Burke Books

I was disappointed with this book.Its a wonderful idea to make a book like this but most of the recipes are not something that my family & i would use.The titles of the recipes are great,gnarled witch fingers,tongues on toast,brains on the half skull,etc.This book just needs some better recipes.

If you can get past the names of the dishes (and your imagination doesn't go into overdrive), you will love this book! The instructions are simple, and there are plenty of opportunities to teach kids about good kitchen technique. This book belongs in every parent's collection.

i used this book for an adult business halloween party. they all acted like kids grossing out at each item (yet eating them ALL and asking for more). i only made a few items last year to see their reaction and couldn't believe how they devoured them and started searching my refrigerator for more! this year i'll be adding many more of these recipes to my menu.

The Dark Prophet is a fantastic read and philosophically inspiring. I read this book for a class in Catholic literature, and found this to be not only a great page-turner, but also deep enough to stimulate open minds that seek many perspectives on topics of current relevance and often heated debate.

This book draws from many religious ideologies, in particular Catholicism and Judaism. Those that are interested in studying the outlooks of these religions, as well as learning some demonology as expressed through these religions will find this rather fulfilling. But what I found particularly interesting about this book is the fresh outlook on the nature of Light and Darkness and of Good and Evil. Amidst the action, violence, mystery, and suspense, there is a philosophical journey these characters travel.

A solid read that I would recommend for the age 17+ crowd, particularly college students. Some situations may be too explicit for the young'uns, but if you are readng this book, I would judge you are mature enough to handle it. I remember the Left Behind series and have seen the Da Vinci Code movie (have yet to read the book though) and found this book to be as good if not better than the others. A very personal novel that just might change the way you look at life.

I just finished this book. Ive read both the Davinci Code and Angels and Demons. I loved both books because the storylines are twisted, dark and involving religious aspects added in. Anything with a dark side to religion will always reel me in. The Dark Prophet is a great book and the storyline is equivalent if not surpasses Dan Browns books. I feel this book is even darker and more twisted, an aspect I really liked to the storyline. The story is strong from beginning to end.

Minotaur: a bull-headed man locked up in a labyrinth by King Minos II, offspring of a bull and Pasiphae, wife of King Minos II

The story revolves around a catholic priest by the name of Peter Dominique. When Peter is five his mother dies and his father gives him away. A Jesuit priest named Father Ryan brings him up. He follows his mentors shoes and is ordained into the Catholic Church.
By his thirties and after the death of Father Ryan, things begin to change. He begins to have these vivid dreams of a white bull copulating with a woman. With these dreams comes intense pain and underlying anger. He believes his only relief is the female spirits that appear to have sex with him. At this time he also takes a strong interest in the Minotaur, believing this mythological figures plays into the dreams he is having. Unbeknownst to him, these changes and dreams begin his transition into another being, good or bad is left to be read.
As the story progresses Peter learns he is to become the reincarnation of Satan or Jesus. Time will only tell which being he will change into. His transition is known to several sects, some trying to kill him and others trying to protect him. I wont give the complete story away but it is suspenseful. Overall, a good read.

This book will completely change your mind about what religion teaches on evil and darkness. It is a spell binding novel, as well as a philosophical eye-opener. Many of my friends have read the book and all agree it is better than the Da Vinci code.

Edmund Burke deserves better than this biography. The author Russell Kirk is full of admiration for Burke, but his unqualified praise of his subject is more deserving of a 19th century hagiography than it is a modern work. At no point in the book that I can remember does Kirk ever put anything but the most positive spin on the 18th century statesman/philosopher's actions. Burke is undoubtedly everything Kirk claims -- a great man, a genius, and his influence in both England and the United States largely underestimated - but even the greatest and wisest of men have blind spots and moments of weakness. Was Burke perhaps overzealous in his sixteen-year pursuit of Warren Hastings? Did Burke hide his Irish Catholic roots out of fear for what they could do to his ambitions if brought out in the open? Was his political philosophy less than consistent? Not according to Kirk.

Edmund Burke: A Genius Reconsidered" does have its good points. It's well-written -- far more accessible than the Conor Cruise O'Brien biography "The Great Melody". (To be fair to O'Brien, his biography is not a straightforward work, but presents Burke's life thematically.) Kirk's book also makes some valid points about Burke's legacy, convincing the reader that Burke's philosophy is underappreciated by modern audiences. But a more balanced approach to Burke's life - without all the Great Man gloss -- would have made this point just as effectively.

Kirk's introduction to the life and politics of Burke is essential to understanding Edmund Burke in his time and ours. More of a Political biography than a general biography, it is still a book whose prose is very readable and understandable. A biography of a great man by a great man.

In this easy to read volume Russell Kirk provides a succinct biography of "the first conservative of our time of troubles." Burke's political philosophy is clearly explained and Kirk introduces the reader to Edmund Burke the man.

The book basically deals with the four major issues of Burke's life: his resistance to Jacobinism, England's relationship with the American Colonies, the prosecution of Warren Hastings, and the stifling of George III's domestic authority. Kirk provides wonderful quotes throughout the book and thorough, balanced analysis.

Those looking for a critical assessment of Burke will not find it here, as Kirk, the great conservative thinker of our time, was a proponent of Burke and felt that his voice was still applicable in today's political climate. However, this does not compromise the integrity of this volume.

This book is a must read for anyone interested in political theory, politics, and/or history.

I read the 1977 edition when it was recently published and learned a lot of geology along the way. It is organized to take us from the oldest geology to the newest. By covering the material in this way King shows us how the continent evolved while taking us on a complete tour. I could never get through a geology textbook, but the story King told held my interest all the way though this one. I still have my heavily-annotated copy, and I recommend this book to others.

I have to agree with oakshaman--this is one of the best books on the geologic evolution of North America that I've come across. First published in 1959, the edition that I own does not deal with plate tectonics (a subject that was hotly debated at the time, and generally not taken very seriously), so at least some of the continent-building forces that elude King have since been identified. Nonetheless, this book is still a wonderful introduction to the landforms of North America. As oakshaman notes, the maps and geologic cross-sections are particularly informative. Any books on the subject published since this volume came out build on the solid foundation that Philip B. King laid so many years ago.

In my opinion this is the best geological travel book ever written. At least it is for North America. If you want to really understand the basic geology of the country that you are traveling through, from the North West Territories to the Yucatan, then this book is for you. Several decades ago, this was my college textbook for Geology of the U.S. In my opinion there has never been a better single text written to take its place. King was an old time classical field geologist- he knows this continent like the back of his hand. I usually just leave it in my suit case as a permanent reference.

The basic organization of this book is as follows: 1)The Natural History of the Continents, 2) The Canadian Shield, 3) The Interior Lowlands, 4) Appalachian and related Systems, 5) Lands and Seas South of the Continent, 6) The Cordilleran System, 7) The Eastern Ranges and Plateaus, 8) The Main Part of the Cordillera,and 9) Later Modifications of the Cordillera including the Coast Ranges.

The real strength of the book is the many extremely well-done maps and cross-sections. There is even a full fold-out geological map of all of North America in the back of the book- along with a full index.

Tina is amazing she encourages little kids to tell the story baased on what they see with their eyes and it encourages a bonding of sorts between parent and child.
highly recommend this book.......
i love it

On a first glance, the cover of, "Fly, Little Bird", might strike the casual reader as awfully cutesy. A roly-poly little girl flaps her arms ala wings, while wearing blue footie pajamas. A small dog capers happily below. On closer inspection, however, you can't help but notice the terrified animal perched on the little girl's shoulder. It's a bird (little, at that) with an expression of abject despair plastered across its face. Cutesy picture books are a dime a dozen, but this particular number by first-time author/illustrator Tina Burke has a lot going for it. Cute, yes. But this is also one of those highly sought after wordless picture books of the most basic variety. Should you, for any reason, need a title that keeps its plot essentially visual, "Fly, Little Bird", may be the answer to your prayers.

A small girl child and her pup are out ah-gatherin' flowers. While buried in the midst of this activity they happen to hear the unmistakable note of a bird. A quick investigation into a bush shows a miserable looking green avian with a yellow belly and red beak. Kind soul that she is, the child picks up the bird, places it on her finger, and encourages it to, "Fly, little bird". Flight doesn't seem to be one of the bird's strengths, however. This is made infinitely clear when it tumbles backwards off of the girl's finger onto the grass below. No matter. The child scoops the little creature up and carries it away to her home. There she feeds it, reads to it, and makes it a little leaf-filled place to sleep. There's a nice montage of the threesome (don't forget the dog) hanging out in the little girl's room until one day the bird is flying and soaring around the home. This is all well and good, but an open window means that when the little girl wakes up the following morning, the bird is gone. She and the dog burst out of the home, a net clutched firmly in her chubby little hand. And there, zooming up and above and around are multiple green-bodied birds with yellow bellies and red beaks. "Fly, little bird", encourages the girl, and that night she and her pup sleep soundly under a portrait of their now far friend.

In many ways this book reminded me of fellow little-bird-little-bird-fly-away-home title, "The True Story of Stellina" by Matteo Pericoli. Of course, "Stellina" relied heavily on text and story and explanation whereas the charm of, "Fly, Little Bird", lies almost entirely in its visual appeal. Now I have a low tolerance for treacle. Should I sense that a children's book, picture or otherwise, has gone beyond adorable into ootsy-cutesyness, I instinctively back off from it. "Fly, Little Bird", however, treads a careful line in this regard. It's cute, yes. Could you expect any less from a former Disney animator? But it's not, how you say, overplaying its hand. The story is adorable partly because it's so endearing. Small children, birds, and dogs are essentially sweet, this is true. But it takes the steady hand of a competent illustrator to make them seem more than just a series of vignettes that make you say, "awww". Such a steady hand certainly belongs to Tina Burke.

The wordless picture book (which, in spite of the repeating title, is a description that fits this book) can be very useful to young kids who want to "read" a book before they know their letters. Children who don't speak English right off the bat may also be pleased to find a book they can understand without necessarily knowing the definition of "fly", "little" or "bird". This is a sweet little story and should make any child who receives it particularly pleased.

Ex-Disney artist Tina Burke truly is a unique new talent.
The sheer simplicity of this absolutely charming little book is so refreshing with it's gorgeous drawings and endearingly un-assuming story has made Fly, Little Bird essential bed-time reading for my little one and I'm sure yours will love it too.

Thanks Tina!

Dell Burke just might be the most famous madam in Wyoming, where some of the most famous bordellos this side of Nevada lingered well into the 20th century. Yet nobody has attempted to put her life story in print until now. June Willson Read's biography assembles the many colorful facts and legends about Dell Burke in a slim, easy-to-read narrative (although she maybe tiptoes a little too far in re-creating some conversations). Dell Burke was already a self-sufficient woman at a time when women were testing the waters of independence, even in the Equality State. Read's book paints a delightful picture of one of Wyoming's most memorable characters.

I bought this book yesterday and have not been able to put it down. I am so intrigued by the life of Dell Burke and the time during which she lived. The writing is captivating and makes the "Yellow Hotel" seem to come alive. Fantastic Book!!!

I remember the "Frontier Madam" and was enthralled by Willson Read's account of her life and interactions with a small town's people. Wonderful book.

Kenneth Burke's A Grammar of Motives (published in 1945) responds to the question, "what is involved when we say what people are doing and why they are doing it" (xi). Written as part of an intended trilogy, along with A Rhetoric of Motives and the never completed A Symbolic of Motives, Burke's treatise probes into the way language incites and dictates human motivation and ultimately human action. To clarify, "grammar" in the context of Burke's study does not assume its typical meaning of a language's set of rules. Burke's book is more a lexicon of motives; an invented vocabulary devised to simplify the complex possibilities of human motivation. However, Burke's title A Grammar of Motives is more precise, as the book is a systematic study of given principles and their interrelationships, a concept that also falls under the definition of "grammar."
Burke accomplishes this systematic study by establishing and concentrating on the internal relationships between five terms: Act, Scene, Agent, Agency, and Purpose (xi). By "act," Burke means what took place, "scene" is the background or situation of the act, "agent" is who performed the deed, "agency" is by what means, and "purpose" is why the deed takes place. In other words, Burke concerns himself with who, what, when, where, why, and how. This "pentad" becomes not only the basis for Burke's examination of motives, but also the backbone of his dramatism theory-a critical method developed out of the analysis of drama that "treats language and thought primarily as modes of action" (xvi). By examining how the five principles interrelate, A Grammar of Motives delves into consideration of language as a vehicle of eliciting human action.
Burke structures the book around his five terms, dedicating a section to each in which he explains the various ratios and forces behind the components of motivation. Burke opens with broad discussion of different motivations, focusing on money and God as factors, and then moves into an individual treatment of each term in the pentad. Very much an interdisciplinary study, Burke supports his ideas with many examples from major philosophical thinkers, sociological principles, and literary texts.
Perhaps the most pertinent concept to literary criticism in A Grammar of Motives is Burke's idea of literature as symbolic action. Burke defines this as "the realm of the incipient or attitudinal . . . ambiguous potentialities of action" (243). In another passage, Burke explains I.A. Richards' analysis of literature as a form of action:
The symbolic representation of some object or event in art can arouse an added complexity of response in us, he suggests, because it invites us to feel such emotions as would be associated with the actual object or event, while at the same time we make allowance for it as a fiction (236).
Burke, in addition to stressing the benefits of ambiguity in our response, further explains that such potential for arousal in literature need not result in overt action, but serves as a mechanism to refine and enrich our consciousness.
Burke, in his description of symbolic action, alludes to Shelley's "Ode to the West Wind," a poem outlining the "transition involving idealistic progress toward identification of individual self" (244). Other notable works discussed that demonstrate Burke's theory include Marx's Communist Manifesto, a dialectic tracing "a series of steps whereby each class produces the conditions leading to its overthrow by the class that is to succeed it," (205) and an extended read of Keats' "Ode on a Grecian Urn" in the appendix. Burke's discussion of the "Grecian Urn," in which he describes the movement suggested by each stanza as "a series of transformations into the oracle `Beauty is truth, truth beauty,'" further elucidates his concept of symbolic action.
Burke's reading of Keats' critically debated poem suggests that a ratio of act and scene ("act" being the poem itself and "scene" being the truth Keats appeals to) form the motivating force behind Keats' creation. Burke views the lines "What leaf-fringed legend haunts about thy shape/Of deities or mortals, or of both" in the first stanza as the dichotomy between the motives of gods and men. Burke interprets the "human passion" and fever-like symptoms in the third stanza as ambiguity between Keats' literal physical ailment that would claim him at twenty six years old, and the passion towards his ill-fated love of Fanny Brawne. Either of these, Burke claims, could be motivation behind the act of the poem. In critiquing Keats, Burke emphasizes the movement within the poem, which leads the reader to the final lines "Beauty is truth, truth beauty."
Though Burke's read of "Grecian Urn" is the most comprehensive application of his pentad, A Grammar of Motives strength lies in its multiple connections to canonical literary works throughout the argument. In sum, Burke has written an original and innovative text that potentially changes the way we interpret literature. That he never finished the third part of the trilogy, and that he later viewed "attitude" as an equally important motivating factor among his pentad demonstrates some of the uncertainty in Burke's method. Additionally, depending on one's critical disposition, Burke's reliance on biographical information to aid his reading of Keats (as well as others) may diminish the validity of the approach. Still, with the introduction of the dramatist pentad in A Grammar of Motives, Burke has solidified his place among twentieth century literary criticism.

This tome is a complete compendium of Western thought. An excellent book that makes me want to write everytime I'm finished reading it!

"A Grammar of Motives" was published in 1945 as the first volume in a proposed trilogy "On Human Relations" that was never completed; the second volume "A Rhetoric of Motives" was published and their are several pretenders for the third volume, but "A Symbolic of Motives" was never written. Burke's guiding question in this volume is set up in his introduction: "What is involved, when we say what people are doing and why they are doing it?" Burke is concerned with the basic forms of thought in terms of the attribution of motive which he sees as a pivotal part of human interaction present in everything from bits of gossip to systematically elaborated metaphysical structures, although his focus is on more traditional realms such as legal judgment, poetry, fiction, politics, science and the news.

The importance of this volume in terms of rhetorical criticism is Burke's development of the dramatistic metaphor/method in general, and the basic terms of analysis with the dramatistic pentad: Act, Scene, Agent, Agency, and Purpose. Ultimately, Burke is interested in the purely internal relationship fo these five terms including "their possibilities of transformation, their range of permutations and combinations." Part One "Way of Placement," establishes the relationship between "Container and Thing Contained," works through all the "Antinomies of Definition" for the key term SUBSTANCE, and then considers the possibilities of "Scope and Reduction." Part Two on "The Philosophic Schools" looks at the elements of the pentad, "Scene," "Agent in General," "Act," "Agency and Purpose." Part Three offers Burke's thoughts "On Dialectic" as the process by which motives are interpreted.

Because the pentad is the Burkeian concept that best lends itself to rhetorical criticism it has been used more often than anything else to be found in his writings. However, this misses the original import of these constructs, which was to get to the basic process of human thought. In this regard "A Grammer of Motives" establishes a foundation for looking at much more than the speeches of politicians. We are reminded by Burke's epigram "ad bellum purificandum" that his goal "is to eliminate the whole world of conflict that can be eliminated through understanding." Burke's work is central to the study of rhetoric and social theory, and while I have always preferred his earlier pre-war "trilogy," his reconstituted critical vocabulary in this volume provides a foundation for reconsidering his earlier works as well as following the progression in "A Rhetoric of Motives."

Hidden Passions II, Ms. Burke�s second collection of steamily-erotic fantasies, consists of five stories. As with the first collection, these stories are first-person explorations into the steamier side of dreams. They range in content and setting � there is some gentle Domination, one threesome (male, male, female), and a �sheik story�. The heroines come from many cultures, which is nice to see, and every character�s voice is distinctly different.

These are longer stories with more detailed characterization than those of the first volume, and they are equally enjoyable. My particular favorite was �Reversal,� where a handsome Master named Jon shows up at our character�s doorstep, asking her to take care of him � and she does! Hidden Passions II is a thoroughly enjoyable anthology of romantic spicy erotica, and one that I�ll definitely return to again!

I read this collection of stories when it was first offered and for erotic readers this is an outstanding effort on MS. Burke's part.
The stories cover a multitude of genre's and while they are all by the same author, they don't have the same FEEL. This is important in an anthology I think, and this book definately has eclectic 'tastes'.
Keep writing, Ms. Burke, and I will keep reading.

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

This book is all about fantasies. Each indulged here is one most women dream about. There is the sexy man at the office, role reversal with the dominant man submitting to every desire of the woman, the harem, the threesome with two beautiful men, and the glamorous stranger.

In Alphabetical Order comes the first one. Most women have that one man at the office they can't help but fantasize about. He is the one they can't help but wonder "What if?" That is the premise here. The alphabetical order of sex is many of the different methods and items used.

Reversal is all about the submission of the dominant, alpha male, who is tired of being in charge, to the woman. He wants his woman to command him, care for him, and take charge. How many out there have not dreamed of being in just this situation at least once in their life?

Next comes Exotica, the time old harem fantasy. What would it be like to be kept for the sole purpose of indulging in a little bit (or a lot) of physical pleasure. To be primped and pampered in preparation for the master. And oh, the interesting things that can be done with a few strands of pearls.

Tempest begins in a tempest, a violent storm erupting out of nowhere, stranding cars on the side of the road. But that is not the tempest this story is really about. A young woman seeks haven and finds a small house, which is the temporary home to two of the most beautiful men she has ever seen. And they are twins at that! Ever wondered what it would be like to have two men at beck and call, satisfying every whim? This story is the answer to that question.

And finally, comes Biker Broad, for a little game of role playing among strangers. Two strangers meet on a private beach and indulge in a little bit of passionate play.

Now, this reviewer does not typically read erotica, having only read one or two such books in the past, so had a little bit of trouble getting into this book at the beginning. This was not helped by the place of choice for starting this fine book. This book was started on a lunch break from work and after only a couple pages, had to be put down for later. A bit too hot to handle for relaxed reading on a break. But none of this is for lack of skill and talent of the author. This is a book to be savored in the privacy of one's own home.

After getting used to the graphic details used, this book was certainly one to be enjoyed, Just a little shocking for one not used to it. Good writing and common fantasies used made this a fun read. This reviewer admits to having imagined each of these fantasies at least once. Also interesting was the fact that all but two of the stories never used the woman's name. A couple never even used the man's name. Was this perhaps to make it easier for the reader to imagine oneself in a few, or all, of these roles perhaps? That was definitely a nice touch.

All in all, a uniquely refreshing collection of stories. Another side note to keep in mind however, the reader should definitely have one's partner readily available during or after reading. For that will be needed to cool the flames bound to be generated by this book. So how about indulging in a little Hidden Passion today.

I feel this is a great book for anyone intrested in learning more about this great person. He was not just a General but a caring, warm and compassionate person.

More than McClellan's memoir, this is an early Stuart biography, and later biographies such as Davies' and Thomas' rely heavily upon it. McClellan became Stuart's AG in May '63, but his account starts with Stuart's youth.

This is a vital account in showing exactly what Stuart's cavalry did during the war: scouting, raiding, screening movements, fighting rearguard actions, gathering information, etc. One thing I didn't know was that Stuart's horse artillery, often under the command of the general himself and sometimes with regular batteries added, would take up a flank position during infantry battles and fire into the Federal ranks. The perpetual, obviously exhausting, activity of the cavalry also becomes obvious.

McClellan was present for the Gettysburg campaign, and his account is invaluable for this somewhat controversial issue. His writing becomes more personal at this point, and he recounts several anecdotes of interest. He continues his detailed recounting of ANV cavalry activity until Stuart's death; McClellan was present at the deathbed and ends his book there. This should be required reading for anyone interested in the cavalry.

It is often more interesting to read what those who have been there have to say than what we think they said. Thus is the case with this book. It may not have every fact correct, but it is what the author McClellen remembered. As with "Co. Aych" and "All For the Union," their perception of the smaller picture of the War than the overall history that is fascinating.

This narrative looks at each one of the more than two dozen Presidential conventions held in Chicago from 1860 through 1996. Readers learn about each convention, the candidates, issues, and the outcome that followed in the November election. We see where each convention was held (the Wigwam, Chicago Coliseum, Chicago Stadium, etc.), plus there's illustrations, photos, and interesting anecdotes. The first convention in 1860 saw the Republicans pass over their front runner to select a country lawyer named Abraham Lincoln. Other Presidents nominated in our city include Theodore Roosevelt, William Taft, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman (as FDR's running mate), Dwight Eisenhower and Bill Clinton. Some famous people nominated here that lost in the fall election were William Jennings Bryan, Theodore Roosevelt (in 1912), Thomas Dewey, Richard Nixon (in 1960), and Hubert Humphrey.

Chicago has hosted far more Presidential nominating conventions than any other city, and this book does a nice job of describing each of those conventions.

There are a lot of books on Chicago history; Inside the Wigwam takes a unique approach at the Windy City as a political powerhouse for the rest of the nation. It tells the stories of presidential nominating conventions from the unlikely candidacy of Republican Abraham Lincoln in 1860 to the bloody battle of the 1968 Democratic convention. Sautter and Burke have put together a magnificent tome, full of fascinating anecdotes and lively illustrations. The result is a popular history that never fails to entertain as it informs. This is my favorite book on Chicago history.

INSIDE THE WIGWAM is the "must have" book for anyone interested in political science and/or government. Authors Burke and Sautter have packed this fascinating book with the insights necessary to truly understand the American election process. This book should be required reading for every American voter.