Gordon Books

Where the Wild Things Are
I purchase this book for my two year old grandson, he loves to hear his poppa read it to him. It is the only way I have found to get a two year old grandchild to set still for about 15 minutes.

Love the book remember it from when I was a child.

Briefly, the story revolves around Max, a young boy who behaves naughtily and is sent to bed without supper. In his room, he is transported to another world "where the wild things are" where he is made king of the wild things. After having his fill of leading the wild things, he returns to his room to find his supper left on his dresser.

This story strikes an interesting balance between the real world of Max and his family and Max's dream world "where the wild things are". Whereas in the former world his actions are seen as naughty and are decried, the dream world provides Max not only with the ability to act in the way he wants but also to have those actions sanctioned and praised by those around him.

Beyond that, even, is the amount of control Max can exert in each world. The real world limits him and he is almost totally at the mercy of his parents who send him to his room. In the wild world, even before he becomes king of the wild things, he is able to control the other wild things and his power is unlimited. An interesting question to ask is whether Max would be as naughty as he is if he believed himself to have more power in the real world.

The conclusion of the story seems to come mostly as the author stumbles over himself to wrap up the story. It is unclear why the angry parents would reward Max's behavior or why they would negate the punishment meted out at the beginning of the story. I found the warm supper waiting for Max upon his return from the wild world to be somewhat out of place. I understand, perhaps, that even bad kids are loved and that may be the moral being taught here, but it is strange that Max just receives the food out of the blue with no remorse on his part.

The book is a fun story and holds the attention of my 3 year old. He loves when I improvise the roaring and gnashing. Throwing in a little Troggs "Wild Thing" during the rumpus makes story time a little bit more fun too. I don't think the strange lesson at the end ruins the story, and I'm not sure that the target audience of this book would be able to figure it out in the first place. 4 stars for a fun book that holds kids' attentions.

I just read this the other day to my first grade class, and it turns out I had forgotten just how gorgeous this book is!

It's the story of a boy named Max who imagines himself to another world: an island dominated by monsters, aka "wild things". No, it's not freakishly complex, but it is a kids' story.

It tells of one of the most important things we have: the power of imagination.

Monsters, monsters....children this age are obsessed with them. Every night this is the top book requested to be read by my children. Another delightful story about a caterpillar named Cyrano is also a big request... Life's Little Lessons: An Inch-By-Inch Tale of Success. The misadventures of a caterpillar going to school make the kids laugh and giggle.The bonus parent reading guide is an incredible plus. All children's literature should come with one.

Your 5 yr old will stay on your lap for the whole book and ask again tomorrow.

I read this book for the first time in the 6th grade, and now, 20 years, later, it is still as hilarious as ever. All ages can enjoy this wonderfully funny book! If you like to laugh, then give "I Want to Go Home" a try. You won't be disappointed!

I've probably read this book about 20 times (over the past 20 years) and it never gets old. So many funny characters and situations. It's kind of surprising it never got made into a movie, but maybe the camp movie genre is already saturated.

If you haven't read it already, it's worth the time and effort to hunt down a copy of this book.

I had this book when I was a kid. I lent it to my friend and never saw it again. It was my favorite book, and I wanted a copy for my boys. I just rolled with laughter when I read it as a child, and when I read it with my wife and kids, they did the same thing. It is a shame this book is out of print, because kids love it. You will not be disappointed.

and this would be one of my favourite books by him!

it is laugh out loud funny and I read it over and over again.

I am an adult, and I adore his books. If you are looking at buying something for kids who don't like to read, something like this should get them hooked!

This is one graet book! It is about a boy named Rudy Miller, who is not very socialized, being sent away to summer camp. He does not take part in any sports, though he is a true Olympic champion back at home. He meets a shy friend, Mike Webster, who is a very bad liar, unfortunatly! With Mike as his companion, Rudy plans a million ways that he could escape this summer camp he dreads. In class, our teacher read "I Want to Go Home" to us. It was hilarious reading about Rudy and Mike's impossible escapes! Read this great story about Chip, the cabin councsiller, Harold, a mean campmate, Pierre, the arts and crafts teaacher, and of course, Rudy and Mike! You will love it!!!

Lovely book, clearly 19th Century Lithographers had access to the Sony "blue tone" setting. Either that explains the covers strange colour, or they had run out of black ink. The book confirms my belief that Aleister, or Sir Aleister Crowley as he claims to be, though not an aristocrat, was a very well off young man; he was certainly a very naughty boy but not the incarnation of evil, Satan, as was claimed by The Daily Sport.

This book is awesome wicked crazy and I would recommend it to anyone who was ever interested in anything on the edge of reality.

Aleister Crowley is best known for his books and essays on magick (it was he who coined that spelling), but he also wrote several works of fiction. Diary of a Drug Fiend may be his best novel, even though it is in many ways more a platform for his ideas and techniques than a conventional novel.

The novel takes place in Europe, mainly England, around the 1920s. This was apparently the time when drugs such as cocaine and heroin were just becoming illegal and socially unacceptable. The story concerns a young couple, Peter and Lou, who fall in love, both with each other and with cocaine and heroin. Crowley, who had considerable experience with drugs himself, is very effective at describing the euphoria of people experiencing drugs for the first time. Their lives are utterly transformed in an almost mystical way. Of course, the body quickly develops an increasing appetite for these powerful substances, and soon more and more is needed. Soon after that comes the inevitable crash, when the addict must take huge quantities just to feel normal and goes through hellish withdrawal when drugs are not available.

In addition to the physical addiction, Diary of a Drug Fiend shows how the addict's overall judgment is clouded. Peter easily falls victim to a con man, and soon the couple are facing a shortage of money. They are only rescued by the intervention of a mysterious man called King Lamus, who is a thinly disguised version of Crowley. What makes this book interesting, and different from other books that deal with addiction, is that the real point is to show the power of the will to overcome any problem. According to this view, which adherents of modern 12 step programs will not take kindly to, there is nothing special about addiction. It's simply one way people can lose sight of their "true will," to put it in Crowley's terminology. "Do What Thou Wilt Shall Be the Whole of the Law" was one of Crowley's favorite sayings, and it is repeated often in this book. The meaning, as is made clear, is not to simply do what you want or to follow your whims. That is how the couple in this novel end up addicted to cocaine and heroin. It means, rather, to follow your Will, which means living up to your highest potential, fulfilling your destiny or becoming one with your Higher Self, to put it in other terms.

Diary of a Drug Fiend is an enjoyable, if not a great novel; in some ways it's rather didactic, especially towards the end. Still, even someone who is not particularly interested in Crowley or magick could find the descriptions of the couple's descent into addiction and madness compelling. Crowley says in the introduction that the events depicted are all true. How true they are we may never know, but it is a fact that Crowley set up a kind of community in the Mediterranean called The Abbey of Thelema. The last few chapters of the novel depict a kind of idyllic life where people discover and live according to King Lamus' magical instructions. What Crowley did here, both in the novel and real life, is to try to set up a kind of laboratory of the spirit where people are led to reach their highest potential. At various times, other spiritual teachers, such as Gurdjieff and Rajneesh (both as controversial as Crowley in their own ways) established communities of their own. Whether Crowley succeeded or not is still hotly debated, but Diary of a Drug Fiend gives a compelling summary of many of his ideas. It is also an entertaining read with a style more accessible than Crowley's nonfiction books.

It's not quite as much fun to write a review when it seems everyone is basically in agreement. Crowley was not as evil as folklore suggests, and he was a lot more intellectually accomplished than his detractors would care to admit.

What struck me about this book were the resounding themes in the final chapters. (I don't think this is a suspense-driven book, so I don't see myself as "spoiling" the ending here.) "Do What Thou Wilt" may seem archaic or sinister, but it ultimately means nothing more than finding your ultimate purpose, your deepest will. Once you find that, your other problems will fall by the wayside. Put in those terms, perhaps the theme sounds too pedestrian. But the way Crowley presents it here in terms of overcoming a heroin and "snow" addiction is marvelous. In many respects this book, particularly toward the end, reminded me of Ayn Rand's writings, where man's ultimate potentials are examined and exalted. Crowley's King Lamus is not far from the John Galt and Howard Roarke idealisms. I walked away from this book refreshed and inspired. Thank you, Mr. Crowley.

Yes, if you have any interest in narcotics addiction this is a MUST-READ. Seriously, if you are a cop, or a lawyer, or a judge, this is a fundamental source of information that will really expand your comprehension of the subject of narcotics addiction. Thank goodness here in California the emphaisis is on REHABILITATION for users and simple possession. And, thank goodness, here in California if you are a dealer that clank you just heard is the prison door, scum bag.

Yes, for those with interests in the arcane, the esoteric, the occult or the erotic, your time will be well rewarded by the book. There is bizarre imagery and mystical references throughout. You'll have a blast with this one. Please note that these Crowley books become astronomical in price when they go out of print, even the paperbacks, so you may want to snag one of these even if you can't read it right now.

One sign of a good book for me is that when I'm done with it, the book is all marked up with pencil marks indicating points which I want to read again some day. Just about every page of this book is marked. Yes, it truly is classic.

Awesome. Great writer. First few pages took a little while to get through due to all the British lingo, but after that, it flew.

This book is worth your $$$ and time to read. It was a fun, easy to read story with an amazing message.

The Energy Bus is a book I would recommend to everyone. I would love to see it required reading even at the high school level and weveryone in the business world should read it. It might make some teens rethink their life goals or think about their life goals. very easy reading for anyone over 14 years old.

This book was recommended by several collegues at a recent convention. I read it in one sitting. There is so much usable information in this book! When I went back thru it, to highlight the key items, I ended up highlighting something on almost every page. Buy the book and jump on The Energy Bus.

Very good simple basic rules for work, life and family. Is a good easy read.

If you like the "better business life via metaphor" style, you'll enjoy your trip through this little gem.

I liked the Singapore Grip, but the Siege of Krishnapur stunned me. It was wry, light and devastatingly apt at developing each character. He took no prisoners as the clueless denizens of the Raj came to realize, or not, the depth of their ignorance and folly. Loved it.

The Indian mutiny of 1857 sees the cantoment of Krishnapur besieged by sepoys. For three months Mr Hopkins (the collector) galvanises the British community in resisting the onslaught...
This book is superbly written and often reminds one of the style of George Elliot. It is both witty and profound and wonderfully researched and charactorized.Like the best of Elliot,Farrell uses his narrative to inform on other topics-the great cholera debate;the Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace- and questions the basis of what culture actually lends to civilisation.
Books like this just don't get written these days.

Paul Scott wrote in his RAJ QUARTET that it was in India during the last days of the Raj that the British came to the end of themselves as they were. In this superb Booker Prize-winning novel written concurrently with the QUARTET (and which casts a similar cold eye towards the British imperial ambitions in India), J. G. Farrell shows how the Raj itself was formed and how it already carried within it in embryo the seeds of the destruction for the entire Empire. The novel takes place in a city in Northeastern India during 1857, the year of the Great Sepoy Rebellion: the British stationed in Krishnapur hear vague rumors of what they will call "The Mutiny" from faraway towns but are mostly unwilling to take them seriously. The ensuing siege they endure carries on for months as they wait for help to relieve them; though slowly forced to an absolute subsistence level--and then to even less--, they refuse to relinquish the habits of social conditioning that have made them already who they are. Social snobbery, physical modesty, gender segregation: all remain firmly ensconced even as their physical conditions start deteriorating so greatly they start dying in large numbers.

The novel's subject would seem to suggest that the novel would make for almost unbearable reading: oddly it does not, because the characters of the novel (who are almost entirely British) maintain such a droll and uncomprehending attitude towards their conditions, no matter how desperate things seem. Thus, since Farrell focalizes his narrative mostly through his thoughts, everything seems unreal throughout the entire siege and not quite so nightmarish as it might have been had he used a more distanced narrator. The work is in part a parody of old-fashioned "Mutiny novels," so you should know that the ending is very much in keeping with those kinds of novels (which proliferated throughout the Empire during the latter half of the nineteenth century); characteristically, however, Farrell puts his own intelligent spin on things, so even if the ending you had been expecting does occur it doesn't in the way you had expected. This is the second, and perhaps most famous, of the three superb works of Farrell's "Empire" trilogy which beautifully illustrates the conditions of Empire described in another nearly coeval work, Jan Morris's famous PAX BRITTANICA trilogy. It's exciting, amusing, intelligent, and greatly worth reading.

This is an excellent novel about the Sepoy Mutiny in India in 1857. The focus of the story is the siege of the British Civil Service enclave at Krishanpur (historically this was the siege of Lucknow). A group of Sepoy soldiers was given new rifle cartridges that were wrapped in greased paper, and the paper was removed by biting it off with one's teeth. The word spread was that this grease was animal grease, which was an insult to religion. The sepoys mutinied, killed their superior British officers, and started marauding across India.

Hearing about the mutiny the (tax) Collector in Krishnapur had ramparts built around the British buildings in Krishnapur. Shortly afterwards the Sepoys attacked in waver after wave for a period of several months. Surprisingly author Farrell describes the sufferings of those besieged with a good deal of humor, humor that pricks holes in the pompous beliefs and attitudes of 19th century British colonizers. We bring them progress, a superior civilization, yet they turn on us marvels the Collector. The condescension doesn't stop with the Indians. At one point the Collector speaks to the British women in the enclave, and silently thinks that in reality women are really useless creatures. It is the men of the world that shoulder the responsibility of getting things done. The padre runs around telling everyone that God is punishing them for their sinful behavior. A new school and an old school doctor constantly disagree over medical treatment. In perhaps the funniest scene of the book the old doctor contracts cholera, and instructs his aides to cover him with mustard plasters. The young doctor, who is aware that cholera victims die from dehydration, initiates a saline IV every time the old doc sinks into a coma. The IV brings him around, and he immediately pulls out the IV and insists on getting his mustard plasters, following which he soon sinks back into a coma. Back goes the IV and the doc becomes conscious again. This cycle goes on and on and becomes hysterically funny.

The British thought they were doing wonderful things for the Indians, but the harsh reality of it is they were creating harsh lives for their colonial subjects. The sepoys, for example, were paid near starvation wages. This is an important novel about the misguided philosophy behind imperialism. Perhaps there is a lesson here for us Americans. Should we really be focused on bringing our way of life to other countries?

"The Siege of Krishnapur', the second of J.G. Farrell's now classic works on the British Empire, (see also Troubles (New York Review Books Classics) and The Singapore Grip (New York Review Books Classics)) is a fictionalized account of the Siege of Lucknow during the Great Mutiny of 1857-1858 (aka the Sepoy Rebellion). The mutiny or rebellion, depending on one's point of view, was ultimately defeated by the British and led to the replacement of East India Company rule by direct British governance under the Raj.

Farrell masterfully recreates the insular British upper-class life in India - and the siege only intensifies this insularity. As the siege drags on and on, the inhabitants strive to maintain expected standards of behavior and decorum. Farrell populates his book with interesting characters who debate and dispute morality, religion, progress, and civilization.

Excellent introductions are a hallmark of the New York Review of Books Classics and the introduction to this volume by Pankaj Mishra places the book in historical and cultural context and adds significant value.

Highest Recommendation.

"Not yet" was the order given by Colonel John B. Gordon in the Sunken Road to the 6th Alabama soldiers under his command on September 17, 1862. "Not yet" was the response uttered by Jeffrey Keene on October 31, 1992 to a palm reader who had just told him that he died in that Sunken Road on the Antietam battlefield. Not yet . . . .

"Someone Else's Yesterday" chronicles a Connecticut fireman's amazing discovery that, not only had he lived before, but that he was one of the South's greatest Civil War heros. Mr. Keene's book records one of the most startling "waking memory" reincarnations documented to date.

Having no real interest in the Civil War, Mr. Keene's journey begins innocently enough on vacation where he felt compelled to visit Antietam National Park Battlefield. His accounting of what happened to him while standing in what is known today as "the Sunken Road" or "Bloody Lane" is riveting. And yet, it isn't until 18 months later, at a Halloween party, a palm reader asks him: "Do you believe in past lives"? Thus begins one man's incredible journey of discovery.

Mr. Keene freely shares his thoughts and confusion as he delves in John B. Gordon's history and discovers parallel events in both his and Gordon's life that are undeniable. Events that are too specific to be coincidence. Two of Mr. Keene's most startling findings are that not only does he share an incredible physical "mirror" likeness to John B. Gordon, but that he has birthmarks and scars on his person that match John B. Gordon's battle wounds which he illustrates through photographs. Mr. Keene also shares photographs of notable Civil War era soldiers that bear a striking resemblance to people he either works with today or has worked with in the past. The latter evidence gives credence to the theory of "soul groups." This reincarnating groups of souls is a group or family with a common purpose and common level/state of advancement/enlightenment who work together towards a common goal. Whether that common goal was to win a Civil War battle, or to suppress a raging fire, the soul group theory comparison here is indisputable.

I highly recommend Mr. Keene's spellbinding book "Someone Else's Yesterday." You may find yourself questioning your ideas about reincarnation!

This book really opened my eyes to reincarnation. I would recommended it to anyone that is unsure and needs proof into the field!

My husband and I were fortunate enough to experience a slice of serendipity when visiting friends in Connecticut. We had ventured out to visit a quaint little cigar shop and that's where we met Mr. Keene. I had never heard of him or his work, and after learning that we were from Upson County, Georgia, he was more than happy to share with us his experiences and convictions regarding his connections to John B. Gordon. The author is quite an interesting fellow--very personable and entertaining. The opportunity to meet and talk to the author has made this book much more meaningful and authentic for me. I highly recommend it to both believers and skeptics alike. It is quite the read!

Mr. Jeff Keene had provided his own past life in a way understandable and as historically accurate as possible to his earlier life as a CSA General John B. Gordon. There were some very touching places in his story which literally brought tears to my eyes like the following -
(1) The place where he explains about the spontaneous feeling of sadness he felt when he stood next to his daughter's grave from his previous life and who had passed off when quite young even before ever being named.
(2) The place where he very humbly stays behind thinking of himself as quite junior when compared to other army commanders on the lines before being called by General Hancock during Grant's funeral to lead the funeral procession alongside him in the front lines.
(3) The place where he vividly reminisces his past life incident when he saved the life of the Federal Division Commander Francis Barlow.
On the whole the author comes through as a very great gentleman and one worthy of emulation in both of his forms as Gen Gordon as well as the current Fire Chief Jeff Keene.
May God provide him all prosperity in the present and the yonder!

What more can I say. I have read many books on this subject, and there are many of them out there, but this I must say is the best ever. It takes you from the very start of his search to present day. If you are looking for your own past lives, this book can help you. It gives you ideas of how and where you can start looking for yourself. It lets you know how a journey of this type can affect your present life, good and bad. It also lets you know how past lives influances the thoughts, actions and memories you have today, even your dreams. I could not put this book down from the moment I started reading it, till I was finished with it. It takes alot for someone to come forward like this and share what they went through, and I must say thank you to Jeffrey for doing so. Martin Huffman

This is a wonderful collection of poems. IT is a national treasure. I had this book and lost it, thinking that by now it was out of print. I love the variety of authors and the variety of each author's poems.

I've had many of these poems for many years. This was a nice addition to the family library. I now have 3 of the leather-bound volumes, and intend to buy several more. (each family member will get one of these TREASURES.

My Mother read these poems to us as we were growing up. I also memorized many of these poems at school. Reading it again was like visiting an old and familar friend.

This is by far the best collection of general heritage poetry I have come across. Classics when originally compiled that are still the standards for Americana poetry as well as a summation of our cultural history.

As a child my mother read from this book to me and to my father. She need
not have read much as she memorized many of the poems and can recite them
now, though well past her 90th year. I have given this book to many of my friends and consider it a gift of love and inspiration.

This book as it is published here is an abosulute must read. The first time I read this book I honestly felt happy inside. When I spoke to others I know who read the book, they said the same thing. They really felt happy inside while reading it. I will always keep this book.

For anyone who is looking to improve their lives and their views of success...i fully recommend this book by Robert Collier.

This was one the of first books I read about the the law of attraction, attracting wealth and using your subconscious mind.

Our Subconscious Minds are the Genies and it's up to us to let them out of the bottle and command them.

I learn a great deal about the power of the Subconscious mind from this book. I learned about the Law of Supply; how to get strong desire working for me; the impact of visualizing; the formula for Success, and much much more.

Please read it, you'll be glad you did!

If you want to know more about your subc.I heartily recommend these CDs

The Power of Your Subconscious Mind
The Master Key System
Thought Vibration or the Law of Attraction in the Thought World
The Science of Getting Rich
The Science of Mind
Think and Grow Rich: Original Version

I highly recommend the MP3 AUDIOBOOK version of this book: The Secret of the Ages

By Lorenzo Contreras, age 13, White Plains, New York

Have you ever wanted something so bad you would do anything to get it? This is the case with the realistic fiction book EVEREST, book three the summit. The author Gordon Korman makes you feel like you're on the mountain with the climbers.


This book is part of a three part trilogy; it is a story of Dominic Alexis and four other young climbers who are trying to be the youngest person ever to summit Everest. He is going on the trip with a team of other kids who won a contest to get a spot on the team now that the summit athletic team is on Everest as they start to climb for the second time as the first attempt failed. Many obstacles occur and one of the other climbers is trying to sabotage Dominic and when the the news about the storm comes even more problems arise. My opinion of this book is that it is great for all ages because it keeps you asking questions and on the edge of your seat. It made wonder if they would ever make it to the summit in time before the climbing season ends.

This book reminds me of two others I have read one is called Everest Book One The Contest. And Everest Book Two The Climb these are the other two books in the trilogy. The theme of this book is being that being over competitive can be dangerous. You will learn how this theme makes sense if you read this book.

I highly recommend this book because it is very interesting and is filled with action and will keep you guessing. The target audience is ages 9-13.

Everest. The climber's ultimate dream. Four teens are about to climb it to become the youngest person ever to summit the highest point in the world. The climbers names are Sammi, the only girl, age 15, Perry, age 15, Tilt, age 14, and Dominic, the youngest, age 13. If Dominic is to summit he would crush the record by almost 3 years. Unfortunately, there midnight summit try is ended early because of a rescue mission. The kids have to go back to base camp where the Nepal government comes and says it is "too dangerous" for Dominic to climb, so he will not be able to climb with the team. However, the story takes an unexpected turn when Dominic climbs with Ethan Zaph, the current record holder. If you want to find out what happens next, read Everest Book Three: The Summit.
In Everest Gordon Korman pulled me from my beanbag to the Lhoste Face where I was climbing with Sammi, Perry, Tilt, and Dominic. I thought Everest was an amazing book. Unfortunately, one of the climbers is sabotaging the others. The book ends with a happy and sad ending. There is a record broken but also it ends with a funeral. If you want to see what happens to Ethan and Dominic, or see who breaks the record, read Everest Book Three: The Summit.

Are you looking for an outstanding adventure book? Look no farther than Everest, Book Three, The Summit by Gordon Korman. Four kids, Dominic, Tilt, Perry, Sammi, and veteran climber Cap Cicero, take their chances to climb Everest. Two of them, Tilt and Dominic, are eligible to beat out Ethan Zaph and become the youngest to reach the summit. One of them will do anything to beat out the other, even if it means death. This book is realistic fiction; the realistic part coming from the places they pass, (i.e. Southern Col, The Balcony) which are real places there. The book shows determination of young teens who try to climb Everest. You may want to read the first two books, but when I did, I easily caught on. If you are a young teen or not and want to read about determination of kids to climb Everest, check out this book.
Everest, The Summit is one of the best books I have ever read. Dominic is my favorite character since he has such determination to climb. My favorite part of the story is when, well, maybe I shouldn't give it away. The last thing I'll add is the book ends with a funeral. I'm not telling you who. You have to read to find out!

It was thrilling and kept our son interested to the end. The book is just the right length to keep one reading but not too long to overwhelm a young reader.

This is truly one of my favorite books I have ever read. It is packed with action, has a very rich plot, and is very well written. The trilogy is approx. 440 pages, and can easily be read in less than 1 week. It has a lot of detail that, while it is very exciting to read, is easy to forget, which allows for it to be read over and over again without getting old. I am now reading it for the 4th time, and I am enjoying it as much as I read it the first time. I also love the trilogy setup, even though it means the books (especially 3) do not mean anything without reading the others.

If you are looking for a perfect mix of action and drama, this is the book you have been seeking. It also does an excellent job of bringing new life to the classic adventure theme of 4 children facing challenges against time and the elements. If you liked Korman's trilogy Island, then you will definetly enjoy this book. It is very involving, very vivid, and reading it will make you feel like you are on the mountain, climbing with the characters. You will grow to love them and feel like you are a part of the "family".

In terms of the mountain in reality, the book is extremely accurate, and I have learned quite a bit from it. If there is a downside to the book, it is the fact that it is addictive. Once you read it, you will not be able to stop; once you finish the book, you will be obsessed with Mount Everest. If you are already educated in Everest, then you will all the more enjoy the book because of its bullseye accuracy and vivid descriptions. It also leaves plenty of room to let your imagination run wild.

Here is a brief description of each of the 3 books in the trilogy:

The 1st book is themed around 20 kids at a boot camp in Colorado, training for a month to climb Everest. As the story goes on, the training becomes more harsh and intense, and as people are eliminated to form the final team of 4, freindships become increasingly strong. It also has a very exciting life-or-death climax at the end as the team goes through their final simulation of what they will be doing on Everest.

The 2nd book takes place on the mountain, as the kids are introduced to the world's tallest mountain. It is packed with drama and action together, as almost everything in relation to the climb is an uncertainty. Even more loveable (and loatheable) characters are introduced, and everyone's personality and goal on the mountain comes out even more as the freinds become a family. I love how the book introduces the 4 camps, at which they stay, one by one and how it shows the chances of successfully summiting the mountain going down as the summer monsoons approach. This book, like the 1st, also has an exciting life-or-death climax at the end, only it is much bigger and much more amazing.

The 3rd book is really 1 big scene, taking place in Everest's harsh early-summer weather. It is a breath-holding race against time as they try to get themselves up to the summit before the final blizzard arrives. Challenges they face include temperatures so low that they can freeze an eyeball solid, 200mph winds that can rip a climber off of a mountain like a napkin, and a 30% oxygen level that starves the brain and causes bad thinking. In the end, though, they do have to pay a huge price. The climb ends with a bitter moment that is in one way completely unexpected and in another way a necessary fate. The story has an excellent ending, though, and the story is polished off very nicely.

I would strongly recommend this book to any young reader, especially one who is interested in adventure/survival. It just might be the start of something new...

I've read all there is to read about Grant vs. Lee
but Rhea's works are the finest. From the Wilderness
to Cold Harbor, each book is a fascinating. There's no
way these books will ever leave my shelf! I usually reread
them every couple of years. Highly recommended!


Matt Looby

I have recenty - in the past two ot three years - become interested in the Civil War. The Shelby Foote series is wonderful, but still leaves a lot of detail to be fleshed out. The more you read the more you want to know. Much about the War remains a mystery. The battles can be presented in much detail and Rhea's writing is clear and lucid. There is considerable detail in presenting excerpts from diaries, reports and the like to make the battles real from a human standpoint. The books are much like the work of Stephan Sears.
All are well written and enjoyable, although I do recommend a bit of lighter reading between volumes.
The only quibble that I have is with the maps. They often neglect detail that could help follow the action. Plaaces mentioned in the text are sometimes not to be found on the maps.
This complaint can be applied to virtually every Civil War book that I have read. If you are interested in the civil war, this series is excellent.

The Battle of the Wilderness May 5-6, 1864
Product Details
* Hardcover: 520 pages
* Publisher: Louisiana State University Press (July 1994)
* Language: English
* ISBN: 0807118737

The Battles for Spotsylvania Court House and the Road to Yellow Tavern May 7-12, 1864
Product Details
* Hardcover: 483 pages
* Publisher: Louisiana State University Press (May 1997)
* Language: English
* ISBN: 0807121363

To the North Anna River: Grant and Lee, May 13-25, 1864
Product Details
* Hardcover: 505 pages
* Publisher: Louisiana State University Press (May 2000)
* Language: English
* ISBN: 0807125350

Cold Harbor: Grant and Lee, May 26-June 3, 1864
Product Details
* Hardcover: 552 pages
* Publisher: Louisiana State University Press (September 2002)
* Language: English
* ISBN: 0807128031

I am reviewing the four books a single series although each book is a full stand-alone history. This is a highly detailed military history of Grant's Overland Campaign of 1864. Two of the best generals commanding two of the best armies, in American history, decide the Civil war in the East. Gordon Rhea gives this month the detailed attention it requires and had never received. The 2,000 pages allows for the full story of the campaign, the personalities, failures and success.

The first book covers the major battle of The Wilderness an area Grant wished to clear and Lee hoped to trap him in as he had Hooker in 1863. Through a series of Union miscalculations and command problems, Lee manages to get in Grant's way. What follows is a confused bloody two-day battle that has been termed "Bush whacking on a grand scale". An excellent series of maps, help the reader stay abreast of the battle and understand the confusion of both sides. Lee loses Longstreet and starts to make the hard decisions about personnel that he has avoided since 1862. Grant while testing his relationship with Meade and Burnside, is trying to learn the AOP's generals too. This process dominates the four books as repeatedly Grant is forced to deal with the problems this creates and Lee takes steps that were unthinkable in 1863.

The second book moves the battle from The Wilderness south to Spotsylvania and Yellow Tavern. Grant refuses to "play the game" and retreat behind the Rappahannock but pushes past Lee and continues south. What follows is a race from defensive point to defensive point, which the AOP concedes to the AoNV. Union commanders hesitate at critical moments while the AoNV reinforces the objective. This allows Lee to stay up or ahead producing one of the bloodiest battles in our history at Spotsylvania. In addition, this book covers the critical cavalry operations, Grant's reasoning, and the price paid in taking Sheridan away from Meade. J.E.B. Stuart's death, is well covered. Both in terms of what it means to the AoNV, to Lee and to the Confederacy.

After one of the hardest weeks in their history, the two exhausted bloodied armies eye each other over their entrenchments. Lee understands that he is being trapped and that defensive war can only end in defeat. Grant is trying not to be stuck in a siege and determined to continue south. What follows is a series of forced marches and small battles as Grant and Lee test each other. Each general wins and loses daily as the armies march, counter march and fight. However, at the end of each day, Grant is always closer to Richmond. Lee produces a brilliant trap, Grant takes the bait but circumstances keep lee from springing it. Almost to late, Grant sees the trap pulls back, changes direction and continues south. Book 3, To the North Anna River covers this brilliant and exciting time in detail. Rhea produces some excellent analysis of both commanders and the developing personnel problems they are facing. Neither man is having an easy time of it and both understand they have never faced an enemy like this.

The last book takes us to Cold Harbor, one of the most controversial battles of the war. The detail history and excellent analysis leads us through this battle and produces some startling conclusions. As always, the author provides full support and justification for them. This might be the most important book of the series and the definitive book on the battle of Cold Harbor.

Each book has a full set of maps and illustrations. The writing is uniform and very readable. While detailed, the actions are understandable and you are seldom lost in a sea of names and/or unit numbers. Each book is a stand-alone history and is readable as such. The books were published from 1994 to 2002 and had to be written that way. This is the best account of the Overland Campaign available. It is both an invaluable reference and a great reading experience.

Having previously read Rhea's first volume on the 1864 Overland Campaign, I moved on to this work. Just like the first volume, Rhea has written a winner here. I had gotten somewhat tired of "military history" books because they were either overly detailed and dry and boring or they often focused too much on the commanders and not enough on the ordinary soldier. Well, no such problems with this book. Rhea has a very balanced prose focusing on the generals, the privates, and everyone in between. Furthermore, despite being full of enough detail for any military history buff, the book is very readable and Rhea writes in a style that makes you feel as if you are amongst the action, making you turn page after page. Other reviewers can probably write much better than I, but simply put, this book is a must have for anyone interested in military history or the Civil War.

The Battles for Spotsylvania Courthouse and the Road to Yellow Tavern
By Gordon C Rhea

Between the opening round in the Wilderness and the culminating blood-letting at Cold Harbor there were two other major areas of action in the Overland Campaign.

In volume two of Rhea's extraordinary four volume series the action moves out of the wilderness as Grant seeks to outflank Lee and force a battle in the open where the weight of Union artillery and manpower would give it the opportunity to break the Army of Northern Virginia.

In a pattern which would remain true for this entire campaign, Lee's army simply moved faster and counterattacked faster than the Union Army. The culture of the Army of Northern Virginia was a culture of automatic aggressiveness. When attacked they immediately began to organize a counterattack. When they discovered the Union Army they immediately began to probe to see if they could get around its flank. When they had to defend they immediately began entrenching and dug as deep and fast as possible to give themselves the maximum advantage in stopping a Union attack.

Grant' had a much bigger Army but it was simply a lot slower and a lot more hesitant than its Southern opponent.

The Army of the Potomac was a very courageous and stubborn army when it was attacked but it had a hard time spontaneously engaging Lee.

Grant kept trying to overcome these institutional weaknesses by surprising Lee with night marches, diversions to distract him, and carefully planned mass assaults.

At Spotsylvania the Union Army almost gained an advantage using a surprise move which, if it had worked, would have put Lee at a huge disadvantage. Unfortunately the Confederate Army moved fast enough to get there first and by the margin of a few hours entrench enough to stop the Union advance.

Grant then prepared a massive assault at a vulnerable salient and actually won a shocking victory. Unfortunately , in a pattern which would become the norm in the first world war some fifty years later, the disorganization inherent in breaking through made it impossible to exploit the breakthrough and by the time the Union forces reorganized the Confederates had created a new and equally formidable line a short distance back.

Rhea carries you step by step through the agonizing bloodletting in which two powerful armies tried to maneuver but found themselves again and again engaged in bloody fights of attrition which were sapping northern morale and southern capacity to fight at about the same rate.

These books are a remarkable accomplishment.