Forbes Books

A really helpful tool when planning a trip. Each entry has a list that front which includes contact info, how many rooms, extras, grounds, rates and directions. Then there's a writeup that gives you some flavor about the B&B, the owners, the interior design and the cooking. There are a set of indexes in the back that are really helpful for those seeking particular features (e.g. B&Bs with swimming pools, B&Bs that accept pets, near bodies of waters or mountain B&Bs) or particular location (B&Bs in the Finger Lakes region).

The Long Island editor for 'Zagat Survey", Suzi Forbes Chase is also the author of a great many books and articles on cuisine and travel. Her newest effort is "The Red Lion Inn Cookbook", a superbly compiled and deftly presented collection (now in a newly expanded third edition) of more than 180 savory recipes derived from the menus of the Red Lion inn, for more than 200 years one of New England's most historic and popular dining establishments. The recipes comprising this impressive collection include traditional classics as well as recipes that have been revised and updated. The result is a compendium of dishes that are thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly'. Beginning with a history of the Red Lion inn in particular, and New England cooking in general, the recipes include appetizers and hors d'oeuvres, soups, salads and salad dressings, breads and muffins, meat and game, seafood and poultry, vegetables, rice and potatoes, puddings, pastries and desserts, cookies and candies, Red Lion Inn holiday recipes, Red Lion Inn luncheon recipes, Red Lion Inn breakfast recipes, and concludes with recipes for cocktails and drinks. "The Red Lion Inn Cookbook" is a confidently recommended addition to personal, professional, and community library regional cookbook collections.

The peak of the history of the Romantic Ballet in England took place during te 1830's and 1840's culminating in the famous command performance by four of the reigning ballerinas of the time: Marie Taglioni, Fanny Cerrito, Carlotta Grisi and Lucille Grahn with choreography by Jules Perrot who also choreographed, among others La Sylphide and Esmeralda. After that the Romantic Ballet declined and disappeared in England.

The high priest of the Romantic Ballet in Paris was the poet Theophile Gautier who wrote the scenario for Giselle and other ballets. He explained the dual nature of the Romantic Ballet by comparing the two rival ballerinas Taglioni and Elssler as a Christian dancer and a pagan dancer. These and others are brought vividly to life based on an exhaustive search of the Archives of the Paris Opera and other sources.

It's hard to imagine now that this book was considered pop fiction when it was published in 1948. You'd now have to look deep into modern literary fiction to find a work as complex, nuanced, historically exciting and completely enjoyable as "Running of the Tide." Author Esther Forbes had a fine career as a historian and novelist, winning the Pulitzer Prize in 1943 for "Paul Revere and the World He Lived In." Her young adult novel "Johnny Tremain" still tops many school reading lists.

In "Running of the Tide, " Forbes turns her considerable historical skills to Salem, Massachusetts, at the turn of the 19th century. The Inmans are one of the town's oldest seafaring families, and they're facing a rough patch due to the loss of one of their ships by the eldest son, Dash. There are four Inman boys, and all but the youngest, Peter, go to sea. Dash is the most canny captain of the family, but because he lost a ship the grandmother who runs the family company punishes him by giving the captaincy of the family's beautiful new state-of-the-art ship to someone else. But there's a last minute change of plans, and it's Dash who gives the orders to hoist sail on the Victrix's maiden voyage. He asks seventeen-year-old Peter to tie up a few loose ends for him. How Peter, who adores Dash and has a serious crush on the woman Dash loves, ties up those ends entangles the family for decades.

The wealth of understanding Forbes brings to the New England of 1800 is a treat. The Yankee character, traditions, customs, dress, the role of women as both business leaders and "pretties", captains who can sail around the world and triple their profits but can't get across town because they can't drive a horse, new trade routes opening up, the lives on shore and on ship of people who may not see each other for years are all explored with an historian's intelligence and a novelist's panache. I first read this novel in college and have come back to it every time I need a really good, involving read. The first time I read the book it was great, but each time after that my respect for Esther Forbes has grown as I realize just how elegantly "Running of the Tide" is put together. As the book sails toward the final pages, the outcome is as inexorable and as haunting as the final scene in a Greek tragedy.

Having just really appreciated the story of Saints Monica and Augustine, this was an excellent short read on the mother/son story of two of heavens greatest saints. This delicate little book will make you appreciate and ponder on her inspiration.

This paperback tells of the infinite faith of Saint Monica and her unceasing cries and prayers to heaven for the redemption of the body and soul of her son, Augustine, whose youth was being spent in paganistic ways, much like his father, Patricius. But just as her prayers were in earnest for her son, likewise were they for her husband, who eventually became a Christian, being affected by the love, patience and purity of his wife's life and example.

Monica's being also became a profound influence on her mother-in-law, who made Monica's life miserable, along with Patricius. But in her elder years, she began to take notice of her spiritual daughter-in-law, who always showed her the utmost respect, despite the reproaches thrown against her.

And of course, the most touching and profound story of conversion due to a mother's plea, is that of Saint Augustine. He is considered by many to be one of the most gifted saints, due to his natural insights and blessings, that he initially fought against during his early years, but which brought him such gifts of witness and teaching, in his later years.

The conversion stories of her mother-in-law, her husband, and then most profoundly her son, Monica is a wonderful example for anyone struggling with a yearning and desire to bring their loved ones attention to Our Lord. At the same time, you realize that her journey of truth for her family, took years of patience and blind faith, and it is then that we once again understand, that everything is in God's time, and not ours. And for those who have the true understanding of His love for us, we become grateful servants as we wait for the Master's Word.

This would be a most treasured pocket-size book for those who admire the faith and perserverance of St. Monica, as well as something to give to a struggling wife or mother, in need of encouragement.

God bless and peace in Christ!

Addendum: Located in the second to the last section of this book is the description of, and information for, "The Confraternity of Christian Mothers" which is a society in which Christian mothers and wives "offer mutual prayers for husbands and children who have gone astray" as well as "frequent and regular prayers with other women in the same vocation, talks, discussions, frequency of the Sacraments, as well as the edifying examples of other members".

The last section offers the prayers to St. Monica (The Litany, Novena, Mother's Prayer for the Intercession of St. Augustine, and the Daily Prayer for the Children).

The "Self-Assessment Color Review" collection is very nice and I can recommend the avian one. In my opinion, this book is not intended to give you a profound and detailed picture of the diseases but it more or less tries to confront you with real-life situations. Excellent for students or clinicians who want to deepen or broaden their interest.

This book gives photo and physical descriptions and then asks for a diagnosis. On the reverse is a detailed answer. It is very easy to understand, technical enough for serious diagnostic study, and very useful for recognising cases presented in your own office. I would recommend it to new vets and avian vet techs especially.

Very good review of internal medicine. the questions are well-written, reflecting not only classical clinical cases but also more complex ones. It helped me to better understand the content of "Color Atlas and Text of Clinical Medicine".

Shining delight! Next of Kin is just one example of how accessible this fabulous collection of poetry is - even to occasional indulgers. Highly recommended!