Hunt Books

Barnbaum is a serious black and white photographer, and this is a personal book in which he describes how he uses his own sense of aesthetic to "break" the rules of the Zone System. A good book for the advanced b&w photographer, this book provides a view of the way in which one photographer finds his own vision. It is less about technique and more about art than most photography books. My only quibble is that the reproductions in the book could have been of a higher quality.

I have always admired Bruce Barnbaum's prints and really appreciate the clear guidance in this book regarding seeing, understanding light, exposing film, and printing. Among the useful aspects of the book are the photographs that show how control over the exposure and printing can affect the final result. This book is perfect for photographers looking to make a serious advance in the quality of their images.

I am a serious photography student, albiet a green one. My instructor has been a photographer for 50 years and once ran the biggest portrait studio in Niagra Falls, NY. He has studied with Mr. Picker (BTW, the fore mentioned is rather discredited by both Mr. Burnbaum and my instructor, so if you are a "dry down" sycophant move on now.) He likens Mr. Burnbaum to the caliber of Mr. Adams: both being masters of the media. I was also truely blessed to see both Mr. Burnbaum himself and his work at an exibition here in Oklahoma. His prints are truely stunning. His book is equally so. I can't say I know a whole lot about photography -- it is a vast and imposing subject -- but I know quality when I see it, and I know more about photography after reading "The Art of Photography". My opinion isn't that important, but I value my instructor's and I think that I can safely say it's a must read for any photographic artist -- B&W, color, small, medium, or large format.

Kudos to Mr. Barnbaum, not only for his artistic excellence, but also for his ability to communicate his thoughts and ideas in a clear and interesting manner. "The Art of Photography" is written in a very personal style, and is a wonderful mix of technical and artistic information. Although the technical details about the Zone system and darkroom techniques are certainly directed toward the serious, advanced photographer, the discussions about composition, visualization, and creativity should be of interest to photographers at all levels of ability and experience. Most importantly, Mr. Barnbaum shares his thoughts about the purpose of photography: to communicate a feeling or message to the viewer and to elicit a response. This theme is reiterated throughout the book and is frequently compared to similar concepts in other art forms. I've read a number of very good books on photography, but this one is now at the top of my list. If you are serious about photography and are looking for a stimulating book, this is the one!

I've read many books which cover the finer points of photography, each has it's purpose and adds to my understanding. This book I felt helped find my own way to view what I want in an image. Bruce first gets the reader to explore their own likes in a photograph, getting us out of the confines of rules we've been told are required for a "Good Photograph", be free to explore all possibities not a fixed grid we tend to think of as the parameters of photography. The thing I found most helpful in this book is the topic of film and paper exposure. I've read much of the Zone System and understood it to a good extent, but Bruce takes it to a more practical level and I found I could apply his points with a much better understanding. It has made an improvment in my black and white large format work. Now, after reading this through a few times I have a much better understanding of how to use the range of the film and paper to their fullest extent. I can get most negatives to print on normal contrast paper, don't need to use contrast filters to get something to work and can get much more detail in the shadow areas. This book is wrote for the advanced photographer and prior basic knowledge will make it more usable but written in a very comfortable pace that I as an amature photographer could grasp with no problem. I feel this has saved me from many years of experimentation and let me get on with making photographs which I love to do! Greatly improved my confidence, this is the way photography should be taught, we each have our own abilities and creative aspects.

Adoniram Judson's biography is a winner! Ann and Adoniram Judson, America's first overseas missionaries, endured every kind of trouble, yet Ann's motto, "Let us bless God and take courage" kept their spirits high. This true story is full of adventure and romance. The name Adoniram Judson is still revered by Christians in Burma as well as the rest of the population thanks to the prodigious works by Adoniram and his three wives-- Ann, Sarah, and Emily. A thoroughly good read!

What a great story! I expected a regular biography/history of Adoniram Judson, but found myself caught up in an adventure like no other. Author Rosalie Hunt did herself proud in this gripping account of America's first missionary and his three wives, all of whom were perfectly suited for Judson as well as the tasks ahead. Bless God and Take Courage is one of the best books I have ever read and I am looking forward to Hunt's next book.

Unlike many biographies there is nothing dry and uninteresting about this story of Adoniram Judson's missionary work and his family. It has everything a reader could want: romance, tragedy, adventure, sorrow, suffering and triumph.This is not to mention the golden thread of Christian love and godliness that runs throughout. And it is all true! I highly recommend it to one and all.

The new tome from Rosalie Hunt on the life and legacy of Adoniram Jusdson, his missionary service and the impact of his family on Burma is an opportunity to travel back in time...in person. Because Mrs. Hunt has liberally utilized the personal journals and mission records of the Judson family, nothing is left out. I celebrated births into the Judson family and cried at funerals for those same family members. To be brought that close to a family through a book is a rare feat indeed. Mrs. Hunt has accomplished just that.
If you have any interest in the beginnings of the American missionary movement, or want to walk alongside an incredible man and his family as they courageously follow God through difficult times of trials and triumphs, this book is a must read.

This well-written book tells the story of Adoniram Judson and his experience as a missionary to Burma (now Myanmar) in the early 19th century. One doesn't have to be especially interested in missions to appreciate this adventure story of a courageous pioneer and his wives who were important in their own right.

The indomitable courage of Judson and his first wife, Ann, infuses the first third of the book. The obstacles they faced, including a long imprisonment, were daunting and vividly told.

Rosalie Hunt served as a missionary in eight Asian countries and spent six years researching the Judson legacy.

Well-researched, well-written non-fiction that tells a great story. We meet many of Brimfield's characters, as well as dealers trying to make a living in ever-changing conditions. The last few chapters deliver as much suspense as a good mystery.

Terrific book!

BRIMFIELD RUSH; THE THRILL OF COLLECTING AND THE HUNT FOR THE BIG SCORE is a lively survey of a massive outdoor antiques and collectibles show spanning over 20 fields along a one-mile stretch in Massachusetts. It attracts thousands of dealers and collectors yearly - but BRIMFIELD RUSH follows not only the event's history but the experiences of a couple's year at Brimfield markets. The morning's opening 'rush' serves as a fascinating survey of Brimfield's treasures and attractions throughout a spicy, dramatic account collectors will relish and recognize.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Bob Wyss has given us an exciting, insider's look, at the biggest flea market in the world. As someone who purchased his first antiques, 33 years ago at the Rose Bowl Swap Meet, this book has rekindled my interest in the antique trade. "Brimfield Rush" is extremely well researched and gives you the background you need to venture out there and make your first deal. The reader is taken for a roller coaster ride of highs and lows as Joe and Rachel navigate through the worlds of flea markets, art galleries, estate sales, and eBay. For anyone interested in the "Hunt for the Big Score," this book is a must read.

Absolutely wonderful look at the passion of collecting rush that's so much a part of going to the Brimfield Fleas. Wyss has an engaging style in this story of a couple in search of the great art treasures at Brimfield. The truth is is that it's a difficult trail to take, as Wyss recounts. However, that doesn't stop the tens of thousands of visitors to Brimfield thrice yearly. I've been attending and taking photographs there for over 20 years now and it's easy to see that Wyss captured the essence of this event - an even that attracts celebrities, famous people and collectors from all over the world.
A great, short read that's worth the trip to the bookstore. You will not be disappointed. Also a great primer before attending your first flea market in the antique town of Brimfield, Massachusetts.

If you don't live in New England or make a practice of frequenting flea markets, you might not be familiar with the name "Brimfield." It's not just a small town in south central Massachusetts; it's become an all-encompassing term (in both noun and verb forms) for the event that overtakes that region three weeks of the year. Author Bob Wyss has provided us with a look at Brimfield's history as well as the work that goes on behind the scenes. It's a view we casual visitors don't usually get or could even guess at. The emphasis here is on the dealers and the residents, and not the average walk-in buyer.

Chapters are arranged in sections chronologically by the flea market weeks: May, July, September, and the following May. Though the book begins with a couple in search of a human skeleton -- which they eventually discover and gleefully buy -- the focus throughout the text rests on two burgeoning art dealers, Rachel and Joe. Linked in a new professional and personal relationship, they face a number of challenges as they attend Brimfield to buy and sell items for their Pennsylvania art business. Joe is the risk-taker and Rachel the financial manager, and together they struggle to become successful at a work that is fraught with a variety of dilemmas. Should they merely collect, or buy and sell? How much should they reveal to an unsuspecting seller, since "a score has two sides, and for every winner there is a corresponding loser"? (p. 92) What's real and what is fake? And when will they become comfortable enough to stop moving from show to show and settle down in their own permanent gallery? They find most of their answers by the end of the book.

Wyss includes interesting side stories to the lives of Rachel and Joe, with glimpses at other Brimfield dealers, field owners and town officials. He details the town dispute with its police force in 2003, which resulted in the firing of all but the chief and which certainly contributed to a major silver theft in the field that year. He looks at the thrill of "the big score" in the antiques world, citing several cases that include the discovery of a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence behind an old painting bought for four dollars in Adamstown, Penna., in 1989. The piece sold for $2.42 million at Sotheby's in 1991, and was later bought by Norman Lear for $8.14 million in 2000. That score set the dream devoutly to be wished by anyone ever attending or dealing at a flea market or auction. Wyss also discusses the effect that eBay and other online opportunities have had on live auctions and flea markets. And even a knowledgeable dealer can mistakenly drink his way through a case of Bordeaux before learning that the going rate for it is $1000 a bottle.

I read this book in the middle of a Brimfield week, and it gave me a new perspective on the event. This time I saw more paintings than I'd ever noticed before. I caught saw PBS's Antiques Roadshow personality Gary Sohmers charging down a path, dressed just as described in the book. I understood that a "big score" could still be gotten by a visitor or dealer. And I realized that the "Brimfield Rush" is not just the frenzied way that customers enter the fields at the opening bell. It's that feeling that permeates your very own nervous system when you buy something you know is wonderful.

Youve got to read this one it is full of entrige just as all the ones before it.But donot read this one untill youve read the first 4 or you will be left hanging wondering what is going on.

I enjoyed this book so much. Toward the end I couldn't read fast enough, I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen. I too wish it wasn't the end of the series. It certainly could be continued, the ring could be passed on again. I will now start another series by Angela Hunt, I hope it is as good!

I thought this was one of the best in the series, with exciting reading all the way through. Is it really the last in the series? I just read that from the previous book review. That's too bad, I was looking forward to more! I'll have to look for some more of Angela Hunt's books.

This was a wonderful book; filled with romance, energy, and spiritual meaning. I just wished there were more to come.

I really enjoy Angela Elwell Hunt's creativity as she mixes romance and adventure with history in her novels. I have never read any book like these. I really hope that she will continue to write them because many people enjoy them!

If you could birth one quality into the world, what would it be? This little book uses the Christ story to guide us on our own journey from where we are now to the birth of what we need to do for our world and for ourselves. Although this book works its magic strongest for Christians and in the Christmas season, it is a powerfully symbolic journey anyone can take to find personal meaning. It helps you focus what you most desire to give to yourself and to others. Good for children, families, groups, group homes. Inspiring and uplifting.

This is not only a wonderful book but a beautiful experience for yourself or your whole family. It does not matter what faith you may be, this book helps you to discover yourself and to help you see what you offer to the world. Beautifully written, it helps to bring the magick of the season to every day.

at atime when life is moving at such a fast pace, this book allows us to slow down, achieve inner peace and hopefully communicate this to others.

I highly recommend this book for anyone of any faith. I am not a Christian and yet I felt very comfortable reading it. It has a wonderful spiritual message for anybody. It would certainly make a great Christmas present but the message it presents is for any day of the year. It is a small book that reads very easily and yet it has a profound message that anyone could understand and appreciate.

This book has helped me to review my life. To be able to look at things from another angle. It helps to remind us that the things we do in life are important even if they seem small or unimportant to us. I found that it helped me to also see how others see me as well as how I see others. I feel that this book and Dorian has helped me to search my soul for the real me. And for that I thank her for writing Christmas Presence. I hope that you will read it and enjoy it as much as I have. Its heart warming.

In the second edition of Friedman's excellent architectural guide, the writer and editors collaborate to bring much needed updates to illustrations and examples. Used widely as an artistic introduction to architecture at many of nations best accredited architectural programs, this second edition sets the stage for an excellent educational program. This second example is much easier to follow with better examples and illustrations. This guidebook is a much have addition to anyone's collection. For established architects, to students, to enthusiasts - anyone can learn a great deal about interactions between void and mass and architectural program from this text.

In the second edition of Friedman's excellent architectural guide, the writer and editors collaborate to bring much needed updates to illustrations and examples. Used widely as an artistic introduction to architecture at many of nations best accredited architectural programs, this second edition sets the stage for an excellent educational program. This second example is much easier to follow with better examples and illustrations. This guidebook is a much have addition to anyone's collection. For established architects, to students, to enthusiasts - anyone can learn a great deal about interactions between void and mass and architectural program from this text.

In the second edition of Friedman's excellent architectural guide, the writer and editors collaborate to bring much needed updates to illustrations and examples. Used widely as an artistic introduction to architecture at many of nations best accredited architectural programs, this second edition sets the stage for an excellent educational program. This second example is much easier to follow with better examples and illustrations. This guidebook is a much have addition to anyone's collection. For established architects, to students, to enthusiasts - anyone can learn a great deal about interactions between void and mass and architectural program from this text.

In the second edition of Friedman's excellent architectural guide, the writer and editors collaborate to bring much needed updates to illustrations and examples. Used widely as an artistic introduction to architecture at many of nations best accredited architectural programs, this second edition sets the stage for an excellent educational program. This second example is much easier to follow with better examples and illustrations. This guidebook is a much have addition to anyone's collection. For established architects, to students, to enthusiasts - anyone can learn a great deal about interactions between void and mass and architectural program from this text.

I'm a freak for how-to books and this one is awesome. Friedman's Creation in Space is lucid and elegant. An architect friend in LA showed me her copy and I had to have my own. What I found was an updated version (second edition), with better developed exercises and accompanying illustrations. This first rate 3-D primer is a step by step design program, complete with hard-to-find but essential essays that every designer needs to have read. If you are a wannabe artist, architect, or just curious, this one is for you.

Forensic anthropologist Dr. Diane Fallon is back with another twisted adventure involving her beloved RiverTrail Museum of Natural History, of which she is the director. Right now there is a lot keeping her busy - most prominent is the lead story in the local paper about one of her employees - assistant director Kendel Williams - dealing in stolen antiquities through museum channels. But in the middle of that fire is an incarcerated felon (Clymene O'Reily) asking Diane, who helped ensure Clymene's conviction, to help save the life of a prison guard - a felon who is convicted of killing her husband and suspected of much worse. When Clymene escapes prison shortly after Diane's visit, all eyes turn to Diane - did she help the serial killer, or is she about to become her next victim?

Though small, the museum is teeming with activities from the employees - museum and crime lab. Yes, crime lab. Diane is also the director of the crime scene unit for the area, whose labs are housed within the museum, as well. While her specialty is bones, her reputation for detective work has preceded her, and this time she's teaming up with FBI profiler Ross Kingsley in the search for Clymene's past - a past that the chameleon-like criminal has managed to keep under wraps. Using her know-how in forensics and anthropology, Diane and Ross managed to dig up more than a few secrets - but can they do it without ending up like the fossils in the museum?

Diane should take up juggling, because it seems that is all she does in this book - and she does it well. Handling the FBI concerning the lost felon while dealing with the FBI agents investigating the stolen artifacts is confusing enough - but add apartment troubles and secret poisonings into the mix with several irate and outspoken members of the museum board, one is never sure where the story is heading next.

I had forgotten how much I enjoyed Connor's work, and I hope that won't happen next time. Fallon is an excellent, well-rounded protagonist whose life is somewhat on the hectic side, but never dull. There seems to be some stretching to get the small museum in on the crimes, but Connor has created something of a unique situation to keep the series alive. This is a great mystery with suspense, a little romance, and forensics all between the pages.

This book was a great follow-on to the series. I wasn't disappointed and can't wait for the next one!

Dead Hunt was my first experience with author Beverly Connor. I decided to give her a try in part because of some of the positive reviews of her books here, and I must say, I'm sold! Immediately upon finishing Dead Hunt, I went on line and ordered a copy of Dead Past, the book in the Diane Fallon series just prior to this one.

First of all, Dead Hunt is very well written and was a joy to read! Also, Diane Fallon isn't your typical heroine. She's a forensic anthropologist with a fascinating career, working both as Director of the Rosewood Crime Lab and Director of the RiverTrail Museum of Natural History (which owns and houses the lab). Her dual hats make for some interesting plot possibilities!

In this installment, Diane has received a letter from Clymene O'Riley, a woman in prison for murdering her husband - convicted on evidence found by Diane herself. The letter requests Diane's presence at the prison. While Diane has no intention of meeting with the woman she believes is a serial killer, Ross Kingsley, the FBI profiler connected to the case, requests that Diane comply with the request. At their meeting, Clymene tells Diane a strange but worrisome story involving a prison guard, something that Diane can't ignore.

In addition, Diane finds herself embroiled smack dab in the middle of a scandal involving the museum which places her in an exasperating and career-threatening situation that diverts her attention from the meeting with Clymene - that is, until she learns that Clymene has escaped from prison and crime scenes start to pile up, with Diane herself in danger.

Diane Fallon is surrounded by top-notch, loyal individuals, both in the crime lab and the museum, and they work together diligently and relentlessly to get to the bottom of everything that is going on. The science is fascinating, and the characters, both good and bad, interesting. I recommend this book highly, and fully intend to read more novels by Beverly Connor - especially the next Diane Fallon Forensic Investigation book!

Carol Ann Hopkins 4/27/2008

It's amazing that every Beverly Connor book doesn't immediately rush to the top of the best seller lists. Her books are among the most readable and consistently interesting I've ever encountered. DEAD HUNT, the fifth in the Diane Fallon mystery series, is no exception.

This series is set in a natural history museum in a small town near Atlanta and is full of small town politics, gossip and a modern version of southern charm that is tempered by life in a major metropolitan area. The recurring characters are well developed and just quirky enough to avoid some of the common cliches seen in so many series. Ms. Connor has concocted a mix of police procedural, forensic magic, historical detail, romance and violence to appeal to nearly any taste. I guarantee that you will learn something new in each of her books; in some it's the inner workings of museums, in others it's forensic details that would make Kathy Reiches or Patricia Cornwell proud, in DEAD HUNT you'll find some fascinating details about DNA profiling and some pretty darn spiffy computer work. You'll also find one of the most interesting villains you're likely to encounter, one with a background that is somehow both totally outlandish and yet totally believable. There is a lot going on in DEAD HUNT including an escaped serial killer, suspicious goings on involving Egyptian antiquities, unexplained attacks and large amounts of money that can't be explained but Ms. Connor manages to keep all the balls in the air at all times and neatly fields them all at the end of her act.

DEAD HUNT is one of the strongest entries in this series and is just different enough from it's predecessors to keep things interesting while staying true to the established characters and settings. This isn't one of those "well it's time for another book" series entries, it's original and very entertaining.

I strongly recommend all of Beverly Connor's works especially her sadly out of print Lindsey Chamberlain series (well worth scouring the used book stores for!). The only problem is that there just aren't enough of them!

The term `black widow' is sometimes used to describe a woman who has killed one or more of her husbands, usually for profit. Black widow fits Clymene O'Riley. She murdered her latest husband in the most ingenious way, and would have gotten away with it had it not been for Diane Fallon. Diane, head of the Rosewood, Georgia crime lab, forensic anthropologist, and director of the local natural history museum, found the tiny piece of evidence that convicted Clymene and sent her to prison for life. Unfortunately the brilliant Clymene doesn't intend to accept the role of lifetime inmate. She possesses a unique ability to manipulate people and an amazingly sharp intellect. She has a plan to regain her freedom and extract some revenge along the way.

Clymene isn't Diane's only current problem. An anonymous source has informed the local newspapers that her museum has knowingly purchased stolen artifacts. The rumors spread like fire and when the smoke clears, the reputation of the museum and its employees are likely to be in ruins.

Meanwhile, the board of directors engages in a political power struggle and seems willing to sacrifice Diane and her assistant to mitigate the artifact scandal. Finding the source and the motive for these rumors isn't going to be easy, but it will be vital if she hopes to save the museum and defend her reputation.

Deadly surprises wait behind every closed door. Fast paced, well thought out and wonderfully entertaining. Beverly Connor gives us another excellent mystery.

this is a fantastic book. my husband and i implemented the "monthly salary" as recommended by mary hunt for our 14 yr old son and -- so far, so good. with that money he's responsible for certain things throughout the month, and those items were outlined at the beginning of the financial plan. he's still learning, but then again, aren't we all?

i think mary hunt is a wonderful author, and she speaks and writes from personal experience. she dug herself out of more than $100,000 in debt.

she's very encouraging to those who are looking to improve their financial status as far as getting out of debt and staying that way. and she can even help improve the marriage relationship with her other book, debt-proof your marriage. it's a great read, too.

Really enjoyed this book. It's an easy read. The centerpiece of the book outlines a great plan of giving your kids a salary, with the requirement that they are responsible buying themselves a list of items, and every year that list and salary grows until they are managing their complete finances by their senior year. The book recommends starting as young as 10.

Also, beyond this plan, the book has great side commentary on teaching your kids about debt, budgeting, and lots of other aspects of finances.

This book is almost a "scares you straight" book. When I started seeing myself on so many pages, I was really sweatin'. An easy read, it is also full of great advice for teaching your kids. As I got further into the book, I particularly appreciated its layout.

The first half of the book is primarily anecdotes about encounters with debt, and results of the author's attempts to teach her children about handling money, also pulling in other research about kids and attitudes toward responsibility. I was a little worried about where the meat might be until I got to the second section (ch. 11), which details various aspects of money and money handling (credit cards, types of debt, compound interest, etc.) and ends each section with "The minimum your kids need to know about _____." I found this section a great resource for making notes about what I needed to talk to my own kids about. The final three chapters in the book talk about specific age-related issues and how much kids can be expected to understand at each age level. I found this section great for customizing a plan specific to each child.

This summer I read Mary Hunt's Debt-Proof Your Children. Three months ago we started the salary for all three of my children. Here's the update on our progress with Mary's ideas on Debt-Proof Your Kids.

First of all if you have children READ MARY'S BOOK .. Debt-Proof Your Kids ... this has been the single best thing I've read on preparing your children for financial freedom in their adult life. I was skeptical at first, but am a FIRM BELIEVER! now. It's amazing the attitude towards money my children have now.

My children 15, 12, 10 are to the age where they like to buy Christmas gifts for their friends. This year (when first started on a salary 3 months ago) I told them it would be their responsibility to buy gifts for their friends. They're finished now and there was not even a mention of - Hey Mom how about some extra money. Believe me, this was the case before they were on a salary.

It relieved me of the - Mom can I have this ... they save their money and buy it if they still feel that way. I didn't realize how much more fun shopping can be when you don't have little ones asking for everything!

Everyone is still doing great on their salaries-- my oldest is much more frugal than I would have thought, my middle daugher is still buying more candy than necessary (or LIP GLOSS) but she's still has money saved and is doing well buying her own clothes when she needs them, and my youngest is doing well (even remembering to fill out his own lunch envelopes.)

I thought paying them their money the first of every month instead of throughout the month would be hard to budget for, but it's going well. I know exactly the $ amount and they stick to it.

This book has some great ideas for how to teach financial responsibility to your kids. It gives you an easy guide that has been used on their children and which really makes sence.

This is the tenth book in the series of medieval mysteries featuring Sir Hugh Corbett. Obviously this is one of Paul Doherty's earlier offerings and he has since written many more books and is now an established author of medieval novels and has also added a number of novels on Egypt to his ever growing list of titles. Having said that it is one of his earlier offerings does not mean that it is inferior to his current books, quite the opposite. The Hugh Corbett mysteries were and are extremely popular and Paul Doherty is still adding to them.

The year 1303 and Edward I hastily recalls into his service Sir Hugh Corbett, one time courier, chief clerk and spy. There are a series of disasters in the town of Oxford and Corbett has been so successful in such matters in the past that Edward wishes to send him to solve the mysteries.

Apart from several murders in the university, headless corpses are turning up in the woods outside the town. Compounding all of the problems is the fact that there is an assassin on the loose. A murderer who appears to have affiliations with the King's dead enemy, the Earl de Montfort.

The students are a drunken, unruly lot, many of them Welsh and bearing no love or loyalty to the King. This appears to be one of Sir Hugh's most difficult cases yet . . .

This story is a gripping tale of early 1300's Oxford. The battle between Town and Gown is as prevalent then as when we read about it in novels set in an earlier time. But Doherty outdoes himself with this book. He has set an evil atmosphere and established danger for his characters Hugh and Ranulf like nothing before. We also get to see a lot more of Ranulf in this one, and that's a good thing since he is a very strong and brilliantly written character. As in all of his books, Doherty has plotted a wonderful period piece of Medieval England. I wouldn't recommend beginning reading this wonderful Hugh Corbett series with this book, but I do suggest that you begin at the beginning and be prepared to be drawn in to Doherty's wonderful world.

Oxford in the 14th Century was a dirty, tumultuous, unique locale, and Doherty's prose conveys it with nuance rather than adjective overload. Much preferred over the Ian Morson Falconer series, Doherty's Hugh Corbett series reaches a major turning point in this book. From the beginning, it is clear that events of long-lasting significance in the career of His Majesty King Edward's Principal Clerk and Keeper of the Secret Seal will occur before the resolution of the mystery. Or should I say, mysteries. Headless corpses, locked room murders, academic rivalry, faith, family, and obligation are all played out to their end games in this fine addition to the series.

While I cut my teeth on Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael, Doherty's Hugh Corbett is a character of greater dimension and breadth than the good Brother ever was. And Corbett's supporting cast has always been superior to the cardboard cutouts in the Cadfael series. My only complaint with Doherty is that his villains are sometimes a bit thinly drawn, but overall I have devoured the series greedily. I only hope there is more to come.

In the summer of 1303 in Oxford, England, crime suddenly abounds. Someone is killing beggars, severing their heads, and tying them by their hair to trees just outside the university city. At the same time, the Regent of Sparrow Hall, John Copsale, is found dead. Rumors abound that the "Bell Man", a mysterious individual who posts seditious letters on church doors, killed the educator. A murder of the college librarian follows, leaving the city trembling in fear and shock..

King Edward II orders his royal clerk, Sir Hugh Corbett, to investigate the three mysteries at Oxford. Especially of interest to his highness are the antics of the Bell Man, who seems to relish invoking the ghost of the deceased rebel Simon de Montfort. More murders occur and Corbett soon finds himself in perilous danger even as he knows he must continue his inquiries or else fall into disfavor with Edward.

The tenth Corbett novel is a brilliant historical mystery that brings to life Medieval society in a very compelling manner. This will propel readers to want to peruse the previous nine tales. Corbett is a great sleuth and the multiple who-done-its are well designed and fun to read. However, it is the grime of the era (Flynn never seemed dirty) that makes P.C. Doherty's tenth book a compelling read for fans of historical fiction, especially the Middle Ages.

Harriet Klausner

It's the "most scholarly" of the Hugh Corbett mysteries!

That's easy to conclude, as the setting of this tenth mystery in this series is in the university town of Oxford! P.C. Doherty has put his super sleuth, actually the "king's clerk," Sir Hugh Corbett, to work solving a tiresome problem for his friend and majesty King Edward I in "The Devil's Hunt." Severed heads of beggars are found in the wood around Oxford --witchcraft, Satanism, and rituals of the "old ways" spring to mind and Edward will have none of it. In addition, the Bellman has posted several notices around town warning that his revenge will know no bounds. He is determined to avenge the death and degradation of de Montfort, Edward's enemy in a civil war some 40 years earlier. And corpses of college officials begin appearing, reflecting the handiwork of this unknown Bellman.

Hugh is called out of retirement and agrees to help the king. Thus, with his trusty assistants Ranulf and Maltote, Corbett strikes out for Oxford and for what he hopes is a quick solution to the king's problem.

Unfortunately, it is not so simple. More murders occur and the plot (and blood) thickens.

Naturally, by the time this tenth installment of the Corbett series comes to a close, all is well for the king. There are some sad turns of events in store for readers who have followed this series, however. Doherty's plot seems far more researched, more complicated than some of the earlier works. His ability to juxtapose the events of the late 13th century with modern thought and reasoning--not to mention writing styles!--is well documented. He clearly is able to make modern audiences appreciate that time period for what it was--oftentimes cruel, far less refined, and justice at the caprice of the king. He captures the tone and atmosphere of medieval England quite well.

The author, who writes under a number of other names as well--Michael Clynnes,

Paul Harding, Paul Doherty, Anna Apostolou, to name a few--seems a dedicated historian and well worth the time spent in reading his exciting--and convincing-- historical mysteries. His eleventh Corbett edition ("The Demon Archer") awaits.

(Billyjhobbs@tyler.net)

It's a book for my masters program, I have no opinion, it's a requirement.

An essential book for every American both young or old, male or female, Democrat or Republican. A delightful discovery on the need of God and guns (or perhaps swords) in the United States and the intolerance of a government in charge of all but answerable to noone. An undeniably perfect fit for todays culture.

Discover your roots from the men that gave their lives for the signing of the Constitution; true heroes. Their resolve was unquestionable and the love for country without reproach.

They brought us so far. We've walked away. Read it and weep. BK

The Federalist was an astonishing political document. Written for public consumption during the debate over adoption of the U.S. Constitution, it combined immense learning and sophistication with shrewd insights into the nature of politics in a republic. It's an essential text for anyone interested in American political history or constitutional theory. In fact, the Federalist should be essential readingt for any educated American: it remains an unparalleled example of realistic political analysis being placed in the service of political ideals.

After more than 200 years, the Federalist has lost little of its relevance. The sections on judicial review and Presidential nominations, for example, could have been written about current controversies over judges. Likewise, the discussion of Presidential war powers, or the emphasis on checks and balances as essential to the preservation of liberty, are eerily topical in an age of pre-emptive war and one-party control of Washington. Even when the analysis is wildly dated -- as with the Commerce Clause or slavery -- the reader can see how far Constitutional doctrine has wandered from the "intent" of the Founders.

The Federalist is also superb as literature: the writing is droll and eloquent, once you get used to the long, convoluted sentences. The introduction by Benjamin Wright is excellent and helps to place the text in political and intellectual context. I don't know why I wasn't forced to read the Federalist at law school! Six stars.

Note: Contrary to one review below, God is hardly mentioned in the Federalist, and then only as a rhetorical flourish. The Federalist has countless references to ancient Greece and Rome, but none to the Old or New Testaments. It is a thoroughly secular document. Religious nationalists and other conservatives should actually read it.

When you read this, you can't help but wonder where all the great minds have gone. This assessment of basic human rights and freedoms should be required reading for all kids, and repeat reading for adults with any appreciation of history and/or politics. Its lessons and statements are universal, and should not be examined as simply a part of US history, but rather how the lessons may be applied elsewhere in parts of the world that are still stuck in the Dark Ages.

We want our founders to be demi-gods and our original texts to be divinely inspired. For an example of this nonsense, please see the first review on this page.
I want to offer a vision of The Federalist in historical context. I will argue that to see it thus enlarges its greatness will allowing us to admit its faults.
In many ways, the developments that led to the Constitution of 1787 started as soon as colonists reached our eastern shores. We had at least 150 years of experimentation in writing charters and in representative governance behind us by 1787. After the Declaration of Independence the States either wrote new constitutions or reaffirmed old charters. The national government wrote the Articles of Confederation and we lived under that from 1781 to the late 1780s.
The Federalist should be seen as part of that ongoing development. More specifically, it should be seen as part of the ratification debates in New York. Largely written by Madison and Hamilton, these papers reflect the compromises that the founders made in regards to the Constitution. Madison had wanted the President to have a veto over any state laws. Hamilton had favored a President for life during good behavior (read #78 in re the appointment for life of federal judges to sense the fervor that Hamilton felt for the benefits of lifetime tenure). Neither man believed in the necessity of a Bill of Rights. Madison eventually saw the political necessity of such amendments. During the first United States Congress he wrote up the Bill of Rights and guided them through passage. This way he could make sure they did not grow too numerous.
As a whole then The Federalist should be seen as rhetorical and political arguments for passage of a Constitution that the authors had some doubts about.
Of course, as Publius they could express no doubts. Madison, Hamiltion and Jay used this pseudonym which was a typical rhetorical device of elite writers at the time. (See Saul Cornell's The Other Founders for a nice discussion of the variety of rhetorical strategies used by writers during the ratification debates.) The idea was that hiding their identities would allow readers to focus on the quality of their arguments. As a result, there are many passages that can strike the modern reader as duplicitous because Publius pretends to know nothing of what went on during the convention. Madison and Hamilton, of course, were instrumental throughout the Constitutional Convention.
Publius works his explication of the need for the Constitution by critiquing the Articles of Confederation then by going thru the new document, article by article supposedly answering all objections. His counterarguments are largely of two types. In the first type, he will state a political principle so "obvious" that any "candid" reader will instantly agree to it. Publius then builds his arguments from there. The famous paper #10 is one such chain of argument. Or Publius will demolish the arguments offered against the Constitution by pointing out that the article objected to is contained in some or many of the States' constitution and have resulted in no such problems. Many of these arguments are justly famous. Number 10 is very much worth reading. (Although I still find it curious that when Madison asserts that a man's property holdings has a great influence on the way he thinks it is celebrated as political realism but when Marx says much the same thing it is decried as class warfare. But that's just me.)
But the reader really does get a sense at to how much thought went into the various checks and balances and the competing claims of the states and the new national government. To me this is where the glory of the book lies. We as a people thought our way out of the failure of our first experiment in nation building. We avoided civil war (for a while) and did not become the victims of foreign manipulation. We don't have to make our founding fathers and mothers demi-gods. In their fully flawed humanity, they dazzle aplenty.
Finally, it should be noted that The Federalist as a piece of political rhetoric avoided some issues entirely. The main problem that most Anti-Federalists had with the proposed Constitution in re jury rights had to do with the following phrase: "such Trial shall be held in the State where the said Crimes shall have been committed" (Article 3, Sec.2, Para. 3). Whig thought at that time insisted on juries being as local as possible. Blackstone stated that jury trials should be held within the county of the crime. This guaranteed that local knowledge of the crime, the defendant and the victim would be maximized in the jury pool. Trying cases in distant jurisdictions or without juries had been some of the main provocations of the British prior to the revolution. Men like Patrick Henry saw that phrase in the Constitution as a clarion of the tyranny to come from the new national government. The Federalist does not speak to this issue at all. Instead, Hamilton focuses on arguments about whether jury trials are guaranteed for civil cases and even has Publius argue that maybe we should limit jury trials a little because juries are so bad with complicated issues, blah, blah.
Should all Americans read this book? Yeah, probably. Are we the worse if they don't? Again, probably yes, but what we really need as a people is more of a sense of our history. I would rather have more people read a good series of books on our history as a whole (I recommend the Oxford History of the United States as one excellent ongoing series).
But if you want to get to know two great minds at work on political issues that are still relevant then this is your book. Forget Locke, Montesquieu and Rousseau. Their philosophies are antiquarian in a way that Publius is not.