Ford Books

Twelfth Night is one of Shakespeare's many classics; yet the play remains the most puzzling of all. It's popular but challenging: thus the need for John R. Ford 's TWELFTH NIGHT: A GUIDE TO THE PLAY , which joins others in the 'Greenwood Guides to Shakespeare'. Plenty of other titles have offered critical analysis: what makes this one different is its inclusion of the play's textual history and changes, explanations of underlying history and influence, and a gathering of criticism and analogues under one cover. The inclusion of the sum of critical thinking about Twelfth Night makes A GUIDE TO THE PLAY an essential addition to any serious high school or college-level collection where Shakespeare's works are studied.

I first read this work in the late 1960s. So often the place, the circumstances and the time add quite a lot of meaning to the particular book you are reading at the time. In this case, I had just completed a bit over a year in a God forsaken station on the border of Cambodia and was going home. Our plane had some problems and we had to land at another God forsaken place in Viet Nam, which to my horror, was under attack. I was home sick, actually physically ill, and I must admit, scared out of my mind. Just before take off, a friend had handed me a book to read on my way back. This book being reviewed here was the one. It reminded me so much of home and the environment I grew up in, that it was a true God Send. I actually read the thing four times non stop before we got out of that place. That being said....

This collection of stories by Cory Ford takes place in a rural community. It is a series of short stories about of group of men (The Lower Forty Club) and their hunting and fishing antics. It was and is absolutely hilarious. Cory Ford lived in Hanover, NH and was associated with Dartmouth (Rugby team, for the most part) and his vast body of work would not lead you to assume that he would have any skill as an outdoor writer. Not so! Ford knew his stuff. He was able to instantly develop his rather rural characters to the point you felt you knew the. His technical knowledge of hunting and fishing gear was rather amazing. He was able to blend all this knowledge into stories that were simply fun to read. I grew up around people which were rather duplicates of his characters (actually, I am sort of one of those myself, now that I am older), and Ford was able to nail them perfectly.

Perhaps in this day and age, some of these stories may not hold the younger readers interest as many would not be able to relate. I certainly did (and do) and do very much recommend this one. There is a follow on collection, "Minutes of the Lower Forty" which I also recommend.

Don Blankenship

Windows 2000 Professional marks a significant change from Windows 95, 98, Me and NT. Everything looks and feels different. Even familiar utilities and wizards are not where you expect them to be. This little book cuts straight to the chase, saving you time and reducing your learning curve as you make the change from your current operating system to Windows 2000 Professional! A must have for anyone that can't afford to waste their time.

Although some segments provided limitted insight, the overarching concepts that Ms. Wiltshire presented showed a uniform lack of forethought and depth.

This book is a gem of Mid-Century Avant Garde, Surrealist, Fabulist & more writing. Pieces by Man Ray, Henry Miller, Paul Bowles, Camus, Borges. Stuff about Ernst, Breton, Durrell, Leger. 60 or more similar items. A fascinating short article that gives the `40s perspective on "Les chants de Maldoror;" really an underground book then. A time capsule or doorway through to a long gone, fertile period in the arts from a participant's perspective.

With Andrew Morland photographs, a collectors' bible of thehistory of one of the most famous, important & prolific makes offarm tractors in the world. Styled as The Ultimate Tribute to Ford, Fordson, Ferguson, & New Holland Tractors this big book is filled with exquisitely clear photos & copies of manuals, advertisements & brochures recreating the flavors of the decades as Robert Pripps' detailed narrative winds around the illustrations. Would be great to take with you for summer auctions...

Visionaire 24 LIGHT with guest editor Tom Ford for Gucci is a Double deluxe issue. It comes in a magical, revolutionary format consisting of a flexible Luminagraphics light panel packaged in a black foam-lined box which is used to view the 24 transparent and panaramic photgraphic plates. LIGHT is encased in a shiny black plexiglas case (similar in style to the new fragrance for men by Gucci - ENVY), and "custom-manufactured" by Gucci for Visionaire - need I say more. The theme is LIGHT and Visionaire as in the past have brought together cutting-edge imagemakers from the worlds of fashion and art to convey their own interpretation of LIGHT. We have the likes of Mario Testino using Lasers to convey his view of light which is titled "Patience" and then we have Alexander McQueen whose view is somewhat differnt, but very McQueen, titled "United Explosion", there is a hint in the title. Well you can't really go wrong with Visionaire and Tom Ford being behind this masterpiece. I can see LIGHT just like Visionaire 18 (Fashion Special) which came in a Louis Vuittton slip case becoming a very demaded item and auctioning at 1000% the original price just like Visionaire 18 did recently in London. It was auctioned at $7000 and was bought for only $75. Its a MUST have for Visionaire Collectors and anyone who appreciates art and fashion to the extreme, as for the rest stick to Vogue Magazine and Art Expo's unless you have a few extra notes lying around. With only 3300 hand-numbered issues globally all I can say is - GRAB IT WHILE YOU CAN! - otherwise it will sell out and become a priceless item.

This wonderful children's book (written by artist and political activist Mel Williamson) perfectly captures the feel of a Harlem streetscape in the early 1970s.

Ford is a master painter -- although I imagine one must see his work in person to appreciate the fabulous detail -- and the book is a great and affordable way to have his work in the house.

Christopher Makos is truly "top notch!" (love that silly old term!) He has captured all of ANDY WARHOL here! Thanks Chris! I would love to sit down over dinner sometime! Your stories must be true treasures!
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