L Books

"A modern classic. Dewey's lectures have lost none of their vigor...The historical approach, which underlay the central argument, is beautifully exemplified in his treatments of the origin of philosophy."--Philosophy and Phenomenological Research

"It was with this book that Dewey fully launched his campaign for experimental philosophy."--The New Republic

Dewey's philosophy is hard for some people to get into, or take seriously, because his whole body of concerns and ideas are present behind every sentence-- so, even though his language is plain-spoken, it is "saturated with meaning," to use one of his phrases. So it takes real work, and he doesn't always succeed in keeping the foreground clear, while remembering the background. It's DOING philosophy, rather than merely writing ABOUT it. This book is a great example -- what does philosophy do for us, how does it contribute when it is woven into the other enterprises of life, and what ideas in philosophy stand it the way of its making a living contribution. The book is full of dramatic, and even radical thinking, but in quiet, reflective language that requires relaxed, persistent attention.

Written shortly after World War I, John Dewey's classic RECONSTRUCTION IN PHILOSOPHY offered an introduction to the philosophy of pragmatic humanism, arguing against traditional philosophy by suggesting their fountains in self-justification were flawed and proposing an examination of core values based on other criteria. Published in 1948, this Dover reprint of the enlarged edition is an important guide to any college-level philosophy collection.

Written soon after the First World War, Reconstruction in Philosophy by James Dewey attempts to lay out a program for making philosophy adapt to the needs of a new time and age. As man's experience has changed in the modern era, so must philosophy change; philosophy must evolve in order to explicitly address those issues from which it originally arose - those dealing with the everyday concerns of man. It is contemporary philosophy's (in 1919) detachment from man's real life and goals that Dewey wishes to diagnose and address. Philosophy must break the bonds of tradition and become entirely secular; the scientific method which revolutionized man's life must be embraced by philosophy - the facts and experience oriented spirit of science must pervade the reconstruction of philosophy.

It is the rise of science as the great shaper of human life and culture that constitutes the greatest change in human experience. Pre-historic man's life - which, according to Dewey, consisted of brief periods of food gathering and the rest of long periods of reverie - gave rise to conceptions of the nature of man and the world. As men's culture advanced, so did men's accounts of the nature of man and the world; these developments culminated in the works of the classic ancient thinkers, notably Plato and Aristotle. These were philosophies that denigrated ugly matter and imperfect change, and idealized perfect, eternal forms. These philosophies, and those in modern times which carry their influence, place ultimate value and ultimate reality in otherworldly or extra-sensory things - in the Forms, Celestial Spheres, the Categories, etc.

The Pragmatic method proposed by Dewey seeks to dispense with the old dichotomies and idealizations and transform knowledge and philosophy from the "contemplative to the operative." Science broke the old dogmas about the physical universe and philosophy should similarly make experience the test of our principles; abstractions, principles, generalizations, etc. should service concrete action, not the other way around. "The true is the verified," writes Dewey. This is the method by which logic, epistemology, morals, politics, etc. should base its reconstruction.

Dewey's program, it may be argued, only serves to relocate rather than resolve some of the main issues of philosophy. How exactly the methods of science are to be absorbed by philosophy, and whether philosophy does in fact differ from the sciences only in its degree of generality are unanswered questions. While deriding "fixed and final" end in ethics, Dewey posits "growth itself as the only moral end." And by defining society as "the process of associating in such ways that experiences, ideas, emotions, and values are transmitted and made common," he makes both the individual and the state subordinate to this process. Have we not traded one thing to subordinate ourselves to for another? This is not to say that Dewey doesn't offer a framework that perhaps allows us to offer more satisfying answers to philosophy's issues (which is just what Dewey argues for); its just that he is proposing a new methodology for answering those issues, not (in this work at least) offering specific answers, or defending in a satisfying way the assertion that his program is in the first place tenable. These comments aren't mean to trivialize Dewey's program offhand, but to point out the sort of questions he raises which should be answered.

For a much more fruitful and rigorous defense of a pragmatic-type approach to some of philosophy's central issues, see Susan Haack's Evidence and Inquiry: Towards Reconstruction in Epistemology (for the title of which she borrowed from Dewey). This work by Dewey, however, is required reading for those who wish to study the American Pragmatist school.

John Dewey, as I've heard, was never comfortable with labels. Throughout his career he shifted from and to many rubrics: pragmatism, interactionism, instrumentalism, transactionism, experimentalism. Truth be told, all of these are present in "Reconstruction in Philosophy" and partly because of that, this is probably the best intro to Dewey available.

Dewy has a bone to pick with traditional philosophy. Not only has it lost track with real, as opposed to academic, problems (anyone walking down the street can tell us this) but it never really was that good at depicting real questions and descriptions anyway. Take comcepts like Plato's ideal forms and Kant's a priori. Neither of these are teneble in any realm of experience; rather, they were a misguided quest to explain the permanance and stability of the world.

Dewey's book is an attempt to pull the carpet out from under their feet; science and inquiry using its methods shows us that the world changes and if anything, stability is something that is felt by us - not inherent in the world. Thus a prioris, ideal forms, seperation of the noumenal and phenouminal amongst other current 'problems' in philosophy - all based on the idea of permanant/transitory dichotomy - are not only wearing thin, but are fast showing to be irrelevant. From this, he builds the groundwork of a philosophy in between rationalism and empiricism. Taking from rationalism an admiration and recognition of reason's power to direct action and combining it with empiricims fascination with experience, Dewey creates a philosophy that puts the spotlight not on one or the other, but on both as leading to and taking from eachother.

The first chapter are a philosophical survey of how philosophy went wrong; particularly in Ancient Greek and early Christian philosophy (both having a love affair with absolutes outside of experience). The second chapter focuses on the mistakes when philosophers, like Francis Bacon, widened the chasm between the real and experiential and the ideal and rational.

From here, Dewey proceeds piece by piece to show what was wrong and how to fix it by making clear tht scienctific inquiry (the equal interaction between subject and object) leaves no room for absolutes, forms or a prioris (or at least, not in any pragmatically useful sense). By extension, things like formal rules of logic above experience, non-experimentalism in moral or political theory and psychology that includes the individual without an equal part of the social; all of these become little more than unfounded but continually persisting glorifications.

For the reader interested in Dewey, naturalism, instrumentalism or the implications of pragmatism, this is a great introduction. From here, I suggest Dewey's "The Quest for Certainty" followed by "Experience and Nature", topped off with "Human Nature and Conduct".

Contains actionable, practical, valuable advice for women AND MEN. The recognition that "having it all" means different things to different people and still involves sacrifices and tradeoffs is refreshingly honest and realistic.

I loved the book. Susan Abram's advice is insightful and important, and her messages are very positive...absolutely inspirational! The power pointers and chapter summaries are terrific tools for busy women to carry supportive reminders with them through busy days.

New Success Rules for Women was a great read (even if you aren't climbing to the top of anything). Great anecdotes and examples from the lives of very interesting, successful people (who happen to all be women!). Full of tips and lessons for women in any field--buy it for a friend.

Women who want strategy ideas for achieving career goals will find this an important guide which gathers the ideas of presidents, vice presidents, CEOs and directors - all women in high positions in their companies. Their anecdotes serve as the foundation for practical tips by women who started at the bottom and worked their way up.

As President of The Association of Chicago Bank Women, I strongly recommend this book for both mid-career women and recent college graduates employed across all business sectors. The interviews provide thought-provoking insight into career strategies of seasoned veterans and the advice given is refreshingly down-to-earth. For example, Abrams shares the Pittsburgh Airport tip and dedicates a chapter "To thine own self be true"---common sense reminders in today's global business world. This book will be on every successful woman's desk who wants to go places in the New Millenium and is hereby endorsed by The Association of Chicago Bank Women.

I recently purchased this Bible to enhance my studies. I prefer the Old Scofield for the subject chains that it has but am pleasantly satisfied with the commentary provided by Zondervan.

Compare to "Zondervan NIV Study Bible".
"Zondervan NIV Study Bible" is Better then "Zondervan KJV Study Bible". Because I have two of them,so I can say that.
And some of the charts or pictures is in "Zondervan NIV Study Bible", but Not in "Zondervan KJV Study Bible".
Two of them are almost same, just in different version.
And the "Zondervan KJV Study Bible" has less information then "Zondervan NIV Study Bible"

I am a fairly new Believer, and in the past have study with the NIV version of the bible. I have thorougly enjoyed the KJV because I feel as though the essence of what GOD was ( and is ) speaking has been preserved. Even in the language, the bible is very easy to follow, and the footnotes help if you feel you don't quite understand. The layout is very concise, yet easy to adapt to. I love this Bible.

This is the King James Version of the NIV Study Bible--the notes are basically identical, just adapted to the KJV wording. The notes and references are plentiful--some may say there are too many! Nearly every verse of the Bible is covered with a comment or outline of some type. While this is a conservative study bible, sometimes other more liberal interpretations are listed along with the conservative position. Besides the copious and helpful notes, there is a subject index, concordance, and colored maps and a historical timeline. Interspersed throughout the entire Bible are pertinent maps, charts, outlines, etc. The KJV Study Bible also has brief word definitions or substitutions for outdated words listed in the center column, which is helpful if you prefer the KJV but stumble on some of the wording.

The binding and pages are typical Zondervan---cheap and not likely to hold up long. I have the large print edition; the print is wonderful to read, but of course makes this book HUGE and heavy--not a Bible to carry around.

All in all, this study bible will give you hours and hours of reading and study pleasure.

Pleasantly surprised at the quality of this bible, for the price it costs.
Well organized.
The information inside (notes, comments, maps are very helpful.

If you have had the good fortune to read Ron Buckley's "Winning In A Highly Competative Manufacturing Enviornment" you will remember that one of the cornerstones to winning is quality. And quality or more specifically, Mistake Proofing, is what Buckley and daughter Candace-Lynn decipher in "No Eraser Needed: Mistake Proofing Your Business".

As with "Winning" the Buckleys use their "real world" experiences along with practical problem solving tools and techniques such as Cause and Effect Diagram, FMEA, and Brainstorming with simple explanations that the reader can easily understand and begin using immediately.

When most people think of quality, Six Sigma almost immediately comes to mind. Far too many of todays "gurus" proclaim that the only way to solve your company's problems is to launch a daunting GE or Honeywell style Six Sigma program. The Buckleys sound wisdom shines through as they admonish their readers to "start with a Mistake Proofing program and when you collect from the payoff of your efforts here move on to Six Sigma, but don't think for a minute that you cannot compete without it."

Mistake Proofing is a series of tools and techniques designed to simplify business processes and the simplest way for your company to win with quality is to apply the lessons put forth in "No Eraser Needed: Mistake Proofing Your Business."

Mr. Buckley states in his book "no work happens until the tool hits the material" so this is not going to be a book review in the traditional sense. This is going to be a report on results. My company relies heavily upon the automotive industry and that industry has not been flourishing for the last few quarters. By applying the techniques and concepts covered in this book and Mr. Buckley's previous book (Winning in a Highly Competitive Manufacturing Environment), I was able to generate savings equivalent to 1% of our top line sales without any workforce reductions.

I work for a privately held company so I can't be more specific, but, let me leave you with some advice - buy the books, read them and put the concepts into practice - you'll be glad you did.

"No Eraser Needed" is a simple but great guide for a mistake-proofing program. The Cross-functional, self-directed team concept is truly best process to maximize productivity in any business. The examples of mistake proofing is laid out very well,easy to understand and apply them.

This book is filled with practical ideas to reduce unnecessary and costly mistakes. It provides a framework for approaching the elimination of mistakes. It's an easy read, and everyone can identify with the examples provided. Maybe most importantly, it focuses on engaging everyone in the enterprise in the hunt to root out mistakes, which builds teamwork and pride in the business.

"No Eraser Needed" is a fantastic guide for anyone wishing to establish or enhance a mistake-proofing program in any business. The book not only provides real world examples in both an industrial and office setting, but details type of person you should consider appointing to lead the program. Training guidelines are provided including an actual pitch that was used to train employees within a company. The book is also written in a style that allows the book to be distributed throughout any level of the organization and easily understood by all readers. I also agree with the authors' approach of training everyone, as the more minds in the business that think from a mistake-proofing perspective, the fewer the problems that will ever occur. The book also has a bonus section on cross-functional self-directed work teams, which, when applied properly (and these authors detail the proper approach) can help shift the culture of a business that has stifled the ideas and ownership needed from within the business to stay agile in today's ever-changing business world. I strongly recommend this book for anyone at any level in the organization that wishes to implement or accentuate a mistake-proofing program.

Larry Meyer's "Memoirs of a Geezer Dad" is both a touching and hilarious accounting of a 60-plus retired professor raising three small children. Larry, having already raised three grown sons, obsesses about his own mortality, weak knees and heart in this new stage of his life. His humor is honest, self-effacing and refreshing. This is not a how-to book; he is perfectly willing to admit defeat even when confronted by a precocious six-year old. This loving account of Larry's two grown and not-so grown children is a must read for all parents..

MEYER'S DIARY "NO PALTRY THING" IS NOT ONLY A WARM AND SENTIMENTAL JOURNAL OF FAMILY LIFE, BUT IT IS A HILARIOUS ACCOUNT OF A BORN-AGAIN FATHER. THE AUTHOR'S CAPTIVATING STORY IS ENHANCED BY HIS WIT AND TURN OF PHRASE. I JUST DIDN'T WANT THE MEYER FAMILY SAGA TO END. GREAT BOOK!
NINA TAYLOR
CORVALLIS, MONTANA

At age 59, Larry Meyer learned that he would be a father again. The news was both joyous and alarming. He was up for the task, sort of, but would he run short of years before he saw the fruits of his labor? And if not, would his children remember him? Or even worse, would he be sharp enough to remember them? Being an older parent adds its own special challenges, but the levity wrought by Meyer in his self-styled legacy for his kids is poignant, while carrying more than a few belly laughs.

I loved this book! Meyer tells a heartwarming and, yes, sometimes heartbreaking story of a man grappling with his own mortality while raising three young children the second time around.

I especially loved the moments in which Meyer bonds with his young children: with his eldest daughter Molly and their shared discovery of words through great books; with his younger daughter Madeleine and her imaginative dabling in careers from lemonade-stand entrepreneur, to Bed-and-Breakfast manager, to house private eye; and with his youngest son Franz and their paired love of baseball. He recalls the events of his children's lives with such rich and simple descriptions that the reader expereinces these moments along with Meyer and his family.

Even in its darkest moments--say when Meyer relives several near-death accidents of his children; or when he faces the truth of his own aging, failing body; or, most chillingly, when he imagines the events of his children's lives he may miss--what shines through is a deep and undying family love.

I laughed. I cried. I was edified.

Being a childless geezerette of 53, I didn't expect to relate much to Larry Meyer's chronicle of geezer fatherdom. Was I surprised! His wit, wisdom and most of all, love of family transcend the chasm between parents and non-parents, geezers and not-yet geezers. As a newly minted "geezerette aunt", I shared his pangs of loss at the milestones he'll miss with this late-blooming brood. At the same time, I cheered his recognition of all that his older sons missed being raised by a "normal" Dad juggling career and family, and his determination to do things differently. How many of us have wished at one time or another that our parents could have "gotten it" the way he did? Although, by his accounts, he did pretty well by the older trio, too. Mostly, the book made me want to be a fly on the wall at the Meyer house, to share in the hijinks and all that love and respect they clearly have for each other. Don't wait for geezerdom - read it now! If all new parents of any age used this book as a blueprint, there could be a whole slew of happy, well-balanced kids on the planet. And that's no paltry thing!

I have one and will give you information on the Hummel Silk Carpet.(The Book lacks this information)
On the back is a tag stitched to it saying:

M.J. Hummel
ORIGINAL HUMMEL SILK CARPET
HANDKNOTTED IN BEIJING, CHINA.

ARS AG, ZUG, SWITZERLAND

LIMITED EDITION :10 /50

Also there is a tag attached to the SILK CARPET written in both Chinese and English
ZHE JIANG SILK RUG

I am giving this information because the book does not have a picture of this HUMMEL SILK CARPET and not sure about the information I just posted.
VALUE UNKNOWN but it is Very Beautiful

not only is this a complete guide -- but it is so easy to use -- anyone owning or buying Hummel's should have this -- I only wish I could find Guides like this for my other collectables --

This book is very well illustrated, well layed-out, easy to use, and the pictures are very beautiful. It's full of information, explains more than I expected, and it is a MUST for Hummel collectors.

I have all, since the first publication, of Robert Miller's Price Guide to MI Hummel Figurines, Plates, Miniatures and More.
Mr. Miller has all the knowledge one would expect & want to find in his books after much research and many trips to Germany to gain this knowledge. This is THE HUMMEL BIBLE! I highly recommend this book to all Hummel collectors or to anyone interested in the collecting of fine arts. Very well written with explicit details about Sister MI Hummel's life in Massing, Germany & her schooling. Each known Hummel is pictured & tells of the Master Artist who molded each three dimentional figurine from the drawings by Sister beginning in the 1930's to the present TMK markings. A great investment for Insurance purposes when appraising your figurines by The Hummelking!

Even though it's proclaimed by expert collectors as the absolute source of information about Hummel figurines, Robert Miller's reference work is easy for amateurs as well. He provides insightful guidance in determining value and quality as well as interesting tidbits about production and variations in the figurines. His work is referenced by many sellers in internet auctions, but is also helpful in figuring out just what you already have. As a rank beginner, I had no problem in following his material and ascertaining the value of an inherited collection. It was also useful in helping me determine additions that I wanted to make to the collection.

i've been suffering from bulimia for over 14 years. and i was at a loss what to do. i even had suicidal thoughts. but, i got this book and after i understood what was going on in my mind, i felt real better and also the exercises on this book were real helpful and most importantly, i got over bulimia at last.
the best thing for me in this book is "normalized eating". this book tells you what is normal eating: no more dieting, no more food restrictions, no more urges to overeat.
now i eat normally and i'm not on a diet anymore. i don't even think about my weight and shape. and i feel real good about it. this is the happiness and freedom this book gave me, and i really want to say thank you guys and this book is highly recommended for anyone who's suffering from bulimia and wants to get out of the nightmare. this book will help you.

This workbook was for my daughter in rehab and she said this was an excellent book that gave her new insight into overcoming bulimia. Well worth the money

This book contains nuggets of truth as well as helpful, practical suggestions for coping with symptoms of bulimia. This book is a great companion to: "Hope, Help and Healing" By Dr. Greg Jantz. Based on the absolute truth of the Bible, you will be given insight regarding your childhood and discover how you were set up to fall into the lifestyle you desperately struggle against. You will discover freedom, day-by-day, as you trust Jesus and are filled with the Holy Spirit. YOU CAN BE FREE!
Hope, Help, and Healing for Eating Disorders: A New Approach to Treating Anorexia, Bulimia, and Overeating

This workbook is good for many reasons. It is written in a way that is easy to read, and very interesting. It does not seem at all like a dry textbook. It covers everything from defining eating disorders, to the root of the problem, to steps to take to begin recovering. I would highly recommend it for all ages.

This is the best resource for eating disorder self-help I have seen. Widely applicable for those who binge and purge by a number of definitions, including overexercising and subjective binging. Addresses a comprehensive range of related issues such as anxiety, obsessiveness, and perfectionism. Practical with real step-by-step things you can actually DO, ways to measure your progress, and encouragement about expected setbacks. Very strongly recommended.

When I first picked up Pajo, I was skeptical. What made this book different from everything else I'd read?
As the story of a hideous creature who is convinced to go along on a journey to save an infant prince, while at the same being hunted down by a crossbow-toting psychopath, I was wondering where the originality was. I mean, stories including ancient lands, magical kingdoms, spells, secrets, and creatures have been done to death. However, there was something about Pajo that really brought it to life for me. First of all, the thought put into the kingdom of Straemier itself was amazing, from the history of the cities and regions to the geography and layout of all the locations. I also loved the debate scenes between the characters. Everyone was really smart, which is good since smart people seem to be a dying breed. The characters themselves were beautiful, woven and crafted into people I'll remember forever (I <3 Crimson to death!!).
So in other words, Pajo owns. Hands down, this is one of my favorite reads, which I highly recommend.

It seems the Kingdom of Streamire is at a loss of what to do now that the Queen has passed on during childbirth; leaving the only heir to the throne in the hands of his nursemaid. It is obvious that an infant can not assume the royal crown to rule over the people so someone must be chosen to step in until the Prince is of age. There are three applicable men that are in line to rule, but it is not in the stars for any of those men to claim what is not rightfully theirs. With an attempted assassination on the Infant Prince, the nursemaid has hidden him away in her rooms unknowing what else to do. She had to trust in the last words of her friend the Nirdehnian Monk, and hopefully this Bamatojasi would save the Infant Prince.

Pajajopi Bamatojasi is the last of the Potheem; a breed of long ago creatures covered in fur, bearing many animal characteristics, but still is educated enough to speak, walk and do most things a regular human can accomplish. Except the flaw in his speech, he can not pronounce the "th" in words so they're substituted with d's or t's. He was raised by a Nirdehnian Monk from the age of 9, but now four years later at age 13 he is orphaned. He truly thought he was to be "just" a forest creature for the rest of his life, little did he know there was much in store for him. Starting with meeting The Healer, Jetha and her Nirdehnian escort.

Pajo, Crimson, Jetha, and the escort monk, Boqad are being tracked by an assassin Malluk Dominier; in hopes that they will not make it to the castle to rescue the Infant Prince. Along the way two other young men, Mikah, and Talm join the Healer's entourage; when Malluk and Boqad are at war against one another they children are told to run and that Pajo would lead the way. The journey to Melasure is a long one, being tracked, as well as being visited by the apparition of a Healer past, Pajo is unsure of what to do, only he knows that he's life now has a purpose filled with something he has never known; friendship.

Pajo written by Karl L. Kruger is a phenomenal fantasy that young adults and adults are sure to enjoy. Masterfully detailed scenes and characters bring the book to life right before your eyes. Mr. Kruger excels in storytelling, although a bit slow to get into, once past the first couple of chapters I was hooked! I can tell the story was left open, so I do hope Mr. Kruger continues with the sequel to Pajo, I will be sure to add it to my shelf. 5 Hearts

WOW! Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. It was fantastic! Such a great read, wonderful story and an exceptional job with the four main characters. I loved each one more than the next. I had such a fun time reading it and imagining each character in my head. It's a cross between Harry Potter meets Lord of the Rings meets Lion/Witch/Wardobe. Thanks for a wonderful story that I will enjoy sharing with my children. I am looking forward to the next 2 installments. Get busy writing!

Reviewed by Spencer Zaborowski (age 13) for Reader Views (2/08)

"Pajo" by Karl L. Kruger is a very interesting book about a fantasy creature named Pajajopi Bamatojasi. In this book, Pajajopi Bamatojasi, called Pajo for short, is the last of a hated race of hair-covered, smelly creatures called potheems. While Pajo was out one day finding food with his new friend Crimson, he was led by a spirit to a monk named Boqad and a famous twelve-year-old healer named Jetha. Pajo went along with Jetha and Boqad to try to save an infant prince from an assassin who had failed at the first attempt to kill the baby. The killer was still trying.

On their way to the Darkwood, where Pajo lives, they meet twelve-year-old Mikah and fourteen-year-old Talm. While they are on their way to the Darkwood, they soon learn that a crazed killer named Malluk Dominer was there in the Darkwood trying to stop them. Finally, when the children try to make it out of the Darkwood, Malluk Dominer had tracked them and was now trying to kill Pajo. The children fled to a small town, and then left again. During their journey Pajo learns that the name that he was given might actually mean more than he imagined!

Pajo has to run to the royal city to save the infant prince at the same time that he has to get past the crazed killer. This book is very exciting, so you will have to read the rest of it to find out if he makes it alive and in time to save the prince.

I liked this book, "Pajo," because it was exciting and full of adventure. The map in the front of the book showed the fantasy kingdom and helped make sense of some of the places that were mentioned in the book. The vocabulary and grammar were harder than some of the books I am used to reading, but I could still understand it. This is a great book for teens and adults, because it has a little bit of action, fantasy and mystery all mixed together. It is also funny in some parts. "Pajo" is a thrilling book that once you read the first page, you won't want to put it down until you find out the ending.

Pajo is an amazing fantasy that is therapy for the soul! I loved it! The characters are unique, and yet so real you feel you are on the journey with them. This book teaches friendships and loyalty as well as heroism and how to love someone not like yourself. I am anxiously awaiting the sequel!!

Passion's bedtime stories is the best collection of black erotica that I have ever read. With its classy not trashy stories, this book is definitely a must have and a keeper to be read over and over again. Can't wait until the sequel.

African Nights is a beautifully written story that exudes not only love and passion but a mutual respect between two young lovers who only have eyes for each other. Every woman wants a young lover who will not only love,honor and protect her, but one who will also respect her for the African queen that she is. Although I enjoyed the entire collection of short stories, African Nights is by far my favorite!

THIS BOOK IS A KEEP, IT WAS HARD TO PUT DOWN. I LOOK FORWARD FOR THINGS FROM HER IN THE FUTURE. HI BRIANNA

Each of the stories were so vivid. By this, I mean that you could see/imagine yourself in each situation. Not only were the story lines easy to follow, but they always left you wanting more...the story ended too soon! I could only imagine the ending to the story of the African Newlyweds. The story of the couple meeting at the club for dinner definately ended too soon. What about another date? I guess I am trying to say that Brianna Nichole is a wonderful writer and I hope she has another part to Passion's Bedtime Stories!

Engrossing and entertaining....Brianna Nichole brings reality of passion to life! These ethnic stories are written so well that readers will be wrapped up in each story and don't want to leave! Definitely a book to recommend!

Heard this story as a child from my grandparents who were on German background. This story is just like they told it. Beautiful illustrations complete the story that swirled in my head so many years ago!!

Ok.I HAVE NOT READ THIS BOOK.I hope that you don`t hurt my reviews for this,but in a way,I HAVE read this book.I am in this play,so I have read this script.And since the play is going to be on Saturday,(5th) and Sunday(6th) and also for the next weekend,I have to read this script over and over and over again.I think that this book is a very good book.In the play I am Miss Applebee but I think that this book is very good it must be.

When I was about seven-years-old a family member gave me a recording, (78s) of the Pied Piper of Hamelin narrated by Ingrid Bergman. As I listened, I could see the characters in my head and never tired of the story.

A month ago I bought the book for my eight-year-old granddaughter who lives about eight hundred miles away from me, because I was afraid with the passing of one more generation, the story might be forgotten.

It is a lovely book, written by Robert Browning more than a century ago. The drawings are perfect, given the dated language used in this book. And the story has a simple message, about honoring our promises.

Sadly, my granddaughter glanced at the book and was clearly not interested. I wanted to read it with her, intending to make clear the English used by Browning.

So, a tale almost twelve hundred years old bit the dust, at least in our family it did.

But if you are a lover of this fable, it is worth your time to try it out on the children in your family. They will be the richer for it.

This book would be a wonderful treasure for the pictures alone. Kate Greenaway, noted children's illustrator, has created a magical world of beautiful children, innocent faces, and romantic, nostalgic costumes. The colors on these pages are breathtaking, and the details (although Greenaway is always faulted for not drawing hands and feet well) are superb. This story is not for very young children, as it contains some troublesome themes. For the older child, perhaps 7+, the story might provoke some interesting post-read family discussions about honesty, trust, and the actual state of the children at the end of the tale. This is even a beautiful book to give to adults, as the messages about human nature can be appreciated on a deeper level.

"Rats!
They fought the dogs, and killed the cats,
And bit the babies in the cradles,
And ate the cheeses out of the vats,
And licked the soup from the cook's own ladles,
Split open the kegs of salted sprats,
Made nests inside men's Sunday hats,
And even spoiled the women's chats,
By drowning their speaking
With shrieking and squeaking
In fifty different sharps and flats."

Robert Browning (1812-1889) first published his poem "The Pied Piper of Hamelin, A Child's Story" in 1842, based on an old German legend which may or may not have had some basis in historical fact. Browning was a serious poet; even in a poem filled with playful rhymes written specifically for children, he did not "dumb down" his language, but expected his readers to do a little work in understanding some of his "big words."

Kate Greenaway (1846-1901) was one of the most famous and popular illustrators of children's literature in the latter part of the 19th Century. She had grown up loving Browning's poem, and shortly before his death she requested and received his permission to republish it accompanied by her own illustrations. This edition was initially published in 1888 under the imprint of George Routledge & Sons, which was at that same time in the process of splitting between Routledge and Frederick Warne. Starting in 1889 all subsequent editions carried the Warne imprint. The book continued to be popular, and Frederick Warne has issued reprints from time to time, well into the late 20th Century. This Warne edition is not in print at present, but used copies with various reprint dates are available from Amazon Marketplace sellers.

However, two different reprint editions are currently available, each with the complete original text and illustrations, and each presented with loving care from an eminently respectable publisher, in well-made but modestly priced editions. The Dover reprint (ISBN 0486296199) is full-size, in a sturdy paperback; the Alfred A Knopf/Borzoi/Everyman's Library reprint (ISBN 0679428127) is part of their Children's Classics series, in a very sturdily constructed hardcover with sewn sections that will not crack with use, but the page size is somewhat smaller. Both are beautiful books, and either is an excellent value.

As noted in the Editorial Reviews above, there have been other editions of "The Pied Piper," with different illustrations, and at least one seems to have been issued with the poem itself "retold" to make the language simpler; neither of those reviews is discussing this original version. Some readers may prefer one or another of these different versions. But anyone wanting to stick with Browning's original full text and Greenaway's original charming, muted and subtle illustrations should choose between the Dover or the Everyman's, or visit Amazon's Marketplace sellers to look for a copy of the Frederick Warne.