David Books

~ I first read "Summons of the Trumpet" when it was published in 1978. Interestingly, in his preface, LTG Palmer states "There will be those who claim that history, true history, can't be written so soon after an event...they are correct. The definitive version of the Vietnam War will be published decades hence..." Well, a full thirty years later, it turns out this statement is the only thing he got wrong!

~ For me, this volume was and remains the definitive work on the Vietnam conflict. It is interesting, concise, understandable, and insightful. I continue to re-read it about every five years and just cracked it open again.

~ When I retired from my Army career (as an Infantry officer), I became a high school social studies teacher and I have used "Summons" as one of my main references when teaching my students about the Vietnam War, this time period, our society, and American government.

~ Russell Weigley, a noted historian who I also value, correctly called this book "by far the best synthesis of...the Vietnam War." Thank you, General Palmer, for letting the "Trumpet" sound!

As a Vietnam veteran, I am often surprised at the mythology that surrounds the Vietnam war to this day. This is "must reading" for anyone seeking fresh insight into that struggle. I found this book consistent with my own experiences and observations from my tour of duty in Vietnam (1968 to 1969). For this reason, I highly recommend it to any serious student of history.

This is one of the best books (if not the best) I have ever read on the Vietnam War. The author develops his arguments with such clarity and eloquence that the book is a real joy to read. Palmer does not describe many battles but only those which were characterized as turning points of the conflict, like Ap Bac (1963), Ia Drang (1965) and Tet (1968) but the depth of the political and military analysis is fantastic. I especially enjoyed the chapter on the military logistics of the US forces in Vietnam as well as the role of the air power in the conflict. It is astonishing to realize that the US actually defeated the insurgency in Vietnam and lost the war only because of the persistent commitment of numerous regular North Vietnamese divisions, which were also mauled badly in battle in many cases! The `Ahilles heel` of the US was the Vietnamization program which the communists didn't allow to mature. Very highly recommended!

Palmer's book was one on the first I have ever read on Vietnam, and remains one of the best. It is mostly concerned with overall strategy and campaigns; less with individual battles and operations. The book severely criticizes the Johnson Administration (with a particular venom for Robert McNamara) but is much more positive about Nixon. The author's attitude towards the South Vietnamese government and Army is critical but quite fair, and he gives the North Vietnamese their due. This is not really a book about American military performance, and does not really mention problems within the military, such as drug abuse, racial incidents, massacres, etc., but he does believe that any problems were a result of having a bankrupt political/military strategy. A few OK maps, no photographs or footnotes, but a nice bibliographical essay. All in all, a very good short introduction but certainly not a complete history of the war.

I was looking for a good overview book of the Vietnam War and this really fit the bill. The author put together a well thought out, easy to read and well-written book that does a good job of giving the reader the high points. The author was a solder in the combat and spent a number of years in the military so he has an authoritative position to speak from. He does a great job of keeping the book away from being overly laden with military jargon or the Rambo style of combat writing. The book is focused on the American effort and thus skims the pre U.S. troop entry into the war. If you are looking for a deeper history on the start of the war with the French or the overall American involvement in Asia then this book will disappoint.

The treatment he gave to the major battles was good. He presented an easy to follow account of the battle, what lead up to it and the outcome. He also touched on some of what was happening back home with the politics, but only briefly. I think the most interesting parts of the book for me was the details of the air war, more specifically how the bombing kept escalating and then the final bombing push by Nixon. My only complaint with the book is that it was an overview that was a bit too light on the facts for me. The book was only 270 pages long, and book size do not necessary determine quality, this book could have been a little bit more in-depth. It seemed to me that to get a better understanding a few more pages could have been added without the overview turning into a in depth study.

I cannot say anything bad about this book! WHAT THE SHADOW TOLD ME is clever and irreverent. Engaging characters take you on a wonderful ride while at the same time poking the publishing industry in the eye.

With the embedded screenplay it is also a two-fer the price of one, an excellent value. Cameo's by such notable icons as Satchel Paige and David Hasselhoff too!

Buy it, borrow it, beg for or steal it-this is a must read!

I couldn't put it down. Very funny. My favorites things in the book were (don't worry, this will give nothing away!): the Baby Bomber; all the names; the Biminim re-translations; Rufus' letter at the funeral; the character of Timm Clifton; the haikus; the clocks; the old propaganda film; Henry David Monroe; and Christians Against Kwanzaa. Sign me up.

WHAT THE SHADOW TOLD ME by Kurtis Davidson, the writing team of Kurt Jose Ayau and David Rachels, begins when Rufus Walter Eddison, America's greatest African-American writer, dies suddenly. His editor, Justina Patterson, is left scrambling to find the manuscript to his second novel before an unscrupulous senior editor at her publishing company can generate a fake to be passed off as the work of the dead genius. Justina has been brought up to revere the famed author, as has all of America and most of the world. The only problem is he wrote his great American novel in 1951 and for forty-eight years has failed to deliver the manuscript of the sequel as he was under contract to do. Eddison was so paranoid that his second novel wouldn't live up to the world's expectations that he never even wrote a grocery list after that. Or so it seemed. Justina has to find his book or face grim alternatives: seeing Eddison's elderly widow, the sweet Maisy May, impoverished because she has to pay back the large advance the publishing company paid Eddison years before or allowing her publisher to perpetrate a literary fraud in the name of book sales.

In the effort to locate the lost manuscript, Justina meets a wide assortment of hilarious characters, which are well-developed and unique in their voices. Among them is Biminim Strimpoonanamam, an Asian man with an unpronounceable name and nearly unintelligible English. Biminim translates novels from English to another foreign language to English for people who speak English as a second language. The result is outrageous translations of great literary works in Pidgin English that border on the racist, but land on the side of just plain funny.

Ayau and Rachels as Kurtis Davidson have written a story that takes humorous stabs at the publishing industry, sports, music, the rural South, academia, and literature, in general. Most of the characters in this story are African-American, but the theme is so universal in its appeal that it doesn't feel weird that two white guys wrote this novel. WHAT THE SHADOW TOLD ME is clever and satirical. It is the winner of the 2003 Faulkner Society of New Orleans Award.

Reviewed by Kim Anderson Ray
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

Who would think that in a city of 8 million people (and those living in Monrovia) there would be a tight knit group that would all be touched in a big way by the hunt for a phantom manuscript? Learn of the secret (and not so secret) lives of all involved. With a celebrity list a mile long, penned in cameos include; Olga Korbut, Susan Dey, John Lennon, Tammy Faye Bakker, David Hasselhoff, Satchel Paige and Adolph Hitler. Follow Justina on her mad search while she is "on vacation" for the jewel of a famous black writer's career. After reading this I felt I was back at the magic kingdom riding my favorite ride mesmerized by all the children singing, "it's a small world after all". I haven't read that much in one sitting since I read to my son Melville's "Moby Dick" and he wouldn't let me stop until the exciting part was over. Thanks guy's! It sure was wild,

Blake

I *loved* this book. Couldn't put it down, even though I had deadlines. I laughed my ass off the whole way through, and I found myself caring about the characters. I hope KD will consider writing a Biminim Strimpoonanamam spin-off novel. You'd be crazy not to read this.-Torin Alter

I highly reccomend this book. It clearly defines what is going on with teens and why....amazing that most teens have the same behaviors....and this is why. A must book for all parents.

I have ordered probably dozens of books on Amazon.com and never felt compelled to write a review of a book.

I have a 13 year old girl and although we have not yet experieced any serious behavior issues (she has exhibited some unexplainable verbal outbursts and moodiness) I want to do everything in my power to maintain a good relationship with her and limit the chances that she does experience serious issues like drug and alcohol abuse, anorexia, depression, etc. as she goes through these difficult years.

I have read many books, and feel this is the first book that has enabled me to have an understanding of teen behavior and feel confident my husband and I have a game plan on how to deal with the various issues which will arise.

I suggest that anyone who comes into contact with teens--parents, teachers, etc.--read this book!!!

Dr. Walsh, your book was recommended to me last week, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it from cover to cover. As I read your analysis of how adolescent brain development and chemistry impact teen behaviors, I was better able to understand the academic reasoning behind my new teen self-help book "What Your Mother Never Told You: A Survival Guide For Teenage Girls." What Your Mother Never Told You: A Teenage Girls Survival Guide

I am not an expert trained in psychology or child development, but I found myself reading the thoughts and passion in my book in almost every page of yours! "Why Do They Act That Way" is the first book written for parents of teens that I fully appreciate. You explain to parents in digestible scientific terms, what I have tried so hard to explain to the teens in their own language. Your book in it's entirety, beautifully articulates and clarifies everything I try to communicate, and so much more, in the five page "Letter to Parents, Caregivers, and Counselors" at the beginning of my book.

Although our respective books target different audiences, the combination of the two books give both the scientific and practical advice that will have a definite positive impact on the quality of life for both teens and parents of teens. I intend to recommend your book at every opportunity.

David Walsh is very readable, has a strong sense of humor necessary to deal with the teen psyche, and speaks well to frustrated parents about why their kids do what they do, and how to look at from their perspective and then deal with it more effectively. It's a fun read.

We have found this book to be extremely helpful. Raising a teenager is an amazing experience and it helps to have some expert, non partial advice that is backed by research. We especially appreciated the fact that the author does not offer excuses, but helps everyone remain responsible for their behavior, including parents. It was so helpful for us that we bought it as a gift for two different families that are raising teenagers. It was passed on to us by another family that is raising teenagers. Parents are looking for sound instruction. This book provides great insight to what is really going on inside those mysterious heads.

I really enjoyed this book. The pictures are wonderful, and the story was a treat, especially the end. Oh yeah, my kids enjoyed it, too. Like always, the book arrived promptly and in good condition.

David Wiesner's June 29, 1999 tells the story of Holly Evans who decides to conduct a science experiment that involves the launching of vegetable seedlings into outer space. Seven days later, Holly presents her science experiment to her class, explaining that she is trying to experiment with "extra-terrestrial conditions on vegetables." Holly's experiment causes a chain of events to occur that challenge what is scientifically possible. A few months after presenting her experiment to her class, giant vegetables are spotted in the sky. However, Holly notices that some of these giant vegetables are different from ones that she launched. Thinking that her experiment failed, Holly wonders where the other vegetables came from. At the end of the book, the reader learns that aliens were cooking and accidentally released their vegetables into outer space. The aliens, worried that they no longer have any food, rejoice when they see Holly's vegetables arrive. It turns out that Holly's experiment was successful after all!
This book is an excellent example of science fiction because it demonstrates the impact science can have when it is implemented in an extraordinary and imaginative ways. One thing that makes this book so incredible is Wiesner's brilliant illustrations. His use of color in combination with his attention to detail, make his pictures bring this story to life. Because Wiesner does such an excellent job of depicting the giant vegetables, it is easy to imagine the affects of Holly's experiment. One of the reasons why this book is considered science fiction is because it revolves around a " what if" scenario, in other words an experiment. It was Holly's curiosity and desire to see what would happen if she launched seedlings in the sky that caused the chain of event to occur. Her curiosity not only makes her a recognizable character and but it also allows the reader to identify with her. While giant vegetables, floating in the sky is not a realistic scenario, the way in which the characters reaction remains consistent throughout this hypothetical situation.
Wiesner's interesting combination of pictures and text makes this book incredibly unique and captivating. This story would be a great to design a vocabulary lesson around because of all the vegetables that are mentioned throughout the story. One writing tool that the author uses throughout the story is alliteration. For example, at one point it the story "parsnips pass by providence." Children could work on creating their own alliterations, mimicking the style of the author. This book could also be used to introduce a lesson on nutrition and vegetables. For example, children could learn about less commonly known vegetables such as rutabagas. Each child could bring in a vegetable that is mention in the story and the use it as inspiration for their own science fiction story. This unique book is great for inspiring creativity and would be excellent for encouraging independent reading or group discussion.

This item was exactly as described in the item description. It was in the original packaging and is in excellent condition. I am very satisfied and I highly recommend this seller and product to everyone. This is an excellent book by an excellent author!

David Wiesner books are imaginative and thought provoking. Each of my boys (7 & 4) enjoys them in different ways. We have fun talking about the pictures and making up story lines.

In the story June 29, 1999 Holly experiments with making plants grow in outer space. Then one day she goes to school and shows her class her experiment. The class is speechless. Then on June 29, 1999 a hiker goes on a hike and sees giant turnips. In Ottumwa Tony Kramer thinks he grows the giant lettuce. Then on TV Holly was shocked at what she saw. One night Holly was wondering who sent the giant vegetables down. Do you know who sent the giant vegetables to earth? You might be surprised. I think that the story was great and it was funny at the end once you know who sent the giant vegetables.

Worldly-wise yet innocent 11-year-old girl works with her con-artist "father" during the Depression. This is a classic in the long tradition of American fiction. The author masterfully creates an authentic voice that bowls the reader over. The story verges on the sappy at times, and the "con man with a heart of gold" conceit is rubbed a bit thin by the end of the book. The author also trucks out certain phrases a few too many times. But overall it's a great story filled with vividly memorable characters.

A real gem of a satiric American novel.

If you've only seen the bittersweet comedy film Paper Moon, you're in for a treat. The novel, formerly known as Addie Pray (the "moon incident," incidentally, which gives the film its name, is NOT in the book), is about a streetwise eleven-year-old Southern girl who travels around with Moses "Long Boy" Pray, a con artist who may be her father (her "mama being fast and all"). It is Depression-era Alabama, and the two make their living selling embossed Bibles and dropping wallets and running other cons to make their living. Only once are they distracted, by a sweet-talking hoochie-coochie dancer who has Long Boy on his toes until Addie "takes care of her man." Their written adventures continue past the movie as they go into partnership with a larcenous Colonel and plan to bamboozle a rich old lady out of her fortune (with the help of the woman's mercenary nephew). But as in the rest of the book, there's a twist to this, too. Paper Moon contains rich characters and settings, and memorable events. Highly recommended.

Paper Moon is a comical, enticing, interesting, and beautifully written novel about a young girl, Addie Pray, and her father, Long Boy. That's not really his name of course, but that's what everybody calls him. Addie's mother had died when she was six and so Long Boy takes her with him to do business deals. Doing business just suits the pair, Addie gets so excited, she gets the chills. At first they have a simple strategy of selling bibles to people who have just lost some one. They go around from town to town selling bibles and pictures from or of loved ones. Their rouitine always started with Addie acting way more pathetic and younger than she really was. Long Boy's infallible ways make Addie adore and look up to him. As she gets older, she teaches tricks to Long Boy that just barely save their lives a few times. When the team decides to pick up a business deal with a millionaire, Addie has to change identities in a tedious plot to keep a crabby woman's financial amounts from her fortune-hungry nephew. Throughout the book, Addie's character transcends to a much higher level and her clever mind pulls you in. This book is written by Joe David Brown and is written in first person. I like books that are written in first person just because I feel like I can put myself in the person's shoes and really get a hold of what is happening.
I loved this book because it was intriguing and the author created such great characters that even though they are cheating people of their money, your heart travels to their side. I also picked up this book because they made a movie of it awhile back and I like to compare books to their movies. I always read the books first thought. This story is like a roller coaster with a fast pass, you don't have to wait in line for the ride. You get hooked on the first page, which I know is a feature for people who get bored easily. The dialogue that is used is old fashioned and not contemporary, more slang. It is kind of hard to follow but you get used to it, it is actually a big part of the characters overall because it determines the amount of education that person had. I also love this book because there aren't a lot of books written about this exact storyline and subject. It makes it fun to read because its an unknown story and you don't really have andything to compare it to.

This is one of the best books I've had the pleasure to read in a while. I was already familiar with the basic story, having seen the movie "Paper Moon" (which I recommend highly!). When I started reading this, I was uncertain whether I'd be able to adjust to the change in location and dialect from the movie; the movie was set in the Midwest, the book in the Southeast. My doubts were quickly put to rest just pages into the book, when I became completely engrossed in the story and Brown's easy-going writing style. I plowed through the book in a couple days and enjoyed it thoroughly!

The book follows Addie Pray, a young orphan, as she travels around Alabama, Tennessee, and Louisiana with Long Boy, a con artist who may or may not be her father. During their travels, the two are always devising schemes to weasel money ouf of those who can afford to lose it. First it's the famous Bible-selling trick, but it quickly becomes so much more. There are plenty of deliciously eccentric characters, exciting chases, "heartwarming" moments, and a healthy dose of laughs.

If you liked the movie, don't miss reading the book. The movie plot is drawn only from the first 90-100 pages of the book; the remaining 200 pages present Addie and Mose (a.k.a. Long Boy) in entirely "new" situations. The book is a delight from beginning to end. Highly recommended!

Written in the style (and context) of Steinbeck, this book is excellent.

The remarkable thing about the book, though, is that it is one of the few instances where you should read and see both the book and movie. If you liked the movie, the book provides more stories and adventures; if you liked the book, the movie brings the characters, setting, and geography to life.

The book is very readable; in fact, I read all 300 pages in a day! I highly recommend this book; the movie only makes a very good story better.

I certainly agree with the others about how marvelous this book is. Both spiritually and intellectualy satisfying. It reminds me very much of some of Steinsaltz's work (e.g. "Biblical Images"). You definitely want this book!

You will know the story of Adam and Eve, Cain and Able with more clarity and detail than you ever thought possible! This was an eye opening and exciting book. Be careful, reading this can be a life changer!

I could not put this book down. Rabbi Fohrman has taken each sentence in the original text and brought amazing insight, word by word, in a very folksy, chatty style, as if he were talking directly to the reader, one on one. You will never again look at the story of Adam and Eve and Cain and Abel as just a simple story. I eagerly await Rabbi Fohrman's next book.

This is a fascinating view on the generations that followed Adam & Eve and Cain & Abel. No longer leaves one wondering how life continued after the first four and where all the people came from.

I couldn't believe how this book probed Biblical text and exposed human nature for what it is! In some ways it is freeing, and in some ways the weight of being a human can just weigh you down.
I found this book to be intense, yet easy to read. It lays things out in a logical, progressive manner.
YHWH bless this author.

I've read several books with food tips and I have to say this one has left me feeling a bit more inspired and more excited to cook. I know that's a bit corny to say but this book offers that extra information a cook needs, stuff other books only offer a small portion of. I definitely recommend this as something to add to your cooking collection.

I bought this to replace the copy I shared with my family. I should have ordered several. It is a great first cookbook and a good reference manual for experienced cooks. The alphabetical layout makes more sense and the book is full of good basic ideas for all types of food and methods.

I love this book! It's organized alphabetically making it an easy reference for quick questions, yet is written in an easy-to-follow, enjoyable tone that keeps me reading after I've found my answer. Listings include ingredients, techniques, and culinary approaches (ie "Cooking for the Week") and encyclopedic answers are enhanced by recipes, illustrations, "fascinating facts" (onions neutralize paint fumes) and endless tips. I've read many books on kitchen science but I return to this one most often for speedy references. As enjoyable for absolute beginner chefs as it is for seasoned pros.

An interesting concept is at the base of this book. It provides hundreds of recipes--as a part of what is described as 5,000 "ingenious kitchen hints, secrets, shortcuts, and solutions."

Coverage is from A to Z. Some examples of helpful hints. On page 3, substitutes for alcohol in recipes are noted. Instead of one tablespoon of sherry or Madeira, use one tablespoon of apple juice. Another item under A is the choice of the right apple for the right purpose. For example, Golden Delicious apples can be used for sauce, baking, salads, and eating; McIntosh apples are best for eating and sauce; and so on. And immediately after these hints, there is a nice recipe for spicy applesauce (using McIntosh apples). On page 75, for those readers addicted to Buffalo Chicken Wings, there is a recipe for Buffalo Hot Sauce. While I would prefer old-fashioned Tabasco Sauce, the recipe calls for somewhat milder hot pepper sauces, for palates that aren't as willing to burn. In addition, there are a couple recipes for using the sauce other than on chicken wings. What about making Mango Salsa? Page 268 features a simple, easy to make recipe. Polenta? Pages 377-378 provide a veritable "how to do it" mini-manual, including what to do if you err in making it (such as burning the bottom of the polenta). On Page 531, you can read how to prepare vegetables for grilling. For asparagus, snap off the tough ends and use direct heat to grill the vegetable. And so on and so on. A to Z? What about getting the zest from oranges to use in recipes? Here is one of the few places that I have run across this "how you do it" tidbit.

All in all, a very nice and useful volume.

I love this book. I collect cookbooks and it is really hard to find something that gets me going. Many of the submissions (which are very well organized) also have great recipes. His long, slow oven cheesecake is worth the price of the entire book!!!

Everyone needs this in their culinary library.

If I ever get around to making a list called "The books that built my brain," this book will be on it. I had a copy of "Come over to my house" as a child, and the fantastic images of faraway places, diverse people, and different ways to live helped furnish my imagination with wonderful scenery. The pictures stayed with me: the balconied Venetian house, the painted Chinese houseboats, the carvings on the (Polynesian?) house near the hot springs. Every child's imagination should have room to travel. If you can find it, read it to your kid.

A great classic that each child should have in her library.

I've been searching for this book since the birth of my first child. It was my all time favorite book. My mother read it to me night and day. Upon my learning to read, I remember taking this book to bed with me during nap time and reading it over and over again. I never grew tired of seeing how children in other countries lived. This book went every where I went. I'm estatic this book has been reprinted and I can share it with my children.

In typical Dr. Suess fashion (LeSieg is backwards for Geisel...Dr.Suess' real last name) this book carries the poetic rhyme that kids love. It tells the story of how homes are different everywhere, but how "they're all alike when a friend asks you in." The pictures are bright and interesting. Young children will be filled with curiosity with the amusing pictures of homes in far away lands.

I read this book to a group of first graders and they hung on every word. None had ever heard the book before. It truly is delightful! It is a shame that this fabulous book is no longer in print. I got my copy nearly 30 years ago. It is still my favorite!

This book is amazing. I found it at a thrift store for .25 and put it away for the birth of my first child. I am an American living overseas, so for my son to see all the different cultures familiar and unfamiliar, it great. He is 18 months old and just wants to look at the pictures and hear me read it over and over and over again. I never tire of reading it either.

Fantastic, hair raising tales of hauntings of a legendary of boom town that is frozen in time in the Virginia mountains of Nevada! Historical references are enlightening and muster intrigue surrounding the wild west days of the mining boom. A must read for those that enjoy chills down their spine!

I have always had an interest in the ghosts and things that go bump in the night. This book was recommended to me by a friend, and I must say, was worth it's weight in gold! Every time I tell people about it and let them read some of it, they want to borrow my copy.

Comstock Phantoms is an amazing look at the history of the Virginia City area. This is no ordinary "I have a ghost story" book. This book has what all those other ghost books lack....historical reference! From the Blue Lady of the Old Washoe club, to the basic graveyard haunts, this author backs up the stories of the area with historical facts. He even takes the time to document his sources.

This book is not only entertaining, the historic sections bring to life the haunted areas, and makes it that much easier to beleive that the ghosts are real, and not just some made up tales to raise the hairs on your neck.

In addition, the ghost hunts the author goes on are wonderfully written and enertaining; closing the loop on the histrical past to the present. His descriptions take you right into the present day buildings and cemetaries.

Does he find a ghost? I'll let you buy it and find out.

5 stars!

I found myself thoroughly engrossed in this book and the writer's style, though I don't usually read that much history. It was engaging and entertaining and I've recommended it to several friends, who enjoyed it as well (come on, guys, write reviews!). I hope all of you out there who have even a tiny interest in paranormal experiences pick up this book and give it a read. It's great!

Brian Bruns has written a very entertaining book on the Comstock Ghosts and Hauntings. He has wrapped his own ghost hunting experiences into a book that is spooky as well as historical. It has been a pleasure to pass on my copy (and buy another for myself and also another for my daughter) to my daughter-in-law who also could not put it down.

On visiting Virginia City and the the Comstock area, you can put the buildings and locations together with their ghostly inhabitants thanks to Mr. Bruns. Mr Bruns writing style is refreshing and lively. His experiences are both humorous and well told making you feel like he is in the room talking to you instead of the reader just reading a book. I am still taking photos to see if the Blue Lady will make an appearance on film!

If you are planning a trip to this area or even if you are a Nevadan, this is a book worth reading and keeping as a guide to some of the events and places of our historical past that are evidently still making an impression on our present day.

I am eagerly awaiting Brian's next endeavors!!!!!

This is an easy reading book with well written descriptions of the hauntings in Virginia City and it's surrounds. The author's humor keeps the stories lively and his sprinkling of facts about the mine, city and state were both enlighting and fascinating. I'm re-reading it already.

The cons, lifers, p.c. punks, jailhouse lawyers, snitches, cellblock queens, inmates; all hustling for scraps, all scrapping for survival until that big day when freedom beckons. Whether it is in the form of a parole decree or a daring break-out, they will be free to repeat the abhorrent behavior that landed them in the clink in the first place. Like a shiv to the ribs, this book will penetrate your preconceived notions about life behind concrete walls.

A bunch of two-fisted prison stories focusing on what hard-bitten cons do best: kill snitches and blast their way out of the stir. Once free to flex their oily muscles, they gleefully break every law of man and God until the weight of law comes crashing down, burring them six feet under. There are also some reform school debs thrown into the mix, but their delinquent and promiscuous antics seem to pale in comparison to the wanton, testosterone-fueled violence of the other stories. There is also a companion volume,Hellcats, Vixens, & Vicedolls: Women, Crime, and Kink of the Fifties , that's keeps the havoc going!

"One shot, one gas bomb and all 5 of you screws die!" So boast an prisoner leading his escaping gang to freedom; only to end up in a full blown riot complete with National Guardsmen, tanks, search lights, tear gas and machine guns. This rebellious attempt at a big bust out is just one of the 30 exciting stories convicts running wild; until, that is, they are captured and put to death in the gas chamber. I recommend this book to any fan of George Raft or James Cagney movies.

This book is like "the cycle of life" for criminals! From the youthful discretions of a juvenile delinquent destined for reform school, to a cold-blooded double homicide from a harden jail bird who's murderous actions condemns him to a meaningless and violent existence as a convict on death row; all stages and facets of the "left-hand path" are vividly detailed from this collection of detective magazine articles from the 50s.

Convicts, Jail Birds and Reform School Girls is a wild ride through the most sensational and lurid true crime cases of the 1950s --- and a few before that. Many different crimes are covered but the outcomes are all the same: prison or death for the criminal and a deeply satisfying feeling for the reader.