienced draftsman, but feel that following the exercises Ruskin outlines in his book are greatly improving my drawing skills. The Watson-Guptill Illustrated Edition, with Notes by Bernard Dunstan, has added a number of illustrations of the work of Ruskin and his contemporaries, which are very helpful. They have also added additional notes to the margins from Ruskin's other writings that offer additional explanations, also very valuable. However, the modern illustrations done especially for this edition seem to me to miss Ruskin's points and may confuse a novice draftsman. Most obviously, early exercises that Ruskin emphasizes are to be done with careful precision in pen and ink are illustrated with quick, loosely executed, pencil sketches. The patience, sensitivity, and craftsmanship that the exercises are designed to develop I find largely missing from the new illustrations created for the book. I still would highly recommend this edition, advising the reader to study the modern illustrations for content but cast a critical eye on their technique.

As a long time admirer of art and a first time beginner of actually tapping my artistic well, this text is like having a private mentor guiding you through specific progressive exercises. It's language is quaint and cozy to modern ears, having first been written in 1856. But it is practical, clear and encouraging. It dispells the idea that only certain people can draw. And by focussing on drawing with pencil, it provides the foundation for using any other media. A wonderful find.

There is nothing new under the sun and this book originally written in 1850's is a gem. As an artist I found the book and descriptive language immensly readable (I guess that had to write well as diagrams were incredibly difficult/expensive to include). A gresat buy at the price!

There is something magical about this book that stays with you long after you have read it. The photos are exquisitely beautiful and the writing is entertaining and insightful. It is obviously the work of a man who feels passionately about orchids and life generally, and has a great sense of adventure. On reading the book, you begin to believe that you are actually there with him - in Hawaii or Singapore or Western Australia - sharing the wondrous 'orchid' experience. The book is destined to become a modern classic.

What a find...like a rare orchid itself. The story of a Queensland lad, used to the magic of the tropical rainforest, gradually discovering the delights of orchids. These days Max is a Sydney-sider, but the book follows his journeys throughout the world...as he finds orchids in their natural settings...and the people and the stories around the flowers. Loved his anecodote about how orchids to him, when a teenager, were something you presented to a young woman on a first date....and what they meant to the girl, but more importantly, to her parents.

His photography is remarkable - the repsect and enthusiasm for his subjects is enhanced by his understanding of the importance of natural light...and the time of day when photographs can capture the best of an orchid's magic - ie pretty much invariably about dawn or thereafter. Max's energy in getting up to get the right shot in the right place with the right light is astounding.

Anyway, it is very rare to find a book like this - a love for the natural world focussed on orchids, but with magically written stories leading from the flowers to remarkable people and places. Not only gorgeous pictures...but a most rewarding read.

I can only suggest it would make a tremendous gift - for anyone really - but if you have a flower-lover who is hard to buy for otherwise...this is it.

Steven Turner, Sydney

A book about orchids? Yes indeed. And about photgraphy, and the people and countries of the Asia/Pacific region. All told with the author's sly humor and grand sense of adventure as he tracks down the most beautiful of the beautiful with his camera, always mindful of respecting the customs of the lands and the people who share their environment with these elegant flowers. A wonderful travelog full of personal stories and anecdotes and a great sense of tolerance and whimsy directed at those of us who have many pre-conceived notions about these "enchanting" plants. A terrific read and beautifully photographed.

The photographs in this book are VERY high quality - the best I've seen - and there are lots of them. The colors are bright, brilliant even! Most photos are full page. I bought it to give as a Christmas gift to an orchid-loving friend, but I really want to keep it so I guess I'll have to get a second copy! The book is also well organized. If you love orchids, I'm pretty sure you'll love this book.

The book "The Enchanted Orchid" by Max Fulcher and Margaret Kelly have truly lived up to, if not, surpassed my expectations as far as the content is concerned. Photography is at its best notwithstanding the fact that the authors have carefully selected their subjects and successfully incorporated artifacts which effectively introduced the places where the orchids was said to have originated or photographed.

To say the I personally liked the book would be an understatement. I LOVE IT! The combination of humor with real life situations have proven the skill and talent of the authors. Among the chapters that I am amused of is that the one pertaining to the Phalaenopsis orchid wherein true passion for this wonderful flowers can really bring out the best in a person, let's say, a real adrenaline surge!

Once again, my kudos to Max Fulcher and Margaret Kelly for a very wonderful and educational book. I, myself, from the Philippines, where some of the photos were taken, is very grateful to the authors for further enhancing our already colorful culture and showcasing our rich flora to the world. I strongly believe the book will be out-of-stock from our bookstands in no time! Good luck and more power!

I first came across this book in my local library. I was so enchanted by the different designs, that after tiring of renewing it, I have decided to order my own copy. I recommend it to any person interested in needlepoint, as well as global designs...

Must add my praise for this book. Gorgeous colors in clear graphic designs plus various colorways so you can see what would happen if you use different colors. I get a feeling of generosity from the authors who obviusly love their craft and want to share it.

In addition to bold and unusual patterns, Mary Norden has an extremely good eye for colors. I use patterns and parts of patterns from this book all the time.

There are many lovely needlepoint books with an emphasis on romantic or Victorian designs. This book consists of designs with Asian, African and Latin and Native American influences. The photographs are beautiful, the instructions and charts are clear, and the colors dazzling! Highly recommended for all needleworkers---knitters, cross stitchers, crocheters, etc.---not just needlepointers.

This book brings the beauty of the various international fabrics to your needlepoint canvas. It's not your grandmother's needlepoint - no cats or flowers, just bold and exciting designs with great color graphs and ideas. I highly recommend this book - I even ordered a copy for my sister although it was out-of-print.

Reading Forgiveness for Forgotten Dreams touched my heart. I had to call friends and read some of them over the phone. The pictures that Mr. LeVine draws with his words are incredible. The love he has of life and those who share it with him is apparent! I will never think of blue socks the same way again! Thank you for sharing your heart. I recommend this book to everyone!!

I just loved this beautiful book! It gave me a view into the heart and soul of the poet, but also contained so many thoughts and feelings that I could personally relate to in my own life. It is both insightful and inspirational...and a quick, easy read for those like myself who don't have a lot of time to spare. I highly recommend this book to everyone!

I couldn't put this book down.
The day I got this collection, I read it through, with some poems read several times and I recall looking at my bedside clock, and it was 1:35 AM.
I could have kept reading...
I suppose what I like most about Mr. LeVine's work is the superb word pictures and how they touch on heart connections made throughout his life. "Seventy-Five Stories Above Ground" describing his connection with his father in dream state, as well as "I still Love November", both brought me to tears.
This is a book that I will read and re-read, share with friends, give as gifts, and generally keep at hand until his next body of work is published.
This poet's work makes me want to write!
I want to share my appreciation and enthusiasm for this offering. It's inspired me to look inward more often.
Ron Davis,
Long Beach CA

Although well educated and traveled, to me poetry has always been a mystery, words and emotions of uncertain origin. "Forgiveness for Forgotten Dreams" is quite the opposite. It is poetry for the everyman. Dreams and passions from and for each of our lives. Wayne Levine's prose elevates us all to a place of retrospect and romance that we seldom see.
This book should be read by all whom have dreamt.

This book is not just pages filled with poetry. Each poem contains a story that anyone could relate their life to. Once you start reading, it is difficult to stop. I cried, laughed and felt ecstatic at times. The feeling of living through so many of his experiences amazed me. I feel so inspired by Mr. Levine and can't wait for his next book to be published.

Croce's book focuses upon the dances within each film. Her understanding of the wide range of the Astaire-Rogers filmed dance legacy, and her knowledge of what it took to achieve such excellence in performance...make this book one of the two or three main literary sources on the great dance pair. Astaire-Pan-Rogers, and Born were the team that created a choreographic wellspring, over 10 films, of highly elegant, energetic, and graceful dancing. The likes of this pair, made in heaven, is not likely to be seen soon again. They were the best, the top of the top...and they knew it. Arlene Croce succeeds in this insightful and informational book in explaining why, through dance, and personality, and professionalism, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers continue to appeal to such a universal audience.

This retro-review is for,sadly,the now out of print 1987 paperback edition of "The Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers Book".This is a re-released edition by Obelisk Books in 1987 and pretty much looks like the original hardcover edition printed in 1972 throughout.
I was really shocked to see that this book had gone out of print,for it is THE essential volume for any Fred Astaire fan,and especially those interested in his period with Ginger Rogers.
Like the original hardcover edition this one carries on with the "flip" pictures in the top right and left corners of the book.That is there are a series of incremental pictures that if one flips through at a causal speed,they can see Astaire and Rogers dancing in two different numbers.A nice little touch.
The best thing about this book though is how the author approaches her subject matter.She starts off the book giving us a short but well rounded look at both subjects and careers pre-teaming.Like the rest of the book you know here is a person who knows her subject matter inside and out and never writes DOWN to the reader.She writes more like a friend imparting details and essential background material on a subject you both love.
After the intro(about 18 pages) we come to the heart of the book,the film by film look at the ten benchmark motion pictures made starring Astaire and Rogers.
Each chapter is divided into four areas.First are the detailed production and acting credits.Second comes "The Film",thirdly "The Numbers" and lastly "Production".This is repeated for each chapter/film throughout the book and the details and knowledge she imparts are invaluable to any serious student of this dancing duo.Her prose are definitely not dry by any stretch and she keeps you riveted to the page throughout.
Here is an example from her chapter on "Roberta",where she is talking about one of the big numbers from the film,"Hard to Handle":
"The context for the number is an informal session on the dance floor of the Cafe' Russe,the audience for it consists of bartenders and cleaning women,and the beauty of it is that it really seems to be happening for the first time-it's like a moment of cinema verite' bursting through the surface of a polished commercial film.
We've all seen numbers in musicals that start in this supercasual way- and the "impromptu" walked-right-into number became a staple of the Astaire-Rogers repertory-but how many times,no matter how good the routine or how sophisticated our response,it happens that we feel a little stab in our childish hearts-"Oh,they've rehearsed".Sanity tells us that Astaire and Rogers have rehearsed;publicity statistics tell us how many back-breaking hours.But the difference between them and other performers is that,watching them,we aren't in possession of our sanity,we're happy children again,the story the numbers tell us is true.And the illusion of spontanteity makes the plot implication of the number credible;it cements the relationship of the screen characters they portray."
This is a typical sampling of Croces' prose and delivery but as you can see she talks with a deep and sure understanding of her subjects and imparts it to us in that wonderfully direct but non-condescending manner.Her understanding and feelings match very much our own which she translates beautifully to the page.No other book I have read on Astaire(and I have read ALOT!) matches Croce's style and understanding,attention to detail and all put in context to the times and the behind-the-scenes production details so essential in giving its' readers the fullest understanding possible of what went into creating the finished products.
This edition is about 191 pages long in total and has a plethora of pics to enhance your reading pleasure.The last approximately 10 pages are devoted to miscellaneous pics from the films and a full spread of director Mark Sandrichs' production notes from "Follow the Fleet".
For those interested in Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in an either casual fashion or from a more learned point of view,there isn't a volume before or since that will educate but entertain you at the same time,like "The Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers Book".
An essential must-have volume on this peerless pair!

Actually published in the 1970's,
Arlene gives great insight into the
dances, the casting, script, and other details.
A wealth of useful information for both
dancers and Astaire-Rogers fans.
Far and away the best book on this great team.

The Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers Book is both entertaining and informative. Croce provides insightful commentary on the two stars' careers, their films, and individual dances to compliment the delightful pictures throughout the book. The top corners of the pages can even be used as a flip book so you can see a sample of Fred and Ginger dancing. This book has a wealth of information and is fabulous for anyone interested in the history of dance on film.

At just 191 pages Arlene Croce's FRED ASTAIRE & GINGER ROGERS BOOK is a gem. This is a classic work from the 1970'