Phillips Books

Phillip Kurata's vivid prose style and deep sociopolitical insight capture the essential conflict of post-colonial Tunisia; but more than that this spectacular literary debut speaks to an eternal question confronted by every man and woman: How do I live truthfully and what price do I pay for compromising my integrity? Kurata makes these costs explicit through richly drawn characters and the consequences their actions bring about. This novel succeeds because, unlike so much contemporary fiction, it possesses a moral center that pulls the reader into the lives and locale of a distant yet all too familiar place. It is fair to compare "The Reluctant Agent" to works by Lampedusa, Hemingway, Koestler and Solzhenitsyn. I hope there will be an encore performance.

Anyone who ever spent time in a third world country in the post colonial cold war era will recognize the characters and settings in Phillip Kurata's The Reluctant Agent. The country is Tunisia shortly after its independence and Habib Ben Hamed is caught between his own world and that of the former French colonizer. Unfortunately Habib is at home in neither and becomes caught up in a postcolonial drama he cannot fully comprehend nor control. The political rhetoric is of socialism and progress but the reality is that of power and domination as the world of the colonizer gives way to that of the local ruling class.

Reminiscent of Graeme Green's best work Kurata draws the reader into a rich psychological world of men and women caught up in historical forces that sweep them along to inevitable endings. The exotic settings of North Africa, colorfully described in clean declarative prose, amplify the inner turmoil of a hapless Habib caught between his heart's desire and the cruel reality that denies it.

My own postcolonial third world experience was in Somalia at the end of the cold war but the settings and characters differed little from those described in Kurata's novel. I saw many Somalis draw sustenance from their former colonizer's culture even as they moved quickly to their own destruction crushed between the early socialist rhetoric of their postcolonial freedom and the twin barbarisms of dictatorship and cold war politics. Many of today's headlines stem from the cold war and postcolonial issues still unfolding in developing countries. Thus, Habib's dilemma is as relevant today as it was twenty to twenty-five years ago. Kurata, who lived in Tunis, saw to the core and created a world that allows the rest of us to see it too.

I'm an occasional reader of fiction spending much of my time scanning newspaper articles and opinion pieces dealing with U.S. foreign policy and world affairs. So Phillip Kurata's first novel, The Reluctant Agent, though set in the '60's of a turbulent Tunisia, was a real find as it addresses contemporary issues of cultural and political conflict in a repressive Islamic society. Ben Hamed is the protagonist, an unlikely hero, an Arabic 'everyman' who just wants the good things in life but finds himself caught up in an escalating spiral of intrigue and danger in order to survive. Kurata has an artist's eye for background detail and character development. The story builds and carries the reader forward to what becomes an extremely powerful ending.

"The Reluctant Agent" is Phillip Kurata's first novel, but in its lean, evocative writing and uncluttered structure, you'd never guess it was the work of a first-timer. In leading Habib ben Hamed, a feckless Tunisian intellectual, to his inexorable fate during the political unrest of the 1960s, Kurata brings home two major truths: that in times of injustice, the war between conscience and personal safety is usually unwinnable; and that revolutions eat not only their young, but anyone in their paths. Kurata has been compared with Graham Greene and Albert Camus; in his detailed insight into how dictatorships work, he obviously knows his Orwell and Arthur Koestler as well. In its persuasive portrayal of the collision between modernism and traditional Islam, "The Reluctant Agent" is urgently pertinent reading in 2002. The deceptively simple yet compelling story keeps you turning the pages to the final paragraph, which is breathtaking in its lethal spareness. "The Reluctant Agent" is a must-read for anyone interested in the literature of revolution and politics.

My wife and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading "Rescue." We have been so blessed and encouraged by all the lessons that Jean and Gene have learned and shared in that book. Jean is a gifted writer. We knew this already, having read her children's book "The Meaning of Christmas" to our daughter countless times. As pastor of the church where two of Jean's sisters are members, I deeply enjoyed "getting to know" Jean and her family more through reading this excellent book. I will be recommending it often to others. I have asked our church librarians to put my "Pastor's Picks" label on it for others to enjoy. Gene and Jean are truly heroes in the kingdom and we value their lives, ministries, and the brief moments of fellowship we have shared together.

Jean Phillips' book RESCUE not only was very interesting but it gave me a new perspective on life. I particularly appreciate the last chapter concerning trials and affictions. It was the most straight forward and easy-to-understand explanation I have come across.

The Phillips' journey of faith in Africa, which lasted over 40 years, is one that can be an encouragement to all. The watchcare of God over them, even in the midst of the Rhodesian Civil War and many other hazards, is a miracle. God honored their faithfulness with His faithfulness to them during their lifetime of service.

This book is, to put it simply, a record of one woman's walk of faith. It is a depiction of God's servants being repeatedly led into the "valley of the shadow of death" and experiencing divine deliverance.For those who consider foreign missions "pie in the sky" preaching to the heathen, this book will immediately disabuse them of such a misconception.As a teenage friend, college suite mate, and bridesmaid to the author, I have intimate knowlege of her early dedication to God and His calling in her life. This book is a lifelong record of her answer to that call.The comment has often been made that some Christians are "so heavenly minded that they are of no earthly good". One of the most appealing facets of this book is the revelation of the oh-so-human emotions of the author and her husband, as they faced many hardships and even death while fulfilling the ministry to which God called them. She makes no attempt to hide nor deny these emotions, but reveals them to the reader, and in so doing shows us that by facing our humanity and turning it over to God, He is able use us to glorify His name, regardless of where our place of service may lie.The author presents to the reader not only the nitty-gritty aspects of day-to-day mission work, lived out with her husband over a period of more than 40 years, but also, the simple joy to be derived from seeing lives changed by God's working through His devoted servants.After many years, during which our paths took different directions, it was a blessing to recently renew our friendship and observe, first hand, how the many trials and tribulations the author and her family have endured have matured her faith and her love and acceptance of all God's creatures.

It is the book that the American Society of Training & Development provides to students upon completion of their Basic ROI Certification course. You couldn't do better than this book.

Dr. Phillips has simplified a very complex concept. His step-by-step recommendations to conducting ROI studies are clear and concise. However, caveat emptor! He simplifies ROI so well that it seems relatively easy; but beware: there are great hurdles to leap when conducting ROI studies. While Phillips does cover some of the most serious obstacles one may face, such as getting management buy-in, isolating training effects, and handling soft data, conducting a ROI study is by no means a cake walk. For instance, ROI is more than a fifth level of evaluation after Kirkpatrick's four. It should be conducted at all levels of evaluation, which Phillips does suggest. Furthermore, ROI, or any evaluation effort for that matter, should not be viewed as merely a summative attempt; it should be conducted in an ongoing formative manner. Every project should have an evaluation component that parallels each task through the lifecycle of the project.

Additionally, in my opinion, Dr. Phillips' conservative approach to ROI is the greatest selling point. He accounts for error in all his measurements. For instance, when collecting self-report data, he has the respondent allocate a confidence weighting to their estimates. This confidence value weights the response while taking into account error. Furthermore, when calculating values for hard data or converting soft data (i.e., work habits and attitudes) to monetary benefits, he offers formulas that result in a range and suggests that the lowest, most conservative value is reported. Converting soft data to monetary benefits can be painstaking, but Phillips very eloquently addresses the conversion. By obtaining estimates from stakeholders (with a confidence weighting, of course), soft data can contribute to the overall calculation of return on investment. Therefore, your final conservative monetary return is not only based on hard data, but it is based on the less tangible elements of your organization as well.

If Phillips' approach to calculating ROI is too quantitative or laborious for your organization, you should consider calculating the return on expectations. Return on expectations can be assessed via a concept mapping (a multidimensional scaling approach) technique derived by Dr. Bill Trochium at Cornell University. ... With Dr. Trochium's visual approach, you have stakeholders (i.e., stockholders, executive management, clients, employees, etc.) set expectations for your organization and then assess the alignment between set expectations and the actual performance of end groups. The result is a graphic pattern match that is easily interpreted and empowers decision-makers at all levels. Concept mapping has some of the same problems inherent in ROI, such as obtaining management buy-in. However, it is much easier to conduct than an ROI study, is based on a sound measurement techniques, and produces graphical results that, when considered collectively, illustrate the expected bang for your organization's buck

The formula Phillips uses is a good one and he illustrates his model with many practical examples. There is a particularly good chapter on isolating the effects of training and this answers many of the objections raised to this sort of model where dollar amounts are calculated. The problem with the model is that it is mainly retrospective which means that you are closing the stable door after the horse has bolted in some cases. Having said that, it does deal with topics such as the collection of post program data in a thorough and clear way. If you are interested in intangible benefits of training then there is a chapter which deals with this topic. I would recommend that you also read the ASTD publication which Jack Phillips edited called 'Measuring Return On Investment'. Here there are 17 case studies which demonstrate how you can do ROI studies in the real world. Both these books are vital for anybody interested in the whole area of ROI on investment.

Dr. Phillips has simplified a very complex concept. His step-by-step recommendations to conducting ROI studies are clear and concise. However, caveat emptor! He simplifies ROI so well that it seems relatively easy; but beware: there are great hurdles to leap when conducting ROI studies. While Phillips does cover some of the most serious obstacles one may face, such as getting management buy-in, isolating training effects, and handling soft data, conducting a ROI study is by no means a cake walk. For instance, ROI is more than a fifth level of evaluation after Kirkpatrick's four. It should be conducted at all levels of evaluation, which Phillips does suggest. Furthermore, ROI, or any evaluation effort for that matter, should not be viewed as merely a summative attempt; it should be conducted in an ongoing formative manner. Every project should have an evaluation component that parallels each task through the lifecycle of the project.

Additionally, in my opinion, Dr. Phillips' conservative approach to ROI is the greatest selling point. He accounts for error in all his measurements. For instance, when collecting self-report data, he has the respondent allocate a confidence weighting to their estimates. This confidence value weights the response while taking into account error. Furthermore, when calculating values for hard data or converting soft data (i.e., work habits and attitudes) to monetary benefits, he offers formulas that result in a range and suggests that the lowest, most conservative value is reported. Converting soft data to monetary benefits can be painstaking, but Phillips very eloquently addresses the conversion. By obtaining estimates from stakeholders (with a confidence weighting, of course), soft data can contribute to the overall calculation of return on investment. Therefore, your final conservative monetary return is not only based on hard data, but it is based on the less tangible elements of your organization as well.

If Phillips' approach to calculating ROI is too quantitative or laborious for your organization, you should consider calculating the return on expectations. Return on expectations can be assessed via a concept mapping (a multidimensional scaling approach) technique derived by Dr. Bill Trochium at Cornell University. Visit www.conceptsystems.com to review his technique. With Dr. Trochium's visual approach, you have stakeholders (i.e., stockholders, executive management, clients, employees, etc.) set expectations for your organization and then assess the alignment between set expectations and the actual performance of end groups. The result is a graphic pattern match that is easily interpreted and empowers decision-makers at all levels. Concept mapping has some of the same problems inherent in ROI, such as obtaining management buy-in. However, it is much easier to conduct than an ROI study, is based on a sound measurement techniques, and produces graphical results that, when considered collectively, illustrate the expected bang for your organization's buck

Absolutely delightful! One of the greatest joys is inclusion of "Reveries" by Marshall Maurice de Saxe with his comments on commissariat, clothing, training, and organization of armies - for his period revolutionary, and, as principles, relevant even today. Vegetius will be, for many, a discovery, and the Instruction for His Generals by Frederick the Great will also be a novelty for many American readers.

One of the tragic misconceptions of military strategy classics is the fact that they are viewed as nothing but military classics. At the same time, there are thousands of banal, if not entirely worthless texts on leadership in business, politics, education, and almost everything else. One feels as if readers of the latter class of books lacked sufficient intelligence to substitute word "military" for "business" (or whatever else their leadership is about), make a few intellectual adjustments, and get not only a very good view of what leadership is about, but get it directly from some of the best practitioners of the art, who wield their pens with mastery of language that too often is lacking among the present authors. Hence, if nothing else, reading the works included in Gen. Phillips' collection is also a school how to write simply on a complex subject - something our university students and junior academics could learn to emulate.

I am quite enjoying this book and thought I'd give a little bit more information on it so that you can decide whether to fork over your hard earned cash. This book is part of a series and Volume One contains treatises by the following authors:

Sun Tzu
Vegetius
De Saxe
Frederick
Napoleon

Besides the treatises themselves there is an "Editors Foreword" which gives a brief two-page history of how these works fit historically into the literature of warfare.

There is also a synopsis of the contents which lists each work individually. Additional information is provided here as well. For example the synopsis for the "Art of War" states, amongst other things, that it was written about 500 B.C. And that it is still held in reverence today (as of 1940 A.D.) in China and Japan.

But what is really useful and wonderful are the thoughtful introductions to each work. For instance, we are told in the introduction of "De Re Militari" that even as late as the 15th Century that there were as many as 150 extant manuscripts. (A huge number in historical terms.) He goes on to say something about Vegetius, Emperor Valentianian (to whom the book was dedicated), and the Roman Empire.

In addition -- and this is the part I found well worthwhile -- the editor explains how the popularity and usefulness of the strategy went in and out of favor as technology changed. He writes:

"It is a paradox the De Re Militari, which was to become a military bible for innumerable generations of European soldiers, was little used by the Romans for whom it was written."

Also,

"Cavalry had adopted the armor of the foot soldier and was just commencing to become the principal arm of the military forces. The heavy armed foot-soldier, formerly the backbone of the legion, was falling a victim of his own weight and immobility, and the light-armed infantry, unable to resist the shock of cavalry, was turning more and more to missile weapons. By one of the strange mutations of history, when later the cross-bow and gun-powder deprived cavalry of its shock-power, the tactics of Vegetius again became ideal for armies....

For someone like me who is not a military expert, this sort of information allows me to understand how the advice was used by others in later centuries.

Four Stars. [B+]. Interesting material with valuable editorial commentary. Minus points for the fact that some material from the originals has been omitted. The editor notes that it was of little interest, but I'd rather make that decision myself.

Firstly, I've read many versions of The Art of War by Sun Tzu and they all seemed to be translated by someone with Chinese as their native language, rather than English. This translation is as clear as they get. Napoleon's maxims are short and sweet. The other works contained herein are also easy to read and are packed with simple, eternal principles of warfare.

A very helpful collection of military philosophies. Sun Tzu, Vegetius, De Saxe, Frederick, and Napolean. A brief biography of each author is also provided with some background on their works. A must have for the military thinker. The translations of De Saxe and Sun Tzu alone are worth the price.

This is a great book for anyone interested in the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Her muralist husband Diego Rivera had Kahlo's bedroom sealed immediately on her death and requested that the room not be opened for fifty years. Their house became a museum devoted to Kahlo and the curator honoured Rivera's wishes and the room was left sealed for the full fifty years. At the end of that time it was decided that the clothing and other things inside the room should be rescued and preserved and the room was opened. The story that follows is fascinating as the people that did the restoration tell their stories of what they found and the feelings they had on being the first to enter and see the clothing that became Kahlo's trademark look.
The photos are lovely and were shot on site at Kahlo's house. Photos of Kahlo in the garments are also included as well as descriptions of where the pieces would have come from in Mexico and what they are made of. This is an interesting read for fans of Kahlo and Rivera, anyone interested in the clothing of Mexico, and those who enjoy reading how a bit of history was preserved. It also gives a very personal view and insight of the life of a great artist. I can't recommend this one enough! It's my favourite book in my Frida Kahlo collection.

Self Portrait in a Velvet Dress: The Fashion of Frida Kahlo

This book is fill with bright colors and amazing details of Frida's wardrobe. The book not only shows and describes the clothing, shoes, jewelry that Frida wore, it also shows rooms of her home which give one a look into her life. By reading and viewing this book, a part of Frida's life is revealed like it has never been done before. I give this book, five stars out of five.

Magnífica obra que muestra con fotografías y lúcidos textos las obsesiones de una de las artistas más importantes del s. XX Frida Kahlo, quien a pesar de su atormentada vida supo con el color y la gracia de su indumentaria legarnos una alegría y pasión por la vida admirables. En las notables fotografías del fotógrafo Pablo Aguinaco descubrimos la inusitada faceta de una artista excepcional. Las imágenes logradas con un gusto y acierto exquisito, nos conducen por la Casa Azul, morada de Frida y despliegan colores, texturas y luces, para todos aquellos interesados en esta gran artista.

Apparently in 1954, the year Frida passed away, Diego Rivera had her dressing room and bathroom at the Casa Azul locked, with the stipulation that it could be opened 50 years later. In 2004 the day came to unlock the room, and discover its contents. This book explores those contents, which included many of Fridas clothes, hair ribbons, medical devices, linens, etc. Its an amazing archeological discovery of sorts. A time capsule that reveals much about the day to day life of what has become one of the most influential women artists in history. Lavish color photographs of her clothing, paired with photos and paintings in which they appear; a treasure for those passionate about the life, art and fashion of Frida Kahlo. Really destined to become a personal favorite.

This is the best book on Psalm 23. I have read almost all the books on Psalm 23 (commentaries, sermons and critical books) in the Bible (and Shepherd Motif/Imagery). I used to feel to hit a wall to preach Psalm 23 for a long time. The author truly breaks the wall to open my eyes. This is one of the first books that I use for discipleship and leadership training for the churches that I ministered for last 15 years. And I have bought a few hundred copies to my fellow Christians to appreciate Psalm 23.
Richard K. Min, Dallas, Texas

This is one of the best books I have read on how a shepherd cares and takes care of his flocks. It would be great if all ministers of the gospel would read and shephered the flock of God in such a caring manner. I am now a shepherd's wife. And I endeavor to avoid the pitfalls and horrors of ministry that I have come to know from those who rule over the people of God without a shepherd's heart. This is an excellent resource that should be added to all pastors' libraries. May God richly bless those who read this resource and go and acquire a shepherd's heart for the flock of God.

This is an excellent book. It has improved my relationship with God immeasurably. If you want insight into how much effort God puts out on your behalf, read this book

This book is great. It gives you a glimpse into life as a shepherd and the qualities of sheep, good and bad. Philip Keller writes articulately and expounding on one of the best loved passages in scripture. Get this book if you can, it is worth it.

This book became one of my favorites. Keller's agricultural background gives him the ability to metaphor animals and humans and show how they relate to the Creator. I have kept this book near-by over the years and go back to it often. You can't really add anything to Psalm 23 but Keller's way of explaining it is appreciated and comforting. I would want this book with me if stranded on an island.

A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 It came fast in the mail. It was brand new like it stated. Yes I am happy with the transaction.

This is the best book on Psalm 23, an excellent presentation, very easy to read. I think that I have read almost all the major books and papers on Psalm 23 (commentaries, sermons, critical books, papers, and on Shepherd Motif/Imagery) but I still felt to hit a wall to preach Psalm 23 for a long time until this book. The author truly breaks the wall for me to open my eyes to see and preach Psalm 23 and Shepherd in the Bible. Also I provide this book as a required reading for our discipleship and leadership training for last 15 years (and I think that I have bought already a few hundred copies and the other editions including "Phillip Keller: The Inspirational Writings") to my fellow Christians to appreciate Psalm 23.

this book has wonderful illustrations of a shepherd caring for his sheep. you cannot help but understand Gods love for us by the insights of the 23 psalm. if you love animals and nature, you will love this book. it will give you better understanding of how God cares/loves us! i have even used this book in sunday school, the kids love the pictures.

I thoroughly enjoyed how the author led me step by step through his own understanding and experiences as a shepherd (of actual livestock) and pastor (of a flock of believers). Gave me some very colorful and helpful insights that I use in my leadership development coaching and consultations.

This trilogy is a must read for any Pastors, Small group Leaders, etc. Written by a shepherd, it brings things into right cultural perspective, allowing a deeper meaning of scripture.

Learned the most amazing facts about sheep and the care of them from an actual shepherd. Amazing how much we are like sheep.

This is the best book on Psalm 23. I have read almost all the books on Psalm 23 (commentaries, sermons and critical books) in the Bible (and Shepherd Motif/Imagery). I used to feel to hit a wall to preach Psalm 23 for a long time. The author truly breaks the wall to open my eyes. This is one of the first books that I use for discipleship and leadership training for the churches that I ministered for last 15 years. And I have bought a few hundred copies to my fellow Christians to appreciate Psalm 23.
Richard K. Min, Dallas, Texas

Liked it, very good pacing, lots of surprises, excellent character deliniation. I wish more SF authors would get back to the basics like this and just tell a great fast-track adventure story without all the ET, bioweapon and psychobabble distractions. The details were just right, not too much, not too little. The plot was imaginative, linear and satisfying and full of unconventional concepts and twists. I highly recommend it.

I have read all three of Carpenter's most recent books and enjoyed all of them immensely. This one is no exception. One thing that appeals to me is that he always characterizes his women in the stories as intelligent, strong, independent and resourceful, yet having a loving and nurturing side. All of his main characters are fully developed as genuine human beings, some courageous and kind, some weak and nasty, but all are believable. Dan Cutter the main protagonist is an example. He is not perfect, has weaknesses, makes mistakes and is conflicted with memories of his lost wife and daughters who died in one of the many massive earthquakes that accompanied the destruction. The other characters play major roles, too, it isn't just a story where all the focus is on the central character and the others merely provide background. In this story, the trials and tribulations of a small remaining group in the aftermath of the world's worst tragedy are outlined in stark detail, yet the pressure of their radically altered lives forces each to reveal hidden truths about them.
I wasn't too keen on the details of the battle between the religious cult and the nomadic tribes, too gory for me, but I know most men would relate strongly to that. I have no other criticisms, the pacing was excellent, the descriptions so vivid you felt you were there in person. The whole book literally defines the word "adventure." It is educational and food for thought too, written with certain knowledge of living in primitive conditions and understanding nature. I was very pleased with it because it very well could happen just like that if such a major calamity befell our planet and after reading it I still think a lot about how I would cope in such a situation.

Great book! I really liked how the story was on this planet and not way out there with hard to understand plot and bizarre situations. It seemed like a true story even though it was set a few decades from now. I liked the logical way the people interacted and the experiences were described, I could actually visualize all the events and the characters clearly. The trek across into Mexico was an amazing tale, as was the way people formed groups to survive. Carpenter really knows his material, nature, the animals, the terrain, the way people have to live without modern conveniences, even the weather and the smells. He also is apparently expert in weaponry, tracking and hunting, battle strategy and history. I am a true fan of his books, I only wish there was more of them.

This latest work by Phillip E. Carpenter veers off course from his established genre, however it turns out to not be a bad thing. As I read this book, I immediately recall why I liked his writing so much, he brings an intelligent and literate application to a decidedly masculine and forceful style. The prologue of the book begins with what now has become almost a cliche mode, thanks to Hollywood beating the concept of a world-wide post-apocalyptic cataclysm to death, but to be fair, it is merely a set up for the main plot and there is no other way the reader could get the information required to understand the following story line. It also introduces at least two of the main characters and their backgrounds, a glimpse into their previous lives at the time of Earth's major disaster.
How they and the other interesting and unique individuals they encounter adapt to survive horrific climatological and geographical changes and the loss of their comfortable technological civilization is amazingly detailed and realistic. It becomes an adventure in the truest sense of the word, a quest for life and a struggle to maintain some form of civilized behavior among the most primitive conditions. I have always liked Carpenter's ability to get inside the minds of the various characters, making the reader feel he or she knows them personally. And these characters are very intriguing. They are too numerous and strange to list here, but one clue is the artwork on the cover of the book, the woman Samantha, a red-headed former stripper from Argentina who joins the Jaguar tribe of the Nomad Nation and must have their totem tattooed on her face to assure loyalty. Her story alone is well worth reading the book, but she is only a part of the great ensemble. The way Carpenter weaves many people's lives into this plot is a work of art and reinforces the basic premise that perseverance, integrity and honor will prevail over greed, degeneration and evil. The war between the Nomad Nation and the Host of Jesus becomes the pivotal point in the book and it is told in a manner that gives one serious pause and reflection on the human condition. Conflict over ideology is not glorified nor is it abhorred, but treated in a realistic manner, warts and all.
The only criticism I find is that in this book, as in Elephant Gun and Arabian Assignment, Carpenter tends to provide too much detail about weaponry and personal combat for my tastes. I do not need to know how to kill someone in twenty different ways or use every type of weapon from knives, bow and arrows, seige machines and antique cannons to infra-red-scoped sniper rifles, however I admit it is all well within the context of the story and emotionally entertaining. I am still shuddering from the description of how a man dies when bitten by a rattlesnake and another tortured on a cross. On balance, I prefer the parts of the book where separated people discover courage and loyalty within themselves and find each other, develop new loves and strengthen relationships and family ties. There is where the author's writing is most powerful and moving. Those who choose this book will soon see what I mean.
-Barker Reviews

This is a much-needed reappraisal of a central figure of the colonial and revolutionary period of American history. As part of a total war against the native peoples, which included biological and ecological warfare, systematic treaty-breaking, and the villification of any whites who resisted or objected to this policy, Girty was made a scapegoat and object of derision and fear.

Settlers on the frontier as well as leaders of the emerging American nation, unable to credit Indian leaders with the capability to formulate strategies and tactics effective enough to thwart the insatiatable appetite for Indian lands, attributed to Simon Girty the skill and determination to lead the native forces everywhere and anywhere resistance was made.

Hoffman's detailed descriptions and documented sources are a long-overdue reconsideration of this pivotal figure, once scorned, now ignored, in the period from the French & Indian War to the War of 1812.

After years of anticipation, Phillip Hoffman's book "Simon Girty Turncoat Hero" has finally made it to press and into my hands. Phillip Hoffman has spent 19 years in meticulous research and turned it into a fascinating, and probably the truest account of one of the most "misunderstood" historical figures on the American frontier, Simon Girty.

Mr. Hoffman gives us great insight into the British, American, and Indian politics, Simon's contemporaries, and life and war on the frontier. Mr. Hoffman's adept writing skills have taken a much vilified and hated individual and given us another side of Simon's complicated personality; a side of Simon Girty that other writers either ignored or never understood.

As an amateur genealogist, researching the Girty name including my fourth-great grandfather, Simon Girty, I have had numerous occasions to research Girty papers and have read most of the major works that have been written about Simon. I always came away feeling that no one knew the true Simon Girty until Mr. Hoffman came along. Now the Girty family and frontier enthusiasts probably have the most accurate account of Simon Girty and the role he played on the American frontier.

I know there are many American Revolution and frontier enthusiasts, having met them at the frontier reunions, who will enjoy reading this book and adding it to their collections.

Stephanie Thalman
Simon Girty's fourth great granddaughter

Phillip Hoffman's book, "Simon Girty Turncoat Hero," is the culmination of 19 years of research into the history of the lesser-known but pivotal Frontier warfare that took place during the Revolutionary War.

Hoffman shows us that the Revolutionary War was not just an East Coast war about taxes on tea and obedience to the king, it was also (perhaps mainly) about the British attempt to control the development of the West by joining with numerous Indian tribes to keep American settlers from streaming into Kentucky and Ohio and on to the West Coast which, of course, they eventually did.

Three prominent figures in the Frontier war were Simon Girty, Alexander McKee and Matthew Eliott, all American agents stationed at Fort Pitt (Pittsburgh) who, after working for the colonists, decided to throw in on the side of the Indians and the British, in part due to the treacherous way the Indians were being treated.

This triple defection was a serious blow to the Americans, since all three men were fluent in the Indian languages (Girty and McKee had both been young captives; Eliott was a trader), very useful as translators and spies for the British.

If the British had won the war, these men would have been hailed as heroes. The Indians, it goes without saying, would have ended up being screwed either way. As it was, the three were branded as traitors and Girty, "Dirty Girty," took the brunt of the colonists' wrath, wrongly blamed for every atrocity. Over a century after these events, my mother remembered being told, "You'd better behave or Simon GIRTY will get you," as if he were the bogeyman personified.

My great-great-great-great grandmother, Margaret Paulee Erskine, was captured by a group of Shawnee Indians in 1779 and lived in Shawnee towns in Ohio until her ransom in 1783.

Margaret's narrative mentioned all of these men (who lived in close proximity and had Indian wives) in positive terms. Simon Girty had assured her she would not be forced to marry or cohabitate; McKee had saved her life. I've been waiting for a book that told the true story and here it is.

"Simon Girty Turncoat Hero" is a scrupulously researched, fascinating account of the events surrounding the Frontier war in general and an exoneration of Simon Girty in particular.

Phillip Hoffman has managed to take a mountain of raw data (battles, treaties made and broken, both sides floundering through the woods with short supplies, runners routinely sent on 100-mile foot-journeys to deliver messages) and turn it into a very readable account of "how the West was lost."

Hoffman's career as a screenwriter served him well in this endeavor. Girty, his friends, members of his family, and the Native Americans they lived and fought for, spring to life on the pages of his book, which, in other hands, might have come across as dry as dust.

Simon Girty, "The Most Hated Man on the Early American Frontier," a man with a large price on his head and a gash in it as well (coshed by an Indian chief during a drunken brawl), emerges as a person both tender and tough, who loved his family and was a champion in the Indian cause to hold onto their land.

It may perhaps be a small choir that Hoffman sings to, but for anyone interested in the history of the Revolutionary War, this book is a must-read.

I have read almost all of the books and articles about Uncle Simon and I must say this book by Phil Hoffman is the most accurate in-depth account of Simon Girty , his life and the Girty family of the 1700s that I have had the plesure to read. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in Early America and its heros. Kenneth E Girty Renfrew, Pennsylvania