Forbes Books

It was not what we were looking for. We wanted sports cards and this was mainly girly cards. We put it in the trash.

A beautifully executed publication, however as a collector of Victorian Trade Cards, I was greatly dissapointed NOT to find ANY of the cards in my collection listed. I would have expected at least ONE to have been referred to, but the items in the book are mostly geared to the collector of tobacco insert cards. If this is your thing, this is your book. Forget it if you are more geared to Tradecard collecting

The book is great historical lesson. Reading about the history of the Tobacco cards has been very informative. The writers have dedicated many hours to thorough research of this topic.

Colorful and interesting pictures provide an easy to use reference guide. The text is clear and concise with indepth information on value and various other aspects of collecting. I would highly recommend this book for serious collectors, antique dealers and those interested this aspect of American history.

This comprehensive and superbly organized work is richly supplemented with numerous color and B/W photographs. A brief and informative history about various tobacco products/inserts and manufactures is provided. The book is organized principally into two units: N-series for 19th century cards (N1-N694) and T-series for 20th century cards (T1-T177). Each entry includes a brief description of the set and card appearance (front and back). The overwhelming majority of entries include an actual size photograph of a representative card (front and back) and a list of all cards in the set. Comments pertaining to card variations and prices are useful. The edge of each page is labeled with the set number to aid with rapid location of descriptions and card images. The work is peppered throughout with short vignettes and essays (published previously in various trade journals) by Dr. Terry Mitchell about specific sets or card themes. Although this is a soft cover book, the pages are printed on high grade gloss stock paper that tolerates repeated handling. Suprisingly, the book is neither overwhelming or boorish in its presentation. The brief descriptions and inclusion of images for virtually every set are effective strategies and make the book exceptionally user-friendly. No other work to date has done such a masterful job at capturing the variety of subjects, visual appeal, and historical allure of tobacco cards. This book is a must-have item for novice collectors and enthusiasts.

I found this book VERY informative in the actual installlation process of Linux --- , but, did find that the CD-ROM Disk that came along with it a bit OOD ...I mean, Kernel 2.0.0, with Version 3.5...At the time,...(that is, circa 1997), it must have been "cutting edge"! But, now...it is 'Old Hat'...(and, not even 'Old RedHAt'....i.e., not even capable of psuedo-REDHatPkg.Manager).

Jt/mS

This book was definitely written by a mathematician--not because there are esoteric equations and techno-babble, but just the opposite. The writing is methodical, succinct and easy to read.

The book is not really about Linux, but about relational databases, and SQL (and odbc, etc.) in general. The examples are based off of freeware databases, thus fitting the loose categorization of a "Linux" book.

Although no "Dummies" book, I would highly recommend it as anyones first real SQL/relational database text!

This book brings you 90% of what you need to develop a database solution on Linux.

The first two chapter will change the way you look at a databse, and the third will consolidate your knowledge on SQL. The other chapters deal with Web Integration and other topics.

Like a friend of mine ( +ORC, the Red Cracker ) always says, hystorical knowledge is a must! And this books puts you into the stage of database development. After reading this book, you'll know it ALL!

Butzen and Forbes' text will seem a bit dry, compared to much of the computer literature on the shelves, but what they've done is lay aside the cute, breezy "user-friendly" style I find (and detest) in so many computer books in favor of a straightforward text that reminds me a bit of a college algebra textbook, but has taught me more in the first 150 pages than most computer books I recall reading in the past year.

The book comes with a CD with the Slackware Linux distribution and a several database tools so beginners (like me) with no access to a serious database system can get going quickly, but I'd recommend that anyone interested in professional database administration quickly followup the work in this book and the associated software by studying demo versions and manuals of the major commercial packages.

I expected this book to have some content related to scripting languanges such as Perl but unfortunately it doesn't. It is mainly dealing with creating and connecting database using C++ or Java which is definately tool for professional developers. It would be nicer if it covered the database connection using Perl or some other scripting language which is a much easier way to do the CGI work. Also, it only covers mSQL.

Not a bad book except for the fact that the author's liberal leanings were too obvious. HBS (or any business school for that matter) is meant to teach business leaders, not focus on making graduates respected social agenda leaders. The author took several shots at the decade of the 80s and the Reagan era, but certainly gave a pass on the corrupt 90s (WorldCom, Enron, etc.) and the Clinton years.

All in all, though, I enjoyed the background on some of the key graduates, but I would not buy another book by this author.

I bought this book for a friend of mine as a congratulations gift on her acceptance to the Harvard Business School class of 2005. Knowing I'm a voracious reader, she asked me to preview it for her. I have to admit I was a bit disappointed.

To be sure, Mr. Callahan has a difficult task - to shape several hundred biographies into a coherent work in 320 pages. It is difficult enough to write one compelling biography! Unfortunately, Mr. Callahan was not able to pull out enough personalities, interesting trivia, or intersecting events to weave an interesting tapestry, instead writing about those experiences virtually everyone has shared -- drinking and reminiscing at old reunions, talking about how we went our own way and returned older and wiser, and in this case, how the collected group rose the corporate ladder. The book lacks the space to give more than a cursory examination to any single business leader, and it does not bother to illuminate us at to what experiences at Harvard tied directly to the success of the class, or exactly what common values they shared (other than some trite yet vigorous finger shaking at the fact that nearly the entire class participated in WWII). However, there are some eye-rolling and oft-repeated lines about how some members of the class suffered the hardship of working their way through their undergraduate years, as if tens of thousands of college students don't do that today (in fact Mr. Callahan alludes that they do not.) As a result, the book reads more like a long resuscitation of facts than as a compelling narrative.

The quotes on the jacket cover promised, "A time when values had meaning, with lessons we can learn", and included the engaging hook "They stormed the beaches of Normandy and the islands of the South Pacific, but the exceptional generation of Americans that won World War II also produced the greatest group of business leaders of the post-war era", but Callahan seems to give up his thesis of common experiences forging common values from the first pages, revealing that several graduates of the esteemed class of '49 have been investigated variously for insider trading by the SEC, by the Justice Department for bribery, or by the FBI for mafia connections. In fact, several of the alums he writes extensively about have extremely questionable business backgrounds. Additionally, it would be hard to differentiate between today's top business school graduates and those of the middle-last century, who went to find job stability and make money, "although millions, not billions as some leaders today." To paraphrase Mr. Dickens, in short, the period was so like the present period, that one of its nosiest authorities insists on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.

This isn't to say that there isn't a fascinating story to tell in the graduates of Harvard Business School, or the class of '49. In my opinion, it just hasn't been told here.

At this point I'll share that this is a qualified review -- I stopped reading about halfway into the book, which is rare for me. It is entirely possible that Mr. Callahan successfully ties the book together and presents its lessons in the final pages. I'll never know. I've since moved on to purchase "Pinstipes and Pearls: The Women of the Harvard Law Class of '64..." which thus far is much more personal and compelling.

There are a lot of things to like about Kindred Spirits. Its written with a solid pace, with a fair eye to both the achievments and limitations of a notable group, and with care not to overreach its modest ambitions. At the same time, I found this book somewhat dissapointing.

The deepest dissapointment comes from incongruity of the book's central thesis and the data it presents. The back cover carries the blurb "It was a time when value had meaning, with lessons we can learn from." In it, though, I found an account of a group no more or less scrupulous than those I've worked with over the last 10 years - in Business School and in industry. The subjects of this book donate to charity and don't seem to drive exotic sports cars, but they do bribe officials, fake the numbers, and repress unions. Its not that they're a bad bunch; the men portrayed here work incredibly hard and seem genuinely insightful about business, but they're not substantially ethically different from MBAs today. I had trouble identifying where the bygone values were - criticizing the tech bubble? questioning the wisdom of 80s LBOs? - its pretty easy to make those calls in hindsight.

The other dissapointment for me was the story not told. In the book there is a subset of the class - the most dynamic, smartest, most successful - called "The Group". There's a handful of them, 8 or so, and every year they make a ski trip with all their families. They stick together in an usually tight, powerful network. I would love to hear more about what personal and professional bonds keep that kind of association intact for better than 50 years. What's missing here is the personal dimension behind that concentration of power. An in-depth look into that could be a book on its own.

Other complaints ran a bit less deep, but were nevertheless distracting. Worst among these was pretty shoddy editing - there were several pieces of narrative that were repeated verbatim in different parts of the book. Initially, I thought I'd lost my place and was re-reading an earlier chapter.

All that said, these are inspiring people, particularly in their courage and their confidence, and the lead interesting lives. Callahan succeeds most when he lets them speak in their own words. I was not at all sorry to have read this, but wish more of the potential depth could have been realized.

The example of the Harvard 49ers is inspirational, and their adventures in business make for an exciting story.

As I read this book I became aware of just how much times have changed since 1949. Nowadays no Harvard Business School MBA student learns this style of business. Now they teach students how to line their own pockets while dismantling successful American businesses and putting all the employees out on the street. They also teach that this is simply good business.

"Cover Story" was written in the mid-1980s and is set in Finland, Estonia and Sweden. It's an interesting period piece, but not a very good thriller. It moves slowly and there's very little suspense, but it gves an interesting view of the Scandinavian and Baltic countries during the Cold War. Recommended mostly to those interested in this part of history, not so much recommended to those looking for a page turner.

When international foreign correspondent Bob Newman is shown a film sent to Britain's MI6 from the KGB of his wife Alexis being brutally murdered, he sets out to track down her killers. As he is not authorised by his MI6 bosses to do so, special agent Tweed must track him down. But what is the mysterious secret behind Adam Procane, a CIA spook defecting to the East with space weapons data in the upcoming months to the re-election of Reagan(this book was written in 1984, by the way). And what is Procane's link to the murder of Alexis? The trail leads Newman and Tweed across Europe to Sweden and Finland, also Estonia where events lead to a showdown, and all is revealed - or will it be? This is a very typical but much more realistic early Colin Forbes entry in his TWEED series. The characters are well-developed, the dialogue is not so cheesy as his later ones(i.e. THE CAULDRON and FURY - see said reviews) and as ever, the pacing and the intrigue is very engrossing. Not to mention the authentic European locations and an overall easy-to-read narrative. This one is a Cold War thriller that still packs a punch. Enjoy.

Colin Forbes' novel seemed an appropriate way to celebrate Ronald Reagan's 90th birthday. This novel was written in the middle of the Reagan Administration. It captures the sense of intensity and fear that was at the heart of the Cold War. As I reread it (I first encountered it back in the 1980s) I was struck with how much of a period piece it is. Forbes accurately details the rivalry between the KGB and the British-American intelligence establishments. He flawlessly recalls the uneasy neutrality of Sweden and intimidated neutrality of Finland (all this long before Nokia became a worldwide brand). He brings us back to the Russian domination of the three Baltic States (Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia) and the level of repression required to sustain it. You can feel the paranoia of the Russian senior political leadership and the brutality of their military-intelligence systems.

Cover Story keeps your attention throughout and has a powerfully surprising ending. If you still remain unsure about the President who knew an evil empire when he saw one, this book will convince you that we were very fortunate to have Reagan during those years. Forbes illustrates the alliance created by Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher and how that partnership changed the world. This book's very quaintness as a description of a world gone bye is a tribute to their lives and their remarkable achievement in winning the Cold War.

This book tracks the stories of some of the most successful investors in the history of Wall Street. It contains fundamental lessons and the anecdotes it contains are being repeated throughout the world today. Scandals, overly aggressive accounting, generous executive options, corporate greed, folly all have been well documented in this book and all are manifesting themselves today in the form of Anderson, Enron, Worldcom and so forth.

I like this book because it focuses on fundamentals. The most successful investors invariably focus on value stocks and long term growth. They look for basics such as earnings and cash flows. They look behind the accounting numbers and are not bamboozled by glossy brochures or big name executives. A wise investor would not have been sucked up by the dot com hype. They would have seen the companies for what they were, overpriced flash-in-the-pans.

Whilst this book contains many valuable lessons, the style was dry and at times difficult to get through. So, whilst the book is not an entertaining read, anyone interested in purchasing quality stocks should definitely have a look at this book.

Richard Phalon offers a somewhat eclectic array of biographies ranging from Benjamin Graham and Tom Bailey as marquee value investors, to Anthony "Tino" De Angelis who tried to corner the market for soybean oil (in a huge scam), and finishing the book with a discussion of George Doriot's philosophy (founder of the Venture Capital industry, as we know it). Clearly, not every individual qualifies for the 'Greatest Investor' title, but all of them had one thing in common: large amounts of money circulated through their hands.

Perhaps one of the more surprising takeaways from the book is the focus on value investing. The basics of earnings and cash flows, as well as knowing when to take the cash off the table are repeating patterns no matter the industry, time, or place. An insightful read given the current turbulence in the markets - it is somewhat surprising how timeless many of the principles Richard Phalon identified really are.

Reading this reminded me that bad ecomonic news can create terrific opportunities in the market-- the moral of the story of the very first story, which talks about Benjamin Graham and his protoge Warren Buffett! It was eerie how similar the "Investors Beware" chapter about the CUC/HFS International debacle is to what's currently going on with Enron: "If the 'story' behind the stock seems too good to be true, it probably is." A great read -- the author truly seems to love and relish what he's talking about and I learned a ton that heartened my sagging investing confidence (and hopefully my sagging portfolio as well).

This is an exciting book about an ever lasting friendship of a horse and rider.This friendship is very special you see because, the first day young Patricia see's the beautiful horse (Penny) she falls in love with her. Though she knows she can't ride her until she's a beter rider. The better Patricia learns to ride the more anxious she is to get on the beautiful horse Penny. Mrs. Mack tries to tell her not to rush, but one day Patricia rides a very difficult horse and falls off. I suggest you read this book and find out what happens to Patricia and her favorite horse(Penny).

Dear Readers,

The author writes about things that deal witheveryday life. Life is sometimes difficult and sometimes easy.Everyone needs to remember that some things are really worth waiting for in life.

We have all been kids at one point in our life. Kids tend to want everything and anything. They need to be taught by good role models how to acquire the things that are most important to them in life. This book gives us insight into how one goes about getting what one wants in life. Nothing is free in life.

Teachers could use this book to teach a lesson on working hard to accomplish life's goals. Children could be asked to brainstorm about the goals they have in mind for their own lives. Children could be asked to interview a relative to find out about a goal that they worked hard to obtain. Another lesson that could be taught with the help of this book is caring for someone other than you. This book showed how animals and people could care for one another. Children enjoy doing activities that involve their own pets or just animals in general. Other topics such as death, sickness, and friendship could be taught with the use of this book. This book has an endless amount of topics that could be discussed and developed through the cooperation of the teacher and students.

This book shows the lines of friendships reach farther than we can possibly know. Some reach through to adulthood. Also, some of our most uncomfortable feelings can be overcome with dedication to another person or creature. Ms. Polacco comes through with another heart-wrenching story from her childhood of a child overcoming a problew in a very positive manner.

I enjoyed this book quite a bit. It started off really great, with some incredibly funny parts about Jordy growing being the runt of the class and dealing with his Mom being a Lesbian and Grandma being a holy roller. There's an awesome line about the Grandma looking at you as if she's calculating the number of BTU's you'd generate burning in hell. I was howling with laughter in these sections.

But then it goes into Silicon Valley computer stuff, and Forbes just doesn't nail the computer culture very well. Having lived it and also reading folks like Douglas Coupland who nailed it, I thought this portion of the book was irritating and boring.

But it was worth it to read on about Jordy's other adventures and reunion with family. Forbe's strength is her subtlety in dealing with the intricacies of relationships and the associated emotions, and this book overcame other difficulties to be worth it in the end. Sometimes when Forbes tries to capture technical details or summarize real-world events it reads a bit like "young adult" fiction, but I think this book was worth the effort.

It's probably been 10 years, but I remember Alma Rose being a stronger overall book.

Jordy McNeil moves with his mom back to the small town where she grew up. He's always been picked upon, due to his small size and his habits, but when the kids find out his mom's a lesbian, then his troubles get worse for a while. Jordy learns to adapt to each situation throughout his life, which is part of his charm. After high school, he works for a while in Silicon Valley, where he makes a ton of money, and when those empty feelings overwhelm him, Jordy travels to Latin America on a quest for renewal. From there he goes to Seattle, where he falls victim to a drive-by shooting. He flees across the country to Maine, trying to wake up to life again, and it's only through the interactions with his mother's partner Pat that he succeeds in grabbing a hold of life again. Forbes's novel is connected to her earlier novel, "Alma Rose", but this can be read without reading the previous. Her writing is lively and skilful. This is a beautiful story about finding one's place in the world and in one's family, and about living every experience fully. "Navigating the Darwin Straits" is a perfect example of a book that's an utter joy to read.

This book is one of those novels that are meant to be shared among your dearest friends. It is about circumstance and the intricate connection of coincidents that shape our existance, from the moment we crawled from the sea to who you love in this lifetime.

Jordy McNeil is the intelligent, slight-statured and geeky son of an open lesbian in a small farm community. This makes him vulerable indeed to the insults and beatings beloved by so many ignorant bullies everywhere, but he is able to distance himself enough to understand not only his tormentors' mindsets, but to even gain the grudging respect. His life is far from perfect, but he slips through, strengthened by his mother's pragmaticism balanced by her life partner's calm serenity and acceptance. Through all his adventures is a sense of profound responsibility; the need to make a difference somehow, to break free from the norm and yet feel like a part of something bigger than himself.

It's impossible to relate the events of Jordy's life without falling prey to sappy feel-good phrases. This books is so much more than that. Just when you know what's going to happen, a new twist comes about. Ms. Forbes manages to flesh out very real characters; Jordy is infinitely likeable without being boring and becomes more complex with age and experience. His life is a quest for meaning and relevance, and his story journeys through the bone-white recesses of Silicone Valley at an enterprising Internet startup company, to the quiet ghost-infested ruins of South American pyramids, to the drenched inner-city streets of Seattle, and beyond.

Jordy is cursed, like a few of us, with the need to constantly confirm his meaning and purpose in the universe. Fortunately, while he is introspective, he never comes off as whiney. That's why he is so tragic, this mild boy who turns into a man who feels empty even though he does so much. The title on a whole is satisfying, and the last few chapters so interesting you won't want to put the book down. I won't even try to sum up what happens - just enjoy the twists!

I adored this book and will be sure to check out _Alma Rose_, the book preceding this one, which begins the tale of Jordy's future step-mother. This is one talented author, indeed.

A Forever Family by Mary J. Forbes
Silhouette Special Edition # 1625 - July 2004

The last thing that Shanna wants when she takes the job working the dairy farm, is to get emotionally involved with her boss, Michael and his orphaned niece, Jenni. She's been through her own losses and attachment to these two will only be devastating esp. when her job is only for a few months. Michael's had more than his share of losses. First his parents when he was ten, and now his twin sister and her husband, leaving 6 year old Jenni in his care. The only thing he wants is to distance himself and Jenni from this blasted farm and start fresh. And never is he going to give his heart, he can't bear any more loss. But Shanna brings a smile to little Jenni and the sparks of attraction can't be denied. While Shanna can't help giving her heart, she realizes that for Michael their affair will only be temporary. Once the farm is sold, he's off to the city with Jenni and without her.

This is the story of two battered and abandoned hearts coming together to find healing. Shanna has spirit and an inner strength that comes from her ability to move on and accept her loss. Michael hides from his true emotions and fails to see that selling the farm is only his way of running away; that no matter where he and Jenni live, he has to face his fears. Jenni is delightful and of course, a catalyst in bringing Shanna and Michael together. I thoroughly enjoyed this read! Ms. Forbes has a very pleasing voice that brought her characters and their story to life. I will definitely be keeping my eye open for more from Ms. Forbes!

A most excellently written story - excellent plot - ruined by too much PMS. They have this affair or is it that she becomes his mistress?

Dr. Michael Rowan has just lost his twin sister and is now responsible for Leigh's little six year old daughter. He does not know how to show love to a child.

Shanna McKay's mother walked out on her and her little brother when he was a year old. Shanna is now 31 and seeking a job on the Rowan farm milking ninety some Holsteins. A job she is more than qualified for.

At the Rowan farm is Leigh's quarter stallion, who is a danger to have around. Michael has done nothing to get rid of the stallion - he has put the farm up for sale. His grandmother is not happy with him.

He intends to move his niece to Seattle, away from the dangers of a farm.
His grandparents farm was the love of Leigh's life, not his. Or so he thinks.
The attraction between him and Shanna blooms and she finally gives into an affair even though Michael warns her that he does not intend to marry or have children.

Little Jenni is a lifesaver to the story amid all the adult angst with her fears and conversations with her doll, Octavia and the cat, Silly.

There is a wonderful bonding between her and Shanna and at least her PMS brings about some results.

Recommended if you don't mind being emotionally torn up and a bit impatient for these wounded characters.

An action packed read moving around the countries of Asia and the Middle East, often by some quite alarming modes of transport.There is an eye for detail, the changing scenery, local characters and the many facets of local culture affecting the life and work of an export rep.Colin Forbes' perceptive comments help the reader participate in the action.Often amusing, always interesting, this is a book that you will want to read more than once for information and pleasure.

A refreshingly different sort of book. The descriptions of the revolutions in Iraq and Burma are compelling,very real and give the reader a sense of what followed in both countries. The accounts of life in South East Asia are also very interesting and this reader was especially intrigued by the descriptions of Ceylon. Personal anecdotes and considerable humour enrich the text, throughout which shines the stuff of true experience. All in all, the book is original, highly credible and very entertaining. It makes a really good read and is strongly recommended.

Introducing Bert Williams: Burnt Cork, Broadway, and the Story of America's First Black Star

Camille Forbes's Brave Biography of Bert Williams

This big book is densely packed with information, yet so clearly organized and well written it is a delight to read. Framing her comprehensive overview of Bert Williams's career in the context of American theatre and race relations from the 1890s to the 1920s, Camille Forbes illustrates Williams's extraordinary talent and the challenges he faced as a black comedian. In a 400-page biography that is fully researched, meticulously documented, and refreshingly jargon-free, Professor Forbes provides a story that is as entertaining as it is scholarly. She is most effective in re-telling Williams's songs, jokes, monologues, skits, films, and musical productions - many of which had me alternately laughing out loud or crying, sometimes both.

In her Preface, Forbes explains that while her archival searches yielded rich details about Bert Williams's performances, she found little about the private life of this man who generally kept his own counsel. Promising to "remain loyal" to the facts she found (p. xii), she relies on detailed examinations of Bert Williams's public life, along with his scant remarks about himself and some comments by those who knew him, to explore the man behind the burnt cork. The result is that this biography sustains an organic integrity that an exposé of the private man's inner life would not. Forbes found plenty about Williams the performer to pack into her book, and just enough about Williams the man to flesh out his complexities. He was, for instance, a loyal husband and doting father but a careless chain smoker and a heavy drinker; a man who enjoyed socializing with other black men but was offended when black entertainers would drop by his dressing room uninvited; a man who dreamed of furthering "mutual understanding between the races" (p. 225) by developing a serious Negro character in a major production but failed to respond when "opportunity knocked" (pp. 224-226); a light-skinned Bahamian who identified with the African American community long before becoming a U.S. citizen but had by then alienated a large number of African Americans by remaining the only black in the all-white Ziegfeld Follies.

As with her promise to let her materials speak for themselves, Professor Forbes maintains an implicit contract to present them objectively, without becoming didactic or pedantic. Carefully tracing Williams's career, she provides extensive background information, examines the layers of meaning in his character portrayals, quotes conflicting reviews by critics both black and white, and addresses the complex racial issues of the time. Following Williams from his first public appearances as a shy teen-aged barker at a medicine show in Riverside, California, to his days performing in minstrel shows in San Francisco and his rise to national stardom with his partner, George Walker, Forbes describes Williams's comic routines in detail, placing them in historical and social context. Her depiction of the dynamics between the William's Jim Crow character and Walker's Zip Coon (pp. 60-62) is particularly compelling, as are her descriptions of the interactions between the two men and Williams's transition to a solo career after Walker's advanced syphilis forced him to retire.

When forced to go it alone, Bert Williams returned to vaudeville with great success, soon joining the Ziegfeld Follies of 1910. Forbes portrays Williams's need to separate his offstage presence as an intelligent man from his onstage comic characters during this transition, and she carefully documents the African American community's outrage as the highly-paid comedian continued to create his black-face minstrel characters amid the otherwise all-white shows. With the exception of a year off from the Follies in 1913, some off-season performances, and a few films, the black comic continued to play to audiences that were predominately, if not exclusively, white - even after he left Ziegfeld in 1918. Using Williams's own words when available, but refraining from speaking on his behalf, Forbes is consistently thorough in reporting the nuances of his character portrayals and the implications of the choices he made.

From the early 1900s, when Williams and Walker were already the "premier black act in New York" (p. 70), until after his death in 1922, Williams was generally considered the top black comedian in the U.S., if not "the funniest man on earth" (183). Throughout his career, even as Professor Forbes maintains a sure objectivity dictated by her materials and the history of U.S. race relations, she clearly cares deeply for Bert Williams and keeps him firmly in the spotlight. As a result, this brave biography takes on a life of its own.

A brief review cannot do justice to the biography's fullness, texture, and complexities, nor does it begin to echo the wonderful descriptions of Williams's comic performances. Look for the accounts of the recording of Williams's most popular song, "Nobody" (pp. 143-146) and his skits with Leon Errol in the 1911 and 1912 Follies (pp. 215-219 and 226-228). These were some of my favorites, but you may well find some you like even better.

For the record, I should note that I was working at UC San Diego when Professor Forbes began her career there, and I attended some of her talks based on her preliminary research for this book. I did not see the book's manuscript in preparation, however, nor have I yet attended one of her readings or read the reviews. My comments are based on my reading of the copy of the book I purchased after it was published.

Before buying a book, I tend to look in the index and check accuracy by reading items that I already have some knowledge of. Like a reference to Bert Williams being passed over for the lead in the 1916 production of "Robinson Crusoe, Jr. in favor of a 19 year old white kid named Al Jolson.

In 1916, Jolson was 32 years old and had been a Broadway star - arguabley the biggest musical star n the country - for 5 years. If such an easily checked factoid can be overlooked, what hope is there for the accuracy of the remainder?