Smith Books

This is the book that JRR Tolkien used to read to his children, and it inspired him to create Hobbits. It's a wonderful story on its own! You can see where The Hobbit got it's inspiration, but The Wonderful Land Of Snergs is a completely different story.

It was published in 1928, and has a more modern vibe to it than I thought it would. For example, the ogre who used to eat children has gone vegetarian. The seaman's parrot swears in High Dutch. There's also quite a few double entendres for the adults. The Snergs help out the Ladies of the society that saves unwanted children and in return the Snergs benefit from "intercourse with fine ladies." Haha. I believe he MEANT "talking and just being around fine ladies." A knight errant has gone in search of dragons to fight, but can't find any. A miller tells him he knows where a dragon is, but it turns out to be the miller's wife. You get the idea. The kids will giggle, but the adults will get a little more out of it. Several of the words used in the book I had to look up, and I'm a fairly educated adult, so it's definitely a book for an adult to enjoy with children, along with a dictionary by the nightstand.

If you're a JRR Tolkien fan, then you'll definitely want to read this book. But even if you're not, this is a wonderful children's book on it's own, and deserves to be more widely read. If you're a Harry Potter fan, I think you would also enjoy this book. It's on the level of the first or second Harry Potter.

It is easy to see why this 1928 novel was a favorite with J. R. R. Tolkien's young children, and that the short-statured, big-hearted Snergs might well have been in the back of his mind when he created his Hobbits. But aside from that connection, this is a delightful children's book. The avuncular narrator keeps insisting there will be a sound moral to the story coming up eventually, but finally admits there isn't any, except perhaps to be wary of ogres who claim to have reformed. Along the way there is a journey through a magical landscape, the Flying Dutchman and his crew, a cunning witch who gets her come-uppance (as the not-so-reformed ogre gets his), old hostilities that are settled, a dunderhead Snerg who becomes a better and wiser peson, and a good deal of humor.

The only reason, and it is indeed a sad reason, that this long forgotten novel has come back into print is because it has a (slight) connection with Tolkien, one of this century�s most popular writers. I say sad because it aptly displays how a fine writer of children stories can write a really good tale but remain obscure. Had Tolkien not read him, although it would have quite possibly change the course of modern literature because he would not think of the hobbits as halfings (well, he might, but he said this was their source) and create them as a viable race in Middle-earth.

As for the book itself? It is a fun, light read appropriate for children about ten or so. There is some violence in the end which may be rather frightening to young children, but nowadays they see worst on the television, and the violence is not real explicity. E. A. Wyke-Smith incorporates the Arthurian myth of the land across the river, which Tolkien did not like. Shame-facedly, my aquaintance with the Arthurian cycle lies much closer to dimly knowing as opposed to being an expert thereon.

One thing that marks this book is Wyke-Smith�s assimilation of various children�s traditions into a cohesiave whole. The Flying Dutchman, that mythical ghost ship, is here, and witches and an ogre are present as well. One interesting little facet are the children that are kept there (in a sort of schooling organization) are taken because they are superfluous children. I think it is for the regulation of superfluous children. I do not have my book with me, so I cannot say for sure. The most memorable character for was Golithos, an ogre who lived off poorly grown cabbage and was a �reformed� ogre. His struggle with his reformation proves quite humourous and, for me, is one of the best moments that children�s literature has to offer.

As for it�s relation to Tolkien, this publication will only be of interested to Tolkien scholars and fans, and probably only they will search this book out because of it�s influence on THE HOBBIT. It�s principle influence were the Snergs themselves, who were quite like Hobbits in height and social customs, although they do have a king. It�s a real shame that the only reason this book will be read is because of Tolkien, for it is a quite good children�s book in and of itself.

The question remains, however: how other many worthwhile pieces of literature have escaped the popular canon and sank into the dusty obscurities of time? Who knows how long this will survive. It may interest you to know that Homer wrote a third book which was a comedy and Aristotle wrote a book about comedy and both are now lost. Very tragic. Don't let it happen to this book, because it's a charmer.

This is a delightful book I read as a child at my after-school babysitter's - and searched for over a 30 year period! I could never remember the title, nor author. But I recalled the jist of the tale and the cover illustration - a knight atop a horse, looking down and to his left at a child. Every town or city I lived in or visited, I would haunt the libraries and used book stores. And even though I had a rough description of a land for "superfluous" -as another reviewer said- children,and the adventures of two of them in another Land ..... no one knew of the book. They were always trying to get me to settle on "Water Babies" (?) or "Flying Dutchmen" - that last one was real close! I cruised through children's sections, card catalogs, dusty shelves and cartons - looking for some hint of a name to open my memories.
It wasn't until an unplanned pre-Xmas stop at Powell's City of Books in Portland (OR){a landmark behemoth of a bookstore - ya gotta see it to believe it!} one evening that I DID stumble across it ! And I HAD to buy it: published 1928, hardcover, stamped on the inside cover with "Withdrawn - Cedar Mill Community Library" - all 220pgs with George Morrow's great illustrations. I think I paid about $10. for it. There it was, here in my adopted Pacific NW just like the book that captivated my imagination and fancy so many years before-far away on the Northeast coast of New England. Of course I read it again! - and was just as delighted. And only then - in my "adult body" - did I see the similarities with Hobbits and the Like. As an 8 yr old I had never heard of Bilbo or Frodo. It would be another 9 years before I was lost in Middle Earth! And may I ever stay the child-at-heart, blissfully lost in those hobbit hills. Highly recommend this early literary treasure trove Tolkien and his kids loved. And the forerunner of all things Hobbit-ish.

I received "The Marvellous Land of Snergs" as a gift and reluctantly read it. I postponed getting to the 'meat' of the story by reading the introduction, secretly hoping to be bored and providing an excuse to put it down. I was captured within minutes and couldn't wait to begin the adventure. The chapters are short and decoratively written providing the reader a minds view of the landscape and many personalities the main characters, Joe and Sylvia, encounter on their travels. Joe and Sylvia provided a link with traditional fiction that boosted my enthusiasm for devouring this book. A book I will read to my children!

What a wonderful trip down Memory Lane! I had a couple of uncles that worked for Marx when I was a little kid and had many of the toys featured in Michelle's book. I can only wonder what happened to my Mark toys. I guess they found their way to cousins or younger friends, but I sure would like to have them back now! Good job Michelle - I truly enjoyed paging through your book - it appears to have been a labor of love as opposed to a for profit project. Thanks for the memories!

This book would be a great companion book. Most Marx toys collectors would benefit from information on part numbers, years of production and viewing the wonderful selection of photographs featured in the book. The book covers about 30 years worth of knowledge on toys produced at the Glen Dale plant site. There is even a partial price listing on items that Ms. Smith and Mr. Whipkey were familiar with. All in all. A good book.

I enjoyed this book because of it's detailed accounts of Marx toys that I grew up with. The price guide is also handy when I'm out looking for Marx items for my sisters' collections. History of a manufacturer is always interesting and the photographs help define the pieces I'm searching for. I appreciate a good book that shows great effort extended in presenting the information. I would recommend this book to the serious toy buyer and to new seekers of antique Marx toys. Kudos to the author!

I found this to be an ideal route to fond memories of my childhood. Many of the toys in this book were basis of several Christmas dreams. As a baby boomer, I have been collecting the dollhouses and furniture with the hope that my granddaughter will appreciate them, too! This is a good reference guide to have!

This brand new (year 2000)192 page book gives you an inside look at one of America's favorite toy makers. It takes you behind the scenes at Marx to help you see and understand the company and its people. There is a beautiful 32 page full color section, in addition to more than 150 black and white photos. Many of the photos have not before been published. More than 1,200 individual items are listed, including many values. Major topics range from Play Sets, Doll Houses, Lithographed Items, to Johnny West, and Sandy Dolls. A Marx time line from 1896 to 1999 is provided along with a handy index. Toy collectors will be delighted with this new reference.

I've been playing guitar for more than 25 years, and in that time I have never come across an instructor that can explain complex topics in simple understandable terms like Matt Smith does. Whether it's for explaining the modes, double stops, tritone substitutions, playing "outside", or whatever, Matt's book is a tremendous tool for taking your playing to the next level. A perfect integration of theory and practical application.

you must get this book it makes it easy to learn what you need to know to master the guitar ,beginners and pros welcome ...albert carey ,deja blue records

There are many guitar books in the world, the majority of them being very useful to the aspiring guitarist's adventures. But Matt Smith's Chop Shop easily is placed in the top 5 guitar books. He has successfully made the most complex ideas for the guitar easy for us!! From understanding the key signature, to pentatonic scale control on the whole fretboard, to learning modes--everything is explained in a manner that instantly hooks you. He also expresses the importance of behaving like a professional, which is something you don't find in other books. I highly recommend all intermediate to advanced guitarists to put this in their collection within arms' reach.

This book is Awesome! It contains sooo many gems of information essential to expanding one's playing. This IS the Ultimate guitar players handbook. Literally, within minutes of having picked up the book I was coming up with more interesting chord progressions. I have been in a rut with my playing, can't really afford weekly lessons at this point, and found this book to be the perfect solution. It's about 20 lessons for less than 1/2 the price of one. It's very straightforward AND it comes with a cd so that you can hear the examples. Buy this book and quit your day job!

I have had the oppertunity to meet, study, and play with Matt at the National Guitar Workshop at the Nashville site and was blown away by his knowledge of the art of music. I came home and as soon as i sat down, i forgot almost half of the information he gave me and i would try to understand the scribbles written on the sheets of paper that was given to me during my week in Nashville. I took the course again this last summer and i still needed more guidence. Thankfully, his book is out and it's like having him here in my own home! He covers everything you could imagine! I thank him for writting this excellent book and for the publishers who let him do it his way. Good luck to you Matt!

What a refreshing read! This is a classic tale of two friends whose lives take wildly different paths, only to lead back to the bond they shared as children. The characters are lovable, the plot believable and the writing wonderfully crisp. I highly recommend this book!

Hard to believe this is the author's first book. I'm anxious to learn of the next one. My wife and I both enjoyed this story very much.

This story is about two guys in their early twenties, Conrad and Marcus, and Conrad's wife, Eleanor. My favorite scenes were the dinner conversations with their friends, the "girls," Vic/Victoria, Andy and Mario, when they gossip about each other's exploits and what it means to be gay and in love. The story moves to more touching moments when the guys try to resolve their issues at home. The conversations with their parents are shocking at first but after a while become so touching - if only all parents were as understanding. I wasn't always sure where the author ended up on the issues, particularly on religion, but that only made it more interesting.

I liked it a lot and would recommend it for sure.

That is the question Marcus and Conrad face in this touching and romantic novel. With a sensuous and at times even erotic story of an unrequited love, the author describes their lives during the early years of their adult lives. Whether driven by blind ambition to make partner, as with Conrad, or a propensity to self destruct, as with Marcus, we see why they make their compelling but different choices. What surprises them - and us - are the effects of their choices as the story unfolds and the characters learn "to thine own self be true." Do I suggest that this story is tragic? That's left for the reader to discover. But like any good romance novel, this deceptively simple story is an easy read that's sure to delight most everyone.

The classic themes the author explores through his fiction seem more relevant today than ever: choice, freedom, coming of age, discrimination, love, and equal rights. Themes alone though aren't interesting without engaging characters and plot. I believe the author got the mix right in his first novel and even added a clever narrative twist that had me re-reading pages.

The illustrators of this era are true artists. It was nice to find this book, which I find impossible to locate in retail stores.

A good quality book with extensive text, excellent illustrations and a description of Parrish's technique in his own words. The number of color illustrations is satisfactory and should not disappoint at the current asking price of $53.55. Parrish's later landscape paintings are reasonably well represented in full page, full color illustrations, and although I would have liked more of them, it is not a significant failing of the book.

I bought this book and I never regret of getting another Parrish art book again. This artbook is excellent with deep details of Parrish's way of study through his paintings. Theories based on his view of perspective and composition, it is something great to read about! However, one little thing I personally find missing is the "Dream Days" series, that is missing from this artbook and should have been included. Otherwise, get the book and you'll fall in love with Parrish blue all over again.

Fabulous retrospective of Maxfield Parrish's finest work. The illustrations are superb. This book is expensive, but worth the money. If you're looking for a price guide, I suggest Erwin Flack's book. -- James Halperin, sf novelist and Parrish fanatic.

This book is excellent! It has one of the best Maxfield Parrish selected works. A lot of prints and images for you to be inspired all over again. It also contains pages of great readings, such as a section about Parrish's perspective theory and theory. It also show close-ups of Parrish's studies. It is a great read! However, the only thing disappoints me is the absence of the "Dream Days" series. Other than that, get it and you won't regret it!

While it may be over-the-top and full of ultra-violence and adult themes, MBQ has filled the niche of an American-style manga of the highest quality. Felipe Smith's style seems to be influenced by Tatsuya Egawa of Golden Boy, but his perspective is all his own.

The story is one of violence, sex, and revenge. But smack dab in the middle is a bright-eyed, naive, over-confident comic artist named Omario and we get to see his big pitch! It's a wild ride into a cynical comic artist's mind that you shouldn't miss!

This is a great comic! I've read it no less than 5 times in the month that I've had it. I'll read it again and again.

This is without a shadow of a doubt the freshest, hippest and most intelligent piece of writing and drawing I've seen in forever! Buy it before this dude becomes far too famous and his work is unobtainable. I've got a feeling about this.... the structure of stories, the factions on his characters.... all is totally believable and transports you... I dunno simply elsewhere.

Do your self a favor and buy as many as you can get your hands on. This is the start of a new era in graphic storytelling. Felipe Smith is a genius. I give it a mind-blowing 10 out of 10!!!

MBQ was a true delight to read. An original storyline with edgy, expressive, and gritty artwork, Felipe Smith carries the reader through the lives of individuals in the LA area. What truly surprised me was to get a perspective from "both sides of the track." You see the weak sides of the bad guys and tough side of the good guys. Felipe managed to create a realistic setting with incredibly believable characters.

While the cover is a bit misleading--the cutesy artwork can lead one to believe this is for a younger crowd--and I found myself a little queasy at some of the explicitness in the first chapter, MBQ is still an engrossing manga to be reckoned with. I look forward to future volumes and hope to see more of the main character and his interaction in the lives of those around him. This is a must-read for more mature readers looking for something refeshing and new.

I really enjoyed this one. The ending was exceptional. Can't wait for the sequel.

This is the most refreshing work I've read in some time. Incredibly entertaining book. Well worth the read! J. Arnold

From beginning to end, I was drawn to this book. I could hardly wait to see what happened next. The vivid attention to detail and the fluid wording, made this book worth the time it took to read. I was pleasantly enchanted by the text and the characters that seemed like "old" friends. I am looking forward to Shannon Dixon Smith's next masterpiece.

Wait until you read this wonderfully and character rich book by Shannon Dixon Smith. I had no idea that the mountains of Kentucky could play such an important role in a novel. I am from Ky. and this reminded me of the way our area was founded, with hard work, and sweat and blood. Wonderful and magestic is all I can say.

This book is one of the best that I have ever had the opportunity to read. Anyone that is from a southern state can understand the pull the book had for me. A love of the land and a love of a woman is what drives Jamie McIntyre in this novel by Shannon Dixon Smith. Rich in characters and with breathtaking description this book is sure to satisfy. I would recommend that anyone that has interest in history and romance buy this book today!!!

I highly recommend this book. I use this in my 4th grade classroom at the end of the year. The prince goes on a search for his father's medallion. It is an allegory and teaches qualities such as honesty, hard-work, loyalty and forgiveness. The boys especially enjoy the book. We make shields and our own medallions.The plot is intersting and the character development is very clear. My students love this book. This book would be good for both a classroom and for homeschooling.

PRINCE TRAVE SETS AOUT WITH THE KING OF KAPNOS TO FIND HIS FATHER'S MEDALLION TO PROVE THAT HE IS THE RIGHTFUL KING OF GADALLA. THEN AFTER A BAD ENCOUNTER WITH THE ENEMY HE LEARNS A STARTLING SECRET BUT HAS NO TIME TO PONDER IT BECAUSE HE HAS TO SAVE GADALLA FROM BEING USURPED BY THE ENEMIES

PRINCE TRAVE SETS AOUT WITH THE KING OF KAPNOS TO FIND HIS FATHER'S MEDALLION TO PROVE THAT HE IS THE RIGHTFUL KING OF GADALLA. THEN AFTER A BAD ENCOUNTER WITH THE ENEMY HE LEARNS A STARTLING SECRET BUT HAS NO TIME TO PONDER IT BECAUSE HE HAS TO SAVE GADALLA FROM BEING USURPED BY THE ENEMIES

TRAVE SETS OFF WITH THE KING OF KAPNOS TO GET HIS FATHER'S MEDALLION TO PROVE THAT HE IS RIGHTFUL KING OF GADALLA. THEN AFTER A ENCOUNTER WITH THE LEADER OF THE DARK ALLIANCE WHICH CONSISTS OF SARDA LITORIS AND TORRIDIA,SARDA THE LEADER HE LEARNS A SECRET. UNFORTUNATELY HE HAS NO TIME TO PONDER THIS FOR GADALLA IS ABOUT TO BE ATTACKED BY THE DARK ALLIANCE. THE GADALLAN, KAPNOS, AND KOLONIAN ARMIES ARE AT THE BATTLE FIELD, BUT ARE LOSING! CAN THE DIDERAN ARMIE GET THERE IN TIME?

Trave is prince of Gadalla, but he should be king. His fatherdied long ago, and he often reminds himself that his uncle, Panii, isnot the rightful king. One day he will rule. Now Trave is not allowed to own a falcon. Now he is not allowed a horse. One day he will have a stable full of fine horses. One day all Gadalla will listen to him and obey his every word.

Trave has little thought of any but himself (and horses)until he meets a visitor to Gadalla, Gris, the wise king of Kapnos. This king remembers Trave's father, of whom it is forbidden to speak. King Gris may be able to help Trave get his throne. He promises to lead Trave on the dangerous journey to find the medallion which is the mark of the true king.

Trave and Gris set off at once, on a journey which leads far. Trave finds himself forced to do many things which do not seem the job of a king, and forbidden to do what a king should be allowed. Perhaps Gris is not truly helping him. Perhaps there is a better way to the crown. Perhaps the medallion does not even exist.

In his journeys, Trave learns the dutys of a king:

To learn what is true;

To believe the truth;

To act on that belief.

Though totally fictitious, this is one of the greatest children's books I have read. An exciting story is used to teach the lesson which Christ so humbly demonstrated by washing His disciples feet: The true king is first a servant.

In honest, unpretentious and clean prose leavened with dry humor, Smith tells an engrossing and upbeat story. With tantalizing recipes and charming photographs Mendel's Children has something of the character of a family scrapbook.

Its depth comes from Smith's formidable ability to breathe life into the time worn stories and people that preceeded her. In this her book shares the light story-telling charms of her fellow prairie author, Garrison Keillor. But in the serious and poignant moments that balance the humor, Smith's touch could be compared to Gay Talese in Unto the Sons.

Cherie Smith investigates the past with freshness, insight, and humor, but entirely without pretense. Saints and sinners, Mendel's Children have one thing in common: they are folks you would have enjoyed meeting.

No historian or general reader will doubt the authenticity of her portrayal of life in small Canadian towns or regret coming across such a work

Written with such storytelling skill, with such honest and compassionate clarity, that the reader turns page after page with growing fascination.

I have gotten Rosa's cd and book and it has AMAZED me how powerful the mind is over your body. The mind is not an organ to be reckon with. If you get a hold on what it is you want to how you see yourself, you WILL achieve it. I would recommend this series to anyone who wants to lose 1 lb OR 100 lbs. She does a lot for you, but YOU have to do the majority of the work. If you are persistent, you WILL lose the weight YOU want!!!! THANKS, ROSA!!!!!!!

When I ordered the cd, I was a bit skeptical. I needed a kickstart on my weight loss. I knew it was simply a matter of training my mind to not overeat as I had been doing. I took a shot and figured at the very least it would be about 45 minutes of relaxation a day. Sure enough, on my first listen I was able to achieve that numb, tingly feeling throughout my body, signaling complete relaxation.

I have been listening to the "Imagine Yourself Thin" session for 1 week now. I noticed an immediate decrease in the meals and snacks I was eating. So far, I've lost 2.5 pounds. I haven't had time to listen to the exercise session yet. I'm hoping to do that soon and I'm sure it will improve my results.

I will try to check back in a few more weeks for an update.

This is an exciting book that gives everyone the power to over come thier food addictions. I have found from my weight loss experiences that Rosa is right, the key to successful weight managment is all in our minds and she tought me how to control mine, and to learn how to think differently about food. I will be greatful to her forever for this!
Laura Ann Leonard

This book not only unlocks the secrets to permanent weight loss, it opens you up to the techniques and ideas that will lead you to a fabulous life.

If you have tried all the programs only to have little or no long-term results, this is the book for you. Rosa, walks her talk and provides a level of inspiration reserved only for the masters.

Her extensive study in multiple disciplines gives her the credibility to teach you how to manage your mind and body for weight loss and personal success.

Read this book now and change your life!

Smith-Montanaro is part coach, part cheerleader and part tough survivor.
SM doesn't have a pill or a panacea, but she does have a program. The program is physical and spiritual. She understands, from her own painful vivid experience, that changing your weight is changing your life. She doesn't sweet-talk you into thinking it's easy, but she does-- a la girlfriend-- convince you it is possible, even though difficult.
The book is easy reading. Her narrative style is riveting. But she never lets you off the hook - if you don't change your mind about your portion in life, you'll never change the portions on your platter.