Smith Books

Great for pre- teens and older. A graduation from sleeping beauty and other common stories.

"The Grey Fairy Book" is a marvelous collection of tales from Eastern Europe, Africa, and Islamic countries. Once again we get to visit, the horrible, fantastic world of the fairy tale, complete with amazing drawings. These are the *unknown* tales that Disney ignores, but are beautiful in their own right. This is a must have for any collector or anyone who still needs their fairy tales. Who can outgrow these things?

I love all the fairy books by Andrew Lang (red, orange, olive, crimson, grey, yellow, blue,etc). They are well written, exciting, and captivating. If you like fairy tales at all you must try one of his books.

This is just another of Andrew Lang's fairy books. It is a perfect book if you want to read to your child, or if you just like to read fairy tales. The book contains 59 black and white illustrations, and 35 short stories, ranging in length from a couple pages to about 20. The fairy tales include: The Impossible Enchantment, The Story of Dschemil and Dschemila, The Story of the Queen of the Flowery Isles, The White Wolf, Bobino, The Sunchild, The Unlooked-for Prince, annetella, Prunella, and many more.
I loved it

Andrew Lang could be decisevly one of the forefathers of fairytales for his many renditions of the fairytales we all love so much. His books have kept many fairytales in popular culture today, for instance the tale of Donkeyskin. Donkeyskin, in its hayday, was a tale that as many fairytales do, undermined and inforced ideologies of it's days. It spoke out against arranged marriages and demonstrated the cruelty and moral incorrectness of incestuous affairs. These ideals were new to the day, and hence such ideas as one might have noticed are still held by many people most likely due to this books influence. Yet, the concepts of a womans role and how a woman should be subservient was reinforced by the tale, but it would seem the story's life force has still been held by Lang. In short this colage of fairy tales is one of great importance and one that should be on everyones books shelves

I could definitely identify with some of the essays, but others bored me and I didn't finish them. The variety of emotions, situations, and life experiences were entertaining and did lead to some introspection. I wouldn't say this is a "must read," but it's an enjoyable book that was perfect to read in bits, as the 42 essays are short.

My book discussion group read Guilty Pleasures this month. It was the first non-fiction book we ever selected. The book is a lot of fun, but it has serious parts, too, so it made for a good discussion.

I love to read in the same way that some people love eating chocolates. Just as they disregard warnings as to caloric intake in making their selections and opt for the largest, darkest,or prettiest piece in the box, so, too, I disregard the admonition not to judge a book by its cover and often select a book by its size, heft, and cover. Guilty Pleasures meets all of my superficial criteria: it has a pleasing fit to the hand, a weight perfect for horizontally-inclined literati such as I, and an eye-catching cover filled with colorful shoes such that one's eye is drawn to the authorship on the suspicion (unfounded) that this is Immelda Marcos' work. Of course, as my chocoholic friends might say, "the proof is in the pudding" and the quality of a book is in the reading. Just as a square of fudge delights as it melts and clings to the palate, Guilty Pleasures delights the mind. Eight women writers unrepentantly share the joys they find in ordinary and not so ordinary pleasures running a quixotic gamut from taking antidepressants to applying toenail polish, from crossword fanaticism to extorting money from one's parents. The writing is refreshingly witty, wicked, and wise. Although these small gems of essays are assembled of necessity in an order, I recommend reading them haphazardly. After all, what chocolate lover would adhere to the map on the candy box, eating all the creams first before proceeding to the nuts? There are enough strictures in life! Just open the book and enjoy at random. And, yes, the next time you need to tote a small gift somewhere, you might forego the candy and bring along a copy of Guilty Pleasures. Think of it as a book lover's fudge!

These authors have tapped into a huge vein (keg?) of human experience. Each essay details a different furtive joy, and I could feel their pleasure even in the ones I couldn't identify with myself.
There are no morals given; no helpfull hints; just honest enjoyment of many things that may not fit our public personas or enhance our professional images. Before I even finished the book, I found myself mentally starting to examine my own guilty pleasures. It's so nice to know that I'm not alone in admitting that I do get a thrill out of a few somewhat dubious activities.
My daughter keeps dipping into this book, too. Obviously, it's appeal is multi-generational.

All the confessions in this book are deliciously guilty and are expressed in the picturesque language of poets and the best of literary writers.

While somewhat out of date, Hard Living on Clay Street is one of the best observations of poor white Southern working class folks ever done. Howell came to the research with some background, but more importantly with the ability to get these people to let him into their lives. He tells a compelling story. I have used the book for a Qualitative Methods class, and the students are impressed with both the writing and the characters. Anyone who wants to get a good look inside the lower middle class in this country should spend a little time on Clay Street.

I ran across this book after it was misfiled at the library, and I picked it up because I wondered what a book with a title like that was doing in the section. I read the whole thing through in one sitting. I think it is one of the most incredible anthropological studies I have ever read. As others have commented, the methods that Howell uses are extremely effective - he quite literally moves across the street from his stubjects. I get the feeling that to write this book about "blue collar" people (although the first family at least is really quite destitute) Howell does not hesitate to drink a lot of cheap beer, go deer hunting, etc.

Al Gore might have grown up there had his father been a plumber who moved north for work. Not many St.Albans boys in that neighborhood though. As in none. Gotta wonder if Harrington and Gore don't hook up once in a while what with the wellheeled intellectual Nashville/DC connection. All in all not a bad intro to a forgotten people in a very interesting time and place. I was happy to have stumbled upon it.

This book should be mandatory reading for all high school students in the United States. Poverty is indeed a virtual reality in this book. You cannot help but gain an appreciation for all you have, however little it may be.

Howell utilizes a "hands on " approach to drive home the reality of a very large segment of our society by literally moving in with them and living the life - in spite of peril for one year. Through this approach, he gains the trust of two families, the Shacklefords and the Mosebys, and we are able to move into their homes, travel with them on their drunken runs, and thereby gain an insight from a perspective within that no "text" could ever offer us. I applaud this book and have used it yearly in classes since 1978 with raves from the students.

This book was produced as he was shown at the Royal Academy in London. I begged the poster at the tourist-board in Stockholm and got my parents to buy the hardcover version at the exhibition. Collecting Hiroshige prints in Stockholm I would have loved to see them in London, but the book is the second best thing. The reproductions are terrific, the text short but informative. All the different subjects of Hiroshige are displayed, landscapes, fan motives, fish, flowers and so on. Get it and then get some real prints!

I recieved this not knowing its large format and the images in full color on quality paper. Informative and accurate descriptions of the work. You will not regret buying this book. Makes me sigh....

I have no experience with art at all, but from my point of view this book is a jewl. Printings are so beautiful and relaxing, and they are numerous in this book. Also the book is well organized with explanations about the paintings.

The text provides the necessary background to facilitate understanding of the fantastic pictures. A great variety of photos provide wonderful insight into the world of Hiroshige. The pictures can be perused for pure enjoyment. Terrific book.

Quick, stop reading this review and buy this Hardcover book in New or Like New condition now, while you can. For, this is one of the greastest modern so-called 'coffee table' art books that I have come across. Too often these days one finds that such art books which should be large, lushly produced, lovingly put together and brilliantly written are unfortunately done with punk production values resulting in poor reproductions on cheap looking paper stock and accompanied by unedifying, often stultifying essays. Not this one. As I said above it is one of the most impressive art books that I have come across in twenty years of buying them. It is printed and bound in Germany which in itself is commendable and noteworthy because it is quite expensive to produce a book there. I am so glad they did because, as good as they are, Italy and Hong Kong, two places commonly used for producing today's art books, just don't do as good a job as Prestel has done in Germany. This book was originally produced to accompany an exhibition at the Royal Academy of the Arts during 1997. As such, it commanded a skilled and erudite staff of authors to craft both an accurate history and an illuminating commentary of the artist and his art. They are: Matthi Forrer, author of a similar book on Hokusai; Suzuki Juzo, the author of the standard monograph on Hiroshige; and Henry Smith a Professor of Japanese History at Columbia U. You will come back to this book many times over the years because there is so darned much information to absorb, visually and intellectually and because the publisher's top notch production values have accurately captured the spirit and beauty of Hiroshige's Woodblock Prints. This is the sort of book that will be actively sought out by art book collectors in years to come. This is why I say, buy it now, while you can at such a low price. You won't be sorry.

This book provides a wealth of information that I have not seen elsewhere. It enables a very detailed assessment of every aspect of a horse's conformation.

This book is wonderful. It really goes into detail and there is more information here than I will ever need.

Thomas has written a fabulous book that digs deep into the mechanics of the equine. I enjoy understanding why/how things function. This book has helped me to understand why some activities came very easily to my Pony Club mount and why we had to work so hard on others.

By reading this you will understand how conformation impacts performance, soundness and longevity. It is well written and the diagrams make it easy to follow. This isn't a light read, be prepared to study.

If you are a casual rider that doesn't request a lot of your horse, then you may not need to know this depth of knowledge for conformation. I find something new to learn each time I pick it up.

Backyard breeders... PLEASE read this book. Bred-to-the-Nines doesn't do much for a horse that isn't built correctly to perform.

The Handbook is an exhaustive overview of equine conformation relative to athletic ability and stamina. It also appears to be a 'halter class' juding guide. There is an exhaustive amount of information which can make it difficult for the reader to maintain focus on what is an acceptable vs. unacceptable deviation from perfect conformation.

The text is well written and the examples well illustrated, however, in order to be absolutely useful, the reader needs the ability to summarize, overview, review, and focus.

It would be helpful if the author would re-state throughout that her text is written for the 'perfect' specimen and establish that a stated percentage of horses aren't perfect. Having done that, insert a summary on conformation points which are not acceptable under any circumstance; which confirmation points are relatively acceptable; and whether any combination of confirmation points will never be found all in one horse.

This book is one of the most excellent to have if you want to understand conformation, and there are only a handful on the subject even worth having. I am usually disappointed with the quality and quanity of information in books on this subject and only rarely do I find one that is actually worth buying and this is one of them. It rivals the quality of Dr. Deb Bennett's "Principles of Conformation", usually regarded as the industry's standard on this subject, and it touches on some things that Bennett's books do not. I recommend both equally as they compliment each other very well.

This author is a very experienced horse woman and author who has written several books on equines and many, many articles for various magazines. I've been familiar with her work for years and she is a thorough author.

This book hits on equine anatomy and it does a good job of it. You have to have a handle on anatomy before you can understand conformation and this books takes the pains to explain the skeleton, the muscles, and even equine teeth before it really delves into explaining faults, and it does really delve into faults and it explains and illustrates them well.

The Book is divided into 3 parts:

Part 1. Anatomy and Principles of Conformation
2. Basic Anatomy
3. Head and Neck Conformation
4. The Teeth
5. Chest Conformation
6. Back Conformation
7. Foreleg Conformation
8. Hindquarter Conformation
9. Foot Conformation

Part II. Evaluating a Horse
10. Body Proportions
11. Body Angles
12. Height
13. How a Horse Moves
14. Athletic Ability
15 Type
16. Soundness
17. The Senior Horse

Part III. Appendixes
A. Applying What You've Learned
B. Training Your Eye: Six Case Studies

This book takes you over anatomy, into faults and their pathology and then it has a section devoted to illustrated critiques of 6 different horses. This is a book to have if you want to know what Equine Conformation is all about. It is concise, VERY well-illustrated, and very thorough.

Diane writes them well, whether it is the war between the states or Trek, she seems to add the human factor into history and the future. My personal opinion is that she does best with ORIGINAL stories that she creates but she does a very fine job with a adaptation. A writer of detail she seems to bore some but to each their own. She adds color and impact to the picture of your imagination while reading the words. Some readers tend to be too critical, Lighten up and enjoy. Ship of the Line was fun and she interacted a character from 2 shows. That story needed at least 100 more pages. Thanks Diane, From ZC (ghost from the past)

This great first crossover series and great first Star Trek Omnibus contains at least three out four of Star Trek fiction's best tales. First encountered in the twenty third century by the Klingons, the Furies sent a vanguard in the form of a nearly indestructible starship where it was met by the venerable Captain James T. Kirk and the USS Enterprise. Some one hundred years later, the Furies became an issue once again where they were dealt with by first Captain Picard and the crew of the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D and concurrently by Captain Sisko and the crew of the USS Defiant in an extraordinary time sweeping tale. The conclusion to this massive Star Trek tale is wrapped up perfectly by Captain Janeway and the crew of the USS Voyager, lost deep in the Delta Quadrant.

Included both with "The Final Fury" and this Omnibus is fantastic section titled "A Word from Our Authors," where there are some great insights into what the authors were thinking when writing these novels.

Overall, I'd highly recommend this "Invasion!" series to any and all fans as, with one exception; it is a highly intriguing and epic tale that sweeps across all four series. Listed below is the premise for each tale!

Star Trek #79 First Strike, Invasion #1:

The premise:

"Across time and space comes a fury...!" A quote directly from the cover and yes, it is an extremely accurate and telling statement. For many years the Federation has dealt with the Klingon Empire from either open war or cold war but never has the Federation received a call for help from them. That is exactly what they receive and the Federation sends their very best to deal with whatever the situation may be.

The Klingons have found themselves dealing with a massive starship that they're unable to destroy. Captain Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise come on the scene and discover that this ship and its leader, Vergo Zenner are but the mere vanguard of a massive invasion fleet that is headed to reclaim what they believe to be there territory since time before memory and that territory happens to encompass the Federation, Klingon Empire and the Romulan Star Empire.

What follows from there is an extremely interesting and intriguing tale that is also a bit rare in Star Trek fiction where it deals more with Captain Kirk as the negotiator. Of course, when comes time to revert to the creative combat leader that he is, he steps right up to the plate.

Star Trek The Next Generation #41 The Soldiers of Fear Invasion #2:

The premise:

After a century of peace and no sign of the Furies, they return with a vengeance to reclaim the territory they believe is rightfully theirs. To make matters worse for Starfleet and the rest of the Alpha quadrant, the Furies have returned with a massive fleet of even more deadly ships than the one that came a century before. To add to that, they learned something from their first encounter and are now employing a weapon of fear upon their enemies, literally crippling them and then moving in with their physical weapons to destroy them.

What follows from there, as stated above, is novel that was wrought with potential that is ultimately unrealized in its execution. I would still recommend this novel and the other three in the series as this is only a bump in the road for the series as a whole.

Star Trek Deep Space Nine #16 Time's Enemy Invasion #3:

The premise:

Captain Sisko, Dax and Bashir are called to Starbase One, which is at the fringe of the Terran system by Admiral Judith Hayman. Once there she asks them to review some data chips, which they do and it doesn't take them long to discover that they're from the Defiant under his command, and these data chips describe in some detail, the destruction of the Defiant. They soon learn that these chips were found aboard the Defiant, which had been encased in a comet in the Oort Cloud surrounding the Terran system for over five thousand years...

What follows from there is nothing less than one of the most spectacular and intriguing novels ever written in the Star Trek line of fiction. I highly recommend this novel either as a stand alone in the Deep Space Nine series or as the third in the "Invasion!" series as it furthers that series extremely well, for it is here where we finally get some of the history of the Furies and the why behind their invasion today.

Star Trek Voyager #9 The Final Fury Invasion #4:

The premise:

While the battle rages on in the Alpha quadrant between its inhabitants and the invading Furies, the USS Voyager and her gallant crew are steadily making their way home when they receive a distress call from a Starfleet vessel, something of which they thought they'd never hear again. They soon discover the source of the distress call and massive Fury invasion fleet on a constructed planetoid containing twenty seven billion Furies. As the novel progresses, Captain Janeway finds herself in one heck of a quandary as she comes upon the realization that in order to save the Alpha quadrant, she must destroy the twenty seven billion Furies who are bent on invading the Alpha quadrant and a possible way for her ship to make it home quicker, if there is to be a home to return to...

What follows from there is nothing less than a impressive and decidedly compelling Star Trek Voyager novel and a brilliant finale to Star Trek fiction's first crossover series. I highly recommend not only this novel but the entire "Invasion!" series, whether you procure the individual books or this fantastic "Invasion!" Omnibus. {ssintrepid}

This four-part story that spans the entire "Star Trek" universe (until the fifth show arrives, that is) begins spectacularly, continues well, and almost peters out before returning with a bang. The first segment, "First Strike," takes place in the 23rd Century and depicts Kirk as a hero in both his accomplishments as a warrior (impressing even the Klingons) and in his determined efforts as a diplomat who wants to avoid the war in the first place. "First Strike" could easily stand on its own. But "Soldiers of Fear" fortunately avoids the danger of becoming just a remake/sequel to "First Strike." The added element of new technology for the villainous Furies -- a weapon that strikes at the very minds of the Enterprise crew -- creates an interesting element that maintains our fascination with the story. Then the whole thing goes south in "Time's Enemy." The initial premise -- involving time travel and the mysterious appearance of a centuries-old Defiant -- is certainly intriguing, but the story itself is rather dull and turns out to have very little to do with the Furies story as a whole. In my opinion, it is completely unnecessary, especially considering that the fourth segment, "The Final Fury," picks up exactly where the second segment left off. I wasn't much of a "Voyager" viewer at the time, but I became interested in the series when "Invasion" so fluidly continued the same story from the original characters to the Next Generation to Voyager. I would definitely recommend "Invasion." But skip the DS9 segment, which is as boring and pointless as the other three segments are exciting and epic. Well, three out of four ain't bad.

This was an immensely spellbinding and interesting read... The concept of having such a wonderfully continuous storyline is great, and extremely well thought-out. The stories blend nicely, and tell different parts of the complete story in each book. The characters, especially in the last two books, are portrayed very lifelike and true to their roles in the TV series -- they had me laughing at quite a few occasions! I had to put down everything else to finish this book first!

If you're like Trek then you will like this book. The 4 novel saga spans the centuries and does so with the greatest of fluidity. The basic premise is simple, an epic war took place in our little piece of universe before we got here. The loser of the war wants the universe back and the winners are nowhere to be found. The first novel introduces the losers and reveals that their presence has actually been well documented in the history of our quadrants aliens through mythology, from the Vulcan mythology to Human mythology and so on. The second novel finds Picard and the NG crew fight the FURIES off again in a true epic. The third novel gets a little more technical but finds us finally introduced to the victors in that epic war fought so long ago. These creatures are just plain cool... If not a bit gory... LoL. The 4th brings us back to the FURIES as they attempt to simply transport their entire planet into the alpha quadrant! This is by far the best of the 4 and completes the saga perfectly. I read this installment in a day. All and all it took me 10 days to read the 958 pages and that's saying a lot for me... You'll enjoy this..

This book was very helpful. I was able to identify 10 pieces that had been sitting on my shelf! I was like a kid in a candy store with all the pictures.

I found the text to be very informative. The pictures were clear and the descriptions were accurate.
The histtory of the LE Glass company was helpful in identifying the value of items I have purchased and am presently selling.
I would highly reccomend it to persons that are collecting or have an interest in the history of american depression glass ware.

Loved the book!!! Has pictures of glass pieces that I am collecting with a value along with the photo.

We are fairly new glass collectors and have found this book to be very helpful. The estimated values seem a bit on the high side and have quite a large range, but do give you an idea of what things are worth. We collect Moon & Star and have never found such a complete listing as in this book.

Tom Felt's L.E. SMITH GLASS COMPANY: THE FIRST ONE HUNDRED YEARS blends a historical overview with an identification and value guide perfect for L.E. Smith glass collectors. Measurements, maker's marks, years of production and color photos of pieces throughout make this a 'must' for any serious collector of the glassware.

Should be titled, "Lessons from someone who attends to the Dying."

Mr. Smith is up to something important. I was expecting, and left hoping for more reportage style writing. Most of the writing is editorial which makes its value to the reader dependent on how the reader likes the authors style. It is too preachy for my taste, however others may like it.

I am hoping Mr. Smith writes a sequel and focuses on the stories and insights of his clients. With his background and his exposure to hospice clients, it is enough simple to report back from the field.

-this book is written with the heart. Every word is necessary and chapter by chapter it all falls into place. Each sentence can be the subject of hours of meditation. Read it and practice it every day.

Rodney has articulated a way for all of us to live. Through the lives of the dying we gain insight into our own fears. Are we willing to learn these lessons or continue to fear every ending we face?

This book is a compelling and inspiring read for anyone willing to be introspective about the way they live their lives. Rodney Smith writes a very readable book that guides us into appreciating the very profound yet simple concept of being alive. Once we truly face the fact that our lives will come to an end and we will die - then we become free to experience the joy of life.
And he gives us some case studies of people facing imminent death in hospices. In the final days and moments of life many of those people come to recognize what life is really about - and it's not about the stuff they've accumulated, nor about the power and prestige they used to enjoy. It's about the quality of life itself and the love they've shared with people, animals and nature.
He shows us that life is a journey, not a series of destinations. Reading this book has made a profound impact on my life.

Rodney Smith has such a calming voice, there is a peaceful reflective tone contained within it. He spent a total of 8 years in monastic life, both at the Insight Meditation Society in Massachusetts and several years as a monk in Asia. He was ordained a monk in Burma, then practiced for 3 more years in Thailand. In 1983 he left life as a monk to come back to the world and, after coming back to the West, started working in hospice and teaching vipassana meditation. He is currently the head teacher of The Seattle Insight Meditation Society, whom you can find on the web and listen to a plethora of online dharma talks he has given. Truly magnificent site.

Rodney has dedicated much of his life to helping those who are dying, a point made clear considering his work in hospice management for the last 16 years. This book is wonderful in it's presentation. As another reviewer points out, this is a book about living above all else. Rodney has pulled together here several eye opening accounts about the diverse ways folks have handled their last moments. Here Smith relates us all to death with reflection on becoming unguarded and vulnerable. On learning from our experiences while living so that we can overcome this fear of the unknown. So that we can listen to others more clearly, more succinctly and perceive their suffering as well as our own. Purchase this book, it's a Dharma Gem.

What a wonderful change - a book with "soul" and a great story to share. I found myself asking if I could have adapted to this wonderful adventure as well as Gary and Pam. But I thought I might like to try. Enjoyed this book and each and every word and wanting more.

I first read this book when I was training for my first marathon. The letter, "A Complete Game" really hit home. In the book, Gary's son Daniel professes, "We made it." After reading that story, I knew God would help me finish the race (and He did!). What struck me the most is how simply this book is written. The letters are so easy to read, yet so profound--reminding us of God's love and presence in every day life. Gary can tell a story as well as the original Storyteller ... the letters in his book are like parables in the Bible. The book emphasizes the important things in life ... love of God, friends, and family. No matter where you are in the world, those three connections keep you close. Letters from Boerdonk reminds us all of the importance of those connections in so many ways.

Memories! This is a wonderful book. We lived this book: Gary Smith was our chaplain during his years in the Netherlands. He has warmed my heart with many happy memories, and gives such a wonderful picture of the Dutch. He reminds you to enjoy life's blessings, small and large.

Captivating, funny, poignant, Gary's book will hook you in the Introduction! I alternately laughed out loud and was teary-eyed with the adventures and misadventures of this totally real chaplain/husband/father/author. Read this book and give it to all the people you love!

I couldn't wait to get my copy of Letters from Boerdonk. I have read many of the "great" christian authors and Gary Smith ranks with these. He writes in a very accessible way. No matter who you are or what your background Gary's stories of everyday life will touch you. His gentle self mocking humor will warm you to your toes. These are the new parables for our time. Once you have read this book you will want to buy one for everyone you know.

I have read this book several times, and it never fails to make me smile...and make me think. My dachshund, Pirate, gives it five stars, and so do I.

This is an extremely clever book of philosophy derived from the observations of a dog owner. The delightful illustrations add to the book's appeal.

"If it makes your tail wag it's good" is only one of the thought provoking words of wisdom in these colorfully illustrated lessons that dogs can teach us about unconditional love and happiness. Every time I turn through these beautifully written pages my tail wags harder each time. Thank You Amy Jordon Smith for sharing your biscuit.

As a dog owner and lover of animals in general I found this book to be a must! Smith is very keen to remind us that our pets are not just animals but members of our family and their loyalty has no boundries.

LIFE IS SHORT; EAT BISCUITS is beautifully illustrated, and through the eyes of a puppy, reinvents so many of life's "words of wisdom"...sayings we've repeatedly heard, but unfortunately seldom apply. This book is truly Puppy Chow for the soul; especially for those of us that have experienced the unconditional love bestowed on us by our own "Calvin" puppy. Life is indeed short, so take the time, and share a biscuit with someone you love while enjoying this book. Kudos to the author and illustrator!!!