Missouri Books

Do you love mules? Do you own one or are you just curious about these intelligent, wonderful beings? Then you should check out this two volume set. It is full of valuable information and some of the most wonderful pictures I've ever seen.

Well written and very informative. A must for any long ears lover's library. Melvin Bradley has created an educational piece of work.

Having discovered the Off the Beaten Path series while planning a vacation to South Dakota, I didn't hesitate to pick up the Missouri copy to see what I was missing in my backyard. I'm really glad I did! Even though I've discovered many things since moving to Missouri, this book has helped me discover quite a few new places to explore. The book has broken Missouri into concise geographical sections, so when planning a trip, you only have to look at the section of the state where you'll be travelling. The usual topics of lodging shopping, and restaurants are covered very well, but what I find most interesting are the little-known cultural artifacts highlighted in the book. If you're planning a trip to Missouri, or live here and want to discover more of your home state, this book is highly recommended. One warning though: you'll never look at any interstate, especially I-70, the same again!!

I found a lot of useful information in it. I'd recommend it for those new to Missouri, stopping in for a visit and even to locals who want to find something new not far from home.

Missouri Pacific Diesel Power is an excellent photographic and informational resource for modelers and railfans of the Missouri Pacific railroad. Well balanced between photographs and text, the book includes extensive information and pictoral documentation of the wide range of diesel locomotives the Missouri Pacific (MP) used.

The book begins with a respectable introduction describing the beginnings of the diesel engine, a basic primer on the MoPac and its predecessors, and the construction of the MP's diesel fleet.

Each of the 22 chapters begins with a textual chronology of diesel acquisition for the time frame that chapter covers (i.e. "Prewar Passenger Power" and "Steam's End - Diesel's Success: Roadswitchers"). Following this information for each chapter are the complete rosters of the classes of locomotives relevant to that chapter. These rosters are grouped by purchase order, allowing for easy assessment of specific features on locomotives in any given "phase" within a locomotive model's production run. These rosters are headed by general information for that purchase order. The rosters then include specific information for each locomotive within that delivery, including original and subsequent road numbers, built date, built number, disposition and any other notes that pertain to individual locomotives.

The information in this book is extensive for those needing prototypical information to model specific units (for instance, if you want to know which locomotives carried "double eagles," you can find that information here).

The only disappointment is, and this is relatively minor, the number of black and white photos rather than color. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of color photos in the book, but the book certainly could use more of them, especially in the more modern sections of the book.

Overall, the information in the book outweighs the issue of black and white photographs, and I certainly wouldn't dissuade someone from purchasing the book on that factor. This is an exceptional, comprehensive work and belongs on the shelf of anyone who researches the Missouri Pacific.

Joel P. Rhodes (Associate Professor of History, Southeast Missouri State University) presents A Missouri Railroad Pioneer: The Life of Louis Houck, an extensively researched biography of business entrepreneur and self-taught railroader Louis Houck, who not only built an enterprise, but also brought art, culture, and formal education to all social classes. Though A Missouri Railroad Pioneer is at its heart an engaging glimpse into the life of a turn-of-the-century tycoon, railroad enthusiasts are sure to enjoy the insights into the evolution of America's railroad system. Written in plain terms for lay readers and historians alike, A Missouri Railroad Pioneer is a welcome addition to biography shelves.

I'm biased because I love this river, so I want students to learn about its history. This book discusses Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery trek along the Missouri in the early 1800s. Maps, historical photographs, reenactment photos, and current photographs enable the student to picture the time.

I have had the wonderful opportunity to have and use this cookbook since I was a child. There are some wonderful recipes, some dating back many years. This receipe collection is representative of the many Missouri Counties and covers many topics. Try the pickled peaches and the pepper relish, they were my grandmothers recipes and are truly wonderful. The buttermilk pancakes are the best along with many other wonderful favorites. There are even recipes from my great grandmother and great-great aunts! Cooks, chefs and homemakers all over the state have contributed their favorites. The author, a dear Aunt, is always remembered for her zest and love of home cooking. It's the best!

One might think that a book on this topic could be dry. One would be wrong. This book is a fascinating read from cover to cover. In fact, it is best read with two book marks. So that you can read the reference notes as you go along. With dry wit the author clearly explains many topics.The racist roots of gun control, what are & are not considered weapons, topics of self defense, physical & emotional reactions involved. Every topic discussed is easy to understand, and his dry wit keeps the reading moving right a long. One to keep for sure, as it is not only a great read, but a great reference book!

The definitive book for literary criticism fans of Langston Hughes, one of the country's most important and gifted writers.

I refer to this book ALL the time ... it is great! Steve Henry has done a tremendous job of giving you all the info you need to have lot of fun in the Ozark regions. A lot of the trails are ones I would have never found on my own. GREAT BOOK