White Books

I recently reread this book, wondering if I'd love it as much as I did before. I did. This is my very favorite book in the entire world. It's a picture of humanity, and the picture isn't necessarily a happy one. Still, it almost gives one hope that all isn't lost quite yet. Well, maybe not ...

just how crazy is the desire for human decency? If you are intrigued by this question, then you will agree that this is the best novel ever written.

[L]et's speak a little about symbols. We may as well, as there has hardly been a critic who has not referred to The Roots of Heaven as a symbolic novel. I can only state firmly and rather hopelessly that it is nothing of the sort. It has been said that my elephants are really symbols of freedom, of African independence. Or that they are the last individuals threatened with extinction in our collective, mechanized, totalitarian society. Or that these almost mythical beasts evoke in this atheistical age an infinitely bigger and more powerful Presence. Or, then again, that they are an allegory of mankind itself menaced with nuclear extinction. There is almost no limit to what you can make an elephant stand for, but if the image of this lovable pachyderm thus becomes for each of us a sort of Rorschach test--which was exactly my intention--this does not make him in the least symbolic. It only goes to prove that each of us carries in his soul and mind a different notion of what is essential to our survival, a different longing and a personal interpretation, in the largest sense, of what life preservation is about. -Romain Gary, Author's Introduction to the 1964 Time-Life Books version of The Roots of Heaven

It is one of the peculiarities of great literature, that having created it, the author sometimes loses control of it. Thus, Don Quijote, the first and greatest novel of Western Literature, may have been intended by Cervantes to be a devastating parody of the chivalric tales, but instead of making us scoff at the Don's antiquated ideas, the book gave us the quintessential romantic idealist hero. Similarly, when he wrote his Prix Goncourt winning book The Roots of Heaven, Romain Gary may have thought that he had crafted a novel of immense ambiguity, but readers have had little trouble finding in this tale of the French dentist Morel and his mad quest to save the elephants of Africa, a fairly straightforward metaphor for the struggle to preserve freedom.

Morel has come to a French Equatorial Africa which, in the wake of WWII, is percolating with unrest as the natives begin to agitate for independence. Meanwhile, the European settlers who developed the territory wish to hold on to what they've created. Added to the mix are various and sundry missionaries, anthropologists, prostitutes, traders, hunters, army deserters, and the like, who have all washed up in the colony.

Morel starts out by trying to get folks to sign a petition in favor of the elephants, but when he is met with scorn and indifference, he takes matters into his own hands and begins a campaign of low-grade (non-lethal) terrorism against those who hunt the animals. He quickly becomes the most wanted man in the colony, and then a legendary figure to the whole world. He is a hero to many, a traitorous and dangerous figure to the authorities, and a convenient opportunity to the rebels. People, with widely varying motives, including fomenting revolution, begin to join his crusade. At one point, when he is still petitioning, he explains to the local barmaid/prostitute, Minna, how he came to champion the elephant :

I first began thinking about the elephants during the war, when I was a prisoner in Germany, probably because they were the most different thing I could imagine from what surrounded me : they were the very image of immense liberty. Every time we looked at the barbed wire or were almost dying of misery and claustrophobia in solitary confinement, we tried to think of those big animals marching irresistibly through the open spaces of Africa, and it made us feel better. Barely alive, starved, exhausted, we would clench our teeth and follow our great free herds obstinately with our eyes, and see them march across the savanna and over the hills, and we could almost hear the earth tremble under that living mass of freedom. We tried not to speak of it, for fear the guards would notice, and sometimes we would just look at each other and wink, and then we knew that it was all right, that we could still see it, that it was still alive in us. We held on to the image of that gigantic liberty, and somehow it helped us to survive.

So regardless of Gary's supposed intent, Morel's own words, here and throughout the book, would seem to indicate that he himself sees the elephants as symbol's of freedom.

It would have been easy enough for Gary to simply turn Morel into an unalloyed hero, a classic freedom fighter, but he does not. Gary refers to Morel as an extremist of hope, and the emphasis is equally placed on the extremism. A Jesuit priest in the novel, loosely modeled on Tielhard de Chardin, quite accurately indicts Morel for elevating the idea of the elephants above even his fellow man. I think it's the priest who points out that Morel has chosen to place his hopes in the elephants because they are without sin, and the inability to accept Man's nature which this choice reflects is at heart anti-human. In addition, Gary does not simply demonize those who oppose Morel; many of them are just as idealistic as he. One of the best set speeches in the book comes from one of the colonists, whose elephant hunting wife Morel has just sentenced to a public flogging :

I know the tune. The elephants, you say. But it's only Europeans who have hunting weapons and who can afford permits, and what you mean is that we are the only people who are exploiting and exhausting Africa's natural wealth. That's a tune I've heard ever since I've been here, but the truth is that Africa's wealth isn't exploited enough, and that without us it wouldn't be exploited at all, and its very existence would be unknown. Without us, the so-called 'colonists'--and I'm not ashamed of that name--not a single vein of ore would be discovered, and the population wouldn't have doubled in twenty years. When I arrived here I found only syphilis, leprosy and sleeping sickness : I cured my people, fed them, clothed them, gave them work, houses and ambition--the desire to do what we do. It's men like me who have been, and still are, the leaven of Africa. You and your lot call that 'shameless exploitation of Africa's natural wealth'; I call it building up a new Africa for all, and first of all for the Africans. But because ivory was the first thing we were after when we came here at the turn of the century and because we're the only ones to hunt with modern weapons, you've thought it smart to make elephant hunting the symbol of capitalist exploitation.

Now this assessment of Morel's motives is quite wrong, but it's important for a couple of reasons. First, it presents a legitimate defense of the colonists. Second, the very misunderstanding reflects the reason why, even though Morel is generally a sympathetic figure, the Europeans may be right to resist him, because even though his motives may be pure, others can warp them to their own ends.

One of the characters explains the title of the book this way :

Our needs--for justice, for freedom and dignity--are roots of heaven that are deeply imbedded in our hearts, but of heaven itself men know nothing but the gripping roots...

The ferocity with which Morel clings to this sentiment and the absurd grandeur of his fight make him one of the more unforgettable heroes in all of literature and one whom it's odd to find in a French novel. Then again, as another charcter says of him :

I believe Morel was defending a certain idea of decency--the way we are treated on this earth filled him with indignation. At bottom, he was an Englishman without knowing it.

The book is not currently in print and it's not easy to find, but it's well worth the effort.

GRADE : A+

This book was made into an indifferent and much altered movie in the late 50's. Set in Equatorial Africa after the Second World War it follows the efforts of the Frenchman Morel to save the elephant from extinction at the hands of poachers and big game hunters.

What sets this book apart is that in the course of relating the story of the African herds, Gary presents the reader with every moral dilemma faced by man today. This makes for a spiritually and intellectually uplifting read, as if Gary has somehow tapped into a force both beyond and mightier than himself. One is swept along on whole passages, each of which seems more significant than the last.

Also of interest is the coming of age of Gary's views on conservation, many of which must have seemed ludicrous to the 1950's reader. Likewise the politics of Africa are discussed with brutal honesty. "When the African has his belly full" one character tells us, "perhaps then he too will take an interest in the aesthetic aspect of the elephant."

The Roots of Heaven has for years been my all time favorite novel. I believe it to be a book of cosmic significance, an experience of the Numinous with the potential to change lives. Over the last two decades I have urged many others to read it but, sadly, have had no success at all. Such a pity!

Man's struggle for a meaningful existence takes place on three different levels in this wonderfully told tale set in pre 1960 Africa. The first level is the aftermath of world war two with humanity trying to reaffirm its right to exist. Second, is Africa's awakening during the 50's and its rapidly approaching fight for independence from its colonial powers, and third is man's attempt to become at one with nature and thus fill the spiritual void within itself. The images are vivid and varied going back and forth from the rubble laden city of Berlin where a young lady sells herself to the Russian soldiers, to the dusty villages in Africa where mere youths are taking up arms to kill men since they can no longer kill elephants, to the POW camps of WWII, to the Catholic missions deep in the jungles where priests ponder the likelihood of there being a just God. This book does much more than scream the necessity of saving nature for future generations, it pleads for all of! us to develop more fully our personal relationships both real and spiritual.

Along with Ortho's "All About Roses", and HP Books' Roses, How To Select, Grow and Enjoy", this is the backbone of the easy way to learn about roses. As an introduction to some or the "mysteries" about growing roses, this book and the other two mentioned have no equals. The illustrations are great and there are a lot of color photos of rose varieties, making a good picture book as well as a good "How To" book. I think everyone who has an interest in roses will enjoy this book and also the other two mentioned.

I carry it with me to the nursery to make my selections. I'm a novice antique rose fancier with some particular geographic/climate needs, and this book makes it easy to determine what will thrive in my yard. There is a picture and detailed description of every rose in the book. The charts also make it easy to search for the right plant by color, flowering frequency, light needs, size, etc. I never shop for roses without carrying along this book.

This book was so well put together, pictures and illistrations were wonderful. would recomend to all.

I must say, this book was well worth the money. The information provided was very descriptive and the up-to-date pictures and reviews on the most current quality roses out there were beautiful! I highly recommend this book for any new rose growers out there and for the more hardened, the gallery of roses is a must!

After carefully comparing other books that provided comprehensive information on roses, I chose the Sunset Roses book and have not regretted it one bit. When I purchased the book, I had 4-5 roses in my garden, and now I have 52 (at the time of this writing ;-). I still refer to this book as a reference for pruning techniques, disease, planting and placement, and just as a wonderful review of the next rose I must have!

The roses covered are certainly the most popular and easy to grow, and there is a section in the back that lists specific roses that are favorites of regional rosarians. So, for instance, if you are in zone 5-6 in Ohio, you can find best roses for the midwest/great lakes area, and so on. This is really valuable because a rose that will be a star for one gardener (such as Mr. Lincoln), might not perform well in another garden in a different part of the country.

I had the honor of meeting Peter Roussel at a luncheon at which he was the featured speaker. He spoke not only about his book, Ruffled Flourishes, but also about his experiences serving as White House press secretary. He told us that although his book is fiction, it is based on actual experiences and incidents during his tenure at the White House. The book is an enjoyable read, written in a warm, engaging, and often amusing tone. If you have an interest in politics, behind-the-scenes events affecting the presidency, and the power of the media, you can't go wrong with this book.

This hilarious yet endearing story about life in the White House was just the kind of reading that I needed right now. It was written in a style that I could understand and enjoy, while cracking me up on every other page. Who would have thought that life in the White House could be so amazing? Peter Roussel has truly written a credible novel, and it is nice to have a dependable source these days. I admire this book and the man who lived it and then shared his story with all of us. I highly recommend Ruffled Flourishes to all.

I truly enjoyed this book! I read it slowly because I didn't want it to end. I wanted to keep being a fly on the wall at the White House. More precisely, in the West Wing of the White House. And I wanted to find out what happens between Sox & Flaxen. I want more...how about a sequel...or a movie! Mmmm, who would play Sox? Tom Cruise? Ben Affleck? Vin Diesel? (just kidding)

Roussel gives his characters odd names and I am sure there must be some hidden meaning behind them. The main character is Sox St. Louis. His maybe-love interest is named Flaxen, and Sparta, the TV network correspondent is his media nemesis. The president is named Carl Crayon (that name doesn't exactly instill confidence, does it?). Aren't you just dying to know how and why these characters were named? I am.

Even though Ruffled Flouishes "is a work of fiction and all of its characters and events are imaginary creations of the author" - yadayadayada...you get a real feel for what it must be like to work in the inner sanctum of the White House as the spokesman for the president of the United States. Even the lingo sounds authentic. (And it probably is since Roussel served two tours of duty in the White House under Presidents Ford and Regan.)

For students of crisis management, the transcript of a 40 minute press briefing on pages 73-87 is most enlightening. How White House deputy press secretary St. Louis tap dances around the media, saying just enough to make them think he has said something profound when, in fact, he's said nothing, is a priceless how-to manual.

The book is humorous and a good, fun read. I highly recommend it.

Ruffled Flourishes is the first book I have read of its kind.
I found it to be quite refreshing and entertaining. The human side of the deputy press secretary was very endearing. I kept reading just to see if he would continue to mess things up with the character, Flaxen. It was interesting to get the perspective of the inner workings of the White House Press. It was equally entertaining to read the author's interpretation of the media. Who would have imagined it would be like that? I loved the way the author was able to combine both the professional and human side of the character.

Being a college student often entails way more reading than the normal American can stand, but with "Ruffled Flourishes" I didn't mind it at all. Roussel's charming and witty writing style kept me intrigued and roaring with laughter. The constant stress between the main character, Sox, and his romance Flaxen is addictive. Sox goes through many self- realizations during his time in the White House, and his journey is indefinitely an enjoyable one. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fictional accounts that have striking resemblance to the real deal. Way to go Sox, I mean Peter!

I had never thought to find the link between German right wing movements and white emigres within Germany and Europe and what impact they had on the future Nazi Party and Hitler. This book was an unexpected find and a pleasant one at that. Not too difficult to read, somewhat repetitive but at the same time this makes it easier to keep track of all the 'characters' that the reader is introduced to. This book gives an excellent analysis on how the white emigres affected Hitler and his party and how without them Hitler might not have turned east or if he did might have done some things quite differently. What surprised me most was that before 1919 Hitler did not really say or write anything anti-semitic, in fact at times he defended Jews and even spoke like a socialist from time to time, which to a degree is less surprising since the Nazi party was a socialist party. I was also interested to learn of the assassination attempts undertaken by these white emigres against both Soviet politicians and German ones as well. Bottom line is that there is a lot of information here put into a context I never thought existed before, the book is expensive but in my opinion worth the money for the input it provides and the new view I now have of how Hitler came about with some of his ideas regarding Jews, Bolsheviks, and the Soviet Union.

In this highly enlightening book, Michael Kellogg argues that in becoming National Socialist Germany did not follow a special path predetermined by German culture. Rather, the genesis of National Socialism must be understood within the context of German defeat of WWI and the Bolshevik Revolution. The co-occurence of these events brought Baltic German and Russian Nationists to Germany where they joined völkisch leaders and radicalized the masses. Formerly fringe anti-Semitism was joined to anti-Bolshivism and became virulent. The book sits on original research done in German and Russian archives.
Karla Poewe
Professor, University of Calgary

This is a superb book based on solid archival research in German and Russia that provides startling new insights into the ideological roots of National Socialism. It is a must read for anyone interested in understanding Nazism and the development of its ideology. Kellogg shows how the Russian Revolution affected the thinking of various Russian and Baltic intellectuals who fled to Germany where they spread their poisonous brand of anti-Semitism based on a unique mythology. I strongly recommend this book which should be read alongside Karla Poewe "New Religions and the Nazis", New York and London, Routledge, 2006. These books complement each other in a remarkable way and genuinely change our understanding of the origins and growth of Nazism.

Irving Hexham, Professor of Religious Studies, University of Calgary.

The various interconnections between Germany and Russia in contemporary history have become a recurring subject of research after the end of the Cold War. For instance, there has been a new wave of books and articles on the comparison between Nazism and Stalinism as well as on the Nazi-Soviet co-operation of 1939-1940. Another example would be the recent talk about `Weimar Russia' when interpreting post-Soviet developments.
With "The Russian Roots of Nazism", an extremely dense and well-researched text, Kellog provides an important new study on a still insufficiently explored aspect of the history of contemporary German-Russian relations. His book focuses on the years 1918-1923, and details at length the connections that a number of prominent émigrés from the former Tsarist empire had with the early Nazi elite, in general, and Adolf Hitler, in particular. The central theme of the study is the rise and fall of the short-lived, yet important émigré association Aufbau: "Wirtschaftspolitische Vereinigung für den Osten" (Reconstruction: Economic-Political Organisation for the East). With such an intriguing subject, Kellog will find many readers among historians and the interested public of both Russia and Germany as well as other countries.
Kellog's analysis suffers, however, from an overemphasis of the pro-Slavic tendencies in the German extreme right and an insufficient consideration of the deep roots of the Nazis' rabid anti-Slavism. More generally, Kellog could have considered in more detail rival influences on Nazism such as `scientific racism' or occultism in order to make a better case for his thesis about the `Russian roots' of Nazism. While he, at one point, puts his position on the nature of Nazism close to Ernst Nolte's (p. 199), he, in fact, succeeds in providing arguments against Nolte's assertion that fascism is essentially anti-Marxism. Kellog's many quotes show that the `bolshevik' part in the Nazis' talk about `Jewish Bolshevism' was secondary and that the Nazis instead thought that the bolsheviks were guided by `Jewish finance capitalism' (e.g. p. 226) - thus, oddly, making the Nazi interpretation of communism somewhat similar to the communist interpretation of Nazism.

When one considers for what short period the German Army occupied the Ukraine after the treaty of Brest Litovsk, it is interesting how many White Russian came out with the retreating German Armies.Their prejudices were a remarkable influence on the early Nazi Party in Munich, particularly the ideas engendered by the Protocols of Zion. Until this book Scheubner-Richter had been written off as a body, the only one shot dead, marching alongside Hitler and Ludendorff in the 1923 attemptef Putsch. However it transpires that he was as great an influence on Nazi doctrine as Rosenberg ( normally described as just a Baltic-German Russian , but actually also a White Officer )
Interesting also is the relationship with Wagner clan in Bayreuth , so that the book is complementary to Joachim Kohler's Wagner's Hitler; and that both groups visited Henry Ford in Detroit to seek funds , arising from his anti-semitic attitudes.
Kellogg does not explore the implications that the General Staff in Berlin was seeking a rapprochment with bolshevik Russia at this time .Nor does he assess Ludendorff as a politician.Above all , he does not refect on the confrontation between class-ridden White Russian Officers and the Bohemian Corporal who spent the war in the trenches on the Western Front.
Anyone coming to study this period and phase of the Nazi Party/ Adolf Hitler will have to take note of this book and its importance.
I hope that Michael Kellogg will go on to produce works that follow on this pivotal start.

What a great idea and a great gift.. If you or if you know of someone like a brother, sister, mother, father, close friend, whomever it maybe in the war and they have small children this is a wonderful and a perfect book.

I just love the colorful illustrations and the story. This little book will be immensely helpful in making children feel that they are not alone. I believe this book will help children to understand and deal with a parent or parents in the military. I highly recommend this book for young children and parents too.

This little book is a terrific read.
It's a perfect book for children with parents in the military.
I think it has a very positive message, and wonderful illustrations.
I highly recommend this book.

This is a wonderful book with lots of colorful illustrations. I love the way the author explains deployment to the young son whose father is in the military. But this book is not only great for children of military families. It is also helpful to any child who may be curious about their friends and schoolmates whose family members have been or are being deployed. It is an excellent book on this subject and very appropriately written for its age range. I recommend this book whole-heartedly.

I love this book. The picutres are bright and colorful. The story is very cute and could apply to any branch of the military. My kids love it! It is easy reading and became a quick favorite for me and my children.

Mary Evans Seeley is an expert on Christmas celebrations in the White House. Several years ago, she decided to share her knowledge and research dealing with personal First Family recollections and the result is the wonderful book "Season's Greetings from the White House."

It is a book for historians, Americana fans, Christmas collectors and art lovers. More than just behind-the-scenes stories, this richly illustrated volume shows, in full color throughout, the actual cards, prints and other Presidential gifts of sterling silver, pewter, glass, wood and leather. Most of the gifts were designed for distribution to White House staffers.

Seeley, who resides in Tampa, Florida, shares with the reader, the personal experiences of the wide variety of artists whose works came to grace Presidential cards and gift prints. To bring in historical color, the author interviewed a number of First Ladies and children of First Families.

The book's frontispiece displays the magnificent Neapolitan Baroque crèche in the White House East Room in 1963. The photograph was selected by President and Mrs. Kennedy for their Christmas card scheduled to be sent in December. Less than 30 were personally signed by both the President and First Lady prior to their fateful Dallas trip. These dual-signed Christmas cards are among the rarest of all Presidential Christmas memorabilia.

The photos of Seeley's historical collection of White House Christmas cards offers an interesting glimpse of our nation's culture and its values through the years.

It's no matter if you look upon the book as a major scholarly effort or simply a beautiful insight into the traditions of our First Families, "Season's Greetings from the White House" makes an excellent gift for the holidays and is a wonderful reference book for historians who are seeking the human side of Christmas in the Presidential Mansion.

People my age were taught citizenship in school and were taught to respect the President. I have always been fascinated with the personal lives of the Presidents and the folklore of the White House. This book does not disappoint if you like the "behind the scenes" information on the White House and its past residents. I also recommend the one written for children by the same author. This puts politics aside and restores some pride in the institution of our Presidency and their families.

Season's Greetings from the White House is an excellent source of presidential Christmas/holiday items from the early part of the twentieth century to the present. Each President's holiday greetings along with staff gifts are shown. Mrs. Seeley has written an superb book which continues to grow with each new edition. The quality of photographs and the amount of them in the book make it worth the price. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has an interest in not only presidential items, but for anyone who has any interest in the holiday season.

Anyone who has ever been interested in Christmas and what it means to the residents of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue MUST get this book. A treasure that will be loved forever....a history that is important to America! Mary Evans Seeley has it all here! Thanks! Chis Allen

All White House Christmas books will be measured by this one in the future. It is incredible. A must for all collectors of White House Christmas memorabilia. Every home and office should have this book on display during Christmas time.

I liked the action in the book. I also liked the actions of the people helping the slaves.

This book not only totally involves you with a great story, thoughtful writing, and a surprising amount of suspense, but begs the reader to further discuss and reflect on their own values and view of the impact of slavery on the American experience. I am a mother of grown sons, and wish I had this book to share with them as they were growing up.

Many times books meant for young people don't have an interest for older adults - like the parents! This book is different. In fact this book begs to be read simultaneously by parents and kids, or read aloud by parents and their kids together. The wealth of opportunity for meaningful discussion of goals, opinions, values, and yes - history - should not be left unused. Send 'Em South is well written and surprisingly suspenseful and interesting. I am a mother with grown sons, but wish I had had this book to share with them as they were growing up.

This was an excellent book that I would recommend to anyone. Its around a middle school reading level, but could easily be enjoyed by older students, or anyone interested in the Pre- Civil War. The book is well written, and keeps you wondering what will happen to Lisa and David, until the very end. This book shows that friendship goes beyond race, and but also shows just how cruel people can be to people of other races and nationalities. Overall, I loved the book. I give it a definite five stars.

I read the first book in the 'Young Heroes of History' series; 'Send 'Em South.' I LOVED it!!! I couldn't put it down!!

The adventure captivates the reader in a whole new world, time, place, and setting, making you feel like you are in the book, experiencing the thrilling adventure, right along with the characters! Altogether, making this an incredible book, and series. I HIGHLY recommend it. I give it 5 stars! (It's the best!)

This marriage of poetry and illustrations is like no other. As an educator I enjoy the layout of the book. The poems are divided into categories such as poems about weather, spooky poems, and animal poems. The illustrations are by Caldecott Medal artists - the best of the best! I have purchased countless copies of Sing a Song of Popcorn as it is a perfect gift to give to families to celebrate the arrival of a new baby. It is a book that all members of the family can enjoy - the young ones will enjoy the rhyming patterns of some of the poems and the silliness of others. The adults will treasure the inclusion of such classic poems as Robert Frost's "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" and Jack Prelutsky's entertaining "The Spaghetti Nut".

I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of poetry and the beautiful illustrations which accompany. As a kindergarten teacher, I found the anthology to be an invaluable resource for introducing young children (or any children) to the world of poetry. :

Our girl's book club is reading this book of poems. Once they finish they will each get to keep a copy of the book. Poems are classic and the pictures are amazing. It's the best poem book so far!

This is a wonderful anthology of poetry, beautifully illustrated
by well known children's artists. I have 6 grandchildren, ranging from babies to a 9 year old. This book has material for
all ages, and it is well organized by subjects..."spooky poems",
"mostly nonsense", etc. The kids love it and so do I.

You don't have to be a certain age to enjoy this book, full of wonderful poems from various well known poets. There is a poem for every walk of life in this book. This book is sure to be on your shelf for many years to come!

This book was suggested to me by one of my professors. It is one of the best books written on the History of the profession of RECOVERY!
I believe that ALL practitioners in the field of RECOVERY should read this book, or at least OWN it as a reference guide. You will use it over and over again.
I liked it so much, I bought two copies.

A very thorough account of the addiction field from it's first conception up the the conflicts in this area in the present day.
This book contains an excellent historical context which is useful to many addictions professionals.

I'll bet not one person in a hundred who is employed in the addictions field has any idea of the history of their profession. This is a history book that is chock full of the befuddled efforts of millions of people who have tried almost everything to get sober. Carrie Nation, The Keeley Institute, Kellogg and his corn flakes, the gold IV injection treatment, and the use of methamphetimine right down to MADD... this book details a group of people who, on their own, tried to fight addiction and support each other in their sobriety. All this without the help of the government until recent times. A textbook, a whodunnit, an emotional journey through hell and out the other side This is the definitive history of addiction treatment attemps in the United States of America. How anyone can call themselves a therapist and not have an intimate knowledge of this material is beyond me. Three thumbs up!

This is one of the most comprehensive historical books on the history of addiction treatment and recovery I have read. Not just a history of Alcoholics Anonymous, it covers the cures, the fakes, the trials and tribulations of attempting to treat alcoholism and other drug addiction in America.

It should be a "must read" for anyone interested in treatment and recovery. William L. White did a great service for the treatment field by writing this book

As a clinical person both in mental health and addiction medicine I can say without reservation that this is the most complete and interesting books on the topic. You won't be sorry you bought this one and will keep in you libray for life.

I first came across the book when I was in 6th grade. I had never seen the story illustrated or told in such a way before. The memory has haunted me for nearly seven years now. It will be one to share with my own children.

SO many things to love about this book, this version of Snow White. It's not sanitized, the binding on the inside is a two page spread of a glossy ebony tree, against spellbinding white snow and one stain of red blood - every single image is exquisite, I could describe them all poetically.

As usual the young queen bears a girl and dies, the king remarries a "superlatively beautiful queen", who "also had a proud heart and a greedy, jealous temper".

So the story goes on as usual, but is somehow injected with new Excitement! new Pathos.

Although snow white is supremely silly, and the prince falls in love far too easily, the Dwarves are excellently drawn & written.

Instead of being humorous shovel-totting twats they're just stolid kindly woodsmen who grow fond of poor young SW.

The story is retold very nicely and fresh, but it is the paintings that make this book priceless.

Every single page is a peek into an enchanted world, moody romantic & mysterious.

kotori ojadis@yahoo.com

I read the story as a youngster and I never ever forgot this haunting retelling of the classic fairy tale. I am delighted that the book is back in print so my children will be able to enjoy it in the future. The illustrations are breathtaking! Don't pass this one up!

The cover image stopped me in my tracks at the bookstore, and I bought multiple copies. The young woman at the checkout counter was mesmerized by the image as well. The illustrations inside equal or surpass the one on the cover.

The images are detailed but not fussy. They are highly evocative of German Romanticism -- very moody, dreamy, somewhat melancholy, with an emphasis on the grandeur of Nature. If you enjoy the illustrations of Maurice Sendak, Edward Gorey, Arthur Rackham, et al., you will like this book.

Like Barrett's artwork, Poole's text tells the classic tale soberly, including the queen's botched attempts to strangle Snow White with silken laces and prick her with a poison comb. There is also more mention of Snow White's mother and father than in many retellings. This version is certainly more in line with magical/mystical/matriarchal imagery than Disney's.

Some of the images -- e.g., drops of blood -- and the story itself may be too intense for very young readers. For me, this book is a contemporary gem and is worth seeking out.

Wonderful illustrations, of course, but also the story includes the incidents with the poisoned comb and the suffocating bodice ribbons (left out in many editions). A great book for parents looking to replace the Disney-fied version for their children.

If you like this, also check out the same author/illustrator team's collaboration on "Joan of Arc."

The illustrations are beautiful without being frou-frou, serious without being creepy. Highly recommended for ages 4-8.