Smith Books

it sparks the imagination and use of wine for not just drinking

This is another excellent cook book by Jeff Smith! It's full of great recipes and stories by a very talented cook and writer. This one focuses on cooking with wine. I have used many of these recipes and found them to be very good. Being a home grown cook myself and having had many of my grandmother's classic recipes handed down to me, I found this book to be very helpful in expanding my culinary taste buds.

Jeff Smith entertained us for years on his PBS program 'The Frugal Gourmet'. Not only did he teach us many savory dishes, he also educated us. Not satisfied with just cooking delicious meals for his viewers, he would give detailed history lessons about the origins of the dish and made it all a lot of fun!

This may be Mr. Smiths best cook book and it is a worthy edition to everyone's cook book library. I own and have read many, if not all of his cook books, not only for the man's knowledge of cooking, but his incredible wit! This guy was funny and I would have loved to have hung out and throw a few beers down with him.

Unfortunately, this man had some very seriously bad press released about his personal life and well..... I am not one to spread rumors.....he seemed like a great guy and sadly he died before he was able to clear his name.

R.I.P. Frugs!

Jeff Smith has always been an influence on my cooking from the first time I saw him on television. I was very excited to get this book many, many years ago and it has been a staple in my kitchen ever since. This is a cookbook focused on using wine in virtually every recipe. That made it dear to my heart right away.

The book begins with an introduction where the author considers the properties of wine as food. He goes on to discuss romanticizing wine and concerns about alcohol. The introduction is, like all of Jeff Smith's writing, peppered (pun intended) with personal anecdotes that always bring a smile to the face.

The book then moves on to a section filled with cooking hints and tips. The author discusses various pieces of kitchen equipment, cooking terms and various definitions. A brief discussion of herbs follows, although I believe he could fill an entire book with this type of wisdom about the culinary use of herbs. The section is completed with information about the TV series and a few hints on entertaining.

The next chapter opens with another wonderful anecdote. Unlike many dry cookbooks, this one is filled with life and warm commentary. The author discusses wine and how it relates to history, theology, healing and cooking. This is no mere cookbook filled with indexed recipes and little else.

Finally, the recipes begin. The first section includes a variety of "tapas". 15 different tapa ideas are offered, although only 3 are actual recipes. 4 more appetizer recipes follow including a recipe for zucchini fritters that are simple and are simply out of this world.

A chapter on soups is next and opens with comments on adding wine. Simple instructions for making various stocks (without wine) are included. Mr. Smith includes a recipe for minestrone soup that, while challenging compared to many of the other recipes in the book, is beyond description. Recipes for various chowders and soups total 13 recipes in this chapter.

The next chapter deals with fish and shellfish and I must confess that I have rarely used recipes from this section. 11 recipes include one I have made. The scallops in cheese sauce was easy to make and tasted wonderful, although I was loathe to try it the first time.

The next chapter proves that wine and salad do 'go together'. A variety of simple dressing recipes even includes a recipe for mayonnaise. The 17 recipes include one for a tuna and potato salad in pesto that sounds odd but is delicious. A far cry from 'tuna helper'.

The next chapter moves through pasta, rice and dumplings. 12 pasta recipes and includes the sultry 'Hooker's Pasta'. Only 5 recipes wait in the rice section and the green rice recipe is a favorite at our table. Only 5 dumpling recipes follow but it was from this book that my dumpling making began. Semolina, polenta and German dumplings are all simple to make from the pages of this book.

Mr. Smith's well known love for poultry is well represented. Chicken is first with 10 recipes. I have used more than half of those recipes with some frequency. I think each recipe from this section has passed through my kitchen at one time. The 5 duck recipes have seen far less use. Duck is not popular in our house so it is hard to judge these recipes. Knowing Mr. Smith's talent I am certain they are perfect. Turkey rounds out the poultry with a single recipe I have yet to attempt.

The chapter on "confits" is next. Growing up we called this "potted meat". Only 6 recipes are offered, but they are in the true spirit of the 'frugal gourmet'.

Beef (8 recipes), pork (7 recipes), lamb (6 recipes, including 1 for curry powder) and even rabbit (5 recipes) are also covered. 4 marinades are offered. 8 recipes for sausage might not be the healthiest choice. Each recipe I have tried has been wonderful.

A small section about veggies includes 12 recipes. The carrots in vermouth is recommended by all of my friends. A short section about the eggplant includes 8 recipes. I would have easily ignored this section were it not for the television program that accompanied it. I was convinced to try something new and was rewarded with these recipes.

The next chapters deals with a topic near my stomach. The sauce recipes range from a basic brown sauce to a white cheese sauce that stirs my hunger even as I type. The tomato and garlic sauce is simple. It has served as the base for many other sauces I have created. 8 recipes in total offer sauces for most occasions.

4 recipes for "molded dishes" have held little interest for me, but the ice cream bombe is simple and fun. Never one to ignore simple aspects of life, Mr. Smith even includes 10 sandwich recipes and 3 for casseroles.

A short section on "tabletop cooking" (with 3 recipes) introduces a section on international cooking kicked off with China. The author introduces the basic concepts of the Chinese kitchen and the use of wine. The 10 recipes in the Chinese section are merely a prelude to the Chinese cooking series that was to come later.

A mere 6 recipes are found in the French section. That is surprising considering the wine theme. Perhaps so much had been said on the topic in other books. 10 recipes are found in the Italian section and the spareribs in gravy is recommended if you enjoy pork.

Though I am not a fan of Japanese food, I did find the 13 recipes interesting and have made several of the sauces from the book. A mere 4 Spanish recipes finish the international section.

10 recipes comprise the "wine specialties" sections. Such oddities as garlic wine and wine jellies are discussed. A section about coffee follows and includes 6 different recipes.

Finally desserts are discussed. After a two page discussion of the topic in general, the author dives in with 5 wine desserts and 6 ice cream recipes.

The conclusion of the book covers many aspects of wine selection, opening wine and other general wine tips. Although not a dedicated book about wine, some of the tips from this section were insightful.

My copy of this book is worn and dog eared which I consider a tribute to Mr. Smith's recipes and research. If you have never read a Jeff Smith book before, this is a perfect first choice. If you do not like wine you will still find many valuable ideas in the book. Those who do enjoy wine will find a new treat with every turn of the page.

Jeff Smith has always been an influence on my cooking from the first time I saw him on television. I was very excited to get this book many, many years ago and it has been a staple in my kitchen ever since. This is a cookbook focused on using wine in virtually every recipe. That made it dear to my heart right away.

The book begins with an introduction where the author considers the properties of wine as food. He goes on to discuss romanticizing wine and concerns about alcohol. The introduction is, like all of Jeff Smith's writing, peppered (pun intended) with personal anecdotes that always bring a smile to the face.

The book then moves on to a section filled with cooking hints and tips. The author discusses various pieces of kitchen equipment, cooking terms and various definitions. A brief discussion of herbs follows, although I believe he could fill an entire book with this type of wisdom about the culinary use of herbs. The section is completed with information about the TV series and a few hints on entertaining.

The next chapter opens with another wonderful anecdote. Unlike many dry cookbooks, this one is filled with life and warm commentary. The author discusses wine and how it relates to history, theology, healing and cooking. This is no mere cookbook filled with indexed recipes and little else.

Finally, the recipes begin. The first section includes a variety of "tapas". 15 different tapa ideas are offered, although only 3 are actual recipes. 4 more appetizer recipes follow including a recipe for zucchini fritters that are simple and are simply out of this world.

A chapter on soups is next and opens with comments on adding wine. Simple instructions for making various stocks (without wine) are included. Mr. Smith includes a recipe for minestrone soup that, while challenging compared to many of the other recipes in the book, is beyond description. Recipes for various chowders and soups total 13 recipes in this chapter.

The next chapter deals with fish and shellfish and I must confess that I have rarely used recipes from this section. 11 recipes include one I have made. The scallops in cheese sauce was easy to make and tasted wonderful, although I was loathe to try it the first time.

The next chapter proves that wine and salad do 'go together'. A variety of simple dressing recipes even includes a recipe for mayonnaise. The 17 recipes include one for a tuna and potato salad in pesto that sounds odd but is delicious. A far cry from 'tuna helper'.

The next chapter moves through pasta, rice and dumplings. 12 pasta recipes and includes the sultry 'Hooker's Pasta'. Only 5 recipes wait in the rice section and the green rice recipe is a favorite at our table. Only 5 dumpling recipes follow but it was from this book that my dumpling making began. Semolina, polenta and German dumplings are all simple to make from the pages of this book.

Mr. Smith's well known love for poultry is well represented. Chicken is first with 10 recipes. I have used more than half of those recipes with some frequency. I think each recipe from this section has passed through my kitchen at one time. The 5 duck recipes have seen far less use. Duck is not popular in our house so it is hard to judge these recipes. Knowing Mr. Smith's talent I am certain they are perfect. Turkey rounds out the poultry with a single recipe I have yet to attempt.

The chapter on "confits" is next. Growing up we called this "potted meat". Only 6 recipes are offered, but they are in the true spirit of the 'frugal gourmet'.

Beef (8 recipes), pork (7 recipes), lamb (6 recipes, including 1 for curry powder) and even rabbit (5 recipes) are also covered. 4 marinades are offered. 8 recipes for sausage might not be the healthiest choice. Each recipe I have tried has been wonderful.

A small section about veggies includes 12 recipes. The carrots in vermouth is recommended by all of my friends. A short section about the eggplant includes 8 recipes. I would have easily ignored this section were it not for the television program that accompanied it. I was convinced to try something new and was rewarded with these recipes.

The next chapters deals with a topic near my stomach. The sauce recipes range from a basic brown sauce to a white cheese sauce that stirs my hunger even as I type. The tomato and garlic sauce is simple. It has served as the base for many other sauces I have created. 8 recipes in total offer sauces for most occasions.

4 recipes for "molded dishes" have held little interest for me, but the ice cream bombe is simple and fun. Never one to ignore simple aspects of life, Mr. Smith even includes 10 sandwich recipes and 3 for casseroles.

A short section on "tabletop cooking" (with 3 recipes) introduces a section on international cooking kicked off with China. The author introduces the basic concepts of the Chinese kitchen and the use of wine. The 10 recipes in the Chinese section are merely a prelude to the Chinese cooking series that was to come later.

A mere 6 recipes are found in the French section. That is surprising considering the wine theme. Perhaps so much had been said on the topic in other books. 10 recipes are found in the Italian section and the spareribs in gravy is recommended if you enjoy pork.

Though I am not a fan of Japanese food, I did find the 13 recipes interesting and have made several of the sauces from the book. A mere 4 Spanish recipes finish the international section.

10 recipes comprise the "wine specialties" sections. Such oddities as garlic wine and wine jellies are discussed. A section about coffee follows and includes 6 different recipes.

Finally desserts are discussed. After a two page discussion of the topic in general, the author dives in with 5 wine desserts and 6 ice cream recipes.

The conclusion of the book covers many aspects of wine selection, opening wine and other general wine tips. Although not a dedicated book about wine, some of the tips from this section were insightful.

My copy of this book is worn and dog eared which I consider a tribute to Mr. Smith's recipes and research. If you have never read a Jeff Smith book before, this is a perfect first choice. If you do not like wine you will still find many valuable ideas in the book. Those who do enjoy wine will find a new treat with every turn of the page.

A wonderful cookbook featuring the glories of wine. The book contains two sections of essays, one prior to the recipies and one following. The first section of essays deals with the history of wine as food, wine as medicine, and wine in theology, all interspersed with biographical information about the author. The second section of essays, written by another author, deals with ordering wine in restaurants, stocking a wine cellar, and similar subjects. In between, are numerous recipies featuring wine in every course of a meal, along with appropriate recommendations.

All in all, a delightful book.

An excellent book, though more for the intermediate and advanced astrological student than the beginner. The reason for this is because many of the explanations for basic Astrological information offered here are of a more classical nature than most of the modern "New Age" oriented books. Also of great interest is the collection of natal charts of notable individuals from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. This is because the best way to learn how to read a chart comes from studying charts, and what better way to do that than analyzing the natal map of a famous person whose deeds before the public have revealed much of their personality. The refreshing aspect here is that one will get to see the charts of individuals like Sir Issac Newton, Mozart, and Shelley rather than the likes of Madonna or Britney Spears.

For this reader, a further plus regarding the book is that its author, Aleister Crowley, is revealed not only as the ghost writer for the famous American Astrologer Evangeline Adams, but also for the truly important thinker he was rather than the distorted and dark charlatan he is often portrayed as by those who are ignorant of his serious scholarly work.

All in all I would rate this as an excellent addition to the library of anyone interested in Spirituality, Metaphysics, or the Occult as well as for those who are passionate about Astrology.

Review by abramelin21@yahoo.com

Astrology was forbidden and therefore neighwell forgotten till late 19th century. It was Crowley who raised astrology from obscurity. And he knows well that which reimplemented into western culture.

A beautiful book which describes -as its title pronounces- the general principles of astrology. No other astrology book I have yet seen that does that so well. All planets and signs are described very basic and yet rich in information. Relievingly absent is the psychologized approach toward astrology that saturates the content of the contemporary books.

There are almost 200 charts of well-known people which he interprets throughout the book. There is additional information where Crowley crosses astrology with other occult knowledge.

Heralded is Weiser who published this book in the fashion it deserves. Beautiful hard cover and rich in figures, tables and illustrations.

Oops! The review posted by Cicada Brodadaktylos Eos! entitled "A Frightening wake up call" was intended for James Wasserman's "The Slaves Shall Serve", it has absolutely nothing to do with this great work on Astrology - which does indeed merit five stars. My apologies for the confusion.

This new tome from notorious occultist Crowley was originally two books with Evangeline Adams as its author. According to the introduction by H. Beta, Crowley was in New York for sometime and met with Adams whom they were to write a book on astrology together. Due to unfortunate circumstances, Adams took the material that Crowley wrote, reworked, omitted and added her own material and eventually became an authority on the subject. The two books by Adams, "Your Place in the Sun" and "Your Place Among the Stars" (written 1927 and 1930 respectively) are essentially the works of Aleister Crowley. This edition by Samuel Weiser brings back Crowley's original writings in their original form and in one book. In a similar format as Magick Book 4, 'The General Principles of Astrology' is bound in a nice maroon hardcover cloth book with a sigil embossed on the cloth cover in metallic gold (looks like a modified Mercury symbol). Crowley's writing at many times is elusive even for the most astute occultist, however, as in Magick 4, he is making great efforts to be clear to a larger audience. The text was written in 1915 before the discovery of Pluto, so for some astrologers that may be your only set back.

In my opinion and from what I know of Crowley, the work is largely unfinished, however, what is presented is entirely a workable system. Crowley probably had the least amount of faith in astrology as a science among all the occult arts, but because he was so verse in many subjects, he is not one to let it be unexplored. Astrology seems as vast a subject as Kabbalah, as so much is written about it, that it seems that no one person can legitimately claim authority. My preference is Alan Leo's work even though much of his work is before Pluto as well. Crowley stands as a modern authority on much occult work that this was a book I could trust in giving a clear exposition on the subject.

The book is broken up similarly to the many astrology books out there on the market today. Beginning general aspects of the houses, different signs to be aware of and their meanings and a correspondence with his tarot deck. Then a discourse on the meanings of the planets, rising signs, sun signs with each of their attributes and characteristics. After a large section taken up by each planey in a sign, he ends with 100 or so famous people and their horoscopes. So in my opinion, Crowley could have easily enlarged this already big work (596 pages!). In sum, the book is well presented and will look sharp on any bookshelf, and for any serious astrologer to consider this excellent entry into the large world of the study of the astros.

This is pretty typical astrology content related to the subject matter from what I've seen in years shopping in larger bookstores' new age section. But is raised up a notch because it is by Aleister Crowley, notorious occultist and literary genius. The birth signs are covered after a few introductory short chapters. Then there is the planets in the solar system. If you can afford to shell out the 80 bucks for this one it is worth it to have such a nice, excellent book by someone as famous as Crowley. I am a Thelemite and have Brother status in the O.T.O. and each time I read anything by Crowley I am proud to have been even a tiny fraction of a part of this mysterious prophet and his amazing literary genius. If you are going to be a Thelemite, it is important to get past the juvenile "do anything to shock people" that permeates so many would be occultits. Do what thou wilt, love under will!

I purchased a "Great meals dutch oven style"cookbook by Dale Smithand found it to be an excellent book with wonderful recipes and general knowledge for both the expert and novice of dutch oven cooking. I would highly recommend this cookbook to anyone who loves good food and/orhas an interest in the "Black Kettle".A good investment with some history thrown in.

This is the only Dutch Oven cookbook you will ever need. It's one of the most complete and easy to follow cookbooks I've ever used. There are many great family recipes that are very easy to follow. The instructions are mistake proof, I didn't realize how versatile the menus could be using the Dutch Oven, from desserts to main dishes. I hope you give Dale Smith's Dutch Oven Cooking Book, an open door to your new adventure of Dutch Oven Cooking. Your friends and family will definitely enjoy the homemade goodness from these great meals.

I received a copy of the book Great Meals Dutch Oven Style for my birthday. It is an excellent book for the beginner and the experienced Dutch oven cook. The chapter on terminology provides excellent help in understanding Dutch ovens and accessories. The book explains how to care for a Dutch oven in a simple and practical way. And it works. No more rancid smelling Dutch ovens. This book is great on camping trips (it has greatly improved Boy Scout camp food) and for home use in your back yard. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Dutch oven cooking.

Professional baker and Dutch oven cooking expert Dale Smith presents Great Meals Dutch Oven Style, a spiral-bound cook book offering more than 100 tested recipes for beef, poultry, fish, pork, vegetables, soups, chowders, breads, pies, marinades and more, all meant to take advantage of the Dutch oven cooking process. Also packed with tips, tricks, and techniques on cookware, seasoning, and storage of meals, Great Meals Dutch Oven Style is a superb, step-by-step referemce amd resource for Dutch oven chefs of all skill and experience levels. This is an excellent and savvy exploration into the culinary joys of a longstanding and traditional cooking tradition.

This book is the most comprehensive and well written book on Dutch Oven Cooking I've ever seen or owned. Mr. Smith prepared/cooked each recipe contained in the book. As you can see on the cover and the pictures inside, Mr. Smith makes them look like the gourmet meals they really are. This book not only lists every ingredient for each recipe, and the exact times of baking, but also tells exactly how to place the coals to bake each recipe to perfection. If you like Dutch Oven cooking, you will love this book! It is well worth the time and money to own one. I highly recommend Great Meals Dutch Oven Style.

John Bauer's illustrations are splendid, with rich detail reminiscent of early Renaissance art. Olenius' prose is at once magical and informal. My daughter's third grade class fell in love with the book after a reading of just one of these tales. Most American children are not exposed to the tales of other cultures, and these stories of trolls and princesses, brave little boys, green-haired witches, magical plants and talking animals.

My mother got this book in the early 70's and has since been passed on to me, much to her denial. But since I no longer live with my parents and I have the book with me I think its safe to say its finally mine. This book has the most wonderful collections of fairy tales. This is a book to be loved by all generations, not just children. I have had a love for fairy tales since I was an infant and this book is the only one I have come across that can truly feed my appetite for such tales. The stories are filled with trolls, tomtes, page boys, princess', and magic. They are stories of underdogs becoming hero's, good conquering evil, and love overcomming all obsticals. Whether that love be for family (which it generally is) or the classic man and maiden. The stories are only made richer by the illustrations done by John Bauer. Of course a review can never do this book justice. To find out how truly wonderful it is you'll have to read it for yourself. Welcome to the wild woods of Sweden. Enjoy your stay!

When reading the fairy tales of a culture, you not only learn what they thought, but also the climate of their origins. The habitat of the Swedes is quite clear from this collection, where all tales are about trolls and ogres in a forest. What distinguishes these creatures from those in the tales from other locations is that the trolls are not totally evil and must follow a strict code of conduct. For example, even though a troll may want to cook and eat you, once they accept something from you they are forbidden to harm you in any way.
All manner of trolls and other creatures of the forest are described in these tales. In most of them, they are interacting with humans, sometimes passing for humans in their attempts to obtain riches, mates or just to satisfy their curiosity about humans. Oddly enough, the heroes in these tales rarely vanquish their foes by chopping of their heads. Sometimes they defeat them by trickery and other times by kindness. All of the stories have happy endings, occasionally when the captive princess is rescued by the hero in the nick of time. However, even when holding captives against their will, the trolls do not torture their victims, unless you consider troll kindness to be a torture.
I really enjoyed these tales of heroes, heroines and not so bad trolls who have their good points. With almost no killing, maiming or other features found in other fairy tales, this is a collection of stories that any child can read. It was fascinating to me that from the Swedish point of view the trolls of the forest were not evil, just similar creatures with a strict code of ethics who occasionally did bad things. Take away the strict code of ethics part and you have human behavior.

This is one of my favorite book since girlhood. As with most fairy tales, many of these involve the expected kinds of storylines (quest stories, moral tales, etc.), but have the benefit of being less well-known than the ones by Grimm et al. Charming stories told in just the right way. Lots of princesses and trolls, tomten (Scandinavian elves of a sort) and moose. And, of course, John Bauer's haunting artwork is not to be missed.

Winter seems eternal north of the Arctic Circle, and magic blows on the North Wind like snow crystals. Great Swedish Fairy Tales by Holger Lundbergh, John Bauer (Illustrator) bewitches with the charms of trolls, tomtes, courtiers, croft farmers and wide-eyed children. This collection of several truly great Swedish tales is illuminated by John Bauer's dark ink. Bauer paints a world of magic and detail making this a masterpiece beautiful to behold. You'll recognize some of the images as familiar, and some will haunt you with delight. The illustrations grace the pages; the stories grace the imagination.

I enjoyed this book. Its a huge compilation on several aspects of spiritual growth (faith, healing, spiritual gifts, etc).
The accounts of Smith being used by God to raise the dead, heal the sick, drive out evil spirits was so phenomenal, it almost makes you feel convicted that you are not living on a higher spiritual plateau. It definitely urges the reader to live 'above the norm' and to keep growing in your relationship with Christ.
I would give it 10 stars if available! Please get it if you are seeking greater levels in Christ.

Smith Wigglesworth may be thought of as one of those "old-timers" from an age gone by, but if there is one thing to be learned from this, as well as his other writings, it is this: Jesus promised that "the works that I do shall ye do also, and greater than this shall ye do, because I go to my Father who is in Heaven." John 14:12 and Heb. 13:8 are as true today as the day they were written.

If we as Christ's body could ever apprehend the simple teachings of this simple man, who was endued with "power from on high," we would indeed fulfill the aforementioned scriptures, as well as Mark 16, to name just a few. Bro. Wigglesworth believed that the Christian's Divine Right, as purchased by the Christ of Calvary for His people, was to live on a "higher plane." He truly lived a life of holiness, which produced a faith that could stare down the enemy; this is said not to honor or worship the man, but to give us faith that "all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."

Greater Works is one of those "unknown" Christian Classics that belongs on the bookshelf of every believer, along with Charles Finney and F.F. Bosworth.

Smith Wigglesworth was an amazing man of God, and you will be blessed by his writings. This book has FOUR of his other books, combined into one.

Smith Wigglesworth on Healing
Smith Wigglesworth on the Holy Spirit
Smith Wigglesworth on the Spiritual Gifs
Smith Wigglesworth on Faith

These four books are available individually, but each is well over the cost of this single book. Get it! Read it! Be blessed!

Greater Works: Experiencing God's Power is wonderful book touching on spiritual progression; salvation, sanctification, filling of the Holy Spirit and gifts / fruits of the Spirit. He describes/demonstrates his total submission to Christ and reliance and trust in God and how to be a channel for God's Holy Spirit to heal and change people's lives. This is his best book I have read demonstrating serving Christ. I purchased copies for family members and for leaders in our church.

This is not a book for the casual seeker. Wigglesworth could not tone down the shout that directed his Life. He "flatout" believed the Word enables us to walk as Jesus walked, if we aren't timid about "receiving". He defined his walk so clearly that every serious seeker can benefit from his life. You will want to also buy one for a friend. This is several of his books in one publication.

This is a realistic appraisal of recent US history, rejecting the idealist illusions that block understanding of reality. Using sources like I. F. Stone, Chomsky, Herman, Parenti, Solomon and Zinn, Smith shows a brutal ruling class that commits crimes at home and abroad in the name of anti-communism. He details the US state's appalling assaults on other countries, from Hiroshima to Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Nicaragua, Panama, Iraq and Yugoslavia.

In 1990, US ambassador Glaspie tells Saddam Hussein, "we have no opinion on Arab-Arab conflicts, like your border disagreement with Kuwait." Bush then double-crosses Iraq by invading. US forces drop fifteen times more explosives on Iraq than it had used in all World War Two. When asked how many Iraqis had been killed, Colin Powell, the liberals' hero, replies, "It's really not a number I'm terribly interested in." He also says that the US invasion of Somalia was `great public relations'.

The head of the US Information Agency tells a reporter, "the vipers, the bloodsuckers, the middlemen - that's what needs to be rehabilitated in the Soviet Union. That's what makes our kind of country click!"

Smith writes of the USA in 1995, "Profits zoom capital swells, stocks boom, assets consolidate, accident rates and labor hours rise; wages, benefits, and working conditions decline. The Wall Street Journal announces that corporate profits are up `an enormous 41%' over 1993, a `colossal success' resulting from a `sharp' decline in the `share going to labor'."

The USA is the only industrial nation without a health plan. Consequently 100,000 people a year die from lack of access to treatment. Smith tells how Clinton, so fawned over by last year's Labour Party Conference, ends federal income support for low-paid workers, plunging millions more children into poverty, a step no Republican President ever dared to take. Just like Blair, wrecking the NHS, the Tube, the fire and rail services, in ways that even Thatcher did not dare.

The cheap response is to decry any criticism as `anti-American'. But it is no more anti-American to oppose the US state than it is anti-British to oppose Thatcher or Blair.

Smith's historical survey of U.S. foreign and domestic policy post-WWII is a must read. His lucid writing, thorough chronology and partiality towards justice will envelope readers seeking to make sense of our politically troubled world. Divided into decades, the book chronicles the misdeeds done by the world's superpower in small capsules making it appealing to even the non-historian or nominally politically inclined. "Greatest Story" should be required reading for all college and high school U.S. history survey courses.

"The Greatest Story Never Told" is a bold, provocative slash through the history of our country, a lively, uncompromising narrative which is a refreshing antidote to the self-congratulation so often found in Americans writing about the United States.
----Howard Zinn, Author, "A People's History of the United States"

An excellent compilation of events which the media rarely reminds us of, and which young Americans have scarcely heard of.
------William Blum, Author, Killing Hope and Rogue State

We are continually told of how benign and well-meaning America is. This notion is not shared by the rest of the world, but it provides an effective shield against coming to grips with the realities of empire. Happily, there are people like Michael Smith to disabuse us of the illusion of innocence. His fierce compendium of the misdeeds our leaders would have us forget is an indispensable guide to a history that is perpetually suppressed but must not be forgotten."
----Joel Kovel, Professor of Social Studies, Bard College

This book reads like fiction. Unfortunately, it is all meticulously documented fact. For all who are interested in U.S. post-WW II history, it is essential reading. Actually, it is essential reading for all Americans, because it reveals the seamy underside of U.S. foreign policy, all the news that ISN'T fit to print in the New York Times or report on the Jim Lehrer News Hour. After a brief introduction, the book is separated into decades. Unlike conventional histories, which tend to be dry accounts full of names of places and people and dates and statistics, this presents events in a manner akin to a snapshot: each entry is headed by a year, followed by a location and a headline. The author then places us in a scene and describes it using vivid, dramatic language. Typical entries run from a single paragraph to one page in length, so one can't get bogged down. Joel Kovel's quote on the back cover is apropos, particularly in this post-9/11 era which is aleady disturbingly reminiscent of the hysteria of the McCarthy witchhunts of the 1950s, a subject documented in the book: "We are continually told of how benign and well-meaning America is. This notion is not shared by the rest of the world, but it provides an effective shield against coming to grips with the realities of empire. Happily, there are people like Michael Smith to disabuse us of the illusion of innocence. His fierce compendium of the misdeeds our leaders would have us forget is an indispensable guide to a history that is perpetually suppressed but must not be forgotten." ...

The Greatest Story Never Told: A People's History of the American Empire, 1945-1999 by Michael K. Smith provides hundreds of historical snapshots that you will not find in you local paper. Smith takes a decade-by-decade approach from the end of WWII to the people's victory in Seattle when the World Trade Organization was shut down. Smith focuses on political, social and environmental issues in the U.S. from a progressive prospective. Michael Smith provides a people's prospective reminiscent of Howard Zinn's The People's History, yet with a sometimes sobering sprinkling of Noam Chomsky's analysis. Here's a sample from page 442:

1999: Washington
Portrait of a Clinton Ritual

1993-"I am asking the United State Congress to pass a real campaign reform bill this year." (Cheers)
1994-"I also must now call on you to (pass) tough and meaningful campaign finance reform and lobby reform legislation this year." (Cheers)
1995-"We should also curb the role of big money in elections....this year, let's give the folks at home something to cheer about." (Cheers)
1996-"Now I challenge Congress to go further-to curb special interest influence in politics by passing the first truly bipartisan campaign reform bill in a generation." (Cheers)
1997-"Let's work together to write bipartisan campaign finance reform into law...by the day we celebrate the birth of our democracy-July the fourth." (Cheers)
1998-"I ask you to strengthen our democracy and pass campaign finance reform this year." (Cheers)
1999-"Now we must w3ork to renew our national community as well for the twenty-first century...(by passing) the bipartisan campaign finance reform legislation." (Cheers)

A well-documented historical compilation of short news items you won't find in the "news." Check it out.

If you like Craftsman style homes or even Post and Beam homes this is a fabulous book. I have never regretted buying it. Ever time I open it I see some thing I missed before and a new idea comes alive. I am glad I bought the soft cover.

These are among the most beautiful architectural photographs ever produced. Most of these houses are difficult to see and quite difficult to capture in such vivid detail that it must have taken years to assemble such a portfolio. The writing parallels the images. The Blacker House in particular is so opulent and complex that it needs a monograph of its own. One only wishes this book were twice as long with even larger photos and lots more information! Thanks for taking the time to do this right.

I have been collecting articles and books on Greene and Greene for over thirty years and this book tops them all as an authoritative overview by the man who opened our eyes to a national treasure. What a treat for anyone who appreciates Greene & Greene architecture or who enjoys well organized, readable and lushly photographed architectural books. I purchased the book on October 17th at the Blacker House and can give eye witness testimony that these photographs do justice to the Greene and Greene masterworks.

Though author Randell Makinson has written several superb books about the art and architecture of the brothers Greene, and each of his other books is a definitive work on particular aspects of the historical importance of, say, the Blacker House, this book is the finest of them all. Not only is Makinson the final authority and historian for the Greene brothers, he has lived in their creations, supervised restorations, researched every document and drawing extant, and crowns this plethora of knowledge by his immensely fine writing style.

There is nothing didactic about GREENE & GREENE: THE PASSION AND THE LEGACY. Here Makinson treats the reader to the less publicized facts and impressions of two brothers who forever altered the concept of the private home in California. It is this emphasis on the personalities and the private innuendoes, the matters less public that marked their careers, and the end product of their visions that Makinson elects to share. The information is valuable and more: the spirit of the brothers Greene is very much a part of this homage to two important artists.

Gratefully Makinson has elected to include superb photographs that highlight his narrative. The photographs are both contemporary and historical and provide almost as many visual insights as Makinson provides verbal ones. This is THE book for lovers of art and architecture combined as only a few other architects have attempted. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, December 05

If you want one lush, visually opulant but also well-researched book on the Greene brothers and their unique accomplishments in the arts & crafts style, and money is no object, this is the one to get. If it IS an object, Makinson's earlier, smaller paperback, Greene and Greene: Architecture As A Fine Art, will do nicely as a overview of their residential architecture career, but be warned----eventually you'll probably want color photographs. If you've ever visited one of their remaining houses that are open to the public, you know that the color tonalities of the rooms are a considerable part of their charm, and you've probably already bought this book. If you havn't, don't wait 'til it goes out of print. This is THE Greene and Greene book, coffee table or otherwise.

Russell S. Smith was the Police Chief in San Angelo, Texas for years. He was an outstanding officer. There were many twists and turns in this book, it kept my interest and eyes on the printed page. He is a true detective, enjoying the chase as he traced the facts in order to find the truth.

What a great book! Author, retired Texas Police Chief Russell Smith, has a unique way of talking to the reader. This is an interesting account of the "Caveman Bandit" - in a time much like the Wild West but in the 1960's. Most certainly all those who have roots in West TX would be interested as well as Texans everywhere. As a Californian, who has never been to that part of the country, I referred to a TX map to visualize the expanse of land that the Bandit inhabited. Wow - it is really incredible to think that a human was capable of covering such an enormous territory. Also incredible is the way this man slinked in and out of businesses, houses, rugged terrain, in and out of Mexico and Texas -without detection - sometimes underneathe the noses of those who so desperately hunted him. Yes, the bandit was incredibly animal-like: digging for shelter in caves, surviving off the land, outwitting and outrunning his prey. You will have to read this book for the interesting details and to see how the story ends. Bravo Chief Smith!

Russell Smith has a way of telling a story so that you see every event, almost as if you were there when it happened. You see the rugged country and the people very vividly in your mind. You feel the suspense as the caveman bandit enters a home at night while the occupants are sleeping. You laugh as two macho teenage boys decide they will be heroes and catch the bandit one dark, cold night. I got so involved in the story, I didn't want it to end.

What a great book. I could visualize the caveman bandit, his hiding spots, the rough land, the houses and the people. Russell Smith brings the characters and the landscape to life. Chapter 1 was a great way to start the book and it hooked me. I can't wait to read his next book.

"The Gun That Wasn't There" is an interesting true story about a man who lived off the land, the ranches, and the businesses of the area he was in. The local people knew about him, had often seen him, but it wasn't unusual for "illegals" to cross their ranches so they didn't pay much attention to him until he broke into a house while the people were home and attacked them. This is a story about man against man, one wanting to be left alone to survive the way he knew best, and those who wanted to stop him.

The book includes several original photographs as well as recent photos of the area. The author paints such a vivid description of the area that you already know what is there without seeing the photographs. There are numerous endnotes that historians and genealogists will love.

I really liked this book, and recommend it for ages 6 and above. It was a little scary but I think ages 6 and above would love it. I sure did! It was the best book ever. I love how Liza, Bill, and Jed worked together to solve the mystery. I also read The Key to the Treasure and that was a very good book too. I can't wait until I read another one. I love Peggy Parish books they're soooo good. I love them!!!!!!

I read this book when I was in grade school. I am now a mother of four children, the oldest is 9 and the youngest is 9 months. I have been looking for this book for a couple of years off and on so I could read it to my children. I loved reading this book as a child and want to share that experience with my children. I know they will love this story as well, and it will give me a chance to spend some good quality time with them as they learn to love to read. This book started my interest in mystery solving novels. It was very popular in my school and on high demand. I checked out of my school library several times to re-read it when I could. I LOVED IT!!

As a child, I read this book from front to back countless times. I loved this book! Haunted House is perfect for young readers. The end result is the love of reading and the fueling of a young mind's imagination. Get this book for a young reader and you've given them a book that is my most cherished childhood story!

Excellent book for a parent's child who may be faced with moving to another town or state. The children in the book were hesitant at first about moving to a potential haunted house, but they looked for positive ways to cope with the situation. In one instance, with their father's permission, they thought about building a tree-house out of old wood from the barn. The children in the book also found and picked up clues along the storyline that was originally set up by their father via the children's former next door friends. This makes the story interesting with many thoughts about ghosts because they did not know who or what were writing the clues until the very end of the story.

This was the book that initiated my love for reading. As a fourth grader, I was drawn to the title as well as to its apparent 'novel-like' format relative to the slimmer picture books that were on the lower grade shelves in the school library. For the first time, I found myself being pulled into a storyline, so absorbed by the mystery that unfolds that I couldn't put the book down. (I think that it took me two or three days to finish as a nine-year-old, and I found myself re-reading it until I could recite dialogue: "Home," shouted Jed. "Milk and Cookies," shouted Bill. Liza ran to the front door....) I also remember being impressed by how well the family got along, including the three sibling protagonists.

I highly recommend this book as a starter 'novel' for young children who are prone to becoming avid readers. Follow-up with the more complex Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew mysteries, the Chronicles of Narnia, Robertson's "Henry Reed" series, and M. L'Engles "Time Quartet" (A Wrinkle in Time.)

God used this book to change my life! I didn't want to read any more books dealing with emotional pain because none of the materials I had read had really helped me, but this book did! I read the original Healing Life's Deepest Hurts title, and I would recommend this book or the original title second to the Bible! My husband gave me a copy when we were dating, and in the past 3 1/2 years, I have received so much healing from God emotionally! I never understood why I overreacted emotionally in various situations until I read this book. I would recommend it to anyone with "impossible" problems. God can heal you, and this book explains how to receive His healing touch!

If you have tried to live a good Christian life yet have been to or have seriously thought of going to counseling--but nothing seems to "stick", this book is for you! When I read it I felt a new excitement that through Christ there is truly hope. I was shown a direction in which to go to receive that experience with Jesus I had hoped for. Dr Ed Smith has written a book and also has the resources available that will help anyone who is ready and willing to be honest with God and themselves to receive complete healing from our "Great Physician" and only true Counselor.

As a licensed clinical counselor in private practice in Rockford, Illinois specializing in Christian Counseling, I have been applying Theophostic Ministry principles in my practice after receiving training from Dr. Smith. In most cases, I have seen amazing (I don't use that word very often), yes, amazing results in very brief periods of time. Theophostic is highly consistent with my counseling approach based on an integration of the sound scientific principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy with the principles of heart-healing described in the Bible, especially the Davidic psalms (see scottlownsdale.com for description). In this book, Dr. Ed Smith does an outstanding job in making Theophostic Ministry clear and theologically sound. I highly recommend it to my patients, colleagues, and also to pastors who have questions on Theophostic Ministry. Remember, however, that this book is no substitute for receiving Theophostic ministry, or for getting the necessary training.

This book was originally copublished under the title "Healing Life's Deepest Hurts" by Servant Publications & New Creation Publishing. See that title for many reviews.
I am very grateful to Dr. Smith for delineating many thoughts about root problems & their solutions, grace vs. works-based sanctification, letting Jesus be the healer of broken-hearted, logical truth vs. experiential truth, etc.
A more detailed & in-depth explanation of the process is found in Dr. Smith's Basic Seminar package (manual included), available at the Theophostic Ministry website. I highly recommend it to those who desire freedom & joy unspeakable.

In 2005, I published a book named Fortresses to Build and To Destroy: How I Overcame Fatness and Rebuilt My Life, by Alexis Morgan. I am a licensed clinical social worker in private practice, and I wrote the book about my own recovery, with the intention of using it with support groups for people who have experienced a lifetime of obesity. The book was written in a style that other people could use to discover their own experiences with childhood pain underpinning their continued use of fatness for protection against further humiliation and abuse. A friend sent me this book, and I was happy to see that Mr. Smith very accurately explained the process by which children succumb to "lie-based pain," a process which assures an adult life filled with continuous failure and disappointment. His prescriptions for healing are excellent, and completely consistent with my own understanding of the process by which adults heal from childhood trauma. The book helped me personally, and I will be recommending it to any person who reads my book, as it provides such excellent clarification of the process of healing, including the necessity of relying on the power of faith in Jesus Christ to facilitate recovery. There is enormous hope to be found from reading this book!