George Books

This is by far a must-own collection for the Tales from the Crypt fans.
It features original comic books from 50s and 60s.

I was too young for the originals, but the reprints in the late-80s/early-90s were amazing.

The only issue I have is that the ink is sooo freakin' glossy that you get glare from overhead lighting.

Johnny Craig is the best artist!

There is an overuse of exclamation points in the writing, which can be irritating but the drawing is top notch and it's worthwhile to purchase for the fan of the old comics. Graham Ingels' work is the best of all.

The story of EC Comics really is one of the most intriguing in the lore of comic history. EC's founder, Max Gaines is really the father of the modern comic, having been the first one to devise the idea of printing newspaper comic strip re-prints into a magazine format. Gaines was also co-publisher of All-American Comics, the sister company to National Periodical Publications, AKA DC Comics, which published titles such as All Star Comics, Green Lantern, and The Flash. Gaines was bought out by his partner and eventually formed EC Comics, which then stood for Educational Comics but later would change to Entertaining Comics.

Gaines was killed in a boating accident, leaving his son William Gaines to reluctantly take over the company. Gaines soon changed the focus of the company and began to concentrate on publishing titles with horror, Sci-Fi, war, and suspense themes. Thus, Gaines created a legend. EC had perhaps the finest stable of artists ever assembled in one company that included Al Feldstein and Harvey Kurtzman who also wrote and edited most of the titles, along with other greats such as Johnny Craig, Graham Ingels, Wally Wood, Jack Davis, Al Williamson, Bernie Krigstein, George & Marie Severin, Reed Crandall, Basil Wolverton, Joe Orlando, and Frank Frazetta.

EC's horror comics were well ahead of their time and were really the pre-cursor of magazines like Creepy & Eerie. The stories in Tales from the Crypt, Haunt of Fear, and Vault of Horror were often quite gruesome and gory. Because of this, EC became the prime target of Psychiatrist Dr. Fredric Wertham who, in 1954 published Seduction of the Innocent, a book that blamed the violence and horror in comic books for juvenile crime and delinquency. A Congressional investigation resulted in the formation of the Comics Code Authority to censor comic books. Books had to be submitted and receive the stamp of approval and subjects like zombies & vampires were prohibited. While the CCA had no legal authority, most magazine distributors would not carry a comic if it did not have the code stamp. EC was forced to cancel their horror titles and shift it's focus to dramatic titles like "MD" and "Extra!", as well as the humor title Mad which was later changed to magazine format.

Much like it's Crypt Keeper, EC would not stay dead, thanks in large part to zealous fans and the efforts of Russ Cochran and Gemstone publishing that began re-printing the EC Comics in various formats in the 70's with the Complete EC Library, and then actual comics in the 80's and 90's. Among the latest projects are the EC Archives which collects several issues of the original EC comics into gorgeous hardcover editions.


Tales from the Crypt may seem tame by today's standards where blood and gore oozes off the pages, but when these stories were originally published back in the early 1950's, they were well ahead of their time in terms of their subject matter and artwork. While most comic art of the 50's was bland, mass produced house art, EC gave its artists unrivaled creative freedom. It's the reason why those issues are so highly sought after by collectors today.

The stories in Tales From the Crypt rarely deviated from the formula...they almost always ended with a shocking, ironic twist with a character getting their just desserts. Even when following this pattern, the gifted talent always kept things fresh and innovative. Inside these 212 pages you'll find stories featuring werewolves, mad scientists, zombies, animated limbs, ghosts, raving madmen (and women) and a host of other terrors. One of the most ghoulish tales is Johnny Craig's "Midnight Snack" in which a sleep walking man discovers he's been digging up bodies and eating them. This was pretty intense stuff for 1951. This book features the talents of legends Wally Wood, Graham Ingels, Johnny Craig, Jack Davis, Joe Orlando, and colorist Marie Severin.


These editions feature re-mastered color and also include special features such as an interview with Nancy Gaines, the widow of EC Comics founder Bill Gaines. The book lists for $50 but you can definitely find it online much cheaper making it well worth the price. If you've never read EC Comics before it's an experience you must have!

REVIEWED BY TIM JANSON

I just can't get over how nice these EC Archives are. Printed on high quality paper and done with superb color. These books are a great way to get the old EC comics with out going broke. I can't wait for Gemstone to print the rest. A+ 10 out of 10!

I love Either/Or. I really relate to a lot of the philosophy. I've heard the first one is often considered more interesing, but I related more to the second. Probably too long and dense for people who either aren't serious about philosophy, or can't handle reading really long books.

You will have the most fun reading the first book of Either/Or. The book is actually the master fisherman's best hook -much like Socrates was a midwife of thoughts- to bring you out into reflection of the question at hand: Either the esthetic or the ethical life. This book and the second part is this elaborate question concerning two opposing ways of life. This first book is ironically and seductively entertaining. He deals with various subjects like Mozart, Drama, unhappiness, Boredom and finallly the seduction of young girl. If anything else, read the last two portions of the book. One of the things that I like about the way K writes is his ability to use words from other disciplines and to incorporate them into his language so beautifully that reading him is literally an excursion.

Kierkegaard's brilliance lies in his ability to take such deeply personal experiences--love, lust, sorrow--and comment universally in a way that is at least unmatched in philosphy and probably in all of literature. He understands life in a way that seems obvious but is in actual fact merely fundamental to all of us. The book is a collection of papers and texts on a variety of subjects that at first seem disconnected but in the end all tie perfectly together with the truly brilliant "seducer's diary". Philosophy is a literary discipline that generally provokes either intimidation or a feeling of pointlessness (by this I mean that people wonder why should I care what someone else thinks if it is all unprovable anyway). I feel that Kierkegaard represents everything that is good about philosphy and is worth an attempt at least even if one is trepedatious. This book will not overwhelm you in complex language or termanology, rather it will leave you invigorated with fresh ideas and new questions about everything around. Everyone should read this book.

Although Kierkegaard had written other books before this one, mainly some literary critical works as well as his dissertation THE CONCEPT OF IRONY, this is the book that begins what he calls his "Authorship." The works constituting his Authorship have two main things in common: 1) they are all written by Pseudonymous Authors that represent points of view that do not precisely correspond with Kierkegaard's beliefs and 2) they are intent on delineating what Kierkegaard called the three stages of existence: the aesthetic, the ethical, and religious stages.

Of all the great philosophical writers, Kierkegaard was one of the greatest masters of literary form. In each work, he adapts a style and form that is appropriate to the particular point of view he is attempting to illustrate. In EITHER/OR I, he is concerned with showing various aspects of the Aesthetic Stage of Existence. Unlike the later stages of existence, the Aesthetic is extremely diverse, and can take more forms and be expressed in a larger number of shapes. Kierkegaard therefore writes a series of essays that bring out various aspects of the Aesthetic stage. Some of these are among his most famous writings. His essay on Mozart's DON GIOVANNI, "The Immediate Erotic Stages or The Musical-Erotic" ranks among the most famous pieces of musical criticism ever written. Perhaps even more famous is "The Seducer's Diary," in which an individual records his attempts to snare a young woman, though more in the sense of a Mephistopheles than a Don Juan. My favorite section, and the one that illustrates an especially developed form of the aesthetic is "The Rotation of Crops," in which our anonymous author attempts to deal with the one great difficulty facing the Aesthetic Mode of Existence: boredom. As he writes, "Boredom is the root of all evil." Therefore, the challenge to the Aesthetic is to thrust away continually boredom, and in this essay our writer provides a guide to making life as interesting as possible. We are required to continually find new friends, new jobs, new interests, since all obligations lead to tedium. Marriage is, of course, to be avoided, since this is boring (the contrary to this will be asserted in EITHER/OR II). That this task is impossible is taken up in later works by Kierkegaard.

EITHER/OR begins in classic Kierkegaardian fashion. Kierkegaard was probably the greatest master of the Preface in the history of literature. His Prefaces are such masterpieces that they can profitably be read on their own, and he himself delighted in writing them to such a degree that he wrote one book that consisted in nothing but Prefaces. In the one to both volumes of EITHER/OR, a gentleman by the name of Victor Eremita explains how he accidentally discovered the papers filling the two volumes that had been hidden in a desk. He separates them into two groups, "A" and "B". He possesses no great certainty as to the authorship, but believes that one person may have written the first group, and another the second group. Or, alternately, that the author of the "A" papers may have written the "B" papers later in life. The latter is probably what Kierkegaard wants us to believe, for it is his fundamental belief that the Aesthetic mode of existence is doomed to failure, and that it is possible (though not necessary) that this could lead to a higher level of existence, The Ethical. This new stage is dealt with in the second volume of EITHER/OR.

Everything I have read by Kierkegaard, Either/Or, The Seducer, Deep Park or whatever has the same central argument- the relative merits of manipulating the situation as opposed to doing or not doing whatever some inner voice tells him.

Men who get along well with women have a certain knowing of what the woman wants and use this understanding to manipulate her.
Kierkegaard is obsessed with the morality of this, it being less than mutual complete openness. In addition, when one understands a woman intuitively one loses a bit of one's SELF or inner being. This inner being tends naturally toward passivity for those who sense it. The man is "sensitive". An understanding female friend might give him the advice, "She wants YOU to be more mechanical." In Kierkegaard's view going to Deer Park presents the same sort of difficulty. He wants to go, but he does not want to decide to go. The act of decision makes him less sensitive and more mechanistic; therefore the decision to go can produce more inner stress than would a natural leader's decision to enter into a war. Kierkegaard looks for a justification for his indecision and comes to Christianity. But Christianity is "absurd" because it involves "eternal truth occuring in time." To Kierkegaard's mentality a great decision made based upon inner-felt moral grounds is easier than a small decision with no moral significance. In the first case he is empowered by the moral ground that the decision afferms; in the second case the inner self receives no affermation. In this sense morality is a crutch and an order-giver; morality commands as well as empowers; therefore, the individual acts contrary to his own interests and contrary even at times to his own understanding.
To Kierkegaard morality is a part of the inner self, not an external standard or system. Kierkegaard is good to understand, but a bad example to copy.

George W. Hilton has written a comprehensive analysis of the rise and fall of the interurban railways. The book gives the history of the interurban railways from their birth in the early 1900's to the very fast decline of the 1930's and 1940's. The book is loaded with maps, statistics, graphs, and charts. If one wants to know how many passengers were carried in a given year, the total mileage, the tons of freight carried, the profit or loss--it's all here in Mr. Hilton's book. Mr. Hilton also discusses the technology of the interurban and how they differed from the steam railroads. Part II of the book is organized by state and gives brief histories for hundreds of lines throughout the United States and Canada. An important reference book for the rail historian or railfan.

This is a thorough and scholarly treatment. Hilton and Due's backgrounds are in economics, and their analysis of the interurbans' development and demise is first and foremost an economics, business-oriented one. This is a welcome change to the average railfan-written book that addresses the business aspects of a railroad as an afterthought if at all.

This book allows the reader to understand the interurban railways in the context of their times, in the context of the forces that created and ultimately destroyed them.

This is not to say the authors don't enjoy their subject. There's a lot about the way the railroads operated, from signalling to staffing to equipment to operations. Obviously, in a general book, there's a limit to how comprehensive this can be, but there's a huge amount of information here.

The potted histories of pretty much all interurban lines are necessarily short, and don't replace reference works on the individual lines, but they give an excellent overview.

Strongly recommended for anyone interested in railroad history, anyone interested in interurbans and electric traction, and indeed anyone with an interest in social and economic history of early 20th century America.

George Hilton and John Due produced what has become the "bible" for any person seriously interested in the history of electric railways. The first half of the book provides general history and information about the electric railway industry which flourished during the first half of the 20th Century. Also included is the relationship many of these companies had with the electric power industry. It also touches on the utility industry holding companies which owned many of the interurban lines. The second half of the book contains (listed by state) all of the electric interurban railways in the United States and Canada. Capsule histories are given for each company that operated intercity electric railways. Although this book was originally published in 1960 it has stood the test of time and is a "must have" for any serious railway scholar

If you are interested in understanding the history of the electric interurban railway in North America, this book will tell you info you would be hard pressed to find elsewhere, especially on obscure lines that failed early in the century. While significant data is on the corporate financial life, it covers all aspects of the line. When I travel on business, I look to see what lines ran in the area I'm headed to, and when there, ask about these lines in area antique stores and libraries. I've found that the knowledge in this book will prompt people to point out remains of the lines that I would have missed. I have the original 1960 version and still use it frequently.

Hilton and Due have written the definitive book on an obscure but important industry: electric interurban railroads, which provided rural and small town America with mobility from the late 19th century until the automobile became common in the 1930s.

The book is exhaustively researched and documented, and yet very readable. It brings alive an industry that has almost vanished from the collective memory of America.

A great mix of research, analysis, and case study. The author treats the subject of suicide with respect and carries out a thoughtful study that is revealing to those touched with the issue in some regard or even those simply interested in research. There are no over-simplications here and no attempt is made to give haphazard answers to complicated questions.

The text is well-written and well laid out. I would call it an easy read, if not for its poignancy and intensity.

This books looks at suicide from a more intellectual research point of view. But after saying that, this book isn't hard to read or crammed full with academic jargon. It definitely enlightened me about suicide. However this isn't the type of book suited for mourning or self-help.

I would recommend this book if anyone wants more information about suicide as a subject.

I have faced head on the aftermath of suicide and this book was finally able to bring healing and answers after 10 years of not understanding 'why' and feeling guilty and ashamed. I would not have been able to face the catastrophic grief this book brings to life any earlier than this. This is not for someone in their first years of healing but if you have a suicide in your past or have ever contimplated suicide then read every page. I read every day, and most days had to stop when I couldn't see the words for the tears. But in the end I feel free of the guilt I carried for so long, and understood, and normal again. It's different but a new different. And it's stopped any thought of contagious or genetic suicide from effecting me. Walking through the grief of the surviving families was the most healing, powerful, insightful, life changing experience I've known.
Thank-you George Howe Colt!

A must read for those with a serious interest in the study of suicide. I found this book six years ago after the suicide death of my friend's only child, a beautiful and talented 18 year old.

Of the books I've read on suicide this has been the most thorough at exploring the various schools of thought regarding the subject. George Howe Colt looks at suicide historically, culturally, philosophically, and as the intimate assault it is on persons, families, and communities. He unveils many unwieldy questions, including the right to die with candor and only a hint of occasional bias. Although he avoids no subject, he does not aggrandize himself by claiming to have the answers. From the outside view of prevention to the inside view of pain he explores and shares what is happening in the two worlds via interviews with survivors, memoirs of suicides, gripping case studies and more.

Having said that, let me emphasize that THIS IS NOT A BEREAVEMENT BOOK! This came piercingly clear when I opened the pages recently after the loss of my own child to teen suicide. A suicide survivor may find it difficult to navigate the wrenching realities this discourse brings. It is not a book designed for comfort, but rather one illustrative of our discomfort and only possible because of human suffering.

**A note for those struggling to regain equilibrium after a suicide. As a suicide "survivor", I have not yet found a book studying suicide that I can wholly recommend for grief work purposes. If you want an in-depth exploration and are emotionally ready, this is the book I would recommend. However, many suicide books purposely or inadvertently direct blame to those who can least bear it. For healing purposes I would recommend the excellent book When the Bough Breaks: Forever After the Death of A Son or daughter by Judith R. Bernstein & Nora Donaghy for those who have lost a child. For all bereaved persons I recommend A Broken Heart Still Beats by Anne McCracken & Mary Semel.**

Really an excellent survey of the subject, with heartbreaking case studies interwoven. This book is very well written, deals a lot with historical treatments and perceptions of suicide, as well as current scientific thinking. Lots of facts, not a "how-to-cope" book but very useful if you're looking for information.

I ordered this book directly from Amazon and delivery was prompt with the book fully intact, condition as expected and without any problems. Amazon also, promptly answered any questions I had regarding the order. ORDER DIRECTLY FROM AMAZON.

I had the item expedited and it arrived within the disgnated 48 hours. One drawback - since I was not home, UPS left a note and I only received the book the following day.

Bit more writing in the margins than I expected.

This is the best legal textbooks I've ever used. The writing is straightforward and clear, and the examples are interesting and well-written. Really a marvelous tool for teaching and learning evidence.

This book is set up great. I like how there are cases, but no little like "notes" at the bottom of the pages. It explains the specific area of Evidence well in relation to the cases and gives good problems to work out so you can make sure you understand the topic. Great book!!

Well written and amazing to read. Author captured the moment and took you there. Book was flooded with facts.

I would highly recommend this book, it is not only for the history buffs.
If you do enjoy history, you will love the author's details.

I very good book that gives the reader an interesting twist on what was believed to be gospel. The author's research is convincing.

An awesome book....definitely a different view .... a must read for anyone seeking to truely understand Benedict Arnold's story.

Who would have thought that what was assumed by the average student of American history to be an open and shut case against Benedict Arnold could be brought into question. And, furthermore, to do so with such detailed facts woven into a rather gripping novel format. Mr. WIlczak has laid out a compelling case that Arnold was not a traitor but a collaborator with George Washington to ultimately fool the British. This book could be the basis of an excellent movie.

This book expresses a thoroughly researched, fresh approach to one of history's most infamous legends. When I began to read the book I felt my feelings regarding Benedict Arnold could not be swayed. The author, however, through meticulous use of timeline, documented fact, and letters of many of the involved, opened my eyes to the possibility that Arnold may have been the protaganist in a great scheme to free the colonies and help create the United States. I highly recommend this book to anyone who seeks the truth instead of the commonly handed down history stories we have been fed since childhood. AAAAA+++++

This was one of the best mysteries I have ever read. I came upon it by accident, not even knowing if it were a mystery or not. It is a wonderful successor to the great writers of the original English mystery. George Felse ranks up there with Poirot and Holmes, but shows a bit more humanity. The other characters, also, show qualities that make you forget that you're reading. The plot, I'm sure, will perplex you and will have you back for more Ellis Peters. I will say that after reading most of the Felse mysteries and a few Cadfael that Felse is better, but this one is the best in the lot.

I have read and loved all Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael mysteries, and for that reason I had been reluctant to start her equally well-known George Felse series. I am very glad that I did decide to begin this series. It's been awhile since I actually read a Brother Cadfael, and I had forgotten what a marvellous writer Ms. Peters was. Her characters in this series are just as well-rounded and realistic as the ones in the Cadfael series. The time and place are much different, but Ms. Peters' wonderful plotting and story-telling are the same. I truly believe that Ms. Peters is still in a class of her own when it comes to authorship. In this book the main sleuth is not George Felse himself, but his protege of a son - Dominic, who is 13 years old. Ms. Peters has written a coming of age mystery book here with her usual great skill. Dominic and his sidekick Pussy are two youngsters that readers will not soon forget. Also, George's wife Bunty is another wonderful character that I can't wait to read more about. They mystery too is ingenious and such a pleasure to uncover. Can't wait for more George Felse.

After reading almost all of Ellis Peters' Cadfael mysteries, I decided to give her other works a try, just to see if they could possibly compare. Well, to say I was surprised at what a fantastic novel this is can only be appreciated by those who have read and marveled at the brilliant Cadfael series.

Peters has created not only a very suspenseful and intriguing whodunnit, but a work of great depth, warmth, humor, and tragedy, full of complex character studies and profound insights into human nature, the effects of war, and how the murder of a man whom everyone hated anyway still rips apart the fabric of a small, close-knit community. And above it all emerges a playful, lighthearted banter between a precocious 13-year-old and his loving parents which is absolutely delightful to read. Somewhere around the middle of the book, after she has painted a vivid picture for us of the people, place, and times, young Dominic becomes central as the book's primary protagonist, and I cannot think of a more well-suited character to carry this novel.

As for the mystery itself, it was simply ingenious, better than many of the Cadfael mysteries, some of which are fairly easy to solve. This one had me on my toes until the very end, and threw some whopping surprises in along the way.

This is truly a work of genius, many-layered, lovingly crafted, and brilliantly well-told. Good luck finding another modern author who can come close to this level of accomplishment. Peters' work deserves much more acclaim than it has received.

Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood. He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made.
- Psalms 7:14 - 15

In these days after WWII, England is no longer the place the young men left when they went away to fight. The mining industry has been nationalized, and even Comerford's old slapdash efforts at opening up its shallow coal deposits are about to be reopened, with a flood of new faces coming in to operate the new machinery. The men who went away, of course, aren't those who came back: Jim Tugg, the hired man at the Hollins farm, with daring exploits as a paratrooper; Chad Wedderburn, the pacifist classics master who spent years in guerilla fighting; even Charles Blunden, son of Selwyn Blunden of Harrow, fought all the way across North Africa and Sicily.

Expatriates from all over Europe are common enough, even ex-POWs who still slip and say 'Heil Hitler!' if they forget. (And get beaten up, maybe, by somebody whose brother died in a Stalag.) Helmut Schauffler, though, has been asking to be murdered by going far beyond that.

Gerd Hollins had lost her entire family in the concentration camps. Haunted by memories of horror that won't stay suppressed, she asked her husband to hire Helmut, because if she could learn to see one German as a human being, it would help her to let go of her nightmares. Unfortunately, Helmut is a creep - an actual Nazi who enjoys psychological torment (though he's not stupid enough to try it in front of her husband or hired man). When he's fired and takes a job at the quarry, he still harasses her in a slimy way, while causing discord everywhere else he goes.

Sergeant Felse isn't surprised when Helmut finally turns up floating in the brook, head bashed in, although he's less than thrilled that his 13-year-old son Dominic found the corpse. Despite George's best efforts, Dominic gets interested in the case, especially since his classics master is a suspect.

Best known for her "Brother Cadfael" series, Ellis Peters (1913-1985) was also the author of thirteen novels featuring Inspector George Felse. Published in 1951, FALLEN INTO THE PIT is first novel in that series--and easily the best.

Most of the Inspector Felse novels run approximately two hundred pages; FALLEN INTO THE PIT runs over three hundred. To a certain extent this is due to Peters' establishment of the main characters and locales--but in simple fact the novel is much more densely written than her other Felse novels, so much so that at times it has an almost poetic quality.

Set in England following World War II, the plot focuses on a young German prisoner of war named Helmut Schauffler, who has remained in England after his release. Unfortunately, Helmut is a nasty bit of goods: a bully who attacks only when reasonably certain that there will be no retribution. Needless to say, he makes enemies right and left--and no one is greatly surprized when he is found with his head crushed in and thrown into a country stream.

Peters' plots are typically contrived, and although handsomely written and more than usually entertaining this is no less true of FALLEN INTO THE PIT than it is of her other works; long-time mystery readers will likely spot the killer through the way the author draws out her plot and sets forth the characters. Even so, this remains a particularly fine title in the Felse series. Recommended.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

This is a delightful and fun book. It is much more than a "cookbook". You can have your spirituality enhanced while making a great tasting meal. I love that the recipes have variations and options listed, so if I don't have the exact ingredients the book will give me some substitutes. I can vouch for the vegetarian recipes in the book. The recipes have notes listed under the title of the recipe which range from quick tips, to origins of the recipe or ingerdients, to nutritional information. Ther are menu listings to combine recipes. There are many tips on cooking, making the most of your time in the kitchen and preparation tips. I was going to list my favorites - but there are so many that I enjoy. Spicy Red and Black Bean Tortilla Pie, Steamed Kale with Spicy Peanut Sauce, Anasazi Beans, Pasta with Fresh Tomato, Basil and Leeks. The index is great and makes it easy to find recipes for example to use the rest of the tomatoes I had left from the pasta dish. The spirituality joy of this book comes in the sidebars by every recipe. As you wait for something to cook you can contemplate the mysteries and joys of life. This is a book to feed your heart, body and soul.

This is my favorite vegetarian cookbook. Most all the dishes are extremely simple (which aides digestion) and vegetarian or vegan. Also all the ingredients are at most any grocery store. You need not hunt down some bizarre mushroom in the middle of China Town or order some herb online! Also the spiritual sayings in the book are just heart-warming. These are quick dishes to make that make you proud to be a vegetarian or vegan. THE best!

With this book, my and my family's nutritional woes vanished. This book gave us, the relatively normal vegetarian family of four, the ability to eat wonderfully delicious and totally nutritious meals that we could actually prepare!

I definately reccomend this book for anyone who wants to try to live in a healthier way without comprimising taste and without a large portfolio of cooking experience.

Thanks Jeff!!

You'll like this refreshing, peaceful approach to recipes and cooking. Comments prefacing many of the recipes make you feel Jeff is speaking directly to you as he shares some of his expertise. There are many useful hints (the way to properly wash greens or skin garlic, etc.) Simple broiled fish couldn't be easier; Frittata,made with mostly egg whites is one of our favorites when we get home from church on Sunday morning, and last minute guests can easily be accommodated.---A Smoothie is great for a quick, satisfying low calorie breakfast ---the Stir-Fry and Peanut Sauce recipes allow flexibility in ingredients--a feature I really appreciate because I don't always have the exact items on hand.----Jeff introduces many new and interesting foods in a non-threatening way for those unfamiliar with them---it is obvious the Author really cares HOW food nourishes the body,even as George's inspirational and insightful prose provides Food for the Soul. You will find much depth to this cookbook. Give it a try.

"Feed Your Soul" began when Ellen Rolfes asked if I'd help create a cookbook based on "Teaching Your Heart to Dance" by George Fowler. A former Catholic priest and Trappist Monk, he had been writing about spirituality and teaching meditation since marrying a nun and reluctantly leaving organized religion some 20 years earlier.

As soon as his work arrived on my desk, George's writings began working their way into my heart. I felt more gratitude and respect--both for myself and my sustenance. He asked what I could do to be authentic and true to myself, to release self-doubt and self-rejection, and suggested I "... rejoice in the experience of the Presence always... as much when bagging groceries... as when seated alone in deep contemplation..."

I was enjoying the challenges of a new career as a food stylist after ten years working in a demanding restaurant environment. But I had begun to resent helping with meal prep at home - which had become increasingly complicated as my dietary needs leaned further and further from the vegetarian fare my wife and I shared earlier in our marriage. I was also learning to cope with several debilitating food allergies, so dining out was not that simple.

George's enthusiasm was contagious. As he and Ellen encouraged me to give voice to my food 'philosophy', the book's focus sharpened. My understanding of the interaction of food, body and mind inspired a series of affirmations presented at the beginning of each section; basic nutrition and culinary information would be the focus of each chapter's introduction.

With demand still strong for vegetarian books, ours would feature meatless ideas, but I also wanted to reach a wider audience and encourage readers to support producers of high quality, humanely produced animal foods. About 80% of the recipes are meatless, with some offering alternatives for going either way. I regret that I had not yet been introduced to the nourishing qualities of lamb; no such recipes were included.

Years of teaching cooking classes helped me create time-saving ideas -- including prep tips and "quick variations" based on high-quality convenience foods - and many recipes illustrate the efficient use of intentional leftovers. Some of my favorites serve as simple guidelines for speedy improvisation.

Though the cookbook industry was still in the midst of the low fat craze, we resisted the urge to provide nutritional analyses, instead encouraging readers to develop an intuitive approach to preparing meals and snacks, using moderate amounts of oil, butter, nuts and seeds. Many of the recipes offer non-dairy, wheat-free and eggless alternatives; for those sensitive to sugar, the desserts are not overly sweet. While such diverse goals resulted in some fairly conceptual formulas (chocolate cake with no dairy or eggs!) many readers have expressed gratitude for alternatives they hadn't found elsewhere. Some recipes feature the best of the unusual, nutrient-dense foods available at health food stores, such as sea vegetables, cultured soy products, and ancient grains like quinoa and teff; others include my favorite edible wild plants, such as mulberries and lambsquarters.

George's wisdom provided the spiritual 'glue' for the book. Presented as a series of short reflections at the center of each two-page spread, they've prompted many readers to comment that they enjoy reading the book in bed at night. His words help reawaken our awareness of the Divine presence within, often combining practical encouragement with homespun metaphor:

"Learning to love yourself is not some grand gesture you must learn. It is a small act of kindness or compassion in this moment - now again in this one - and then yet again in the next. A crippled old cow makes it out of the blizzard and into the barn with one laborious step after another. And, especially if the storm has been fierce, what a gentle and grateful creature she will be when she arrives inside!"

Ahead of his time in disdaining ironic and cynical humor, George urged readers to persist in their efforts to rest in their own Being:

" If the word 'meditation' sounds too woo-woo or esoteric to you, let us put it another way. Give yourself time every day to recognize and consider your innermost desires and potential and then to watch as you see this clarified vision of yourself begin to manifest in your life. There! You are a meditator!"

George Fowler died in January after a long bout with cancer. His wife Lori relates that he wants us not to mourn his physical absence, but to celebrate his presence in spiritual vibration which is only love and peace now. From cyberspace, I thank you, George. Thanks for believing in me, and for telling it like it is. Know that your words and thoughts will continue to reach those who need them for a long, long time -- bringing peace, joy and authenticity where it is desperately needed.
-JL

Some might say nothing can equal Middlemarch as Eliot's greatest work but I think that even if Felix Holt doesn't rank alongside it in literature, it should be given at least an equal status.

The novel deals with provincial politics in nineteenth century England through the mouthpiece of one of the best male protagonists ever drwan in literature by a female writer. As in all her books, Eliot is sharp in her details, the satire is poignant and she doesn't miss out on humor. Feminism takes a different turn here, with telling criticisms on the way females were brought up at that time and in many third world countries, still are brought up.

Eliot is never bitter, never hopeless, yet always realistic and idealistic with this difference: she doesn't let it get out of control. Fear not: mawkish is the last thing this book is. Some details might seem to be superfluous but it adds up to showing the literary prowess of this great woman, and is very helpful in letting you understand the real stuff going on at that time. A good, very well-written socio-political novel, that depicts the atmosphere of its time with more accuracy than many other books I've read.

Eliot does have the most amazing ability to get into her characters' minds. although this book is an all rounder in the sense that it comments on most social issues, the two main intimate themes of the books are personal to the central character, Felix, the most "alive" hero of nineteenth century literature: his politics and his love interest, in herself a very compelling and subtly drwan character.

Worth reading for all Eliot, Dickens, and Hardy fans. Will definitely give you two or three new opinions: even if the time period is different, much of the philosophy of the book is still very relevant.

This is my 4th novel by George Eliot (after "Adam Bede", "Middlemarch" and "The Mill on the Floss") and it has become my favourite along with "Middlemarch". "Felix Holt" is so marvelously written and gave me many hours of reading pleasure - I can't understand why it's not as highly acclaimed or well-known as Eliot's other novels.

If you're a fan of Victorian literature, then you mustn't miss this brilliant work. The story's set in the 1830s and is 1/3 focused on politics (i.e. a fascinating insight into the electioneering process and the fight for a Parliamentary seat between the Torys and the Radicals), 1/3 on family and sensational issues (e.g. illegitimacy, dispute over who has the legitimate claim on the wealthy estates of the Transome family and plenty of blackmail, manipulation and betrayals) and 1/3 devoted to a love triangle.

George Eliot wrote so eloquently and beautifully that many times I find myself re-reading a particular phrase in order to saviour its beautiful words. Each chapter also starts with either a beautiful poem or some well-chosen lines from Shakespeare/the Classics. Here's a favourite of mine from Chapter 45 (a poem by Eliot):

"We may not make this world a paradise
By walking it together with clasped hands
And eyes that meeting feed a double strength.
We must be only joined by pains divine,
Of spirits blent in mutual memories".

I confess that above all, it is the suspense over the touching love story that kept me turning the pages very quickly. The hero is Felix Holt, a passionate, idealistic young man who studies medicine but chooses to quit midway and forgo a comfortable future as a doctor in favour of leading the more righteous life (in his opinion) of an ordinary, poor workingman because of his scorn for wealth and its corrupting powers. Felix is described as honest, brusque, generous and highly intelligent. He's got "wild hair", dresses simple and to his own liking e.g. not wearing a cravat "like all the other gentlemen", and sometimes looks like a "barbarian". He patronizes no one and is rather unpopular in the town of Treby Magna where the story takes place. His political views are Radical (i.e. more severe than the Liberals) but his main concerns are for the well-being of the working class and especially the future of their children. (Read the excellent "Address to Working Men by Felix Holt" which comes after the Epilogue). Felix's good intentions land him in great trouble with the law later on when a massive riot breaks out among the drunk working class directly after the election and Felix is wrongly accused of being the leader of the mob.

Early on in the novel, Felix is introduced to the heroine, Esther Lyon (the beautiful daughter of a poor chapel minister) whose vanity and high-bred manner he scorns. He rebukes and lectures her constantly in that straight-forward and honest manner of his because he cares to improve her views on what are truly the important things in life. Esther dislikes him utterly at first... she cannot understand why Felix doesn't admire her beauty and graceful manners like other young men do. Esther is vain and proud (at least, initially) and has always dreamed of leading a better life, with fineries and beautiful clothes and servants to do her bidding. And Felix Holt is definitely not her idea of a lover! But Esther is not unkind or ungenerous - she loves her father dearly and treats everyone well. Gradually, she begins to see the true nature of Felix's character and noble aims, and holds him in great esteem, despite his outward looks and manners. But Felix has declared never to marry and if he were ever to fall in love, he would just "bear it and not marry" (preferring to "wed poverty"). Later in the novel, Esther is courted by the rich and handsome Harold Transome whose initial reason for wooing her is to save his family estates. But he doesn't count on falling in love with her subsequently.

Who does Esther ends up with finally: Felix or Harold? But take it from me that the romantic scenes between Felix and Esther are the most passionate and heart-wrenching I've ever come across in a classic literature - with many kisses and hugs amidst pure longing and despair, and scenes filled with beautifully spoken words of affection which brought tears to my eyes.

For many, many reasons, "Felix Holt" makes for a most brilliant read. I urge you not to miss it.

George Eliot is an acquired taste. If one were to pick up only one of her books it would probably be "The Mill on the Floss", "Silas Marner" or "Middlemarch" and with any one of those might come frustration with Eliot's myriad of plots (not to mention her tendency for being a bit wordy). But I found "Felix Holt", for all its political twists and turns, to be the most accessible of Eliot's books. This accessibility can be attributed to two of the finest characters ever created: Mrs. Transome and Ester Lyon. I would say that the character of Mrs. Transome ranks up there with Emma Bovary in terms of literary creation and chapters 42 and 49 (I don't want to give away the story) are absolutely cinematic. I truly love this book.

George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans) was a great English novelist of
the Victorian period. Her list of classics is impressive:
"Scenes from Clerical Life'; "Adam Bede"; "The Mill on the Floss"
Middlemarch" and "Daniel Deronda" are among the greatest novels
ever written in the English Language.
Felix Holt tells the story of a radical candidate for Parliament. He has become a watchmaker; cares for his mother
and courts Esther Lyon the sophisticated daughter of a poor
minister. Esther is also courted by Harold Transome who like
Holt is also a Radical candidate for Parliament. Harold is rich, 35, a widower with a young son. Holt is young, fiery and idealistic.
The most interesting character in the novel is Mrs. Transome who has secrets to keep. She is well drawn by Eliot.
In addition to the love story is the tale of an inheritance.
This tangled delve into old documents is complex and may lose
some readers.
The tale climaxes with a working man's revolt and other suprises for the interested reader. The book is not as long as
some of her novels but does hold one's interest.
This is not Eliot's best novel but it is worth reading.

Felix Holt occupies a middle-tier in the critical estimation of Eliot's novels. It is often disparaged as the "political novel," or alternatively "the one where the legal subplot is way too complicated."

At first, this seems unfair. The early introduction of Mrs. Transome is a showstopper, heroine Esther Lyon fascinates, and the detailed evocation of 19th century rural politics is through Eliot's narrative magic made riveting.

But things do go awry in the second half. A big problem is Felix himself: an idealization of a political view rather than a detailed character, the reader loves him rather less than Eliot seems to intend. The legal schenanigans are intriguing, but the tortuous plot machinations through which Felix comes to be imprisoned are near ridiculous. And finally, Esther experiences her moral conversion rather too quickly and tidily, coming to seem just a sketch for Gwendolyn Harleth in the later Daniel Deronda. Indeed, by book's end the most compelling plot thread standing is that of the unfortunate Mrs. Transome.

But to say a book isn't as good as Daniel Deronda isn't much of a criticism. For all its faults, Felix Holt is filled with excellent characters, a strong story, and unparalled insight into both 19th century England and the more universal collisions of morality and politics.

Festive Ukrainian Cooking has easy to follow recipes. While all of our grandmothers had their own variations, this is a good starting point to get back to our beginnings.

If you enjoy Ukrainian food, this is the book to get. Most repipes use easy-to-get ingridients. The meals pleased many a Ukrainian homesick for native food.

Looking for a modern version of your grandmother's ethnic meals? This one will help you carry on the tradition of the meals she once made for you. A definite must have.

For any Ukrainian food/holiday tradition enthusiast tired of struggling through encoded recipes from "babtsia," this is the book for you!!! It provides simple recipes and introductions to the mysterious art of Ukrainian cooking -- "borshcht kvas," "pravdyviy hryby," et. al. -- as well as modern versions of the old traditions. Makes a traditional Ukrainian Christmas a reality.

Used to drive me crazy when my mother cooked Ukrainian foods and never had a recipe. Well, with this book all that has changed. I use it for those recipes where "a little of this and a little of that and then you mix it together" mean little to me. Also has excellent explanations of the different holidays and foods appropriate for the holiday.