Blake Books

A beautiful malamute named Akiak is featured in this book about Alaskan sled dog runs. The story of the old malamute who literally ran herself into the snow, when she reached a point where she could not "run on that paw," Akiak is taken to a dog drop off place. The malamute's indomitable spirit shows through. Instead of waiting for the little puddle jumper plane to fly her out of the area, the curly tailed dog escapes and rejoins her team, even though the team has a lead of several hours on her. The spirited malamute brings to mind MacFadden & Whitehead's 1979 classic, "Ain't No Stopping Us Now." There ain't no stopping Akiak now - she won't give up!

Readers not only race with the mushers, they run with the malamute who would not give up. Her travels and travails become those of the readers; her success will leave readers cheering with delight.

The drawings in this book are masterpiece paintings and readers will come away with a good understanding of dog racing and the rules and history of this sport. A trail map has been included along with some final notes about the sport of dog racing. A masterpiece of a book!

I strongly advise parents to adopt this book as one of their all time favorites. It explains an American tradition that most of us are unfamiliar with. The paintings alone are worth the cost of the book. Mr. Blake has used true artistry to describe the trama of the Iditarod. We Loved It!

We recently added "Akiak" to our elementary school library collection, because one of our primary classes was following this year's Iditarod. It instantly became a popular title, and several other classes have thoroughly enjoyed it as a read-aloud.

I can see "Akiak" becoming an annual tradition, right before the first "mush" of the famous Alaskan sled-dog race.

In frosty clear language, accompanied by his museum-quality oil paintings, Robert Blake, presents a day by day account of Mick's team, initially led by 10 year-old Akiak, until she "can't run on that paw." Akiak is left at a dog drop, but refusing to be flown out, she breaks free to chase after her team, many hours behind.

In this "incredible journey," students get a taste of the Alaskan's passion for this unique sport, learning about the hardships and rules of the race along the way. The trail map on the end papers would be helpful for those wanting to turn this into a simple geography lesson.

This excellent story works on many levels. This is worth reading, even if you're just looking for a heartwarming dog story!

This was an absolutely outstanding book! Our family thoroughly enjoyed this book and the amazing degree of emotions one goes through while reading this heartwarming story. The illustrations were also fabulous. Thank you for producing such a wonderful piece of literature! Sincerely, The Valentins

My kids thoroughly enjoyed this story of the dog who refused to give up when it becomes injured during the race and runs the Iditarod trail alone. The pictures are absolutely beautiful as well. There is plenty of action and suspense, and my children beg to hear it every night!

This masterful political biography traces the life and career of one of the most extraordinary figures of British political history, Benjamin Disraeli. In doing so it gives insight into the whole structure of nineteenth - century British political and social life.
It is told chronologically and moves with a sure and even narrative pace. One particular helpful feature of the work is the detailed chapter- headings, which serve as a kind of summary of the work as a whole.
The story of 'Dizzy's spectacular climb ' up the greasy pole' to the Prime - Ministership, his rivalry with Gladstone, his closeness with Queen Victoria, his brilliance as strategist in defending and extending the Empire is told with quiet sympathy by Blake.
Also there is a close chronicling of Disraeli's personal relations, including those with his somewhat distant literary father, his especially supportive sister, and very close wife.
Disraeli's Jewish origins , his misunderstanding of them and yet his pride in defending them are also part of the story of this sensitive, insightful and supremely 'romantic' political leader.

This is a work of considerable scholarship which chronicles the life of one of Great Britain's outstanding statesmen. The book covers the political life of Disraeli admirably, but also gives a view of the private Disraeli: confidant of Victoria, prolific novelist, inventor of the crouton.

Robert Blake's study of Benjamin Disreali, twice Prime Minister and prolific novelist, is one of the best I've read. Both Disreali's personal life and political career are handled with respect, and there is no unnecessary conjecture to mislead the reader. The resulting biography is both fascinating and informative, advancing chronologically from Disreali's parentage to his death and detailing the aspects of his personality and the extraordinary good luck that enabled him to rise so far in the British political system. Throughout, the reader is offered anecdotes from acquaintances, excerpts from letters, and portions of the speeches that gave Disreali his reputation as a matchless orator. Particularly touching are the stories illustrating the friendship he and his sister shared, and the mannerisms which characterized his personality. Overall, Robert Blake displays great knowledge of both Disreali and the politics that he loved so much. Therein lies the book's only fault, from an amateur's perspective; at times the references to the system can confuse a reader not fully familiar with British politics. However, any admirer of this great statesman cannot afford to miss reading this work, which already shows signs of becoming a necessary reference. Any historian, amateur or not, could easily view this volume as indispensable.

Blake's Disraeli is not only flawless in its interpretation of Disraeli but also in its style. It is a work by which all other biographies must be judged. Simply put, it is the perfect biography.

During the high tide of the Victorian era, the political life of the nation was dominated by two men, Disraeli and Gladstone. Gladstone is an obvious choice for one of the top statesmen of the era, he was elected four times to the premiership. Disraeli was not quite so fortunate. However, given the short period of time that he was in office he accomplished a great deal. He brought the tories back from the dead, passed a reform bill and managed to acquire the Suez Canal. At the Congress of Berlin, Disraeli's command of the situation even impressed Bismark (not exactly a slouch in these sorts of things). Not bad from a rather foppish young man who specialized in "Silver Fork" novels (a fictional version of lifestyles of the rich and famous in the 19th century).

Blake's book is the best one on the subject of Benjamin Disraeli. The complex story of the novelist turned politican is brought out in all of its facets. Disraeli was probably one of the most interesting people to be prime minister (after perhaps Churchill and Walpole) and Blake's book shows the reader how he did it.

I have a much clearer sense of Blake's writings now that I've read this book. I took a long time in finishing it, reading some major poems by W.B. at the same time. This is really an exciting book; it brings to life a whole universe - that lived in the poet's imagination. Blake is alive today (in the spirit of his artistic creations) I am convinced. William Blake had a great gift for describing aspects of real life in a way that was inspired by the Bible, and some other imaginative or visionary artists and poets; he was also highly opinionated. It's impressive how well Frye understood Blake's gift, and his personal life, which also makes a strand of this effort, which is a literary effort in it's own right. Anyone with an interest in Blake ought to read this book. It's a tool that allows one to approach Blake's creations of writing and visual artistry with an active (as well as open) mind.

Blake sets us in the middle of a rich mythological structure. This is the best book for explaining what that structure is and how Blake will come to an element and illuminate sometimes inconsistent characteristics of that element if viewed in a limited selection. And yet when Blake's work is examined as a whole an encompassing structure is revealed where each part has been carefully delineated and accurately described throughout. Since Blake's collected works are rather massive it is very helpful to have an overview of Blake's view of man when examining how any one particular image is dealt with in a poem. Else, one might think that Blake's portrayals are incongruent from poem to poem, while his vision is actually quite cohesive. Frye wrote another excellent essay on Blake, the title has something to do with the Fourfold Key. It shows the structural similarity between Blake, Marx and Freud.

Northrop Frye manages to convey in sweeping master strokes the brilliance of William Blakes poetry and unlocks the mysteries of Blakes symbols. More importantly, Frye engages the reader in learning a new way to look at literature in general and open up his eyes to a deeper world.

This punch statement belongs to William Blake .
Enthusiasm , passion and a huge sense of commitment describe the enormous effort behind these admirable lines written by Frye
Every major poet demands from his critic a combination of direction and perspective , of intensive and extensive reading . Cosmology is literary art but there are two kinds : the first designed to understand the world and the other designed to transform it into the human desire .
The part one The argument
1. The case against Locke
2. The rising God
3. Beyond Good and evil
4. A literalist of the imagination
5. The word within the word
Part two The development of the symbolism
6. Tradition and experiment
7. The thief of fire
8. The refiner in fire
9. The nightmare with her ninefold
Part three The final synthesis
10. Comus Agonistes
11. The city of God
12. The burden of the valley of Vision
Fearful symmetry was written during the Second World Two and the principal reason which persuades me to recommend you this wise essay is the fact you can draw a line in the story which starts with Homero , Dante , Michelangelo, Blake and Beethoven and obtain a powerful conclusion about the enormous significance of this admirable thinker.
Beware the fact the unforgettable conductor Wilhelm Fürtwangler whose father was an intimate friend of Hans Schliemann liked to visit Rome and Florence to watch over and over the Michelangelo sculptures and paintings ; this fact allows me to onclude the underground road between the Florentine genius and the Bonn genius .
An indispensable book in your library.

One disadvantage of browsing online bookstores is that you can't simply skim the cover blurbs; sometimes you just have to settle for the opinions of strangers like me. So it may be helpful to read the quotes on the back cover of my copy of 'Fearful Symmetry.'

"To say it is a magnificent, extraordinary book is to praise it as it should be praised, but in doing so one gives little idea of the huge scope of the book and of its fiery understanding . Several great poets have written of Blake, but this book, I believe, is the first to show the full magnitude of Blake's mind, its vast creative thought." -- Edith Sitwell, 'The Spectator'

"According as we agree or disagree with Mr. Frye's contention we shall decide finally on the supremacy of his book. In following the structure of Blake's total vision and relating it to the thought of his age he has triumphantly carried out a task which, given the giant shape of the material, cannot help being immense. His cadences, by sheer explanatory devotion, approach the sonorities of Blake's own." -- 'Times Literary Supplement'

"Frye conducts his ambitious study with unflagging energy, great enthusiasm, and immense erudition." -- 'Poetry'

"An intelligent and beautifully written critical interpretation of the poetry and symbolic thought of William Blake..." -- 'New Yorker'

My opinion: Northrop Frye's literary criticism manages to shift the ground underfoot in the same rare way Blake's poetry does. Frye was the first to crack Blake's code, remove from him the labels of Mystic and Nutcase, and reveal him as a poet who systematically recreates the world. Frye taught Blake to Jesuits, Communist organizers, deans of women, and angry young poets. He was continually pleased to encounter doctors, housewives, clergymen, teachers, blue-collar workers, and shopkeepers, all with a great and deep appreciation of Blake.

Frye's deep appreciation and admiration for Blake comes through on every page, six times over. I reread this book about every five years, each time coming away seeing the world upside down, inside out, and worth renovating.

This book was simple and to the point for any child to read. Great for the smaller child to understand exactly what is going on in her life.

This book is perfect for preparing children for Holy Communion! It teaches with simplicity and clarity. I have read all of Mrs. Ficocelli's books, and look forward to her next one!

I was raised catholic and needed a book about holy communion!
This book was simple and easy to follow and asked questions at the bottom about their own communion! Ann just loved it and I
too enjoyed reading it to her! Does the author have anthing on
confirmation? My son Luke is making his next year and would love a book!!

Wonderful book that explains the true meaning of Holy Communion in a fun, simple and captivating way. Great for the children and the parents. Warm, loving and includes everyone in the experience. For communion or renewal of understanding this book is fabulous for all.

I was raised Catholic and wanted to get Mary a book that would
have her understand the importance of Holy Communion! I felt the book was creative, simple and got the point across about God's Love. I even enjoyed it. It brought memories of my own
Holy Communion!! Does she write any other books? My Son Michael is being confirmed next year and would love a book that would
explain Confirmation on the same level!!

A favorite story as a child... Evidently this is where I developed my strange desire to eat chocolate cookies, while standing on a cobblestone street, listening to the rustle of silver leaves.

The illustrations are wonderful and the expression on the adults' faces are understandable to even the smallest child. It's a great book to counterbalance all of the "danger" messages we give our kids.

I loved this book as a child. It takes place in medival times and all the adults are afraid of a tree that grows full of chocolate cookies. They think that it is evil or bad luck. It took a child to suggest eating one and the adults rejoiced at the blessing it truly was.

As an adult collector of children's literature, this book is one of my favorites, too. The adults in the town are uptight and concerned about the unnatural appearance of a cookie tree. The message is one of enjoying your blessings and also, I think, of not being afraid of the strange or unknown. Wonderful book.

This one has been around a few years, and hopefully it will remain so. This is a delightful story pointing to the obvious fact that child's preception can be, and often is, much clearer than that of an adult. The narrative is quite well done, Williams is a natural story teller and it shows through this work. The illustations are colorful and simple in a way, at first glance, but the more you study them, the more complex they become. Quite detailed, as a matter of fact, in a strange sort of way. I like them. This is a great book for the young and certainly for the young at heart. Recommend this one highly.

This book inspired me to buy a grain mill and start pestering my local natural-foods store to carry whole grains. I baked good bread before, but freshly ground grain makes a huge difference. The profiles of the bakers here are fascinating, the pictures are enticing, and the recipes and techniques really work. Too bad the book seems to be out of print; I hope it is reprinted soon.

This book contains great photos and great recipes! I am an artisan bread baker and this book comes off my shelf again and again. The recipes are all hearty country loaves from around the world. Its a great read with interesting profiles on bakeries - and breads from around the world. From New England USA to Germany to India. There is not a lot of extra info in this book, Linda gets right down to the stuff we want to know about - baking bread! Buy it - you won't be disappointed!

I own and use a variety of cookbooks almost daily since we have eclectic international tastes. And baking bread is something I do the old fashioned way a few times per week. There is nothing as sumptuous as the smell of bread baking or the taste of a warm piece of bread slathered in real butter. And the heartier the better. None of the light as air no substance white bread for me.

And this book is a bread bakers delight and a big book packed with luscious photos as well as step by step directions for breads from dozens of countries. They even have glutten free bread recipes.

Some of my favorites are the Sunflower seed and olive bread on page 20, mixed grain sunflower loaf on page 19,Huron or whole wheat berry bread on page 27, rye bread with dry fruit on page 43, the various rye breads, stout and oat bread, and the green tea bread. And I really love the Lincolnshire recipes from England and of course Lusesekatts from Sweden which we will be savoring this week during celebration of St Lucia.

This is one of my all time favorite sit in a comfy chair near the fire with candle burning and plan for my next bake bread day books............. And it would make an excellent gift for any bread baking novice or master baker.

This is a beautiful book and contains a very eclectic mix of recipes. The directions are clear and concise, the pictures are beautiful and provide some visuals for those who like to see what things should look like. I do wish that Collister had provided a dry yeast alternative in some of the recipes that call for cake yeast, but that's not major enough to downgrade the book. Collister concentrates on English mills, but again that's not a big deal. I'd definitely recommend this book as a wonderful addition to your baking library.

After having been initially inspired to bake bread by Jamie Oliver, I progressed to this book. I have spent many hours digesting the wealth of interest and information in "Country Breads", and have had many successes with the recipes, I have actually had many requests to bring bread to work. My only complaint with the book would be that it is a little England-centric. It goes on and on about the Shipton Mill and its flour, and some of this flour is specified in recipes. Shipton Mill is a little far away from Melbourne, Australia! My favourite recipes are: the rye "Pain de Reucht", the baguettes made from a 'poolish', and the San Francisco Sourdough. I would certainly recommend the book as it has taught me a great deal, although only as a third or fourth book purchase on bread baking, not as a 'Bread Bible'.

From a six year olds' point of view.
"It is fun to read and funny. I love the part of the boy with the talking tummy."

I thought some of the Rhymes might be a little to grody for a little girl, but that is the essence of this little book. She takes delight in reading it aloud to her friends at school. And she never tires of it. She is a Roald Dahl fan and I am over the moon about it. I think Dahl and his books are a great alternative or addition to Junie B. Jones and Magic Tree House. But I think ultimately he will outlast many of these other books. He is a classic.

My cousin bought me this book when I was about six and I still love it (I'm 17 now). My whole family thinks it's a hilarious book and we have given it to many of our friends for presents.

This book was a favorite of my children, and is now conquering the hearts of the next generation growing up now. It is hilarious. Roald Dahl is a master.

A classic piece of Dahl lunacy. Whether you are 5 or 50 this Roald Dahl classic will have you squirming and tittering. Quentin Blake's wonderful illustrations capture Dahl's beasts and bring them hairily to life.

In this book, A clever pig is trying to save his bacon with an anteater.... Just read the book!

Would you like to drink some medicine with some shoe shine or bubble bath soap? If not you wouldn't want to be a mean grandmother or George. He made this medicine for his grandmother because she keeps on yelling at him. he decides to play a trick and makes this strange stuff that he gives to her. It doesn't do harm but makes it funny. I like this book because it is fun to read. It's funny when he puts the medicine in a big pot. I would recommend this book to a ten through thirteen year old.

This is a review about a little boy called George he lives with his Grandmother who is really a stupid Girl.His mother went out for shopping. His Grandmother was telling him to eat slugs and stuff like that. So George thinks of making her a Medicine he puts soap paint and shampoo and things that.When its 11 o clock she shoots up in the air.Because she drank the Medicine!.

This a book about a little boy called George. He lives with his Grandma(who is really a mean Girl.)His Mother has gone to do some shopping. Grandma shouts at George.She orders him like mad. So George thinks of making Grandma a medicine. He puts Animals Medicines,Soaps and things like that. And at 11 o clock the old Girl shoots up in the air.Because she trank the Medicine.

The name of the book I read and couldn't put down was Georges Marvellous Medicine, the author was Roald Dahl and the illustrator is called Quentin Blake. I found the book very interesting, the use of words were brilliant also there were some great keywords, I find that when I read books especially Roald Dahls I look for the interesting words when I read the book and when I read the Marvellous Medicine the book had alot of interesting words in which made the book more exciting. The book is about a young boy called George who lives on a farm with his mother, father and his dreadful grandmother, he loves his parents dearly but when it comes to his grandmother that is a completely different matter. She was absolutely horrible, she sat in her stupid armchair all day and everyday, she orders everybody around and expects everybody to revolve their lives around her. The story is mainly about George and his Grandmother and one day he decides to get her back for all the trouble she has caused him by making a new medicine for her, he puts allsorts of disgusting things in like lipstick, hair-dye, animal food and paint. When it's time for her 11'o'clock medicine he gave it her and then something really bad happens or maybe it's something really good which happens to his Grandmother, you'll have to read the book to find out. George is a nice boy and he helps around the house and farm he's a little angel. His Grandmother is absolutely horrible and she moans about the place being untidy and she doesn't even help. His mother doesn't play much of a part but she sounds like a nice charitable person, his father sounds like a demanding person but nice. I think that this story is great and that it is a book that I definately didn't want to put down, I would definately pass this book to another friend. It's a story for all ages and I gave it a fantastic 10/10.

The name of the book I read and couldn't put down was Georges Marvellous Medicine, the author was Roald Dahl and the illustrator is called Quentin Blake. I found the book very interesting, the use of words were brilliant also there were some great keywords, I find that when I read books especially Roald Dahls I look for the interesting words when I read the book and when I read the Marvellous Medicine the book had alot of interesting words in which made the book more exciting. The book is about a young boy called George who lives on a farm with his mother, father and his dreadful grandmother, he loves his parents dearly but when it comes to his grandmother that is a completely different matter. She was absolutely horrible, she sat in her stupid armchair all day and everyday, she orders everybody around and expects everybody to revolve their lives around her. The story is mainly about George and his Grandmother and one day he decides to get her back for all the trouble she has caused him by making a new medicine for her, he puts allsorts of disgusting things in like lipstick, hair-dye, animal food and paint. When it's time for her 11'o'clock medicine he gave it her and then something really bad happens or maybe it's something really good which happens to his Grandmother, you'll have to read the book to find out. George is a nice boy and he helps around the house and farm he's a little angel. His Grandmother is absolutely horrible and she moans about the place being untidy and she doesn't even help. His mother doesn't play much of a part but she sounds like a nice charitable person, his father sounds like a demanding person but nice. I think that this story is great and that it is a book that I definately didn't want to put down, I would definately pass this book to another friend. It's a story for all ages and I gave it a fantastic 10/10.

Bertie Wooster can sing the latest Broadway melody while he scrub brushes his back, but I prefer reading poetry aloud in my acoustically-correct, ceramic-tiled bath. And I've discovered the perfect book for it: Dover's Thrift Edition of Great Sonnets.

It is from this small volume that I've learned that the world is charged with the grandeur of God ("God's Grandeur," Hopkins), that lust in action is a waste of shame ("Th' Expense of Spirit in a Waste of Shame," Shakespeare), and that listening to my lover's breathing while pillowed upon her breast beats looking at that lone, cold, bright and steadfast star any old day ("Bright Star," Keats).

And that's not all. This thin volume of sonnets is chock-full of other such keen observations.

For example, how does Wordsworth ("Surprised by Joy") manage to convey so economically that fleeting feeling of joy accidentally experienced by a man mourning the death of a loved one, that is immediately followed by his feeling of guilt for having felt it, which makes us feel how quickly times passes?

How does Archibald MacLeish reduce a cataclysmic event as large as the end of the world into so few choice words that when the circus big top blows off you feel as if the top of your head has blown off with it? ("The End of the World")

How can someone say so much in so few lines and so few words? Fourteen lines to be exact, with five strong beats or stresses per line-no more and no less-and a very exacting rhyme scheme. I don't know. I'm usually given to such wordiness that it would take me a warehouse the size of a state university filled with three-ring binders to tell you, and I still couldn't begin to touch the truth of it. However, that poets can do it never ceases to astonish me.

What's more, should my dog-eared Dover thrift edition ever fall by accident into the tub, I can cheaply replace it.

This is yet another great value produced by Dover publication. For a small amount of money one receives ' treasures' that can help sustain one throughout one's lifetime. There are ' immortal poems' in this collection including many of the greatest sonnets ever written , sonnets by Shakespeare, Donne, Milton, Wordsworth, Keats, Hopkins, the greatest masters of the form.
I myself came to know many of these sonnets in popular editions by other publishers, editions which have commentary these 'Dover Thrifts' lack. But the poetry is here, and much of it is real food for the soul.
The collection raises the question why it is that so much great English poetry has been written in this particular form- a question I do not really have the answer to.

this isn't an exhaustive collection of sonnets, nor a serious study. it is simply what it is: a short collection of sonnets that can be purchased cheaply. there are many great sonnets not included and no contemporary sonnets. but it isn't meant to be anything more than what it is. and if you love the sonnet, it's a good collection.

I needed a little reference with sonnet examples.
This fit the bill, and had some savory treats as well.
I am a bit time-greedy with my poetry reading, and a sonnet
is a fantastic way to get some of the best Shakespeare,
Shelley, Longfellow, Hardy, Frost, etc. distilled down
to a minute, even reading slowly.
It's great to flick open to a page
and see some masterful language on a time budget.
If you have little time, or haven't read poetry
for a while, this great little tome is fresh
entertainment. Read Shakespeare sonnets aloud
to the missus, and you'll both be entertained.
The sonnet bites back at the sound-bite!
No batteries needed, no compatibility problems,
no cell-tower fade on the train.
I love little books.. Try some today!

A fine collection of sonnets, including many if not most of the most familiar ones. Eight from Shakespeare, four from E. Browning, four from Frost, four from Hopkins, four from Longfellow. For me at least, a more appealing collection than another I recently purchased.

As a Kingston Trio fanatic (I'm partial to the Guard years), I return to this book over and over. Photographs, interviews, history, discography--it's all here. I really miss Dave Guard.

If you are a Kingston Trio fan/appreciator like myself, words are hard to find to describe how wonderful this book is. It is put together by a company called Folk Era which is almost a "Kingston Trio Fan Club" in itself. Whatever price they put on this book, it would be a bargain. If you like the Trio and don't have this, GET IT!

Superb, fun, and, most important, thorough history and discography of the great Trio. Lots of pictures and fascinating interviews (with the late Dave Guard, and Nick Reynolds, among others). Every song the Trio ever recorded is annotated, every release date of every single, album, and other material, including 7 Up commercials, is provided. Those of us still around who grew up with them and appreciated them know how great they were, and this book is a delightful revisiting of these extremely talented, and witty young men and their unique time - that tranquil window between the Eisenhower 50's and the Beatle-ized 60's. This book answers a lot of lingering questions. Happily, the guys who put together this book are also responsible for making available, thru their mail order outfit, every Kingston Trio recording that has been re-released on CD.

I'M PROUD TO COUNT MYSELF AS A BIG BIG FAN OF NICK,BOB,DAVE AND later JOHN. I STILL PLAY THE 33RPM OF THEIR CONCERT AT UCLA and thrill to KEN Kangara,with Nick on the congo drum and Roddy McCorley,they bring back memories of a time of infinite promise known to us insiders as the 60's Ya hadda be there

Having fallen in love with them when I was 7, and still considering them the greatest pop group of all time (sorry Beatles fans), this book is a must for anyone who wants to get to know them. Congrats to all concerned. There will never be anything like them ever again, and this book captures our little moment together better than anything except, of course, listening to the records. Thanks for the memories!!!