Robertson Books

This is the biography of Pike that we've been waiting for. Robertson's achievment is awesome and this book is marvelous. Pike's many difficulties -alcoholism, ambition, theological posturing, difficulties in his family, with his women- are finally choreographed into the submissive background where they belong, as the three-dimensional Pike emerges broken and whole - a man addicted to action. Believing, warring, loving, campaigning, preaching, living and dying - Pike sat astride the rhythm of unrelenting action, for good or ill. Those who look to the inconsistencies in James Pike to find the living parts are looking too far. His great personal truth was in his every action- wild and true, beautiful, violent. Passionate Pilgrim brings it all before us. David Robertson's intelligence arrives with a stash of new ideas and insights, a scathing sympathy for his subject, and the ear of a real writer. Anyone interested in Pike's story will be mesmerized by this book that demonstrates better than any other I can think of the ecstatic dimensions of biography that can be achieved by perfect prose.

Robertson, a writer new to me but apparently one of some renown whose other books I will be sure to look out for, has written a sobering account of the 196os through a particular prism, the charismatic Episcopal bishop Jim Pike. Pike was a radical theologian and a moving speaker, whose positioning of himself as an effective force for change took him to what were pretty much the limits of free expression within the church through the 1950s and exploded, as did so much else, in the 1960s.

Here in San Francisco he is still remembered, if vaguely, as the man who held press conferences (some of which were televised) at Grace Cathedral at the top of Nob Hill to discuss his latest activities, boycotts, rebellions, hirings and opinions on national and international affairs, not only on matters of religion, for he cast a wider net. He wrote an article, "How My Mind Has Changed," which made public his doubts about the Virgin Birth of Christ and about the three-personed nature of the Trinity. He called for a stop to the practice of "speaking in tongues." More traditional Christians grew skeptical, then became resolutely opposed to his liberal ways. His heavy drinking and his affairs with women caused his wife, Esther, to seek a divorce, and their four children suffered the most.

One of them, Jim Junior, in fact killed himself in New York City, and this put the Bishop into a real tailspin. Like Conan Doyle before him, he took to seances to raise the spirit of his boy. And then he came to believe that he would find redemption out in the desert, and the whole world was shocked when his body was found in the wilderness. Robertson recites all these numbing facts ably and with deep understanding. The spectacle of a man's search for meaning is a brutal one, as he goes, punchdrunk, into one cul-de-sac of faith after another, but Robertson persuades us that, underneath it all, we are all human and we all make mistakes sometimes. He has sympathy for even Pike's most outlandish choices, and his book is all the better for it.

I wouldn't have thought it possible to laugh out loud while simultaneously horrified to relive some of the most bizarre quotes actually uttered in public. Stone's illustrations, revealing more subtle yet brilliant detail upon each viewing, underscore the surreal nature of Pat Robertson's belief systems, our country's fascination with public figures, and our bewilderment at other nations' perceptions of American culture. This seemingly whimsical book is a rare gem, more insightful than its dog-eared coloring-book appearance would suggest.

The second laugh-out-loud-for-its-satire coloring book from Garrett County Press-- the first was devoted to the current President Bush although he makes a cameo appearance here as a "friend of Pat" or FOP--is devoted to the Reverend Pat Robertson-- and his other friends, consisting of Ann Coulter, Jerry Falwell, Daniel Henninger, Bill O'Reilly and Barbara Bush. The format is the same as in the previous publication. The artist-- in this instance-- Kevin Stone-- illustrates some of Mr. Robertson's most ridiculous public statements with appropriate drawings suitable for "Prayolas." Also included are an essay by Mackie Blanton and "Notes on the Quotes" that list both the dates and occasions of the stupid statements. The outside back cover includes a "Pat Robertson paper doll," along with a space suit (for Robertson to wear after the Millennnium comes), and a coat and tie, boxer shorts but no pants! Additionally Cobb County, Georgia Board of Education's statement approved on March 28, 2002 on the teaching of evolution in public schools rounds out this circus act.

Although it is difficult to select the Robertson quotation most offensive as the entire field is ripe for harvesting, his outrageous statement of August 22, 2005 is certainly in the running: "If he [Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez] thinks we're trying to assassinate him, I think that we really ought to go ahead and do it. It's a whole lot cheaper than starting a war." Then there is "Dr. Robertson's" opinion that about 75 to 80 percent of the illnesses in the United States are psychosomatic." Apparently he is not an emergency room physician. He isn't very effective as a weather forecaster either: "If I heard the Lord right (but you didn't, Pat) about 2006, the coasts of America will be lashed by storms. There well may be something as bad as a tsunami in the pacific Northwest." (January 22, 1995.) Robertson's most chilling statement (January 14, 1991), however, is his diatribe against other church folks who don't sing in his choir: "You say you're supposed to be nice to the Episcopalians and the Presbyterians and the Methodists and this, that, and the other thing. Nonsense, I don't have to be nice to the spirit of the Antichrist." That comment is just plain scary. Of the opinions spewed out by Friends Of Pat, Falwell's on Teletubbies, the color purple and triangles is the silliest; but Barbara Bush's (March 18, 2003) is the saddest: "But why should we hear about body bags and deaths . . . Or, I mean, it's, it's not relevant. So, why should I waste my beautiful mind on something like that?"

As you can imagine, the artist has his work cut out for him if he is to illustrate such drivel; but he does it admirably. My favorite drawing is of Robertson, Jesus (in a tux) and Satan at a roulette wheel to illustrate "I heard Satan say, 'Jesus is playing you for a sucker, Robertson.'"

With the roasting of George and Pat, surely the skewering of Cheney cannot be far behind.

First and only review ever written... because every recipe is delicious, fabulous, marvelous... and good for you, too. Simple. Very highly recommended. I have several friends who feel the same way. Thanks.

I discovered Robin Robertson's "Peanut butter planet" while I was hunting for cook books at my local Barnes and Nobel. As a self-proclaimed peanut butter lover and vegetarian (Robertson is a vegan herself as are all 80 receipes with optional variations to add meat), I felt as though this book had been written with me in mind. Robertson's chatty style, her easy-to-follow directions, and delicious varied receipes make this book a must have for anyone who can not bear to have the roof of their mouth be anything but sticky.

I have been collecting children's illustrated books since 1999;
I have nearly 1300 of them now. And I would put this one in my
Top Ten favorites. First, I like this particular story because
it takes place near the village of my German ancestors. Second,
architecture nearly always plays a large part in my list of top
favorites and this is loaded with wonderful old medieval
buildings (the illustrator's father was an architect and his love
for it shows). Third, I am partial to stories in rhyme which this
not only has but it is also very easy flowing rhyme. It is never
strained. Fourth, the moral remains in place and could in fact
be used in political discussion. When the Piper asks for
payment for his services, the townsfolk reply: "'What? Give all we have, the town's greatest riches! You'd be lucky to get a new
pair of britches!' The Piper stood still, and saw that these creatures had nothing of kindness nor truth in their features"
And last, I love making new & talented discoveries. I had never
heard of these two Aussies before, but I will keep looking for
their work from now on. P.S. The illustrator, Zak, came to
Australia by way of Prague, Czech Republic, which has probably
the greatest concentration of beautiful architecture in the
world. No wonder he is so good at depicting it!

This is a gorgeous book and a wonderful version of the story for young kids. The ending is of course sad for the parents in the story (the kids leave with the piper because the parents did not pay his bill), but for the kids in the story, things don't seem so bad. "The children left singing for a future much brighter. And thus Hamelin paid for the tunes of the piper." The illustrations are spectacular (some of the most interesting pictures I have seen in a children's book). I bought this book initially because I could not obtain an out-of-print version of the Pied Piper story which was recommended in Jim Trelease's book THE READ-ALOUD HANDBOOK (a wonderful resource for parents who want to teach children the enjoyment of reading and books). When I finally obtained the book Mr. Trelease recommended, I found I liked this version illustrated by Drahos Zak and retold by Robert Holden even better. My kids are in first and third grades, and both love this book (I love it too!) I recommend this book very highly.

After having read many books on the POW/MIA subject, it was immediately clear to me that after reading "POW/MIA - America's Missing Men - The Men We Left Behind", this book is the definitive encyclopedia on the subject.

Covering World War 2, Korea, Vietnam, and the first Gulf War (with major emphasis on Vietnam), it is clear to see that this book is exceptionally well researched and compiled.

Among some of the superb material is major statistics of the Vietnam war, a huge list of unaccounted for U.S. servicemen with supporting intelligence information, and a timeline overview through the years that shows exactly what has been accomplished by the United States, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos concerning the continuing POW/MIA issue.

Finishing off the book are 126 riveting photographs of American servicemen held in captivity. These photos, not easy to look at, are heart wrenching in their portrayal of the pain, suffering, and hardship suffered by our servicemen.

For the best possible material on POW/MIA's (predominantly in Vietnam), this is the book for you. It comes hugely recommended to everyone interested in this material.

Over a period of time reviewing books has it perks. I get to choose my topics and read what I like. Chimp Robertson has made it easy to be a reviewer with this book POW/MIA America's Missing Men.

One of the most controversial subjects in U.S. History is the MIAs and POWs, and this book uncovers the truth about what really happened to those men. I was deeply moved by the enormous tragedy of the whole thing.

Not written in storybook fashion, this book you'll read gripping tales of horrific conditions by those that lived the nightmare and returned to talk about it. You'll also read about those that were as fortunate.

Most impressive was the way the book is detailed and well researched. Even more impressive is the work the author is doing to help bring back those still left behind. This book should be dedicated to the real heroes of the Vietnam War - the soldiers.

This is one of the most comprehensive and clear reviews of the autonomic system. I read this 1st during my Neuro rotation, and continue to reference it throughout my career.
A definite MUST HAVE for anyone serious about Neurology!

This book provieds an excellent overview of the autonomic nervous system and the disorders that can have a devestating impact on those who suffer from dysautonomia. The book provides a breakdown of the disorders into subcatagories and provides good reference materials as well as contact information for each of the authors.

This book was recommended to my wife in a daycare teachers group. Each chapter has its own subject such as Bed times, Tantrums, TV, Cleaning their room... and each chapter is about 3 pages long. Written by an ex-teacher its amusing anecdotes include her students and her family and the solid advice can't be beat.

If you are the parent of kindergarten through 8th grade children, you'll want to keep this book handy. Karen Robertson's, Raising Kids Right, refreshingly simple advice to help take the frustration out of raising children." Immediate advice is available by just flipping through the table of contents. Just a few titles in this 31 chapter/112 page book include: Whose Turn in the Bathroom, I Don't Have a Thing to Wear, and "Mom, Tell Jason to Stop Buggin Me." Each chapter takes only minutes to read and has stories of everyday problems that Karen and her children encountered. It is written with love, in the hopes of helping parents cope with small problems before they excalate into bigger problems. Solutions are practical and easily followed through. Karen has had over 800 students in her teaching carreer, plus she is the mother of two grown children, who are the subjects of her book. This book is worth the wait for a special order.

Great book about Ramsey theory.Clear it the exposition,good for the references,rare for the choice of research problems as well as for standard exercises.There are few books about Ramsey theory and this is,in my view, one of the best.

This book did the impossible. It is a high-level research
monograph about a fascinating and very difficult part of
modern combinatorics, and yet accessible to (smart) undergraduate
students, who can start to do their own research right away.
It is beautifully written, in a crisp, lucid, and very engaging
style, and is also a masterpiece of historical scholarship with
ample notes. Thanks to this book we would get many more smart
students to go on to do a Ph.D. in math, students that otherwise would have gone elsewhere. We desperately need more such books.

Gillian Davies has created an endearing and poignant figure in this rodential connoisseur.
Robertson has reached the plane of existence where attempting the seemingly impossible is the norm. Robertson is a stargazer -as should we all be.
Although directed primarily to a readership of children, there is a lesson here for all of us.
The book is breathtakingly illustrated throughout by Vancouver Island artist Grant Leier.

I was recently in Banff Alberta at an Art Gallery called the Canada House and purchased this incredible book called Robertson Rat wriiten by Gillian Davies & illustrated by Grant Leier. If you like Dr. Seuss or Roald Dahl & you like eye spy books you will love Robertson Rat.

The book is an entertaining tale of self determination with clear & positive messages for people of all ages. Robertson Rat is an endearing character who is guaranteed to entertain.

The catchy rhyme and the wonderfully detailed illustrations will captivate any audience.

I am fascinated by the fiasco that is the French Revolution, especially the bespectacled lawyer Robespierre. How did this man wind up at the center of power? Here Matrat answers the questions with minimal commentary but essential and pithy quotations from the leading observers and pamphlets of the day. So much of the revolution was avoidable, but became awful because, as the book shows, intellectuals like Mirabeau and Robespierre thought they could manage people's economies and culture, yet preserve their liberty. We are given a vicious picture of the mob, but the blame really falls back on the failed leadership of the Jacobins and Girondists.
Throughout the book a new picture emerges of Robespierre: visionary bureaucrat. Like Lenin, the other great revolutionary lawyer in history, Maximillien thought that if enough people died, or if enough orders were signed, that results would just magically happen. If the square pegs don't fit into round holes, just hit harder. Robespierre fell to the Directorate, they fell to Napoleon, and he fell to the Bourbons. All this because a generation of Frenchmen failed to understand that people matter more than ideas.
I believe that this is the clearest book yet written on the French Revolution. For two other books that round out my top three, check out "Fiat Money Inflation in France" by White, and Schom's "Napoleon: A Biography", for less well-known aspects of the revolution. (These books just tell it like it is and don't indulge in the useless sentimentalism of Carlyle or Schama.)

Jean Matrat's book is a must for any student of the French Revolution, particularly if one is interested in the Committee
for Public Safety that ruled France briefly from 1793-1794. The book contains pamphlets and newspaper articles of this turbulent era which gives the reader a firm sense of the dread and misery that accompanied one of history's most infamous chapters. Matrat's book describes, in depth, the causes of the Thermidorian revolt of July 1794 and its aftereffect. The subtitle "Tyranny of the Majority" is an apt description of what transpires within these pages, for without the people's consent, the Revolution never would have turned into the barbarism which it is now mostly noted for. Although Robespierre and his cronies are the most culpable of villians, the complicity of the masses certainly kept them on their pedestals. Their fall and justified horrible ending is well-chronicled here with no punches pulled. This is an important historical work with an attention to detail sorely lacking in other related histories.