Blake Books

Robert Blake's History of Rhodesia is an expertly written account of Rhodesia's past. Blake artistically focused upon the European history of the former colony from the 1890s until the early 1960s. He briefly covers the UDI period of Rhodesia, but his best writing recounts the political events that defined Rhodesia before 1965.

Blake beautifully articulated the political history of Rhodesia, but perhaps, like other liberals, he missed the major point. He failed to account for the African perspective of Rhodesia's turbulent history and how it influenced the Europeans. If Blake had the advantage of today's historical perspective, his book would undoubtably have a different voice.

A History of Rhodesia is a well written book that provides a thorough acccount of (southern) Rhodesia's history. I recommend this book to those interested in detailed southern African history.

Robert Blake's History of Rhodesia is an expertly written account of Rhodesia's past. Blake artistically focused upon the European history of the former colony from the 1890s until the early 1960s. He briefly covers the UDI period of Rhodesia, but his best writing recounts the political events that defined Rhodesia before 1965.

Blake beautifully articulated the political history of Rhodesia, but perhaps, like other liberals, he missed the major point. He failed to account for the African perspective of Rhodesia's turbulent history and how it influenced the Europeans. If Blake had the advantage of today's historical perspective, his book would undoubtably have a different voice.

A History of Rhodesia is a well written book that provides a thorough acccount of (southern) Rhodesia's history. I recommend this book to those interested in detailed southern African history.

Robert Blake's 'A History of Rhodesia', or as the reviewer prior has pointedly noted, mostly Southern Rhodesia, has earned its place in Rhodesian historiography. There are works which are better suited for those whose grasp of Rhodesian history is cursory. The various works authored by Gann (whom Blake rightly considers to be authoritative heavily relies upon in this book), for example, amongst others would likely be better suited.

Blake tends to be rather longwhinded, and at times even tedius, a concern which fortunately he is highly conscious of, and in turn he is often compelled to keep this in check, sparing the reader even deeper tediums (if anything, certainly a testament to his vast knowledge in this historical field). Blake also displays sometimes a lack of tact (i.e. "Africans are not the best servants"), though never racialism (he is not one, I strongly suspect).

This book by the well-known British Conservative historian, in spite of its often somewhat tiresome emphasis on the constitutional political-legal (and even procedural) dimensions of Rhodesian history, also provides us with poignant insights into the economic and class; sociological and demographic; anthropological and cultural facets of the chartered company -turned- self-governing colony -turned- federation- -turned- UDI-Republicanist.

In one instance, Blake juxtaposes and synthesizes between Australia and New Zealand, the United States and Canada, and the Republic of South Africa and Rhodesia (and, of course, the increasingly intermediatory role - though not irrelevence - of Great Britain in this respect). How Rhodesia differs and stands unique in this regard is one area which the author attempts to elucidate (often with some measure of success). As much as this mildly lengthy book is written in an often longwhinded and sometimes rather dreary fashion, it is also equally rich (content-wise as well as philologically) and engaging. It is, inspite of all its shortcomings, an insightful work, which is in no in shortage of poignant passages, both original and cited. This makes 'A history of Rhodeisa', ultimately, worthwhile notwithstanding some of the aforementioned drawbacks.

To sum up, Robert Blake's 'A History of Rhodesia' is not the first (nor even third) book I would recommend for those interested to learn about Rhodesian history from scratch, not to mention UDI-Rhodesia -turned- Zimbabwe era. Not as seminal as some might claim, nonetheless, it is a recommended read. Its flow, while sometimes somewhat prohibitive, is also often quite facsinating, and less freqently, even nearly-profound. Blake is informative, a talented writer and a compotent academician. It is, then, a work not so much essential, but nevertheless, one which those who possess some familiarity with the subject are likely to value, perhaps even cherish.

I'm afraid I did not like this book and would not recommend it to other parents. My kids were bored with it. It offered a cute but essentially uninspired story of a four year old who wanted to be five. My kids are interested in stories where they are surprised and challenged. Here the pace is slow and the events predictable.

Reviewed by Conner Augren (age 3) and Mom for Reader Views (2/08)

Alex is a four-year-old boy who cannot wait to do everything that his brother does, like go to school, play baseball and get his own library card. He knows his ABCs and 123s, he can brush his teeth and tie his shoes, but he can't wait until he's old enough to do the things he wants to do.

"How old are you, Conner?"
"I'm three, almost 4."
"Do you know when your birthday is?
"I don't know."
"It's Feb 23."
"Did you like the story?"
"Yeah!"
"Why?"
"'cause I like it."
"Do you get mad that you can't do some things until you're older?"
"Sometimes. When I'm six I get to have a guinea pig and a snake, right Mommy?"
"We'll see."
"How old do you want to be?"
"I want to be six, and four, and five, and seven, and eight ... and I want to be eighty-nine ... and I want to be eight nine six."

Parent's comment:

Though my child hasn't expressed it fully in reviewing this book, it is a book he can easily identify with even if he doesn't have older siblings. Frequently he asks for things that are for when he's older. He doesn't always understand why he has to wait. The author captures a lot of the frustration and impatience of waiting. She also illustrates the skills that are needed (or at least in Alex's mind) to progress to the next level. I truly liked the follow-on questions at the end of "I Can't Wait Till I'm Five." It gave my child a chance to think about his own situation and also to reinforce what he understood in reading the book.

I have many young nieces and nephews. Instead of buying them video games, I opted to buy them books. In the load of children's book they received, they enjoyed this book the most. Apparently, they really related to the young boy in the book not being able to do what the older kids could do. (I guess I should explain what the book is about):

Basically, it is about a little boy who's frustrated because he is not allowed to do what older kids could do.

How many younger siblings could relate to that? I know I definitely could!

Overall, this book is excellent for children and I would recommend it to anyone.

This is one of the first romances I ever read, and its still one of my favorites. Rafe is amazing, the setting is great.

I love Jennifer Blake's novels. She doesn't use formulas like many other romance writers. Her plots are complex and packed with adventure and action. While some of her storylines and characters' motivations strain one's credibility at times, I always allow her leeway, because her novels are so exciting. And her characters are colorful, unusual, and credible. The historical detail about the period is really interesting and well researched.

"Love's Wild Desire" is set in New Orleans and Alhambra, a Louisiana plantation, owned by super-hunk Rafael Navarro. Catherine Mayfield, a spirited, aristocratic Creole beauty makes a poor decision when she agrees to accompany a friend to a quadroon ball one evening, a place where no lady would ever be seen. Navarro see her there and is immediately attracted. He mistakes her for a "lady of the night" and literally sweeps her off her feet. He carries her away to his townhouse and has his way with her, thereby ruining her reputation. Although there is another man who is willing to marry her, the fortune hunting Marcus Fitzgerald, (a nasty villain, disguised by a handsome face and a lying tongue), Rafael has his way - again. So, Catherine becomes Maitress of Alhambra and goes there to live with her husband.

This is a period filled with danger for plantation owners, as slaves are rebelling and rioting throughout Louisiana Territory. Catherine feels the tension immediately with the house slaves. She also has problems with her young sister-in-law and her companion who dabbles in voodoo. Although she is very attracted to her husband, she is guarded with him, afraid to open herself emotionally. She is sure he only married her to save her reputation and she doesn't want to be hurt. Rafe, is also fearful of being hurt. So, the usual misunderstandings which take place when two people are not open with each other about their strong feelings, occur. As a consequence, Catherine gets herself into all kinds of trouble, even risking her own life on a few thrilling, chilling occasions.

This is a real swashbuckler that will keep you reading well into the night. ENJOY!
JANA

This is one of Blake's earlier works, originally published in 1977. While it promised at first to be "steamy", with the opening duel, and subsequent rape scene early on, this book does not quite measure up to some of her later works. Except for that one rape scene, sex was not explicit. Although I loved the character of Rafael, he is not developed as thoroughly as could have been possible. Some actions of the story likne were only talked about, and not shown first hand, which would have been more effective. Especially lacking were scenes showing Rafe's grief when he thought Catherine had drowned. Overall, however, I am always impressed by Blake's knowledge of the history of the area and the different cultures that exist along the Mississippi, in Natchez and New Orleans. One can see just how much Jennifer Blake has improved as a writer over the years, by comparing this book and others, such as LUKE and ROAN, and PRISONER OF DESIRE.

Matilda was a great book i especially liked it when Miss Trunchbull made Bruce Bogtrotter ate that huge cake made of sweat and blood!

This story is about a five - year old girl in France. Her name is Matilda and she has a nasty old dad, fat plumpy mom, and a normal old brother. You see, Matilda is not just an ordinary girl, she is a genius. So brillient, that she could skip to 4th grade! She started to read newspaper and magazines when she was three- years old. At four, she went to the local library and read all the books!
Not that she is only smart, but nice. Speaking of nice, Matilda helps her own teacher, Ms. Honey, to escape freely toward Ms. Trunchbull. You see, Ms. Trunchbull is the princial of the school but also Ms. Honey's aunt. Ms. Honey tells the horrible childhood of her because Ms. Trunchbull had taken everything away from her including her father's life. Matilda and her brain and march toward Ms. Trunchbull with everything she got! Even with some amazing physic powers!
My favorite part in Matilda was when Matilda seemed like a little girl to everyone but, inside of her, she has physic powers. She has powers to push, pull, grab, and to throw any objects at will with her eyes with 9 feet distance! That is one of the way she helps Ms. Honey get her stuff back. I think that part is the best part of the story.
"Why this book?" There isn't really an answer to that question. "Well, as usual, I was playing games when my mom stops the game system and tells me to read a book. So I went to my room and picked out a random book on my shelf. The book of comes called "Matilda" and I started reading it when it started becoming very interesting! So basically, the answer to that question is my mom told me so!

This is the kind of book that lets you know your not the only person out there not understood. It comes from the heart and tells the truth about some kids and it's a very good book. I'd recommend this book to any person of all ages. It's the kind of book that takes you along the hand and it's like your right there in the book. Roald Dahl is a very,good writer and Quentin Blake is right there with him when it comes to art.

Overall the book is not bad. When playing some of the melodies, they don't exactly match the version on the CD's. Close enough for enjoyment though.

Yes, I read the description. I consider myself a mediocre-at-best guitarist, with almost no flatpicking ability, so I was hoping this would be a little push in the right direction. This says "intermediate level" but as long as you can read tab, you should be able to handle this.

Melody lines *only* don't tell you much that you couldn't figure out on your own, even if you're pretty novice. Melody lines aren't even that interesting: Really, would you rather have just the melody as Blake sings it or would you rather have some pointers on his ornamentation? Even just a few pointers? (Why would you want to sing it *exactly* as he does, anyway? Doesn't that kind of defeat the purpose of this kind of music?)

I'm still glad I got it, but I'm not blown away.

Oh, and mine DOES NOT have a spiral binding, which is a royal pain in the neck. Music books and cookbooks should ALWAYS have spiral bindings so they lie open on their own.

This book is very accessible.

For each tune presented, it gives first the guitar chords and melody (including a TAB rendition of the melody), then the complete lyrics, then the guitar TAB. This allows you to play the song at any level of complexity you like, up to Norman's own, without requiring of you the ability to read standard musical notation.

The spiral binding allows the book to lie flat when open, making it physically very easy to use.

Throughout there are photos of Norman, Nancy and friends, making the book an aesthetic delight.

The pieces transcribed include a selection from throughout Blake's career, and both songs and instrumental pieces. They are: '76 Blues (+2); Back in Yonder's World; Billy Grey; Blake's Railroad Blues; Charlie Gaither; Chattanooga Rag; Chattanooga Sugar Babe; Church Street Blues; Crossing No. 9; Down At Milo's House; Ginsing Sullivan; Green Light On The Southern; Greycoat Soldiers; The Highland Light; In The Spring Of The Year; Jimmy, John and James; Lincoln's Funeral Train (The Sad Journey To Springfield); Lonesome Jenny; Macon Rag; My Old Home On The Green Mountain Side; Ol' Bill Miner (The Gentleman Bandit); Old Ghost's Cry; Old Time Farmer; On And On And On; Paramount Rag; The Railroad Days; Randall Collins; Ridge Road Gravel; Savannah Rag; Slow Train Through Georgia; Southern Railroad Blues; Uncle Sam; The Weathered Old Caboose Behind The Train; We're Living In The Future; Whiskey Deaf and Whiskey Blind; Last Train From Poor Valley; Uncle; Tin Foil And Stone.

Enjoy.

This book was purchased as part of the required reading materials to complete Learning Language Arts Through Literature, British Literature curriculum. Not only is this book handy to have for the completing the course, it is a pleasure to read. The book contains multiple forms of poetry from a wide array of Brititsh poets, some more famous than others; and the selections of poems in this book were well chosen.

At the time, I could not understand anything about poetry. And today, I still do not understand it. I have been re-reading this book lately (yes, I still have it 15 years later!), hoping to understand the appeal of poetry. Rime of the Ancient Mariner is in this one!

I got this book for a class and then lost it, since then I've been looking everywhere for it. All your favorites, and some new ones to treasure. One great little book!

The PI hero in this book is cut from Raymond Chandler cloth. He is the PI Knight Errant.

The story opens in 1985 when the number one teen idol is found with an underaged girl in a very compromising situation. This is the last of a series of alcohol fueled missteps resulting in his incarceration in a mental hospital. Eventually, he is released and five years later it seems that he is finally getting his life back on track when he becomes the suspect in a grisly murder investigation.

The murderer isn't hard to figure if you pay attention while reading. The clue is there. But the real strenght of this book is the way it grabs you by the hair of the head and drags you through the amoral world of stars and starsuckers. The action never flags.

I read Ed Gorman's novel Shadow Games in one sitting. Even though the book was easy to read and held my attention, I was disappointed. The idea of a child star's fall from grace is very interesting, however, I found myself not knowing enough about Cobey Daniels and wondering why should I care about this character. The other characters were two dimensional and the ending was just too quick. I felt that the author should have spent more time developing the characters, ie, their histories, personalities and motives. I was disappointed at the ending because I felt that it was not thought out and was done for shock value if anything. You might like reading this novel as quick read, but you may be disappointed.

You'd never think that Gorman would come across as having a cutting edge sense of humor, judging from his previous works. This novel is pure Joe Lansdale and Richard Christian Matheson (i.e., Created By) rolled together. It contains gripping violence yet has hilarious observations and one very funny scene in it. I enjoyed it immensely. Too bad his other works, though good, don't have as much leavening to them as well.

This is a great bathroom read, or for urbanites, the train. If you read Mental Floss magazine, and enjoy Brit humor, then you'll probably enjoy this small, slim edition. The reading is concise and easy to digest, fun and thought provoking. Great to share with friends.

First came Schott's Original Miscellany. Now comes a hilarious British parody, by the fictional A. Parody, that takes the original book one step sillier. This small volume is a compendium of off-the-wall and funny facts, mostly in the form of lists. The contents range from the factual, such as famous people with pseudonyms and the semaphore alphabet, to the fictional "7 things you can never quite remember," in which Santa's reindeer include Comic and Blitzkreig. Some of the categories are outrageously useless, such as prime numbers whose individual digits add up to 11. Some are useful, such as collective nouns for animals and a list of the aliens from Star Trek. Let's not forget such silly gems as "Ways to end a romance" and "Not wildly popular sea captains." This book even satirizes an index; the last page claims that an index should be tailored to the reader and then proceeds to explain how to construct your own. This book is witty, creative, and a great spoof. You might even learn a thing or two from it. Just remember to take its contents with a generous dash of salt! This would make a great gag gift for the trivia buff.

Eileen Rieback

SCHOTT'S ORIGINAL MISCELLANY. What's interesting is, I found it just as dip-into-able as the original. The humor is British, so if you don't "get" British humor it might fall flat. On the other hand, it is cheaper than the original and my suspicion is that if you enjoyed browsing Schott's, you will enjoy browsing this as well.

It is true the book provides helpful ideas on how to interepret difficult texts from the Bible. But if you are looking for SIGNS to be included you will be disappointed. Somehow I think the title may be a little misleading for those searching for Sign(not text)Language resource books.

When I first saw this book I was just amazed and excited about the way it provides helpful ideas on how to interepret difficult texts from the Bible! As an experienced interpreter for the deaf in a church, I can truly say this book has given me alternative ideas to consider and to improve interpreting some of the texts I stuggled with in the past! The index is a breeze to use as well. I can only hope Cycle A and B are forthcoming!

I've been interpreting Mass at my church for 5 years and I am so thankful to have found this book! It is wonderful to have a 'second opinion' in trying to gloss some of the more difficult concepts clearly. And, it's fun to see how many of my ideas are the same as Ms. Blake's! Talk about a confidence builder! The index is a plus. I just used it today to help find the glosses for the upcoming Immaculate Conception mass. However, I think anyone trying to gloss Bible readings, regardless of religous preference, would find this book handy. When is Cycle A coming out?? And how about a book of Mass songs????

I have to say that I was a bit disappointed in this one. For a book that is geared towards the beginner, there was surprisingly little information about actually getting started, with the main focus being on exercises and demonstrations. Speaking as a novice, if this had been the only book I had purchased, I would have been totally lost.

I don't want to say that this book is completely useless, however. The basic information about paints, supports, brushes etc. is good, as are the glossary terms. But beyond that, in comparison to other "How To" books that I've purchased, this one just doesn't measure up. To be fair, some of that can be attributed to personal taste. As someone who is interested in abstract art, the lessons (all still life and landscape) simply didn't interest me. Furthermore, almost half of the photos are black-and-white, including some of the demonstration pages. It's a stretch to expect the reader to understand the difference between opaque and transparent painting techniques by looking at rather poor quality black-and-white images. It just didn't work for me. For the novice painter, there are much better books out there.

Professionals tend to use no more than a dozen of the ACRYLIC PAINTING colors. Watercolor paper's slightly rough texture brings out the precisely fluid color of drybrushing a green pepper and the scrubby back-and-forth strokes of scumbling a peach. An Old Master technique monochromes lights and shadows before color glazing a kettle. The trick to painting glass or water is using the same mixtures as the background for patches of light and dark, but with more white for lights and middle tones. These are some of the tips that Wendon Blake shares as he follows artist Rudy De Reyna's demonstration paintings through covering shapes with flat tones, modeling lights and darks, and adding highlights, textures and details. The author also covers special techniques, such as cloth dabbing; correcting by darkening, lightening or repainting; impasto; paper crumpling; scratching; spattering; and sponging. He says good painting means working with cleanly stored supplies; chemically stable colors on acrylic gesso-coated hardboard, chemically pure 100% rag stock watercolor paper, or real artist's canvas; and museum-quality mat boards for taping with glue-coated cloths or homemade drawing paper strips with white water soluble paste. He has covered just about everything needed for going on to Earl Grenville Killeen's THE NORTH LIGHT BOOK OF ACRYLIC PAINTING TECHNIQUES, Barclay Sheaks' THE ACRYLICS BOOK, and Rachel Rubin Wolfe's THE ACRYLIC PAINTER'S BOOK OF STYLES AND TECHNIQUES.