Dean Books

This is an indespensible addition to the Hollywood Blacklist Canon. The author reevaluates Jack Lawson's plays, screenwriting, and political development, as well as documenting the conflicts of the Hollywood Left of the thirties and forties. The depth of research of this book is impressive, with Lawson's extensive self-analysis layered throughout the text. The author also mines such primary sources as FBI files and the then Red Baiting "Hollywood Reporter" for additional insight. A scholarly yet very readable book, this is a must for anyone interested in radical American politics of the period, Hollywood, and the Blacklist.

For many of us with an interest in the Hollywood blacklist period, John Howard Lawson appears as something of a negative symbol. Variously characterized as a Stalinist hardliner, a cultural commissar, and a hack writer, he frequently comes across as the least sympathetic of the purge victims. The image is usually that of a one dimensional minion of the party line, without either imagination or compassion. Horne's strongly focused biography attempts to get beyond the cliches to the details of the man's work as both writer and activist. The result is a much more complex portrait than what the public image conveys. But perhaps more importantly, Lawson's career also charts the rise and fall of the Communist Party in Southern California and the wrenching struggle to organize screenwriters within the industry that employed him. Thus, the book follows not only Lawson's career but those larger events that he strove so mightily to influence. Horne's meticulously researched book is indispensible for anyone interested in those topics.

Several miscellaneous comments. What we learn of Lawson the man comes mainly from his professional life and little from the personal side. I wish there were more anecdotes about the personal side that might reveal more about the man than what the writer-activist reveals, which frankly tends to confirm the cultural-commissar accusations. Also, the text could use better editing, as, for example, the numerous points at which Lawson is said to have "committed" to the party. For me, that got confusing. As to the often leveled charge that Hollywood reds smuggled propaganda lines into their movies-- that claim is thoroughly debunked by both Lawson and Horne, showing how many layers of supervision scripts had to pass through before reaching the screen. Lastly, the book is very revealing about the way in which the blacklist was used to strengthen the role of producers at the expense of writers, which, I believe, amounts to a lesser known aspect of the period.

Whatever one thinks of Lawson's politics, it's apparent that he remained a steadfast champion of social equality and economic justice throughout his life. Moreover, he participated at the center of one of America's most tumultuous and treacherous periods, with literary and film-maker contacts far and wide. In fact, it may not be possible to understand the trajectory of modern American film-making without the kind of insight into that crucial post-war period that Horne provides. Thanks to the author, the public now has an opportunity to better assess both the the Dean of the Hollywood Ten and his times. For, as the book shows, the two are inseparable in many ways-- ways that are still with us, as the anti-Moslem hysteria and repressive Patriot Act abundantly illustrate.

Another heart-warming, educational and beautifully illustrated book from the multi-talented Dean Bennett.

There's also the sub-text of preserving the Allagash, the beauty of which Dr. Bennett has documented in previous work.

We were the owners of Jasper, the old beagle dog in this book. Jasper led a very unusual and wonderful life for a dog. Mr. Bennett has captured the essence of Jasper' life in an excellent way, with his illustrations being very life-like. Jasper's relationship with Sweetie, his friend in the forest, was exactly as Mr. Bennett told in the story. Excellent illustrations and great true story. We thank Mr. Bennett for allowing Jasper's (and Sweeties) story to be told to, hopefully, many many children, as well as adults. John Richardson & Regina Webster, owners of Jasper and sporting camp operators in the book.

I thought this was wonderful. It's basically a tour de force of Deleuze, Guattari, Reagan and the first Emperor of China - and by the second chapter it all made sense to me. Ultimately it's a study of fascism, in China and in America... admittedly important places for it.

Who in their right mind would find a connection between 212 BC China and the Reagan years in America. Obvious, these two authors are not in their right minds, and that's what makes this book so great.

Written Dean R. Hoge (Professor of Sociology at The Catholic University of America), The First Five Years Of The Priesthood: A Study Of newly Ordained Catholic Priests) is the gathered knowledge from interviews with five hundred priests who were within five years of ordination and seventy-two recently ordained priests who had resigned. Examining both the reasons why 10 to 15 percent of newly ordained priests resign (loneliness, feeling unappreciated, problems with celibacy and disillusionment are among the main causes) and the advice that active priests have for those seeking to serve in ministry, The First Five Years Of The Priesthood is fascinating and strongly recommended reading for anyone considering becoming a Catholic priest or who has an interest in contemporary trends within clergy of the Roman Catholic Church.

The First Five Years of the Priesthood is a good book not only for those currently in leadership within the Church but also for those men who are discerning possible vocations to the priesthood. The data in this book gives a good inside look at what priests think about their jobs. The real benefit of this book is the candor of the interviewed priests. To often books about religious vocations are overly romanticized and not very realistic. This book gives hard numbers and allows priest both active, retired, and resigned a chance to tell their stories. Those who are discerning a possible religious vocation would do well to read this book because it takes the time to show multiple views of the priesthood. For those interested in the subject of selection and formation of future priests, check out Goodbye Brave Men by Michael Rose.

This one grabbed me. I read it in three evenings after work. I just couldn't put it down. Lots of action, adventure, romance, local interest and humor. Would make a great movie.

This is a Very interesting book for sure! The author did a Great job pulling you into the story! I highly recommend it, especially if you love the Florida Authors like this! Ocala, Silver Springs area is fun to read about for sure!

In this book, Rasinski and Padak certainly demonstrate their masterful knowledge of children as readers. The information provided is useful to teachers interested in helping their students become "powerful" readers. If you've ever wondered how to develop instruction that can meet the needs of a range of students in your classroom, then this book is a must read!

In From Phonics To Fluency: Effective Teaching Of Decoding And Reading Fluency In The Elementary School, Kent State University academicians Timothy Rasinski and Nancy Padak collaborate to provide the reader with successful teaching strategies, elucidated in detail, to help young people understand phonics and become better readers. Chapters cover onsets, rimes, and basic phonic patterns; how to teach advanced word patterns; world walls; word banks and word sorts; contextual word recognition; word games; assessing word recognition and reading fluency; and much more. Filled with sample charts, diagrams, games, and instructional materials, From Phonics To Fluency is an excellent supplementary resource for school teachers, tutors, and home schoolers alike.

My kids absolutely adore this book, and I love reading it to them. The story is captivating, and the illustrations are just wonderful. I highly recommend this book!

Frosty is a stupid name for a snowman--especially if your snowman is as talented as Jenny's. Jenny and her snowman, Bartholomew, explore Unicorn Planet and dine and dance with royalty. Jenny wonders if Bartholomew sees more than the backyard. Does he have an imagination? They leave Unicorn Planet, have an amazing day at home, and even take a little vacation before Bartholomew...well, you know what happens to snowmen!

Nobody said snowmen had to be ordinary! Anyone who ever painted the snow, dressed a snowman in something other than a hat and scarf or created castles instead of igloos will appreciate Bartholomew's adventures.

Troy Wilson and illustrator, Dean Griffiths, worked together on Perfect Man--another excellent selection for children who live to stretch the limits of their imaginations. If you add just one winter book to your collection this season, I highly recommend this book for kids who wonder...WHAT IF?

during my anatomy course , i revised many books of anatomy: Testut, Rouvier, latarget and others we use to find here in peru. i thing gardner's one is the best. this book and netter's atlas is the perfect formula for learning anatomy.

Gardner's anatomy is the best anatomy book because it has the most precise information you'll get anywhere. Although at first it seems a bit hard to use, once you get to know where things are, it is the best.

I would highly recommend this book! This book is a great inspiration of hope and faith. With God, all things are possible.

A marvelous book to read. You don't have to start at the beginning. Each page contains wonderful testimony by well-known Americans and some who are not-so-well-known. This is the kind of book that you will not want to stop reading.

The author of this book put profound lessons of life into few simple words that even my kindergarten son could read. He would read each page and I would talk about its meaning and give examples. Five or six pages, with one sentence in each page, would give us half hour of thought provoking discussion and quality time together. Best of all, my son practiced his reading and learned valuable things that will benefit him the rest of his life.

This is a precious little book (measuring only 3" x 4.25") about the treasures of thoughtfulness. The beautiful color illustrations on each two-page spread accompany the poetic verse well. This gift of the heart is truly a treasure.