University of Missouri Books

This is an exceptionally good discussion of the topics indicated in the title and a fine book for readers who want to think about qualities that make so much of Lewis's writing appealing. Schakel's case for reading the Narnian books in their original publication order (i.e. starting with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) would convince CSL himself that the current marketing of the series as beginning with The Magician's Nephew is a mistake). His book will get many readers to look beyond Lewis to music and pictorial art that Lewis cared about. I would rank this with George Sayer's biography JACK as one of my two favorite texts on Lewis.

Excellent treatment of famous Supreme Court justice's once very famous father. Places many of Holmes, Sr's issues and strengths into current context of the decline of the "public intellectual." Offers a convincing and wide-ranging reading bringing Holmes into larger search for an "American vision" of the best society and the problems of pluralistic culture. Fine example of recent American Studies (and political philosophy) still emphasizing the connections between daily social life and the foundation of long-lasting community in a heterogeneous world. Should lead to re-readings of Holmes' major works. Readable by non-specialists.

Indian Life on the Upper Missouri consists of fifteen articles written by John Ewers brings to life the culture of the Native American culture in the Upper Missouri region. He covers everything from remembrances of the days before horses were introduced into the region to the artistic depiction of this culture in the twentieth century. His prose is clear and non-academic, although his subject matter is treated in a very organized and concise manner, similar to academic writing. This book would be useful both for the academic and the casual reader. The use of graphics ties well to the writing and is used to enlighten rather than just to illustrate.

I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in a study of the Indians on the northern reaches of the Great Plains.

Harry Brown is the most intelligent human being I have ever witnessed in my entire life. He exudes pure wisdom. Read this book, or else. It's probably the greatest piece of literature since THE BIG LEBOWSKI. Absolutely stunning.

This is a fantasic story of survival, love and a nation changed by war. Steinman takes the reader inside the war, and, even more; inside a culture. With an intimate look at the Vietnamese people, the author touches on emotions and aspects of life in the war-torn country that have been overlooked by so many other works written about this hard time in world history. This is not so much a story about the war, as it is about the people and how the war and the coverage of that war changed everything; for Vietnam and the world. I highly recommend this book.

There are about five other critical studies of Agee, and Prof. Spiegel's is by far the best. The others approach hagiography; Spiegel is balanced, and although he clearly adores Agee, he does not view him through rose-colored glasses. To top it off, Spiegel's writing is elegant and stylish, while the other studies would make good Encyclopedia Britannica entries.

Elinor Wilson renders honorable credit to legendary frontiersman Jim Beckwourth. Always recognized in early western history literature, the general consensus is that Beckwourth's word was worthless. The author justifiably debates this issue by including many other documented reports of the times to support and verify his accounts for the most part. One can almost agree that early western tales were, well, tales with twists to them. Events did get exaggerated by everyone at one time or another, still do.
A member of Ashley's 1824 fur trapping brigade, living with and becoming a Crow Indian chief for several years, exploring many parts of the west, locating a pass into California for emigrants, trading endeavors, shopkeeper in several western locations, etc.
An energetic and entertaining glimpse into a forgotten hero of the west.

This book is best read in conjunction with Larpenteur's FORTY YEARS A FUR TRADER,and Denig's FIVE INDIAN TRIBES OF THE UPPER MISSOURI,& ASSINABOINE to fully appreciate the cultural specifics & interrelationships between white traders,Indians,& Metis peoples in mid 19th century Dakota & Montana territories.Unlike present day politically correct/"sensitive" accounts, Kurz was a Swiss artist who lived with & sketched the Indian tribes of the upper & lower Missouri River from 1846-1852 as he found them. Dispite overall sympathy for the plight of their rapidly changing cultures,he depicts various tribes in brutally accurate & often unflattering accounts. History with all its bumps & warts is a phenomena sadly lacking today particularly with regard to Native American/White relations on the frontier. It's a humanizing account-acknowledging the endemic savage violence Indians were capable of directing toward each other. The lethal depridations of Smallpox,Influenza, & Cholera, on native populations are also described with disturbing directness. I would recommend this & the other titles mentioned for any reader who is interested in historical accuracy with often upsetting bluntness.

Journeys To The Edge: In The Footsteps Of An Anthropologist by Peter M. Gardner (Emeritus Professor of Anthropology at the University of Missouri-Columbia) is the story of the author's years of field trip based anthropological researches in his chosen field of study. Readers will learn of the collective findings and studies of Gardner in his endeavors involving medical and travel emergencies, magical fights, natural dangers, playful friends, and scientific discoveries as he focuses his research whence among the many hunter-gatherer tribes of Canada's Northwest Territories, Japan, India, and many more. Journeys To The Edge is a scholarly and informative collective observational studies of anthropological explorations, enhanced with intimate personal content. Very strongly recommended reading for all students of indigenous peoples of the world, anthropology, Taoism, nature, homeopathic or natural medication, and travel for its vivid and intriguing stories and observations. Journeys To The Edge is appropriate for both aspiring students of anthropology as well as the non-specialist general reader with an interest in this particular area of scientific advances and discoveries.

This book is a fine study of the Katy's Northwestern District. The extensive rare photographs, many by the author, are a wonderful complement to the well organized text. The detailed coverage of the last days on the District is particularly poignant.