Washington University Books

Although well-researched and scholarly, this history of the predominantly black Seattle Central District is enjoyable and accessible for the non-historian due to Dr. Taylor's engaging writing style. The book touches on broader topics than the title might indicate, for example, inter-minority relationships between the Asian- and African-American communities. I found his treatment of the opposing views on school busing, w/in the black community, to be an example of how one can approach respectfully discussing differing--even sharply differing-- points of view. There are extensive footnotes for those who would like to go on to read his sources. This book is a "good read."

Though Seattle's experience may be somewhat different from other parts of the country, the issues were still (and are still) complex. This book not only puts it all in context, but leaves you hungry for more. It's an opportunity to discover unsung heroes, mourn blaring injustices, and refresh the belief that we can still learn from the past in order to forge a better future. As a native of Seattle who spent 8 years living in Georgia, I especially appreciated the breadth of information. Reading Taylor's book inspired me to read Horace Cayton's autobiography and follow up on some of the other sources Taylor drew on. Well written, dynamic, and comprehensive.

The review that follows says it all, but I want to add that this is THE book for African American history in the Seattle area. I found it moving and thought-provoking. Anyone serious about understanding issues of diversity in the Pacific Northwest should begin with this book.

This is a great book on, not only the demise of the small Texas cotton farmer, but, the death of a way of life lived by hundreds of thousands of people all across the South. The arrival of the Great Depression followed by the implementation of the socialist policies of the New Deal spelled the end of an agrarian lifestyle that had been a part of the backbone of the American way of life for over two centuries. I reccomend this book to anyone who loves American history. Particularly American agricultural history.

A message to those interested in farm life, especially in cotton, cotton pickers and cotton farms: You need this book - From Can See to Can't (subtitled Texas Cotton Farmers on the Southern Prairies).
Written by historians Thad Sitton and Dan K. Utley and published by the University of Texas Press in 1997, this book offers an insiders view of Texas farm life from the time of Austin's colony to present day. It draws on,in particular, Texas cotton farming in the late 1920s for a great deal of its material and portrays a way of life that has almost vanished.
From See To Can't is a rich tapestry of photographs, memoirs, and oral interviews from and about the people who were cotton farmers. I was raised on a cotton farm during that period and reading this book always brings tears to my eyes.
A really wonderful bit of Texana, and our rural heritage, not to be found every day. A Five Star Rating hardly describes it at all.

I really liked this book. For me it started slow, but by a few pages in I couldn't get enough. If you are interested in what farm life was like in Texas in the 1920's, this is for you. It goes into great detail about (obviously) planting and harvesting cotton, small town entertainment, churches, schools, food... the list is endless. Best of all, I talked to my grandparents, who grew up then verified it all. Want a good book about day to day farm life? Want to know what farmers used a hog's scrotum for? Buy it.

Hair of the Dog is an immensely interesting tale of the life of an American translator aboard Soviet fishing trawlers during a Joint-Venture in the late 1980s. The story gives insight into the lives of the Soviets and how they lived with constant observation by the political commissars and KGB agents while working alongside the Americans. The friendships formed by the author and the experiences she had as both a translator and representative of America were solid and left me wishing I could have joined her out at sea. The story flows well and was an extremely easy read for anyone interested in Russia, the Soviet Union and the people of both great countries.

She gave a detailed of how the journey would go through out the ship voyage and gives reader a great idea of how brave she was on the ship. This book does not only show the readers that even you only spend most of the time on the ship that you can still have fun and this a once a life time experience. You can imagine how people who sail or working on the ship most of the time, and how they spent their time. It's a great and fuuny book and gives me a imagination of how her journey is.

This is a special book and a very enjoyable read. Oakley perservered in getting it published and we are all the beneficiaries. Give yourself a treat and get a glimpse of US-Soviet relations that few Americans have witnessed. This book is not just a factual account of life at sea; it is a view into the Russian soul and psyche. You will not regret it.

Broughton's book is a collection of almost 40 stories of people who helped develop aviation in the U.S. You'll only recognize a few names (EAA's Paul Poberezny among them), but they are a mix of men and women who were there when great events happened. One helped Wilbur and Orville Wright in early test flights; unaware of what was happening, one was flying a mission nearby when Nagasaki was devastated by the atomic bomb; several tell details of experiences as fighter pilots.

Broughton's book doesn't have a theme or direction -- it simply tries to bring out the most-significant accomplishments of each flyer's life. It starts with the early days of flight, progresses through time and ends with a story of space flight and one from the Vietnam War.

This book tells the story of real pioneers in the field of piloting. Some of their experiences would shock today's pilots. Without the dash and daring of these pilots we wouldn't be where we are today in the diverse fields of aviation.

I thoroughly enjoyed Irv Broughton's HANGAR TALK. His interviews with pilots from the early days of flight to those involved in the gulf war conflict provide a fascinating oral history of flight. Broughton has written a brief reflection on each pilot's life and significance to flight, followed by a series of inquisitive questions that allow the pilots to reflect back on their adventurous lives. What was especially enjoyable about this book was reading about the many facets of aviation. The early barnstormers daring willingness to land their planes almost anywhere has always amazed me. There aren't many people left who witnessed the beginning of flight and the early developments. HANGAR TALK has interviews with pilots whose roots go back to the earliest pioneers of flight. Interviews with crop dusters, bush pilots, and experimental aircraft designer/pilots are also included. Of course, pilots involved in the wars provide a higher percentage of the drama in this book. Many stories of combat flying and flying related to the military portray the courage of those that served our country. This is a book about extraordinary people, many who influenced the development of flight. I highly recommend this book to all interested in aviation.

Mr. Magocsi's "History of Ukraine" often takes a second billing to Mr. Subtelny's "Ukraine: A History" - and I think, unfairly. Both have a lot to offer, and frankly, no passionate student of Ukrainain history should choose one over the other. He or she should get both. A wealth of information, and first rate scholarship are impressive. Mr. Magocsi has done a first rate job. Mychajlo Hrushevsky would approve of both, and we should too.

From pre-history to Independence in 1991, this book surveys the history of Ukraine and its people. It is unique in not only portraying the history of the Ukrainian people but also includes the other peoples who live or have lived in the land now known as Ukraine.

The organization of the book is chronological with 49 chapters divided into ten parts. Each part covers a significant period in Ukrainian history: Pre-Kievan Times; the Kievan Period; the Lithuanian-Polish Period; the Cossack State; the Hetmanate; Ukraine in the Russian Empire; Ukraine in the Austrian Empire; World War I; the Interwar Years; and, World War II & the Postwar Years. Forty-two black-and-white maps help illustrate the concepts described in the text. Also included are thirty-six textual inserts which provide lengthy quotes of important documents. Sometimes these feel redundant because the author has described so well the events highlighted by the inserted texts.

For readers to whom 700 pages of Ukrainian history is not enough and who want to learn more about specific events or periods described in this book, Magocsi provides a forty page bibliographic essay called: For Further Reading. One of the great stumbling blocks for English-speaking readers who want to learn Ukrainian history is the fact that so many Ukrainian sources have not been translated. A great feature of this bibliography is that the vast majority of the works listed are in English.

Ukrainian history is complex. This book, although daunting to read because of its size and depth of coverage, can help the student of Ukrainian history untangle the puzzles of Ukraine and its people. It is a great reference work that belongs in the library of anyone interested in the subject.

A beautifully written history of outstanding excellence. I have found it most helpful. Professor Magocsi is to be commended on a another success.

As a person about to re-enter the world of academia in the pursuit of a masters degree in political sociology, I picked up this book as a means of refreshing the basics. The title intrigued me as a fan of Jimmy Stewart and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. I hold a BA in both political science and sociology, and loved every minute of it!
I find that this collection of works would be well suited to many disciplines; be it political science, sociology, communications, or journalism. Each element of the political process is covered, from the offical institutions (executive, legislative, & judicairy) to the unoffical (media, lobbyists, and interest groups). Sources are as diverse as Democracy in America, The Federalist Papers, The Colbert Report, and of course, The Simpsons. As the first reviewer also noted, there is no need to be familiar with any or all of the "pop culture" references, because each author uses simple explanations and day-to-day analogies.
Homer Simpson Goes to Washington is a perfect example of its own thesis; a combination of education and entertainment!

I purchased "Homer Simpson Goes To Washington" on the recommendation of a friend and I am very pleased that I did so. While I studied politics in college it has been a few years so the book was like a fun refresher course on media and government. There is no denying the two topics are linked and the goal of this book is to show that the connection has a positive place in our democratic society.

The book is written in essay form by multiple authors which makes you feel as if you are receiving the highlights of each author's knowledge. As with all books, some sections really stand out though the book as a whole reads very well. It of course makes liberal use of references to popular television shows, news shows, music and movies. I would be lying if I said I recognized all the references made to `pop culture' however the many authors did a great job of always getting their point across. Not once did I feel I missed the knowledge they were trying to share just because I had never watched the TV show or movie.

All and all this is a great book that covers an interesting and timely topic. It is not so overly intellectual that it talks down to the reader or makes you feel as if you are missing the point of the author's arguments. While the majority of people will talk about the melting of politics and entertainment (for good and bad depending on your view) this book provides actual, documented proof of how the general population is exposed everyday to this phenomenon. The fact of the mater is most people are moved in someway by the shows they watch and the music they listen to. We know our environments influence us so we should try to more deeply understand what those forces are and how they can change us. I know I will watch a little more closely movies and TV shows that mix politics into their storylines and one-liners. It is not a negative that entertainment teaches people, after all as "Homer Simpson Goes To Washington" points out laughter can be a great teacher and the starting point to very serious conversations about our government.

This book contains an interesting and entertaining collection of essays that attempt to explore core concepts and questions in American government and politics through popular culture artifacts like "The Simpsons", "Chappelle's Show", "V for Vendetta", "Thank You for Smoking", "24", "The Daily Show" and more. Each chapter focuses on a particular element of politics ranging from political thought and culture to the presidency and Congress to ethical questions surrounding "enhanced interrogation techniques," and explains that using familiar examples from politically relevant shows, movies and music. The book got a good review from Publisher's Weekly and The New York Post, so I thought I would check it out. I was not disappointed. Although written by scholars in political science, philosophy, music, English, the law, history and cultural studies, this book is designed to be accessible to a casual observer of politics (or fans who are looking to thinking about their favorites tv shows or movies in a different light). Each author is mostly successful at achieving this goal, which makes this a good entrance into the study of American government and politics. Some of the more interesting issues raised were competing versions of the American dream as shown in The Simpsons, foundations for American political thought and the Declaration of Independence through "V for Vendetta," heroic images of the presidency in "The West Wing," racial and economic biases in the legal system using "Chappelle's Show," and critiques of pluralist democracy and interest group politics using the political satire "Thank You for Smoking." Readers may not be enthusiastic about every chapter contained in this book, but there is certainly enough there to keep almost anyone who has an interest in politics happy.

This book is a great culmination to much of Garlake's classic books, which adds a great deal to his work. He has done the hard work of gathering "specimens" of rock art across southern Africa, preserving or recording them, conducting related archeology, toughing through political censorship, etc. Where he hinted before at the possible meanings of cryptic art, he now fleshes out some very credible theories. I find them fairly convincing, if not compelling. Highly recommended to anyone interested. Completely accessible to the lay reader, and with lots of pictures. I also recommend various books on similar topics by J.D. Lewis-Williams, and if you like him, you'll love this.

Tons of beautiful tracings of prehistoric art and some beautiful photographs. The tracings are just as exciting as the photographs. I've barely glanced at the text, but it's an art book - who reads em?

With 185 black-and-white figures and 36 color photographs, this book is a treasure trove of ancient art. Since I bought this book mostly for the graphics, I was well pleased. 176 pages total

Paul Longmore's biography of George Washington is a superb book. It portrays Washington as a complex Virginian. Neither a stone-like figure nor an unread hero, Washington becomes an interesting and even vulnerable leader. Well written, Longmore's book is a must for people interested in Washington and in colonial history.

Paul Longmore's book, "The Invention of George Washington" is a wonderful book about the Washington that people have come to know over the years. Longmore looks at Washington's life chronologically and compares it with the image of Washington as the Father of Our Country. Longmore shows that one of the most important people in shaping this image was George Washington himself. Washington was constantly concerned with what others thought of him. He always lived his life as if he were on a stage with the whole world was watching. At many of these points, they were watching. Washington was setting the model for future leaders of the United States as Commander-in-Chief, and ultimately as President. Behind this image of a man doing the best for his country, however, is a man of ambition. Especially as a young man during his days commanding Virginia troops in the French and Indian war, Washington strived for recognition among his fellow colonists and from the British regulars that he was forced to serve under. As Washington matured, he was more successful at curbing this ambition. It was during these years that Washington built his reputation and became known as the Father of Our Country.

Paul Longmore has written an excellent book for the serious George Washington scholar. George Washington is a difficult man to understand. After reading five books on the man, along with several published books and articles on the Revolutionary War, Federalist Period, and biographies of other people who were active in Washington's days, I still have a hard time grasping why such a diverse group of people universally looked up to and respected Washington. Edmund Morgan's book, "The Genius of George Washington" helped me to understand how Washington wielded power once it was attained, and this book helps to fill in the gaps as it describes how George Washington worked his way toward greatness.

Longmore's argument in the book is that George Washington was FAR from a minor player in his rise to fame. It wasn't through a series of coincidences or through fate that Washington became the very embodiment of the American Revolution and Federalist Era. Longmore argues that Washington had, in his youth, an insatiable lust for power...but would only seek to achieve it through socially respectable means (highly developed interpersonal skills didn't hurt, either). It is through an examination of what constitutes "socially respectable," Washington's writings, and examining the change in his tone as he matures that Longmore bases his premise. In my opinion, he does a very good job of it. His arguments are strong and backed up in an extensive end-notes section. The only problem I have with his research is that I would have liked to see Longmore's view on two major incidences that happened in Washington's early life and how they affected his rise to fame: the death of his older brother/patron Lawrence; and his marriage to the filthy rich widow, Martha Custis. In all, Longmore has written an excellent book that I would recommend to anyone who would like to begin a serious study of the early life of the "First in War, First in Peace, First in the Hearts of his Countrymen."

By the way, this is not a cradle-to-grave biography of Washington, but follows his life from birth until about the time he takes command of the Continental Army.

I lived for a time, in the Village, during the 60`s, at times in a haze. Therefore I never got to know the Square and her glorious history,so this book gave me an insight to a wonderful place and the many historical events that took place there. It is well written, and the reader knows, the writer has a very close connection to the Village and the Square and Her people. G.F.St.J. Connecticut.

Folpe spent years going through archives and talking to locals to unearth a detailed history of Washington Square. Her research paid off. This is technically an academic book, but the prose is so engaging and lively that anyone who has even a remote interest in Washington Square will enjoy this.

This is a lively history of Washington Square Park from its beginnings to its present embodiment. It is also a pocket history of some of the notabale events in NYC itself. The book is written in a highly readable style and filled with pictures tracing the history of the park. A veritable who's who of NYC politicians and artists parade through the pages illustrating the central role played by the park during NYC's development.
Dr. Folpe thorough research illuminates the text without bogging down in acedemic trivia. This is a fascinating history for anyone who loves New York City or is curious as to how it became the art center of the country.
I would recommend this book as a most enjoyable and informative read.

This is one of the best books about the Northwest. Corr does a great job blending the story of an activist family with the rise of Seattle after World War II. Next to "Skid Road," my favorite on Seattle. Should be a movie. A great female lead character in Dorothy Bullitt.

Corr's book is more valuable than the narrow title suggests. More than a history of a powerful Seattle family and its TV-Radio empire, Corr's larger theme is the post-war growth of Seattle, the price of its progress and the universal tension between idealism and commerce. This story is interesting because Dorothy Bullitt did not set out to make money in the new medium of TV. Rather, she and her son, Stimson, created a new media force that shook up the sleepy newspaper-dominated local media. Well into the 70's KING-TV scooped many big stories. Corr does a masterful job of tracing the early deviations from the "King ideal"--Dorothy's dumping of her son in favor of Ancil Payne, the shift from hard news to TV celebrities, and the ultimate cash out by Payne and Dorothy's daughters. Along the way Corr paints many colorful portraits--the Machiavellian Payne, Dorothy's hopelessly dysfunctional grandchildren, the bright and attractive Jean Enersen--the lone remaining link to the glory days, the irasicble Don McGaffin--a throwback to the hard drinking, hard working, macho muckrakers of the turn of the century, and the glib, shallow Jim Foreman--the self-described "ratings machine" and low water mark for KING's television journalism. There is much to savor in this well written and colorful book. One hopes that Corr will soon devote his considerable talent to a subject with broader appeal.

Corr has done lovers of radio, and television, specifically those of us in the Pacific Northwest a tremendous favor, capturing the drama of the Bullitt family. His writing is lively and the story is compelling in its narritive detail. You'll learn of the struggles, gambles and tremendous paybacks the Bulletts made as they began and grew their broadcasting kingdom. If I had any criticism, it would be that the book is a little short of details concerning KING-AM and KGW-AM's heydays as Top 40 Rock N Roll outlets. The author completely fails to include, KINK-FM, one of the most interesting and hybrid FM radio stations in the country. If you are at all interested in radio, television or Northwest business history, this is definately a book worthy of purchasing.