Barton Books

Byron Barton has done an excellent job of re-telling the popular children's story. My granddaughter loved the bold colors and pictures. She first discoverd the book at our library and was beside herself when we had to return it, so I bought a copy. She was so excited, she has now memorized the story. This book is excellent for all pre-schoolers and pre-readers.

It's hard to find the classic children stories these. This is a good one with nice illustrations.

I got this book when my son was 13 months. He loved it and now that he is 18 months he still does. the colors are bright and different in all the pages, the sentences are short enough to keep the baby's attention on the story, and I found the book great to teach opposites. Now when I read the book and I say "the porridge was too hot" my son can complete the next sentence "the porridge was too COLD". And so on with the rest of the story. I say it's a great book.

I can't give enough rave reviews about this Byron Barton version of the Three Bears. The story is intrigueing enough for our almost 3yr old son, while the bright, simple illustrations hold the interest of our 11-month old daughter. The story is not at all wordy, yet it is definitely the complete Three Bears story. Byron Barton even adds another concept to the story. While the porridge is too hot or cold, and the beds are too hard or soft, the rocking chairs rock too fast or too slow. I love the early concepts the story introduces and the simple, yet well done illustrations and writing.

We checked this book out of the library when our oldest daughter was 2 (she is now 7). She loved it so much, we bought it. It was the first book that she memorized and we video taped her "reading" it and using different voices for each bear. The same thing happened with our son (now 4) - it was the first book he "read" to himself. And he still enjoys having the story read to him (sometimes by his big sister). Now our third child (2 year old daughter) loves to have the book read to her and "reads" it to whoever will listen.

The colors and illustrations are bold and fun. The story and illustrations are simple yet there are small details - like flowers that Goldilocks drops as she moves along - that spark a child's interest and interaction. We have even done projects using this book. With construction paper, scissors and glue, the children recreate pages from the book.

I can't say enough about this book. We have bought it for all of our little friends and for any new babies that arrive.
We have also enjoyed and purchased Barton's other books - but there is just a special place in our hearts for this one.

I'm a big fan of military scifi, but this novel is more than that. I've never read any scifi novel that laid out so clearly the harshness of alien occupation of Earth, and the responses of humans to their plight. The clever, the brutal, and the opportunistic survive, but the 'hero' is aware of the many ironies of his situation as a rising officer in the multi-species mercenary force used by the AI Master Race. The designs of the dominant aliens are never made clear, and this is a good thing about the book. Beings as superior to humans and as power as the Master Race are not stock villains--their aims are inscrutable, but their rule is draconian. Of course there's a revolutionary conspiracy afoot, but Barton handles the involvement of his hero in this struggle with more irony--I won't spoil this vital part of the plot. There are battles and aliens galore, but this is military scifi for adults, and nice guys finish last, perhaps.

This is one of the best books I have ever read.

Im off to order everything else I can find from this author.

WHF is one of the few SF novels to consider what would happen if hostile aliens *really* invaded Earth, which is to say it would be like 16th century Aztec warriors vs. the 21st century US Army. Not much doubt about the outcome -- although Barton has humans inflict 600,000 casualties on the invaders, who killed 8 billion humans. So a better comparison would be Zulus vs. British, or Apaches vs. the USA: no hope of victory for 'our' side, but we're strong enough to inflict casualties and win skirmishes. After conquest, it got nastier than any of these examples -- the Congo under King Leopold comes to mind. This is not a cheerful book.

It turns out that the invaders, the Kkhruhhuft, sentient velociraptors (+/-), are mercenaries, janissaries really, conquered long ago by the Master Race. The Masters appear to be some sort of emergent AI's -- their hosts/companions/creators(?) are a group-mind made up of carnivorous, UV-loving, blue froggy 'poppits'. The Masters' taste for galactic conquest is inexplicable, but they're very good at it. Evil Overlords, yes, but inscrutable, *alien* EO's. Perhaps conquering planets is how they keep score.

Rigorously-selected humans can join the Masters' janissary armies. Since Earth's civilization has been smashed, volunteers aren't hard to find. The viewpont character is a successful merc officer, coming home on leave for the first time since his enlistment

These are pretty pampered mercs. Between mass-killing campaigns, they live in comfortable bases on nice planets. The officers have personal servants, cooks, sexual consorts -- Athy has three burdar bedservants, a cook and a batman. The burdars enlist for a fixed term, are payed well and get a sizeable bonus for completing their enlistment -- they will return home rich, by local standards. There's a queasy fascination to this, and to the whole setup. The mercs try to maintain good training and discipline, but are under no illusions as to their role, which is brutal conquest and enforcement of Master rule. This usually involves smashing the local civilization, and killing 99% of the planet's population.

The book is matter-of-fact throughout, and is less depressing than it sounds. Life does go on, through the most awful circumstances, and people cope as best they can (or die). There's even a thread of hope that the Evil Overlords will someday get their comeuppance. The bad news is, the conquered races are likely to be exterminated too...

The bottom line: The first & second time I read WHF, I thought it was terrific. I didn't like it as much this time, but it's still a good, and unusual, book. Recommended, but not for the squeamish.

Note: Google Groups for a parallel review (by James Nicoll) and a discussion.


Happy reading--
Peter D. Tillman

I have read six or seven of Barton's novels, and all are very good, this one is no exception. It is based in a world in which a Master Race has subdued Earth and also controls most of our galaxy. Mercenaries are hired by the Master Race, aliens and humans alike, Athol Morrison being one of them. The book centers around Athol and his adventures and personal life. I found this book simply fascinating, a rare page turner. William Barton writes with adult content and themes, so beware if you are easily offended, however, I find this writing style very refreshing and honest, in regards to true human nature and instincts that few if any other SF writers ever touch. I understand this novel is out of print, but it would be worth it to locate a used copy somewhere.

"Surviving the slaughter of the human race by the cybernetic Master Race, mercenary Athol Morrison and a group of desperate resistors return to an alien-occupied America in a daring attempt to overthrow the dark rulers of the universe."

Yeah, right.

Barton is one of the few (and perhaps the only) SF writer who has the nerve to write realistic and truly _adult_ SF. _When Heaven Fell_ is not happy wish-fulfillment stuff--it is a starkly realistic depiction of coping in a world without hope.

You won't like this book the first time you read it. But I guarantee you will read it more than once.

All I can say about this book is "Bo-o-oring! After wonderful and lavishly illustrated dinosaur books of Yollen, this one (we took it in a library) is very disappointing. My daughter didn't like it, and neither did I. Maybe it's appealing to very young toddlers that still learn their colors, but it's sort of blah for my 22-month old.

What a fun introduction to the world of dinosaurs! And yet with plenty of information to challenge the most avid dinosaur fans--in fact, this is a handy resource for anyone. If nothing else, Barton's crayon-box colors are addicting.

This has been my son's favorite book since he was about 8 months old. I was suprised how well he took to it as such an early age. He is now almost 14 months and still can't get enough of it. It is the one book he will look around for and really insist on having at his high chair during meal times. Agree completely with the other reviewers who mentioned how fun it was to make the dinosaur noises and that the "long sharp claws, long sharp teeth" part is especially fascinating for the child. Even when i don't have the book handy, just by saying the opening lines...a long time ago...there were DINOSAURS -- brings a delighted smile to his face every time.

He also enjoys "My Car" by the same author although that book is not as simple (i.e., talks about car needing oil change, obeying traffic laws, etc.).

Excellent book for the young dinosaur fan. Good drawings, informative writing, and definitely keeps the attention of my most active grandchild (age 3)!

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R285V63257WHVK Cullen [...] reviews this book and gives you ideas on how to use to use it interactively with your child. For you I have more video book reviews, free children videos and free activity idea videos at the [...] website. If you have a children's book you would like me to review and offer ideas on how to use it interactively with children [...]. Also, feel free to to add me, Cullen Wood, as a Facebook friend.

This book was ingenius. The perspective from which Barton wrote was original and refreshingly delightful. I'd recommend it to everyone.

The notion that Jesus' values were those of corporate America and his "charisma" of the sort that makes insurance salemen is so laughably a fantasy that I hope the other reviews are meant as jokes. Portraying Jesus as a "booster," a kind of successful Willy Loman, is about as ludicrous as picturing Mother Teresa as a fashion model and Gandhi as a comic book superhero. The Jesus of the New Testament would have observed the conspicuous consumption of corporate America, the cultural gluttony of the Western World, with sadness and disgust.

Jesus may be the ultimate Rorschach. We look at him: Nazis see a blue-eyed Aryan beset by Jews and look for somebody to beat up; gays see their lifestyle affirmed in the friendhip with John; chickenhawk warriors somehow see endorsement of the hateful causes they want others to die for; the tenderhearted and compassionate see him surrounded by happy children; feminists see the women by his side; lying hypocrites see... God knows what.

The hardest thing for humans to do is to comprehend that their heroes are not just big versions of themselves. A hero should be something to push against, not a self-endorsement. Jesus told the rich to give away their money. He told his followers not to gather up treasures in the world. He said wealth is a burden that will keep the rich out of Heaven. He scourged the moneylenders. He was a freeloader. He is bad for business.

Today, as the most affluent country on the planet, we hear the Christian message as unhappily as the young wealthy Hebrew who asked Jesus what he must do to be saved. His answer was NOT "get an MBA." But instead of walking away, we invent new myths of a Jesus more suitable, one able to see past his silly prejudice against money grubbers, to see that it is possible to be rich and really nice.

Barton's book is a bizarre anachronism; a last survivor of the Babbitt years of pious Philistinism and Pharisaic self-approval just before the Depression turned our complacent cultural narcissism upside down. How sad, that it's coming back into fashion. Read Jim Wallis' *God's Politics* for a theology less absorbed with self-justification.

A truly inspired masterpiece. The life of Jesus has been beaten down over the ages by those who portray him as a sad, lonely and forlorn man; but in reality he must have been a most charismatic man full of courage, warmth, laughter, and life - the kind of man every one wants to be around. The author makes his points powerfully forever changing the way I look at Jesus and his life. This book is a must read. I am so glad I came across the book. I promise you will not be disappointed. It is interesting, enlightening, well written, and inspirational; and, it is an easy read. You will be glad you did.

I've read my very old copy of this book so many times that I decided to order a new copy. But looking at the reviews on this site, I was really puzzled and disappointed by the reviews comparing Jesus to a businessman and insurance salesman, and so much emphasis on business. I had never gotten that message from the text.

Then I saw the subtitle on the year 2000 printing of the book -"The Classic Account of Jesus as Business Entrepreneur." Huh? The original book doesn't have a subtitle. Even the chapter headings have been changed: Retitled from "The Leader" to "The Executive"; from "His Work and Words" to "His Advertisements"; from "His Way in Our World" to "The Founder of Modern Business." From the exerpt on the website, it looks like the text is the same, but the context has been changed. The publishers have reframed it. sad to say.

The original book describes the Jesus of the Bible as a man. An extraordinary man. A man people would follow. A man people would die for. And Barton's book tells us why.

Barton's book will enrich your life -- maybe even change it. And if you're a worshipper, your prayers and songs will take on new meaning.

I give the 5-star rating to Barton's original book, and a 1 to whoever decided to reframe it for the watercooler.

One of the greatest falsehoods about the message of Jesus has been exposed..He was not against wealth, he was against the worship of wealth...Certainly Joesph of Aramthenia (please forgive the spelling) and Nicodemus were men of great wealth and were loved and accepted by Jesus.
When he told the rich young man to sell all that he had and said that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven he was talking about possessions of ego and self importance..
Look at those who God chose to carry his message..Abraham, David, Soloman, Jacob, etc..none of them would have qualified for the food stamp program.
Finally, revealing the 'Jesus Business Plan', Barton points out that to be successful in business, love, and life..One must be a SERVANT..Ford 'served' us with transportation, Edison with light, Bell with communication, Disney with fantasy..Choose what you want to 'recieve' and then GIVE IT AWAY..A lesson for the ages.

The irony is that Brian Barton's book is perhaps the best of its kind only because his suggestions are not common knowledge. The more copies that are sold, the less valuable it becomes. Nonetheless, this shouldn't deter those who desire in the meantime to take advantage of some excellent advice. ...This understandable question is adamantly and unhesitatingly answered in the affirmative.

Barton has many insights to share, and unfortunately in our increasingly "free agent" economy---most people will until retirement be job hopping every two to three years. I refuse to sneak out any bits of wisdom from "The High-Tech Survival Guide." The author deserves compensation for his efforts and valued assistance. This is a five star book, and you definitely should obtain a copy. However, I will add some points of my own. It is strongly recommended for all job seekers to use the Internet search engine "Google." One should immediately obtain tons of useful information by merely putting in the phone number of the possible employer. What if they only list their fax number in a newspaper ad to prevent being contacted by either phone or in-person? No problem, querying "Google" by inserting only this number will usually give you the name and address of the company. Also, don't make photostat copies to give to your friends after you purchase this book. They are morally bound to buy their own copy.

I picked up this book after a friend recommended it and I couldn't be more impressed. I was most recently in sales at large brokerage house here in Manhattan. I was "downsized" about two weeks ago. Even as a veteran salesman (with 10+ yrs. experience), this book helped me "sell myself" better than I ever knew how to in a job search. Now, I'm gainfully employed again in a company that I hope will weather the latest economic storm. This book is a fast read, I learned a lot and it was very easy to apply these techniques to my job search. I'm not a technology worker, but these techniques worked like a champ for my job search and I'd encourage anyone trying to land work to pick this up.

I'm a technology marketeer who was laid off a few weeks ago. I read about this book in USA Today and decided to plunk down the money to get it. Let me say that this author explains more in twenty pages than most authors do in their whole book. He gives you techniques to get hired that I'd never heard about elsewhere (and I've read most of the books.) I liked the fact that it was short, and that I could get through it easily. The examples he provides help you make calls and get a hold of hiring managers, too. The book is designed for people that are positive and that have the energy to try these techniques. If you're a bitter, laid off worker, I'd skip this book since it's geared for people who are willing to try some techniques to get hired. If you're debating, I'd say go for it.

I am a recently laid-off software developer, and I bought this book thinking that it was going to give me specific information to help me with my search for a technical job. Instead what I got was a short pamphlet with useless generalities not geared to technical jobs at all. The web page for this also says that it can help you keep your current job, but there was no information at all about how to keep a job. I immediately returned this book.

This book is awesome! It is concise and succinct. The tips are not buried in the midst of long, boring chapters found in most career oriented books. I like the pinpoint precision of the author's advice on breaking the code for finding employment. The advice on the purpose of the corporate Human Resources department is worth the price of book. I have personally experienced several of the things that the author references and now I know why. The best ten bucks I have spent in a long time. I recommend it highly!

I borrowed a copy of Sacred Rhythms from the Pauline Bookstore sale shelf where I work (and live). I loved Barton's voice; her gentle style. The book itself is a kind of handbook on Christian spirituality: prayer, discernment, creating a spiritual "rule of life" (and even the examen of consciousness!). All very solid, very real-life oriented and very readable. But what was particularly interesting to me (a Catholic sister/nun) is how Barton, who was brought up in the Baptist tradition, makes this traditionally Catholic spirituality so approachable for non-Catholics, to whom the language may be much less familiar. Her writing is not so focused on a Protestant audience that a Catholic would be distracted or unable to relate. It's just a good, solid and balanced treatment of key issues in our life with God.
Barton deserves kudos for her treatment of the Sabbath in our Christian life, and her helpful explanation of how to create a "rule of life" that sets our life on course in a way that coincides with our life with God, not setting "prayer life" and "real life" on parallel tracks.

This was one of the most helpful books on the Christian spiritual disciplines I have ever read. Barton leads her reader through the astonishing basis for all spiritual disciplines, the foundational principles for each discipline she discusses, and an extremely helpful step-by-step practice of each discipline. It is a book one should slowly work through, rather than read quickly. Barton helped me revitalize my spiritual practices.

Ruth Haley Barton presents a clear and compelling description of the spiritual disciplines of solitude, lectio divina, centering/breath prayer, Ignatian examen (of consciousness and conscience), discernment, sabbath-keeping, and the Benedictine "rule of life." She opens the book with an invitation to explore the deep longings of your soul and name your desires before Christ. And she offers a wonderful chapter on the spirituality of learning to live in and care for our physical bodies. It was a powerful and life-chaning book for me -- particularly the chapters on solitude, honoring the body, and sabbath-keeping. Barton has a gentle heart and a gracious approach to the disciplines that is so inviting. This book was my part of my devotions for the last few weeks and I find that I will miss Barton's voice and vision and the possibilities that they have stirred in my soul. I recommend this book highly to anyone who is struggling with exhaustion or burn-out and wanting permission to dream of rest.

I have been refreshed and instructed by Sacred Rhythms. I am encouraged to explore developing (or discerning) a Rule for Life that will cultivate trust in God and love for others. Well done.

To be honest, I've gotten a little weary of books about spiritual disciplines. I always end up feeling guilty that I'm not more disciplined and perpetually struggle with having a consistent quiet time, after many years of being a Christian. Ruth Haley Barton cuts through all of that putting "discipline" (or "rule" or "rhythm" whatever you want to call it!) into the context of "desire," that we deeply long for God's transformation in our lives. She stresses that we cannot transform ourselves, only God can do that. But, we can arrange our lives in such a way that makes the conditions for transformation optimal. This book is extremely practical, gracious, and FREES you to seek God, rather than bind you to a set of rules. I highly, highly recommend it.

A great read in Stone-Campbell history. It charted the conflict and confusion that the restoration leaders went through in discovering truth. Sometimes, I think that people in the church believe that thousands of people simply read the Bible a few times and agreed on every point of doctrine. This is certainly not the truth. The search for truth is difficult, taxing, and rewarding. There was significant debate concerning baptism, atonement of Christ, and even the divinity of Jesus. This book helps us to never forget that conflict and disagreement will accompany the pursuit of truth.

I read this book a few days ago just because I thought it would be interisting. To my glee, i found that it was indeed very interesting. I have read all of Dr. Williams books and each one has a place in my top 5 favorite books list. I recomend this book to everyone.

D. Newell Williams takes a fresh, compassionate look at the contributions of Barton Stone to the first generation of the American Restoration movement. This movement was born and bred on the first new American Frontier of Kentucky,Ohio,Indiana and Illinois in the years that followed the birth of the U.S.A.
The biography looks at Barton Stone's spiritual journey and struggle to unify the new American church into a coherent and practical theology. I pleasantly responded to Williams search for the spirituality of one of the great frontier evangelists.
This book is worth a read from anyone seeking to understand the history of the protestant faith and its impact on the frontier mind.

D. Newell Williams was a professor of church history at my seminary prior to heading off to Brite Divinity School to assume the leadership there. That academic administrators are failed scholars is not a charge that could be leveled against Williams, and this book is primary evidence to that. Williams is a scholar of insight and precision, developing his subject thoroughly, carefully, and with great clarity.

Barton Stone is a figure of great importance in the history of Christianity in America (a subject of great importance in the history of America, one that tends to get lost in the early education of many students in the public school systems who still shy away from incorporating anything that smacks of religiosity for fear of violating the church/state split). It is remarkable that volumes on Stone are few and far between. The influence of the early Presbyterians and the off-shoots on the overall religious ethos of America can be seen across many denominations never directly in communion or administrative relationship with them.

Stone and his ministerial colleagues looked to a great revival, something that often inspires dread in established denominational hierarchies. Dissolving formal alliances with the Presbyterians and avoiding any descriptive terms save `Christian', Stone's path eventually led to a community with the followers of Alexander Campbell, becoming by the time of the Civil War the fifth largest Christian group in America. Inspired both by the greater spirit of liberty developing out of the aftermath of a successful war for independence and the expansion into new territories in the West, and the experience at Cane Ridge, America's Pentecost. Stone rejected the doctrine of predestination (which in many ways violated the sense of freedom so present in the young American republic), and yet Williams' main thesis is that there was no influence greater in Stone's development than his Presbyterian spirituality.

The development of the book follows the general pattern of Barton Stone's life. In the first part, Williams explores the family and social background of Stone, as well as his training and call to be a minister. Williams points out that Stone was not an untrained minister (as has been reported by other historians), but rather had significant training and education that included the standard ministerial training in biblical languages and topics. Williams gives an interesting account of Stone's pre-ordination struggles with reconciling himself to the doctrines of the Confession of Faith, including his search through scriptures and reason for consistency, and Stone's eventual qualified response when asked at his ordination if he could receive and adopt the Confession of Faith: `I do, as far as I see it consistent with the word of God.'

The second part gives attention to the Great Revival in considerable detail. Stone's experience led to conflicts and eventual separation, but this was not without great struggle and conversation. Stone's respect for many who were opposing him (David Rice, whose arguments that any departure from a fairly strict Calvinism would eventually lead to atheism which did not ultimately persuade Stone, is one such example) is apparent in Stone's own writing. Williams' explanation of the proceedings gives good insight into the way church organisations worked (and, in many ways, continue to work) in American society.

The three final sections all deal with the growth of the Christian church, first into an informal formality, then in union with the Campbellite Disciples as well as other groups such as the Separate Baptists, and finally as a group at action in the world for social progress. Part of the discussion for union took place in a way reminiscent of modern wrangling between nations without formal diplomatic relations - articles in periodicals, often penned by people other than the major players, made statements and set tone for the process of union. The formal denominational structure of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) did not take place until much later in the 1960s - until then, they remained a movement; before and after there remains a part of the spirit that wishes to `sink into union with the Body of Christ at large'.

Williams' writing is clear, engaging, interesting and informative. This is a good text for students of religious history, for seminarians of any denominational stamp, and for general readers who wish for insights into early American personalities.

In Barton Stone: A Spiritual Biography, Newell Williams (Christian Theological Seminary) takes great pains to paint a coherent well-balanced biographical picture of Barton Stone, one of the founders of the movement that would come to be called the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Williams opens this book with the statement, "...genuine Christian faith could only be the result of a miraculous or extraordinary experience of the Holy Spirit." It is very much through the filter of this experience that we learn about Barton Stone. Williams presents us with a Stone that is a vigorous advocate of Christian Unity; in 1832 he worked to unite the Christians with Alexander Campbell's followers known as the Reformers or Disciples. By 1860, this group numbering nearly 200,000 became the fifth largest religious group in the United States; they did not, however, organize as a denomination until the 1960's. On the issue of unity some of the difficulties of Stone's theology come through. His ideas on this issue (and many others) are puzzling. Williams works a great deal to clarify these aspects of Stone's theology and weave them into an easy to understand tapestry. In addition to focusing on Stones deep spirituality and proclivity for Christian unity, Williams shows his humanity in pointing out his frustration at the churches of his time because their apathy on the issue of unity and another issue that was central to Stone's theology, emancipation. The author spends a great deal of time focusing on this issue. Stone believed that slavery had no place in the Christian church and that it was a hindrance to both unity and the Second Coming of Christ. He wrote and preached a great deal on this issue and supported a colonization scheme for moving former slaves to offshore colonies; later he supported immediate abolition. While the author speaks of his subject's many contributions Christianity in America, he speaks little of the work of Alexander Campbell other than to mention in passing on a number of occasions some difficulties he had with Stone's theology. The author also fails to paint an accurate picture of the true unification process between Christians and Disciples. As I understand it, this union happened in local towns one congregation at a time. Stone and Campbell themselves never really seem to have united on all issues. In focusing on the spirituality of Stone, we learn little of his large ego; a trait that many scholars have attributed to both he and Campbell. Many have also sited this trait as one of the hindrances of unification. In conclusion, little has been written on Stone for the past forty years; this much needed updated biography gives us what in my opinion it yet the best balanced view of its subject. Stone is painted as a complex reformer, alive during the last great Christian revival, dedicated to unity, and integrity within Christ's church. While this book is academic in nature, it is also well written enough that even the casual reader will enjoy it. Students of the Stone-Campbellite movement will also be well served by this balanced historical resource.

The Bookschlepper reports: Shrewd, determined Prudence Winship (and the reader) learns to run her father's gin distillery and conceives of a cantilever bridge to Mannahata. Models are built, subscriptions sold. Gin persuades. Prue in her britches is immune to community norms and her fervor never-before-tried construction technique (amply described) possesses her as she takes the expedient course over and over. The back story is of a time when the new nation develops and new residents begin to provide competition to the sleepy, two-tavern town. In 1801, the bridge is almost completed when disaster strikes from uncomfortably close quarters. Prue, her sisters Pearl and Temperance and the town's early entrepreneurs are fully realized, nuanced characters. Barton chooses to let Prue be self-confident to the point of arrogance. This is an incredible novel, full of detail, insight, history and a conclusion that tugs at the heart.

A young woman in the 18th -century has a dream. Along with that dream she has the intelligence and wherewithal to accomplish her vision. The novel, Brookland tells her story beautifully.
Prudence Winship, eldest of the three daughters of Matty and Roxana Winship, yearns to take on the running of the very successful distillery owned by her father. Her father trains her and she learns the distillery from top to bottom, insuring the future success of the company. "Prue," as she is called, is not satisfied to own a successful business and by earning the respect of her all-male crew, however. She challenges 18th-century sensibilities and dreams of constructing a bridge that spans the East River, with one leg of the bridge in Brooklyn and the other in Manhattan. This daunting task is a formidable job in itself, but Prue's determination and drive cause chaos in her personal life, complicating the undertaking immensely.
Brookland is a beautifully written story with rich details and engaging characters. Descriptive and interesting, reading the text is very much like watching a movie, as the written words become illustrations in themselves.
A hefty volume of 496 pages, this is not light reading, but it is definitely good reading.
Barton's first novel, The Testament of Yves Gundron, won the Bard Fiction Prize and a Michener-Copernicus Fellowship. She will be a writer-in-residence at the New School from 2005-2006.

Brookland was a tremendous pleasure to read. It's an excellent story, and the voice is consistent and convincing. Living in Brooklyn, it's wonderful to imagine what it was like more than 200 years ago, and Emily Barton does a beautiful job creating that world. The characters seem very real, in their faults as well as their dreams.

It may be a bit on the gloomy side, but understandably: there are constant reminders of how hard life was, in ways it isn't so much anymore--so many babies dying, for one thing. I found it all fascinating.

Emily Barton has a way with a turn of phrase. I went back and re-read certain lines like poetry. The story is interesting and very involved. It is a long novel, but I thought worth it until the last page. Be forewarned - there was no reason to end it this way and that abruptly. Did anyone else feel this way?

I enjoyed the characters in the book. My opinion is they don't fit the time period that this book was taking place in. The characters seemed very progressive for this historical time period. When reading, at times I forgot the book was set in post-Revolutionary days.

The historical evidence, much of which has been twisted or swept under the rug by revisionists, show that Washington was indeed a Christian. This excellent book chronicles what is possibly God's divine providence in his life. Here is the evidence that I speak of about Washington being a Christian; There have been numerous prayers written by Washington, verified in his handwriting, that mention Christ and his faith in Christ again and again. Many of these more poignant prayers reflect the way in which he felt guilty for his sins and he realized his need for the mercy of God....again, always making mention of Jesus in these prayers. After a request for a chaplain to accompany his army onto the frontier when Washington was a colonel was not fulfilled, Washington himself conducted Sunday worship services and preached to his troops for 2 full years. Washington forbade profanity by his troops explaining - and I'm paraphrasing - 'Our enemy is so great (at the time there were 500 British ships right offshore!) How can we expect the divine providence and assistance of Almighty God if we 'betray' him and do those things he despises with our speech.'
When Washington's father died - George was 11 - His mother required him to conduct daily worship services in their home for the whole family.
Upon reading his diary, you will see multiple references to his attendance of Church on Sunday ( Sunday - attended Church or Sunday - inclement weather - unable to attend Church )
The revisionists of history and indeed most history books for students today, dampen or even worse, reverse Washington's greatness. As one prominent historian wrote of the historical revisionists: " These termites of the timber of our history - they seek to destroy his(Washington's ) greatness because, they are not great and cannot be. They seek to destroy his goodness because they are not good. To face the father of our country as he really is......they (the revisionists) could not face themselves and what they are" -
This book is rooted in historical fact. Washington was a Christian if you look objectively at the historical evidence.
I don't know if having four bullet holes in your coat and two horses shot out from under you in battle and surviving is divine providence or not, but, if you're a Christian, you certainly know that it could be.

This is a rather short book of 56 pages (8.5"x5.5" in size). However, it puts a good deal of infomation into those pages. The book starts with a short history of what leads to the French and Indian War, then gives information concerning George Washington's service under the British up to Braddock's march. In dealing with the begining of Braddock's Campaign, we are told of Benjamin Franklin's part in securing supplies for the march. There are illustrations and excerpts from first-hand accounts of those involved.
The author gives a fairly good account of the battle (Braddock's Defeat) itself, but there are some mistakes. For example, the book claims the French set up an ambush for the English at Braddock's Defeat. This is simply not true. It is true that the French were trying to set up an ambush at the river crossing, but the English had already crossed the river before the French arrived there, and the English spotted the French and Indians before any "ambush" could take place. When the French first met the British, both sides were equally surprised. This mistaken belief that the French ambushed the British, however, has been repeated by many historians. And the "Indian" the book claimed was spotted by the English was really the French commander of the attackers. Also, the book leads one to believe the Indian and French "ambushers" immediately routed the English but this is not true either. The English formed up into ranks and had the French and Indians in a near retreat after the French Commander was shot down. The English only began to retreat when the French and Indians regrouped under another commander and threatened to surround the English. This is when things turned ugly for the English.
There is really no excuse for these mistakes, but the story of George Washington's part in the Battle and his miraculous escape from injury is well told. Perhaps because of the rather short length of the book, the author simply skipped things which would be covered in a longer account.
One incident related is the story of Mary Draper Ingles, George Washington, and the Indian called Red Hawk. The author tells of an incident when Ingles met Washington. The author uses as his source for this information the book "Follow The River." Now, while I have read "Follow the River," and it is a very good book, it is a novel, and should not be used as a source. In fact, the author of that novel writes in his "notes" at the end of the book that there is NO record stating Ingles and Washington ever met. In other words, it isn't really true; the novelist just used the incident for dramatic effect. Also, the author of "Follow the River" states he used the book "Trans-Allegany Pioneers" by Hale for much of his information. This book relates the incident of Red Hawk and Washington, but Ingles is not involved in any way. And "Trans-Allegany Pioneers" uses for its source of information, the book "History of the Valley of Virginia" by Kercheval. Again while the story of Red Hawk and Washington is most likely true, Ingles is not involved in any way. Barton should never have used a NOVEL as a source because the author of the novel changes things for the benefit of the story and as a way to introduce the information. In other words, the incident with Ingles really never happened, but the information concerning Red Hawk and Washington is based on fact. (By the way, however, "Follow the River" is a very good novel, based on the life of Mary Ingles, but it is a novel, not a source for reference.) The other account of Washington and Red Hawk and Dr. Craik has as its original source a book by Washington's stepson, "Recollections and Private Memoirs of George Washington" (by George Washington Parke Custic).
So the story has some faulty history, but it does not distract from the main point of the story a great deal. Overall, the writing is well done and leads the reader on to the finish.
This is a good book for someone who has little knowledge of the French and Indian War, but anyone who has read of this account before will most likely find nothing new. For what the book is--a 56 page story of George Washington's part in the French and Indian War--this is not a bad book. The excerpts of original writings from George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Indians involved in the fighting would probably be expecially interesting to those who haven't read a great deal about this time period. But in reality, there are better books (but also longer much longer, which may not be what the reader is interested in). That said, I would give this book to any child, and it is written in a manner that will most likely hold their interest more than any book about history they are given to read in school. In fact, if there were more books like this, children would probably have a greater interest in history, as this is the type of book that makes history "come alive" with a story of people and events instead of stale dates and places. A good read for adults too for those who have little knowledge of this event.
By the way, the book is somewhat religiously oriented in that it claims God personally protected George Washington during Braddock's Defeat (an idea that is repeated several times throughout the narrative). Whether that is true or not, or whether one even believes in God or not, does not really detract from the book. However, because of the faulty history, I downgraded my rating to 2 stars. Still a good book to give to your kids though.

Congratulations to David Barton for bringing back and retelling a wonderful chapter in our Nations history and the story that once was the staple of our childrens educational diet. Unfortunately those who continually attempt to strip us of our heritage and our Founders of their honor, have by and large, been successful in just about eliminating this story from our curriculums now-a-days. In short with great malace, they rob our children of a healthy historical education. A very sad commentary on both our education system and our political representatives as we move into the 21st century. The reasons for this shameful conduct, ideology and oppression is rediculous and unamerican in nature no matter what mantel is placed upon it. And any court in the land that upholds such tyranny is quite frankly no more than traitors, to our country. The other day I watched a Fox News episode where a Militant spokesperson actually called George Washington and a few others "Bad People." And indicated that their children should not be expected to attend any institution bearing their names. If this is what our youth, by our own hands are growing up to become and believe in, then America has truly lost it's soul. Can we get it back, sure, if we once again begin to read or let them read stories like this and honor such Ameircans as George Washington and bring back a patriotism that also honors our great emblems and symbols without being ashamed of them. This book should be required reading for all students and we should institute the beginning of a new train of thought for our children. An attitude in which we no longer accept the new age thought process of dishonoring our great leaders of the past, to the point of condemning our own heritage. But we should rather once again teach respect it and them once again and honor those who helped create this great nation. An enjoyable reading.

I'm not sure that I had ever heard of this incident before reading this book. I know it was never recorded in any of the text books that my Public School used for their curriculum. Yet 80 years ago, almost all school children were taught about this incident.

And what's more important--It really happened, it's verifiable, and it was COMMON KNOWLEGE to Colonists during the Revolutionary War era. This is one of the reasons so many people had such trust in George Washington during the Revolutionary War and afterwards. They knew that he was protected by God.

This booklet gives the account of the battle in which General George Braddock is ambushed during the French and Indian War. General Braddock is killed and all of the mounted officers are killed or wounded except ONE (George Washington). Washington escapes unhurt, without a scratch, though several horses are shot out from underneath him during the 3-hour (I think) battle, and his coat is riddled with bullet holes.

--George Stancliffe

Whether God spared Washington's life in this account of battle, I know not. The author certainly seems to think so. And other accounts of Washington's career seem to indicate something of the Divine was involved in directing the steps of his life. Scripture teaches us that God directs the affairs of men, since there is no authority except from God. (Rom13:1-2) Therefore in the strictest since, the birth of America was ordained of God and Washington played an important role in the forming. But service to the Lord is quite another story. To imply that because the hand of God was obvious in the life of George Washington, that he was therefore a `genuine' Christian is stretching the truth. True conversion to Christ is manifested in humbleness of character, purity of heart, meekness and love. Something very rare in our modern churches. Although Washington lived in a time where sound preached was the rule and not the exception (as it is in our day) he did not manifest the fruits of the Spirit in his life to prove that he had anything better than the `faith of devils' (much like most professing Christians today)
He was indeed a highly principled man and probably moral in most of his conduct. But such were many of our founders. They excelled in the principles of sound leadership and upheld personal liberty. (unlike the reprobates in office currently) But MOST of them were not disciples of our Lord. We can remember Washington for his courage and determination in founding our Republic and pray to God that more like him would rise up to spare us the impending tyranny that is fast approaching.

I am a home schooling mother and got this inexpensive book for geography class. My children really like learning from it. It is quite informative and a great price!

I didn't realize that this would be a straight-forward dictionary of some geography terms, but that's what it is. My child never read it after flipping through once. It's very boring

We are homeschooling our 8yr old son. We wanted to make sure he had a good introduction to geography. As it turns out, He loves it! It's definitions are easy for him to grasp and there are drawings to describe each term. If geography knowledge is important in your home too, I suggest you get this book.

Being a glossary, this book is a dictionary of geography terms beginning with "archipelago" and ending with "zone". Definitions are short and incomplete, but enough for the target audience of 7-10 year olds. The illustrations are bold and colorful.

See also "Maps and Globes" by the same team for the same age group.

Geography is a fun subject because it is so visual. This book has fun, brightly colored pictures that illustrate basic geography words. I found this little gem at a library sale years ago and have used it to help prepare my chldren for our homeschool association geography bees. They love this book too!