Brown Books

"Not yet" was the order given by Colonel John B. Gordon in the Sunken Road to the 6th Alabama soldiers under his command on September 17, 1862. "Not yet" was the response uttered by Jeffrey Keene on October 31, 1992 to a palm reader who had just told him that he died in that Sunken Road on the Antietam battlefield. Not yet . . . .

"Someone Else's Yesterday" chronicles a Connecticut fireman's amazing discovery that, not only had he lived before, but that he was one of the South's greatest Civil War heros. Mr. Keene's book records one of the most startling "waking memory" reincarnations documented to date.

Having no real interest in the Civil War, Mr. Keene's journey begins innocently enough on vacation where he felt compelled to visit Antietam National Park Battlefield. His accounting of what happened to him while standing in what is known today as "the Sunken Road" or "Bloody Lane" is riveting. And yet, it isn't until 18 months later, at a Halloween party, a palm reader asks him: "Do you believe in past lives"? Thus begins one man's incredible journey of discovery.

Mr. Keene freely shares his thoughts and confusion as he delves in John B. Gordon's history and discovers parallel events in both his and Gordon's life that are undeniable. Events that are too specific to be coincidence. Two of Mr. Keene's most startling findings are that not only does he share an incredible physical "mirror" likeness to John B. Gordon, but that he has birthmarks and scars on his person that match John B. Gordon's battle wounds which he illustrates through photographs. Mr. Keene also shares photographs of notable Civil War era soldiers that bear a striking resemblance to people he either works with today or has worked with in the past. The latter evidence gives credence to the theory of "soul groups." This reincarnating groups of souls is a group or family with a common purpose and common level/state of advancement/enlightenment who work together towards a common goal. Whether that common goal was to win a Civil War battle, or to suppress a raging fire, the soul group theory comparison here is indisputable.

I highly recommend Mr. Keene's spellbinding book "Someone Else's Yesterday." You may find yourself questioning your ideas about reincarnation!

This book really opened my eyes to reincarnation. I would recommended it to anyone that is unsure and needs proof into the field!

My husband and I were fortunate enough to experience a slice of serendipity when visiting friends in Connecticut. We had ventured out to visit a quaint little cigar shop and that's where we met Mr. Keene. I had never heard of him or his work, and after learning that we were from Upson County, Georgia, he was more than happy to share with us his experiences and convictions regarding his connections to John B. Gordon. The author is quite an interesting fellow--very personable and entertaining. The opportunity to meet and talk to the author has made this book much more meaningful and authentic for me. I highly recommend it to both believers and skeptics alike. It is quite the read!

Mr. Jeff Keene had provided his own past life in a way understandable and as historically accurate as possible to his earlier life as a CSA General John B. Gordon. There were some very touching places in his story which literally brought tears to my eyes like the following -
(1) The place where he explains about the spontaneous feeling of sadness he felt when he stood next to his daughter's grave from his previous life and who had passed off when quite young even before ever being named.
(2) The place where he very humbly stays behind thinking of himself as quite junior when compared to other army commanders on the lines before being called by General Hancock during Grant's funeral to lead the funeral procession alongside him in the front lines.
(3) The place where he vividly reminisces his past life incident when he saved the life of the Federal Division Commander Francis Barlow.
On the whole the author comes through as a very great gentleman and one worthy of emulation in both of his forms as Gen Gordon as well as the current Fire Chief Jeff Keene.
May God provide him all prosperity in the present and the yonder!

What more can I say. I have read many books on this subject, and there are many of them out there, but this I must say is the best ever. It takes you from the very start of his search to present day. If you are looking for your own past lives, this book can help you. It gives you ideas of how and where you can start looking for yourself. It lets you know how a journey of this type can affect your present life, good and bad. It also lets you know how past lives influances the thoughts, actions and memories you have today, even your dreams. I could not put this book down from the moment I started reading it, till I was finished with it. It takes alot for someone to come forward like this and share what they went through, and I must say thank you to Jeffrey for doing so. Martin Huffman

I have been using this little devotional daily for many years now after a friend gave it to me. The topics seem to always be relevant for the day I am reading, and I love that it is all completely Scripture. I have given away more of these than I can count and will continue to do so.

Well bound leather book with quality feeling pages makes this an easy book to pick up and use. I would recommend this small daily devotional to everyone. Easy to use, carry with you and to read.

I ordered Daily Light from Amazon and was thrilled to get the 5 copies I orders, especially since the book has gone out of print. I received excellent service.

Daily Light is a book that I have read for over thirty years. There is a daily reading, morning and evening, of various scriptures that are all on the same theme. It was compiled by the Bagster family of London, England. There were twelve children and it was Jonathan, their tenth child, who was mainfily responsible for the idea and for the method by which Daily Light was compiled. The family prayed over, discussed and agreed on each scripture and sometimes it was weeks before it was felt that they came to an agreement. Not one word has been altered from its conception (1794). Hundreds and thousands of Christians have read the same page with its message of comfort and help through the years since it was first published. It brings hope and encouragement each morning and evening to anyone who takes the few minutes to read it and let it sink in. "Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105)

Daily Light is a compot of Scriptures arranged around daily topics. It has been a favorite for generations but in 1998 Anne Graham Lotz revived it, published it in the New King James translation and offered it in a leather bound edition. Though very popular it is unfortunately no longer available. Our hope is that J. Countryman will republish it soon.

If I had to pick my favorite biography of all time, this would be it. It has of course as it's subject one of the most fasinating figures of all time. Although Winston is known primarally for his stand aganist Hitler, Manchester's book makes us realize that even if World War 2 had never occured he would still have expericenced one the most action filled and important lives of the twentith century. And Manchester has a real gift for making the past come alive. His masterful use of telling detals gives an almost tactial sense of what life must have been like in the Victorian and Edwarian ages. And there's another reason why the book is special. One of the themes is how often Churchill was mistunderstood and deried for his actions. He was widely blammed for the Gallilopi affare, for example, but the book makes clear that he had little to do with that misadventure. And there were many other episodes where he was villified and unfairly pillored. And I think that is someting we can all understand and identify with. Doesn't everyone at time feel thaat our actions,indeed our very selves are not understood by others? Winston suffered through this many times in his life, yet he remained true to him, his values, and his vision. Reading this book can give you courage.

The wonder of the Internet. I googled the New York Times Book Review of the Last Lion, Winston Spencer Churchill Visions of Glory written by William Manchester. What I read of this review dated May 25, 1983 rather stunned me. Ms. Michiko Kakutani wrote a very critical and to my way of thinking pedestrian review. I am currently a subscriber to this paper and read the New York Times Book Review faithfully every week. Good thing I was in Cleveland at this time and never read this review.
I read this book back in 2003 with only a cursory knowledge of Winston Churchill. I learned many things which included a rather hard childhood in a privileged family of aristocracy. Randolph Churchill married Jenny Jerome of America in 1874. Winston Spencer Leonard Churchill was born on November 30, 1874. God help us all!
William Manchester writes a splendid review of the life and times of Winston Churchill. His due diligence as to the historical narrative is indeed grand. The letters of Churchill to his parents when he matriculated at Harrow are priceless.
Manchester describes all from Churchill's years at Sandhurst to his excursions to the U.S.A. and Canada. From his service in the Calvary in Africa, India and onto the Boer War, Winston was indeed there on the ground.
His consistent promotion by his mother after his father's death is fully described. Also detailed is a life in upper class Victorian England. Ms. Kakutani thought that Manchester really had no concept of English life during this time frame. Oh really?!! Just what makes a 28 year old Japanese American journalist an expert on Victorian England? I found Manchester's descriptions and historical narrative of this time frame in Winston's life informative and entertaining. Martin Gilbert's narrative was informative and true but it lacked the style of Manchester's writing.
Manchester covers Winston's entry into the House of Commons and the offices he held in high government before during and after World I. This book represents Winston's first 58 years of life. Manchester has written a classic. Unfortunately he will not complete the full life of Mr. Churchill. His second book will cover his Wilderness Years through to the start of the Second World War. He never could finish the third book. I find Manchester's biography more interesting and informative than Martin Gilbert's "Churchill a Life". So Ms. Michiko Kakutani what do you think about them apples?

Manchester is one of those writers who appears unable to disappoint. This is a book to be read and savored. For years, it sat on my shelf - I saw as a large undertaking that I wanted to do right.

The book has a very interesting structure. First, it begins with a kind of interpretive introduction to the man, vividly characterizing him while also evaluating his strengths as a man of history and his glaring weaknesses. You see him, worts and all, and it is both funny and enlightening. The psychological depth is virtually unprecedented in any other bio I have read. Second, you get a view both into his milieu - as an aristocrat of talent and privilege in Victorian Britain - and a biography of both of his parents. This is crucially important, as we come to see Churchill as an anachronism, but also as a boy neglected by narcissistic parents. (Interestingly, the absence of one or both parents is a common trait in extraordinary achievers.) Third, you get his life story, more from the events he was involved in than as an intimate portrait, though much of his personal life is covered. Indeed, he used action as the most effective tonic against depression.

The man that emerges is flawed and complex, but evidently a political genius. In my view, the key to his character is that he remained a Victorian gentleman, who viewed martial valor as the greatest source of meaning and glory in life. This suited him to titanic struggles, such as the one he faced with Hitler that places him in the ranks of the greatest historical figures. As an egotist, he always wanted to place himself at the center of events and yet did so with courage and tenacity in spite of his physical weaknesses. When out of power, he exercised other gifts, such as writing, with equal talent and energy.

Nonetheless, Manchester proves that Churchill was not a politician deeply in touch with his constituency: he never developed a typical base of power and often his views did not synch with the mainstream. Without Hitler, his hour might never have arrived: this duality is a theme that runs through the entire book.

If there is any flaw here, it is that Manchester includes a plethora of detail, not only about world events but in Churchill's political maneuverings. Normally, I delight in these details, if I know there is a purpose to all of it, which I did not always sense in this book. (Here a comparison with Robert Caro is instructive: you always know where he is going and why.) Others may see it differently, of course. Also, many of the historical details I already knew, so did not need Manchester's wordy introductions, but they were useful in the many cases of which I was ignorant.

All in all, this is one of the most engrossing and fascinating bios I have ever read. Warmly recommended.

This is a truly *massive* work, equal parts scholarship and artistry. Though volume one runs close to a thousand pages (counting notes, sources, etc.), I finished reading it this afternoon after an off-and-on reading of about two weeks, and it just flew by. Manchester crafted this with such precision care that I fell into the narrative from page one.

The greatest strength of the book itself-- aside from it's subject-- is Manchester's gift of narrative. WC was the quintessential Victorian, as Manchester points out time and again throughout both volumes. It is only appropriate, then, that the author should give some feel of what it was like to live in the British Empire at the time of Queen Victoria. Some of the very best passages, in my opinion, deal with life during the last quarter-century of Victoria's reign. These are not mere digressions. These fascinating glimpses into WC's era help the reader to better understand Churchill himself, who was born a Victorian and remained one to his dying day.

Manchester provides insight into British colonial administration, life in the British Raj at the end of the 19th century, and the upper class's attitudes toward sexuality and marriage. While this is fascinating in itself, Manchester goes even further and weaves a vivid tapestry of politics, history, and culture through his use of personal correspondence. It is his exhaustive use of personal correspondence-- between WC and his parents, WC and his wife and children, WC and Members of Parliament, and between all sorts of people talking about Churchill and the events in which he was caught up--- that this gives Manchester's work the feeling, not of history or even biography, but of a life too large to have been lived by one man.

well this is the first book i read on winston churchill . bought it in 1983 . the foreword is unforgettable but historical mistakes in it makes this work not the very best on the luife of sir winston. great prose nevetheless.same can be said of book number two.

Without a doubt, "Three Comrades" is the saddest story I have ever read and one of the most beautiful. This novel is vastly under-rated. It should be on every "classics" list of great fiction. There is not a rating category high enough for it.

Many lovely pictures emerge page after page -- of Berlin in the late 1920's. Take page 129 as a small example: "We walked on. Then we came to the graveyard. The trees rustled, their tops were no longer visible. As the mist continued to thicken the fairy light began. May bugs came reeling drunk out of the limes and buzzed heavily against the wet panes of the street lamps. The mist transformed everything, lifted it up and bore it away, the hotel opposite was already afloat like an ocean liner with lighted cabins on the black mirror of the asphalt, the grey shadow of the church behind it became a ghostly sailing-ship with tall masts, lost in the grey-red light; and now the houses, like a long line of barges, came adrift and began to move."

The characters are remarkable, and their stories are heart-breaking, while at once ringing with humor and pathos. Some episodes are hilarious; others make you cry unabashedly.

Three Comrades is a love story - no it's several love stories. One is of Robby and Pat (yes, unusual names for a story about young Germans). Another is among the abiding friendships and devotion between the three young men, their triumphs and travails, as the deteriorating social structure of pre-Hitler Germany crumbles around their feet, ruining their lives. The final love story is the heart-warming thread of true care and care-taking shown by the wider circle of the gloriously depicted players in this story, some sad and forlorn, others happy-go-lucky and still others greedy and vile. The mix is, of course, sensational, real and vivid. Every single character speaks with clarity in his or her own voice.

The story itself (once you pass through the first 40 pages) is simply compelling. You sense quickly the doom that is bound to come; you know that some will die; you know that tragedy will eventually win. You know all of this, and it does not matter. You cheer and root for these young people. You want them to live and thrive. You hope against hope that everything will be all right. You laugh, cry and exult with them. And in the end you are moved in your soul by their plight.

The story is - in a word - sensational. As to the fate of the characters, page 375: "'No,' said I, `I don't want to betray anything. But I do want that not everything we touch should always go to pieces.'" On the German social order, page 402: "'...They don't want politics at all. They want substitute religion.' He looked around. 'Of course. They want to believe in something again - in what, it doesn't matter. That's why they are so fanatical, too, of course.'"

You will laugh and you will cry and you will be unable to put this book down or stop yourself from thinking about these people long after you finish it.

While it might help, you need not read "All Quiet on the Western Front" first. Three Comrades stands on its own merits.

Now, why did I not give this book a 5 star rating, one that it clearly deserves and that most reviewers correctly award to it? It is because of the translation by A. W. Wheen. The feeling that the characters in this story are German and that the story takes place in Germany in the late 1920's is completely lost by the "over-the-top," slangy 100% British translation. This is not a British movie about Germans. This is a German language novel in need of a good English language translation. But, the way these people talk --- via this translation --- completely neutralizes their German-ness. The story could be in Southampton, or even Denver for that matter. I grew tired of the colloquial British-isms. Why not keep some of the German language --- un-translated? Except for an occasional "Ach!" we are forced to read this story in rather low-level British English --- a complete travesty. I don't want to see the word "lorry" or the word "kerb" or "tyres" or the phrase "...knocked the car down to us" in this story. Such a translation is an insult to the book, the author, and the historical value of the tale.

I implore the publishers to consider commissioning and publishing a sensible American English translation of this marvelous book, while at the same time keeping the tone, feeling and ethos of the German language, the German sensibilities and its very German setting. I detested reading what may have been an intentional de-Germanization of this glorious book by virtue of this horrible British translation.

Thus, it is because of the translation alone, not its literary value, that I decided to rate the book a mere 3. On its merits, the book is a 5++. But, alas, a translated book is only as good as the translation. Remarque deserves better.

It has been generally accepted view that Remarque was never a great writer. I largely agree with the verdict. However, he was a very good writer whose expertise was touching the sentiment of general readers , if not those of literary critics. Three comrades is definitely my favorite along with Black Obelisk , not only among Remarque's works but also any form of literature I have been consuming for years. Similar to his early novels , such as All quiet on the western front and the sequel "The Road Back" , Remarque used first person narration. Robert Lohkamp , narrator of the novel, is the archetype of "Lost generation" from the other side of hill. Robert(or Bob or Robby)'s psyche was so pulverized by the experience of the Great war and its terrible aftermath that he seems to lose all meaning in his life. Bob , Otto and Gottfried are main characters whose life were forever marred by the war . But, they find a consolation from strong comradeship and endless drinking.

By accident, Lohkamp and his comrades met Pat. Although three of them all fell for her. It was Lohkamp , with his comrades' help , falls in love with the mysterious and consumptive beauty Pat. Much of the novel is about daily harship, and the slow change of Bob from despaired and jaded realist to idealistic romantic who can do anything for his love , Pat.
The book conveys sundry aspects of love through contrasting author's ideal notion of love and life and harsh reality that doesn't seem to allow little preciousness ordinary people longed for.(especially, Bob's neighbor Hasse's case)

I particulary enjoy Remarque's humane description of characters in the last stage of the tumultous Weimar Republic. Remarque maintains objective but symphathetic observation on these people whose lives are obviously shattered and go down to the nadir by uncontrollable economic difficulties and political turmoil.

The other attractive aspect of the book is the author's description of subtle changes Lohkamp goes through. First several chapters , he was one of those hardened veteran who doesn't have any aspiration in his life and so full of weltschmertz. Yet after meeting and falling in love with Pat , Robert slowly changes himself and finally last several chapters and its tragic ending . Lohkamp is the man who doggedly resist toward desiny he himself so well aware of.

In fact, the last few chapters shows how talented Remarque really was. If he had not indulged himself into hedonism and been as disciplined as Thomas Mann, surely Remarque would have written some master pieces .

When Remarque wrote this book, he was under severe pressure from both his own life and publishers who expected another best-seller. There are a bit of cliche, kitsch and strong resembrance to Mann's "Magic Mountain" in the last several chapters.In spite of these weaknesses, the book will surely touch sentiment and make you want more about Remarque's other works. It's one of the most touching love stories you will ever read and at the same time honest representation of ordinary people's every day difficulties in one of the terrible moment in the modern German history. It's a deeply pessimistic book ,but the beauty of Remarque's pessimism somehow penentrates your soul even though it was written almost 80 years ago. All in all, very renumerative reading and I am not hesitate to recommend the book to anyone who still value human decency over profit and sentimental romanticism over artistic pretence and intended complex.
Please read it after the western front and Road back. you will grip how the most promising generation became the victim of its own passion and forces beyond their comprehension. I hope the book will be republished .

I don't think anyone can fully define what a great book the three comrades is. No one can describe the love between Pat and Robert throughoutly. I truly believe this is the most romantic book of all time. We live in a very changed world now, where there is little time and place for emotion but if there are any romantics left, this book should be your best friend. I hope that sometime in the future this book can be taught in school instead of the usuall boring rubbish people have to endure. If anyone is interested in reading a book about friendship, love and most of all hardships of life, then this book is the one for you

Does anyone even remember this brilliant author anymore? What a shame, that the average American is made inescapably and constantly aware of the Paris Hiltons of the world while remaining completely unaware of this man and his literary genius.

This novel will touch you in some way, provided you have even a trace of the Milk of Human Kindness running through your veins. It is a story of the small troubles and small triumphs of insignificant men, at least as the world counts Significance. It is the story of men who no longer understand the world they live in, resorting instead to an unspoken Code of loyalty to one another, as Comrades ought to do. At the very least it will remind you of what integrity and quiet self-sacrifice are really all about. This one is abundantly worth your time.

My colleagues who have reviewed Remarque favorably on these sites are totally correct: he is a remarkable writer who still resonates with contemporary readers in a manner that more esteemed German writers such as Mann and Goethe fail to. A cross between Hemingway, Faulkner, and Fitzgerald, I have seldom spent more rewarding time reading. The combination of humor, philosophy, brilliant dialogue, unusual and touching romantic experience, war-weary and world weary articulations, social commentary, and perfect word craftsmenship (thanks to excellent translations of course), make him stand out among all European writers in my mind--but then again, I'm a more Modernist enthusiast. So far I love all of the novels I've read, but I tend to lean slightly towards The Black Obelisk with its absolutely profound and heart-rending romantic dilemma. I teach All Quiet at the university level, but I'm working on teaching A Time to LOve..., 3 Comrades, etc. BUT...can anybody tell me how in the freakin' world these books are out of print and how to do something about it?! It's a freakin' sacriledge!

Have always loved Bloom County. So when I was looking for children's books for my nieces I found this and the artwork is fabulous and the story is too cute for words. Great for someone tired of fairy tales and little princesses. The girls loved it very much!

I love this book. It is just as fun to read as it is for my son to hear it. Other adults in our family enjoy reading it to my son to.

Great book from a great author, you will not be disappointed if you are a Berkeley Breathed fan.

The work of Berk Breathed is hauntingly beautiful and heartbreakingly insightful...it is also dead-on hilarious when he wants it to be. Please don't reject this book because of a "dedication" remark that is not so much a political statement as it is a reflection of the fact that somewhere out there, right now, someone is trying to raise future-President Fudwupper. Let us pray that they have purchased this book!

This is a very funny book that teaches a couple of lessons very well. Cause and effect, honesty and family loyalty are all explored in a humorous and insightful way. Great book for kids about 7 and up and adults who need a laugh or a little reminding.

I thought this book looked more like how to be a feminist than anything else. I was so disappointed that it doesnt deal with issues my daughter cares about. She wasnt even interested in flipping through it. What a waste of money.

The Girls Guide to Life by Catherine Dee contains a plethora of information and anecdotes for young girls and budding teens that are both entertaining and empowering. This primer for young girls deals with issues such as self esteem, empowerment in the workplace, social rights and obligations, and general life 101 lessons. The guide celebrates the empowerment of young females through a variety of activities and uses real life examples to address the issues that all young women face today. A great field guide to life's basics that every girl should read!

Finally a book that addresses womens' issues and presents them in an easy-to-read and fun format for young women! It's important that girls know about these issues at an early age to help them realize their potential. This book is full of facts, quotes and stories, making it interesting to read and easy to pick up where you left off. Stories from real women help make the author's points credible and understandable. The book doesn't just talk about issues, it actually gives girls ideas on how to put their beliefs into action. I found The Girls' Guide to Life very inspiring, informational and empowering! I can't wait for my daughter to read it, and I plan to recommend it to all of the young women in my life. - Dale Salvaggio Bradshaw, co-author of Firestarters: 100 Job Profiles to Inspire Young Women

I think this is a good present for most teenage girls because it opens the door to further thought and purposeful decisions. Even if one is not a feminist, one could appreciate the information on topics like why sports are important, how to stay safe at home/school/street, and why math & science equals a bright future.

I appreciate the topics on self-esteem, what is physical beauty, and understanding and handling sexual harrasment.
Honestly, I wish this author would write similarly empowering and informational books for boys!

How refreshing to read a book which helps to elevate, educate and emancipate young girls of the world. This book speaks to young girls in a very human and comprehensible way. It teaches them how to be strong, yet not overbearing, healthy not bulimic, educated, self-motivated and just all round good citzens of the world.

The book is full of historical facts showing how females took on the world against all odds and succeeded. In the book readers are also treated with humorous cartoons, for instance their is a young lady who takes on the form of a puddle. At the end of the cartoon she is standing upright and shouting "I am not your doormat!" Its a beautiful evolution....

Also what impressed me are the worksheets and life exercises in the book. What a clever way for a young girl to track her progress, in addition getting life pointers and hints.

Help a young girl become a confident young lady - Give her this book!!!!!

Hats off to you Catherine!!! Keep em coming.....

I started reading this book but it wasn't what I needed so I stopped reading it after a couple pages. It might be OK if you needed advise on how to answer questions about death and etc, but I had already gone thru that time with my kids/grandkids.

Not even fully finished with the book and already must give it 5 stars. My husband and I love the easy to read format. We have a 17 year old from his first marriage and a new baby on the way. This book has helped us in so many ways. We baby sat a almost 4 year old boy the other day and this book came IN HANDY. With in minutes we had him listening to us and walking with us in the store. Much better then he does with his mother (he runs away all the time). We are also reading "Scream Free Parenting". I want to give both books to every parent. I say it's a must buy!

Of all the many books I have read about child rearing, this book is by far the best and most useful book for dealing with your everyday (and not so everyday) problems. Betsy's words are relatable, concise and her approach makes complete sense. Her advice is presented in a readable (often very funny) manner that translates very easily to the real world. From nose picking and back talk to table manners, sex and death, this book covers it all. Besty's words are absolutely invaluable. Buy this book and refer to it often. You will not be sorry!

Some of the suggestions in this book are okay, but some are a bit far fetched. Go with your instincts. Truth is...you know your children and what works best with them. This, to me, is another person's opinion and should be taken that way.

The best book I've found so far! Practical ideas for all parents. I've implemented a lot of the tips and it works wonders!!!!!

This massive coffeetable book does exactly what it sets out to do: photographically chronicle the 20th century, showcasing the famous and the not-so-famous. Along with familiar images such as the flag-raising at Iwo Jima, the Buddhist monk immolating himself, the sailor kissing the woman in Times Square on V-J Day, the kneeling girl screaming over the body of one of the Kent State dead, and the man facing down the tanks in Tiananmen Square, there are lesser-known images such as Soviet soldiers leaving Afghanistan in 1989, an alternate scene of a flag-raising at Iwo Jima, a very young Dick Clark sitting among the chart-topping records of 1957, old men lining up to get their social security benefits, and a Muslim groom and Christian bride picking their way through the rubble of Beirut on their way to crossing the Green Line so they could reach her church and get married.

Instead of dividing the book up by decades, it goes by historical era--1900-13, 1914-19, 1920-29, 1930-39, 1940-45, 1946-63, 1964-75, 1976-92, and 1993-99. After all, more often than not things from the previous era are still influencing a new decade, such as how the Seventies were by and large a continuation of the Sixties instead of an entirely new era. Each chapter begins with a short essay by a prominent historian, and each features a "Turning Point" section, focusing on subjects such as space travel, discovering our prehistoric ancestors, closing the gender gap, outlaws, bandits, and mobsters, civil rights, and the conquest of the atom. Each chapter ends with a requiem, highlighting some of the prominent people who passed away during that era. In addition to the usual suspects such as James Dean, Thomas Edison, Amelia Earhart, Dr. Benjamin Spock, Charlie Chaplin, and Susan B. Anthony, there are also some lesser-known personalities, such as Albert Woolson (the last surviving Civil War vet), Martha the passenger pigeon (the last of her kind as well), Sen. Cornelius Cole (the last surviving person who voted in President Andrew Johnson's impeachment trial), Aimee Semple McPherson (the now-largely-forgotten evangelist who faked her own kidnapping in the Twenties), and James Naismith (the inventor of basketball).

This is a great book for all those who are interested in 20th century history, and many of the images are bound to bring back memories the readers, whether they were born in the early century, at mid-century, in the later decades of the century, or anywhere in between. (Although it should be noted that some of the pictures are a bit disturbing and graphic and might upset children or even some adults, such as the ones on page 8 and page 178.) One wishes the book were even longer and had been able to include even more images of the past century; there were a couple of events and images I was rather surprised to see excluded, such as the killing fields of Pol Pot's Cambodia, the Armenian Genocide, the fiery end to the stand-off in Waco, the disastrous U.S. excursion into Somalia, the Black Power salute at the 1968 Olympics, and the war in Bosnia. Still, in a book this size, one can't expect absolutely everything to be included, and all of the images that are included are stupendous.

I first noticed this book in fourth grade, as my teacher liked collecting interesting books. I ended up reading it cover-to-cover about 6 times. I am a major fan of history, and always have been. I am in the seventh grade now, and when we talk about things in history class, some of the beautiful pictures still come back to me. I also really like how the written part of the chapters are written by authors like Avi. This falls in the class of my "most favorite books of all time," including the Ender's Game series by Orson Scott Card, The Breadwinner, and any and all E.L. Koningsburg books. A great read!

I bought this book for my 85+ year old mother in law for Christmas 2005. She loved it so much, she later asked me to help her find one for a close family friend. A few weeks later, her sister Corrine came to visit, and they poured over the pictures in her copy of the book - "remembering when" they had seen this or that. They especially loved the pics of San Francisco in 1940's when they were young and going clubbing. I later ordered (yet) another copy for Aunt Corrine's 87th birthday - and she just loved it! It's so hard to buy gifts for someone over 80 - this is a sure fire hit!

Life has done a superb job of pulling the whole century together into one book.I wont't tell you what picture was the first picture the started the book off with.But I'll tell you this;they got it right! This in not only the most important and best picture of the 20th century, but also; the most significient picture to portray what man has done;ever.Check out the book and see if you don't agree.
It must have have been a difficult,but rewarding, task to decide what to include and what had to be sacrificed.Everyone must have their favorite pictures of the century and will find many of them in the book.A very good balance was made between text and pictures.
An excellent book to have or to give as a gift regardless of r age.

Life has done a superb job of pulling the whole century together into one book.I wont't tell you what picture was the first picture the started the book off with.But I'll tell you this;they got it right! This in not only the most important and best picture of the 20th century, but also; the most significient picture to portray what man has done;ever.Check out the book and see if you don't agree.
It must have have been a difficult,but rewarding, task to decide what to include and what had to be sacrificed.Everyone must have their favorite pictures of the century and will find many of them in the book.A very good balance was made between text and pictures.
An excellent book to have or to give as a gift regardless of age.
There are other similar books;but none better.What else would you expect from TIME!

Our family loves these books. We originially came across them at the library and purchased this one to have in our collection. The illustrations are so beautifully done, I would highly recommend purchasing the full-sized hardback books. The smaller paperback book collections just don't seem to be as much fun to read.

When my first born turned one (almost 12 years ago), a friend gave this to her for a birthday present. Over the years, and with the addition of our second child, this book continues to be in our top 3 books. We still pull it out to read -- it's never far away!

I now "pass it forward" and buy it as a gift for baby/young children presents.

This sweet book is one of my four-year-olds favorites, and mine too. I enjoy reading it to her as much as she enjoys hearing it. The illustrations say as much or more than the words. It's a great story for validating the child who loves home and the one who loves to "visit".

I have become a HUGE fan of every Toot and Puddle book available and want to collect them all. I've found they have a wide age appeal, from 2 years on up to....well, I'm 28. Such clever adventures and experiences are depicted in each book and the illustrations could be the artwork in my child's room. In fact, I'd buy the prints if they were available. Great book!

This adventure with Toot and Puddle is one of my all-time favorites. It is an adorable story about two friends, one who loves to travel the world and the other who loves just staying at home in Woodcock Pocket, USA. The postcards that Toot sends Puddle from his world travels are cute and humorous! The illustrations in this book are incredible. This is a book that adults and children alike will enjoy together. I never get tired of reading this one over and over. It is a book my children will keep and pass on to their children!!

I read this book a few years ago. Then I met the speaker again, and bought another copy yesterday. I read a good chunk of it last night. His material is extremely valuable, and he absolutely walks his own talk. He teaches you how to get Free Publicity, and then, when he's speaking, he GIVES you Free Publicity. He gets it, and he's out there sharing it. I'm a fan, and I don't even watch TV (don't tell him this.)

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and Jeff Crilley has you make your press release a desired objection of affection to the media. I know of no other book like it! As a former corporate executive, now business owner, I wish I would have know about this book years ago.

He is a consumate professional and works to help anyone who asks. I have met too many people to count that have implemented Jeff's techniques with exceptional results. Many of them have been on national TV, including news shows and Oprah. To reach more people, Jeff is placing his free publicity tips on YouTube.

Using Jeff's techniques, you can get Free Publicity. If you buy just one book as a PR primer, it should be this book.

A big part of promoting your product, books in my case, is PR. I have made contacting the press, writing press releases, and following up a regular habit. At first I was intimidated to call reporters and ask for a story or review about my books. Then I read Free Publicity and my trepidation went away.

Free Publicity is a valuable, inside look at how reporters think. It teaches what reporters are looking for in a story and gives practical advice on how to politely contact reporters and spin your product or service into a newsworthy story.

After I read Free Publicity I overhauled my whole approach to PR, and I found instant success in the way of newspaper exposure and radio interviews.

This book works. Read it now, follow it, and you will increase your press exposure for your company, product, service, book or whatever.

Thanks, Jeff. Keep up the good work.

Hope this helps.

-Craig Nybo, coauthor of Total Human: The Complete Strength Training System

I was lucky enough to hear Jeff Crilley in person at a writer's conference.

I'd never been so influenced by a speaker in my life! He not only has career-changing advice for writers, but he presents it in a super fun manner. We blew bubbles, ate Pez, and played "Name That Tune."

Doesn't THAT sound like an author you would want to read?

Mr. Crilley, a veteran newsman and emmy winner, offers practical advice on how to write a GOOD press release - one that won't end up on the newsroom floor (with other press releases). He also gives a formula for getting free publicity through the diverse media branches.

I LOVE this book and intend to use the principles therein!
The info is worth MORE than the cost of the book.

I've been a PR director for upteen years, and this is the best book written. This is required reading for every PR person that I hire.