Libraries and Museums Books

As someone who travels throughout New England for business, I am always looking for something new and different to talk about with customers. This book gives you that and more. There is something about most of the towns and areas that I visit in the course of my work. I was especially impressed with the amount of work and research that is evident in the book. The author not only has a gift for words, but he also took the time to present the information using clear and concise language. It was fun to just sit and read about the hidden treasures in cities and towns I thought I knew.

I am a New England-born history and trivia buff. I thought I knew everything there is to know about my favorite region, but I never realized just how much I have been missing! This book is chock full of fascinating, well-chosen facts, written in an evocative style that is at times touching, often funny, but always interesting and easy to read. The attractions and destinations the author describes run the gamut from educational to more than a little wacky. The book's organization -- by region and town -- makes it a great reference guide to use as a day-trip planner, or to keep in the glove compartment for quick reference when you find yourself out and about with some time on your hands on a crisp fall day. This is the perfect gift to leave on the bedside table in your guest room, and to give to your favorite New Englander -- I wish someone had given it to me years ago!

As a history buff of New England's history of working sailing craft, it was interesting to read how the coasting schooners were a vital part of the economic development and support of the hardy folk who depended on the vessels. Author Leavitt portrays the period from the view of one who lived it. His plain prose put me on the deck of the schooners from long ago.

Highly recommended.

This is a charming book about life aboard American coasting schooners. Focusing almost entirely on the Maine coast, this book covers a wide variety of topics; from the gear of the vessels, the general types of schooner, the use of the gear and coaster seamanship, as well as a facinating collection of stories about the gallant schooners and the larger than life men who sailed them, like "Old Zeb" Tilton and the Alice S. Wentworth. The author worked on these vessels in their dotage, and his love for these old ships permeates every page. A thoroughly rousting read!

With everything from motorcycles, cars, boats, Jackie O's clothes, Star Wars artifacts, elephant dung and more finding their way into the museum, this is probably a good time to examine just what the museum is and who it is for. Art Institute of Chicago director James Cuno has assembled a veritable who's who of major museum directors to hold forth on this topic. Taken together, the essays provide rare insight into how museums are being shaped in the 20th century. With sometimes surprising candor the directors make their case for how and why the museum is beholden to the public trust. A roundtable discussion at the book's end further amplifies the issues set forth in the essays. This is an important book.

This is a compilation of essays written by directors of major art museums: Cuno from the Art Institute of Chicago, De Montebello from the Met, Lowry from the MoMA, MacGregor from the British Museum, Walsh of the Getty in LA, and Wood, formerly of the AIC. Each addresses how museums can cultivate public trust in cultural institutions, the kinds of authority museums have, and how they should manage their responsibilities. MacGregor's essay was my personal favorite; it includes two amazing stories of how art proves to be valued for its emotional power during times of crisis (specifically on 9/11 and during WWII). Walsh offers suggestions as to how museums can offer its visitors a more genuine experience through curatorial choices and placement of lighting and seats. Lowry and De Montebello write about the relationship of the entertainment industry to museums. A very accessible, jargon-free text that is surprisingly interesting.

Prof Berman wrote a thesis in 1954 which explored a little known area of the history of American Pharmacy and Medicine: Plant remedies and Botanical medicinals in America from Colonial times on. In doing so he gave us a view of American Culture not previously expressed. The thesis was circulated and used by many in the field but never published as a book. In his later years Prof Berman with the happy help of the distinguished scholar Michael Flannery used this thesis as a basis for this wonderful book. It is learned, it is lucid, and it is engaging. Sadly, Prof Berman died right before the publication of this book,a book which is testimony to the continuing existence of real scholarship in America. This is not a "theory" book. It is solidly grounded in history and evidence. It is not light reading but even laymen (like myself) should read it to engage good history and good prose. Have you ever heard of the Thomsonians? Are you interested in how this "narrow field" speaks to or is influenced by Jeffersonians and Jacksonians? Are you in short interested in how seemingly small movements within a culture reflect that culture at large? Above all are you interested in the process of investigation which reveals and explainsthese connections? If so read this book. If you want to read trendy scholarship be my guest; but, if you want to read real scholarship--the kind of thing truly imaginative and thoughtful academics do then as I have said you could well profit from this wonderful book.

I can't believe the amount of work that must have gone into putting this book together! As useful as it is entertaining...

This book is a beautiful compilation put together by the former head of Special Collections at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Beginning with the illuminated manuscripts of medieval times, he traces the history of illustration and book decoration throughout the centuries. The design and layout of the book are also discussed in the chapters about bookbinding and typography. Not only does he address the amazing history of book illustration, but opens the door to the future of art and book design. Comics and graphic novels are given equal face time as the historical manuscripts, as is the experimental art scene in present-day Britain (posters, zines, etc.)

Each chapter includes a one-page essay on a certain illustration or design, or about the history of that medium. The essays are particularly well-written. My favorites among these essays included Ian Fleming's Bond books and the birth of the paperback, the descriptions on the medieval Book of Hours, and the illustrations of the fairy stories.

Beautiful book, and an amazing piece of scholarship.

my son (just turned 7) has read all 5 books. this is the only series he has gotten hooked on, in spite of my trying some others, including some of my favorites from when i was his age (e.g., encyclopedia brown). he devoured this one too.

to the magnificent museum! I have never been there, but this book is the next best thing. With sculptures and painting in black and white and 60 in beautiful color. This is your guide to the Louvre! If you're too far from Paris, just grab this book, it ROCKS!

This is one of the most charming children's books I have ever read. I hope it will get back in print soon.

Jodi and Jimi visit their Aunt Ippy, who is not just the best chocolate-chip cookie baker and the best hugger, but also the curator of her own museum of JUNK! She doesn't just have things laying around. They are categorized & the categories are priceless. A few examples: "Fish Tank full of Plastic Fruit," "Bulk Dinosaurs," "Sack of Clocks." We could all learn from a creative woman like Aunt Ippy, whose car "runs on old cooking oil." Jimi and Jodi are allowed to take a few special items with them and happily declare, "We're starting our own Museum of Junk at home!"

If you were lucky enough to have a relative with whom you shared a special bond, who let you get away with things no one else did, you will recognize a kindred spirit in dear Aunt Ippy!

This is one of the better Berenstain Bear books, perhaps becuase there is no parental moralizing involved. In fact, the bears and friends (Cousin Fred, Lizzy Bruin, and Dr. Wise Old Owl) are on their own as detectives.

They get a call that the mean, nasty Bogg Brothers ("Not only did they rob and cheat, but they also made rude remarks...") have escaped from jail (again). The Bears find that the police have most of the places with valuables covered, with one exception, the "Bearsonian" museum. Here, with the help of Professor Actual Factual, they that find several items have been stolen, and they proceed to solve the case.

The story is more original and the language more witty than usual in this series, and I also liked the setting: It makes museums sound very interesting. 48 pages, with bright pictures, and recommended by the publisher for readers in grades 2-3. Recommended!